Shambhala, the Golden City
"You?!"
A single sharp hiss, a flare of nostrils and tongue. The High Master had already turned back towards the city and now he whirls back round to face Kisai, eyes wide, forked tongue probing the air. Behind him, the others exchange surprised looks.
The High Master points a scaly finger at all of you, but especially at Kisai. "On what merit do you lay claim to the mantle of the Master Mage and the Akashic Library?"
"But Father," Zhang blurts out in horror. "Surely there is no harm in allowing him to try? Kisai and his friends are noble souls. If they think themselves equal to meet the threat of the Lightbringer, why not let them prove their worth?"
The High Master raises both arms in a furious rage. "Fool! Have these outsiders addled you with novelty? Are we to turn this sacred ritual into some gladiatorial sport? Offering up the seat of Master Mage as a prize for all to contest? Those who are presenting themselves here today are among the most honored names among the magical community. I will not permit any outsider to stake their claim on a whim and make a mockery of our traditions."
The Taoist priest murmurs. "High Master, he is the remaining Saito heir. Perhaps..."
"Then let him contest under his father's banner. Else I forbid it." The Lemurian High Master turns to you and spreads a clawed hand. "Enter as guests; or leave, as enemies. Choose as you wish before the gates close."
Accompanied by the four mages, he turns and heads back towards the city. Zhang can only stand there in shock.
OOC
You can enter the city unopposed. However, if anyone defends Kisai's right to contest the election for the Master Mage, the High Master confronts you again: in that case, pause after any checks you want to make, and wait for my response.
Kisai can show the High Master the dragon, Seiryu, by using his powers (no check needed, as you are essentially taking 10).
You can also make interaction skill checks, however note that the High Master's attitude to you is Hostile (the other mages are Neutral and Zhang is Friendly).
You can also do whatever else you consider reasonable.