“Kassandra, I did not invite you here to scare my son.”
Upon hearing her name, Kassandra curved her lips towards Auslen in a graceful smile before standing up from her kneeling position, gliding her emerald-green eyes towards Cedrick in playful observation.
Standing a few meters away, the startled cultivators finally recognized the identity of the woman standing before them. They quickly bowed before speaking in earnest.
“Greetings, Peak Master Kassandra!”
Without turning her gaze, Kassandra waved her hand dismissively as she commanded with her delicate voice.
“You all are free to go. I'll be taking care of things from here.”
Not daring to disobey, they immediately stood from their bow and exited the room in haste.
After watching their departure, Auslen turned his gaze towards Cedrick and Kassandra, who were currently staring at one another in pregnant silence.
Kassandra smiled meaningfully as she opened her mouth to speak.
“It’s been over 100 years, Cedrick. Are you not going to properly greet your Senior Sister like you used to? Or do you feel that you no longer need to show me even that modicum of respect, now that you’ve become a bigshot in the Western Empyrean Continent?”
Listening to her reprimanding his father, Auslen tilted his head slightly.
Senior Sister? How old is this woman?
Auslen knew that his father was over the age of 300, so he was inevitably somewhat curious about the true age of this Kassandra standing in front of him, as she did not look a day over 20.
However, he would not dare to ask, even with the power of childish ignorance that his young age granted him. He knew from one painfully memorable experience with his mother that, while asking an ordinary woman their age was familiarly taboo in this world, asking a female cultivator the same question could be particularly dangerous.
Cedrick’s expression remained the same as he replied, “Your seniority only applies here if your strength eclipses mine. From what I remember, that hasn’t been the case for some time, am I wrong?”
Kassandra’s smile did not budge as she quickly bit back, “You are not wrong, Junior Brother. But, from what I recall, I am the one doing you a favor. Surely that manly pride of yours isn’t worth the years of peace and comfort I can provide for your precious son and nephew. Am I wrong?”
Silence once again fell in the room.
From what Auslen could tell as he observed their silent confrontation, neither of the two adults seemed to have any intentions of acquiescing to the other.
Sigh. It seems like I should provide some help for my stubborn old father this time.
After making up his mind, Auslen left behind Nathaniel and Vincent, decisively stepping forward with a cute smile on his lips and a slight blush on his cheeks. He didn’t stop until he arrived directly in front of the bottom Kassandra’s robes, causing her to glance down towards him with slight curiosity in her eyes.
Auslen poked her yellow robe as he spoke enthusiastically, “Hello! Are you Dad’s friend? I’m Auslen, by the way!”
As if he didn’t want to be left out, Nathaniel quickly came running over next to Auslen, grabbing onto the bottom of her robes as he exclaimed, “Hi! I’m his cousin, Nathaniel!”
Looking down at the two children, Kassandra was amused as she kneeled down once more.
She softly spoke with a gentle smile, “Hello, Auslen and Nathaniel. My name is Kassandra, Peak Master of the Inner Sect’s Shifting Wind Peak. Pleasure to meet you both."
After experiencing direct eye contact, Nathaniel’s face suddenly turned bright red as his eyes shyly shifted away from Kassandra’s enchanting face straight to his boots, causing her to giggle softly before she focused her attention towards Auslen with a knowing gaze.
She reached out her right hand to lightly play with his hair as she secretly transmitted her voice to him: “What a beautiful, smart boy, trying so hard to protect his father from being placed in even the slightest disadvantage.”
After observing Auslen’s suddenly guilty expression, she glanced up at Cedrick teasingly before she continued: “But you don’t have to worry about your father. He’s quite used to being bullied by me.”
Noticing her secretive communication with Auslen and the frivolous disdain for him in her gaze, Cedrick’s eye’s couldn’t help but twitch, but Kassandra continued, despite clearly sensing Cedrick’s growing annoyance.
“However, as I am in a great mood from seeing my Junior Brother after so long, I’ll allow your cute attempt at distraction. If only your father could be as loyal as you are, Auslen.”
She shook her head to herself in regret as she finished her sentence, finally letting go of Auslen’s golden hair.
Not bothered by the exposure of his intentions, Auslen forced his cheeks to redden even more while he chuckled slightly in outward embarrassment. He glanced back at his father’s somewhat pointed gaze before dragging Nathaniel to the side where Vincent was waiting.
Don’t tell anyone that I never did anything for you, Father.
Kassandra stood abruptly, disregarding their prior opposition as she transmitted her voice to Cedrick in seriousness: “You’re in luck. I managed to take care of most of your requests. Their cave residence has been approved, both your son and nephew will receive a Earth Grade Martial Technique once they build their foundation, and the servant boy can stay.
“However, both Auslen and Nathaniel are still required to receive an extended Outer Sect Appointment. Fortunately, there are still a few pretty decent positions left open. Take a look for yourself and see what suits them best.”
She softly waved her hand and a white sheet of paper appeared in Cedrick’s grasp.
Cedrick scanned the page instantly before handing it back and transmitting: “Appoint them both to one of the Elixir Refinement Outer Sect Halls.”
She lifted an eyebrow in question: “Are you sure? There are easier positions that they could fill on that list. I’m afraid they’ll really be put to work in that place.”
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Cedrick simply nodded, not choosing to explain himself.
Seeing as he was not worried, she ceased the silent communication and openly said, “Then we’re done here! If you have any final words to personally say to these children, now is your last chance.”
Cedrick looked away from Kassandra’s retreating figure before focusing on Auslen.
Kneeling down, he pulled out a spatial ring before placing it on Auslen’s left index finger, eyes showing hints of concern as he chose to transmit his voice instead of speaking aloud.
“This spatial ring has everything you will need. In addition, there is an important chest contained inside that you are to open in private. For the last time, be extremely careful who you trust, and do not leave the Sect before you reach the Foundation Establishment realm, under any circumstance. Take care of your cousin well, and don’t forget to contact your mother once you settle yourself. Stay safe, Auslen.”
Auslen just smiled and nodded at his father, not saying anything back as Cedrick turned to face his nephew. This time, he spoke a simple command.
“Make sure to listen closely to your cousin, Nathaniel. Your grandfather will be paying close attention to your behavior.”
Nathaniel quickly bobbed his head at his uncle’s serious instructions without hesitation.
Cedrick merely nodded towards Vincent, who hurried to bow in return, before he turned around and vanished from the spot.
Suddenly nervous now that his uncle had left them behind in an unfamiliar place, Nathaniel quickly grabbed onto Auslen’s right sleeve in anxiety.
Auslen was not interested in comforting the boy at the moment, because Kassandra began to speak once more.
“Come you three. We should get the boring matters out of the way, I suppose.”
As soon as she finished speaking, powerful whirlwinds rapidly coalesced around the Auslen, Vincent, and Nathaniel, the incessant upcurrents causing them to gently levitate from the ground, quite similar to the way Cedrick had handled them earlier in the day.
But as they were being lifted by the wind, a loud uproar suddenly sounded from the large hall on the other side of the door, causing Auslen to turn his head in confusion and slight curiosity.
Auslen also noticed Kassandra turning her gaze towards the wall in silence before her eyes visibly widened.
Without saying a word, she stepped towards the door, the three children levitating behind her as they made their way back into the noisy Examination Hall.
Auslen observed the cacophony, noticing that, near the wall on the farthest end of the hall, a Dao Root Measurement Orb was rippling with piercing white light, covering the surrounding area with one singular halo of blinding radiance. And within was a small, hazy figure.
Grade 1 Dao Roots? In this group of children? What are the chances?
The hall was still filled with audibly astonishment, and Auslen could just barely discern the words from a conversion between two men close by.
“Could this be the fabled Grade 1 Dao Roots?! What family is that child from?”
“I think it might be a little girl? From what I saw earlier, I don’t think it’s anyone with an powerful background…”
Before they could continue gossiping, their eyes seized at the sight of Kassandra’s bewitching figure crossing in front of them, causing their conversation to be quickly forgotten as their gazes subconsciously followed her backside.
This scene was apparently contagious as she slowly made her way across the hall. Man, woman, and child alike were caught with stupefied gazes, eyes glued to her figure that was walking elegantly towards the light in the distance.
Kassandra obviously didn't bother disguising her presence. However, the three children floating above went seemingly unnoticed by the people below.
As they levitated above the crowd, Nathaniel waved his arms around in an unnecessary effort to maintain his already stable balance, his almond-colored eyes speedily bouncing around the hall in confusion. Eventually, he nervously turned towards his cousin with a worried expression.
He tugged Auslen’s sleeve to get his attention as he asked, “Auslen, what’s happening down there?”
Vincent, who was timidly touching the air currents around him in excitement, quickly turned his eyes towards Auslen, looking just as invested in the answer to Nathaniel’s question.
Auslen simply pointed towards the light as he lightly explained, “Someone in there seems to be very talented!”
While Vincent looked enlightened, Nathaniel seemed even more confused as he asked, “Talented? We’re talented too! Why don’t they care about us? They aren’t even looking at us.”
Shaking his head, Auslen no longer bothered to explain, relaxing himself as he watched the show below.
This woman seems to be quite the show off. I have never witnessed such a powerful cultivator walking at such a slow and deliberate pace as she does...
However, only a few moments passed before he glanced away from Kassandra as someone else drew his attention.
...
Down below, the light from the Dao Root Measurement Orb gradually began to dim, allowing the figure within to become more visible. But suddenly, Kassandra halted her steps, turning her head towards the crowd to her right in silence.
In the direction of her observance, a tall, handsome man could be easily seen making his way towards her.
His presence was palpable as visible ripples could be seen flowing in the hot air surrounding him, sparking unquestionable unease and fear in anyone who laid their eyes on him.
Those who were smart did not hesitate to quickly retreat from his path. Unfortunately, harsh screams rang out from the the less observant as several people nearby were afflicted with horrible looking burns. It didn’t take much more for everyone nearby to completely scatter away from the man’s vicinity.
As the crowd dispersed, his golden brown skin and long, wavy black hair came in view. A few moments later, he stepped into place beside Kassandra, revealing his dark red robes that were embroidered with golden flames.
His crimson irises glanced above her before tilting his head slightly with a smirk.
He transmitted his deep voice to Kassandra, “You aren't usually the type to meddle in the Entrance Examination, Kassandra. Whose children are these? Considering that two of them have refined some Profound Qi even before the Examination, they must be of some significant background.”
She smiled at the man in polite greeting as she continued walking forward. She replied, “Hello to you too, Isley, The kids are relatives of Cedrick, my Junior Brother. And did you truly have to injure those mortals?”
Hearing her reply, Isley immediately lost interest in the floating kids, choosing to quickly follow behind Kassandra as he continued: “It's the simplest method. If I release even the slightest soul pressure, instead of giving me space, the poor mortals will explode. Nevertheless, if you are interested in checking on that girl up front, you should not bother yourself.”
Kassandra didn't cease her steps, but she did ask: “I am not the only one who will be interested in such a rare talent. However, by your statement, I assume that you are already aware of her Elemental Affinities?”
Isley replied: “It should be equal parts fire and water. I hurried here after being notified, but I’m sure that bitch Grania isn’t far beh—”
An emotionless, resounding voice sharply cut his sentence short.
“Go back, Isley. She’s mine.”
At this moment, amazed gasps rang out from the hall as a gorgeous white robed woman gently descended from the space above, the slightly frigid air wrapped around her sending chills down Auslen’s spine as he watched the woman pass by.
During her descent, the woman’s violet hair twirled around her white fur coat that was layered over her thick white robes. Once she landed, her frosty blue gaze landed onto Isley’s eyes, which were suddenly filled with intense, fiery vitriol.
Around them, the crowd had already given them an extremely wide berth in fear and respect, directly opening passage to the wall where the talented little girl was waiting.
...
Noticing the now wide-open view, Auslen turned his head in curiosity towards the child in question to see a particularly nervous, but otherwise ordinary looking girl around the age of eight or nine. She had dull flaxen hair and her clothing was quite simple. Surrounding her were several blue-robed cultivators and a couple of average looking adults, who Auslen guessed to be the little girl’s parents.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Auslen to satisfy his curiosity. Having lost all interest in the girl, he turned his attention back towards the three underneath him, wondering if it would be inappropriate if he pulled out some peanuts to snack on during this moment.
...
Below, Grania refused to acknowledge Isley any longer as she silently turned her gaze towards the still smiling Kassandra questioningly.
Kassandra glanced sideways at the little girl before she turned back to smile calmly at Grania in reassurance, “I have no interest in the girl, for obvious reasons. My curiosity has been settled, and I already have several duties to complete before today’s end. So, I will leave the rest of the matters here to you two Peak Masters.”
She winked playfully at Isley, who was still scowling in Grania's direction, before waving her hand in the air, causing gentle currents to rapidly expand outwards.
In the next moment, she and the three children floating above disappeared from the hall with a soft gust of wind.