Looking at the Damocles sword - or swords - standing right above his head, Herman couldn't help but remember the conversations he heard about this particular sect master. She was a fair and just woman who hated deceptions most. As a descendant of the Moon Goddess, she was also just as beautiful as Wu Xinyan, if not even more so.
"I wasn't able to get any servants from this sect in my past life, unfortunately. After Pingu managed to ascend three of them, including the active sect master at that time, a war between The Valley of the Fallen Blossoms and the Altar of Heaven and Earth erupted. It resulted in many casualties and the paradise in the hearts of many men was almost destroyed entirely. That was one of the first times that the Peak alliance showed its hand, probably after Pingu's insistence, fighting the evil sect into retreat. This time around, if I could get five servants from this place, it would put me ahead of my competition."
For a servant to ascend, they had to own an ancient bloodline belonging to some mythical figure of the past. Take the beautiful sect head for example. She had the bloodline of the Moon Goddess and when the System will recognize her in the future, she would be ascertained as a Silver talent, bordering Gold. Her potential was so great, that she will rival Gold servants with ease, making her bloodline one of the most sought after. Obviously, it wasn't just her possessing the Moon Goddess's bloodline, but rather, many other women cultivators all around the Immortal World.
That was what made finding servants so difficult and yet so rewarding at the same time.
"Her talent should be around 24 points after ascending, so except for a few others I know where to look for, she might just be the best around. The problem is that she will be recognized as Silver talent and not Gold, because of the quality of her bloodline..."
The System put heavy emphasis on these bloodlines and didn't steer too far out from the rankings it had set. If your servant was Copper rank, there wasn't much you could do about it. These three rankings, Copper, Silver, and Gold were referring to a servant's potential growth. Once they ascended to the Heavenly Realm, all their cultivation will be vaporized and used to awaken this bloodline wholly. In doing so, their physiques and cultivation speed would increase by a huge amount, even if they will drop back to the Qi Gathering realm. Not only that, but their attributes panel becomes available and it's entirely different from a normal cultivator's.
The new four stats will be Insight, Might, Command, and Intelect. It was like an amalgamation of all other attributes and more, securing these servants the titles of powerhouses to be reckoned with in the Heavenly Realms. One thing that differentiated between servants, was their talent. For example, if ascended, Feng Qian would start at 24 points and her main stat will be Command. That meant that her future master will have to focus as many resources as possible to groom her Command skill. It was a given since she was a sect master after all...
[You are being awfully quiet for someone that came here hellbent on joining my sect, 'big brother' Herman.](Feng Qian)
"Apologies sect master Feng, I was taken aback by your sword dance. It seems that miss Yi Xuan has already told you of my intentions?"
[I am not sure she did though. What are your intentions?](Feng Qian)
Seeing her smile, Herman was sure that his compliment regarding the sword dance had attained a positive effect. To think that he came to the Immortal World to play a dating-simulator game... Anyway, he had to give the sect master an answer and the said answer musts be the truth. Due to her bloodline, Feng Qian was particularly keen when it came to deception and could catch a lie the moment it left the lips. Therefore, he had no option left except, to tell the truth.
"Sect master Feng..."
[You can call me Qian.](Feng Qian)
[Eh!? Big sister!!!](Yi Xuan)
[Keep quiet you little minx. Don't think that I don't know what happened in the plaza. It was your fault more than his.](Feng Qian)
[Hmpf!](Yi Xuan)
[And you as well little Xinyan. You only hid and enjoyed the show like usual, didn't you? We'll talk later about it.](Feng Qian)
[*Choke* Nooooo! Big sister, it wasn't my fault!!!](Wu Xinyan)
[Enough of you two! We have a guest, so act your positions more! Mister Herman, you should be well aware that this is an all-girls sect, therefore, your actions are a bit inappropriate. Even with Profound Immortal Clear Lake's orders, I could still turn down your request to join.](Feng Qian)
"I am well aware fairy Qian."
[Hoh? And your reason behind still trying is?](Feng Qian)
"Fairy Qian must be aware of the upcoming race for heavens. I am looking for companions that can ascend with me."
Herman's answer sirred quite the reaction among the five present. The sect master had more or less expected it, even if she was surprised that this newbie held so much knowledge regarding it. It seems that Yi Xuan wasn't lying when she said that he was planning to buy a dwelling sealed in an independent time-space. He had the capital to back up his claims.
The other girls were also surprised, but there were other emotions in the mix as well. For example, the Junior Sister and the Chief Disciple were both looking at Herman with excitement. It was clear that they wanted to participate in this race since it was a dream come true for every cultivator. The other two were also quite a sight to behold. Miss Custodian had a wary yet conflicted expression, while the impressive beauty Wu Xinyan was biting her lower lip, clearly being put in a bad spot between her desires and her loyalty to her big sister.
It made sense for him, seeing such expressions, especially of the four girls. A cultivator's path was to go against the Heavens and to do that, resources were needed. The resources they could gain as officials of a small Basic Rank sect were quite limited. The girls also heard rumors about this new realm never being opened before, so the heavenly gifts it would contain were incalculable. In just a few moments of silence, all eyes in the room were focused on Herman and the sect master.
[How confident are you?](Feng Qian)
"I don't like to make vague promises. I will ask fairy Qian this though: how long do you think it's going to take to open this new realm?"
[Apparently, it's bigger than the previous ones, so it might be anywhere between 100 to 300 years.](Feng Qian)
"My goal is to reach the Nihility realm by the point where the Heavenly Realm is opened."
[Hehe! Your goals are as impressive as your self-confidence, big brother Herman. Do you think it's that easy to cultivate? How long do you think everyone in this room cultivated for?](Wu Xinyan)
"Judging by your aura, you should all be at the Nascent Soul realm, but different levels. Fairy Xinyan should be at the middle levels, fairies Yi and Feng at the latter levels, while the two beauties next to you, should be at the early stages. As for cultivation time, it should be around 300 years or less."
[Amazing! Big brother guessed our cultivation levels this easily!? But isn't your cultivation level only at the Qi Gathering realm?](Lan Yue)
[Yes, but he is also a Censor and an Inspector, isn't that right mister Herman?](Feng Qian)
[He is!? He has the same title as big sister Qian?](Ling Ye)
"I didn't abuse my authority if that's what fairy Qian implies. With the information I gathered from the System, at a quite costly price as well if I might add, I came to understand a couple of things. The fact that the upper echelons of a Basic Sect should be at least at the Nascent Soul realm is one of them. As for the stages, that was only a guess."
Seeing the sect master smile, Herman knew that the hard part was just around the corner. The most important question was...
[So, do you have your eyes on my beautiful Custodian?](Feng Qian)
[Huh!?](Yi Xuan)
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
"Yes!"
[Eh!?](Yi Xuan)
Seeing him admit so openly, the sect master nodded her head and her smile turned kinder. The other girls were quite shocked though, except for Wu Xinyan that was giggling happily.
[That shouldn't be everyone, right? Who else?](Feng Qian)
"I would like for fairy Xinyan to join me as well. She was the one to mention that she and her big sister come as a package after all."
[You... meanie!](Wu Xinyan)
[I see.](Feng Qian)
Seeing a blush on the face of the main elder of this sect, Herman couldn't help but appreciate her amazing beauty. Since she didn't refuse, it meant that she would do whatever Yi Xuan would, therefore making Herman's original assumption to be correct. Thank the Heavens for Pingu's hard work in his past life... and Abs... and Never...
[Okay... out with it. It doesn't seem to be only these two. Don't tell me that you have your eyes on my Chief Disciple and little Yue as well. Three should be the maximum number of companions you can gain from a sect.](Feng Qian)
"Fairy Qian isn't wrong, however, there is no limit to the number of companions you can have. Also, it's not just fairy Ye and fairy Yue that I have my eyes on. Everyone in this room... I want as companions, everyone present in this room!"
[Eh!?](Feng Qian)
Hearing the gasps of everyone present and seeing them look at Herman as if he was a monster, he couldn't help but let out a chuckle. That bastard Pingu conquered the sect master easier than everyone else. Why? Simple! Among all five girls in this room, she was the one with the best talent and most potential. Why would such an ambitious cultivator want to remain as head for a Basic Rank sect?
Among the five, probably not even Ling Ye wouldn't be as willing to join Herman as she was. That of course, if he could prove himself worthy enough of their companionship.
[You are quite the greedy one, aren't you? Aren't you afraid to gorge yourself to death by trying to eat all of us?](Fang Qian)
"Sect master Qian, please stop joking. What I'm looking for isn't to create a harem, but to gain powerful companions that could help and support me after our ascension. I admit that I am tempted, but cultivation takes priority. May I know what everyone thinks?"
[Not even in your wildest dreams!](Yi Xuan)
[If you can convince big sister Xuan to agree, I will join as well. We do come as a 'package' after all...](Wu Xinyan)
"Sounds like a dream come true... What about the rest?"
[Uhm... I am... big sister Ling!?](Lan Yue)
[Little Yue, while big brother Herman seems like a nice person and all, we still need to be sure that he is capable enough to lead after ascending. Not only that but if we are to follow him, he needs to provide enough resources for all five of us and maybe even for others that might join later. Saying 'yes' this fast is not a good idea. We need to get to know him better first, before reaching a decision.](Ling Ye)
[Uhm... sorry big brother Herman...](Lan Yue)
"It's okay fairy Yue. I did not come here hoping to get an immediate answer. Rather, I wanted to let you know my intentions first and to see what you think about it. Sect head Qian, you are the only one left to express your opinion on the matter."
[You should know that in my case it's more complicated... I am the head of a sect after all...](Fang Qian)
"That's true, yet you aren't the first and will certainly not be the last sect head to leave their position due to the race for Heavens. Not to mention that you have many disciples carefully groomed that will be able to take over for all five of you. We are still a couple of hundred years away from that happening after all."
[I see. In that case, I wonder how do you plan to prove yourself to us, mister Herman. Self-confidence is good and all, but nobody likes a boaster that cannot back his words.](Fang Qian)
Seeing the smile on the sect master's lips remain the same, yet her eyes shining with passion once more, he was relieved. It was obvious that he managed to catch her attention and spark some anticipation in her. It was amazing how hard it was to read someone though.
Three new targets have been identified as possible companions: Feng Qian, Ling Ye, and Lan Yue.
Warning!
Fang Qian's Favor is currently positive 10!
Ling Ye's Favor is currently neutral!
Lan Yue's Favor is currently positive 20!
He expected that sect head Fang Qian would have a good impression of him because the unreasonable woman already recounted the whole story. While the story might've been biased when recounted by Yi Xuan, the sect master is smart enough to deduce the small details behind it and probably found out some of Herman's recent accomplishments both on Earth and in the Immortal World.
Ling Ye was the unexpectedly wary one, even after calling him 'big brother' and finding out that they have the zither in common. She did appear to be quite smart as well, so it's no wonder that her Favor was zero, therefore, neutral. As for Lan Yue... as the youngest and the most pure-hearted among the five, her trust levels were quite high, especially after seeing Herman have a lengthy back and forth conversation with her big sisters and not to mention him wanting to take them in his future exploration of the Heavenly Realms.
Of course, there was something else that could impress the girls more than having money and being strong. Gifts!
"System, help me buy five Silk Caskets."
Funds are insufficient to purchase 5x Silk Casket.
Would you like to use 20 Spirit Jades to but 2x 1000 Spirit Stones?
"Yes!"
2x 1000 Spirit Stones have been purchased!
20 Spirit Jades have been removed from your account!
5 Silk Caskets have been deposited in your Inventory.
Thank you for your purchase!
Herman did his best to maintain a smile on his face while opening his Inventory and bringing out five exquisite green caskets with flowers painted all over them. The moment the silk caskets appeared, the eyes of the girls shifted on them.
With such a design, even the box itself was quite precious, nevermind the gifts inside.
"Given that it's our first proper encounter, you can consider these my greeting gifts. I hope none of you will refuse them."
Handing them out while especially addressing the fussy Yi Xuan, he was surprised to see her accepting the gift quietly and even thanking him. The results of this gift once opened were quite evident as well, seeing the resplendent smiles on their faces.
The Silk Casket contained a type of gift unique to each receiver, based on what they would like most to receive at the moment, but limited to a price of 500-1000 Spirit Stones. For example, Wu Xinyayn received a blue satin veil that she immediately used to cover her pretty face, giving her an alluring yet mysterious air, while Feng Qian got a long yellow scarf, similar to the one she was already wearing.
[Big sis Qian!!! I got a new pair of dancing shoes! Look at how beautiful they are!!!](Lan Yue)
[Hmpf! This tiara is not as nice as the one I already have... but I will accept it nevertheless](Yi Xuan)
[Hehe! Big brother Herman, it seems like you would truly like to hear my play the zither, given that you gifted me a new set of strings.](Ling Ye)
"Only if that doesn't impose on fairy Ling too much."
[You can call me little sister Ye, and no, it wouldn't. I would love to!](Ling Ye)
"It would be my honor, little sister Ye."
Alert!!!
Fang Qian's Favor increased to positive 25!
Ling Ye's Favor increased to 15!
Lan Yue's Favor increased to positive 40!
Wu Xinyan's Favor increased to positive 40!
Yi Xuan's Favor increased to positive 30!
[I guess it's only right to give something back after receiving so much. Xuan, can you go and bring over the ceremonial tea set?](Fang Qian)
[...mhm.](Yi Xuan)
When he heard about the tea set, Herman knew that he was about to greet the sect master formally and join their set. The ceremony was just one of the formalities. He was happy that the unreasonable woman complied this time around, instead of complaining and kicking up a fuss again.
The ceremony he had to undergo was a simple one, with him brewing tea and serving it to Feng Qian, greeting her as his master. Even if it was the official and formal ceremony, it turned out to be more of a tea party after Lan Yue brought out some cookies.
Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the tea, while Ling Ye played her zither and Lan Yue danced to its tune. For Herman, this was a much-needed break before things got incredibly busy again. It didn't last long, since sect master Qian decided to burst his bubble.
[To start your cultivation path properly, you need the help of someone with a strong soul, able to enter your spirit world and guide your first Qi rotation through your circulation path. You should know that already, right?](Feng Qian)
"Indeed. I was hoping for sect master to help me in this regard."
[Hmm... while I do have the highest cultivation, I do not have the strongest soul among the five of us. Yi Xuan is the one that cultivated the most fortified spirit I've seen for someone her age. I decided to have her guide you for your... first time.](Feng Qian)
"...who would've thought that sect master is as mischievous as fairy Xinyan..."
[Hehe! Who do you think she learned it from?](Feng Qian)
"Would miss Yi Xuan agree though?"
[Since she didn't verbally disagree even after hearing what I just said, we'll take it as a yes. When do you want to start?](Feng Qian)
"As soon as possible!"
[Tonight then. The nearby lake has the best Qi congregation in the entire territory and it's also a full moon tonight. It's the perfect time given how sparse Primordial Qi is at the moment.](Feng Qian)
"Understood. I will do as sect master decided."
Relaxing for a few moments more, Herman closed his eyes and enjoyed the sound of the zither. Tonight, a lengthy and troublesome path forms in front of him.