Summit Farmer
Chapter 1969 - 1967: If I Had Known This, Why Bother at the Beginning

Chapter 1969: Chapter 1967: If I Had Known This, Why Bother at the Beginning

The Sect Leader Simon Bailey was evidently excited about Gabriella Graham obtaining the eligibility certificate. However, deep inside, he harbored intense worries. With the arrival of experts from the Flame Star Region, he feared that his sect might not even be able to retain a single certificate.

Driven by these concerns, when he learnt that Gabriella Graham had gained Peter Brown’s trust, and that Peter Brown was even willing to trade fifteen Roaring Sky Thunders to help Gabriella secure a certificate, he felt reassured that there would be at least one person from the sect entering the academy. Having someone like Gabriella, a beauty, enter the academy would undoubtedly bring tremendous benefits to the sect.

"Sect Leader, can Peter Brown really make it to the academy?" someone asked doubtfully.

Simon Bailey replied, "It’s hard to say for sure, but, if anyone from our sect has a chance to get into the academy, Peter Brown is a likely candidate. Having a good relationship with him would definitely be of great benefit to our sect."

Everyone there was discussing Gabriella Graham’s situation, even Alice Thompson’s master enviously said to a woman, "Susan, I didn’t expect your disciple to have such an opportunity. With Peter’s Roaring Sky Thunders, I believe they can even force their way into the academy."

Gabriella’s master, smiling, said: "This child is fortunate, I hadn’t anticipated this either, but now that she’s secured her certificate, I’m also delighted."

Seeing her proud demeanor, everyone secretly sighed in their hearts. If Gabriella indeed entered the academy, it would bring great benefits to her master too, a classic case of the student lifting the master’s status, truly a cause for celebration.

At this time, Simon Bailey said to everyone, "Folks, all sects now need Roaring Sky Thunders. Our faction will trade eligibility certificates this time. We have two, and I’ll offer mine first for the exchange. Other sects will use some of their cultivation resources to trade with us. Once we’ve obtained another certificate, I’ll arrange for another one."

Everyone agreed to this, but when they thought about the sect having one less certificate now, making their chances even slimmer, a universal sigh was heard, regretting that the sect had to assist Gabriella.

Alice Thompson sat there, deeply regretting her decisions, feeling thoroughly repentant.

She had not expected that the first matter upon her return would be this.

Originally, Alice had thought that after returning to the sect, she would use the sect’s power to aim for higher achievements, considering the great number of individuals in the sect compared to Peter, a mere worldly figure of power who couldn’t match the heritage of the sect.

But how did things turn out this way?

Gabriella was clearly about to get the eligibility certificate soon, but what about herself?

Thinking about the many elders in the sect who needed an eligibility certificate to enter the academy, Alice truly wanted to return to Peter’s side.

Being Peter’s female slave, however demeaning, would allow her to enter the academy with Peter’s support, turning her into a phoenix soaring for nine days.

What was she thinking at that time?

Alice was utterly unclear about her own thoughts.

In that moment, Margaret Smith asked, "Can my disciple, Alice Thompson, go help Gabriella? After all, having one more disciple from our sect might increase her chances."

Simon Bailey’s eyes brightened, and he smiled, "I hadn’t thought of that. Your mention reminds me; since Gabriella is now Peter’s assistant and Peter has lots to handle, sending some disciples to assist could be helpful. If an opportunity arises, someone might just get lucky!"

Help Gabriella?

Alice was stunned. She had travelled so far, faced many dangers, and upon her return, the sect intended for her to serve Gabriella. She understood too well what the sect meant—they wanted beauties like her to attract Peter. If successful, they might even secure several eligibility certificates.

"Master, I wish to return to the sect for secluded cultivation; I won’t be undertaking this task."

Alice’s expression was sour.

Initially, Margaret Smith wanted to give her disciple an opportunity but was met with resistance, making her expression turn sour as she said, "You are at the One Hundred and Eight Star Rank, there’s no need for more seclusion. I know our sect’s situation better than you; we don’t have the means to break beyond this rank. To progress further, the only way is to march towards the academy. Once there, we can gain better cultivation techniques and more resources. If Peter really takes a liking to you, what harm is there to dedicate yourself to him? I think Peter is quite handsome—you’re not at a loss."

Another woman also said, "Alice, as cultivators, we need not adhere to mundane principles about virginity. If an opportunity arises that benefits our cultivation, we must seize it bravely."

"Master, I really don’t want to do this."

Sighing, Margaret Smith said, "Well, it’s up to you. You’re declining an opportunity that many long for. You may not be aware of how impressive Peter is. Roaring Sky Thunders are his main divine artifact, and we suspect he has more tricks up his sleeve. Watch his progress; so long as he survives, his future is promising. Now Gabriella is with him, so what? She’s about to get the eligibility certificate, and soon the gap between you will widen. Don’t you want to think this through?"

Alice was extremely distressed. Initially, she could have easily obtained an eligibility certificate but regretted her proactive refusal. Now, even if she returned, Peter may not want her anymore!

Sighing, Alice was filled with regret and couldn’t disclose her situation.

Meanwhile, everyone else discussed whom to send to establish contact, even hinting that Gabriella could help with certain tasks.

Alice didn’t even know when the meeting would end. Following her master out, it was clear that her master was already somewhat displeased with her.

At that moment, Alice suddenly realized that the safest and most liberating time in her life was when she was with Peter Brown.