Elder Zhen Ren's pupils constricted.

He slowly turned around and saw a figure in white robes standing at the center of the open training area, hand raised towards the sky as if he were admiring the beauty of nature.

When did he…

Elder Zhen Ren couldn't help but gulp, a drop of sweat trickling down the side of his forehead.

Bai Xun, on the other hand, had a more dignified look on his face. He glanced at the newcomer with narrowed eyes, thinking to himself:

Stealth-related spell? No, I didn't sense any mana fluctuations at all. Don't tell me… could it be pure physical speed?

More importantly, this is the same person I saw yesterday in the city. This is Elder Zhen Ren's guest. He looks like a clown, but…

The Sect Leader acknowledged his strength!

On the other side of the open training space, sitting atop a boulder, Bai Ge slowly opened her eyes. She looked at the newcomer, and a moment later, her eyes narrowed.

She recognized him. He was the same man from yesterday!

But more importantly…

Why can't I sense even a trace of mana from him? Either he can't wield mana, which is impossible. Or…

Bai Ge's expression turned solemn as she arrived at a conclusion that was most likely to be true.

His control over mana is so exceptional that not even a tiny thread of energy leaks from him!

As the two prodigies of the Baihua Sect were sizing Adam up, Elder Zhen Ren walked towards him and spoke in exhasperation:

"Brother Ao, you're more than an hour late! Punctuality is a virtue you should uphold!"

Adam turned to him, smirking beneath his mask.

"Auhh!" He shrugged. "Auhh-Auhh!"

He waved his hand around randomly, causing Elder Zhen Ren's eyes to incessantly twitch.

The elderly man cleared his throat, then said. "Alright, I suppose I may be at fault here. I should have guided you to the Petal Court myself."

"Auhh!" Adam crossed his arms and nodded.

Elder Zhen Ren was speechless.

"Anyway!" The elderly man clasped his hands behind his back, then said. "As I mentioned earlier, I had a chat with the Sect Leader yesterday, and he has agreed that you become a Guest Instructor for a period of time."

Period of time? Adam frowned.

How much is a period of time? I have things I need to do!

"Auhh-Auhh!!" He made a gesture with his hand, asking how much.

"Hoho." Elder Zhen Ren chuckled. "You are asking how much you'll get paid? Then, worry not. As the Elder who looks after the Sect's finances, I will compensate you handsomely. The Sect Leader has given me full authority on this matter."

Adam was dumbfounded. He quickly shook his head. "Auhh! Auhh!"

"Eh?" Elder Zhen Ren raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying you don't want to get paid? Oh, my! How selfless of you!"

Adam suddenly felt the urge to cast a Fireball at the man.

In the end, he gave up. He raised his hands as a show of surrender, then gestured for the man to continue.

"Auhh…"

"Hohoho," The elder chuckled heartily. "As I was saying, you are now a Guest Instructor of the Baihua Sect. As such, your standing within the sect is slightly higher than that of the disciples, but lower than the Elders."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Unfortunately, you will not be given access to the sect's libraries that contain mana extraction techniques, training manuals, and martial arts scriptures, since that would require you to become a full-fledged disciple of our sect."

Adam was uninterested in the knowledge that the Baihua Sect had gathered. In his mind, there was an entire library worth of spells, techniques, memories, and experiences of powerful experts from the Greater Universe.

"Other than that, you will receive more or less the same benefits that a disciple of our sect receives," Elder Zhen Ren continued.

"Your food and lodging will be taken care of, and you will be paid weekly for your work here at the sect. Oh, and this is the important part…"

Adam raised his chin, gesturing for the man to continue.

Elder Zhen Ren said in a solemn voice, "It is imperative that you devote ample time to training Bai Ge and Bai Xun, as per the Sect Leader's wishes."

Upon hearing that, both the Sword Dragon and the Sword Phoenix couldn't help but frown. It was understandable if they were being taught by a Mana Core Magus, but Adam was in the same rank as them. They were unable to accept such an arrangement.

"And this is a personal request of mine," Elder Zhen Ren added, his eyes flashing with warmth. "I hope you can also find time to train the Mana Foundation Magi of our sect. They are the future of our sect, after all."

Adam remained silent as his senses intently observed the elderly man standing before him.

He… truly cares about the little kids, huh? He thought to himself.

Is this what it means to be a sect? To treat every member, regardless of thier status, as family? To care for them and support them?

Adam had never bothered about spending too much time at the Baihua Sect, let alone becoming an instructor for the disciples here.

But strangely enough, Elder Zhen Ren's words moved him. And he was suddenly reminded of his own students.

Eleiney, Arthur, Aiden… do you still think of me?

His heart was awash with sad emotions, and his lips curled into a brilliant smile.

And then…

He laughed!

Elder Zhen Ren flinched, not having expected such a reaction.

Bai Ge's eyes narrowed.

Bai Xun's expression darkened.

The two couldn't help but think that Adam was laughing at Elder Zhen Ren—their family.

Adam couldn't be bothered to clear the misunderstanding. He laughed and laughed and laughed.

"Oi." Bai Xun called out to him, his voice cold. "Just because you've received the Sect Leader's acknowledgment, you think that gives you the right to make fun of the Elder?"

Elder Zhen Ren, on the other hand, knew exactly why Adam was laughing.

After all, he had heard from Hisaki that the man had a weird tendency to laugh every minute, so he knew for certain that Adam wasn't making fun of him. But he couldn't really explain this to Bai Xun and Bai Ge.

Adam's laughter came to an abrupt halt. He patted Elder Zhen Ren on the shoulder, then displayed a thumbs-up.

"…So you agree to my request?!" Elder Zhen Ren asked, surprised.

Adam simply nodded.

Then, he turned to Bai Xun. He extended his hand, then gestured for the Sword Dragon to come at him.

"Auhh."

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