The Core Disciple Selection Begins

"There's a lot I want to ask, but if it's open to core disciples, then why does it matter that I place first in the selection?"

As excited as he was, Shui hadn't forgotten why the topic had been brought up in the first place. They wouldn't be able to enter the Spirit Nest, but Fatty and Serina were also paying keen attention.

"Yeah, while every core disciple will be able to enter the Spirit Nest, there's a time limit based on some stuff like talent and contribution. The Spirit Nest will be open for three days, but only a few of us will be able to stay until the last day. With your talent, even as a fresh core disciple, it wouldn't be strange if you were allowed to stay until the end, but with how politics work around here,"

"I'll be lucky to make it inside."

"Yep. But if you can get first place in the selection, there's a precedent from a couple decades ago, so you'll be able to stay until the last day. Well, that's the word from Reinhart's master anyway."

If the information came from Core Elder Ren, then Shui was perfectly willing to believe it.

"Okay, I guess I'll have to put in a little extra effort then. By the way, is there a reason why they can't just let everyone stay for the full time? I don't think politics alone could create that big of a restriction."

"You're right. Apparently, the sanctuary won't last if too many outsiders come barging in and try to stay. And the seal is pretty irregular, so we don't even know when it'll open again, though it's apparently four or five times every century."

One of the conditions for a spirit sanctuary was remaining pure of mortal influence, so Luke's explanation made sense to Shui.

"I'm guessing you two will be staying until the last day too."

"That's right."

"Obviously."

"Damn it. If we don't know when it'll open again, I might not ever get a chance to enter," Fatty moped.

"Me neither," Serina added.

As the official list of candidates had already been set, it would be impossible for Fatty and Serina to become core disciples through the selection. While other means existed, they didn't have the talent or connections that would allow them to become core disciples in time to enter the Spirit Nest. As he could imagine being similarly frustrated in their position, Shui tried to cheer them up.

"Don't mind it too much. You might be able to enter the Spirit Nest, but it's not the only spirit sanctuary in the world. If I ever find another one, I'll bring you two with me."

"Really?"

"Thanks Boss! You're the best!"

Serina looked up at him with hope in her eyes, while Fatty rushed over to hug him. Spirit sanctuaries were already so rare that it was a surprise to find one in the five-city region, and because they could only be maintained away from human influence, anyone who had discovered one was sure to keep it a secret. However, Shui had plenty of means to ensure that no one could find a place without his permission, so if he was really lucky enough to discover a spirit sanctuary, then he was fine with keeping this promise.

"Hey, you'll bring me too, right?" Kate demanded.

"But you'll have already entered a spirit sanctuary by then."

"This and that are separate. Just because you've reached one mountain peak doesn't mean you don't want to climb another."

"I certainly didn't expect such a deep saying from you, but you have a point. Sure, I'll bring you along too. What about you, Luke?"

Shui had once called Luke 'Senior Brother' as he did Reinhart because he respected him, but Luke didn't like formalities and believed hierarchy should be established through ability rather than age. Therefore, he stuck to using his name like Kate.

"I don't know, but it does sound interesting. Just tell me when you find it, and I'll see if I can make it."

"Okay. I guess I'll ask Reinhart at a different time."

The group's party continued deep into the night until Serina became drowsy and everyone decided to head home. Although the results were still unclear, everyone believed that it wouldn't be long before one of them moved to the core section. 

Two weeks passed in the blink of an eye. Like he had told Fatty and Serina, Shui stayed inside during this period, so this would be the first time he left the house since then. 

"Now then, time to see what tricks await me."

The main event of the Core Disciple Selection had maintained the same format since the establishment of Storm Sky Manor. Each candidate would be given three months to complete a mission. The missions were random and sometimes didn't require combat, but they were all difficult enough that normally it would take a core disciple to complete them. All candidates that could return to the manor within the time limit after successfully completing their mission would become core disciples, meaning that there was a chance of every candidate advancing. However, such an event had never occurred in the history of the manor.

The missions would require the candidates to travel outside the city but no farther than adjacent regions. Candidates would have to rely on themselves to complete the missions and return, so Shui was sure one or more of his enemies would take this chance to attack. Missions would be distributed in the same courtyard that was used for monthly gatherings, so Shui headed over without concealing his presence like usual. Naturally, this led to other disciples noticing him, but those that were interested simply followed him from behind.

The crowd behind him grew larger and larger, so by the time he met Serina and Fatty outside the courtyard, the path behind him was blocked by them.

"Wow, Boss! How did you get so many people to follow you?"

"I didn't do anything. They just followed me on their own."

"Shui is really popular after all."

"I could have hid myself if I wanted to, but on a day like this, I didn't see the point.

"That's true. It's the big day after all."

"It'll be fine. Boss can handle any mission they throw at him. Right, Boss?"

"That's right. Let's go."

The courtyard was big enough to contain the hundreds of inner section disciples in the manor, but there wouldn't be much extra room, so only those close to the candidates entered the courtyard. When Shui entered the courtyard, his followers stayed outside with the others that had gathered, ready to witness the start of the mission distribution.

Fifteen of the other candidates had already arrived, including Lionel and Clyde. When Clyde and Shui saw each other, they silently exchanged greetings through nodding, shocking the disciples present. The last time anyone heard of them was when they sparred against each other, so they wondered when they had the time to reconcile. Fatty and Serina were just as curious.

"Boss, when did you and that guy make up?"

"You were there too. During our spar, we recognised each other's strength and character. We're not close, but there's someone that neither of us wants to upset, so we're on cordial terms at least."

"Woah, so you two really talked through your fists. Damn, that's so cool."

"Can I learn how to do that too?" Serina asked.

"It's not something you learn; you just need to find the right opponent. If you stay on this path, it'll happen eventually."

"Really?"

"Of course."

"For me too, Boss?"

"Yes."

While Serina and Fatty were wrapped up in their day dreams, Shui quietly waited for the final four to arrive.