“You must be joking,” said Niu Pin, looking at her sternly. “After all that?”

  “I'm not convinced either,” added Hou Xi Pa. “Although theoretically speaking, there shouldn't be a problem... What worries me more is the fact that what you experienced didn't seem to be a natural phenomenon.”

  May wanted to continue learning the Kerforian Soul Technique. The Realm of Awareness was a higher form of Space of Mind, so she more than met the requirements. Niu Pin was obviously opposed to this, while Hou Xi Pa believed that the fact that she had almost died was an anomaly that should not have happened.

  “I don't have to be actively present in the Realm of Awareness to use this technique, do I?”

  “That's right. It already exists independently of you, so you can transfer some of the burden of summoning it to that area of your mind. So, as I said, in theory, it's safe.”

  Hearing this, Niu Pin snorted and scolded him with his gaze.

  “Space of Mind was supposed to be safe too.”

  “I'm not sure if continuing training is the most sensible thing to do," Hou Xi Pa replied without argument. “We don't know what or who caused this higher form of consciousness to manifest in you, but we should be cautious.”

  She sighed quietly, having a theory about the possible reason. She didn't believe in coincidences. The creature haunting her dreams seemed to be responsible for it. It wanted her gone, and it almost managed to do so.

  At first, I thought this creature was residing in my soul... But now it seems more like it inhabits my mind? Or perhaps it inhabits both places at once? In any case, this thing must have ‘expanded’ my consciousness and almost succeeded in destroying my personality structure. In that state, I certainly wouldn't have been able to buy a protection against nightmares, and it could have easily killed me...

  Of course, it was only a hypothesis, but the most likely one. She didn't know how it was possible, but it seemed that this was not the end of her problems with this creature. Frankly speaking, it made it impossible to even attempt to learn the Path of the Soul or the Mind. She let her guard down, which almost killed her.

  This creature is no joke. I may be able to block the nightmares now, but that thing is still inside my body...

  “If you are aware of this, why do you want to continue learning this ability from Hou?” Minnie, who had been watching everything from the sidelines, suddenly interjected accusingly.

  You too are against me? Ugh... I’ll explain it to you and them in a moment.

  May addressed both men, having decided to explain her point of view on the matter.

  “It's a risky move, but wouldn't it be a waste not to do anything about it? If this whole Realm of Awareness is as amazing as you say, the effects must be incredible!" She said, gesturing animatedly. "Besides, if I don't have to go through that process again, I'm not in any danger!”

  Silence fell. The two men stared at her blankly, and even Minnie fell silent. All that could be heard was the birds singing and the murmur of the village outside. It went on for so long that it started to get awkward.

  Finally, Niu Pin broke the silence. “You must be joking!”

  “You want to take a risk for such a stupid reason?” Hou Xi Pa interjected with a frown and disapproval. “I think I am starting to understand why your Master got you a babysitter…”

  “Are you brain-damaged? How did you manage to graduate from college in your previous life with such a pea brain?” Minnie finished her off.

  In the end, no one wanted to listen to her for the time being. Hou Xi Pa said he needed to think about it, and Niu Pin firmly forbade her from doing so. So May started talking to Minnie, because she was the only one who hadn't had enough of her yet.

  “May, to be honest, the ability to summon spirits doesn't even sound that good...” Minnie said awkwardly. “I know it might sound insincere coming from me, but I really think you'd be better off just buying skills through the system.”

  It doesn't sound good? But it's an amazing skill! I'll be able to summon a warrior much stronger than me to fight for me!

  "I think you're overestimating your abilities. Because from what I understand, even if you learn this technique, it still doesn't guarantee that you'll summon something powerful,“ Minnie said dismissively. ”Is there any point in risking everything with this creature from your nightmares, just for some mediocre skill?”

  Soon after, Minnie also lost the desire to talk to May. So they continued their journey in silence. Eventually, May began to doubt the validity of learning this skill. However, for some reason, she couldn't stop thinking about it. Although she knew objectively that it wasn't worth the effort, something told her that learning it would bring her enormous benefits.

  Everyone advises me against it... But... Subconsciously, I feel that it's a gold mine! After all, who knows what will happen as a result of combining it with the powerful Realm of Awareness, which even the master of Hou Xi Pa has not achieved!

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  ───── ??☆?? ─────

  Two more days passed and they reached their destination. At the foot of Mount Dormia and the city of the same name. Dormia was the highest mountain of all four Outer Courts, rising majestically and alone, its extremely steep walls reminiscent of the Matterhorn. It was also the only major mountain on which there was no permanent settlement.

  As they entered the city, they were greeted by colors and dancing. Merchants could be found in almost every open space in the streets. It was a trading city located on the main trade route connecting the sect with the north of the region. An endless source of money for this Outer Court and the main reason why it was the wealthiest of the Outer Courts.

  “This place... It's definitely different,” said May, noticing that the clothing and architecture were slightly different from what she had seen so far. The atmosphere also seemed to be more lively, and the people had more happiness in their eyes.

  “The culture here is somewhat different from the rest of the sect... Just two hundred years ago, another sect called the Five Beasts Sect was based here. However, they lost the war, and their territory was divided between us and the Wooden Crane Sect. You can still see their old traditions here...”

  Hearing Hou Xi Pa's explanation, May actually remembered hearing about it once in a history class at Cloud Academy. However, like the rest of the students, she had never paid much attention. Now she actually understood it.

  She immediately noticed new things, a far greater number of animals than in other parts of the sect. On one of the streets, she even noticed a bear entertaining the crowds!

  The Five Beasts Sect, as its name suggests, actually specialized in training beasts... You can still see the results of this! Fascinating.

  However, being a beast trainer was extremely expensive and only useful in the event of war. Focusing solely on this area was not an optimal strategy. The decline of that sect seemed to be a direct consequence of this.

  Finally, May noticed the place where they would be staying. The Haoyu Clan's estate was large, though not very tall. It resembled a pancake and was not very impressive. The garden, however, was striking, with countless sculptures. The tallest of them appeared to be almost thirty meters high. It depicted an ox that seemed to be working in the fields.

  “Why... an ox?” May was taken aback by the sight. She had nothing against the animal, but it seemed like a strange choice for a central sculpture.

  This time, it was Niu Pin who spoke up. “Five Beasts Sect. Five ruling clans. Each had one beast that represented them. Haoyu is what remains of the Five Great Clans.”

  After a moment, Hou also chimed in. "Certainly they were the biggest winners in this war. Haoyu clan was mainly involved in trade and agriculture. After the fall of the other clans, they essentially took over the entire of Northern Outer Court."

  May let out a sigh of slight surprise. She didn't think that after the war, there were clans left who had assimilated into the sect that took them over. “What happened to the rest of the clans?”

  "Of the five Great Clans, three survived. Gu Clan operates in the Wooden Crane Sect, I think? But from what I know, they are on the verge of collapse and generally have a bad reputation. As for the third... From what I know, they fled somewhere to the north."

  “The Duan Clan fled to my hometown in the Mount Yrdia Sect. They are still training beasts and are even quite famous.”

  However, their conversation was quickly interrupted as they pulled up to the door.

  “Well, it's time to say goodbye,” said Hou Xi Pa. “You've arrived safely. It's been nice, but we have to go, the goods won't sell themselves.”

  “Wait—”

  “No. I'm not going to teach you this technique. Not only do I not have the time, but it's too dangerous,” he said, interrupting him abruptly. “Also, you don't have to pay me. I've done more harm than good anyway.”

  May felt a strong urge to try to stop him. However, she frowned and shook her head. “I understand. In that case, I won't stop you. Thank you for everything.”

  Having said that, she felt a slight twinge of regret. She felt upset that she couldn't learn this technique. It was so abnormal that for the first time she began to consider that something might be influencing her behavior.

  My desire to learn this ability... It is certainly unexpectedly powerful.

  Fortunately, with Hou Xi Pa's departure, she would ultimately lose that opportunity. Even if something was influencing her behavior, it no longer mattered. She felt a slight sense of relief as she watched the Blue Goose Company carriages drive away.

  Soon after, Nadine stood next to her. May frowned when she saw her dressed in extremely elegant clothes. She was wearing an intricately decorated white dress made of hand-embroidered white butterflies. May didn't even try to imagine how much it must have cost.

  I avoided her the whole trip to this place. Ugh, I guess the time has come when that will no longer be possible.

  Niu Pin sensed the tension between them. He was unaware of the situation between them. He was a bodyguard, but when she was speaking to someone privately, he did not eavesdrop on her conversations. It might seem counterintuitive, but he wanted to earn May's trust. It was also a requirement of Hua Tang, who feared that it could lead to strong resistance from May.

  Niu Pin was supposed to be someone who would protect May for years to come. That's why he had to earn her trust first. As a result, however, he often felt confused and uninformed.

  Finally, a servant appeared and led them inside. A familiar face was waiting for them there, their old rival.

  “Oh, Sung! What a beautiful robe you have, I have a similar one myself, did they run out of men’s ones?" Nadine immediately went on the offensive. She bared her teeth at him and moved closer.

  May had no problem understanding her insult. Sung Haoyu certainly had quite feminine features, so she decided to attack him where he was most vulnerable. She really couldn't recognize this version of Nadine. It was as if she were a different person.

  “Oh, I see you've gained some confidence,” he replied coldly. “I wonder what happened to that timid little green-haired idiot.”

  She laughed softly and walked straight up to him, perhaps trying to intimidate him. It looked rather silly, especially since she was much smaller than him. Seeing this, Sung just snorted with pity.

  “Timid? Those days are long gone. You know better than anyone that the situation has changed,” she replied with a smile.

  Sung looked as if he wanted to hit her. Nadine, on the other hand, looked as if she was just waiting for him to do so. There was a strange tension between them. May looked at Niu Pin, and he looked at her. Neither of them wanted to be there.

  Finally, Sung Haoyu took a few steps back, refraining from taking action, and replied in a detached voice. “I'll show you where your rooms are.”

  “I know where my room is,” said Nadine, ignoring him, hitting him on the shoulder and walking away up the spiral staircase. Suddenly, from above, just before she disappeared from view, her voice could be heard. “But carry my luggage upstairs.”

  Soon after, they were left alone there.

  “I'm sorry you had to see that,” said Sung, clearly embarrassed. It was quite a strange change from his usual arrogant and confident demeanor.

  “It's okay...” replied May, and then she was shown to her room.