"Tournament? Could you tell me something more about it? Like, when it will exactly happen in the first place? While my cultivation surged, I don't think I will be able to face off against people who prepared themselves for it if I won't have enough time to train myself!"

While this might be a good occasion for me to earn some brownie points within the sect, I don't want to join if all that would happen would be me losing face! I might feel strong, but even the binding technique that Stella used, forced me to actually use the momentum of breaking through to free myself! If I were to face against expert capable of actions of such calibre, no matter how strong I am, I would lose just because of my lack of techniques and moves!

"Don't worry, there are still over twenty days before it will begin. And don't worry, with your innate talent and my personal tutoring, you will be able to stand your grounds against those people with ease."

While this sounds reassuring, I'm still worried quite a bit. If this is going to be such a walk in the park for me, why won't she disclose some more details to me? If there is nothing to hide, why be so secretive?

"Right now all I can promise you is that I will do my best to snatch the token out of his hands. I'm going to fertilise the ground with his face anyway, so why not force him into some wager while at it? But don't expect me to agree to take part in this tournament right away. I need to test my strength and see how fast I can improve in the first place. Is that okay with you?"

While I might be a little hesitant to give my consent on the spot, I can't outright refuse. If not for losing any potential rewards for taking place in it, outright declining my master request would be plain rude!

"Oh, don't let it bother yourself! I know that I'm imposing myself on you right now. When you are ready, just let me know!"

Since everything is settled already, I jumped off the bed, turned around to face the master and bowed lightly.

"If that's all, then I would like to excuse myself. As you said, there is someone waiting for me!"

"Off you go! Don't make her wait any longer! I stalled you for longer than I should anyway!"

Seeing me eager to leave, she didn't impose on me any longer. Just before I managed to turn around she grabbed my arm and prevent me from leaving.

"Wait for a little moment. I guess the officials didn't manage to provide you with your identification token. Since your cultivation reached soul hazard already and with your exceptional potential, I believe no one will argue if I give you core sect status already!"

As soon as I stopped, Stella said her bit and burst out of the room. In the short time that she was missing, I could hear silent noises of rummaging coming from outside the doors. A few moments later, she came running back with droplets of sweat crawling through her forehead.

That's funny, when we were at it, there was no sign of her getting tired, but running for a short while forced perspiration on her head!

"While I was looking for empty tokens, I found two in the same place. With you on her side, I believe that Eve will improve almost instantly. Here are two tokens of the core disciples. Give one to her when you deem it fit. I promise she won't be able to express how thankful she is! Consider her actions later as my remuneration for pulling her out of her embrace earlier!"

Ugh… So she knew that she blue-balled me by summoning me here… I wonder if the course of our meeting was dictated by this knowledge as well…

"Thank you for your generous gift! I will make sure to make full use of its capabilities!"

Bowing my head slightly again, I officially thanked her. No matter what our relationship is right now when presented with such an honour, I can't just say thanks and leave!

"Don't worry about it. Now leave already! I need to clean myself after you made a mess from my body!"

While this sentence should be accompanied by an angry expression, Stella's smile almost turned it into an invitation for another round! But I can't focus my entire attention on her. While the master's body is mature yet tender - making it insane experience to touch and experience it all over, I honestly can't wait to go back to Eve already.

You might scorn me for this, but despite lacking aspects of my earthy upbringing, I'm a traditionalist! Yes, when stimulated to a certain point, I won't be able to hold my urges. I'm just a damn teenager! But in the end, no matter how pleasant this experience with Stella was, it was just purely physical pleasure. It can't compare to the union of hearts and feelings that I hope to experience with my lovely Eve!

Maybe I just watched too many romances back on earth? Maybe observing those rare moments when my parents showed affection for each other affected my way of thinking? I don't know, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm rather a vanilla type of guy!

As I left the doors, I was worried for a second that I won't be able to find my way back to the courtyard, but the moment that I crossed the room threshold, a strange light appeared before my eyes.

"Follow the light, it will bring you to the exit!"

I hear a shout from the room. Well, this is quite helpful! This mansion is like a labyrinth for me. It will take a few more "lessons" with Stella to actually remember the paths through it!

Following the light swiftly brought me outside. Contrary to my expectations, this strange thing didn't vanish as soon as I entered the courtyard but followed the road instead! Since we were in the open, the speed at which it travelled was a lot faster too!

Hastening my steps, I ignored curious looks of the onlookers and followed my small guide all the way to the border of the core sect area. Just when I thought that I won't have any problems leaving it, I hear a powerful voice behind my back.

"Who are you! Don't you know the rules? If you are leaving your designated area, you need to show your pass first!"