Ash simply gave Ray a deadpan stare.
Bryan chuckled and said, "What he's trying to imply is that he wants to go to cafeteria. I'm curious as to what kind of cuisine they have."
"Okay okay, let's go. I know where it is thanks to that resourceful sect map in the library." Ray agreed.
Just like that, they set off to the cafeteria.
It was the same old situation on the outside where no one would interact with them due to either fear or gossip. The three couldn't find Mira on the way but it is what it is.
The cafeteria neighboured the library and was five times the size of the library, which made sense to accommodate the sheer number of disciples.
The three created quite a scene when they arrived at the cafeteria. Just their purple robes were enough to cause a commotion and coupled that with their unique looks, it create quite a stir.
"It's like we're being treated like some kind of celebrities." Ash whispered.
"Doesn't it feel amazing though?" Bryan smiled, enjoying the attention.
Ray didn't say anything and they sat on an empty table. There was a menu on the table with instructions and food items. It turns out that you can simply press the menu item on the menu and the food will automatically be delivered to the designated table.
"Once again, I'm in wonder." Ray said.
"Yeah, I can't lie. That's pretty cool." Bryan nodded.
"Five Wonders of Meat? Count me in!" Ash selected his food item.
There were some free items and some paid items. Of course, the three got the free ones.
"We really need to get different clothes. Sticking with this purple robe is causing quite a headache." Ash grumbled.
"He has a point. It's normal to be recognized in the sect which I'm fine with but once we go outside the sect, who's to say it wouldn't be our downfall?" Ray spoke up.
"But what excuse should we give to leave the sect?" Bryan asked.
"I have three words for you, The Mission Hall." Ray smiled.
"Oh."
"Yeah, we can accept a mission that requires us to go outside and voila!" Ray took a sip of water.
Suddenly, a small commotion broke out near them.
"LOOK, IT'S THE ETHEREAL FAIRY!"
"SHE'S ACTUALLY HERE…"
"Is today my lucky day?!"
The other disciples in the cafeteria lost their shit and stared dazedly at the elegant young woman who had just entered the cafeteria.
The three were kind of curious and saw the young woman. It was the same young woman who was previously seen with her brother, Dion, at the mountain peak.
With a small smile and pure look, she walked towards a certain direction.
"Um…why does she look like she's walking towards us?" Ash confusingly said.
"Dumbass, she's wearing the purple robe. So, I'm guessing she's here for us?" Bryan assumed.
Ray didn't say anything and watched on with an interesting look on his face.
The young woman reached before them and introduced herself, "My name is Fiona Jadefire, one of the Prime Disciples like you three. May we have a pleasant conversation?"
Upon looking closer, they felt that she naturally exuded an aura that seemed to captivate others. Of course, it didn't work for them considering they had divine physiques and bloodline. If that didn't work, the system would pop up.
"Sure, please take a seat." Ray nodded.
"Thank you." Fiona lightly said before she took a seat.
'Purple hair, red hair and blue hair? What a spectacle.'
Fiona was also slightly amazed considering the fact that the three of them haven't fallen into temptation after seeing her for the first time. Nonetheless, she always believed strong willed people will always achieve something great.
It was silent for several seconds before Bryan spoke first, "So, what brings you here, Fiona?"
Fiona simply smiled and said, "I was curious to see my new fellow disciples."
"I see."
"I remember seeing you three before. It was at the main ground when the Ancient Elder arrived. You three were there with him."
"Not exactly hard to miss, is it?" Ray chuckled.
Fiona nodded and said, "You're right. I'm curious to what makes you three special that the Ancient Elder personally brought you three to the sect."
"Why don't you ask the Ancient Elder?" Bryan proposed.
"That would be improper of me." Fiona shook her head.
"So, how old are you, Fiona?" Ash abruptly asked.
Fiona was slightly stunned as she didn't expect that type of question. None of the disciples or her fellow Prime Disciples ever asked her those type of questions. Only her brother didn't care and asked similar type of questions.
She smiled and answered, "I'm 18 years old."
"Oh, then you're older than us." Ash nodded, keeping note of it.
Fiona had a twinkle in her eyes and sweetly said, "So, does that mean you're my junior brothers?"
Ray smiled wryly, "I guess so."
"How very interesting!" Fiona said with a finger on her chin. Bryan simply groaned.
Fiona tried probing their cultivation bases with her natural sense but was somehow blocked out of their bodies.
'There's no point in using such a roundabout method. They seem respectable for now, so I'll refrain from doing so or more like I can't.' Fiona thought for a split second.
Meanwhile Ray frowned and was contemplating something, 'Jadefiire? Jadefire? Where have I heard that before?'
Bryan spoke, "I know there's a ranking for the Outer Disciples and the Inner Disciples. So, is there one for us?"
Fiona lightly nodded and pointed to her three golden stars on the left side of her chest, "The golden stars represent my standings in the ranking. I am currently the third strongest."
Bryan was surprised and nodded, "Amazing."
Ash gave a thumbs up to her. The food they had ordered had finally arrived. The food floated towards them from the depths of the cafeteria and gently landed on the table in front of the three.
Inhaling the aromatic scent from his meal, Ash salivated and took a bite of his Five Wonders of Meat.
*Mmmm*
"That is so freaking delicious." It was safe to say, Ash loved his meal.
Fiona chuckled at his reaction. She had never seen anyone be that dramatic over food.
"I GOT IT!"
The sudden shout interrupted them and Ash looked up at Ray in confusion.
Ray smiled and looked at Fiona, "I was wondering where have I heard the name Jadefire before. It turns out they're one of the seven major clans in the continent. And from my power of deduction, you must be a part of the Jadefire clan."
Fiona was a bit taken aback and nodded, "You're right, I'm part of the Jadefire clan."
"Don't worry, he loves to deduce stuff, even if it invades someone's privacy." Bryan revealed something about Ray.
"Wow, man. I see how it is." Ray closed his eyes in protest.
"Hahahaha!" Bryan and Ash laughed at him. Fiona chuckled at their antics.
Fiona hadn't realized it but she was being comfortable with the three. Normally, she likes to be reserved amongst people she didn't know and depending on their character, she'll lessen her reservation to some degree.
Regardless, she always keeps her guard up but now, she didn't care. It was a unique experience to her seeing their unusual interaction and behaviour.
"If you don't mind me asking, how strong are you?" Bryan asked Fiona.
"Why do you ask?" Fiona raised her eyebrow.
"I want to know the level of one of the top Prime Disciple." Bryan said.
Fiona nodded and replied, "Alright, there's no harm in saying if it motivates you. I'm currently in the Nucleus Realm."
Bryan was inwardly shocked. He didn't expect her to be that strong and she was only third amongst the other Prime Disciples. Bryan shook his head and let out a dry chuckle.
Ray narrowed his eyes and muttered, "It looks like we have a lot to catch up."
"Alright, my junior brothers. It's time I take my leave."
They bade her goodbye and she literally flew away from the cafeteria, leaving a trail of glitters.
"Okay, I wasn't expecting her to be so strong." Ash said.
"What was the old man thinking of assigning us to be Prime Disciples?" Bryan didn't understand.
Ray didn't bother much with it and said, "Let's go to the Mission Hall after we're done with our food."
The other two nodded and dived down on their food.
-After some time-
The three finished eating and soon reached the Mission Hall. They entered the hall and saw an elder sitting behind a counter. On both of his sides, there were numerous mission requests of different difficulties.
They reached before the mission board and searched for a suitable mission.
"Wash clothes for a day?"
"Help in construction?"
"Walk pets?"
"What the fuck are these missions?" Ray didn't expect it.
"I found a suitable one." Ash drew their attention.
"Protect the Forsha Village for an entire day from invading beasts. We have to be there as soon as possible and we get 6 Earth Grade Natural Gems." Ash briefed.
Bryan nodded, "Sounds good!"
Ash picked the mission request and handed the request to the elder behind the counter.
The elder picked it up and looked at the three closely.
"About time you three came." The elder spoke up.
The three were surprised to know the elder knew them. Ray asked, "You know us, elder?"
The elder chuckled, "Which elder wouldn't know considering your statuses? Not to mention the reminders we get from the Supreme Elders."
The elder checked the mission and nodded, "Suitable mission."
He stamped it and gave it back to them, "Good luck."
"Thank you." Ray and the other two thanked the elder and they set off.
"Finally!" Ash rubbed his hand in excitement.
"It's our first bit of adventure." Bryan smiled
They reached the sect's entrance and left the sect, leaving a trail of wondrous and astonished gazes.
"Just down the road, there's a fancy looking city. Let's go and get directions to the village." Ray pointed at a not-far-away city.
The city in question was a famous city throughout the Iwernia Continent. The Celana City is under direct supervision of the Celestial Nirvana Sect. All kinds of trades and business barring the immoral ones circulate the city. The entire structure of the city stood true to its name and status.
The guards that stood at the entrance of the city saw the three youths and identified the badge embroidered on their purple robes. They instantly bowed in respect and welcomed them.
The three expected this and walked in, attracting the attention of some of the bystanders and the shopkeepers as if they found a treasure trove.
"Damn, this city is sure bustling." Ash said.
The entire street was filled with numerous people, street peddlers and shopkeepers, filled with loud voices exuberating the lifestyle of the city.
They found a clothes shop and entered it.
*Ring*
The employee saw them and approached them with a smile.
"How may I help you, Sirs?"
"We would like three pairs of normal clothes that suit us." Bryan said.
Not before long, they came out of the clothes shop and gone were the purple robes. They wore normal outfits which helped them to blend in with the crowd.
"Now, this feels amazing." Ash smiled.
Ray nodded and said, "The golden token that the Ancient Elder gave us helped a lot."
"I have to thank the old man later on." Bryan didn't expect the golden token allowed them to buy the clothes for free of charge.
"Alright, let's go and ask for directions to Forsha Village."
-In the main hall of the Celestial Nirvana Sect-
The Sect Leader was sitting and scouring through some documents.
*Whoosh*
A person appeared out of thin air, completely covered in a black outfit apart from his eyes.
The Sect Leader lifted his head, "Any news?"
"They entered the mission hall and left the sect shortly after." The person in the black outfit responded.
The Sect Leader nodded and instructed, "You know what to do."
"Affirmative!"
Heya,
Feel free to leave any comments or criticisms, I'd appreciate it.
If you like the story, make sure to add it to your collection and vote some power stones.
Also, a review would be awesome!
;)
Thank you for reading!