Eloquent Ascent

As they stepped closer, Xu Qi resisted the urge from that scroll.

He understood he couldn't just recklessly claim it but he could sense how it was beckoning to him.

"Elder He," Xiao Yue began, her voice carrying the respect and reverence reserved for those of such high standing.

"This is the outer court disciple, Xu Qi, whom I've told you about. He has a unique... disposition that I believe could be of benefit to the Wandering Palace."

The elder's gaze shifted from Xiao Yue to Xu Qi, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Ah, Yue'er, do you truly believe a mere first stage Elemental Awakener has something to offer our esteemed Wandering Palace?"

Her tone was light but the challenge in her words was unmistakable.

Xu Qi felt a twinge of nerves. However, he held her gaze steadfastly, refusing to be intimidated.

"I do." Xiao Yue was firm in her response, her voice steady as she met Elder He's scrutinizing gaze.

"I believe that Xu Qi's true potential lies not in brute strength, but in his understanding of the human heart. He possesses a unique charisma that could be a valuable asset to the Wandering Palace in ways that are less... conventional."

'More glazing. Am I the silver tongue here, or you, senior sister?' Xu Qi entertained himself with those thoughts as he continued to hold onto his focus.

"Oh? Is that so?" Elder He's gaze grew more intense as she studied Xu Qi, her curiosity piqued by Xiao Yue's confident assertion.

Xu Qi couldn't dare to meet her gaze. The pressure was too much for him who was still at the bottom of the barrel.

Suddenly, he felt an undulation in the surrounding energy.

He glanced up and saw Elder He wave her slender hand, her movements graceful yet captivating. Her gesture caused her generous bosom to shift slightly, drawing the eye with its subtle motion.

Xu Qi quickly moved his gaze down but he noticed something. 

The scroll that had caught his eye detached from the wall and floated over to them. Or more specifically, in front of Xu Qi.

His heart raced as he realized that this was the scroll that had captured his attention. He had no idea what it was but it kept on beckoning on him. As if it's telling him he's the rightful owner of it.

Elder He gazed at Xu Qi intently, as if searching for something deep within his soul.

He could sense that his whole person was being searched by the Elder in front of him. However, he was powerless to resist it.

"This is the Scroll of Celestial Eloquence," she said, her voice resonating through the chamber. "It was left behind by a former sect master of our Wandering Palace. It is said to hold the secrets of persuasion, a lost art capable of swaying the hearts of gods and mortals alike. Unfortunately, no one has been able to cultivate and use it effectively."

As the oppressive feeling of being scrutinized left him, Xu Qi was speechless as the scroll fell down on his palm, guided by Elder He's energy. The gentle hum of its energy resonated with something deep within his soul.

"Elder?" He asked not knowing why Elder He gave it to him.

He grasped it gently, feeling the scroll's power thrumming against his fingertips. It was as if the scroll was alive and it felt at home in his hold.

"Take it, Xu Qi. This is your chance," Xiao Yue whispered encouragingly, her eyes shimmering with delight.

"Senior Sister, this is...? Why me?" He couldn't help but alternately look at the elder and Xiao Yue.

He couldn't just be given the scroll without a catch, right?

Elder He's smile was enigmatic as though she was satisfied at Xu Qi's flustered reaction, "That scroll is said to contain the teachings of a legendary sage whose words could bend reality. However, it comes with a warning. Its power can be as destructive as it is beneficial. It's a double-edged sword, young Xu Qi. You lack the talent in conventional cultivation but Yue'er saw something else in you. And that scroll had been eerily active the moment you stepped inside my chambers. Take that with you and try to cultivate it."

Upon hearing that, he knew that this wasn't just her generosity. She was testing him. As someone in the fifth realm, she noticed his fixation on it and likewise, the scroll's noticeable activeness.

Xu Qi carefully weighed his choices and cautiously picked the following words and actions, "I am honored to have been given the opportunity! Many thanks, Elder He!"

Xu Qi's hand trembled slightly as pushed the Scroll of Celestial Eloquence near his chest, hugging it tightly. He could feel the power pulsating within it, like a heart beating in time with his own. The scroll felt warm, almost alive, and he knew that this was no ordinary artifact. He looked at Xiao Yue, who nodded encouragingly, her eyes alight with excitement.

Elder He's smile grew slightly, the corners of her eyes crinkling with the amusement of someone who had seen countless generations of cultivators come and go but underneath it was her calculative gaze.

She nodded, seemingly satisfied with Xu Qi's response. "You are dismissed. Use this gift wisely, young one. Surprise me this upcoming Test of Competence. I'll be watching."

With those words, Xu Qi and Xiao Yue left the chamber, the heavy doors closing with an ominous finality behind them.

Xu Qi felt the weight of the scroll in his hand and the weight of Elder He's expectations on his shoulders. If he failed to show something extraordinary, he might just say goodbye to his time in this world.

As they left Elder He's residence, the grandeur of the place leaving them in awe, the reality of his situation began to sink in.

He had been handed a weapon of immense power, one that could either elevate him or lead to his downfall. He had to take this chance with utmost caution.

After a few minutes of silence and calming down his nerves, Xu Qi remembered who he owed this opportunity to.

"Senior Sister, I can't begin to express my gratitude," Xu Qi said, his eyes brimming with gratitude, "But I must ask, what can I offer in return for your help?"

He was genuine in his query, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation at the thought of repaying the favor.

What could he do? Well, he had learned some… skills during his time on Earth on how to please women. That skill was effective on his ex-girlfriend which made their nightlife fulfilling.

Unfortunately, that woman couldn't keep up with his constant overtime at work. She eventually ended their relationship, leaving him alone.

He was two years a single man before he opened his eyes in this realm.

"You don't have to. As Master said, cultivate that scroll properly and show us the results, I'll also be watching you. Eagerly," Xiao Yue said with a knowing smile.

But Xu Qi was insistent. He couldn't just let his benefactor leave, no?

Besides… He could sense it. She wasn't really that adamant about rejection.

"I've got two hands and a knack for making people feel good. I'm sure I can give you a massage that'll ease any tension you might be carrying," He offered, his voice filled with earnestness and a hint of mischief.

"Xu Qi… You're quite insistent." Xiao Yue's eyelashes fluttered charmingly.

"Yes, I am. Can't I insist on repaying you? Tell me, what can I do for you?" He said but his question was left unanswered.

Their feet didn't stop as they left the inner court, descending back into the more familiar, albeit less luxurious surroundings of the outer court.