Quoted By:
"Ryota? I have a request.
- <span class="mu-s">I'm listening.</span>
- Can I get a courtyard this week? I think my Quiet Banner could bolster the foundation training of the squad.
- <span class="mu-s">Objection. Don't call something so strong with a name so lame. Other than that, take the 6th Courtyard.</span>"
Every day at dawn, a group made of Ai, Dhundan, Yi Norm, Sin Din, Man Din and Kyo Ko go to an open-air, stone-slabbed outdoor room where you plant the banner and train.
You offered Bathias to also join, but your Aura effect seems too weak to help 3rd stage with their cultivation. Instead, your big brother insisted to offer his spot to Gro Ta.
At the very least, watching Yi Norm recklessly court death, challenging not only Dhundan but also the hefty late second-stage 15-year-old, was wildly entertaining.
You can't deny this yields results : over the two weeks, the gifted ones overtook you, those damn slackers caught up with half as much effort and Kyo Ko went into seclusion to break through a minor realm.
"<span class="mu-s"><span class="mu-b">Your Phoenix Spirit-Rising Banner was definitely helpful. Take my thanks, little Quiet Word</span></span>
- I'm not little! I'm 8 and second stage! The best among the best of the realm! And you said it wrong, the flag is called the Quiet Banner!"
Your own cultivation stepped forward, but not for much. After all, you didn't tipped the scales in your favor regarding Phoenix-related techniques : you stacked a boulder on the balance.
Despite all, you're still frustratingly lacking the clarity of a breakthrough. You're not sure how you feel on working your fingers to the bone for others to reap the reward instead of you. At the very least, your branch master is overjoyed, telling you on the very first evening after your request :
"<span class="mu-s">Alright. Consider that Courtyard arrangement permanent. And not limited to the sect members. You're allowed to monetize those grounds and your presence, granted half of the practitioners are from the sect and let in freely.</span>"
Seriously, how can you expected not to turn in some kind of Wheeler Dealer when the universe keep shoving abusable tools in your hand? This must be part of your Dao.
