Does a Swan Compare Itself to a Toad?

Elder Jirou paused, face ugly. "You expect me to believe that you defeated one of our Transformation Broken Origination? He must not have wanted to damage that pretty face of yours."

He pointed to the only female among those at the Transformation Stage. "Rip this liar apart for me."

The young girl was horrified, recalling what Itsuki had suffered. They all knew he was the strongest Transformation Broken Origination there, and Momo had toyed with him. She didn't dare go up, choosing to plead with Elder Jirou. "Elder, this Junior is unworthy, and is not a match for Momo. This Junior will put in greater efforts from today on."

Seeing his brother's face twisting even more, Deacon Gorou interceded. "Elder, brother, I can vouch both that Itsuki tried his best and that he is the strongest Transformation Stage present. Momo defeated him decisively, never once seeming to struggle. To ask someone weaker would be too easy a test for her."

Left without his initial option to fall back on, Elder Jirou felt deep humiliation. Looking around him it was evident that everyone agreed with the assessment of his useless little brother. Which meant Momo's ludicrous claim was destroying his face completely.

"Clearly she isn't as simple as I first assumed, and you are right to say that it would be a waste of time. But with Skeleton Foundation Techniques and Cultivation method, adding in decent Potential, she should be capable of fighting gainst Perfect Broken Originations like Sana." Elder Jirou said smugly. He was bound and determined to destroy this ant to preserve his own face. Nobody thought Momo could beat Sana.

Sana herself felt like it wouldn't be possible. Momo did not give her the same pressure Cifer did. She couldn't explain it, but could only say that she didn't feel any bloodlust or desire to battle from Momo.

"Elder, if you truly wish for me to fight her, the manual in question focuses on the use of a mace correct?" Sana asked.

Deacon Gorou seized the chance. "That's right! You can hardly expect her to fight someone like Sana who is an expert in unarmed combat while deprived of her weapon. Especially when Sana is three entire Stages above her."

Elder Jirou was caught. If he said agreed to the ridiculous nature of his insistence he would lose face. If he simply dropped the whole matter he would lose face. However, he never gave the slightest credit to Momo in the first place. "Let her use one of our ordinary weapons that lack an Essence Core than. It would be unfair to insist that this imposter not be allowed to fight in her strongest state. Otherwise she would have an excuse ready when she loses."

Seeing his brother had decided to kill Momo no matter what, Deacon Gorou slipped out. He was hopeful that Grand Elder Ichirou was still in his quarters. Perhaps his eldest brither would intercede and stop Elder Jirou.

Momo felt terrible, going to pick up a mace with the proper heft. Momo knew she could easily beat Sana if she used all she had, but it would make a joke out of a good person. Even if it were a close match it would forever be a mark against her. "What happens if I lose?"

Elder Jirou grinned. "Your lying would be exposed and you would be treated properly for a fool who insults the honor and prestige of my Skull Sect."

Momo flinched. Depending on the severity one could be executed for that kind of crime. Such was the right of the strong. And even if things weren't that severe she would certainly lose the chance to enter the Skull Sect with Cifer.

A gloating smile showed on Elder Jirou's face. "If you are frightened you can always admit to your lies. I can show mercy if you repent."

Momo smiled. "Elder is merciful, but this Junior is confident she can at least fight Sana for a few blows. Only... Elder is aware that Sana is the strongest person in the entire Skull Sect below Bottom Origination? She is not ordinary, even among those three Stages above me. How would it look if others heard someone with her credentials lost to a random test applicant like myself?"

This infuriated Elder Jirou beyond measure, and his face distorted in absolute slaughtering rage. "Sana. Teach her what it takes to be number one at any Cultivation in the Skull Sect."

Previously uninterested and wanting to let Momo off, Sana did not like being written off. Cifer at least gave her a sense of threat and danger, but Momo didn't even register. Even when toying with Itsuki, Momo had seemed casual and careless. Almost as if there was never any chance of him posing a greater threat than Mono permitted.

Facing Sana, Momo didn't dare slack. She subtly activated her Death form. Only the absolute most observant enemies would notice the change, as it only made her Essence denser and purer. It did not make it more ferocious or more enveloping or seem to break through a limit, which made it almost impossible for anyone in Origination to notice the change.

Even Elder Jirou didn't notice any change. Had he been paying close attention, perhaps Elder Jirou might have sensed something. But the Elder had dismissed Momo since before even meeting her. The Disciples, Outer or Inner, had no chance at all.

But Sana's sharp senses, focused utterly on her next opponent, felt something shift in Momo's air. Where before Momo's desire to avoid conflict had felt like it was from someone who knew she would lose, something about Momo after she activated her Death form gave Sana a different feeling. One that gave her a deep chill.

Does a phoenix compare itself to an eagle? Does a hawk compare itself to a sparrow? Or does a swan compare itself to a toad? Why would Momo bother to compare herself to Sana than?

Momo bowed solemnly. "I'm sorry. I have no choice but to win." She apologized sincerely. Momo knew full well that Sana's reputation would probably never recover, but Elder Jirou had made her lack of choice in the matter. Beat Sana, or die.