Still Learning To Live As A Cultivator

Chapter One Hundred and One - He begins his recruitment

"Is this really the Headmaster of our school?" Sun squealed beneath his breath.

"No," Jin Li refuted, bluntly and Leon also shook his head at the same time.

Sun had a momentary flash of brilliance; "That... he must be the Headmaster from the Qilin First Academy of Excellence then! It was mentioned that he had appeared at our school in order to poach students!"

"What Ac-cademy?" Leon wasn't aware of such a place, although he wracked his brain to try and recall memories from his childhood in case it was mentioned. However, he really believed he'd never heard of it.

Sun felt delighted to enlighten him and shared him the information recently learned by himself as if he'd had it in hand all along. Jin Li listened lazily as his eyes flickered over the older man in vague assessment. Sure enough, this man exuded a strong aura. He was mainly restraining it, but also purposefully letting it leak here and there as if he couldn't abide others not knowing. For a noble personage as his stance and mannerisms suggested, Jin Li felt this behaviour was really unsophisticated.

"Your lack of refinement really reminds me simply why there is such a gap between the students attending my school and those who have no other choice but to attend here," Headmaster Phichus mused out loud. His words could have meant one thing, could have meant another, but hinted strongly that he really believed that his own school was far superior to this one. Ignoring the clenched teeth and angry expressions from more than one student in hearing range, he returned his attention back to Pria. "You really would fit in amongst my students and likely they would be of better influence than... certain others. How about it, would the young lady consider transferring?"

Pria hesitated, looking back at her friends, who held mixed expressions, some better than others. Then her eyes glanced towards Bowyer, but he still did not look at her despite everything. She felt sour in her heart and found herself replying; "I appreciate the offer, Sir, however would I be allowed sometime to consider your offer before I reply?" A friend or two gasped, but held their tongues.

"But of course," his smile widened and his eyes seemed to curve in the way that a satisfied predator having caught some prey to play with would. "I will be in residence for these next ten days. I would appreciate a response by that time." Pria nodded in agreement, before her eyes wandered one last time to Bowyer. Still not seeing what she was desperately seeking, she turned to take comfort in her friends.

"I'm curious," Maimai couldn't help but mutter towards Bowyer after their exchange, "the gap between these schools... how is it that my father has never mentioned it?" The older man's eyes narrowed, but her pretty face held an expression of innocence that he couldn't quite tell whether it was facade or not. Her best friend naturally understood that it was not.

Bowyer covered his smile with one hand before coughing lightly and responding; "Sect Master of the Dawn Sect is generous and takes in strong martial artists from many walks of life so long as they can pass the induction tests. The Qilin Academy has a more specific criteria on whom they will accept to teach." This was the most generous description he felt he could give the school, considering the Headmaster of such was close by and no matter how he might disagree with the man's policies, he was far stronger in ability and cultivation than Bowyer after all.

Hearing this and considering that Bowyer was not only one of the most talented martial artists in the inner sect but also the object of her friend's affections, one of the girl's called out in question; "Has senior ever considered entering Headmaster Phichus' school?"

"Unfortunately, this young man does not meet our standards," the older man smiled genially at the young lady who had spoken.

"He doesn't?" Even though she was hurting, Pria couldn't help but be startled from her pain by the Headmaster's firm words. He once more confirmed his conviction, by shaking his head.

"Pria," Bowyer called to the girl to clarify a thing, less she misunderstand. It wasn't that he didn't agree that she had talent and potential in cultivation, but that he didn't want her mislead into thinking that the Headmaster wanted her to attend his school simply due to that. "Ari doesn't have the qualifications to attend the Qilin Academy either."

That piece of information did cause the girl to hesitate. Everyone knew just how strong Ari, who had taken the highest position on the Standings board this year, the previous and the one before that, was. What she may not have known was that Ari was a commoner born. More than that, he'd resided in an orphanage prior to gaining the chance to attend the Institute.  The chances he would even enter the Academy as a servant was unlikely.

"So who would win in a battle," Sun suddenly blurted out in question, "Ari or the top student of Qilin Academy?"

"I have no doubts that the students of my school would achieve victory in a match against your highest ranked ones," Headmaster Phichus boasted.

"Really?" Pria sounded hopeful, Bowyer sounded doubtful and Sun simply sounded excited by the prospect of seeing the best of the best battling it out before him!

"Oh really?" Another voice drawled with a heavy sneer. A Teacher with the shadow of a beard upon his chin and slightly messy hair tied at the nape of his neck stepped into the area to question. His eyes were filled with casual doubt, before rolling sideways until reaching a specific target. "My dear Student! Weren't you meant to be retrieving your sword from your quarters?" Sun froze and chuckled nervously. Busted.

Author's notes; no excuses, this is just late!