Chapter 28: Treasures

If it had been anyone else speaking, they would have likely retorted. But, it was Rana! Rana walked over with measured steps. She had changed into a slightly loose black robe, which made her appear petite, but her calm and tranquil beautiful eyes still captivated hearts. "Miss!" "Miss!" All three of them quickly composed themselves. As Inner Sect Elders, their status was extremely high. Encountering a prodigy who had received the treatment of five ringing bells was a rare opportunity, so naturally, they sought to take him as their disciple by any means possible. Every Inner Sect Disciple could select a master from among the many Inner Sect Elders. Fiery Fire Sect had established this rule primarily to ensure a close succession of generations within the sect. Inner Sect Disciples already possessed excellent talent, and after being taken in by an Elder, they would receive even more careful cultivation. This method resulted in a much higher rate of success compared to lax management! To attract stronger disciples, Elders would spare no effort to enhance their own strength and cultivation level, hoping to gain a sufficient advantage over others in the competition. This was also why the Fiery Fire Sect had always maintained its top position in the Land of the Five Kingdoms! "You may leave. He won't take anyone as his master," Rana said calmly. Her words flowed as clear as spring water from her mouth. The three fell silent. Since Rana had spoken, they could only acquiesce. After bowing, the three left the area. Iwao looked at Rana with some surprise. "How is the five ringing bell evaluation determined?" He had only entered the Fiery Fire Sect after winning at the Great Cyan Empire arena, and his status was only that of an Outer Sect Disciple. In comparison, many others were more distinguished than he was. Why then did he receive the treatment of five ringing bells? Moreover, the sect had not evaluated his talent. Whose decision was it? "I made the ancient bell ring five times," Rana said calmly, taking out a gourd. "As for why..." Iwao perked up his ears, wanting to hear Rana's reasons. Even he was unsure of what made him stand out. "Because it's fun," Rana said after taking a sip from the gourd. A hint of blush flashed across her clear and jade-like face. Her previously serene demeanor became somewhat lively and approachable. "Ah." She exhaled, her breath fragrant. With keen interest, her beautiful eyes stared at Iwao, seemingly wanting to see his reaction. Iwao's expression was first surprised, then somewhat incredulous. "Just because it's fun?" "Yes," Rana said, sitting in the courtyard's pavilion, her delicate nose slightly wrinkled. "The five ringing bells have not been heard for hundreds of years. Every disciple in the entire sect will see you as a target and challenge you. Don't you find that amusing?" Iwao furrowed his brow. Fun? What's fun about it? "Next time, please don't make decisions for me," Iwao took a deep breath, his voice calm. If he hadn't needed something from her, with his temperament, he might have turned his back on her long ago. Why should you make decisions for me? I just want to cultivate peace and quietly become stronger. Once I have enough strength, I'll seek revenge on Doris and the Wind Sword Sect! Why are you causing trouble for me? "If it weren't for Adino's instructions..." Rana thought to herself, letting out a cold snort. "Where's Tammy? I want to treat her injuries," Iwao asked, somewhat concerned. Tammy couldn't cultivate, and her body was frail; there couldn't be any mishaps. "Quit your nonsense," Rana squinted her beautiful eyes, lazily like a cat under the sun. She got up and walked into the room, closing the door behind her. Iwao frowned; he really couldn't understand Rana! If she was bad, then why did she help him in the Imperial City arena in the Great Cyan Empire and even offer to help Tammy expel influenza? And besides, she had been taught by Adino for two years. Adino was upright; he definitely wouldn't pass on his Spirit Mark technique to someone with character issues. But if she was good, she acted arbitrarily, making him the target of everyone with the five ringing bells. And all of this just because it was fun! What did she want to do? "Iwao, still thinking about her?" Swallow, who knows when, jumped onto Iwao's shoulder, remarking, "You know, this girl is so indifferent and lazy to others, keeping them at arm's length, but why does she have so much to say when she's with you?" "How would I know? I'd rather she talked less!" Iwao retorted, annoyed. "I know, when a girl talks a lot to you, she must like you!" Swallow grinned, dancing around, "Iwao, you've got to step up your game, she's the top prodigy of the Land of the Five Kingdoms and the heiress of Fiery Fire Sect. Once you win her over, you can relax and enjoy life! By then, make sure to find me a mother tree..." "You can wait as long as you want!" Iwao punched Swallow, sending it flying. "Dang, Iwao, you heartless jerk!" Swallow shouted, "I'm taking you on!" Just as this one-man and one-tree scuffle ensued, the door slammed open with a "bang." Rana walked out expressionlessly, stating, "The influenza in her body is severe; the entire treatment process will take at least six months!" "Six months?" Iwao was astonished at the news. To think it's gotten to this dire state? "I'll come back in three days," Rana walked out of the courtyard. "Thank... Thank you," Iwao hesitated for a moment before expressing his gratitude. Rana paused at the sound of his thanks and then calmly replied, "You're welcome. I promised Adino I would take care of you guys." Iwao chuckled bitterly. Why did that sound so odd coming from Rana? After all, Rana should be around the same age as him. Take care of them? It did sound strange! ... ... Late at night, when Iwao had settled Tammy and was preparing to practice cultivation, there was a knock at the door. Iwao opened it to find Magar, and he was surprised. "It's late, Elder Sexton, what brings you here?" "These Triple Marked Spirit Jade, take them, and this bead... it's called the Gathering Spirit Bead, it's engraved with a Third Level Spirit Mark's Spiritual Protection. Hold it while you cultivate, it'll accelerate the absorption of Spiritual Energy," Magar handed out a bunch of treasures, introducing each one to Iwao. "This... isn't this too valuable?" Iwao was astonished. "Would the sect provide so many treasures for an Outer Sect Disciple?" "What are you thinking? Miss ordered me to bring these to you," Magar glanced at Iwao, his voice softening, "Forget about being an Outer Sect Disciple, even those Inner Sect Disciples don't get treated this well!" "Rana?" Iwao raised an eyebrow. It was her? "Oh, and Miss also instructed me to pass on a message," Magar continued, "She's sending you these cultivation resources with a condition: at the Sect Grand Contest three months from now, she expects you to rank in the top three at least!" Magar sighed, feeling like nothing more than a messenger despite being an Outer Sect Elder.