Breakfast

The next morning, Xia Tao was awakened by the sound of the opening door. Lifting the edge of his blanket and seeing Mei entering the room, he stretched and asked

"Is it morning already?"

"Yes, young master," Mei replied, approaching the windows and pulling back the curtains. "Would you like to have breakfast here or with the family?"

"Oh, I think I'll have breakfast with the family. I want to discuss our plans for the future," Xia Tao said, intrigued by the idea.

Curious, Mei asked, "What plans, if I may know?"

"Oh, nothing special. I simply decided to join a sect and want to discuss it with the family"

"In which sect and when, if it's not a secret?" Mei inquired further.

"Whispering Gale Sect, They accept disciples in about two months, just a month before my birthday. So, I'm considering joining at that time"

"I see. I'll inform the servants to prepare breakfast for you"

"By the way, do you have any other news?"

"Your mother wanted you to participate in an auction that will take place approximately five days before the entrance test for the Whispering Gale Sect," Mei informed him. "Interestingly, the entrance test for the Eternal Flame Sect will be held two days prior to the test for the Whispering Gale Sect."

***

Xia Tao, accompanied by Mei, made his way to the family dining room after dressing up and freshening up. When he arrived, only his mother was present.

"Good morning, Mother" Xia Tao greeted her.

"Hello, Xia Tao" his mother replied.

They engaged in casual small talk, waiting for the rest of the family to join. Soon enough, the middle son and the father entered the dining room.

"Good morning" Xia Tao greeted them.

"Good morning" his father and middle brother responded.

Xia Tao turned to his mother and asked:

"Where is our eldest brother? I thought he was supposed to be back by now."

"No, he's still occupied. Some minor issues arose during his return journey. There was an encounter with wild beasts, so he had to stop by a nearby town for treatment. Nothing serious," his mother explained.

"Oh, I see. Hopefully, they will arrive soon" Xia Tao said, his curiosity piqued.

Then, turning to his parents, Xia Tao shared his decision,

"Mother, Father, I have decided to join the Whispering Gale Sect. What are your thoughts on this?"

His mother seemed slightly surprised, while his father pondered for a moment.

His mother replied "Why have you decided to do so now? You were hesitant before."

"I simply thought that staying at home would be dull for me. Besides, the family business is not my calling. I would rather focus on my own path"

"Well, I'm not against it. And would you be going through the trials or making a contribution?" his mother inquired.

"What's the difference?" Xia Tao asked.

"If you choose the trials, you will become an ordinary outer disciple. But if you make a contribution, it will simplify the process, serving as an assessment of your cultivation level. Plus, you may be able to negotiate certain privileges," his mother elaborated.

Xia Tao pondered for a moment, contemplating between the comfortable path and the path of a protagonist. "To pay or not to pay, is not a question" he thought to himself, smiling inwardly.

"I would prefer making a contribution if it won't be too burdensome for the family," Xia Tao finally answered.

"Ok then we will talk through it later, by the way, Xia Tao, have you been informed about the upcoming auction?"

"Yes, Mother, Mei mentioned it earlier. It will take place in about two months, around five days before the entrance test for the Whispering Gale Sect."

"That's right. I wanted to ask if you would be willing to attend the auction. It could be a good opportunity for you to acquire items or resources that might benefit your cultivation journey."

"Of course, Mother. I will make sure to participate in the auction"

"Excellent. I have one more request for you and Mei. Could you both go to the local alchemist and collect a package he prepared for me? It should be ready by now."

"Consider it done, Mother. We will go and retrieve the package from the alchemist."

"Thank you, Xia Tao. I appreciate your assistance. And don't forget to take Mei with you. It's always better to have someone by your side."

"Don't worry, Mother. Mei will accompany me. "

The conversation continued, with the family discussing the implications and benefits of Xia Tao's decision.