Playing inventor in a cultivation world-Chapter 24: Entrance Examination (1)

Immediately after dinner that night, Yelena came in to Seraph’s room. The boy was laid on the bed, staring at the ceiling with a lost expression.

As soon as she entered, his head turned to her, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Oh, Big Sis."

He smiled gently, tapping the space beside him. Yelena stretched, then lay beside him on the bed. Together, they stared at the ceiling.

"You’ll be gone for a while, Seraph." She said softly, her voice carrying a soft vulnerability.

Seraph nodded, his smile dimming. "I will be. But I’ll come back. I can’t spend all my years in the sect, no?"

His joke was meant to make her laugh, but she didn’t.

"You could die. And you know that." She said bluntly, her eyes shaking.

Seraph went silent, unable to refute her. Becoming a disciple of a sect didn’t guarantee safety. In fact, it exposed the disciple to more danger.

’I could actually die. But would I? No.’

Seraph was sure he wouldn’t die. It wasn’t blind confidence in his abilities or Halo, but because he always trusted his judgement.

Turning slightly, he gazed at Yelena’s youthful face. "You should have some faith in your younger brother. Do you think I’ll get myself killed? No way."

His answer finally made her smile—even if only slightly.

"Okay. I’ll have faith in you, brother. You better don’t die. Or I’ll revive you, then kill you myself."

The raw honesty with which she said this made him shiver, cold sweat rolling down his spine.

’She... she obviously didn’t mean that, right?’

He doubted it. Deciding to change the topic, he asked.

"What about you? What will you be doing while I’m gone?"

Yelena paused slightly, "I’ll help father with his business, continue cultivating..."

She glanced at him discreetly.

"... and maybe get married."

Seraph blinked and froze.

’Huh?’

His mind blanked out, like someone had electrocuted his brain.

["Seraph? What is wrong with you?"] Halo’s concerned voice rang in his mind, but Seraph barely heard him.

’Married. Yes, Yelena will be old enough to find a partner and marry in a few years. That’s normal.’

Yet... why was his mind utterly repulsed by that thought? Why did it feel so suffocating thinking of another faceless man claiming her.

"I’ll kill..."

His broken whispers startled Yelena. She immediately turned to him, her eyes wide.

"Seraph? What was that?"

The boy turned to her, his face completely emotionless.

"You... Yelena Skye, belongs to no one but me."

His voice sounded mechanical, like a stubborn machine refusing to compromise.

Yelena smiled, finding his act childish and cute. "What? You don’t want me to marry? So I should be a lone spinster for life?"

Seraph blinked, frowning faintly. "No? I’m claiming you."

"Ehhhhh?"

.........

A few days later, Elder Cassius, Seraph, and Ariana left the clan, riding on a beast carriage towards Valcom City. This city was owned and controlled by the Soul Cross Sect, and it was their chosen center for the entrance examination.

Although the distance was a bit much, they’d reach in just a day and half.

Seated in the carriage, Ariana glanced at Seraph. He seemed brighter somehow, his rainbow eyes shining with an expectant glint.

"Are you really that excited to join a sect?" She asked, curious.

Seraph turned to her. "Not really. I’m just reacting like any normal folk would."

Ariana shook her head, then glanced at the necklace hung on his neck. "Who gave you that?"

It looked beautiful and attractive.

"Oh. My sister gave me as a parting gift."

Seraph held the diamond shaped pendant, rubbing it gently with a lost look in his eyes.

["Tch. Lustful beast. Daring to even go after your family member! Scum of the highest order!"]

Seraph shrugged internally. ’It’s a bit annoying having things precious being taken away. And who do you think caused that—Mr Manipulator?’

Halo went silent, then said defiantly. ["It was for the greater good! Ah, that line sounds cool. But yes, it was important. Anyway, that still doesn’t justify your actions. What next, you’ll go after your mother?"]

The boy rolled his eyes, ’What do you take me for? I don’t steal what belongs to others. Especially what belongs to my father.’

["Tch, what a weirdo."] It snickered, then went silent.

Silence reigned in the carriage, with occasional quivering due to the rough road. Elder Cassius turned to them, his gaze deep and profound.

"You’re already an Initial Advanced Stage cultivator, right Seraph?"

The boy nodded, and Elder Cassius turned to Ariana.

"Meanwhile, you’re a Peak Beginner Stage cultivator, right?"

The girl also nodded.

"Good. With your current cultivation level, you’re guaranteed to do well in the entrance exams. However, don’t get complacent and think you can just do as you like. There are lots of other kids there better than you are."

Ariana blinked, sneering. "Hah? Do they have the backing of a clan?"

Immediately, Elder Cassius’s expression turned ugly. His hand moved quickly, knocking her on the head.

"You and your mouth! Don’t get the clan in trouble, you fish. We’re nothing compared to those greater clans out there."

Ariana held her head with a pained expression, tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Seraph gently patted her head.

"Sorry, but he’s right. You shouldn’t brag too much or else it would cause a lot of trouble for your father."

The girl pouted, nodding hesitantly. She shot a quick glare at Elder Cassius, then looked away.

The man sighed, leaning into the chair. "Anyway, you both should take this very seriously. Complete the missions given during the exams, and don’t break any rules. Seraph, I trust you."

["Oh, you shouldn’t trust him, old man. He’s scum."]

Seraph’s lips twitched from the insult, but he maintained his obedient smile and nodded at Elder Cassius.

"Good. Now, you guys continue to cultivate. I’ll watch."

The two youngsters nodded, closing their eyes and crossing their legs in a focused stance.

Seraph asked internally. ’Halo, how long do you think I have until I become a Core Advanced Stage cultivator?’

["Probably 4-5 days."]

Seraph sighed and nodded. ’Looks like I can’t suppress that breakthrough any longer than that. I’ll do it during the entrance exams.’