Alaric Ye always believed that the cultivation world was a beautiful place where Immortal Elders could fly and escape at will, living forever and laughing proudly between heaven and earth, pursuing the eternal Dao.
But now, Alaric had not yet formally joined the Top Xuan Sect, and the cruel side of the cultivation world had already shown its ferocious and sinister face.
He was very fortunate that he had been sitting in a corner meditating before the flying boat crashed. When the boat fell, he managed to grab the railing and hide in a crevice, avoiding being crushed to death.
He was also grateful for having cultivated the powerful Little Strong and possessing the Ancient Ring of the Insect Emperor.
Otherwise, his path of cultivation might have ended abruptly just as it began.
Having just escaped from death, Alaric quickly fell asleep leaning against the railing after being rescued due to exhaustion. When he opened his eyes again, the twilight had faded, and the flying boat was gliding smoothly through the boundless night sky.
Above, the stars twinkled, and the moonlight was like water.
Most of the Top Xuan Sect’s cultivators were meditating and cultivating in various spots on the flying boat. Alaric could clearly see strands of pale purple Spiritual Qi being continuously absorbed into their bodies.
Mysterious Spirit Daoist still stood alone at the bow of the flying boat, his half-white long hair and robe fluttering in the night wind, his deep eyes gazing into the night sky. It was unclear whether he was on guard or lost in thought.
Alaric stood up and stretched his stiff muscles a bit. He looked down at the flying boat as it slowly flew over the rugged mountains, faintly hearing the roars of a few fierce beasts in the forest.
This was already deep within the Dragon-seeking Mountain Range, a truly remote place. It was said that not only Immortal Sects but also demons and monsters lurked in these mountains, and even the most skilled hunters dared not venture deep.
The air after the rain was very fresh, and Alaric felt much better, with most of the gloom in his heart dissipated.
Alaric had been a servant since childhood, enduring all kinds of hardships. His mental resilience was far beyond that of other thirteen or fourteen-year-olds.
The flying boat flew steadily for about an hour. Alaric felt the terrain rising continuously, and he gradually saw pavilions and towers on the ground, with occasional flickering lights.
At some point, most of the cultivators had also risen from their meditation, smiling and in high spirits, like travelers seeing their hometown after a long journey.
The Top Xuan Sect was finally within reach!
Many disciples walked to the railing, and to Alaric’s surprise, he was surrounded by a group of brightly dressed, pretty senior sisters. They enthusiastically introduced the Top Xuan Sect to him.
As for why so many female cultivators were fond of Alaric, it was because of his handsome appearance, though that was secondary. The most important reason was his excellent cultivation talent, which even Mysterious Spirit Daoist had high hopes for.
Cultivators were very good at making early investments, winning Alaric’s favor.
“Junior Brother Ye, we are now in the outer area of the sect. This area mainly houses the miscellaneous disciples, with large fields of spirit farms and herb gardens around… You are from a noble family, so you should understand what miscellaneous disciples are…”
The senior sister who was introducing the sect to Alaric suddenly noticed his tattered coarse cloth clothes and smiled awkwardly, “Well, maybe you are not from a noble family. Let me introduce some basic knowledge about our sect.”
Alaric quickly bowed respectfully.
“Thank you, senior sisters.”
“Our Top Xuan Sect disciples are ranked by grades. Most disciples enter as miscellaneous disciples, responsible for managing spirit farms and herbs daily, contributing to the sect to earn contribution points. These points can be exchanged for various precious treasures you want from the Contribution Pavilion, such as magical artifacts and techniques.”
“When a miscellaneous disciple reaches the third level of Qi Refining, they are promoted to outer disciples. Outer disciples need to choose an Immortal Peak to join. Each peak has its specialties. For example, the cultivators of Thundercloud Peak excel in spells, while those of Spirit Sword Peak are skilled in sword techniques and blade arts. Spirit Beast Peak specializes in raising immortal beasts and spirit insects…”
“We sisters are all outer disciples. Outer disciples no longer need to manage spirit farms and herb gardens. Contribution points are earned by completing sect tasks, and each outer disciple has their own independent cave dwelling.”
“Outer disciples who reach the sixth level of Qi Refining can take the inner disciple examination. However, becoming an inner disciple is very difficult. Many cultivators at the eighth or even ninth level of Qi Refining are still outer disciples.”
“Becoming an inner disciple allows you to learn more powerful immortal techniques, bringing you closer to the path of immortality. Only inner disciples have a slight chance of entering the Foundation Establishment stage.”
Alaric’s eyes lit up when he heard that Spirit Beast Peak specialized in raising immortal beasts and spirit insects.
This should be his future goal.
As someone with the bloodline of the Insect Emperor and the Ancient Ring of the Insect Emperor, he was a professional in raising insects.
However, when he heard about spells and sword techniques, Alaric’s heart also burned with excitement.
Spells and sword techniques were the hallmark skills of immortals. Learning spells could allow one to summon clouds and rain, call forth thunder, release flames, and turn stone into gold. When Mysterious Spirit Daoist fought against the demonic person earlier, Alaric saw thunderbolts and electric snakes erupting from his hands, which the demonic person avoided, clearly indicating the immense power of thunder.
Those skilled in sword techniques could fly with their swords, controlling them to decapitate enemies from hundreds or even thousands of feet away. Powerful sword immortals could cut rivers and open mountains with a single strike. Legendary stories of sword immortals slaying demons were abundant among the common folk.
The senior sisters continued to chatter around Alaric, eager to impart all the basic knowledge of the sect into his head at once. Fortunately, Alaric had eaten Little White’s pearl, making his mind sharp and his memory astonishing. He remembered every word the senior sisters said.
He became increasingly familiar with the Top Xuan Sect and the cultivation world of the Dragon-seeking Mountain Range.
It had to be said that the Top Xuan Sect’s territory was far more extensive than a large state’s capital. The flying boat flew for another half hour before finally descending slowly onto a vast open ground where dozens of flying boats were docked.
The senior sisters, each more enthusiastic than the last, were interrupted by two dry coughs from Mysterious Spirit Daoist.
The female outer disciples surrounding Alaric fell silent, waved goodbye to him with smiles, and quickly disappeared after jumping off the flying boat.
Not good at socializing, Alaric could only bow gratefully to the air once more.
Having lived for more than ten years, Alaric had only felt the warmth and kindness of others in the Top Xuan Sect, apart from his parents and grandparents at home. This made him feel a strong sense of belonging to the sect upon his arrival.
He clearly felt that the cultivation world had a cold and ruthless side, but it also had a warm and gentle side.
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