Chapter 183
Now that they can communicate, Betty and Sandra as we’ve learned our guides name is, have become instant best friends, talking at the same time, at high speeds and somehow following each other’s conversation.
Elder Ye gives me a long suffering look, that’s her disciple after all, and if she can talk like that the Alchemist is in for a very lively existence once they get back to the Sect. Sandra seems to have no intention of letting me go, so the three of us short people walk hand in hand to the alchemy trial grounds with Elder Ye following behind, doing her very best not to laugh at our enthusiasm.
"If you’re competing madam, you will need to get your children seated before you proceed to your designated spot." The guard at the competitor’s entrance greets Elder Ye and finally she can’t hold in her laughter anymore. She’s not exactly quiet about it and the group in front of us turns around, joining in her mirth once they realize the mistake that the guard has made.
He’s starting to look anxious, unsure what he’s done wrong, but knowing he’s likely to be in very big trouble any second the way people are laughing at him.
"Madam? Have I said anything wrong?" he asks tentatively and a man from the edge of the seated crowd leans over to fill him in.
"That’s Elder Ye of the Shadowed Blade. She’s not with three children, she’s accompanying Young Miss, who is competing today, holding the hands of the two young disciples." The man looks very, very pale now.
"My apologies Young Miss, I have no excuse for my mistake. Please, sit anywhere you would like." The man bows deeply, not daring to look us in the eye.
In all honesty, it’s not that bad of a mistake. Elder Ye is over 180cm tall and athletic, but not quite what you would call slender. With the large size difference, plus her middle aged appearance, the rest of us really do look like children in her care. Especially when we’re all holding hands like she’s afraid one of us will wander off if we’re not in a group.
"You’re forgiven. But I should get going now, that’s the ten minute warning. Could you help my companions find their seats with the rest of the Sect?"
"Yes Miss, and my apologies again. Right this way Elder." The man stumbled over his words in his rush to get away from the laughing crowd.
I found my seat in the competition area and took out my cushions and my lucky Drake Skull pill cauldron. I check my storage rings, making sure that all of the ingredients for the Celestial Insight Pill that I intend to make are present and in good condition.
The competition this time will actually be two rounds. The first to create the best pill we can, and then a second round the same as the previous life skills competition, in that we will have a selection of ingredients to use to make the best pill we can. I’ve prepared for this though.