Chapter 95: Scouting Talents

The annual martial arts competition was a three-day event. This was to ensure that all participants would have the time to rest after their battles.

On the first day of the competition, only sixteen participants were qualified to compete in the next round.

Paul Gabriel ended up winning his second fight and entered the top sixteen. His uncle was so proud that his stoic face broke into a smile.

***

After the top sixteen were announced, the first day of the competition finally ended.

"Fredrinn, why don't you come with us? Your father and I will chat about how to properly manage the city from here on out."

Fredrinn smiled apologetically as he replied. "I really want to, but I already promised my friends that I would come with them for a drink." While saying this, he made eye contact with Lucas.

As if understanding his intentions, Lucas placed his arm over Fredrinn's shoulder. "You've already chatted with him all day, father. We already planned to have fun tonight so you can't take him with you."

Ludwig was someone who had seen the world so how could he not notice the sneaky glances exchanged by the two? He pretended not to notice this and smiled regretfully. "Is that so? What a shame. Then let's chat another day. You guys have some fun." He winked at his daughter as if hinting her about something.

Samantha raised an eyebrow and snorted in response.

"Haha!" Ludwig laughed as he shook his head. He then bid them farewell and left with Roland.

Fredrinn could finally take a breather after they were gone.

"Come on, Fredrinn! You are coming with us for a drink." Lucas grinned at him.

"Alright, but I will bring them with me. You guys don't mind, right?" Fredrinn pointed at the three ladies behind him. Sean still had to train with Cain so he didn't plan on bringing him with them. His talent was yet to be developed so he needed more time for training.

Sean secretly heaved a sigh of relief. He was only a servant recently so he was still afraid to speak casually with those of higher status.

"Not at all."

"Why don't you come with us, Miss Aubrey?" Samantha stared at Aubrey. She wanted to confirm something and this was the perfect opportunity to make her confess.

Aubrey hesitated after hearing this. Her father strictly warned her not to go out at night.

"If you're worried about your safety, I think there's no need for concern. Fredrinn is a 4th layer Nascent Soul martial practitioner and Red Sun City is our turf. No one would be foolish enough to attack us…" Samantha prodded her.

"You're right. Will you ensure our safety, Sir Fredrinn?" Aubrey asked while smiling at Fredrinn.

Fredrinn's eyes flashed. Aubrey Silversword was a future powerhouse who would one day become famous in the entire Great Vemune Continent. Getting close to her would make his future life easier. Thinking about this, he smiled. "I will ensure your safety, Miss Aubrey."

Later that evening, the group went to the Cloud Lake Pavilion. They shared the stories of their lives while drinking to their heart's content. Unknowingly, their friendship deepened despite the differences in their status.

No accidents happened that night and they all safely returned to the estate after their drinking session.

On the second day of the martial arts competition, more important guests arrived. The most notable among them was the Palace Lord of the Serene Jade Palace who came from Azure Wind City. He was a top expert whose cultivation was on par with the city lord!

The presence of these powerful martial practitioners made everyone realize that the Firecrown Household was slowly becoming stronger.

On this day, half of the sixteen participants were eliminated and only the remaining eight were qualified to proceed to the final round of the competition.

Unsurprisingly, Paul Gabriel managed to clinch a spot in the top eight after defeating a participant with similar cultivation.

[Invite the top eight participants to join the training camp for the selection of the new members of the guards unit! Rewards: 2000 Fate Points, and Servant Selection Card x1!]

Fredrinn narrowed his eyes when he saw the unfamiliar item among the rewards. He had some idea when he saw the name, but he couldn't be sure until he got it. Sёarᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

He excused himself and went down the spectator's seats to look for the remaining eight participants.

It didn't take him long to find them since they were gathered in the resting area prepared for them.

His arrival shocked the young participants.

"Greetings, Lord Fredrinn!" The young boys and girls greeted him enthusiastically.

Fredrinn smiled at them. "There's no need to be formal. We are all family."

The kids were still a bit nervous even after he said those words. In their young minds, he was already a figure who was on par with the patriarch and the city lord!

"My lord, is there anything you need from us?" Elaiza asked. Among the bunch, she was the only one who dared to speak with him.

Fredrinn patted her head gently. "You guys are the best young talents of the Firecrown Household. In the future, you will become the elites who would shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting the family… I'd like to invite you to join the training camp where the next members of my guards will be selected. If you follow me, I guarantee that the Core Formation realm won't be your limit!"

Elaiza and the others were excited.

"My lord, I only have a mid-grade spirit root. Is there really a chance for me to advance beyond the Core Formation realm?" One of them asked. It was the oldest in the group, a tall young boy with an average-looking face.

At the age of fifteen, he was already at the 10th layer of the Body Refining realm. His cultivation might be higher compared to the normal disciples, but he had the most ordinary talent among the top eight. This was his greatest worry.

Fredrinn could already imagine the amount of hardwork he went through to achieve his cultivation. 'This kid must have worked even harder than Paul…'

"What's your name?" He asked.

"Joseph…"

"Joseph, is it? I will help you surpass the Core Formation realm…"