If my calculation is right, the next day the pool can be used is the thirty-fifth day from today. That is about the twe'll arrive at the sect if everything goes smoothly.
At that time, our Cyan Sect will select three honored disciples of the Sky Realm cultivation base to have a comfortable and relaxing bath in the pool. Of course, cultivation base isn't the only thing that determines who is chosen. Good reputation and contribution to the sect are also critical factors that are considered." Austin started to realize Sissi's true intentions.
"If what you're saying is true, the Vital Energy Cleansing Pool you have is something that any cultivator would kill for.
But | wonder, what does it have to do with my departure?" Austin asked curtly without any hesitation.
Sissi burst into laughter at his straightforwardness; she liked dealing with such people. "Since you're a smart man, | won't skirt around the subject and bore you.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWhat | want is simple: to have you as my bodyguard throughout this whole trip.
If you ensure safe passage back to the sect for us, I'll be more than willing to pay back your favor. Of course, | can only think of giving you the best thing that my sect has to offer in return. I've just explained to you about the restrictions that the pool has. If you can be so kind as to escortback, | assure you that you'll be one of the three people who will bathe in the pool this time.
What do you think? Do you think that we can have a deal?" Sissi asked, smiling softly.
Austin didn't answer at once. It was clear that he was weighing the pros and cons of the situation in his mind. Escorting them to their sect might be dangerous, but it would grant him the opportunity of gaining vital energy and speeding up his cultivation base.
He looked at the disciples of the Cyan Sect, and found that all were looking at him with admiration on their faces. Obviously, they all knew the value of that Vital Energy Cleansing Pool and were all looking forward to having a bath in it one day. Even Tessa had a look of astonishment and jealousy on her face after hearing Sissi's words.
They hadn't expected Sissi to offer Austin such a thing even as a last resort. From the day they were enlisted, it had been clear that the pool wasn't open to outsiders. But now, Austin might very well becthe first outsider to enjoy that honor.
"Sissi, would you please reconsider your offer? You know the pool is an honor reserved for the disciples of our own sect. Although this young hero will do us a great favor by protecting us, he is still an outsider.
I'm afraid that inviting him to our pool will bring discord in the sect. Please rethink this plan," one of the men from the Cyan Sect said. He was carrying a giant shield on his back.
His objection irked Sissi.
Fury clouded her face. "You don't think | have the right to make this decision? Or do you think my decision is foolish? I'm not fond of inviting an outsider to bathe in our pool either. If you think you can successfully guarduntil we reach our sect and spare us from trouble, then, needless to say, one of the names on the list will be yours. Do you think you're strong enough to take that responsibility?" Sissi retorted in a contemptuous tone.
It was known that the Holy Daughter of any sect had a high rank among all the members of the sect. They had the authority to make decisions. Sissi, who had been reigning for a long time, had naturally developed the habit of speaking to her people in a domineering manner. She couldn't stand the thought of someone opposing her idea.
The man with the shield on his back was taken aback by her words. He knew that he was no match for Austin and there was no way he could complete the task if it fell on his shoulders.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe hastily covered up his lapse by reinforcing Sissi's authority. "You are the Holy Daughter of the sect whom we all respect and you've never made any improper decisions so far. | wholeheartedly trust your judgment. Please forgive my foolishness just now," he implored sincerely.
Not wanting to pay attention to this trivial matter any longer, Sissi snorted and averted her head.
Ironically enough, this small exchange between Sissi and the man, along with the looks of admiration on the faces of the sect members, had convinced Austin of the pool's power even more. His mind was slowly starting to lean towards the idea of staying.
He turned to Tessa in confusion, looking to her for help since she was the one he trusted the most among this group of people.
"Tessa, | wonder..." he drawled, not knowing how to bring up his question properly.
Of course, Tessa knew exactly what he was thinking.
"Austin, all the things Sissi just told you are true. And with the superior authority of her status, she indeed has the privilege to invite you to the Vital Energy Cleansing Pool.
And trust me, bathing in that pool will bring you many benefits and no harm. We've all been dreaming of bathing in that pool for many years but have never gotten the chance. You should feel honored!" Tessa persuaded Austin earnestly. Although there was envy in her heart, she liked Austin and genuinely hoped that he would grab this rare opportunity.
Tessa's words were enough for Austin to make his decision. There was no point losing this precious chance of upgrading his cultivation level since in this world, it was his strength that defined whether he survived or not. "Okay then, | will escort you back to your sect in exchange for being allowed to bathe in the Vital Energy Cleansing Pool," he told Sissi.
Austin was not one to skirt around things once his heart was settled. The Vital Energy Cleansing Pool had truly grabbed his interest, so he had to try it out.