The work for the Selection wasn't finished. Lin Haoti was in charge of the platforms' verification as the Chief Disciples, but the White Tiger Peak had his own responsibility for the event.
"This year we are in charge of the security in the nearby cities. We need to decide how many disciples we'll send, and from what level."
The one who talked was Lu Dang, the Security Department Chief.
"Ah, we wouldn't have to do it if these brats had self-control and stopped picking fights everywhere and all the time."
"We can't do anything about it, Gu Zhan."
"I know, chief Lin."
Lin Haoti was in charge of making decisions in this meeting. In the place of the peak master, Mei Yue, his words as the Chief Disciple were as heavy as hers.
He was a more important figure in the peak than his juniors would think.
"At least we aren't the ones in charge of the decoration this year." Lin took a brief breath and kept his speak. "Let's send 15 disciples from the Late Core Formation Stage to the Early Golden Core Stage. That will keep the excited fighters quiet until the selection day. Prioritize Sorak."
"The city with the most inns. Okay."
"Chief Lin, will you be the representative from our peak this year?"
"Yes Chief Gu, and even if the master finishes her seclusion training I will go standing by her side as the Chief Disciple."
"I thought that you would be one of the examiners."
"I am not fit for the examiners position. Next topic."
After discussing the meeting topics Lin saw through the window, it was already noon and almost evening. And he's still having matters to attend.
As his junior sister Wang said: he will be busy even after the selection period.
...
At night Lin was suddenly called to his master's place.
While the White Tiger Master's Palace was named that way, the great building is where the administration office, security office, registers, quests hall, the palace library, treasury and many other places stay. But, the peak master house is near the palace.
Lin Haoti was standing in the front gate when it was opened, he was surprised that the one who opened the gate was not a disciple but his own master.
"You're late."
"I am sorry master. Your call was just so sudden that I had to properly prepare myself."
"... Enter."
"Yes. It's good to see you here. It means that you achieved the illumination desired and breakthrough to the Spirit Transformation Realm?"
"No. I did achieve illumination, but not the one I desired. But, it will be more helpful than passing to the next realm."
"I can't think of a better thing than your breakthrough, but if the master says so it is true."
"Give me your wrist."
Lin did as told him. His master didn't hold his wrist for too long and started speaking:
"You are stuck at the peak-stage of the Core Formation. Since when?"
"Last year."
"You're the Chief Disciple of White Tiger Peak and my first disciple and still in the core formation."
"I am sorry for that master. This disciple will exert himself to achieve the Golden Core Realm even more."
"It's not..." Mei Yue analyzed her words and briefly breathed before speaking: "I'm not blaming you. I asked you to come because I will help you to achieve the golden core."
"Really?"
"Yes. Here is a pill, it's the Minor Condensation Pill."
"Oh fuck! A Minor Condensation Pill? How did she have it? Have she took it from the alchemists and will give it to me? Or did she open the treasury?" Thought Lin. "Master, I'm grateful that you are offering me such an opportunity, but I'm afraid of what the alchemist chief will say about it."
"You don't need to be, he doesn't know I made it."
"You made it!"
"As expected from my master. I wasn't aware of your skills as an alchemist, and you made a minor condensation pill... I humbly accept it."
Mei Yue took a long breath and muttered internally:
"Ah, I must've been blind to not see your devotion, Lin. Really blind."
"You can stop talking to me that way when we are alone. I am not a king or emperor."
"I wouldn't dare to do so."
"I'm giving you permission. You don't need to walk in eggshells in front of me, I'm your master."
"... If my master is asking I must obey."
"Good. Sit an take the pill, I will lead you."