Chapter 47: Life 58, Age 33, Martial Grandmaster 1
The Righteous Defenders of the Twin Mountain, or the Eyes as I called it, was the faction controlled by the Sect Master.
Jiao was a member of this faction, so I had assumed that her influence had something to do with the reason I had been recruited, but when I met with Elder Tao the day after the competition, he made everything very clear.
“Elder Mu has made significant contributions to the sect over recent years, so he has been recruited for a position within the Flowing Mountain Sect. As he was leaving, he gave you a very high recommendation, so we have decided to invite you to join us as part of the Defenders.”
I parsed the message behind his words. Elder Mu’s significant contributions likely involved all the pills I had provided him over the years, and once he accumulated enough to advance, he sold me off. Likely, he believed that the cost of teaching me Rank 3 alchemy wasn’t worth the eventual return when he could sell me now for a quick buck and let others deal with me.
It was a cold calculation, but I understood and accepted it. I wouldn’t begrudge him following his own path to advancement. ‘Everyone has their own dreams.’ Instead, I was happy. By selling me off, in my mind, Elder Mu had canceled any debt I may have felt I owed him in future lives. He had taught me, and I had helped provide him with the opportunity he desired. We were now square.
“Thank you, Elder Tao,” I said, “I will do my best to contribute.”
“I’m sure you will,” he laughed. “Before we discuss how you will contribute, though, we should talk about your current situation. Only then will you be truly motivated to contribute your utmost to the sect.”
His words felt slightly ominous, but I didn’t think he was actually threatening me at this point.
“You are now a Martial Grandmaster,” he continued, “this is the final realm of what is commonly referred to as the ‘Warrior Tier’ which includes Disciple, Master, and Grandmaster. This tier of cultivation is all about self-improvement. For advancement, you only need to rely on yourself.”