Each of the masters looks like they want to talk more, but a single glance from Big Sis Crane stops them in their tracks. A silent sign from her that a connection has been made, so now it is time for their private discussions.

Curiously, the excitement from before almost dims instantly. Which is something that raises red flags for me.

…what could they be talking about that would cause such a change?

I probe into it with my scan, right before I get a look from Big Sis Crane, as well. Stopping me immediately in my tracks.

Right…she probably has a rough idea of my scanning ability from Gong and her own investigations. Though before I was stopped, I was able to get a general idea about what they’ll be discussing.

‘The Academy.’

Or at least what I’ve been calling that.

It seems to me that it may be something much more intense than just a university, martial arts school, or some kind of social Group…

But I can’t get more than that.

Like before, I get warnings on trying to access this information beforehand. And with Big Sis Crane watching me, it’s not the best choice to press the issue now.

Taking the hint, I leave the room with Sister Nuan. Curiously, the invisible cultivator woman follows us closely behind. And it doesn’t seem like she’ll be going away soon.

Because of this, I signal Sister Nuan that we are being followed, using a signal we established. Scratching my neck. After all, I told her everything, including that I could sense Big Sis Crane’s invisible cultivators. That way she can know any sudden changes that occur, since she isn’t able to perceive them.

So, the question becomes how did she know about my antics, when I was getting poked by the invisible cultivator woman?

Big Sis Crane was narrating what was happening second by second. Because she was just that entertained by it, she revealed to Sister Nuan the truth.

It has to be a good sign that she trusts us… or maybe she just likes to tease me that much, that a secret like that isn’t as important to her.

Sister Nuan’s voice raises above my thoughts.

“Those three masters… you’ll need to take their respective exams relatively soon. Especially if you truly want to remain anonymous.”

She shakes her head.

“No matter how much you truly mean that you want to be anonymous, they’ll try to work things out in the background to make sure not to offend you. After all, no organization wants a talented person to see the dirty side of their business.”

She’s right… I had asked to take their accreditation exams anonymously to avoid their practically guaranteed actions, as much as possible. But speed running it is another method to get ahead of the curve.

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“Hmm… that’s a great point. Maybe we should hop over to get one of them done? Out of any of them, I think I should tackle the Healer’s Association as soon as possible. Since that’s what people will judge me the most on.

“With the others, I can probably get away with not being accredited for a while. What do you think, though? It’s in a city quite a distance away…”

She doesn’t even hesitate for a second, pulling out her sword to hop on it. Gesturing for me to get on with her.

“Let’s move fast. I’m very curious to how they’ll react when they hear that you’ve already passed…”

I can see her smirk as she says that.

Taking her hand, I jump onto the sword as well. Behind us, I can sense the invisible cultivator woman also hopping on an invisible sword of her own.

How she’s able to disguise that as well from perception, as well, I have no idea…

This time, I’ll tap Sister Nuan’s side, like we discussed. A way to switch up the signals, while still informing her.

I softly caress Sister Nuan’s waist as we fly off. However, the reaction is a lot bigger than I thought it would be.

Her back straightens when I do, with her whirling back to look at me, even as we keep moving forward. Her eyes wide in surprise… and a hint of arousal.

But right after that look, it’s clear she remembers what the signal was, and she feigns ignorance of her actions. Giving me a curt nod. However, with her reaction, I can sense the invisible cultivator looking quite amused by the interaction. Having deciphered what’s going on from our interactions.

She lets out a light chuckle, let us both hear her presence here.

The rest of the trip is quite silent.

Interestingly, we are moving at high speeds to get to a city thousands of kilometers away.

The benefit of both of them being Nascent Soul cultivators means that moving at speeds like these and reaching far off locations are no issue for them.

Which is how I find myself in a giant merchant city, called the Xinjiang Compound. One of the many massive merchant cities situated in the Chia Continuum, still distant from our Heavenly Light Sect lands.

Like many others, it has several large organizations contained within that help maintain relations within the city.

One of which is The Healer’s Association.

This may not be their main headquarters, but this place is prominent enough that taking the exam here will prove my competence, but at the same time, allow me to progress through the exam unnoticed.

My eyes drift over the architecture of the various structures here, with the style appearing to be a mix of Graeco-Roman and Asian styles. Roman arches melding into the upward swoops at its edges. Roman Domus with the massive heights and shapes of pavilions. And that doesn’t even include the myriad of other sub-cultural influences scattered around.

After all, in a merchant city, business is for everyone and making someone feel a piece of their home is a good way to get repeat customers.

The local office of the healer’s association is no stranger to this, having the aforementioned influences, but also a number of interesting aspects I recognize from modern hospitals and universities.

A campus layout, where the front and street facing part of the campus is where people can go to be urgently healed, with the inner parts of the campus being more education and practical areas, including large courtyards. Some which, I assume, is for patient overflow.

As we drop down in front of the building, I can see a sign confirming this thought, stating to watch for signs of demonic pandemics. Something it seems they’ve encountered in the past.

Both Sister Nuan and the cultivator woman give me a look before moving back onto their swords, about to head out and look around the city, leaving me to check out the association.

I can understand Sister Nuan, but why the invisible cultivator woman?

There must be more going on than I realize, with this woman…

Sister Nuan departs, but before the invisible cultivator woman leaves, I nudge her. A way to catch her attention.

Her eyes turn toward me.

I mouth my request before she leaves. A sign for her to do the same.

“What’s your name?”

She pauses, shocked. As if she’s never been asked such a question...or it has been so long ago that it no longer matters.

With visible hesitation, I see her lips move silently. Only visible to her and I.

“Arianna.”