"We just received confirmation that the Exchange Seeker will arrive in a week," an older man wearing luxurious black robes said to the group of people in front of him.
The small congregation of about 50 people was in a big hall filled with several devices.
The other people all showed respect in front of the older man. After all, he was the leading Core Elder, while they were just Core Disciples.
Well, most of them were Core Disciples. There were also three Inner Disciples present.
The three Inner Disciples wore red shirts and pants, while the Core Disciples wore black shirts and pants.
In this organization, Elders were supposed to wear robes, while the Disciples wore normal clothing.
When the Disciples heard the Core Elder's words, some of them laughed, while others smiled knowingly.
Every single person in the room had a massive build. They all looked like roided-out bodybuilders and strongmen.
"Remember," the Core Elder said. "No one outside of this room is allowed to hear about our plan. It is imperative that this is kept secret. Do you understand me?"
The Core Elder looked with an intense and serious gaze at the gathered group.
The Disciples stopped laughing and smiling as they nodded solemnly.
"I do not want any of you to talk about this plan outside of this room," the Core Elder said. "If you have any questions, now's your only chance to ask them. If you ask me for clarification later, I will deny any involvement."
Some of the Disciples looked at each other, while others just waited.
"Won't we get into trouble?" one of the Core Disciples asked.
The others looked at the Disciple, who quickly felt like he had done something wrong by asking this question.
"No, we won't," the Core Elder said. "We have amended our rules almost two centuries ago. That's enough time to make it seem like this change is not related to the Exchange Seeker."
The Disciple, who had asked the question, still seemed unsure, but he didn't dare to speak up again.
"Senior," another Disciple said, "can you just confirm again what our rewards are?"
A small glimmer of hatred washed over the Core Elder's face, but it was so quick and subtle that none of the Disciples noticed.
By asking for a confirmation publicly, the Core Elder was put in a bad spot.
He promised different Disciples different rewards.
Some of the stronger Disciples glared at the Disciple who had just spoken up.
Naturally, these stronger Disciples knew that they were getting a bigger reward, and they didn't want their rewards to be downgraded.
"Rewards are based on contribution and strength," an especially big Core Disciple said with a snort. "That's only fair."
Most of the Disciples furrowed their brows when they heard that.
That didn't sound fair at all!
"No, the rewards are equal for everyone," the Core Elder said. "If the plan works, everyone will receive a Rank S Contribution Package."
"Even us?" one of the Inner Disciples asked in shock.
"Yes, even the Inner Disciples," the Core Elder said.
Several of the Disciples looked at the Core Elder with excitement.
They had only been promised a Rank A Contribution Package!
They were getting a Rank S Contribution Package now?!
That was amazing!
"Only if it succeeds!" the Core Elder shouted. "If we fail, there will be no reward!"
This didn't deter their excitement.
Why would it fail?
They had prepared for over two centuries!
If everything worked out, one of them would become an Outer Disciple of the Array of Stars!
Jumping from a Higher Secondary Organization to a Higher Supreme Organization was a jump of four levels!
"I have a question," one of the Inner Disciples said.
"Yes?" the Core Elder asked.
"Am I supposed to lose on purpose?" he asked.
Some of the Core Disciples secretly got annoyed.
"No," the Core Elder said. "We have to make it look authentic. After all, this is our official way to recruit new Core Disciples now."
"200 years later, our rules will change again, and the old Core Disciples will regain their old status."
Some of the Core Disciples were not completely happy with the plan.
After all, they would lose their status as Core Disciples.
200 years ago, in order to prepare for the arrival of the Exchange Seeker, the organization had changed the way in which it chose its Core Disciples.
In the past, they had considered age, talent, advancement speed, Battle-Strength, and merits.
However, that rule had changed quite a bit.
"Only power matters," the Core Elder said. "If you can't beat all the Inner Disciples, you don't deserve to be a Core Disciple. The Exchange Seeker will lose to the three of you, and we will report that to the Array of Stars."
The Core Elder showed a small smile. "But since we are so friendly, we are going to give them another chance 100 years later. Of course, they will fail once again, and the Array of Stars will accept that they are weaker than our Core Disciples."
"Then, the spot is ours."
Most of the Disciples smirked.
"But are we sure that we will win?" one of the Core Disciples asked. "The Exchange Seeker used to be a Unique Transcendent. His Element Absorption gives them an edge."
Some of the Disciples groaned.
"That's why we are all Advanced Primals, idiot!" one of the Core Disciples shouted. "This is about physical power, not the power of Laws! We are in the Primal Realm! Only your physical power is important, you absolute ingrate!"
Surprisingly, the other Disciple didn't seem insulted. Instead, his eyes just opened in realization. "Oh, yeah! You're right!"
Some of the Disciples chuckled when they saw the other Disciple's innocent expression.
How this guy managed to become a Primal with his idiot brain was a complete mystery to them.
But somehow, this guy just kept comprehending Laws.
"Any more questions?" the Core Elder asked.
This time, nobody spoke up.
"Good," the Core Elder said. "Then, be prepared. We will meet in a week to welcome our new 'brother'."
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