Eloquent Ascent

A day before the Test of Competence, the Resource Department of the outer court continued to be a bustle of activity.

Elder Liu Meiyin, known for her meticulousness, oversaw its operation with hawk-like eyes. She was a short slender woman. Her skin was like porcelain, untouched by the ravages of time or the harsh elements of the cultivation world. Her long, silky black hair was tied in an elegant bun atop her head, a few strands escaping to frame her delicate features. A pair of spectacles sat on her nose, which she often pushed up with an exquisite finger when she squinted at some scroll or another.

Her presence filled the room like a towering giant despite her small frame. Her eyes scanned over the disciples carrying the supplies, ensuring everyone was preparing the resources diligently both for the day-to-day supplies of the outer sect and for the upcoming trials that would determine the disciples' future within the Wandering Palace.

Suddenly the door to the Resource Hall opened revealing the figure of Elder Sun Xiulan, the Talent Management Elder of the Talent Department.

Elder Sun was a woman of simple yet elegant beauty. Her skin, smooth as the silk that adorned her robes, was kissed by the sun, giving her a warm and welcoming aura. Her eyes, a deep shade of brown, sparkled with the wisdom of one who had seen much of the cultivation world's trials and tribulations. Her hair, a rich tapestry of red and gold, was tied back in a ponytail. Her posture was straight and proud which could make the disciples alert on their feet.

As she entered the Resource Hall, the atmosphere shifted slightly. Disciples paused in their work, straightening their backs and exchanging glances of anticipation.

Elder Sun's eyes swept over the room, her gaze coming to rest at Elder Liu who similarly looked at her in intrigue.

"Elder Sun, what brings you here today?" Elder Liu inquired, setting down the scroll she had been perusing. She pushed her spectacles up and straightened her back.

"Nothing much, just passing by to inspect the preparations," Elder Sun replied with a small smile, her eyes never leaving Elder Liu's. "It's crucial that everything goes smoothly for our disciples. After all, the future of the Wandering Palace is in their hands."

Elder Liu's eyebrows raised as she didn't miss the subtle scrutiny in Elder Sun's gaze. She knew the other Elder wasn't just here for a casual visit. 

"Everything is well in order," Elder Liu assured as she gestured to the organized rows of cultivation resources arranged on the shelves. "But I appreciate your concern for our disciples' well-being, Elder Sun. I never thought you'd have an eye for anything other than talents."

With that subtle taunt, Elder Sun's eyebrow twitched as Elder Liu inwardly beamed.

"Uh-huh. Talents and resources. Aren't they closely related?" Elder Sun wasn't one to back down though.

"I won't say that. However… I don't mind a visit from a colleague. It has been me and my disciples all day round. Would you mind helping sorting our goods?" Elder Liu challenged as she watched her counterpart breaking stance.

Elder Sun flicked her sleeves and leaned slightly, leveling her face to the shorter Elder, "Say, Elder Liu. About that certain disciple, Xu Qi,"

Upon hearing that, Elder Liu's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sharp as she met Elder Sun's. "What about him?"

"Nothing." Elder Sun said with a casual wave of her hand. "I just noticed his name coming up more often. He seems to be quite the topic of interest among the inner court disciples. It's unusual for an outer court disciple to attract so much attention, isn't it? You brought him up during the meeting, have you made contact with him yet?"

Elder Liu's gaze never left hers, the air between them thick with unspoken tension. "No. Why would I? Isn't that your department's specialty?"

"Perhaps." Elder Sun said with a knowing smile, "But I can't help but notice that the winds of change are blowing through our quiet little sect. A new talent, unnoticed by the others, suddenly flourishing like a blooming flower under the right conditions."

Elder Liu's gaze grew sharper. She knew the other woman was hinting at something, but she wasn't about to let her have the satisfaction of confirming it. "Elder Sun, every disciple has the potential to bloom, given the right guidance. Have you heard about Ling Lian?"

"Of course, we've been graced by another sixth stage Elemental Awakener outer court disciple. It's been years since we've seen one. However, this Xu Qi that you brought up in the meeting, if you have no plans of taking him in, I think our Talent Department will want to nurture him. He's quite the peculiar case, you see," Elder Sun said, her smile never wavering.

"Elder Sun, have you forgotten that he has connections with the inner court? He won't stay here for long," Elder Liu said with a calculated smile. She feigned a loss of interest as her eyes returned to the scrolls she had been organizing. "But if you wish to take him in, I won't stand in your way."

Elder Sun's eyes gleamed with understanding. "Connections are important. But so is potential. And Xu Qi seems to have an abundance of it. I can be one of his stepping stones to greatness. Knowing his character, he's the type to not forget a favor."

Elder Liu's smile remained, but her eyes grew distant as she contemplated the implications of Elder Sun's words. Xu Qi's rise to prominence had become the talk of the outer court these past few days. There was even the retelling of his conflict with Zhang Han that somehow outshines the fact that another disciple, Ling Lian has reached the sixth stage Elemental Awakener Realm becoming the only one among the current outer court disciples.

"Elder Sun," she said with a measured tone, "As you can see here, we're busy with the preparations for the Test of Competence. Let's not waste each other's time."

Elder Sun's smile grew broader, "Indeed, time is precious. I'll leave you to it." She turned to leave, her robes billowing behind her like a crimson waterfall.

The moment the door closed behind her, Elder Liu released a sigh, her eyes returning to the scrolls before her.