"From the sky, Shen Ren gazed down at the new city below, a surreal blend of the ancient and the present. Towering structures with traditional eaves and intricate carvings stood amidst modern glass buildings, creating a striking contrast. People moved through the streets in flowing robes, reminiscent of the Elder Cang's attire, their steps slow and graceful, as though time itself had bent to an older era.
Shen Ren could hardly believe the transformation before his eyes—so sudden, so absolute.
In the distance, the Shelter Zone was also filled with common folk, but their faces worn and weary. Their hands were rough from relentless labor, their posture bent in subservience, much like the servants of long-forgotten dynasties.
The true mystery gnawed at him: Who had wrought such profound change, and by what unfathomable power?
They have brought new rules taking advantage of the ordinary folks weakness.
Shen Ren's thoughts swirled, his heart heavy with unanswered questions as they descended down at residence surrounded by several houses.
---
"Master, you're back already? I thought you were going on patrol?"
Suddenly a young man, similar in age as Shen Ren, came forward and spoke with a respectful smile. There was a sharp glint in his eyes, and a sword scabbard hung at his waist.
Shen Ren, standing a little distance away, could also faintly feel that the young man was also much more powerful than him.
Shen Ren and his family stood behind the old man, and Shen Ren remained vigilant in case any problems arose.
The old man narrowed his eyes as he looked at the smiling young man.
"Oh, did I interrupt your leisure time, Meng Shuang?" he asked, his tone laced with danger.
Meng Shuang flinched slightly before forcing a laugh. "Heh, heh... What are you saying, Master? Your disciple would never be idle. I was just teaching my junior brother a bit of discipline. Isn't that right, junior brother Yu Hao?"
He turned to a smaller young man standing a little farther back, dressed in the same green robes as Meng Shuang. Yu Hao, quiet and unassuming, merely nodded.
"See?" Meng Shuang smiled confidently.
Elder Cang studied them both for a moment, his eyes narrowed with suspicion, but he ultimately let it pass.
"Forget it... I don't have time to argue with you right now."
Turning to the girl beside him, Elder Cang introduced her. "This is your new junior sister, Shen Ru. Take good care of her."
Meng Shuang and Yu Hao glanced at Shen Ru with renewed interest.
"So, Master finally decided to take in a disciple? That's great! Now I won't have to deal with junior brother Yu Hao all the time. I can guide her as the respectable senior brother I am," Meng Shuang boasted, puffing out his chest.
He turned toward Shen Ru. "What's your name, beautiful junior sister?"
"Ah, my name is Shen Ru... Senior brother," she replied awkwardly, casting a glance at her family standing nearby. "And these are my family members," she added, introducing them.
"Greetings, greetings," Meng Shuang said, surprisingly respectful, cupping his fists with a bow.
Shen Ren and the others returned the gesture with curt nods.
Yu Hao, quieter but no less enthusiastic, spoke up. "Master, thank you for giving me a junior sister. Senior brother is a lot to handle on my own," he said slowly, his tone soft.
"Humph," Elder Cang scoffed. "At least she isn't a wastrel like you two, who couldn't even pass the Inner Court disciple exam."
Meng Shuang blinked in astonishment.
"So, our junior sister is talented. I was wondering why you took in a disciple all of a sudden," he mused aloud, nodding to himself.
"What is the grade of your physique, Junior Sister? Don't worry, this senior brother won't tell a soul," Meng Shuang said with a smirk, patting his chest in mock reassurance.
Shen Ru hesitated, her eyes flicking toward her brother, father, and mother. She wasn't sure if it was safe to reveal such information in front of everyone.
Elder Cang, too, was curious. Though he could tell her physique was exceptional, the precise grade was known. They sect had those measurement devices, but they only used when recruiting disciples to judge their talent. Getting them would be cumbersome at that moment. So he wanted hear from her own mouth first.
"Ru'er, there's no need to worry about your secret being leaked," Elder Cang said gently. "I promise, whatever you say here will stay within this room. Besides, if you want better treatment for your family, it's in your best interest to reveal it. And meeting certain criteria will grant you greater access to resources for cultivation as well."
He smiled reassuringly.
Shen Ruanzhi and Rong Hua exchanged puzzled glances. They hadn't heard about this before, and the conversation was quickly going beyond their understanding.
Seizing the moment, Shen Ru's eyes lit up with hope. "Master, if my physique is impressive, could you help my brother gain entry into the sect?" Her voice was soft, but her plea was clear, her eyes filled with determination.
Shen Ren hadn't expected his sister to go to such lengths for his sake. He was about to subtly refuse, but Elder Cang's words stopped him.
"This girl..." Elder Cang chuckled quietly, impressed by her shrewdness.
He smiled and replied, "Yes. But only if the results are satisfactory." His gaze sharpened, filled with anticipation.
Shen Ren realized the situation had already slipped out of his control. He could only hope his sister would find a clever way to downgrade things. Too much spotlight Isn't always good.
Meng Shuang and Yu Hao waited with bated breath, their eyes fixed on Shen Ru, eager to hear her response.
"Master, could you tell me more about the grades of physiques?" Shen Ru asked, trying to gather as much information as possible to navigate the situation carefully.
Before Elder Cang could answer, Meng Shuang jumped in, clearly excited to explain.
"Ah, I almost forgot, junior sister. You were a worldly being before the Heavenly Awakening, so let me fill you in."
"There are seven grades for a Dao Cultivator's physique:
Mortal/Common
Profound
Earth
Sky
Legendary
Heaven
Divine
Cultivation manuals and arts are also ranked by these categories," Meng Shuang explained, while Elder Cang nodded in agreement.
Shen Ren took in the information, feeling a pang of curiosity about his own physique, which seemed to lack any clear grade. It was unusual. What mystery could lie behind that?
Shen Ru, after a brief pause, finally spoke with a sly smile. "Master, I have the fifth-grade. Legendary physique. It's called the Skybreaker Lightning Physique."
She knew she couldn't lie about the name of her physique, as it would be necessary for seeking proper guidance. But by revealing only enough, she hoped to keep their expectations in check, or perhaps for safety reasons.