Inner disciples had more freedom but higher expectations. Training sessions were optional but strongly recomnded. Mission requirents were more flexible.
But inner disciples were expected to show consistent progress and advancent. Stagnation would result in demotion back to outer disciple status.
"Should we explore the sect together?" Xian Long suggested eagerly. "I want to see everything! The technique pavilion, the resource halls, maybe even the alchemy peak!"
"Let’s start with the mission hall," Xian Tiandi said practically. "Understanding how missions work is important for earning contribution points. You’ll both need points for cultivation resources."
Xian Long nodded enthusiastically. Ying Yue simply inclined her head in agreent.
They made their way to the mission hall, following the sect map that had been provided in their manuals. The building was large and imposing, constructed from dark wood with a curved roof. Disciples constantly ca and went through its main entrance, creating a steady flow of traffic.
Inside, the main room was dominated by several large boards mounted on the walls. Each board displayed mission scrolls organized by difficulty and type. Different colored papers indicated different mission ranks and requirents.
White papers were for outer disciples only. These missions involved relatively safe and straightforward tasks. Herb gathering in designated areas. Spirit beast monitoring from a distance. ssage delivery between sect facilities. Resource collection. The rewards ranged from five to twenty contribution points depending on difficulty and ti required.
Blue papers were for inner disciples. These missions were significantly more complex and dangerous. Investigation of suspicious activities. Escort duties for sect caravans. Dealing with minor threats to sect territory. Hunting specific spirit beasts. Rewards ranged from twenty to fifty contribution points.
There were also red papers for core disciples, but those boards were in a separate section behind a formation barrier that ordinary disciples couldn’t access.
Xian Long and Ying Yue moved to the white paper boards, examining the available missions carefully. They needed to choose their first missions soon to start earning points.
"This one looks manageable," Xian Long said, pointing to a scroll. "Gather twenty stalks of Blue Moon Grass from the eastern hills. Reward is ten contribution points. The description says the grass grows near water sources and is easy to identify."
"That’s a common beginner mission," Ying Yue noted quietly. "The grass is used in basic healing pills. The area is safe and well-patrolled. Good for a first mission."
Xian Long pulled the scroll from the board. "I’ll take this one then. Want to co with , Ying Yue? We could complete it together."
"I’ll consider it," Ying Yue replied, still examining other options.
Xian Tiandi moved to the blue paper boards, scanning the available inner disciple missions. Most were straightforward. Escort a rchant caravan. Investigate rumors of bandits. Hunt a specific spirit beast that was causing problems.
One mission caught his attention imdiately.
**Mission: Investigate Spirit Beast Activity**
*Location: Northern Mountain Range*
*Description: Recent reports indicate unusual spirit beast behavior in the northern mountains. Multiple sightings of spirit beasts moving in organized groups. Investigate and determine cause. Eliminate threats if possible. Report all findings to mission hall.*
*Reward: 40 contribution points*
*Difficulty: dium*
*Recomnded Team Size: 2-3 disciples*
*Warning: Exercise caution. Cause of behavior is unknown.*
’This could be related to Four Spirits Sect operations,’ Xian Tiandi thought as he read. ’They often use spirit beast manipulation techniques for various purposes. Worth investigating.’
In his past life, the Four Spirits Sect had employed spirit beast control thods extensively. They’d used controlled beasts for surveillance, attacks, and resource gathering. If they were operating in this region already, abnormal beast behavior would be one of the signs.
He morized the mission details but didn’t take the scroll yet. He’d need to prepare properly before attempting it. Gather information about the most recent events in the northern mountains. Stock up on appropriate pills and talismans. Even if he is strong it is always good to be prepared.
"Find anything good?" Xian Long asked, looking over curiously.
"A few possibilities," Xian Tiandi replied vaguely. "Nothing urgent."
They spent another few minutes browsing the mission boards. The hall was getting more crowded as the morning progressed. More disciples arrived to accept missions or report completed ones.
Finally they turned to leave, heading back toward the entrance.
As they exited the mission hall, Xian Tiandi nearly collided with a group entering. He stopped just in ti.
"Young Master Xian!" a familiar voice called out.
Zhou Kang stood there with several other disciples in core disciple robes. His expression was respectful and eager. He imdiately bowed deeply.
"It’s an honor to see you again," Zhou Kang said earnestly.
Xian Tiandi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed Zhou Kang with his spiritual sense. Sothing had changed significantly.
Zhou Kang’s cultivation had advanced dramatically since their journey. He was now at peak Qi Refinent realm, just one step away from Qi Condensation. The spiritual energy radiating from him was dense and well-controlled.
"Your cultivation has improved considerably," Xian Tiandi observed. "Peak Qi Refinent already."
Zhou Kang’s face lit up with genuine pride. "Thanks to Young Master’s guidance during our journey together! Observing your techniques and mindset helped break through multiple bottlenecks. My master has been pushing hard since I beca his direct disciple, but the foundation you helped establish made all the difference."
He spoke with complete sincerity, treating Xian Tiandi as a superior despite his own core disciple status.
"I’ve been following your example in my cultivation," Zhou Kang continued. "Focusing on foundation rather than rushing advancent. It’s made everything smoother."
Zhou Kang glanced back at his companions, who were waiting patiently. His expression beca regretful.
"I would love to speak with you properly and catch up on everything," he said. "But my master has sent on an important mission that must be completed imdiately. He’s very strict about punctuality."
He bowed again, even deeper this ti. "Once I’m done with this task, I’ll co visit your courtyard if you’ll permit it. There’s much I’d like to discuss with you and learn from you."
"You’re welco to visit," Xian Tiandi said simply.
Zhou Kang’s face brightened. "Thank you, Young Master! I won’t take up any more of your ti."
He hurried into the mission hall with his group, moving quickly to fulfill his master’s orders.
Xian Long stared after Zhou Kang with confusion and curiosity written all over his face. He turned to Xian Tiandi.
"Brother, what about Zhou Kang?" he asked.
"How did he beco a Core Disciple all of a sudden when I didn’t see him I’m take the trials?"
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