It was the finally the day of Grandpa Yin's 1 month deadline. He sat in his usual spot in the lounge, looking down at Jason and Michael who were seated on the floor, his face devoid of emotion.
Bitter expressions could be seen on both young men's faces, eluding to their situation.
Michael thought back to his past weeks experience and felt indignant, he had managed to activate his Dantian every night yet when he awoke all his hard work was erased. Aside from his meridians which were now giving off a yellowy orange lustre, there were no changes inside his body.
'I've failed…' he lamented silently. The continuous up and down of his emotional state had seriously begun to chip away at his self-confidence.
After his Qi went missing the 4th time, he considered telling Grandpa Yin, but he was worried that the old man wouldn't believe him and ruin his relationship. Not to mention what effect it could have on Jason who was training hard and had earnestly accepted Grandpa Yin as his first Master.
He looked over at Jason who wore a similar look to himself. Apart from the thick black hair and clear blue eyes it was hard to compare the previous Jason from his looks now. There seemed to be hard to describe additional quality to the once ordinary looking youth, one could say an aura perhaps.
"The one-month deadline has been reached but it seems only one of you was able to successfully become a cultivator".
Grandpa Yin was quite confused at the current situation, unlike what the two boys may think, he had been paying close attention to Michael the past month and had noted irregularities. He had felt on at least a few occasions the aura of a cultivator from Michael, especially in the last few days. Like a decent old man, he left the young man to his devices and would not intervene unless he came to him for advice himself. Shockingly, Michael did not approach him at all during this time.
"Michael, do you have anything to say for yourself"
Michael looked from Grandpa Yin to Jason and steeled his heart.
'Master don't tell him about your missing Qi!' suddenly Archie sent a mental communication to him in haste. He sounded really concerned.
He faltered for just a moment after hearing those words 'Shit, so what do I do?' he complained internally. Although annoying, Archie had truly begun to occupy a place in his heart, especially with his earnest help in cultivating and refining his meridians. 'I'll speak to you later' he said to Archie in his mind.
"I… I have no excuses Grandpa Yin" he bowed apologetically.
Grandpa Yin saw the hesitation in Michael's eyes before he uttered his next words. He sighed internally; a tinge of disappointment made its way onto his wrinkled face. 'I guess he has his secrets and difficulties'
"Well unfortunately I cannot admit you to Soaring Dragon Palace if you're not a cultivator"
Jason quickly piped up in indignation "Grandpa Yin I cannot accept this".
"What is there not to accept? I set a deadline and a goal and Michael was not able to achieve the results needed.
If you cannot step onto the path of cultivation at your age and with the benefits of my Qi-gathering array and tutelage, then you are not suitable for the Soaring Dragon Palace."
"B…but Grandpa Yin" Jason faltered for a moment before looking at Michael who still had his head bowed in apology.
"Then I won't be joining the Soaring Dragon Palace" After hesitating for a moment he suddenly calmed himself down and stated with a resolute expression
An electric current blitzed through Michael's whole body as he heard his brother's declaration. He looked up and saw Jason's short stature and was almost overcome by emotion, tears began to well in his eyes. 'Thank you, heavens, for giving me a brother like this' something felt stuck in his throat as he thought of these words.
"Jason… no, brother. You're a good brother, the best… But you need to join the sect with or without me" Michael stood up and looked at Jason with a bright smile with tears still pooling in his eyes.
"No! it's either both of us, or none of us!" he screamed
Grandpa Yin looked at the two brothers who had livened up his retirement for the past month and felt a genuine smile creep onto his face. The selfless bickering brought with it a sense of nostalgia, he was brought back to his youth and reminded of his own sworn brother.
"Stop fighting you two, we'll be here all day" he sighed before interrupting the two youngsters.
"I might just have a way to get you both in, but it may be a bit difficult"
At the sudden good news from the old man, the two boys were overjoyed. Big smiles lit up on their faces as they looked at Grandpa Yin with sparkling eyes.
"We'll do it!" they shouted in unison.
"Now now, let me explain first" he shooed the two away back to their seats.
"So my original intention was to use my authority in the sect to induct you into the Outer Disciples where you would take part in the day to day learning and cultivation while working yourselves up.
This will stay true for you Jason, as you've become a cultivator. Unfortunately for you Michael, even I can do nothing about the rules and get you a position without being a cultivator."
Jason quickly became panicked "But didn't you just sa—"
"Let him finish" Michael placed his hand over Jason's mouth and beckoned the old man to continue.
"Ahem. Now I'll quickly explain to you the hierarchy of the Soaring Dragon Palace, which is universal in all sects. We'll start from the top.
Core Disciples are young cultivators that are entitled to copious resources due to their amazing talent or specialisation, generally they are either at the Late Foundation Establishment or Golden Palace cultivation level.
Inner Sect Disciples are a step down from Core Disciples and receive less resources, these cultivators are at the Foundation Establishment stage, very rarely are their Golden Palace cultivators. The ones that are usually are past their prime and aren't capable enough to become teachers or elders.
Outer Sect Disciples, this is where you'll be placed Jason. Qi condensation cultivators all start out in here and receive the minimum resources afforded by the sect. Only a select few in the top 10 will receive extra benefits and a shot at joining the Inner Sect before reaching Foundation Establishment.
This leaves the last and possibly hardest addition to the sect and that is… The servants. This is where I'll be able to get you in Michael"
Jason and Michael both listened attentively to the introduction by the old man, right until the last description.
"Servant??" Jason quickly got to his feet, his eyes blazing with indignation.
"My brother is not a freaking servant!" he yelled.
Michael ignored Jason and looked at Grandpa Yin, his emerald eyes focused and resolute.
"Grandpa Yin, If I become a cultivator as a servant, will I be able to join the Outer Sect?"
Grandpa Yin smiled at Michael, he was impressed that the boy could instantly get to the crux of the suggestion and not let emotion cloud his judgement.
"Yes, that is exactly what I was about to suggest"
Hearing the possibility of Michael being able to join him in the Outer Sect, Jason quickly shut-up and wore a grin on his face.
"What exactly does a servant do though?" Jason asked, he began to let his mind run wild.
"This is what I wanted to ask you first Michael; do you have any talents? Aside from destroying my clothes with your filth and impurities" the old man asked with a wry smile on his face.
Michael felt his face flush red in embarrassment, he recalled he had ruined approximately 6 pairs of clothes that the old man "loaned" him.
"Ahem. I'm quite skilled in harvesting herbs" he cleared his throat and stated confidently.
"Excellent, I have a friend in the Alchemy department who needs a medicinal servant"