When one hears about the outer, inner and core parts of the sect, a hierarchy comes to a mind. An outer sect is there to filter out untalented people, inner one serves to polish their abilities while the core allows them to reach higher than ever if they managed to fulfil the required demands.
It's all easy and simple to understand, but the reality is far more complicated than the theory. I knew that disparity between the areas in the sect exists, but I could've never imagined how would the core sect present in comparison to the inner area.
The middle part was already really comfortable, with better students living in damn mansions and practising various crafts to improve their economical situation. While it was hard to strike it big, supporting one's livelihood was an easy task.
Just one step into the core sect conveyed to me how much I still don't know about this word!
Instead of palaces, gardens and resorts, the entire walled-off area was covered in mundane, small houses. With exactly the same layout everywhere I could look, this place looked like a desolate slum in comparison to even the inner sect!
"Suprised, ain't ya?"
Noticing a slight disorder on my face, the guide turned around and asked with a weird smile on his face.
"Don't worry though, everyone acts like that when they first see it. But if you can't understand the meaning of this, your chances at ever entering this area are plainly minimal."
With those harsh words, the messenger started jogging through the streets. Without much choice, I could only follow behind him. While the sect's core was far smaller than the inner and outer branch, the streets were placed in a weird, spiral pattern, forcing us to waste almost half an hour to actually reach the elders quarters.
Placed in the very centre of the entire organisation, it spanned across three difrent hills, with Grand Hall, Martial Arts Hall and Cultivation Hall located on top of each of them. The living quarters were located at the valley in between the three most important buildings.
"We are heading to the Grand Hall today. With the exception of some rare occasions, our master can be found there."
Not dwelling on the topic for longer than necessary, my guide picked up the pace and followed one of the main roads leading to the peak of the hill. This time, the journey moved rather quickly, letting us reach the doorstep of this massive mansion in just ten minutes.
Just as I thought, the messenger didn't leave me right there but pushed the doors open himself before leading me inside. Only after passing through numerous corridors, did he point at one of the doors and left.
Taking a deep breath, I stand in front of the doors. After making sure for the last time that my appearance is acceptable, I raise my hand and knock on the door.
"Come in."
Before my hand even gets to touch the wood of the doors, a warm voice resounds in the corridor. With that kind of invite, I cannot hesitate anymore.
"Disciple Bart greets the Sect Master!"
As soon as I step through the doors, I offer my humble greeting while lowering my head. No matter what are my circumstances, this woman still accepted me into her organisation and was ready to mount a huge rescue only to try to save me. If not for her position, her deeds made me obliged to at least respect her.
"Oh, don't be so formal. I recall telling you how you should refer to me once in private?"
Instead of acting in line with the official culture, Stella appeared to be rather relaxed. Seeing that she wasn't paying any heed to the formalities, I relax my arms and ask.
"What kind of business do You have with me then, Stella?"
While I'm grateful for everything that this woman did for me, I want to go back to Eve as soon as possible. The faster I finish the matters that I was summoned for, the earlier I will be able to be back.
"Don't tell me that you already forget about this encounter? Did just a moment with Eve suffice for you to lose any memories of Baxhar?"
Not sparing any thought for my mood and consistency, Stella pointed out with a faint smile on her face. No matter what, she was old enough to see this kind of situation more than just a few times so why did she decide to bully me like that?
"Less with her, what's troubling is the duel that you agreed to. You know that I can't interfere with it?"
Casting aside earlier teasing, Stella turned serious. Placing two coups of some drink on a small table, she invited me to sit on one of the chairs.
"Yeah, I heard about it. What's the problem then?"
Taking up on her offer, I drop my bottom on a soft chair. If I'm not wrong, its entire outer layer is made out of Hukarran skin, famed for its softness and steep price. While the inside of the hall didn't impress at the first look because of a lack of elaborate decorations, only when actually taking a closer look one could realise how expensive the furniture was.
"I know that as a beast-master you are capable of subduing even a higher levelled beasts, but fighting against fellow cultivators… This is an entirely different manner. Looking at this situation from my point of view, I can't stand Baxhar getting along with Eve. While he is my disciple as well, his attitude doesn't fare well for his future achievements. But if what I heard is right, you won't stand a chance against him in the ring."
From the looks of the things, Stella was simply unable to interfere with affairs of the inner sect as to not incur the wrath of the elders responsible for managing it. I could see it from the frustration hidden in the corner of her eyes. Only a political mess was able to put someone in such a state of hidden anger!
"You don't have to worry about me. In fact, I'm worried that I might accidentally hurt him a bit too much. In the end, I can't rein all my strength under my own control yet. But looking at the situation from this point, hurting him would be rather bad for you, am I right?"
"Yes, it would put me in a rather tough spot, to be honest. But I can't understand how can you be so full of yourself! I saw how to hurt you were after subduing the penguin! If not for your insane vitality steeming from a source I can't comprehend, you would be very well dead back then!"
With her lashing at me, I suddenly understood that this woman, in fact, carries for me deeply. It doesn't matter whether she does it because of how likeable she find my character, because of Eve or maybe because she found some rare talent in me. I need to assure her now or the pestering won't stop, keeping me even longer away from Eve!
"You don't have to worry about me, I can deal with him. In fact, if you don't mind, I would love if you could share some moves or techniques with me because that's the sphere I'm still lacking. If I would be able to learn one or two moves utilizing enough of my strength to incapacitate Baxhar, it would make things a lot easier on me. Would you find this possible?"
At this point, I noticed a small blush appearing on her mature but still cute face. As if I touched her fragile point, Stella turned her head to the side and muttered.
"If that's the case, then I might know how I could help you."
She turned her head to look me directly in the eyes with a complicated expression on her face.
"The question is, can you withstand it?"