Jason was sitting cross-legged on his bed, trying to process everything that had happened since he had arrived at the Soaring Dragon Palace. He was deep in thought when he heard the door to the room creak open. Three figures walked in, and Jason looked up to see his new roommates.
The first boy was tall and muscular, with a chiseled jaw and short black hair. He had a confident aura about him and carried himself like a natural leader. The second boy was shorter and athletic, with a mop of curly brown hair that fell over his forehead. He had a friendly smile on his face and seemed eager to make friends. The girl was stunning, with long black hair that flowed down her back like a waterfall. Her eyes were bright and sharp, and her skin was as smooth as porcelain.
"Hey there, I'm Liang," said the first boy, offering Jason a firm handshake.
"I'm Shen," said the second boy, giving Jason a wave.
The girl didn't say anything, but she gave Jason a small nod of acknowledgment.
"I'm Jason," he replied, returning their greetings.
Liang sat down on his bed and began to stretch, his muscles rippling under his skin. Shen sat down next to him and started unpacking his belongings, humming a tune under his breath. The girl sat down on the bed opposite Jason's, taking out a book from her bag and starting to read.
Jason took a moment to observe his new roommates.
Liang was a tall and muscular young man with a rugged, handsome face. His short black hair was swept to the side, framing his sharp features. His eyes were dark and piercing, like two burning coals, and his skin was a warm, tanned brown.
He had a confident and relaxed air about him, and moved with a natural grace that spoke of physical prowess. His broad shoulders and powerful arms hinted at the physical strength he possessed, while the lean muscles of his torso suggested speed and agility.
Liang's attire was simple, yet well-tailored. He wore a black sleeveless tunic that revealed the toned muscles of his arms, and loose pants that allowed for freedom of movement. His boots were sturdy and well-worn, and his belt held various tools and weapons that hinted at his combat skills.
Shen was a young man of average height with an athletic build. He had a well-defined jawline and chiseled features that gave him an air of confidence. His short hair was styled in a messy but intentional manner that added to his casual demeanor.
Despite his imposing physique, Shen had a warm and easy-going personality. He had an infectious smile that could light up a room, and his laid-back attitude made him approachable and easy to talk to.
His clothes were simple and practical, consisting of loose-fitting pants and a sleeveless shirt that showed off his well-toned arms. He moved with a relaxed grace that spoke of a lifetime of physical training, and his movements were always fluid and controlled.
Shen's eyes were a warm brown that seemed to sparkle with a mischievous glint when he was joking around with his friends. Jason could feel that Shen would be the most approachable out of the group.
"So, where are you guys from?" Jason asked, trying to break the ice.
Liang looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Why do you want to know?"
"Just making conversation," Jason replied with a shrug.
Shen spoke up, "I'm from the Western Region, near the coast. What about you?"
"I am… Er. Was, from a small village in the East," Jason replied.
The girl didn't say anything, but Jason could feel her eyes on him, as if she was silently studying him.
Shen leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry about those two, they take a bit to warm up to new people."
Jason nodded in understanding "So I know both of your names, what's hers?" he asked, pointing his chin towards the girl reading.
"Why? Are you interested?" Shen grinned playfully.
Jason looked at the amiable kid who was clearly trying to make fun of him and smiled, suddenly thinking about Michael who would likely do the same. "So what if I am?" he whispered suggestively.
Shen's demeanor quickly changed to one of panic, clearly not expecting that response from Jason. "Ahem, I suggest you dispose of whatever intentions you have with her. That is, unless you want to get beaten up by the battle freak over there."
Jason looked over to where Shen had pointed out Liang who was currently in the middle of a workout routine, doing push-ups while glistening with sweat.
'What the heck? We only just arrived and he's working out!' Jason remarked internally.
"So that's Liang's girl huh?" he asked warily.
"No that's his younger sister Lina." Shen replied hastily, waving his hands.
"Younger sister?" Seeing that the two looked around the same age, he found it questionable "Are they twins?"
"Guessed it in one" Shen replied, smacking Jason on the back in friendly fashion.
Jason took a closer look at Lina who was deeply engrossed in a book. She had a captivating presence, exuding a quiet confidence that drew one's attention towards her. Her long black hair shimmered under the light, cascading down her back in gentle waves like a waterfall. Her eyes were bright and piercing, as if they could see through one's soul. They were the colour of the midnight sky, deep and alluring. Her skin was as smooth as porcelain, flawless and without blemish.
She had a lithe figure, with long, graceful limbs that moved with a fluidity that spoke of years of practice. Her clothes were simple, yet elegant, made of fine silk that clung to her form in all the right places.
Gulping deeply, he quickly looked away as a red flush began to make its way onto his cheeks. Desperate to change the subject he asked Shen "So what do we do now that we're outer sect disciples?
Shen who had just been watching Jason's inner turmoil let out a little chuckle before answering "In the outer sect, apart from cultivating we have a cultivation lesson with an elder each week. The elder will go through the basics of cultivation and the sect will provide us with resources based on our merits."
He continued "Initially, all outer sect disciples are entitled to 5 low tier spirit stones and a spirit-enhancing pill each month."
'Whew that's a lot of resources' Jason thought, trying to calculate how many outer sect disciples there were and gauge the total expenditure per month.
"However if these are not enough, the sect has a Missions Hall, where it posts jobs that the sect requires to complete. For completing these jobs, you can earn Merit points, the main currency of the sect."
"Makes sense." Jason nodded. "What kind of jobs does the sect post?"
"They can range from an escort job, to collecting materials or even hunting vicious beasts. Disciples can also post jobs at their own expense and the sect will also take a commission only if the job is completed."
Shen was the most talkative and friendly of the group, his people skills were top notch which could be clearly seen by how he had managed to make friends with the Icy twins.
"Shen, you talk to much" Lina lifted her head from her book, saying her first words since entering the room. "This is why you're still in the first level of Qi condensation unlike myself and Brother Liang."
Lina's voice was like a melodious song, both soothing and commanding at the same time. It carried a certain weight that demanded attention but was also gentle and kind. Her words were clear and precise, each syllable enunciated with a delicate precision that was both alluring and mesmerizing.
Shen laughed heartily, not taking her words to heart. "Sister Lina, some of us excel in other areas instead of cultivation."
Accustomed to Shen's dismissive tone, she ignored him and stood up slowly. "You better not drag us down Shen, we've arrived at Soaring Dragon Palace to become powerful cultivators." She looked over at Jason and continued "The same goes for you."
Jason locked eyes with Lina, not backing down in the slightest. "You won't have to worry about me or my brother, we'll pass you in no time."
"Your brother?" Shen's ears perked up. "Is he an outer disciple?"
"Well. Not yet, but he will be soon." He replied in earnest.
"Is his cultivation also the 1st level of Qi Condensation?" Lina asked dismissively.
"Um no, he's not a cultivator yet." Scratching his head Jason replied softly.
Lina sighed in exasperation 'kids these days' she thought to herself. "Okay well I'm sure we'll see your brother in no time. The first cultivation lesson starts shortly so let's get a move on."
Jason nodded in affirmation. 'You will be here soon right Michael?'