The Headmaster of the Great Serpent Cultivation School was cultivating peacefully inside his quarters. His body floated cross-legged above a mat, while a thin black sword lay across his lap.
With eyes closed, the surrounding Qi flowed into his body, circulating before settling below his navel, where his Ball of Qi rotated slowly.
This clone of his had reached the 3rd-Step of the Qi Condensation stage, and it wouldn't be long before 'he' reached the 4th-Step.
As the surroundings remained dark and the fireflies of Qi entered his body, Headmaster Axton couldn't help but smile as he thought of his Personal Disciple.
The scene from Yoma's first challenge against Heru replayed in his mind. He's truly a great find, the Headmaster thought with satisfaction.
He couldn't think of anyone more deserving of the position of Personal Disciple than Yoma. Someone who had mastered the True Understanding of the Sword, Yoma was more than qualified. Furthermore, he was smart and brave, venturing into the path of the Wanderer.
As Axton cultivated, thinking about the kid—which might come off as suspicious to others if they found out—a brown bird suddenly entered the balcony, chirping loudly as it circled in the air.
Hearing this, Axton opened his eyes and stared at the bird. "Come here."
The bird chirped one last time before flying in front of the Headmaster, holding a small scroll in its claws.
The moment Axton took it, the bird flew away.
There was a seal stamped on the scroll: a crossed sword atop a shield. Axton instantly recognized where it came from.
Unfurling it, the paper burned to ashes. However, the smoke didn't scatter. Instead, it gathered into a three-foot cloud, and an image slowly formed.
Seeing the person on the cloud, Axton smiled. "Why did you send such an expensive long-distance live message?"
"I had to," Elmo said, his tone serious. His eyes scanned the space behind the Great Serpent Headmaster but found no one. "Where is he? Is he still alive?"
"Oh? Straight to the point, I see. But I don't know what you're talking about," Axton shrugged, his smile unfading.
"I think you do," Elmo stated firmly. "You may be smarter than me, but that doesn't mean I'm slow or dumb."
"Haha," Axton laughed, shaking his head. With a sigh, he asked, "How did you find out?"
"Just like you, I spoke with the Skyline Savory," Elmo smirked through the cloud of smoke. "I realized it too late, though. The sudden tribulation was strange, so I asked that monster expert for his thoughts. So, back to my first question: where is he, and is he still alive?"
"You won't stop until I tell you, will you?" Axton sighed.
"No," Elmo nodded firmly.
"He's dead, clear as day," Axton lied. There was no way he'd reveal that he already had the talented Yoma under his wing.
"I don't believe it," Elmo shook his head. "Besides, there's something else I've heard."
"What?" Axton raised an eyebrow, though he already had an inkling of what the other headmaster had discovered.
"You took in a Personal Disciple?" Elmo asked, smirking and narrowing his eyes at Axton. The more cunning a person was, the less their words could be trusted. "That was sudden, wasn't it? Rumors travel fast, so I know all about it."
Who would believe that? Axton thought. It was true that rumors traveled fast, but he was certain these particular rumors were only circulating inside his school. Clearly, Elmo must have used underhanded methods. However, the Great Serpent Headmaster wouldn't call out his friend, since he was guilty of the same behavior.
The only clueless one was Fire Shrine Master Popo, who was more focused on showing off his jewels.
"I can neither deny nor confirm that rumor," Axton said, smiling mysteriously.
"I see," Elmo went silent for a moment, then nodded. "I've got what I wanted, so I'll cut off the connection."
"Sure. Hopefully, you're satisfied," Axton said.
"I am, but a bit frustrated, to be honest," Elmo replied before the smoke cloud dispersed with the wind.
As it faded, the Great Serpent Headmaster shook his head. Hiding the truth from the other Headmasters wasn't going to be easy, but at least he was keeping his promise to the beggar.
Gazing at the clear blue sky beyond the balcony for a moment, he prepared to return to his cultivation. But just before he could enter the Void, the building shook. It was subtle, barely noticeable, but with Axton's heightened senses, he felt it clearly.
His attention shifted toward the direction of the Library. "What's happening?" Axton muttered, a sense of foreboding welling up inside him.
In the next instant, particles of light passed through the walls, stopping in front of him.
Axton's eyes widened. Long-distance voice communication? There were various items, methods, and techniques for communication, but this was typically used only in emergencies—just like the Long Distance Live Message Elmo had used earlier out of curiosity.
The particles of light shaped themselves into a mouth, and a voice emerged from it.
"The entire fourth floor of the Great Serpent Cultivation Library shook violently, followed by the roar of the Great Serpent, calling for the Headmaster's presence. The Personal Disciple is currently inside."
Axton recognized the voice of the guard stationed at the fourth-floor entrance. His eyes widened momentarily before he hurriedly moved toward the balcony.
His heart pounded in his chest, his breathing heavy.
"Don't tell me he managed to enter that place?!" Axton muttered, launching himself into the air. In an instant, his body blurred as he sped toward the school's library.
Great Serpent Ascendent Transformation? That's a great fcking name!* Apollo thought, excitement coursing through him. His eyes burned with anticipation. "So, what's the challenge?" he finally asked, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer.
"Fight… me," the Great Serpent said, its booming voice echoing.
"Hell nah!" Apollo blurted, quickly snapping out of his shock. Who in their right mind would fight a battle with such a high chance of defeat? Only madmen or people with a death wish! Not me! He valued his life above all else. He might be called a coward or a p*ssy, but at least he wasn't six feet under!
Shaking his head, he turned to leave, searching for the exit. But suddenly, the surroundings blurred again, and before he knew it, he was standing in front of the Great Serpent once more.
"Fight… me… one… of my… clones…" the Great Serpent said. "If you… win… you shall… inherit… the Great Serpent… Ascendent… Transformation…"