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14.59% Learning To Live As A Cultivator / Chapter 47: Chapter Forty Seven - I am introduced to Teacher Corne

Chapter 47: Chapter Forty Seven - I am introduced to Teacher Corne

Teacher Corne was not entirely what Leon expected of Pike's Master. As the younger man appeared to have focused his body's efforts into his shoulders and upper arms (and likely hidden thighs) showing he liked to rely on brute strength to give him the upper edge, Teacher Corne proved to simply be thick of body all over. Not fat, such soft and indulgent layers were not apparent at all on this man, he just appeared strongly built from head to toe. He was not quite as tall as his student and Jin Li either.

His sharp eyes seemed to scrutinise each young student as they entered the weapons room, where he had been attending to his equipment. He had a square shaped face which was lined with a neatly trimmed beard and moustache. Equally attended, curved brows framed above his eyes and his dark hair knotted at his nap, not a strand out of place. He was not a handsome man, but he had great presence.

"Master," Pike greeted him with a bow, to which all three boys followed suit. There was no question that this man was superior to them and commanded respect. "Master, I happened upon the alchemist apprentice Leo on my way to collect your pills from him. He had the same idea, planning to bring the pills to you."

Leon stepped nervously forward a place. "I have the requested p-p-pills," he said. Teacher Corne's near brows rose as he heard the stutter from Leon's lips, but he said nothing. Leon began taking the pills from his bag, carefully separating the jade bottles from the ones containing other pills and potions.

"Ah, good," The man said, accepting the pills as was his right. "Though you could easily leave them with Pike next time."

"Yes," Leon said, knowing he likely would have done if not for the scene that other senior had caused. Of course, he had also thought Pike still away on his mission.

"And who might these others be?" Teacher Corne enquired. He could naturally feel the cultivation of all three boys. He sensed that the alchemist had not long broken through to secondary stage, but was impressed that the child's innersea was quite stable regardless. Often, cultivators newly emerged from a lower stage had unstable seas and it took time for it to settle. If they did not wait and pushed their cultivation, they would surely suffer some sort of deviation, as it appears the boy might have done in the past, though looking deeper through him, he felt this was not so certain.

On the other hand, there were the two martial artists. The smaller one was still of primary stage, though it was doubtful he would remain there long. He also had a wind root. Corne suspected this would no doubt improve his swiftness and speed. The taller youth was apparently tertiary stage and also had a stable sea. This was extremely impressive for one so young, almost impossible to fathom. His root was lightning. There would be those who claimed that his root was not strong as it was not considered one of the five primary roots (being fire, earth, metal, water and wood), but Corne felt that this assumption was too simple for this particular root.

"Sorry, Master," Pike said sheepishly, scratching at the back of his neck for his bad manners. "This is Jin Li, the Student I told you about who was admitted to the outer school recently. Unfortunately, I have yet to know this young man."

Sun blushed, slightly due to the fact that he had tagged along without actual permission and partially because he was in the presence of two more of his heroes. Who hadn't heard of the prowess of Corne, who had many tales to tell as he travelled the realm, improving his cultivation, uncovering the plot of a demonic cultivation sect hiding beneath the guise of a righteous one, battling with the twin tailed Onyx Lion and surviving and finally settling down in the school he had graduated from as a Teacher to a younger generation. And then no matter how many approached him, he finally chose Pike to be his one and only personal apprentice.

"I'm Sun, Jin Li's roommate," he bowed low, hoping to improve their impression of him.

However Teacher Corne said nothing, simply accepting the introductions and saying nothing more about them. "It is late," he said finally. "Pike, take our guests to the food hall, get them something to eat. The portals will be closed soon as curfew sets in. Guide them to one of the guest rooms for the night. Leo, I will prepare the agreed payment for when you leave tomorrow."

And with that, the four men were dismissed.


Chapter 48: Chapter Forty Eight - I learn about the Standings

The two martial artists from the outer school soon found that the grounds of the inner school was designed in much the same way as the outer school. The only thing was that the corridors were longer, as the inner arena was much larger than that of the outer school. And of course, there was no griffin nest upon the roof.

Therefore the Food Hall here was in the same location as that of the outer school, the north western corner. The aromas were more appetising however and the variety more interesting. Jin Li's plate was soon piled high with various dishes and he seemed disappointed that he could not possibly fit more onto it. Both Leon and Sun were used to this behaviour, but Pike could not help but stare in disbelief as the youth squeezed another spring roll onto his plate. He even went so far as to add an additional portion of meat upon Leon's, expecting to snatch it back.

As they settled down at a table, they came under scrutiny of the other students, all analysing them as potential rivals for the most part. The two small boys were quickly dismissed; there was no way that either would prove a challenge. The tall, pale youth required a second look, for his aura was strong. But to most, he seemed nothing more than an empty vase. It was more disgruntling to the men, that this flower vase attracted the attention of the few females amongst them. These girls were not worried if Jin Li was more looks than skills, they would still be willing to roll a turn or two should he wish it.

A pity that Jin Li's attention was not on them. He had already finished more than half of the dishes on his plate before snitching away the meat loaded onto Leon's plate. Leon did not bat an eyelid at his unscrupulous behaviour, enjoying the slightly spicy flavouring on the rice and stir fried vegetables that he had chosen. He ate a little of the meat, it had a deep, gamey flavour, but it was soon all whisked away.

As Jin Li finally settled away from his empty plate, he was approached by a face he had seen just once before. "Ho, Jin Li," the senior Bowyer greeted. This was the man he had fought as part of his test to enter the school. Jin Li bowed his head in acknowledgement, recalling that this person had good martial arts abilities. "I did not expect to see you so soon. Have you transferred?"

"No, this is a quick visit," Jin Li responded. "I return to the outer school tomorrow."

"A pity," the senior replied. "I had hoped to spar with you somewhat. Your swordplay intrigues me."

"Practicing for the Standings?" Pike asked him and Bowyer nodded his agreement.

"Yes, I will surpass you this year and take my rightful place within the top ten," he said with boast.

"Standings?" Leon asked curiously.

Pike nodded. "For the Martial Arts, Beast Taming and Magic schools, there are two ways for the outer students to become an inner student. One is recognition of talent by a Teacher. The other are the Standings. Students fight and are judged by their abilities and techniques as well as whether they win or lose. And then are placed in order of rank or standing. The top ten students of the outer school can then challenge the bottom ten students of the inner school for their places. It is considered a way for students who are hard working to rise, even if their talents are average."

"And a good way to teach those who fail to practice that their place is not secure. Of course, it is also a good way for outer and inner school students to impress Teachers," Bowyer added, "perhaps gain a personal apprenticeship to one."

"I see," Leon tilted his head. He wondered in what ways an alchemist might prove themselves, maybe transfer from the outer to inner school. He knew from Caprian that one was to stand out, produce a unique or quality pill. But then he shook away such thoughts. He did not want to transfer and move away from his established home. Flying under the radar suited him better, he was sure. But Jin Li was probably different. "If J-Jin Li f-fights in these Standings, he w-will surely transfer," he mused aloud.

Jin Li was internally happy to hear his opinion, but his face turned sour anyway. "First year students do not compete in the Standings," he scowled.

"Oh," Leon replied, lowering his eyes onto the remnants on his plate. He picked at something that resembled a sliced pepper, but was surprised by the sharp bite of it.

Jin Li turned to Bowyer, now feeling the weight of his sword by his side. "It is still light outside and curfew is not until it fades. What say we go for a round now?" He suggested, earning himself a swift slap on the back.

"I like the way you think," Bowyer agreed and both men departed for the arena.

"Will he be alright?" Pike found himself asking, thinking of the huge meal that couldn't possibly be yet digested. But both Leon and Sun simply shrugged.


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