"Core disciple sister Ling, do you plan to enter the Misty Cloud Manor right away? Or do you intend to stay here for some more time?" Elder Zhu's words are unfailingly polite. She has a new favourite student, and isn't shy in fawning over her...

"In my opinion our inner court cultivators are a little bit more mild and more pleasant by comparison...”

Moments ago, in accordance with Fatty Li Feng's ingenious plan, Fairy Fen Ling revealed her water affinity to an astounded Elder Zhu.

Now the two sect sisters are enjoying a friendly conversation over sweet tea, but really they are scheming for massive benefits between tiny sips. What a fine pair they make...

Naturally, when a shining star is born, it also reflects well on the elder overseeing that particular section of the firmament. Thus, the star-struck Elder Zhu is mentally counting the kudos and resources she is about to accrue... And across the opposite side of the spindly table, so is Fen Ling...

It is such a shame, she can’t help but think, that they hadn't run Brother Feng's plan past Brother Cheng, for more specific ideas of what to ask for... Still, it's pretty much foolproof and will be such a surprise! She can't wait to see the look on his face, she loves surprises the most!

One benefit they hadn't considered before was, their Thundering Tortoise Sect is a lot less likely to be bullied now, especially within the inner court. Her group has become well-known for their recent violent escapades, but retaliation is a lot less likely with her new core disciple status. They wouldn't dare to dream of it... Who were the core disciples? They are the cream that has risen to the top... And, therefore, not to be trifled with...

Every little matter has its own merits and demerits of course. If Fen Ling continues to stay in the inner court, she can see her brothers much more often... On the other hand, immediate ascension is alluring as well...

No matter whether it is the affinity skill techniques, the allocation of resources such as pills, herbs and spirit stones, or the personal attention and amount of pointers received from sect elders.... all of them are at a much higher level within the hallowed halls of Misty Cloud Manor, when compared to the inner court.

Moreover, compared to the inner court, the Misty Cloud Manor is much richer in spiritual qi influence. It is five times that of the outer court, whereas the inner court is only three times that the regular cultivators receive...

However, it is Fen Ling's heart that always ruled her roost. And her heart belongs to her brothers and their lively Thundering Tortoise Sect! Since the dangerous core disciple excursion wasn't for four weeks, Fen Ling decides to stay put.

After all she can bask in the many benefits yet to be bequeathed by Elder Zhu - or Big Sister Zhu, as she now insists on being called - for three more weeks.

"I am unworthy of Big Sister's continual attention and care. Yet I will have to trouble her, to please make the arrangements that I may enter the Misty Cloud Manor in three weeks time..." Fen Ling says, flattening her folded napkin with practised fingers.

“Well said Little Sister Ling," Big Sister Zhu is bending over backwards to accommodate the talented girl in front of her. It is only natural, Fen Ling is the carp leaping through the dragon's gate and her future is immeasurable!

"After twenty days, I will personally come to see you off to the Misty Cloud Manor!”

Good, so far it’s going strictly according to plan... Ooh, she'd just had a great idea of her very own!

Fen Ling almost claps in delight, but restrains herself at the last second. Her mother's constant scolding paying dividends at this moment.

Inside though, she is chuckling to herself at her own deviousness. In a flash of inspiration, Fen Ling has decided to also claim she is about to break through to level six - or maybe even seven? - to get some strong pills for Brother Cheng. It might even be enough to push him into tier five!

Hmm, will that be enough for Elder Zhu to let him into the inner court? She is on a roll...

Possibly... Probably - if she stamped her little madam feet... And definitely if she threatens to cripple her cultivation... Or, better still, run off into the demonic forest during the upcoming core disciple adventure... Whatever it takes, she will do in the short time remaining before entering the core disciple manor...

Brother Cheng will appreciate her tactic too. One doesn't want to appear too weak in Misty Manor, many of their cultivation levels are truly frightening... We're talking tier eight and nine for the most part. She herself is only late tier seven... Even a triple threat like herself is a frog in a well in such esteemed company...

That is settled then... She smiles up at Big Sister Zhu and takes a small sip of tea, suddenly grateful for her mother's many etiquette lessons... On with the show...

"Ahh Big Sister, it's too sad.... The main reason this one will stay here for the time being is to see to her brothers' affairs...

Elder Zhu bites at the bait instantly, she is courting a future ally after all.

"Please don't fret, tell me more..." she says. "Don't be so shy, there should be no secrets between sisters... Could it be that young Brother Feng has come across some trouble?"

"He-he, not at all... Li Feng is the quiet studious sort not troublesome at all... I'm actually concerned about my other Brother from Rusty Creek, Jian Cheng in the outer sect.. Coincidentally, he's on the verge of inner sect eligibility as well..."

Elder Zhu's eyes shone greedily. Fen Ling can almost read her mind. Fatty Li Feng and the little maid Ma are already a pair of hidden tigers and crouching dragons, plucked out of the obscurity of the outer sect, could there be another meat pie on the menu?

"Oh-ho, your town has yet another good seed... So exactly how big is this village of yours?" Elder Zhu shakes her head. "The next time I'm in charge of the recruiting circuit, your Rusty Creek will definitely be our first port of call!"

"The village is very small, and that's part of the problem... Brother Cheng got no guidance whatsoever and was overlooked. Hence, he only began cultivating one year ago..." Fen Ling explained.

"Yet Brother Cheng is already at tier five and has only recently turned 13, the same as Brother Feng... The two are actually inseparable best friends and could even share a single house?" Fen Ling bats her eyelids pitifully at her Big Sister.

"Ah, it is indeed a bit difficult," Elder Zhu grits her teeth, wrestling with some inner demons no doubt. "I suppose if they share a single house, an exception might be made... Leave it with me... If all is as you say in three weeks time, we'll see..."

Fen Ling bows her head in genuine gratitude. It is strictly against the sect rules, Elder Zhu will truly be going out on a limb for her.

"Rest assured, I for one will not forget Big Sister's generosity - none of us four lifelong friends will."

Elder Zhu acknowledges the bow with a nod, it has come at a considerable cost, but those are the exact words of commitment she wants to hear.