To the old man’s side, he saw the Second High-Priest. The man’s expression kept twitching constantly as he tried to keep his calm. However, his slanted brows betrayed his efforts.

Looking into his eyes, Samuel felt a chill run down his spine. At the same time, a sense of euphoria coursed through his veins, filling him with an excitement he felt he could get addicted to. However, he shook his head.

‘Too bad that High-Priest stopped it. What a shame.’ Shaking his head, Samuel looked forward, full of anticipation.

Clearing his throat, he bowed to the high-priest before saying, “High-Priest, I have a little request. Can you please agree to it before continuing?”

The Old High-Priest waved his hand, gesturing to Samuel to continue.

Looking the picture of virtue, Samuel said, “Sir, I humbly request that you please see that heretic out. Him sitting here is blasphemy to the whole council. On top of that, if he interrupts us again or causes trouble, it’ll cost us our precious time. As you know, every second is an opportunity for us to get stronger and survive longer in a battle. But due to—”

“Enough.” A seemingly emotionless voice rang out throughout the hall. “Bo Chalin, see yourself out. The council will call you back when it’s the turn to deal with you.”

‘Okay, maybe I pushed him a bit too much. Trying anything more might be dangerous.’ Samuel sighed. ‘Still, his face looks like he ate some dung and is now trying to make a straight face to hide his embarrassment. He just needs a little nudge.’

Shaking his head, he continued, “Okay, coming back to the question asked by that respected elder, as I stated earlier, my name is Augustus. I am the son of your monastery’s benefactors, Lord William and Lady Aria from Emriticia. As for him, he is my friend. We both came here to learn and train in Ki Arts.”

The old elder from before stood up once more before asking, “Little friend, did your father tell you about the rules of the monastery towards outsiders?”

Samuel shrugged before replying, “Not a lot. Dad said that it differs based on who takes you under their wing. As for the things that stay the same, we're not allowed to learn any of your ancient techniques. Moreover, we won’t be given any special treatment and would have to act as any other person studying here, minus the hair loss *cough* I mean, besides the formal ceremony to become a disciple.”

The elder nodded. “You’re correct.”

Furrowing his brows, Samuel asked, “Is a ‘but’, ‘however’, ‘despite that’ or something like that coming up next?”

The elder smiled wryly. “You’re indeed correct. Despite all that you mentioned, due to the recent distress in the three continents, the High-Priests and council of elders collectively decided to temporarily make it so that you both would have to live separately, and on the outskirts of the monastery. In fact, they decided it just before you two came in here. I hope you both don’t have any objections. Are there?”

Timidly, Zack asked, “So, would that mean we won’t be able to see each other again?”

The elder gave a self-deprecating smile before nodding. “That is indeed true, young friend.”

Lowering his head in dejection, Zack pressed on, “Even during the lectures?”

The elder nodded. “You both will have different teachers. So yes. That is the case.”

Samuel sighed before turning to look at Zhu, whose expression was full of helplessness.

Before he could say anything, Zack beat him to it. “You said it was temporary. So, when will this thing end?”

Samuel’s eyes brightened as he nodded inside.

Rubbing his beard, the elder replied, “That’s until the elders deem you both to be harmless. So they decided on a watch period. As for how long it is, I can’t disclose that. Forgive me for that, young one.”

“It’s okay.” Zack replied.

The elder sighed before sitting back down.

“You both, leave.” The Second High-Priest spoke, his voice still icy, yet seemingly carrying a trace of victory. “Next up, matter of elder Bo.”

Hearing the finish, Zhu got up before escorting the two kids back.

After over halfway there, he patted Samuel’s shoulder. “Good work, brat! You didn’t do bad. The expression that idiot made when you accused him was precious. That Bo won’t be showing his face anytime soon.”

Furrowing his brows, Samuel questioned back, “What about you? Why were you sitting there like a mute?”

Zhu’s expression fell. He replied, “That bastard Jiewei has over half the people in the council in his favour. If I were to say something, I would be making a fool of myself.”

“But, you’re a High-Priest, right?” Samuel pressed on.

Sighing, Zhu replied, “That’s only because I hold the title of a Sage. I don’t have enough power to command these people, and nor would I ever want to. That would be against the teachings of my master. And the fact that my successor isn’t someone born within the monastery also doesn’t help.”

Giving Zhu a look full of disdain, Samuel blurted, “So, you’re a pathetic weakling who is too afraid to mutter a word. No wonder you don’t have a wife.”

Raising a finger in his defence, Zhu opened his mouth. He wanted to say something, but in the end, his finger lowered and he didn’t pursue the topic.

Seeing the helpless man, Samuel sighed. To change the topic, he asked, “So now, it seems you’ll be my teacher. And what about him?” He pointed his thumb toward Zack, who was walking at the back silently.

Smiling, Zhu said, “It’s the opposite. I’ll be his teacher. As for you, Uncle-Master said he’ll be teaching you. Otherwise, it’d be too much of a pain to watch out for that bastard’s ploys.”

Taken aback, Samuel asked, “What?”

Nodding, Zhu replied, “Yeah, you heard that right.”

Stretching, Samuel said, “So it turns out that I’m as weak as dad said. I don’t really have any power to influence any decisions. Weak in terms of personal power and backing.”

Near the end, he looked at Zhu, who turned away.

Reaching the tower at the centre, he turned to Samuel and said, “You stay here and wait for Uncle-Master. As for you, Zack, come with me.”

Zack nodded.

Zhu turned to leave but stopped. He muttered, “It’s not that your backing is weak. It’s just that a big fish eats the small fish while the small fish eats the shrimp. And as per our agreement, you were to be the shrimp.”

Finishing his words, he turned and left, leaving Samuel no room for any words.

When the teacher-student pair were alone, Zack asked, “Teacher, where will I be living and what will today’s lesson be?”

“The same place as yesterday. As for today’s lesson, the same as yesterday.” Smiling, Zhu looked at his fist with a pleased smile.

Looking at the man, Zack’s hair stood on end while his heart sank and shoulders drooped.