The sun had climbed high in the azure sky, its golden rays piercing through the vast array formation that enveloped Azure Sword Mountain.
Though the formation was meant to shield and protect, it didn’t block out the sunlight. Instead, it diffused the light, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere that bathed the entire mountain in a soft, otherworldly glow.
As Lucian and Isabella ascended the winding path, they marveled at the sight before them. The mountain road was paved with smooth blue stones with many cultivators in Azure Sword Sect’s attire tending to the Spirit Field, watering the Spirit Herbs.
As they climbed, Spiritual Energy became far denser than in the Azure Sword City, permeated the atmosphere.
With each breath, Lucian could feel his Qi stirring.
…
Soon the two of the stood before a two story building. The structure was entirely made of azure-colored spirit wood, with a smooth surface that exuded a calming fragrance that soothed their mind and spirit.
Above the entrance, a wooden plaque hung, with the words “Administrative and Mission Hall” written in flowing red calligraphy.
Sect disciples were going in and out of the building, creating a bustling atmosphere. The area was bustling with activity. Young men and women in azure robes hurried about, some carrying scrolls, others discussing in hushed tones.
As they approached, Isabella’s beauty caught many eyes. Few young male disciples turned their heads, some even stumbling mid-step. A few female disciples frowned, shooting envious glances at Isabella’s flawless and graceful figure.
Lucian noticed but paid it no mind. He guided Isabella through the entrance, stepping into a spacious hall.
The interior was divided into two main sections.
To their left, a massive black wall stretched from floor to ceiling, covered in countless parchments containing mission details.
This was the mission board, where sect disciples could take on tasks to earn merit points and resources.
Disciples crowded around the wall, discussing the various missions. Near the mission wall, an Elder was stationed who when a disciple chose a mission, would remove the parchment from the wall. With a wave of his hand, handing the mission to the disciple.
As each mission was accepted, the elder would record the disciple’s name and the mission details in a separate book.
To their right, was where a small line was held before an old woman who was seated behind a large desk.
With her wrinkled hand she recorded information in a thick book. Beside her, a stack of jade tokens gleamed with a soft azure light.
They soon joined the line, observing the process as they waited.
This line was primarily composed of new disciples who had passed the requirement process and were now resistered as official sect members.
When a new disciple approached, the old woman would ask their name, then perform a brief spiritual scan to assess their cultivation level. She would then enter this information into the book and hand them a disciple’s robe, a bottle of pill and a jade token, also explaining how the token could be used to access various areas of the sect.
After quarter of an hour later, finally, it was Isabella’s turn.
“Name?” she asked, her voice raspy but not unkind.
“Isabella,” she replied softly.
The old woman nodded, then a faint ripple of Spiritual Energy washed over Isabella.
This spiritual scan was more thorough than the one at the mountain’s base, as to verify not just cultivation level, but also physical characteristics in case someone disguised.
After a moment, she opened her eyes and smiled.
“Everything checks out. Welcome to Azure Sword Sect, Inner Disciple Isabella.”
Isabella bowed respectfully, “Thank you, Elder.”
The old woman reached into a drawer and pulled out a jade token, its surface glowing with a soft azure light.
She handed it to Isabella along with a disciple’s robe.
“This is your identity token,” she explained gently, “It will allow you to visit the areas exclusive for the Inner Disciples. Remember to leave your imprint when you become a Qi Gathering Cultivator.
And, here is two bottles of pills for Body Strengthening stage. Use only one at a time!
You can now go to Technique Hall and select a Cultivation Technique appropriate for your Element to use in the future, or you can go directly to your cave abode. Choose, and I will tell you where to go.”
The woman spoke, then waited for Isabella’s response.
Isabella, instead of answering directly, looked at Lucian. Se turned back to the old woman with a gentle smile.
“If it’s alright, I’d like to wait for my brother to register first before making my choice.”
The old woman nodded, her wrinkled face softening with understanding.
Isabella bowed gratefully and moved to the side, clutching her new robes and jade token close to her chest. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she examined the smooth surface of the robe.
Lucian stepped forward, said calmly, “Greetings, Elder. My name is Lucian.”
The elder nodded, then closed her eyes. A wave of spiritual energy, stronger than before, washed over Lucian.
The old woman’s eyes widened slightly.
“Qi Gathering realm first stage,” she murmured curiously, “Interesting… Most new disciples arrive at Body Tempering realm.”
She reached into the drawer, and from it, she withdrew a jade token. Alongside it, she produced a small, brown pouch.
“As all inner disciples are in Qi Gathering realm, they will receive a storage bag as a promotion gift,” she explained, handing Lucian the pouch, “It can hold up to one cubic meter of items.”
Next, she presented two jade bottles, “These contain First Order low-grade pills to aid your cultivation.”
Finally, she retrieve the robe giving it to Lucian.
Lucian and Isabella didn’t waste any more time. They asked for the location of the Inner Sect Disciples’ cave abode and Techniques Hall before leaving.
Before leaving, Lucian also asked if he could have his mother stay with him in his cave abode.
The elder responded, “Typically, all Inner and Core Disciples are granted a servant for their daily needs. If that is what you want, the sect will not object to an additional person, but she must first be registered here.”
Leaving the Administrative Hall, they began ascending the winding mountain path once more, following the new disciples who also choose to go to the Techniques Hall.
As they climbed higher, Isabella couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer.
She turned to Lucian, her brows furrowed in confusion.
“Brother, I don’t know my Element. How can I choose a suitable Cultivation Technique?”
Lucian smiled, “Don’t worry, sister. I’ll help you choose the best one for you.”
Isabella’s blue eyes widened in surprise, “Ehh? How can you know? Are you certain?”
With mischievous eyes, Lucian laughed and said, “Don’t you believe me?”
At his remark, she could only curl her lips and lower her head, her cheeks flushing slightly. Silently, she wondered how she, once an arrogant princess, had become so timid, following his every word without question.
…
The Techniques Hall.
Located in the center of Azure Sword Mountain.
As soon as Lucian entered the Techniques Hall, he saw an old man in a Daoist robe with white hair sitting at the entrance behind a wooden desk, reading a worn-out book.
Feeling the Spiritual pressure the old man’s body involuntary released, Lucian couldn’t help but think: the Techniques Hall is indeed one of the most important foundations of a sect, so he must be an unrivaled existence in the Azure Sword Sect.
With these thoughts, he immediately bowed to him in salutation. Enjoy new tales from empire
“Greetings Senior!”
The old man’s eyes were still slightly closed, a strand of divine sense swept over.
At the same time, the old Daoist slowly said, “Show me your jade token.”
Lucian immediately took out his jade token, presenting it to the old man. The elder’s divine sense swept over it, confirming Lucian’s identity.
“Inner sect disciple,” the old man nodded, his eyes still half-closed, “You may access the second floor. But remember, only two books per month can be borrowed from there. One for Cultivation and another for any Dao Technique, but if you want, you can also choose two techniques instead. Also, do not take the books more than 10 km away from the sect; otherwise, they will automatically burst and the sect will be notified. Understand?
Lucian nodded respectfully, “Understood, Elder.”
“If so, then go in!” the old man waved his hand, signaling the two not to block the way any longer.
Lucian and Isabella bowed once more before entering the hall.
The interior was vast, far larger than it appeared from the outside.
Rows upon rows of bookshelves stretched as far eye could see. Therefore, the books were separately categorized to help disciples find the one they needed.
As this floor was mainly opened to Body Strengthening Realm cultivators, except for the new disciples, there were very few old disciples.
Lucian didn’t directly go to the second floor, instead he arrived at a bookshelf and began browsing through those ancient books. His first target was historical and cultural heritage, as well as various ancient legends etc to better understand the cultivation world.