The last week of Kai's conventionally quiet days had been fairly uneventful. Mostly, as planned, he spent his time in the archives.
He had learnt a lot of interesting things over the past month. As he had surmised earlier, many things were identical to the memories of the Astral Alchemy Emperor. One could even say that they were on a more primitive level. But also, Kai had found some interesting recipes, and facts that were previously unknown to him. Such as the process of digesting pills and such.
Also, Kai became more familiar with the properties and types of various ingredients. Still, after the apocalypse, a lot of things had undergone changes.....
Also, he found an interesting paper that talked about the Spiritual Fire Sect. It was said that almost all martial artists there practised Alchemy.
In the capital of the sect itself, there was a forbidden zone called the Sun Source. It was said to be literally saturated with fire energy. Under such conditions, various Earth Fires were regularly born there. All in all, this was the main factor that allowed for the cultivation of so many Alchemists. Without absorbing fire, it was impossible to practice this craft.
During all this time, Kai had taken many walks with Taemi. She even called out to walk Iris together with them a few times. It seemed like they really got along very well over the past half a year.
Although Iris was constantly embarrassed, she still came to their meetings together. Still, Kai was an interesting enough conversation partner for her.
At this moment, it was one of those evenings. Today, Kai finished his research early. The sun was just about to set and it was still quite bright.
The trio sat in the open area that was located on the top floor of the building. It was a rather famous and popular restaurant within the Shadow Sect's territory. Only members of the Shadow Sect itself could rest here. Naturally, it was only calculated in Reputation Points.
Although the prices were impressive for Taemi, but for Kai, with his fortune, they were insensible. Since Kai didn't care about the points, back in their first dinner, he had paid for everything on his own. Such a trend had become their habit.
In the beginning, Taemi was rather embarrassed by this situation... But when this happened a few more times, she realised that it was useless to change Kai's mind.
- By the way Iris, have you heard anything about the Tournament? - Kai asked calmly, while pouring wine for the girls.
Sometimes they supported Kai and also ordered themselves a drink. But in general, after the negative experience, they drank literally just a little. Both Taemi and Iris, after their first drink with Kai, couldn't get over the embarrassment for a long time. They considered it the most embarrassing moments of their lives.
- To be honest, no... But I see that a lot of the Elders have been actively engaged in something lately. Perhaps the organisation is nearing its end? - Iris replied, thinking aloud.
- Hmm... How is it usually announced? - Drinking asked Kai.
- As far as I know, flyers will be posted around the Shadow Sect. Then you'll have to go to the Shadow Palace to register. Naturally, if you have reached the status of a Personal Apprentice. - Trying to remember, the girl said.
- Sister Iris, how does this Tournament work? - Taemi asked, entering the conversation.
The three of them looked quite organised together. The atmosphere around them was quite relaxed and friendly. Iris also seemed to have become more reserved over the past half a year. She wasn't that spoilt girl anymore.
- In general, only people from the Top 250 would sign up for the Tournament. But even so, it's generally useless. - smiling, Iris began her explanation, -There will be a seeding among the participants from Rank 250 to 101. Then by drawing lots, you'll be given an opponent... Only the top 10 will be able to challenge the Top 100 Ranks. - she explained in detail.
Iris herself was not in the Top 250 Ranks. But it seemed that she looked at those who hoped for a miracle as idiots. It was clear that it was completely useless for a conditional Rank 190 to take part in the Tournament. But as practice showed, almost all 150 people from the 250-101 Ranks range came to each selection.
To Iris, this situation seemed self-defeating. But what pissed her off the most... It was that all these people weren't idiots! Then why are they going there?!
In fact, each of the Personal Disciples were already geniuses in their own way. Such people tend to be self-confident. They often think they are the chosen ones, better than others!
- How hard is it to be one of these 10 applicants? - Taemi asked interestedly.
As a High Apprentice, she wasn't very interested in this whole topic. It was meaningless to her at all. Although even many Ordinary Disciples knew the rules, Taemi preferred to mind her own business rather than follow the stars of the Shadow Sect.
- Considering that after two defeats, you'd be disqualified... Everyone could have a different number of fights, depending on how lucky you were. Generally speaking, the elimination of the redundant ones is quite fast. - Iris calmly said.
Everything was generally logical, after the first series of fights, half would drop out, as they would not be able to continue fighting due to injuries. A part, after the first loss, will have only one chance to make a mistake. And the narrower the circle of contenders becomes, the faster the rest will drop out.
If the draw works in your favour, you might only get a few fights in. But overall, it's all completely pointless. If you really deserve to be in the Top 10, you don't care how many fights you have to do....
- Yeah... It must be really hard... - Taemi said a little anxiously and looked at Kai.
- What are you looking at me for? You know, I expect to be in that top ten! Hehehe. - Laughing slyly, Kai said.
- Braggart! Make sure you don't get a good beating! - Iris said a little irritated.
Earlier, she had tried to change Kai's mind and get him to drop out. She only calmed down after Kai's sly retort. He threatened to tell her secret if she didn't stop trying.
- Kai, is it really that dangerous? - Taemi asked worriedly.
- Are you both fucking drunk or what? - Kai rolled his eyes and said, 'You're martial artists just like me. And you're also well aware of the dangers of our lives. Since when have you been so anxious? In my short life, I've been in so many situations that the Tournament is child's play! What's going to happen to me?! At most, you'll be beaten up so badly that you'll take days to recover. It's not the first time! - Kai said irritatedly.
He was a bit pissed off by this trait of women. Although caring is nice... And in the last month, Kai had felt it himself... But sometimes, the downside of that care could become an obstacle.
In general, men are more reckless and risk-averse. It's in their very nature... Hearing him start to get patronised, Kai was starting to get annoyed.
- I'm pursuing the pinnacle of martial arts. Without risk, it's impossible! I decided long ago that I will not be stopped by hardship. If I die along the way, so be it! - Kai said firmly.
- Don't say that! - Pouting, Taemi shouted.
- If you die, who will rebuild the Alchemy Array? At least train me since you're going to leave us... Huh...' Iris said wryly, letting out a light, barbed laugh.
Although she was acting like that, Iris was actually also worried about Kai. She just didn't want to show it or admit it at all.
- Anyway, you're boring me... If you keep up this nonsense, I won't take you for walks! Hehehe. - Said Kai and laughed evilly.
- It's too much! Hm! - Iris said proudly.
- Hee-hee... But you like Iris, why don't you want to admit it? - Looking at Iris, Taemi laughed.
- Don't make it up! - Iris quickly shouted out, blushing slightly.
Although she had been rather calm lately, such remarks still threw her off balance. It seemed like Taemi was doing it on purpose, just to mess with Iris.
- Okay, let's finish eating and walk around a bit... - Kai said calmly and picked up his cutlery.
- Then back to your place? - Smiling, enthusiastically asked Taemi.
- No. Tonight, I want a break from you. - With a stone face, Kai gave out.
- Well! Come on, at least for a little while! It's not even night yet! - With a childish demeanour, Taemi said.
Iris didn't participate in this dialogue, pretending not to be interested. She slightly lifted her neat chin and looked away. But really, she was listening intently to see if Taemi could cajole him.
Usually when they went to Kai's house, they entertained themselves by playing card games that Taemi had taught them. There were times when Kai would grab a book from the shelves, read it and make funny comments. It created a completely different environment from the usual. The girls really enjoyed relaxing this way. After a hard day full of cultivation and self-improvement, doing nonsense seemed like something magical.
- I said no! - Taking his eyes off Taemi, Kai gave out.
- Come on! Come on, just a little bit! You still haven't finished 'The Rose and the Feather'! - Taemi continued to beg.
She took Kai by the forearm and started pushing him back and forth. In such a way that Kai couldn't safely put food in his mouth.
- I'm going to wash and walk around naked! - Turning around, Kai said seriously.
Hearing this, Iris' face instantly turned red. Scenes from six months ago instantly surfaced in her mind! She had seen literally everything that night!
- Don't lie! You're not going to do anything! We'll wait for you to wash up and then finish reading us that book! Hehehe. - Taemi said with a sly laugh.
Over the past month, she had already learnt Kai's habits pretty well. Taemi already knew that Kai was close to agreeing. It wasn't the first time this had happened.
When Kai really wanted to be alone, he spoke in a completely different tone and phrases. At times like this, Taemi knew it was pointless to beg him. In fact, when that happened, she didn't even try. It was a trivial display of respect for Kai himself.
- Why are you being so difficult?! Just make up your mind already! - Turning round, Iris shouted irritably.
- Why are you so energetic all of a sudden? You were just pretending not to be interested! So I caught you! Hahaha. - Starting to laugh out loud, Kai shouted out.
He was purposely breaking the whole comedy. Since Iris still, sometimes acted like this. Every time he caught her doing it, she would instantly blush and start screaming.
- Fool! If you don't want to, then we're not going anywhere! - Starting to get angry, Iris shouted out.
- If you don't want to go, then don't go Sister Iris. I'll go! Hee-hee. - Taemi said with a sly laugh.
- Taemi, are you a traitor?! - Iris said with a slight grudge.
- A traitor? There's no such thing. There are only two stubborn people, and I'm not one of them! Hahaha. - Taemi said with a resounding laugh.
- I guess you're right...' Kai said seriously, nodding his head approvingly, "I think Iris and that waiter have a pretty bad temper... Ehhh..." he added sadly, sighing heavily.
- Fuck you! You're the one who's always grumbling like a fucking grandfather! - Iris shouted angrily.
- I was just raised by a strange grandfather. That was my Master... His name is Mo! - Nodding, Kai said with a serious face, -That's why I grew up as a young grandfather! - Lifting his chin, he proudly proclaimed.
- Idiot! - Slapping himself on the forehead, Iris said.
- Hahaha. Let's finish eating and go for a walk. And then to Kai's! - Looking at all this, Taemi added sweetly.