Elder Shadow was still not back when I returned to the Sect illusion that had been constructed for us. I tried keeping an eye out for him, even after dinner. I had hoped to discuss with him the information I'd discovered about Growth and Spirit type weapons and get his thoughts. I was certain he would have advice.

I would be gaining a Spirt and Growth weapon, I needed to come to some sort of arrangement on how I would split resources. I was hoping Elder Shadow had some advice. I knew his primary weapon was the Spirit type, but I was sure he was familiar enough with Growth type weapons. What I was hoping for was a clarification. I wanted to understand why he selected one over the other.

I had a vague idea of how I could divide my efforts to level both weapon types, but I wanted verification. I didn't doubt for a moment the information the Davis had provided, the actual mechanics of feeding the weapons had not been explained. I was certain he would go into more detail in the morning, he would be doing a disservice to the weapons if he didn't, and he was too advanced to ignore something that important.

A Cultivator and Blacksmith that mislead or lied to customers would find his reputation ruined quickly, especially when that person had the backing of a Sect. In some cases, the repercussions went far behind a tattered personal reputation and touched upon matters of honor. Reputable craftsmen were willing to guarantee the items they created and would often speak to workmanship by swearing a cultivator's oath.

It simply wasn't worth the effort to try to pass shoddy goods or share false information when your ability to cultivate could be destroyed in the process. The Cultivator who ignored that dire possibility would find themselves worse facing more than disgruntled customers as complaints accumulated, they would be forced to face the Elders of their Sect.

The following morning found each Sect member filled with anticipation. The Elder's frenzied orders, often competing, tempered most of that eagerness. We had no idea what had happened to stir up the Elders, but something had. Elder Shadow was still nowhere to be found leaving me worried and cautious.

My guess was that they had been given information during their excursion yesterday to speculate about the day's events, and why this tournament was different. There had to have been a Dragon Spire Elder willing to share some tidbit of gossip that explained why every Mid-level Sect had been ordered to field their entire class of Outer Sect members. The Empire's edict required even those Sects that had never participated in the past to make a showing.

That in and of itself was enough to warrant curiosity. There were a few Sects that focused entirely on the professions. These people were gifted with Cobalt, Silver, or Tin Spirit roots. Talented enough not to be forced to search a lower-tiered Sect for placement but flawed. Unable to progress much past the Nascent Soul Realm. Martial techniques and training were practiced, but the focus for these cultivators, they were focused on progressing their secondary professions, areas where they might excel.

This strategy made sense; it was what I had planned for myself before Elder Shadow took me under his wing. The logic behind their decisions was based on reality, they knew they would never become the most powerful Cultivator or ascend to the highest realms. Most would progress far enough to be snatched up by other Sects as training master's for the professions. Just as important, they could and did make amazing support personal. The items they produced, the discoveries they made advancing professions to new levels.

Patriarch Amaya's finally showed up, putting an end to the contradictory instructions the Elders were handing out. The speed she organized the flustered Outer Sect members and Elders alike was inspiring. Her orders were always short, concise, clear, and to the point, backed by the aura of authority that some of the other Elders had been attempting to exude. She didn't use her authority as a bludgeon to browbeat those of us gathered; she didn't use her power to get results, she simply directed, and we followed.

"Make sure you have gathered any possessions you've brought," she gave a last-minute warning. "We will not be staying here another night. As soon as the tournament concludes tonight, we will return to Flowing Water."

"Everything can be done in one day?" Someone wondered loud enough that all of us heard him.

"Normally, no," Patriarch Amaya admitted, "but time dilation arrays are going to be used for this event. Time will be compressed so that all brackets and professions can be concluded efficiently."

"Pardon, Honored Patriarch," I said bowing respectfully, "but some of us are competing in both Martial and profession brackets, will this still be possible of will we need to choose one over the other?"

"Allowances have been made," she assured me and any others that might be entering both competitions. "Because time dilation is being used, the professional competitions will take place first. These competitions will begin after the Emperor's address and conclude by lunch in real-time.

"The timing of events may give a small bonus for those of you that are competing in Array or Alchemical divisions. With this arrangement, any of the items that you craft during your competition may be used during the Martial event.

"For those of you concerned about the unfairness, I want to stress that there is only a small chance that the items they will be required to craft will come in useful. But if they do, each item was crafted with your brethren's own talents. They will have earned the right to use those items from their hard work."

That could be really good news for me, depending on what pill we were going to be asked to produce. Elder Tye had explained that we would not be assigned ingredients, instead, there would be a room where one could select and requisition herbs. He thought there might be vendors available who were willing to sell higher-quality ingredients. The sourcing of materials would be part of the test. The ability to select spirit herbs rich in Qi as well as for the medicinal properties required was as important to the process as preparing the herbs for the cauldron.

Elder Tye wasn't able to guess what pill I would be required to create. Each competition differed, as far as complexity and expectations went. He did warn that I may be required to work with tier two ingredients. An apprentice Alchemist should be proficient in tier one pill formation, by now, what the judges were testing were the limits of each alchemist.

There were ways that some disciples attempted to prepare for that eventuality, but they were expensive and time-consuming. Elder Tye had discussed that option, to spend weeks of failure trying to create tier-two pills before I was ready, but we had decided, instead, to drill down on the basics. It was better to perfect the skills I could, relying on that foundation to see me through the competition.

No matter which method a cultivator practiced, or what insight, level of proficiency, or skill that might be gained, each person would be given a rare formula chosen from a vast library. A pill that would require some Dharmic control to succeed in shaping.

Either no one else had any other questions, or no one else was brave enough to voice them. I would never understand why seeking knowledge or asking questions might be considered dangerous. For many, ignorance was equivalent to lack of ability and would go to any lengths not to advertise what they perceived as failings.

The timing of events was even more important. I wouldn't be able to meet up with Yvonne or Davis before the Alchemical competition, but I could use the time I was free during lunch to track them down and collect my gear. The armor could be used today, the weapons would have to wait. I would have little time to familiarize myself with them and using them for the first time during real combat would be idiotic.

The Patriarch evinced no outward sign that she was bothered by the few questions she answered. That might have changed if she was bombarded with questions that were more time-wasting than seeking clarification. I was not one of those that feared my question might reflect on my ability. It was better to gather as much information as possible. The axiom that forewarned is forearmed became cliché because of its very truth.

The Elders gave us one last inspection making sure we were wearing the appropriate uniform, for me that hated dress, and that our Sect symbol was emblazoned correctly. Finally satisfied, they ushered us out of the illusionary array. Tibes the servant that had been provided was waiting patiently as we exited. He had again been conscripted to show us where the assembly with the Emperor was going to take place.