Chapter 249: Approaching Vultures

Chapter 249: Approaching Vultures

Surprisingly enough, everything goes smoothly from there. I have everyone grab their stuff and shuffle over to where the ex-Yellow Sashes members have the carriages.

Some of the Yellow Sash members, like Shi and the qi cultivations experts, lead the way, directing people as necessary. All according to my words and actions.

550+ lives are now in my hands. A huge responsibility.

That vast majority of which are seen as wastes. Not worth investing in or even to look at, in the cultivator society.

I hope to change that. Both as a way to improve myself and them.

Ill need to be better, to make sure that they grow in the right way.

My eyes drift over to the more well-ordered groups that have separated themselves from the others.

I am a bit surprised by some of the noble groups that joined. There are certainly more barriers for them to make such a decision to go under someone of my status.

Im not a noble, though it is theorized I may be.

Ive definitely made myself at partial odds with several groups.

And the way I focus on commoners is likely to be grating to some of them.

There are certainly many benefits to being with me, but those are pretty evident at this point. Its just the fact that they could see past it, is the surprise for me.

Outside Shi Jis group, there are several other nobles and groups that have joined.

But before I can mull over their reasonings for joining, my attention is stolen back away by two blurs; one silvery and the other a shiny black, that basically sprinted at me after I finished directing people.

Im basically tackled by both of them, and even with my increased strength, it appears they havent been slacking in their training, as I stumble back a few steps from the force of it.

Ai is the first speak out.

James, you did it! And so soon too

I feel a bit confused by what she means, as we didnt discuss me starting a personal group in our previous talks.

She buries her head into my chest as Lin clarifies.

Gongs been keeping us informed ofof

Sniff

Not this again

Sniff. Sniff.

Sniff.

But, despite my initial horror and to my surprise, they both take a final sniff and then back away.

Wow, you smell fantastic today.

Yeah, I missed this smell.

Ai and Lin say this casually.

Esteemed elder, thank you for gracing us with your presence!

My scan picks up a lazy nod, as if this is normal for him which it is, in this culture. I just still have to get used to bowing my head constantly.

I can practically feel his eyes running over me and I double check that my anti-spiritual sense covering is active and working.

While it primarily meant to combat the spiritual sense of a middle stage foundation establishment cultivator, that is against an actively hostile enemy. Against a higher tier cultivator, it would be like a paper in front of a knife, but its still a barrier.

The act of having a barrier there shows that you will know if they try to break through it. Especially, being a new cultivator, a good deal may assume that there will be little to no defense for their more subtle techniques. The barrier I setup prevents that.

And just as expected, I feel a tiny probe at my defenses. Nothing that could breach, but I can see his eyes widen and I raise my stance just enough to meet his eyes.

The message is clear.

I know what you just tried.

His face turns red with bluster as he sputters something out.

I-I see the rumors are true about Senior Song taking on a capable disciple.

He catches himself and comes up with a widely used excuse.

Its heartening that the youths of today are up to par and passed my little test.

I bow my head down again and speak out in a respectful tone.

Im grateful to have impressed you, Elder.

And I say nothing else. An awkward silence covers the area.

In this situation, normally the thing to add would be, Is there anything we/I can assist you with?

But I seriously feel some bad vibes from this guy. Saying such a thing opens the doors for him to validly take claim to something.

However, remaining with our heads bowed and allowing him to take the lead in the conversation is another form of respect. One that allows us to not offer anything, but requires him to ask. Giving him the knowledge that we dont trust him, but still respect him. Giving him face.

Which are all things that I learned from the book I read in the library that referenced the interactions between nobles, cultivators, and for this society.

Unfortunately for us, he plows ahead.

Well. Id like to welcome you to our sect. Having such a promising individual join is a joyous occasion. And maybe discuss some of the curious things Ive heard in private. Perhaps you could show me some of the

He freezes in mid-sentence, his back straightening like a rod. Sweat piles on his brow.

I feel a bit confused before my scan picks up movement from far away, but moving in fast. A recognizable person who brings an automatic smile to my face.

His lips seem to have suddenly dried, and he stutters something out.

I-Ill wait here, as Ive gotten word that Senior Song is approaching.

Shes been watching this whole time, hasnt she? Waiting for any vultures to swoop in.

Soon enough, the woman in question arrives.

With her black curls flowing behind her and graceful movements, even those who were previously bowed cant help but to stare. Especially, considering that she has reverted back into a youthful beauty beyond understanding changing from an old woman.

But what I personally find curious, is that her blue eyes and tight smile are perked in a cat-like fashion

She definitely has something planned.