C1 Outer Sect Disciple

The First Continent is a realm where the cultivation of vital force is paramount. This expansive and limitless land brims with extraordinary opportunities and adventures. Naturally, such a world is not without its perils, some of which can be deadly.

Ye Xuan is a disciple of the Astral Conclave, relegated to the Outer Sect due to his modest cultivation level. The Conclave resides within the Windborne Empire, a mere fraction of the colossal First Continent.

The Windborne Empire is home to numerous sects, among which the Astral Conclave is a mid-tier power, fluctuating within the ranks.

The Astral Conclave boasts over ten thousand disciples, categorized into the Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and Core disciples. The Inner Sect comprises roughly a thousand individuals, while the Core disciples number only three to four hundred, highlighting the prestigious status of those within these inner circles.

Today, it is Ye Xuan's turn to stand guard at the gate, a chore typically assigned to Outer Sect disciples with lesser strength. In contrast, those of higher strength or status engage in comfortable cultivation or undertake sect missions to earn elixirs, accelerating their progress.

Disciples like Ye Xuan, stationed at the gate, are generally at the first level of the Whispering Souls Realm. With the abundance of Outer Sect disciples in the Conclave, Ye Xuan's turn comes about once a month. He is relieved every four hours, with a rotation of six disciples guarding the gate simultaneously.

As the end of his shift approaches, footsteps echo behind Ye Xuan, growing louder as they draw near. The relief team of disciples has arrived.

"Your shift has ended; you can go back now. Your replacements have arrived," a soothing voice reaches Ye Xuan's ears.

Turning around, he is greeted by a man donned in the Outer Sect attire of the Astral Conclave. The man's face is adorned with a warm smile that, combined with his youthful yet defined features, easily disarms and endears him to others.

Mu Hua was a man whose strength placed him at the forefront among the Outer Sect disciples. He had reached the pinnacle of the third level of the Whispering Souls and was on the cusp of advancing to the fourth level. Rumor had it that he had been deliberately holding back his power; otherwise, he would have ascended to the fourth level quite some time ago.

Within the Outer Sect, Mu Hua was well-regarded for his kindness and approachability. Whenever his fellow disciples faced difficulties, he was always ready to lend a hand, earning him a great deal of respect from many within the sect.

"Senior Brother Mu Hua, what brings you here? Weren't you going to enter seclusion to break through to the fourth level of the Whispering Souls?" asked some of the disciples who were on friendly terms with Mu Hua.

Mu Hua greeted each of them in turn, showing no signs of arrogance. "Haha, while cultivation is crucial, taking a walk and relaxing from time to time can be beneficial. A good mood might just bring the breakthrough opportunity to you," he replied with a beaming smile.

"Senior Brother Mu Hua speaks the truth," the others nodded in agreement.

"Fourth level of the Whispering Souls..." Ye Xuan mused to himself. Reaching this level typically meant one could pass the Inner Sect Assessment and become an Inner Sect disciple. To be considered for core discipleship, however, one would need to attain at least the seventh level of the Whispering Souls. Beyond that was the Moonshadow Stage, a level of power held only by the elders. Ye Xuan had yet to hear of any core disciple possessing such strength. Even Zhang Feng, the top-ranked core disciple, was at the ninth level of the Whispering Souls.

The core ranking was a leaderboard for core disciples, a testament to the fierce competition, as it featured only the top fifty positions. It was a place where only the elite core disciples could make their mark.

Above the Moonshadow Stage was the Astral Ascension Stage, a realm attained solely by the Sect Master of the Astral Conclave. There were whispers that one of the reverends within the Conclave had also reached the Astral Ascension Stage. However, Ye Xuan had only heard these claims from other disciples and couldn't confirm their veracity.

Despite the challenge, Senior Brother Mu Hua's cultivation level remained out of reach for Ye Xuan. At just sixteen, Mu Hua was on the cusp of advancing to the Inner Sect—a remarkable feat considering he had joined the Astral Conclave only a year prior. His rapid progress in breaking through to the Inner Sect ranked him among the elite. His pace of cultivation was, frankly, quite astonishing.

Inner Sect disciples are meticulously chosen, having undergone rigorous examinations to earn their place. These assessments occur annually, and while the number of openings varies each year, the level of difficulty remains consistently high. Nonetheless, the examinations draw at least a thousand hopefuls annually, with the number of participants increasing each year.

Events of such magnitude within the sect are not to be missed by anyone with a modicum of ability. Missing out means waiting another year for a chance to ascend. Yet, for those who take the leap and succeed against the odds, the reward is Inner Sect discipleship.

The resources and environment available to Inner Sect disciples are worlds apart from those of the Outer Sect. It's like comparing heaven and earth—utterly beyond comparison. Rumor has it that within the Inner Sect lies an Aura Converger, a magical circle capable of amassing cosmic energy, which significantly boosts the speed of cultivation. This technique is the handiwork of a Spirit Weaver.

Thus, the annual Inner Sect examination draws numerous disciples, eager for a shot at transformation—a chance not to be squandered, an opportunity to turn their fortunes around in a spectacular fashion.

"Ye Xuan, why the daze?" Mu Hua approached Ye Xuan, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Your shift's up. Why are you still out here catching a chill? Or are you keen on another round of guard duty?" Mu Hua teased, grinning at Ye Xuan who had turned to face him.

"No, not at all," Ye Xuan responded hastily, gesturing dismissively. He shared a good rapport with Mu Hua, having joined the Astral Conclave just last month. His tenure in the sect was barely a month old. Initially a stranger in an unfamiliar land, without a single acquaintance and vulnerable due to his modest abilities, he often found himself the target of bullying by other disciples. It was Mu Hua's support that had allowed him to settle in more comfortably over the past month.

The Inner Sect Assessment is coming up soon, and you need to dedicate yourself to your training to pass and become a member of the Inner Sect. I really believe in you," encouraged Mu Hua, speaking to Ye Xuan.

"Don't joke around, Mu Hua. I'm well aware of my own abilities. The idea of passing the Inner Sect Assessment is nothing more than a pipe dream for me," Ye Xuan replied with a shrug and a wry expression.

"Don't talk like that. You can absolutely make it," Mu Hua reassured him, clapping Ye Xuan on the shoulder with a look of solemn wisdom. Ye Xuan felt a surge of warmth at Mu Hua's attempt to sound wise beyond his years, yet he couldn't suppress a light laugh. "Okay, I'll hold onto that hopeful thought," Ye Xuan said, bowing slightly in gratitude.

"Ah, there's the Ye Xuan I know. I'll head back now," Mu Hua said, and without waiting for a response, he turned and headed back into the sect.

As Mu Hua's figure receded into the distance, Ye Xuan's gaze grew somber. The Inner Sect Assessment wasn't something you could pass on confidence alone. Beyond self-belief, it required exceptional strength. While Ye Xuan never lacked confidence, his strength was another matter...

He harbored a secret deep within, one he had shared with no one but his father.

"Maybe I should ask my father about it tomorrow. I hope he's found a solution, or else..." Ye Xuan sighed, heading towards his quarters to prepare for his trip home the next day. At the end of each month, the Astral Conclave granted disciples two days of leave. Any other time, they would need to request permission from their mentors. Inner Sect and core disciples, however, could come and go as they pleased without such formalities.

Gazing at the myriad of lights at the mountain's base, Ye Xuan then looked southeast, towards his home, his fists clenched slightly. "Dad, have you found the answer we need?" he whispered to himself.