Although she personally believed that a change of scenery was unnecessary, she had no intention of arguing about it. She followed him to a nearby place she knew very well. It was the academy gardens, which were currently neglected.

  He sat down on one of the benches and gestured for her to sit on the opposite side. She didn't really know what the point of this was, but perhaps he just preferred to talk in the open air.

  “It's a little overgrown, but it's still a pretty nice garden.”

  I wouldn't have thought he was a nature lover. Well, I guess you can't judge a book by its cover.

  She decided to return to the previous topic of conversation. She couldn't stand the tension anymore.

  “Elder, may I ask what you meant when you said you didn't recommend that option?

  ”I was speaking honestly. You're not a bad fighter, but... Tell me, what kind of cultivator would you like to be? What do you want to achieve and how?"

  What kind of cultivator do I want to be?

  She had pondered a similar question many times. She wanted many things: immortality, power, but she also wanted to change the world in her own way, to bring about a scientific revolution. But at the same time, she also cared about her own comfort, she didn't want to suffer or waste thousands of years cultivating alone in a cave.

  But that's not what he's asking. I suspect he's asking what path I want to take.

  Cultivators were involved in many fields, but just like on Earth, most people had their own specialization that they were good at. Some became medics, others developed formations, and some preferred to train beasts.

  However, I...

  “I think alchemy is something that has always resonated with me,” she replied truthfully. “I know it is one of the most difficult fields of cultivation, but I feel confident in it.”

  In her previous life, she was involved in biotechnology in the broadest sense. In her previous life, she wanted to work in the field of gene therapy. And she almost succeeded—if only she hadn't died of an alcohol overdose.

  Although it is not the same field, I still feel that alchemy is the closest to any science. In addition, I learned many elven secrets from Scar... I think this branch is destined for me.

  Alchemy was relatively safe compared to other fields of cultivation. In addition, she suspected that it was in alchemy that she would be able to make the most use of her earthly knowledge.

  “Alchemy is a highly respected field. But if you're being sincere, I definitely advise against you becoming my disciple,” he said with great seriousness.

  “Elder, could you explain?”

  “I am a military man. If you want to become my disciple, there is no other option but for you to join the military immediately after completing your basic education at the academy.”

  May knew the basics about the Inner Court. Most people were loosely affiliated and occasionally performed tasks for the sect to earn points that could be exchanged for resources.

  However, the Inner Court had a few more permanent units. A medical unit that treated people, a Central Office that dealt with taxes and internal affaire. There was also an army.

  Unlike ordinary cultivators, people in such units had specific earnings and responsibilities.

  Belonging to the military came with enormous responsibilities. Most people were not directly affiliated with any permanent units.

  Most cultivators spent most of their time cultivating and occasionally performed tasks to earn money for further cultivation.

  Those in the military also cultivated, of course, but they could not dispose of their time as they wished and had to perform duties directly assigned by their superiors.

  The military in the sect was the first line of defense in case of an attack. The rest of the cultivators in the sect would only join in when the situation became serious.

  So if I wanted him to be my master, it would mean no alchemy. Well, although it would be a loss for me, having someone at the Golden Core stage is something I shouldn't pass up.

  After a moment, the man continued speaking.

  “However, there are advantages to this, of course. By being your master, no one would dare to even offend you, which would not be surprising considering that you are from the Outer Court. To mess with you would mean messing not only with me, but with my entire clan.”

  “Are people from the Outer Court being discriminated against at Cloud Academy, Elder?” she asked curiously.

  “Well, children often see them as individuals who have robbed the Inner Court of their places, so they are not particularly well-liked. Although violence is unacceptable at Cloud Academy, you would certainly face ostracism and possibly harassment. With me as your master, however, the situation would be completely reversed.”

  Status really is everything.

  Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Additionally, as my student, you would never lack resources or money. In your free time, I would also help you with your cultivation.”

  May was about to say something.

  “Don't say anything.” However, he didn't let her get a word in. “I don't want you to answer me right now. You need to think it over. And it's best to consult with others.”

  “Elder, forgive me, but are you advising me against becoming your disciple just because you think alchemy suits me better?”

  He laughed at the question.

  “Of course not. That's actually the least of your problems. The thing is, you'll have to follow me wherever I go. You won't get any relief, and you'll cry over your decision, which you won't be able to change.” He said seriously, “I actively participate in wars. So you will have to as well. I no longer take on students. I had already ten, and only two are still alive... Anyone can die in war, and I won't always be able to protect you.”

  In short, this meant that the chance of her death after becoming his student would increase significantly. He didn't seem to be joking, so it was certainly dangerous.

  “However, if you decide not to do so, you will live in my clan's estate in the Inner Court for a year and then participate in the tournament. Considering your talent, you will easily get into Cloud Academy. There, you will be free and able to do whatever you want. For example, alchemy.”

  “I understand...” she said quietly.

  However, she couldn't shake the feeling that he hadn't told her the whole truth.

  Even if the risk of death was high, wasn't it still a good opportunity? After all, there were only eight people in the entire sect at a similar level to him. And the sect consisted of tens of thousands of cultivators.

  Having him as a master was not something anyone would turn down. Even if death was likely, for most people it would still be worth the risk, as it would increase their chances of reaching a higher level of cultivation thanks to easier access to resources.

  However, my situation is different... I have a system, so I don't necessarily have to risk my own life to have a better chance of gaining strength. Additionally, according to his words, even if I don't become his disciple, I will still be admitted to Cloud Academy.

  “Elder, when are we leaving for the Inner Court?” she finally asked. Although she didn't know yet whether she would accept his proposal, she had to think it over first.

  “Tonight,” he replied briefly. “You will stay at our residence as a guest. You should talk to other people there and decide what you want to do.”

  “What if I choose not to, Elder?”

  “You'll just remain a guest until the tournament. There's only a little over a year left until then anyway.”

  A little over a year... Huh, time really flies.

  “Come to this place after sunset. I have a few things to take care of now,” he said, then left, leaving May alone.

  She was left alone in the garden and was still deep in thought for some time.

  She got up and headed towards the academy. She decided to see if anyone she knew had survived. Unfortunately, both Senlin and Wang Wang were in a coma when she escaped, so they were most likely already dead.

  Unless there was a way to reverse the disease and get rid of the parasite. However, there was no information about this in the books I had read.

  She made her way to the main building. It was guarded by soldiers. They were all fairly low-level cultivators. Surprisingly, they let her through without any problems. May thought they weren't very good at their job.

  When she entered the building, she immediately noticed Deng Zhifang, who also noticed her and quickly ran up to her.

  “May!” he shouted and broke away from his activities. He tried to hug her, but May blocked him with her hand.

  The boy, slightly embarrassed, coughed awkwardly and then spoke.

  “Well, what was that guy's business?” he asked her curiously. “Did you get into some trouble?”

  “No. He just asked me a few irrelevant questions,” she replied, deciding there was no reason to reveal the subject of their conversation to him. “More importantly, do you know what happened to Senlin and Wang Wang?”

  The boy visibly saddened at the memory and shook his head.

  “They're not here. From what I've heard while you were away, the more talented ones were turned into parasites and escaped from the sect's territory. It's good I have you. If you hadn't helped me escape, that fate would have awaited me too,” he said.

  “So they escaped...” she said thoughtfully. Although she had expected it, she still felt a slight regret.

  “But they are still alive. I will find them and cure them!” the boy shouted, his eyes burning with fervor. “As long as they are alive, there is still hope.”

  Although she thought his attitude was a little too optimistic, she nodded in agreement. She herself wished to save them somehow. However, she knew that this was currently unrealistic. She was glad, however, that she was not alone in this attitude.

  Suddenly, however, their conversation was interrupted by a person coming down the stairs from the upper floor.

  “You really are too fortunate in your life.” She heard a girlish tone, with a slight hint of irony.

  She didn’t recognize the voice right away, but as soon as she turned toward the person, she recognized her. It was Izzy. The daughter of the mage who had organized the tournament at the beginning of the school year. A person with a natural gift for communicating with spirits.

  “Izzy... You're alive.” She said briefly, not expecting to meet anyone she knew.

  “Really? Is that how you react when you see me?” She said with slight irritation. “The two of you ran away and left us alone, and now you're coming back as if nothing had happened.”

  “Hey!” Zhifang shouted at Izzy. “It's not our fault what happened. We barely escaped ourselves, we couldn't help anyone else.”

  Izzy looked at them and sighed.

  “Yes. I'm sorry. I know it's not your fault,” she said, with a hint of regret in her voice. “It's just been hard for us here. Hundreds of students locked in one cramped room. At least we're alive.”

  “That must have been unpleasant,” said May. She never knew what to say in situations like this. Izzy looked at her with condescension.

  “You have no idea... But luckily, it’s over now. I’m going home.”

  “So the academy is suspending its activities?” asked May.

  “Yes, no surprise there. Apparently, some people got invitations to academies in other Outer Courts. But you can count the number of those invitations on one hand.”

  “That bad?”

  “Yes. The people who are left are talentless, so the sect doesn’t need them. The talented ones have been turned into parasites.”

  It made sense, considering how this species functioned. After a moment, May realized something.

  “But then why didn't they turn you, Izzy?” May was surprised.

  The girl may not have been a genius like May, but her talent was still enormous, and her cultivation level was quite good. Izzy snorted when she heard her question.

  “Thanks to this,” she said, pulling a medallion from under her blouse.

  May let out a quiet gasp of admiration. The silver medallion contained a huge green, perhaps slightly olive-colored crystal, resembling an emerald in the shape of a hexagonal pillar.

  “This item is called the Suppression Medallion. It's an epic item. As the name suggests, it suppresses auras. I put it on shortly after the invasion, and it paid off. The parasites thought I hadn't even reached the second stage of Qi Refinement, ha!”

  “It's good to have rich parents, huh...” Zhifang declared suddenly.

  “Are you jealous?” Izzy giggled. “Well, it's time for me to go. I'll probably see you at the tournament. Bye.”

  She said, then walked away. The two of them didn't even have time to respond, as she quickly disappeared from the room. May and Deng looked at each other and laughed at the girl's behavior.