Chapter 42: New Day, New Adventure!

Chapter 42: New Day, New Adventure! The higher-ups of the sect who had come to hear of Ken’s achievements weren’t as many, as some of them had strange hobbies, weren’t in the sect, or were in seclusion. So they were far too busy to care, and those who did didn’t immediately take action like the outer sect elders, because if they moved, they wouldn’t be refused... After all, what did outer sect younglings have as an incentive to take Ken as their apprentice that they didn’t? Not even the inner sect elders could dare to take Ken for themselves. But they still weren’t interested. Ken had to be some kind of monster for them to even notice... because if he wasn’t at least on that level... what benefit would he bring them? ------ Dawn came, and Ken woke up refreshed from his tub. He had to say, this was the best sleep he had ever had since he came to this world. But today, he had to take yet another mission. He got up and dealt with all kinds of small things before he got out of the courtyard. Destination? The ascension tower once again. It was time for him to see what this was all about. Going through the same procedure as the previous day, Ken took his card and stood waiting for his turn. Having come very early, he was amongst the first hundred, and after a while, the gates opened up for the day. The Floor Gates had opened up for their biggest challenger yet. -------- "Hallo, Hallo, Challenger Ken. Good to see you again after just a day." The spirit was jolly upon seeing Ken, her voice far livelier than the previous day. "Tsk tsk, You will never guess how many elders and official disciples called for your information." She said, and Ken could imagine a little fairy-like being folding her hands and shaking her head. "I’m not sure you should be casually speaking of such information." Ken’s consciousness smiled as he said. He liked this little bundle of childishness. "Ah, maybe. But who cares? It’s nothing confidential." "You’re right. Good to see you today too, tower spirit." Ken then said, causing the tower spirit to stay silent for a good moment. "Challenger Ken, you’re such a smooth talker." The spirit’s voice came out a little shy; she wasn’t used to feelings, as she usually never talked with people much. "It’s good that you like it." Ken replied. "Alright, alright, you’re taking the floors today, huh? Alright, let’s see how you’ll take care of these guys then." The spirit got into business mode and spun Ken’s consciousness into an arena. "The goal is simple: defeat your enemies!" She said. Who said spirit path cultivators didn’t have to fight? "A new challenger? Please go easy on this one." A warrior spirit appeared in front of Ken’s vision and spoke. Ken nodded towards him and took a quick look around the map. It was a simple colosseum arena, the dirt and everything that went with it, and a large audience of spirits that seemed as if they were on vacation. "I guess even you spirits have lives." Ken said. He knew that spirits weren’t mindless beings under the sect; they were a species that sought humans for protection, and seeing as they were closest to their path, the cultivators took good care of them. But the Spirit Mountain Sect, having taken over their realm, the mountain itself, had the largest population, but aside from the fact that they helped one best when it was time to form one’s foundation, they were more free than disciples. Additionally, as was seen in this situation, they could also enter into the towers and watch the disciples perform. "Alright, Challenger Ken. Get ready for battle!" "3, 2, 1. Start!" With the announcement, the warrior spirit launched himself towards Ken. Ken, however, stood in his place, taking this chance to analyze the opponent. Speed, slower than that of a mortal due to the armor. Stance, basic. A weapon of normal sharpness would have a hard time cutting through his strengthened muscles. The spirit reached Ken and launched a slash that Ken dodged with relative ease. "I have a question. Do you fight here for training, or are you obliged to?" Ken asked the question to the warrior. But the warrior, as if infuriated that Ken didn’t take their battle seriously or because he didn’t care about battle rules, which was not to speak, didn’t reply. Ken then looked at the hint, which he hadn’t cared for till now, and started speaking. "You should pay more attention to your footwork; it’ll give you the boost you need to surprise your opponents." He said. "The way you hold your weapon is adequate, but keep in mind that you’re wearing armor..." As the timer ticked by, Ken gave the spirit more and more advice. [A growing spirit—do give him advice; it might benefit you someday, or not...] The spirit hearing Ken’s advice got even more furious at first but quickly calmed down, as allowing the enemy to play with his feelings could get him in danger, but upon doing that, he realized that he had yet to land a single strike on Ken and almost gave up before Ken’s words reached him. And he decided... what’s the harm? "Challenger Ken, don’t forget, you have 5 minutes to defeat your enemy." The tower spirit, somewhat astonished by what she watched and with a mix of being infatuated with watching Ken’s performance, like a fan, and not wanting it to end, looked at a cloth on the far end of the arena and reminded herself. Ken, hearing her words, noted them and continued what he was doing. Second by second, minute by minute, Ken started wondering if he was too good at teaching or not. Then, when 10 seconds were left. Ken took the initiative to attack. *Thump* With a step, he reached the warrior, who was ready for Ken to attack anytime. *Thud* And with another move, the warrior spirit was on the ground. *BOOOM* And with a punch, the master defeated the disciple. -----End-----