In terms of influence alone, she could already keep the Weird Old Man in check to a certain degree.
The Weird Old Man knew all of this, but he didn't oppose it or resent it. He just watched quietly from the sidelines.
'Hmph, just you wait. Once I'm Promoted Tai Chi, I'll build my own faction and leverage the infighting between the Sect's major departments. I'll use the Sect's power to pressure that Weird Old Man until he agrees to my demands.'
'Don't think a mere title of Spirit Nurturing Master can make up for all the other differences.'
But that Weird Old Man was truly infuriating.
She had just secretly begun to condense her Rune Core when he discovered her.
She was fifteen that year, and utterly discouraged.
The Weird Old Man stopped her advancement, telling her about the origins and current state of Spirit Nurturing Masters, and explaining the core reason they held such an esteemed status.
