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After walking for some time, they reached an area filled with bigger houses. They could be considered pavilions instead to be fair. Those were the different residences given to the guests from outside sects while the tournament was going on.

The elder guided Owl to one and they both entered. It was quite noisy inside as the kids were playing around. Once the elder arrived, they calmed a little before regaining their vigor mere moments later.

Jung-Su was the only one to come forward to greet Owl. It was to be expected since only that kid knew of the truth behind Owl's identity. It wasn't the truth, of course, but a lie given by Owl but Jung-Su did know more than all the others.

Jung-Su excitedly spoke to his brother Owl about what happened as they arrived. They were welcomed rather lavishly and given the whole pavilion to enjoy. The actual tournament would only begin in a week and in the meantime, they could enjoy themselves as guests of the bastion. They were given access to most areas as long as they were accompanied by one of the disciples of the bastion in charge of guests. Also, banquets were to be held every night as a means for the younger ones to socialize.

Owl yawned while Jung-Su spoke. Banquet? He had yet to comprehend the sound element and couldn't speak, why go? Even if he could speak…Would there be people glad to speak with an owl?

He sighed as he left the group of teenagers and young adults to go into a bedroom. It was reserved for Jung-Su. Since Owl was considered a tamed beast, he didn't have a bedroom for him. The Bastion had prepared beasts pen and shelters… No way would he go into a cage. He decided to hijack Jung-Su's room. The kid probably wouldn't even complain.

As he jumped on the comfy bed, many thoughts revolved in his head. It was mostly about what he should do next. He was debating whether to leave the sect after reaching the 20th stage or stay some more there. If he waited until the 30th stage…There would be more risks because of Yong-Hik. He would probably not help him grow further at that time. After all, what would be the use of nurturing something stronger than yourself? There would be a risk of revolt if you tried that, especially with spiritual beasts. It was unlikely that Sun Yong-Hik would take such a risk. He would probably stop Owl from growing by any means at his disposal. Owl's value wasn't in his potential as one beast but as a 'father' of a new sentient clan.

After a dozen minutes, Owl sighed and gave up on making a decision for now. He still had more than enough time to decide and make the right choice. It was better to cultivate for now.

…

Time went by and night descended upon the world. The banquet would start soon. Jung-Su hurried to his bedroom to find his brother Owl. He planned to bring him along. As he asked the mysterious beast, he was given the cold shoulder. He was used to it though and didn't mind. In fact, he admired Owl for being so conscientious and focused on cultivation. He was a true role model. That being said, he wouldn't relinquish his chance to go to a banquet.

He left in a hurry without turning back or asking Owl twice. Since he didn't want to come, fine. He would go with Sun-Mi and the others without Owl.

They were waiting for him at the entrance. Fortunately, he was quick so no one complained and everyone retained a good mood. All the kids were very eager to socialize while the elders were calmer. They knew that the 'banquet' wasn't solely about socializing. It would be a public gathering for the sects and they would have to defend their image all night. They felt exhausted just thinking about it and even more so when considering it would be like this for an entire week… Let's not even talk about the actual tournament as it would be even more tiring!

Anyways, the crowd from the Serene Summer Sect left their guest pavilion towards the banquet hall, following behind a few Bastion disciples there to guide them.

It wasn't very far and Jung-Su was awed at the imposing edifice. It was grand and majestic. There was only one giant hall under a roof dozen of meters high. Inside the hall were hundreds of round tables big enough to accommodate a dozen people each. There were red circular tapestries under each demarcating the areas around them and contrasting with the white marbles of the floor. The ceiling up high was made from red tiles and supported by white wooden beams. There were also many stony pillars all overt he hall to support it all. They were white and on them were names, pictures and sentences depicting achievements. It was probably depictions of important figures from the Bastion.

The group was not the last to arrive but they clearly weren't the first ones either. More than half of the total number of tables was filled and Jung-Su could see many different styles of battle robes all over the place creating a sea of colors. Due to them being worn by people, this sea seemed alive. It was quite the sight. Though one type was more prominent than any other. Obviously, there were many more disciples from the Bastion here.

Curious, Jung-Su asked one the guiding disciples about it and was answered: "All the core disciples were invited to attend. As we are honored to be the hosts this time, it was a must to show our respect to every guest

That was obviously the official and polite way of stating it that Jung-Su was served. Still, he believed it and his impression of the Bastion and its disciples went up. The reality was that this was a blatant display of might orchestrated by the Bastion. They were showing off their talented disciples with hopes to gain partnerships with other sects and deter them from doing anything nasty.

It was the same as saying: "Look, we're strong so don't fuck with us. Let's be partners instead, m'kay?"

Of course, this scheme was mostly directed at the upper echelons, which meant the elders accompanying the kids. And those older foggies weren't impressed by such a thing. They knew the hidden meaning and would take it into account when dealing with the Bastion but they wouldn't be in awe of it.

The guide led the group to their tables. There were two. One for the elders and one for the disciples. Jung-Su walked to a seat and Sun-Mi sat right next to him. As he saw her sit there, he looked at her. They were both looking at each other with a smile. A guy opposite them teased them about it: "I'm going to be made jealous all night, it seems!"

Everyone laughed and the mood at the table was rather great. The kids continued to chat while waiting for things to start. It seems like they would never tire of topics. Jung-Su was actively participating and naively giving his own viewpoints whenever he thought he should. He was certainly socializing. Sun-Mi was more restrained but participated as well.

After some time, the doors of the grand hall closed, creating a noise superior to the chatting of the guests. They all turned towards it while chatting stopped. An elder of the Bastion made use of this rare moment of silence to speak loudly: "Dear guests! Please welcome our patriarch!"

At the very front, which was quite far from Jung-Su since they sat after the middle, was a scene. It was elevated enough that everyone could see even from the furthest table.

A young handsome walked up. He had long gray hair dangling in his back and styled in many buns flowing down. It looked like a string of sausages yet didn't give such an impression and felt noble instead.

The man walked to the middle of the scene and began a speech, his voice neither loud nor low but enough that everyone heard him crystal clear: "Greetings, dear guests. I am the Bastion's patriarch and it is my honor to be able to welcome this year for our tournament. I am delighted to see so many of you tonight and hope that you feel the same. Since this is a rare occasion, I invite everyone to mingle and socialize with each other. Don't hesitate to visit the many sights of our Bastion and interact with our disciples, it would be my honor if you could feel at home during your stay. And now, without further ado, let us dine"

He clapped his hands and doors appeared at the sides of the wall. They hadn't been there previously, probably hidden by arrays. Servants began to exit from them by the dozens with many plates in their hands. They walked to different tables to drop the dishes elegantly.

The banquet began.