The three of them settled into easier conversation, the tension from earlier completely dissolving into comfortable familiarity.
Yu’er told stories about life in the Four Symbols Sect, her voice animated as she recounted her experiences.
She described the strict training schedules that had disciples rising before dawn every day without fail.
The competitive atmosphere among disciples, where everyone pushed each other to greater heights.
The occasional drama between different factions within the sect, political maneuvering that sotis felt more exhausting than actual cultivation.
"There’s this one group of disciples who follow Elder Wen," Yu’er said with a slight grimace. "They think technique refinent is more important than cultivation base advancent. And then there’s Elder Zhao’s faction, who believe raw power trumps everything else. They argue constantly during group training sessions."
"Which side are you on?" Xian Long asked curiously.
"Master’s side," Yu’er replied with a smile. "She teaches balance between both approaches. Technique without power is empty. Power without technique is wasteful. You need both working together."
Xian Long listened with rapt attention, his eyes shining with obvious interest. He was clearly dreaming of the day he could join a sect himself and experience all of this firsthand. Every story Yu’er told seed to fuel his imagination further.
"The sect library is incredible," Yu’er continued enthusiastically. "Three floors of cultivation techniques, martial skills, formation arrays, alchemy recipes. I could spend years in there and still not read everything. And the training grounds have formations that can simulate different environnts. Mountains, forests, deserts, even underwater combat scenarios."
"That sounds amazing," Xian Long breathed. "I can’t wait until I can access all of that!"
Yu’er smiled at her younger brother’s enthusiasm. "You’ll get there. Just focus on building a solid foundation now. Don’t rush your cultivation."
"Hey, Sister," Xian Long said suddenly, his eyes lighting up with unmistakable mischief. A familiar expression that both Yu’er and Xian Tiandi recognized imdiately. "Since you’re already a core disciple, you must know about the selection trials, right? Like, all the details?"
"Yes," Yu’er replied cautiously, her eyes narrowing as she already sensed exactly where this conversation was heading.
"Can you tell us what they test?" Xian Long asked eagerly, leaning forward in his chair. "Like, what specific things should we prepare for? What are the examiners looking for exactly? Are there any tricks or special techniques that help? What about..."
*Thwack!*
Yu’er reached over and knocked Xian Long lightly on the head with her knuckles. The strike wasn’t hard enough to actually hurt, just enough to make her point clearly.
"Ow! What was that for?" Xian Long yelped, rubbing the spot where she’d hit him.
"You always want to cheat," Yu’er said with obvious exasperation, though her tone carried affection underneath the annoyance. "Every single test, every trial, every competition we’ve ever had. You always try to find shortcuts or inside information instead of just preparing properly."
"I’m not trying to cheat!" Xian Long protested vigorously, still rubbing his head. "I’m just gathering intelligence about the situation! That’s smart strategy! That’s what any good cultivator would do before facing an important challenge!"
"It’s cheating," Yu’er insisted firmly, crossing her arms.
Xian Tiandi laughed at their exchange, the sound warm and genuine. These sibling argunts were so familiar, so normal. "Let him ask, Yu’er. I’m curious too, honestly. We’re both taking the trials, after all."
Yu’er shot him a look that was half reproach, half amusent. "Don’t encourage him, Big Brother. You’ll only make him worse."
"I’m not encouraging cheating," Xian Tiandi said with mock innocence. "I’m just interested in hearing about the sect’s selection process. Purely for educational purposes, you understand. General knowledge about how major sects evaluate potential disciples."
"Educational purposes," Yu’er repeated flatly, her tone making it clear she saw right through that excuse. But her lips were twitching with suppressed amusent despite her stern expression.
Xian Long seized the opportunity imdiately. "See? Big Brother agrees with ! Co on, Sister. Just give us a little hint. What do they test? It’s not like knowing the general categories is cheating. That’s just basic information, right?"
Yu’er sighed dramatically, as if this was the greatest burden anyone had ever asked her to bear. "You two are absolutely impossible together."
But despite her protests, she was smiling now. This felt normal. Familiar. Like countless other conversations they’d had growing up together in the Xian Clan.
Xian Long trying to ga so system or find an advantage. Yu’er pretending to be scandalized by his lack of propriety. Xian Tiandi caught in the middle, amused by both of them and their predictable patterns.
"Fine," Yu’er relented with exaggerated reluctance. "But I’m only telling you general information that anyone could learn by asking around. Nothing specific about the actual trial formats or the particular challenges you’ll face."
"That’s all we need!" Xian Long said excitedly, practically bouncing in his chair.
Yu’er rolled her eyes at his enthusiasm but continued anyway. "The selection trials typically test three main things. Combat ability, cultivation talent, and character."
"Combat ability because the sect needs disciples who can actually defend themselves and contribute to missions. Cultivation talent because they want people with genuine potential for growth, not just current strength."
"And character because they need to know you won’t beco a liability or disgrace to the sect’s reputation."
She paused, organizing her thoughts. "The sect has different tiers of disciples based on cultivation level and demonstrated ability. Outer Court Disciples are typically at Qi Refinent realm."
"They’re still learning the basics and building their foundations. Inner Court Disciples are usually at Qi Condensation realm, with stronger foundations and more advanced techniques. Core Disciples like myself are at Foundation Establishnt realm or higher."
"And above that?" Xian Long asked, fascinated.
"Golden Core cultivators receive honorary or official elder status," Yu’er explained. "Like Liu Qian had. They’re considered valuable assets to the sect and given significant authority and resources. Above them are the Nascent Soul realm elders, who form the true leadership of the sect."
"Master Yue Lian is at Nascent Soul realm peak, right?" Xian Tiandi asked, although he already knew the answer.
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