The room full of women, made a single sound; "Pfft". Then erupted in laughter at hearing Yu Ru Meng and Shange Qing Luo speak. I just smiled, held back a sigh, and stretched. Which seemed to quickly change the mood back to curiosity, though the giggling didn't stop. I walked up to Yu Ru Meng.
"Mother Yu, you and I both know that my father is the one who would make that decision. I happen to know what the minimum bar is. But, if no one meets that requirement, I'll just force them to meet it." I said. "Now, I have done everything I can do here. The rest of this plan will be up to their individual thoughts and desires. I sincerely hope you all make the choice you will never regret. Oh, but before I leave, I'll say one more thing. After this chance there will not be another. So make sure your choice is truly what you want." I said, leaving the room without a trace just as I had appeared.
~ Meeting Hall ~
I appeared in a hall that had 25 people gathered. They seemed puzzled why they were all here. At the top of the stairs off to the side of the throne-like chair stood Hua Qing Si. I walked by and took my seat.
"Welcome Young Palace Master, As you requested these are the 25 people I have selected to receive the gourds. You may inspect them as you see fit." Hua Qing Si said, with a respectful bow.
"Hmm, good work. Let's take care of this first and then we can finish the report about my other business I just finished." I replied.
"Very well, in the very front are the 5 people who I believe to be strong enough to achieve the 6th rank directly. And the 4 rows behind them are all 5th rank directly. Each row back is simply for the sake of space, but they are all around the same proficiency level." Hua Qing Si said, continuing the matter at hand with enthusiasm.
"I see, then all of you, I'm going to check your cultivation myself. If you have a problem with that feel free to leave right now. But if you simply have a question about my actions, I shall answer you provided it is a reasonable question of course." I said, nodding to Hua Qing Si and turning my attention to the 25 people.
The looks on the cultivators' faces turned into various different looks. But even if they could hide their physical identifiers, it was impossible to hide their true feelings about the matter. They are after all, so close in proximity to the most powerful Great Emperor there has been in Star Boundary. Of course, on realm basis. Because currently, Yang Kai is definitely stronger than I am, for now anyway.
"Well, I personally don't like the thought of someone looking at my cultivation. But since I may leave I might as well here what the reason for doing this is. Would the Young Palace Master answer this question of mine?" A future direct 5th rank asked.
"Hmm, very well. Since you have been so honest, I'll tell you. First, there isn't just a single reason. Which makes it quite curious to me that you can't seem to think of one." I said, giving a glance at the guy.
"""There's more than just one reason?"""
"Indeed, but I'll start with the first one. I acquired a unique treasure of sorts during my cultivation journey. It has afforded me a great amount of knowledge about the inner workings of the world. As a result, I use this knowledge to craft things for the purpose of consumption. Upon consuming, it will grant the consumer a small amount of insight. If someone is in the open heaven realm, you could think of 1 glass of this drink to equate to anywhere between 1 and 10 years of accumulation. In other words better than those open heaven pills by miles. However, that isn't their only effect, afterall, a Dao Seal Realm is able to improve their ability significantly with this." I explained, seemingly giving a secret.
The 25 people now kneeled down obediently, ready to listen. They clearly thought I divulged a truly terrible secret they shouldn't have heard. Which is exactly what I wanted them to think.
"So, if I see how far into the possibility of reaching the 6th rank you are, or how close you are from directly reaching it, I'll be able to help you get just that much further. However, there is a catch. If you accept my gift you will have zero right in the future to back down from a call to arms. No matter the circumstances. Even if you were to be controlled by some great enemy, I will require your services to always be for the sake of High Heaven Palace's interests. DO this and I will grant you the blessing of High Heaven." I continued, in an etheric voice to make sure they sensed the insane difference between us.
"""High Heaven Palace has trained us since we were children. We would not dare to act against our own people!""" They all said with an albeit halfway decent conviction.
"Hmm, no, not good enough. Your heart isn't fully in it. Let alone your mind, body and soul that should go along with it. You are all Dao Seal Realms, you should know what I mean." I said, shaking my head in disapproval.
"""Young Palace Master! I Hereby Pledge All My Life, All My Being, All My Soul And ALl My Heart! To High Heaven Palace Regardless Of Its Head! Regardless Of Any Enemy! I Pledge To Do Anything and Everything For My Home. Protect And Train The Weak To One Day Stand Beside Me In Battle On The Front Lines!"""
"Excellent! Then with that, I will begin inspecting... And... Done." I said, and put a hand to my chin. "Good, all of you will receive my blessing. You three, step forward." I said pointing at three of the future direct 6th ranks.
"""Yes, Young Palace Master""" They stood up and came forward.
"The three of you do not need any aid in this endeavor, However, I will still grant you a full jar of the special wine. You can use it before you refine your first element to make it easier, or you can use it after to help solidify your cultivation. It is up to you." I said, with a straight face.