Fairy Peak

I opened my eyes and found myself laying comfortably on a soft mattress.

It definitely feels nicer than the one in the infirmary.

Above me was a grand opulent ceiling. I tilted my head downwards and examined the rest of the room. To my left was a massive window where sunlight leaked in and illuminated the room. I was alone in the room. There were no other beds besides the one I laid on.

My thoughts raced as I tried recalling where I was and how I got here. Memories came flooding back. The tournament ended with me emerging victorious followed by an encounter with Xiulan at the infirmary. Then that Elder Wang appeared and brought me before Elder Xi.

Oh shit. Elder Xi! How did I end up here?

Memories of my struggle against Elder Xi reemerged in my head. She seemed to know Xiulan’s secret affair with me and threatened to expose it. In desperation, I attacked her. She summoned a barrier but I managed to destroy it using my full power. Everything else is a blur.

I tried lifting myself up from the bed when I noticed something peculiar. My body felt much lighter and stronger now. Did my previous exertion pay off? My strength has increased exponentially!

My head spun thinking about this revelation.

Then a knocking noise interrupted my musing. I turned my attention towards the door and said 'Enter!' in the best tone I could manage. The door opened to reveal none other than Xiulan followed by Elder Xi.

Xiulan rushed to me. ‘Aki, thank the heavens. You’re fine.’ She spoke softly to me before hugging me tightly.

Elder Xi’s grin stretched across her cheeks as she observed the tender moment between us. ‘Yes, darling girl, he is alright and more!’ She added happily.

My eyes widened in confusion as I looked at them both questioningly.

Xiulan separated herself from me and crossed her arms while giving a scowl. ‘That old witch saved your life.’

Elder Xi stuck her tongue out at Xiulan playfully before answering my unspoken question. ‘Indeed I did save his life. His foolhardy bravery caught me off guard. His technique allowed him to nearly surpass his limits and challenge someone like me.’

She paused for a bit before continuing. ‘Although his reckless actions put himself in grave danger. His organs ruptured internally because of the strain on his body. Thankfully he was able to recover thanks to the medical pills I fed him.’ She concluded.

I rubbed my chest remembering the pain I endured earlier. ‘Medical Pills?’ I muttered out loud. ‘What kind of pill can heal internal damage that easily?’

Elder Xi giggled lightly as Xiulan answered in her stead. ‘Those pills are Core medicine pills. Those pills are rare and expensive. Only the strongest figures in the sect have access to such medicines.’

Core Medicine Pill!

Is she kidding me?!

Xiulan sighed. ‘Aki, my master saved your life. The least you could do is bow your head in gratitude!’ She spoke crossly to me as she placed her hands on her hips.

Master?

Wait, what?!

Xiulan called Elder Xi her master?!

All kinds of thoughts flooded my brain. ‘Y-you are... her master?’ I stammered out in disbelief.

No wonder she recognized me immediately. She must've heard about me from Xiulan herself.

Elder Xi nodded her head. ‘In fact I am now also your master!’

Xiulan grabbed my shoulder roughly and pulled me towards Elder Xi. ‘Bowing your head isn't enough! Kneel down and show proper respect towards your new master!’ She commanded forcefully.

I kneeled down obediently. It wasn't every day that someone saved my life. Besides, it wouldn't hurt to acknowledge her kindness. ‘Thank you for saving my life Master.’ I expressed sincerely.

Elder Xi beamed proudly at my obedience before helping me up from the ground. ‘Good boy! That pleases me to see you being humble.’

She held my shoulders and scrutinized me intently before smiling brightly once again. ‘ Now that we are done with all the formalities , I officially welcome you to the Fairy peak as my second disciple' She announced happily.

‘Fairy Peak? Second Disciple?’

Xiulan patted my shoulder gently before explaining. ‘The inner sect is divided into seven peaks, namely the Dragon’s peak, Phoenix’s peak, Qilin's Peak and four others. We belong to the fairy peak, one of the weakest but fastest growing peaks in the inner sect.’

Ah, I see.

I remembered hearing rumors about the inner sect's division system back when I was at the outer sect.

According to those tales the inner sect was ruled by seven powerful elders, each governing their own respective peaks.

‘You should consider yourself lucky, Aki.’ Elder Xi continued. ‘Most disciples don’t get a peak assignment directly. But you are an exception due to my personal influence. Now come let us show you the rest of the peak.'