248 Fandom Of The Cultivation Rockstars

Within hours the revelation of Shinoda's death continuously sent shockwaves throughout the sect. However, due to this sudden change at the top of the current standings, it provided an opportunity for the current bottom seven. With there being three new available spots it stimulated a frantic rush for positions.

Blop!

A disciple fell to his knees as blood dripped from his chest, he was the previous year's #17th ranked Raul. From what could be seen of the wounds inflicted, the weapon used was evidently a large sword.

"Ok, you win. I relinquish my marker." He dejectedly spoke as his marker points had found its new owner. Yet by the look on the victor's face, it seemed her mind was elsewhere. It was Niesha, her opponent was correct as images continuously played in her mind of what unfolded earlier.

She has seen Taf kill before in Starlight City when he faced the seemingly all-powerful lord at the time. Despite this, much did not change in her mind as he seemingly kept that playful personality with a bit of seriousness. While the fellow she saw previously kill Shinoda, was so cold and distant. Honestly, Niesha could not believe it was the same person that taunted her moments prior to the act.

His words now resounded louder in her mind. Without a doubt, she and her fellow disciples were quite limited. All along she desired to win this tournament in order to truly shine, but now her eyes were fully opened. 

'I want to be stronger but will I do whatever it takes?" She questioned herself over and over again.

While lingering in her thought a red flair exploded in the air. It was not only Niesha who saw the explosion but everyone remaining inside the forest. This was the signal that only ten prevailed inside and the preliminaries were now concluded.

As all stared at the above flair, in their minds, it was symbolic of something far removed from a simple end to events. There was now an overwhelming drive to becoming stronger and surpassing what they previously thought was the limits to their potentials. Whether it be Jason, Barthelemu, Niesha, and even Rita, in their eyes their present self was not satisfactory.

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When they all arrived outside of the forest there was a sea of disciples. As soon as the last person exited there were only exasperated sighs of disappointment. While those before the masses shook their head dejectedly, others still sought to get a look.

Alas, no, the two were not amongst the new arrivals. Even Jason was seemingly another face in the crowd as they glanced passed him. Yet Jason understood it all, it was indeed warranted as compared to those two, he was well outside his element.

They both had their own fanbase spanning tens of thousands screaming their names. Some disciples had hurried written quotes from Sir Mouse on the back of their shirts, blouses and dresses. This was reminiscent of Taf's own actions with Sir Mouse written on his back in bold lettering. There were quotes such as:

"Defier of all things - Sir Mouse"

"Why so weak?- Sir Mouse"

"Call me Sir Mouse."

"Hopefully Sir Mouse's Second Wife."

"My name is Tafari, but only my friends call me Taf- Sir Mouse."

These were but a few snippets as hundreds more could be seen.

As for May, there were not many spoken quotes, so most were based on her personal traits. Her foes only knew her for wearing a cold gaze reminiscent of her ice and water techniques, as she wasn't outspoken as Taf before battles. Yet her fandom was no less in numbers to Taf. Many cliques of females wore tops with phrases such as:

"Ice Queen - Silver-Haired May."

"One woman team - Silver-Haired May."

"What is a King without his queen?[1] - Silver -Haired May."

It seems the two had become the personal goals of all disciples within the sect. Even those who lost money were laughing. After all, now they had stories they could proudly tell anyone who cared to listen. Thus in comparison to a lifetime of tales, the loss of a few thousand stones was minuscule on the grander scale.

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From one of the numerous restaurants with a view, the rest of Squad Malgrey looked on at the masses gathered in the distance. Overnight they too had become huge celebrities, this was all due to their association with the power couple.

After news broke of Shinoda's death, they had to hurriedly depart having now become the main focus of everyone. It was as if they were the go-to source for all information May and Taf related. It didn't matter how minuscule or private a topic might be there was someone who asked a question surrounded it. How could they answer personal questions which no one but Taf and May could answer?

"Would Sir Mouse be open to other female relations?" One of Taf's fanatics previously boldly asked of Ava.

What the hell kind of question was that to ask someone? What made Ava truly infuriated was that the girl who asked was seemingly insinuating she had some improper relations with Taf. Ava then had to be dragged from the scene after nearly beating the girl to a pulp.

"I never knew the sect was full of so many weirdos until today."

Ava spoke as she drank some liquor which was previously ordered. To her side, Selena seemingly was having a ball as she continuously regaled the tale to Ava's dissatisfaction. Even Malnor took the time to tease her.

While having their fun an innocent-looking waitress came over with the bill. There was evident excitement as she saw the group, these patrons were related to Sir Mouse and Lady May after all. A bit flustered she uttered,

"Good day customers, It is my pleasure to advise that your meals and liquor are all on the house. All that my bosses require is the signature of Sir Mouse. Please eat and drink to your heart's content."

With her statement, three more waitresses came with a huge platter. Seeing this, eyes opened up in glee, this was a rare occasion as only a few elites have ever been bestowed such privileges.

"Has anyone gotten ahold of either Taf or May?" Selena inquired. They didn't even witness the two exiting the forest after their disqualification.

"I previously called Taf but the mere mention of food seemingly caused him to make puking sounds. I don't know how it happened but it appears he and May are violently ill after a meal. They might be out of commission for a while."

As Malgrey spoke some members who began gleefully eating had a sudden loss of appetite.

"I wonder when the tribunal will convene? The two are facing some serious charges and expulsion is a possibility."

Malnor changed the topic somewhat which caused them to pause for a bit. These past months have been a rollercoaster with the two around. If not for them, everyone at the table would be dead without a doubt.

Not only that, they brought a certain spark, not being as aloof as persons outside of the group might think. If anything they were the most grounded of all the members.

"Expulsion? Pssh, my brother would only laugh at their attempts. You'll see him in action. He and May are too valuable for the sect to dare let go."

Maybe he was in denial but Lovren firmly backed Taf to come out of the tribunal victorious. Though he might not want to admit it and claims to be Taf's number one rival. In some ways, he was Taf's number one fan.

Cameron then joined the fray saying, "Well truthfully they could possibly have a case lined out. It isn't beyond Taf's limits and I firmly believe if he desires to win they will surely get a fight. Plus don't forget that May is quite cunning as well."

Haha!

"Well from what I know of the fellow, it would definitely be a show if he contests the charges brought against them." Responded Malgrey as he gulped down a pint of cold liquor.

As they spoke Lovren looked up in excitement as he saw Sheila had entered the restaurant. This was another reason he couldn't stay mad at Taf, if it were not for him, Sheila would never be his.

He hurriedly excused himself as the table teased him incessantly. Lovren then excited greeted,

"Hi beautiful, I've missed you." Normally this would garner a smile from Sheila but Lovren noticed she acted awkwardly after the statement.

"What's wrong? Are you ill?" He questioned with a bit of concern. Sheila sighed as she motioned with her hand for Lovren to take a seat at an empty table. Realizing this must be serious, he then ventured with her to the back of the restaurant where they could talk. This became a bit concerning for him. Normally Sheila was so talkative but for some reason, she became a bit distant.

Sheila then asked a question which caused Lovren to become lost for words as it was from nowhere,

"When the sun sets leaving the last bit of radiance hidden in the clouds, what inspirational thoughts does it bring, Lovren?"

Unedited Version

To be continued....

[1] I literally just remember quotes of statuses etc.