Chapter 303 Three Choices
When Zephyr heard the elders talking, he frowned.
This year's internal list for the Wilson family was different. Normally, each family could pick one to three young members to become registered disciples of Celestia Vale, but most families only chose one. They usually decided on the candidate themselves instead of letting Celestia Vale's elders pick.
"Brady, why the rule change this year?" Elmer, sitting at the head of the table, squinted and asked.
"I know you all have questions, but we want this selection to be fair. The Celestia Vale elders coming to choose disciples from the Wilson family requested this. We’re giving our younger members more chances. Whether they get picked or not depends on their abilities. If they fail, they can't blame anyone else," Brady explained calmly.
Everyone fell silent, processing what Brady had said.
"In that case, I'll propose a candidate from the Shadow Gang. Let Eli participate," Elmer broke the silence.
"As for the Wilson family, I nominate myself. I'm sure everyone here can agree that Logan isn't qualified," Zephyr quickly added.
"Then let's choose Paolo, Dashiell Wilson's son," another elder suggested.
"Eli, Zephyr, Paolo. If no one objects, these will be our three candidates," Brady said, clearly pleased.
Eli and Zephyr were expected choices, and Eli had once tied with Zephyr, proving his qualifications. Whereas Paolo was a strategic pick to appease Dashiell, who was still in the capital.
The next day, in the snowy Sunridge, Rex and Jim from the Salvador family stood in the snow, waiting for Paul to arrive.
"Isn't he supposed to come in two or three days? Why is he early?" Rex asked, puzzled.
"Dad, I asked him to come earlier," Jim said with a mysterious smile.
"Oh? Is your master coming this year?" Rex asked, excited.
Usually, disciples from the same family wouldn't be placed under the same Celestia Vale elder. Jim had passed the Selection Meeting five years ago and became an official disciple after a two-year assessment. So, the elder coming this year couldn't be Paul.
"I arranged for Paul to switch places with the elder originally coming to the Salvador family. Since the Celestia Vale elder arrived early, it must be Paul," Jim explained confidently.
"So, you planned this all along!" Rex felt a chill. He hadn't expected Jim to go to such lengths to deal with Gino!
"I'm just trying to ease your worries!" Jim said with a smile.
Just then, outside the Salvador family's old residence, an older man who looked about sixty was seen walking through the snow. Despite being three thousand feet away, he covered the distance in just a few steps, arriving almost instantly!
"He's here!" Jim's eyes lit up, and he quickly led Rex to the entrance to greet Paul.
Caspar and Kenny, who had heard the news, also arrived at the outer courtyard, watching from a distance as Rex and Jim respectfully welcomed Paul inside.
"Is that the elder from Celestia Vale?" Kenny asked, eyes wide with shock. He felt an aura of authority from Paul that was even more oppressive than his father Dorian's.
"Keep quiet!" Caspar quickly reminded Kenny, also staring at her father, Rex, with a complex expression.
Rex had been avoiding her these past few days, and now she finally saw him again, but in such a setting.
Once Rex and Jim had escorted Paul into the reception hall, Kenny turned to Caspar and asked, "Is Jim participating in the Selection Meeting this time? I heard that ten years ago, Jim was selected but failed the two-year assessment and got eliminated!"
"It's none of your business. Your dad has plans," Caspar scolded, feeling irritated.
"If Jim doesn't participate this year, does that mean it's my turn?" Kenny asked eagerly.
"It's not time for you to enter Celestia Vale yet. Wait another five years. By then, you'll at least be a Half-Step Grandmaster, and your dad has better plans for you," Caspar advised, looking helpless.
"Alright, but it's a pity I have to wait another five years," Kenny said, though unwilling, forcing himself to endure, along with his persistent hatred for Ethan.
"I know what you're thinking. By the time you enter Celestia Vale, he might not even be around," Caspar said, understanding her son's thoughts.
"I just want to deal with Ethan personally. If I can achieve that, what's another five years?" Kenny said coldly, clenching his fists.
Hearing this, Caspar remained silent. She knew she couldn't change Kenny's mind quickly, so she let it be.
In the reception hall, Paul from Celestia Vale sat in his seat.
"Paul, I'd be immensely grateful if you could handle the matter we discussed earlier," Jim requested respectfully.
"There's no rush about Gino. Let's talk about you first. You've been my official disciple for three years and a Half-Step Grandmaster for three years. Have you touched the threshold of the master level?" Paul asked, eyes half-closed, speaking slowly.
"I'm ashamed to say I haven't found the opportunity to reach the master level in these three years," Jim replied, looking embarrassed.
"I'll give you one more year. If you still haven't made progress by then, return to Celestia Vale and practice diligently by my side," Paul instructed calmly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
Hearing this, Jim, despite his reluctance, could only grit his teeth and agree.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
