(Manami POV)
"Papa!"
Cai Hong shouted as she rushed towards Master.
"Oh, Cai Hong? Lian Li, Manami and Eris too? What are you girls doing here?" Master asked, receiving Cai Hong's hug.
"Lian Li is showing us around, Master," Eris explained.
"Master Lin, are these your students?" The old fart beside Master asked.
"Ah, that's right. Girls, this is Elder Qing, he was my mentor back when I first entered the Sect. Elder Qing, these are my disciples, Lian Li and Manami. This little one is Cai Hong and Eris is the one at the back."
He looked at each of us in turn, nodding his head at each of us.
"Hmmm, very good. I heard two of them are already applying to be Inner Core Practitioners?"
Master nodded and gestured to Lian Li and I, "Yes, they'll both take the test next week."
"And the other two?"
Master gave a wry smile, "Eris isn't a Practitioner and Cai Hong is too young."
"I see, I see. Does that mean the first two will be entering this year's Sect Showcase Festival?"
Master nodded an affirmative.
Ah, the Sect Showcase Festival... I've heard about it before.
This year's showcase should be at the Phoenix Sect west of Jin city, near Mount Yin where Cai Hong's egg was supposedly found.
It's quite an important event for us Practitioners that even Master has participated in once or twice. We've tried asking him about his participation before but he didn't want to tell us, stating it was embarrassing.
How cute.
What we did find out from other information sources was that Master participated in at least two of them. Once as an Inner Core Practitioner and another as a Master.
He had asked if we wanted to join this year's festival and we immediately agreed. To represent Master and win him glory, why would we pass up something like that?
Mmm… And after we win, I'll ask Master for my reward.
First a thorough tail brushing, then I'll offer to massage his shoulders, then envelope him with my tails… Slowly pushing myself on him, and then…
Ara ara, that's no good. I'm getting turned on just by imagining it.
Ufufufu.
"Ho ho, then I wish you girls all the luck then! This old man shouldn't bother you young ones anymore, take care of your disciples Master Lin."
Ara? This old fart is quite considerate. As expected of someone who had seen Master's greatness first hand.
Master waved the old man off with his usual smile.
Cai Hong started pulling his sleeve, "Papa? Join?"
"Hmm, touring the Sect? Well, why not? I can show you some places I know of back in my student days. Come then."
Master beckoned us to follow him, turning towards one of the paths.
Ara? Could this be a date? It's not right? It's just Master giving us a tour.
"Master? Is… Is this a date?" Lian Li asked.
Oh my, how bold of you, sister.
Master turned his head to give a smile, "Hmm? I suppose you can call it that? Hahaha."
Ara?
Ara ara?
This…
Is.
A.
DATE.
DATE!!!
Bad tails! Stop wagging so much!
AHHHHH!!
No, I can't control them! I'm so happy!!
A DATE!!!
AHHHHH!!
Stop screaming me! Stop! Calm down!
No! No! No! I can't! My face is feeling weird! I can't stop myself! Nooooo!! My body's moving on its own!
My hand reached out for Master's arm, only for another hand to grab my wrist.
I snarled at Lian Li, who held my glare with one of her own.
"We had an agreement," she stated simply.
Tch… She wins this time.
But still, you shouldn't hold yourself back like that Lian Li, I can see your trembling hands that you want to do the same as well.
Fufufu… I shouldn't let something like that bring me down. It's our first date with Master after all!
DATE!
***
(Eris POV)
"That's the medicine pagoda. If you're looking for any alchemical ingredients, that's where you want to look for," Master explained, pointing to the pagoda building across the lake.
"Is that where Master got the godly pill from?" Lian Li asked.
"Ah, you mean the pill I healed you with right? I only got the ingredients there, I don't think anyone else but me knows how to make it right now."
"God…" I could not help but mutter.
Lian Li and Manami had told me of how Master had created a divine pill that could heal any ailments. Even Manami's supposedly crippled Quark Veins were restored without a hitch, who else but a god could create such divine items? [Eris]
By the way, I'm still quite in shock that we're on a date with Master ya know? [Bait]
… Date… [Laverna]
For Master to allow this one's humble self to date him… This one is not worthy… Not worthy… [Denna]
Hehehe, they're still broken. Hey, hey. Why don't we just jump him already? [Bait]
Heresy… [Laverna]
Oh? You're back huh? That was fast. [Bait]
To suggest such things… Unbelievable… [Laverna]
Oh shut up, not like you've never thought of doing it anyway. Did'ja see how crazily Manami's tail was swishing around just now? Thought they would'a fallen right off right there, hahaha! [Bait]
Quiet, Master is talking. [Eris]
"That's where I used to go to cultivate," Master pointed to a small grove of trees. "Peaceful and private, I haven't seen anyone else pass through there before."
I filed that information away under 'potential happy spots'. [Eris]
Hey, hey, what didja think about the spot on the roof of the Grand Hall? I think I like that the best! [Bait]
You are impossible… [Laverna]
Shaddup, at least I'm honest with myself you prude. [Bait]
Privacy… [Laverna]
Bleh, am I the only one around here who wants a little outdoor action? [Bait]
No doubt. [Eris]
Yes… [Laverna]
This one humbly denies such thoughts. [Denna]
You three are sooo boring. [Bait]
"Eris? Are you ok? You seem to be spacing out." Master called out.
"Eh? Ah! I'm err… This one is okalrightyfine…"
Ah? Why did all of you speak? [Eris]
I panicked ok?! [Bait]
Nervous… [Laverna]
This one humbly apologizes. [Denna]
Ugh… Look, Master is worried now. [Eris]
Eh? Master's placing his hand on my forehead?
"Hmmm… Your temperature is fine, I guess you're just tired?"
Uwawawawawa~~ [Eris]
Calm down, damnit! Calm the hell down! It's just a touch! I'm not panicking, you're panicking! [Bait]
Warm… [Laverna]
This one humbly requests for this moment to last forever. [Denna]
"Hmmm, it's about time we head back as well. Why don't you hop on my back Eris? I'll carry you."
I waved my hands frantically, "Nononono! What are you even suggesting Master?! Someone like me just can't-"
"Oh don't make such a fuss. Here," Master scooped me up in his arms.
"There, see? I'm not that weak you know?" He smiled down at me.
…
…
…
…
PRINCESS CARRY?!!! [All four]
I blacked out.
Edited the chapter. I heard about how posting chapters on mobile might screw up the chapters, but I never thought it was that bad. It looked ok on the mobile app but when I opened it on PC, I almost vomited blood. :(
Anyway, it should be ok now, I also added in the names for the four personalities of Eris. I'll be updating the Auxiliary chapter with new info alongside the next chapter tomorrow so for those interested, you can take a look. It's not necessary to know what's written there, but I know there's a few of you who wants to read in detail about these kinds of things. :P
If you're confused about Eris personality names, they had a self-introduction back at Chapter 20
The personalities of Eris:
1st personality: Eris
Devoted, pleasing. Default "speaking" personality. Sees herself as the 'big sister' of the four.
2nd personality: Bait
Hyperactive, straightforward. Surfaces when agitated and usually talks like a yankee. Prone to violent tendencies.
3rd personality: Laverna
Quiet, secretive. Uses few words in her speech and prefers to solve things as efficiently as possible. Ends sentences with “...”
4th personality: Denna
Humble, demure. Always uses ‘humbly’, ‘humble’ in her sentences, refers to herself as ‘this one’.
(Young master Xi POV)
I swallowed the saliva I had in my mouth, clenching my teeth hard to keep the bile down my throat.
I was standing stiffly inside my own room, a young girl in a maid outfit was seated on the chair with a leg crossed over the other in front of me.
Ever since that day… That accursed day that I tried to go against God… My life had been hell.
It was an obvious outcome, if one shuns God's grace, you will be doomed to hell.
The girl in front of me uncrossed and crossed her long legs. If it was the past me, I would be salivating at the thought of caressing those smooth thighs and ravaging the girl on my bed.
Now, however, those thoughts were the furthest they can be in my mind.
The girl in front of me is someone I should never go against. Not unless I want to experience that hell again.
"That's my side of things, anything else I should know?" The girl spoke.
I kept my mouth shut, she was not talking to me of course. From what I had learned, it was a telepathy Cultivation Technique taught to them by that fox apostle using Space quarks. Something that was passed to her by God himself.
"Ah I see… High priestess Lian Li must be planning to move forward with that plan earlier than discussed. I will push things forward on my end as well. Yes, I understand. All for Master."
The girl rose from the chair and I stood a little straighter.
"Listen here, insect. I need a list of all the merchant houses that have dealings with Jin city and which goods they specialise in. I want it by the end of this week."
I gulped, "A… All? E-e-even the minor houses? B-b-but there's more than h-h-hundreds…"
The girl glared at me, prompting me to shut up.
"And? Will that be a problem?"
"N-n-no… Just that… I need time to do it… Since I… Don't have subordinates…"
I swallowed again, forcing the bile back down.
"Then find more subordinates if you have to, insect. Do I even need to tell you these kinds of things? Or should we arrange another session?"
I swallowed harder, memories of what was done to me resurfaced from the darkest depths of my mind. The screams were getting louder and louder.
I was so stupid.
That second pouchful of gold God gave me had been his final test and I failed it, spending it all on indulging myself at the local brothels and pubs while foolishly laughing at my 'luck'.
I was pretty sure the fact that I badmouthed him and conspired with my subordinates on extorting him again contributed to my suffering.
One moment I was laughing along with my plans on sending my family guards to harass him and the next I found the world spinning before my eyes.
I had blacked out and woken up in a dimly lit room, my subordinates all tied up around me and kneeling on the ground.
It was obvious they had went through some kind of torture already judging by the wounds and the lifeless eyes.
The four priestesses I had tried to court from God were within the room, explaining to me just who I had offended.
I tried to resist, and they showed me what happened to people who resisted. It did not take much for me to break.
I hadn't known how powerful they were.
Even then, they had offered mercy for me.
Nay, it was God who had offered mercy I was sure. Had God chosen to abandon me, I was sure I would have ended up like my subordinates at the priestesses hands.
I just had to prove my worth by atoning for my sacrilegious actions.
I felt hope then, I would've done anything to stop the pain from returning back to me. That was until they told me what I had to do.
My subordinates were to be my atonement.
A blade was placed in my hand.
It was supposed to be simple: silence the heretics without the usage of Elemental Quarks.
I tried to give them a quick death, I truly did. But I knew it was not that simple as the man I had first decapitated was still screaming after his head was separated from his body.
They felt everything and didn't die no matter how much I cut them, even stabbing them through the head or heart did not stop their wails.
The blade eventually broke after my frantic slashes.
I asked the priestesses for another weapon but they just stared at me in disdain.
I had to use my own hands.
I tore into each of them, trying to ignore their screams of pain as I tried to beat them to death. I scratched and tore and thrashed until my hands were all bruised and bloody.
It didn't work.
Even when their faces were punched in and their bodies a mangled mess, the screams still continued to echo off the walls.
I realised what they meant for me to do when they told me to silence them.
I had no choice.
I only did it to stop the screams.
The room was finally silent after I was done.
All ten bodies completely gone.
Now, only I can hear the screams deep within my core.
I have taken in their sins.
It took me a long time to get used to the screaming, especially on sleepless nights.
That's why, I would rather die than experience another 'session'.
"N-n-n-no, I will do it! I will get it done by the end of the week!"
"Good. I will return to my room now. Do not disappoint us, insect. You were baptised personally by the high priestesses and was graced by His presence, they're both something most of us would kill for."
I nodded quickly.
"All for Master," she prayed.
"All for Master," I repeated.
With that, the girl left my room to resume her cover as a new maid of the Xi family.
For the young master of the Xi family to be reduced to such a state, it is truly laughable.
Ugh…
The screams seem to be louder tonight…
***
(MC POV)
"As long as you remember what I taught, you girls will do fine," I assured.
Lian Li and Manami nodded.
We were standing outside a medium sized building that serves as the examination location. In a while, both Lian Li and Manami will receive their test to promote to Inner Core Practitioners.
Cai Hong was having her afternoon nap back in their room while Eris hasn't been leaving there for the whole week now.
I asked them what had happened to her and they only told me that she was 'still recovering from overstimulation'.
Hmm… Was the tour too stimulating for her? I don't remember showing her anything like that.
I had offered the healing pill but they told me it was not needed.
Oh well, I suppose she's just on her period or something.
Giving Lian Li and Manami a good luck pat on their heads, I entered through the double wooden doors.
Inside, the room was pitch black except for two areas, a large table with three seats and a podium facing the table.
Two Elders were currently seated at the table.
"Master Lin, good afternoon," one of the Elders greeted.
"Elder Xiao, Elder Hong, good day," I waved my hand in response.
"Umu, we are testing your two disciples today, aren't we, Master Lin?" The other Elder asked, relaxing in his chair.
"Yes, Elder Hong," I affirmed, taking my seat in between them.
"Ha! Not even a year and his disciples are promoting to Inner Core Practitioners, I remember back then when you jumped straight into the Elite Practitioners within half a year!" Elder Xiao laughed.
"Truly a genius blessed by heaven," Elder Hong patted my back.
I gave them a wry smile, "Alright, let's just begin. Should we just call in both?"
"I have no problems with that."
"Umu, neither do I."
"And while we're at it, I'll just do both the theory and practical at the same time so we can just get this over and done with?" I asked.
No reason to drag this farce out since I literally am their teacher and am fully aware of their capabilities. I'm sure the two Elders would also rather be somewhere else rather than doing this.
Unless you have a fetish for power play and watching students squirm in their seats while taking their tests, you'll probably be extremely bored being an examiner.
"They're your disciples after all, Master Lin. You know them best."
"Ha ha, we're just here to see you work, Master Lin, don't mind us too much."
Elder Xiao stroked his beard, "In fact, we're only here as a formality, really. If you hadn't insisted on not showing favoritism, we would've just promoted your disciples without much preamble."
I translated that as "I would much rather be in my room grooming and stroking my beard than waste time testing some students here" in my mind.
"Ahaha, I did not want to set a bad example for the others after all," I laughed.
"Nevertheless, just do what you feel you need to do, Master Lin."
I nodded and gestured to the Air Elemental that was guarding the door, prompting it to open it for my two disciples to enter.
They take their place at the podium in front of us, both of their demeanors completely calm.
"Ok, Ms Lian Li, Ms Manami, we won't waste your time here so let's just begin if that's ok with the both of you?" Elder Xiao addressed them.
Lian Li and Manami glanced at me, seeing me nod before giving their assent.
"Very well then… Master Lin, if you would."
I nodded, "Lian Li, list the requirements before a Practitioner can consider their element to be at intermediate tier."
"Ability to summon an elemental and obey the summoner's command and ability to combine Elemental Quarks of the same tier," Lian Li rattled off confidently.
"Manami, demonstrate a combination."
Manami reached out her palm, it took barely a second before a translucent blue flame appeared, showing her successful combination of Fire and Astral quarks to form Spirit Fire.
Both Elder Xiao and Elder Hong nodded, impressed.
"Manami, what are the basic groupings of quarks?"
"Base Quarks and Combination Quarks."
I hummed, "and the difference between the two?"
"Base Quarks can be materialised directly, but Combination Quarks can only be materialised by combining Base Quarks."
I turned my attention to Lian Li, "Lian Li, other than the common four quarks, list four more examples of both groups."
"Light, Dark, Astral and Space for Base. Energy, Lightning, Metal and Magma for Combination."
"Demonstrate a Combination Quark."
Lian Li closed her eyes and Lightning began sparking off her body, giving her an ethereal glow.
"Perfect. Explain the process of using a Cultivation Technique."
Lian Li released her Lightning and opened her golden eyes, "The first step is visualization of the intended effect as described in the Technique, then to circulate your quarks as described in the Technique. Lastly is to realise the Technique into the material world."
"Manami, demonstrate."
Manami nodded, stepping closer to the podium just as Lian Li stepped back.
"The Cultivation Technique I will demonstrate is the 'Astral Sound Projection'."
Huh, I was a bit surprised that she chose that Technique, it's a Technique that was well known to be used in pranks.
Using that Technique allows someone to create, store and play certain sounds under certain conditions.
You could, for example, store the sound of someone screaming on the head of a doll, and making the sound play when someone pulls the head out.
The best thing about this is that if one knows the intricacies of this Technique and is proficient in Space quarks, they can hide this Technique after casting it and no one below Elite level Practitioners will be able to tell a sound is playing because of this Technique.
Even better is that you can use Space quarks to specifically target a person, making it such that only that specific person can hear these sounds.
Yeah, it's quite a malicious pranking tool.
Holding out her fist, she concentrated as a glow began emanating around said appendage, indicating her successful materialisation of the mentioned Technique.
She gently rapt her knuckle on the podium, a soft 'tap' sound echoing out from her action.
Manami took a step back, a few seconds passed before the same 'tap' sound echoed again, repeating every few seconds.
"Very good, you can cancel it now."
Manami nodded and did as instructed.
I pushed my chair back to look at the two Elders in turn, tilting my head in a silent query of what they thought.
"Well, I have no doubt we'll be seeing them again to promote them to Elite Practitioners very soon," Elder Xiao said while nodding his head.
"Umu, no doubt about it. As far as we're concerned, they have passed with flying colours. Congratulations Master Lin, Ms Lian Li and Ms Manami," Elder Hong cupped his hands to me.
Alrighty! With this it's onward to the tournament arc!
…
Why are you looking at me like that?
If you've forgotten, the young master is the one that appeared back at Chapter 19.
Auxiliary chapter is updated with new info, I'll highlight new info in italics so people who have read it before and skip through the things they already know about.