The inner disciple's eyes narrow slightly as he extends his hand over the gold coin. His movements are deliberate and cautious. He scans the surroundings, checking if any inner disciple observes this interaction. Assuring no one was paying undue attention, he nodded subtly.
"Fine," he says in a low, steady voice. "I see no reason not to help out a junior brother. I was in your position not too long ago. What would you like to know?"
Feeling a mix of relief and anticipation, Li Wei steadies his voice. "Forgive me, Senior, but so far, I just take bone pills and cultivate. Is this the way of the Bone Sect?"
The inner disciple nods, a knowing smile appearing on his face. "I see. I was doing the same myself. Yes, bones are the key to our power."
"But there is some context to this, take, for example, a mortal bone. It has no capability for channelling Qi. The purpose of advancing from the Qi Cultivation stage to Foundation Establishment is not only to extend one's lifespan but also to cleanse one's bones of impurities for better flow of Qi."
Li Wei listens intently, absorbing every word.
"So, the cleansing of bones enhances our abilities?"
"Exactly," the inner disciple responds. "As you advance, your bones allow for more efficient Qi circulation and storage."
Li Wei stands attentively, his gaze fixed on the inner disciple who continues to share his wisdom.
"There's always a bigger fish in the pond," he starts, his voice steady and clear. "In the world of cultivation, hierarchies are rigid and often unforgiving. No matter the level you reach, there's always someone you answer to."
Li Wei listens, his eyes locked on the inner disciple, absorbing every word. This insight into the hierarchical structure of the sect is new to him, offering a glimpse into the complexities of higher cultivation realms.
"As an inner disciple," He continues, "you are not at the top. Far from it. You answer to those above you. As an inner disciple, I kick up to a direct disciple."
Li Wei nods.
"The direct disciples, in turn, have their own superiors. They answer to the elders,"
The inner disciple pauses momentarily, ensuring Li Wei follows along. Li Wei's expression is one of deep concentration, taking in every detail.
"And the elders," the inner disciple resumes, "report to our sect's highest authority. Our leader, the one who oversees everything." He pauses, a hint of reverence in his tone. "We all answer to the Bone Sovereign ."
"Let me give you a word of advice, Junior Brother," the inner disciple starts. "If I were in your shoes, I would escape the Qi Cultivation realm as soon as possible."
"Then live out your days as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Keep a low profile, and likely, nobody should bother you. Moreover, there won't be any more pesky sect assessments, so you can stagnate. The only thing you really need to worry about is ensuring that you kick up some Grade 1 bone pills to your master every month."
"You know, there's more to life in the sect than just cultivation and power struggles. When you're out on a sect mission, don't just focus on the task at hand. Look around, experience life."
"Find yourself a beauty and start a family," he suggests with a chuckle. "It's not something many think about in their early cultivation years, but it's a part of life. Having someone by your side can make the difficult path of cultivation a bit more bearable."
Li Wei's expression is one of contemplation. The idea of starting a family seems distant and somewhat abstract, considering his current focus on cultivation and survival within the sect.
Li Wei processes this unexpected advice. His understanding of the cultivation path had always been about progression, constantly striving for greater strength and mastery. "Why is that, Senior?" he inquires, genuinely puzzled. "I thought the path was always to pursue advancement."
The inner disciple pauses, his expression turning sombre. He glances around subtly, ensuring their conversation remains private. "Fear the advancement to Golden Core, Junior Brother," he says in a lowered voice, his tone laced with a seriousness that commands Li Wei's undivided attention.
Li Wei's intrigue deepens. The inner disciple's warning contradicts everything Li Wei has come to understand.
"Why, Senior?" Li Wei probes further, eager to unravel the mystery behind such a foreboding statement.
"I won't say more than that. Just remember, the path of cultivation is fraught with perils, some less obvious than others. The allure of power can be deceiving, and the higher the climb, the greater the fall."
"Here, our conversation is free," he says in a low but clear voice.
With a discreet look to ensure no one is watching, the inner disciple deftly reaches beneath the counter and produces a small pill. He subtly tosses it to Li Wei, who catches it swiftly and slides it into his robe. At the same time, he whispers, "Take this," ensuring their exchange remains concealed amidst the market's hustle.
Li Wei feels the weight of the pill in his hand. It's light, yet its significance is profound. The pill's surface is smooth, and he can sense concentrated energy emanating from it, a quiet but potent vibration of Qi.
"Thank you, Senior," Li Wei responds in a hushed tone, acknowledging the significance of the gift. This pill is not an ordinary item.
"I hope to see you as an inner disciple in the future," he murmurs.
"Now, go before anyone notices," the inner disciple adds.
Li Wei wastes no time in distancing himself from the stall. He steps back briskly, blending into the flow of the market crowd with practised ease. His movements are inconspicuous, allowing him to navigate the throngs of people without drawing attention.
The marketplace, buzzing with the activity of disciples and vendors, slowly fades behind him as he walks away. The sounds of haggling, the scent of various herbs and pills, and the visual mosaic of stalls and items gradually dissipate as he leaves the market.
He retraces his steps, heading towards the path leading him up the mountain.
"What is a 1st grade pill?" he wonders internally. This is the first he's heard of gradations in pills, leaving him to speculate. "Is it a reference to quality or potency, perhaps?" The idea of grades in pills implies a hierarchy.
He draws out the pill he received from the inner disciple, turning it over between his fingers. "Did he give me a 1st grade pill?" The question lingers in his mind. "Why would he give me such a gift?" He ponders the intentions behind the generosity. It's an unexpected gesture that suggests a level of goodwill.
"He was helpful," Li Wei muses to himself, "but there's a softness to him that doesn't quite fit the sect."
"He lacks backbone. That kind of disposition... ." Li Wei's experience in the sect has taught him that power and ruthlessness are paramount for survival and advancement.
"That must be why the other inner disciples seem to avoid him, or perhaps why they don't regard him highly," Li Wei thinks.
Li Wei's thoughts drift to the warning about advancing to the Golden Core stage. "Why fear advancement to Golden Core?" The question gnaws at him. The path of cultivation is one of continuous progress, of striving for higher realms and greater strength. The notion of fearing advancement contradicts everything he has learned and observed.
"What danger is there at the Golden Core stage?" He considers the possibilities.
"What risks could be so great as to warrant such caution?"
He reflects on the inner disciple's demeanour when mentioning the Golden Core stage. There was a hint of seriousness, a subtle warning in his tone. "Was it a personal fear or a common sentiment among inner disciples?" Li Wei wonders. The inner disciple's advice to live out his days as a Foundation Establishment cultivator and avoid further assessments strikes him as a path of safety but also stagnation.
The path winds upwards, twisting through the mountain's natural contours.
He passes other disciples on the path, each absorbed in their thoughts and purposes. Some nod in acknowledgement as they cross paths, while others are too engrossed in their own world to notice. Li Wei keeps to himself, his thoughts inwardly focused.
"So, cleansing the bones is crucial for advancing in cultivation," he thinks, contemplating the significance of bone purity in Qi circulation and storage. This new insight shifts his perspective on his current practices.
He ponders the hierarchy. "From outer disciples like myself to inner disciples, then to direct disciples, elders, and ultimately, the Bone Sovereign," he muses. The weight of this structured ladder within the sect becomes more palpable, highlighting the daunting journey ahead of him.
"The Bone Sovereign..." he repeats in his thoughts
"What level of cultivation does the Sect Leader possess?" he muses.
The ascent is steady. Li Wei's pace is unhurried but purposeful. He knows the path well now: every twist, turn, rock, and root. His steps are sure and confident, each taking him closer to his destination.
As he climbs higher, the sounds of the sect below become fainter. The chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves become more pronounced.
Eventually, the entrance to his cave comes into sight.