One week later, Sebastian had thoroughly settled into his indulgent routine at the Divine Nectar Hall, where he had become a fixture. This quaint tavern, with its seemingly worn-out exterior and understated signage, belied the luxurious experiences within.
The true allure of the place lay in its exceptional array of rare liquors and delicacies, each item priced at a level that spoke volumes about its quality. The patrons in the place easily realized that Sebastian was a man of considerable means.
His frequent presence here, along with his generous tipping and easy demeanor, had turned him into a local sect celebrity. The rumors about his wealth spread like wildfire, attracting attention from both ambitious disciples and curious elders who wanted to unravel the mystery of his boundless resources.
Despite the growing fascination with his financial prowess, Sebastian remained remarkably detached from the intrigue. He was well aware that many sought to ingratiate themselves with him, hoping to leverage his wealth for their own gain.
Yet, he took their schemes and ambitions in stride, uninterested in the machinations of those around him. His wealth was, after all, a product of his unique circumstances.
Having essentially free rein over the ownership of vast stretches of the universe, finding a world rich in spirit stones and resources was a trivial task.
Thus, maintaining his lavish lifestyle was far from a challenge.
One evening, as Sebastian leisurely sipped on a particularly fine vintage, a disciple approached him with a hint of urgency. "Young Master Sebastian, it's almost time for the outer disciples' competition. Aren't you coming?" The disciple's tone had shifted noticeably.
The term "outer disciple" was replaced by the more respectful "young master," a change driven by the evident flow of wealth that had accompanied Sebastian's frequent visits.
Sebastian looked up from his cup with a relaxed smile. "Yup, I'll be there," he replied, his voice carrying a casual confidence.
Though he had enjoyed a carefree existence in this realm, the reality was that he had responsibilities tied to his family and his clan.
Unlike his previous life on Earth, where he had been an orphan with no familial ties, this xianxia world had given him a family and a clan that harbored great expectations for his future.
The upcoming outer disciples' competition was not merely a test of skill but a significant event for the clan. They hoped that Sebastian would rise to the challenge, showcasing his cultivation prowess and securing a place among the inner disciples.
The clan's long-term prosperity was intertwined with the success of its members, and they had high hopes that Sebastian would contribute to their standing and ensure their future.
Sebastian knew that his participation in the competition would not only fulfill a personal sense of obligation but also serve as a testament to his commitment to the clan's well-being.
It was a start—a way to channel his resources and skills into something more meaningful than indulgence.
His current lack of personal motivation was counterbalanced by his desire to honor his family's expectations, making the competition a perfect opportunity to align his actions with their aspirations.
As he prepared to leave the Divine Nectar Hall, Sebastian cast a final, contemplative look around. The tavern had been more than just a retreat; it had been a sanctuary where he could temporarily escape the pressures of cultivation and enjoy the finer things in life.
The sense of camaraderie and the simple pleasure of indulgence had been a welcome diversion, but now it was time to refocus.
With a final sip from his cup, Sebastian stood up, the soft clink of the ceramic against the table signaling the end of his visit. The tavern's dim light cast long shadows as he made his way to the door, the night air crisp against his skin.
He knew that the coming days would be filled with intense competition and scrutiny, but he was ready. The transition from his leisurely lifestyle to a focused competitor would require effort, but it was a challenge he welcomed.
Sebastian stepped out into the cool night, the stars overhead a reminder of the vast possibilities that lay ahead.
The following day, Sebastian made his way to the coliseum where the outer disciples' competition was set to take place.
The original Sebastian was a disciple at the Qi Gathering realm, he didn't have the means to travel by flying sword, and the notion of doing so would have been unrealistic given his current cultivation level or at least what people thought how strong he was at the moment.
Without a flying sword at his disposal, he undertook a leisurely walk to the venue, which took him around thirty minutes. Despite the modest pace, he was in no rush. The anticipation of the day ahead filled him with a sense of purpose and excitement.
The coliseum itself was a grand structure, designed to accommodate thousands of spectators. It was an impressive arena with towering walls and a vast central stage where the matches would unfold.
The buzz of the crowd was palpable as eager disciples and esteemed elders gathered to witness the spectacle. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the excitement of competition and the weight of the upcoming battles.
Sebastian's arrival did not go unnoticed. His reputation as a wealthy and enigmatic disciple had preceded him, and whispers of his participation quickly spread among the gathered spectators.
As he walked into the arena, his demeanor was calm and collected, a stark contrast to the nervous energy that permeated the crowd.
Many eyes were on him, intrigued by the enigmatic figure who was the talk of many disciples in the sect recently.
As the matches began, it quickly became clear that Sebastian was a force to be reckoned with. Each opponent who faced him was dispatched with a single, decisive move.
His speed and precision were unparalleled, making him appear almost otherworldly in his prowess. The spectators watched in awe as he moved with the swiftness of the wind, his every motion fluid and controlled.
By the time the final match concluded, it was evident that Sebastian was the undisputed champion. His performance had not only won him the title but also captured the admiration of the sect's elders.
Many of them approached him with offers to become their disciple, eager to have such a prodigious talent under their guidance. However, Sebastian politely declined each offer.
To him, accepting a master was redundant; he had already reached the pinnacle of cultivation and had no need for further instruction. His refusal was met with respect, though it was clear that the elders were disappointed.
With his victory, Sebastian was promoted to the rank of an inner court disciple. The transition was smooth, and he soon found himself amidst a new circle of disciples who looked up to him with a mixture of awe and curiosity.
The following year, he set his sights on the inner disciple competition, confident in his abilities and prepared for the challenge.
When the time came for the inner disciple competition, Sebastian's approach remained unchanged. He once again relied on his exceptional speed and skill, defeating every opponent with a single, fluid motion.
The crowd was once more captivated by his performance, and the elders' offers of mentorship returned with even greater urgency. Yet, Sebastian's response was consistent. He declined all offers, reiterating that he had no need for additional guidance.
His focus was on enjoying the process and fulfilling his role within the sect without the added burden of a formal master-disciple relationship. That day, our op Mc became a core disciple of the sect.
As the days passed, Sebastian's thoughts turned to the legacy disciple position. This prestigious role was reserved for the disciple most likely to become the future sect master.
It was a position of immense honor, but also one fraught with challenges and intense competition. The legacy disciple was not only a symbol of the sect's future but also a target for challengers who sought to claim the title for themselves.
Any disciple within the sect had the right to challenge the current legacy disciple, leading to a dynamic and often volatile struggle for the position.
Despite the allure of becoming the legacy disciple, Sebastian was not particularly driven by the prospect. The idea of engaging in the fierce competition and the relentless effort required to secure and maintain the role did not appeal to him.
His current status as a core disciple was fulfilling enough. He had participated in the competitions and ascended through the ranks primarily out of respect for the sect's traditions and the expectations placed upon him, rather than a personal ambition for leadership.
Sebastian's approach to his role within the sect reflected his broader philosophy. He had joined the competitions to align with the sect's expectations and honor its customs, not to chase after titles or accolades.
The legacy disciple position, while prestigious, was not a goal he felt compelled to pursue. For him, the satisfaction of achieving success on his own terms and contributing to the sect in his own way was sufficient.
As he continued his journey within the sect, Sebastian remained focused on his own path. He engaged in cultivation and participated in sect activities, but he did so with a sense of balance and purpose.
His journey was one of personal fulfillment and respect for the traditions he had embraced, rather than a relentless pursuit of power or status.
Despite his rising status within the sect, Sebastian's routine remained unchanged at the Divine Nectar Hall.
He continued to frequent the tavern, indulging in its luxurious offerings and enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. His presence had become a familiar sight, and life seemed to proceed as usual.
However, everything changed after one year when a new arrival turned Sebastian's world upside down.