Chapter 57 - Rewards (1/2)

The upheaval, generated by Hei and Lian's results, was soon calmed, and the trials returned to their regular activity. In order to avoid further fueling the confusion, the two youths left the training ground.

Although it was almost sure that the first two places belonged to them, by formalities, they had to wait until everyone's trials had finished, before the ranking could be drawn up. Of course, this was something that would have taken time, and they preferred to go home to rest and receive their awards quietly later.

Hei, therefore, brought Lian to reunite with his mother and his little sisters, who were excited about knowing what they had faced.

'Then? How did it go? What was in it?' (Xing)

'I bet there was a super strong enemy, didn't it? Did you beat him?' (Ye)

The two little spirit beasts bombarded them with questions as soon as they were reunited. In order to calm them, Hei tickled them while looking at his mother's condition. She looked fine, and Hei was able to relax because he had been worried about her health.

”I'm glad you're okay, mother. I hope you didn't tire yourself too much.”

'Don't worry, I'm fine. As I told you, it wasn't a particularly difficult illusion given the level of those present. Let's go home, so you can tell us what happened before a nice meal.'

Hearing about food, Xing and Ye forgot about the questions they were trying to ask and started climbing Hei's body to make him hurry. Since they had accompanied them early in the morning, even the two little spirit beasts had not eaten anything until now and were starting to feel hungry.

With a laugh, Hei started running with Lian despite their fatigue, and soon they arrived home. Then, in front of a nice warm meal and the warmth of his family, Hei told what he and Lian had faced.

Out of respect for them, despite being curious, Bao Bei didn't ask Hei and Lian about the dream trial. She didn't precisely know what they had seen, but she could guess.

By analyzing the formation from outside, during its execution, she realized that the effect used on their group was the generation of nightmares based on their past. It was an intimate moment, and as their mother and teacher, she had to respect their personal space. Fortunately, even Ye and Xing, who despite their cheerful behavior, were very sharp, didn't ask questions about it.

Both youths were, in fact, still a little shaken within themselves by what had happened. Hei, in particular, didn't want to say anything about it - if he had spoken of his promise to himself, his mother, his little sisters, and even Lian, they would have been all angry with him for having sworn to take his own life if he couldn't protect them.

Therefore, the combat trial became the main topic. Hei and Lian narrated, in turn, what had happened to the smallest detail, including the words that the Artifact Spirit had addressed to them.

Sighing, Bao Bei answered.

'I imagined there was an Artifact Spirit. I was ready to block all communication with the continent and destroy the Artifact Spirit itself if it were necessary, but fortunately, it wasn't needed. Listen to me well. Even his words are true, it is still too early to enter the Continent. At least, not before reaching the rank of spirit soldier. For now, let's focus on what you have ahead, meaning reaching the sixth stage of spirit apprentice so that you can awaken your innate element.'

Hei and Lian both nodded to Bao Bei's words. They trusted her blindly, and if she said it wasn't the moment, then it was the absolute truth. So, they left the Artifact Spirit's words in the corner of their mind and began to rest together with Ye and Xing, all sleeping together embraced.

Bao Bei looked tenderly at the four sleeping without worries, side by side.

'Imperial family ... the only ones who can have united humans are the relatives of the Hero, as well as the holders of the dragon bloodlines. The eight great families are probably families with bloodlines of other divine beasts. However, even though they have lost most of their exponents in the final battle, there is no way that there are only eight bloodlines left on the human side. If that were the case, something must have happened after the final battle, so severe that they had to abolish the sect system and create these war academies. I imagine that without going in person, it's difficult to do research here.'

Meditating to herself, Bao Bei soon fell into a heavy sleep and laid down close to her treasures. From the outside, Shui ordered the buffaloes in defense formation, and so did Mi with the group of bees she commanded. They wouldn't allow anyone to disturb the sleep of the family who was sleeping peacefully in the spiderweb house.

*

The following morning, after a busy day yesterday, Hei and Lian returned to the inner sect, taking Ye and Xing with them. When they arrived at their destination, they could see various people pointing towards them and exchanging murmurs.

Their performance in yesterday's trials had spread throughout the inner sect and probably also in the outer one. Given the importance that the ranking of the younger generation inner members had, it was a self-evident result.

Although their score was practically insurmountable, as the five best candidates had done worse than them, they hadn't yet received an official confirmation. Having left yesterday without waiting for the results, now they had to ask someone if they managed to take the first two places.

While he was thinking about who to ask, Hei noticed familiar faces coming at him from afar. In a short time, he discovered who it was.

”Hello there, congratulations on your victory Hei. You too, Lian, for your second place. ”

She greeted them kindly and warmly. It was none other than Ying Yue, who came seventh in the ranking yesterday. Next to her was the seventh elder who was looking at them with a gentle glance. Apparently, he wasn't bothered that the two of them had taken the first two places while his personal disciple was finished in the seventh place.

”Thank you, Ying Yue. Seventh elder, good morning. ”

Hei thanked Ying Yue and bowed slightly to the seventh elder. So did Lian. Even if they didn't feel admiration for him, it didn't cost anything to show education and conform to the label.

”Hei, Lian. As my niece said, I am pleased to inform you that you have won the first two places. In addition to your personal glory, this position allows you other privileges. From now on, between the younger generation, you have the greatest degree of seniority; that is, even the disciples who are older than you in age must show respect to you as if they were before an older inner member. You are also allowed to reserve a training ground for free, and you can use it for as long as you want. Concerning the trial prizes, the prize for the second place comes from the first elder, whereas the first place, leaving aside the reward chosen at the exchange point, comes from the sect leader. But I'd say it's better to move to a quieter place.”

With this, the seventh elder signaled to Hei and Lian to follow him as Ying Yue walked with them, questioning Hei and Lian about how quickly they had defeated the waves.