Not knowing how to respond, Sigurd hung his head in silence. “You and your master are just the same. Both of you are always easily distracted by women. Your master loves women and so do you. Because of them, you always end up not cultivating. At the rate this is going, Ghaylen will outdo all of you!” Ebenez reprimanded Sigurd when the latter didn’t answer.
“You’re right, Mr. Erdell. I will work hard from now on,” Sigurd replied at once. “Mmm-hmm. Go back now and remember to be punctual tomorrow. However, regardless of whether he passes or not, this is the only chance he has,” Ebenez continued.
“I understand.” Sigurd nodded before turning to leave. Upon his return, Sigurd informed Jared, “Mr. Chance, I have spoken to Mr. Erdell, and he has agreed to allow you to participate in the evaluation tomorrow. I’ll take you to the evaluation site right now to check it out.”
Jared nodded. It was his intention to tour Emerald Cauldron Sect and to find out if there was anything special about it.
He subsequently rose to his feet and followed Sigurd out. With the latter by his side, no one stopped them no matter where they went.
It went without saying that Sigurd’s position as the eldest disciple came with many privileges in Emerald Cauldron Sect. Soon, both of them arrived at a secluded spot.
“Mr. Chance, the evaluation site is right in front of us. This is a basic evaluation which I’m sure you’ll have no difficulty passing with your skills.”
Sigurd pointed to an area that was encapsulated by an arcane array. Jared figured that Sigurd was right. If the entrance evaluation for the inner court was too difficult for him to handle, no one else would probably be capable of passing the test.
“Is there a time limit to the evaluation?” Jared inquired. “Yes, you cannot exceed ten hours. You’re considered to have failed if you don’t emerge within that duration. You can also give up halfway, as the evaluation is a perilous one after all. If your life is in danger, you can smash the evaluation token and someone will come get you out,” Sigurd explained. “Got it. Let’s head back now.”
Jared nodded in acknowledgment before going back with Sigurd. After spending the night at Sigurd’s place, Sigurd led Jared to the evaluation site first thing in the morning.
As Ebenez had yet to arrive, Jared and Sigurd were left with no choice but to wait. However, when there was still no sign of Ebenez two hours later, Jared began to worry.
Sensing Jared’s concern, Sigurd quickly explained, “Mr. Chance, this is typical of Mr. Erdell. He isn’t particularly capable, yet wields tremendous authority within Emerald Cauldron Sect. As he’s in charge of the evaluations, no one dares to offend him. In fact, some even secretly bribe him with gifts. That’s the reason why he usually takes his own sweet time on this.
After listening to what Sigurd had to say, Jared resigned himself to waiting. More than ten minutes later, an old man in a vibrant green robe approached while humming a tune. He had in his left hand a coffee pot and was drinking from the mug in his right. “You’re here, Mr. Erdell.”
Sigurd hurried forward at once. “Mmm-hmm,” Ebenez grunted before scrutinizing Jared. “Is he the candidate for the evaluation?”
“Yes, that’s him,” Sigurd confirmed with a nod. “Since you’re tasked to bring him here, it’s clear that this young man is important to your master,” Ebenez flatly remarked. “Mr. Erdell, he intends to join Mr. Samoll instead of my master as a disciple,” Sigurd quickly clarified.
“Ghaylen?” Ebenez was briefly stunned before asking curiously, “Since he’s planning to join Ghaylen, why are you the one who brought him here? Are you trying to switch masters while your master isn’t around?”
“You must be pulling my leg, Mr. Erdell. Even if he’s looking to become Mr. Samoll’s disciple, it’s my duty as the eldest disciple to help him out,” Sigurd explained with a wry chuckle.
