The Spirit Nest Opens

After having a brief talk about Nathan, Shui and Kate began to reminisce about their time together at the Heaven clan as well as the time after Kate entered the manor. During their talk, Kate remembered an incident she had encountered about a year ago.

"By the way, during the Malirin Forest hunt, I was helped by two cultivators. One was a woman with a spear, and the other was a man with a sword. Were they your friends?"

"Yes, that would be Ryan and Lily that I told you about."

"I see. Then you were the one that made their weapons?"

"That's right. Lily's weapon is a new piece of mine, but it's a different series from the gloves that I reforged for you. Speaking of which, have you tried them out yet?"

"Not yet. At first I was just waiting until you were there to watch, but now I think I'll wait until I meet a worthy opponent."

"A worthy opponent, huh? Well, if it's you, I'm sure you'll get used to them quickly, but be careful. What about you, Reinhart?"

"Unlike my reckless junior sister, I've trained with the Cloud Swallow Sword you forged for me. It's an excellent artifact."

Cloud Swallow Sword was the name of the weapon artifact that Shui forged for Reinhart. It used materials that didn't lose in rarity to the ones used for Kate's new gloves and ended up as a supreme spirit-rank artifact. Furthermore, the sword could switch between a normal straight sword and an extendable whip sword to better travel along the wind. It was also part of the harmony series, so Reinhart could better feel the rhythm of the wind while using it. Shui didn't plan on auctioning any more artifacts of the harmony series, but he had no qualms with forging them.

"From what I saw, excellent is an understatement. I don't really use offensive artifacts but when I sparred with Reinhart to help him test it, I got tempted to ask you to forge something for me too."

"I can do defensive and support artifacts if you want, Luke."

"Really? Ah no, I'm low on funds right now, so maybe next time."

Shui didn't mind giving him a discount because of their relationship, but Luke wasn't the type to accept favours without proper reason.

"Low on funds? Is it because of the Spirit Nest?" Reinhart asked.

"That's right. I'm planning on heading to the elemental lakes to raise my elemental lightning affinity."

"Elemental lakes can raise elemental affinities?" Serina asked in disbelief.

The mainstream view was that elemental affinities were set from birth, similar to cultivation talent, so Serina was surprised to hear that they could be improved.

"Yes, they can. They can't make you get a new one, but if you can endure long enough, then you can increase your affinity with the element that the lake contains."

"Aw man, if only it was open to inner section disciples too."

"Even if it was, would you be able to get a quota, Fatty?"

"Ah, good point."

"Should we meet up at the elemental lakes? My guess is Mater and his lackeys won't let us explore in peace, so it would be safer if we travelled together."

Reinhart's proposal was quickly accepted. Shui didn't think he would be in danger by himself, but he liked their company, with one exception. While they were on the topic, they discussed stories of other special places inside the Spirit Nest and which ones they wanted to visit. Everyone except Fatty and Serina was eligible to enter the Spirit Nest for the maximum time, but it would still be their first time entering, so they were all looking forward to it.

Several days later, core disciples gathered before a solitary stone door behind the manor lord's mansion. The door was sealed using chain artifacts, spells, and arrays, but an enticing aura still pulled them towards the door. This was similar to a spirit's charm ability but much stronger than what a low-level spirit possessed.

Since the core disciples could freely develop their talents in Storm Court, it was only during events like these that so many of them would be in the same place. However, this didn't mean that they were all withdrawn ascetics, as several groups formed and chatter was prevalent. One such group included Kate and her friends, who were also known as the core members of her faction.

There were rumours that Kate had joined forces with Pon of the Xin clan, but the two groups were never seen together, so many started to doubt this. Mater was also present, but he was surrounded by members of his faction, so it was difficult to catch a glimpse of him. Few had dreams of becoming the next manor lord, but most planned to join the winning horse. If Pon and Kate had really joined forces, then perhaps some would support them in hopes of getting rewarded for their efforts, but otherwise, no one wanted to risk getting on Mater's bad side.

"There are more disciples in the Soul Realm than I expected," Shui commented.

"Yes, you can assume that none of them received a quota thanks to their own merit. Most of them were allowed here because of their backgrounds."

"Oh. I guess I shouldn't be too surprised."

Reinhart's answer implied that nepotism and corruption were common in the manor. It was sad news, but not something he needed to worry about.

Before the stone door was opened, a core elder explained the rules that they had to obey while inside the Spirit Nest.

"Please keep in mind that there are many dangers in the Spirit Nest. I understand the need for competition, but try to help your fellow disciples if you spot them in trouble. While some may unfortunately lose their lives in this space, this should only be from the dangers inherent to the Spirit Nest. Spirits will be sent out to keep watch so anyone caught acting on malicious intentions towards another core disciple will be harshly punished..."

The core elder heavily emphasised the punishment, but few paid attention. They were all proud individuals who made their way up this far, so none of them were afraid of being attacked, whether due to confidence in their own strength or their background.

"Finally, I expect those wishing to become direct disciples to show off all that they have learnt so far so that they may catch the eye of an esteemed elder. And the direct disciples should also try their hardest so as to not disgrace their masters. Now then,"

After finishing his speech, the elder raised his hand and signalled the opening of the stone door.