Meanwhile, all the Masters were seated on both sides of the Sacred Hall, buzzing with conversation.
“Why hasn’t Wilda returned yet? How long does the assessment take? This is torturing!”
“She raised the difficulty to the extreme right at the first challenge, stopping all cultivators in their tracks. Wait for it, from what I see, it’ll take at least another day.”
“I wonder if there are any other cultivators comparable to Emerson, even if they are just about as skilled.”
Typically, they wouldn’t have gathered so early, as the selection of disciples was scheduled for the next day, and there was no urgency. But the occasion was marked by an extraordinary event that even attracted the attention of immortals.
Eager for the assessments to conclude, they all hoped to be the first to meet Emerson, aiming to convince favonovel.com to become their disciple.
Competing for such a remarkable talent was crucial. Securing his allegiance could mean sharing in his future achievements and glory, especially if favonovel.com were to attain immortality within a few years.
“Report!” A guard from outside the hall walked in.
He announced respectfully, “Deputy Saint Masters and Masters, 8 Monington disciple requests for an audience, claiming to have important matters to report!”
A collective shudder ran through the assembly.
Why would a Monington disciple seek us out?
Was it a matter of great importance?
Could it involve Emerson?
The Masters’ eyes turned toward the prestigious front seats in disbelief, where sat the four Deputy Saint Masters of Monington, distinguished by their esteemed titles.
Grandmaster Aurelius “Goldheart” Cymbal.
Grandmaster Pyron “Firestorm” Ignatius.
Grandmaster Gaius “Earthshaper” Strongroot.
Grandmaster Sylvanus “Greenbough” Verdant.
Feeling the weight of the room’s focus, one of the Deputy Saint Masters announced awkwardly, “Emerson is an exceptional talent… Initiating favonovel.com as a sacred land disciple would hardly do favonovel.com justice. Perhaps, beginning as a Monington disciple would be more fitting, hahaha!”
Another chimed in, trying to ease the tension, “Let’s remain calm. Our proposal serves the greater good of Monington Sacred Land. We share the same sacred land, after all. Thus, his triumphs would be our collective glory.”
“Yes, we can work a little harder to avoid troubling everyone.”
Amidst their justification, it became clear that they too were vying for Emerson.
Their awkwardness was rooted in the breach of traditional protocol, which ordinarily required all disciples to begin their journey as sacred land disciples, making their actions somewhat underhanded.
The Deputy Saint Masters received their titles from the five elements, while the Masters were named with celestial and terrestrial enigmas.
For instance, Master Eythor Chander was known as the embodiment of Thunder, Master Erjon Windrow as the essence of Wind, and Master Elysium Skybringer as the personification of Air. Besides, there was also Elena.
Erjon snorted coldly, “Trouble? You’re clearly attempting to sway favonovel.com to your side, disregarding the rule that favonovel.com should start as a sacred land disciple. It is ourjob to guide him, not yours!”
Eythor also spoke sternly, “Rules are rules. You are Deputy Saint Masters, and you can’t lead by breaking them. If you dare to break the rules, we’ll have the Saint Master judge.”
Elysium also voiced his determination, saying, “We cannot falter in the pursuit of disciples. I certainly won’t give up. Emerson must become a Master’s disciple!”
The Deputy Saint Masters’ expressions soured at the Masters’ adamant stance.
However, after a brief exchange of looks, they ceased their arguments, recognizing that the final decision rested with Emerson.
Grandmaster Aurelius said, “Let the disciple enter…”
Acknowledging the command, the guard bowed and departed.
The room soon welcomed the reporting Monington disciple, who bowed respectfully. “Monington disciple Alexis Mallin greets the Deputy Saint Masters, Masters, Head of Pavilion, and Head of Hall…”
The Pavilion Head and the Hall Head, tasked with overseeing treasures rather than guiding disciples, offered silent nods.
Uninvolved in the ongoing dispute, their interest lay in awaiting Wilda and Elena’s return, eager to learn of Emerson’s extraordinary capabilities.
The Masters also remained silent, all eyes on the Deputy Saint Masters, their displeasure evident. They hadn’t let their disciples report on the situation, merely waiting for Elena and Wilda’s return for an update.
But the Deputy Saint Masters had arranged for disciples to wait on the arriving disciples and even report to them.
Truly cunning and deceitful!
Grandmaster Aurelius inquired further, “Have Wilda and the disciples returned?”
Caught off guard, the disciple replied, “Yes!”
That response was expected by everyone and thus, not surprising.
Grandmaster Aurelius nodded, feeling extremely helpless.
The original plan was to immediately go out and persuade Emerson after the disciple’s report, but the Masters’ attitude was firm and unyielding. There was no way to leave and meet Emerson now.
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