The mood in the group was heavy due to Mu Xia's death. Everyone was sitting around a bonfire, their faces gloomy, consumed by sadness. Luo Feng, breaking the silence, looked at Wang Lin and asked, "You're Wang Lin, right?" Wang Lin looked at him, responding with a nod. "Where are you from, Wang Lin?" "I'm from a small village not far from here," Wang Lin replied directly, but with a tone of disinterest. Luo Feng was surprised by the answer. He had expected someone with Wang Lin's strength to come from a large city in the country, but that didn't seem to be the case. "Ah, a village…" Luo Feng muttered to himself, then stared at Wang Lin. "And you, where are you from? What brought you here?" Wang Lin, keeping a calm gaze, asked the same question, "What about you, Luo Feng? Where are you from?" "I'm from Lianhua City, from the Luo family," Luo Feng said with a proud smile, but his face soon turned serious. "My family is in decline, being oppressed by other powerful families in the city. The only chance we have to change that is to have a great cultivator by our side, someone from a strong sect. That's why I'm here, participating in the test," Luo Feng said, lowering his head, as if the weight of his words were suffocating him. Wang Lin stared at him for a moment, his words sinking into his mind. He knew what it meant to fight for survival in a world where power determined everything. Luo Feng looked up, meeting Wang Lin's gaze. "I… need to win," he said, his voice almost choked with emotion. "The only chance we have to change our fate is to gain strength. I need to become stronger, much stronger." Wang Lin didn't answer right away, but thought about his own motivations. The pain of Mu Xia's death was still fresh in his mind, and he felt that somehow, that death needed to be a lesson. He needed to become stronger, but what exactly being strong meant, he didn't know.
"I also have my own goals," Wang Lin said, finally breaking the silence. "But… I don't know if I have what it takes to achieve something great."
Luo Feng looked at him in surprise. "You do. I've seen your strength, Wang Lin. It's not just your physical strength, but your determination. Someone like you, with that spirit… can conquer anything."
Wang Lin looked away, not responding. Those words sounded empty to him, as if he was constantly striving to achieve something that always seemed to be beyond his reach. He wanted to be the strongest, but what that meant, he didn't know.
Night fell, and the group remained silent, each one lost in their own thoughts, while the fire burned low, almost as if it was also reflecting the darkness that loomed over everyone there.
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When Wang Lin opened his eyes, he realized that he was in a huge gymnasium, packed with young people who had survived the test. The atmosphere was stifling, mixing the smell of sweat, blood, and accumulated tension. Some young people were lying down, others looked around with blank looks, still trying to process everything they had been through.
Before the silence could be broken by murmurs, the same imposing figure of the old man from before appeared in front. His presence was enough to silence the crowd.
"Congratulations to everyone who survived," the old man said in a loud, sharp voice. "You are now officially outer disciples of the Immortal Fist Sect!"
The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some sighed in relief, others muttered words of celebration. Wang Lin looked around, noticing that not everyone seemed as relieved as they should have been.
"Now, let's get to the rewards," the old man continued, his tone immediately capturing everyone's attention. "Those who excelled the most during the test will receive prizes that can change the course of their journeys as cultivators."
The atmosphere was filled with anticipation. Everyone was waiting to hear the names of those who had excelled.
"First place is Yan Zhen."
The youths looked at each other as a figure emerged from the shadows of the group. Yan Zhen was a young man with black hair that fell over his eyes, and his expression was cold and unreadable. Every step he took seemed to make the air around him grow heavier, as if an invisible pressure emanated from his presence. Many lowered their gazes upon meeting him, as if looking directly at him was a challenge they were not ready to face.
"This guy…" Wang Lin thought, feeling a chill as he observed Yan Zhen. He had not seen this young man during the test, but his aura was unmistakable, almost suffocating.
"Second place is Lei Shan!"
Despite his injuries, Lei Shan stepped forward. He was visibly exhausted, but his eyes shone with pride. Even though he was in a sorry state, he had proven his worth.
"Third place is Lin Xue!"
A young woman with long hair and sharp features walked gracefully. Her gaze was full of confidence and determination, a clear indication that she had not arrived here by chance. Finally, the old man paused dramatically before announcing the last name. "And the fourth place winner, who will also receive a reward, is Wang Lin!" A buzz spread among the people present as Wang Lin took a hesitant step forward. He felt mixed looks on him: some of envy, some of curiosity. "Now, listen carefully," the old man declared. "The top four will receive the following prizes: 1. A pill capable of breaking through to the Qi Condensation stage, which can only be used at the peak of Body Refinement. 2. A B-rank cultivation skill, ideal for starting your journey in Qi control. 3. A martial skill customized to each person's style." The mention of the rewards caused the young people present to whisper among themselves. It was clear that the rewards were extraordinary and could be a game-changer for those who received them.
Wang Lin felt a mixture of relief and tension. He looked at Yan Zhen, who remained impassive, as if all of this was insignificant to him. "This guy… is too different," Wang Lin thought, his fists clenched.
The old man finished with an enigmatic smile. "These rewards are just the beginning. Now, show us what you can do to earn your place."
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The Immortal Fist Sect's hierarchy system is structured to reflect the cultivation progress and level of contribution of its members. Each position offers increasing privileges and responsibilities, encouraging disciples to seek continuous strengthening.
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1. Outer Disciples
- Description: These are the beginners of the sect. Most are in the Body Refinement stage or the early stages of Qi Condensation. These disciples have limited access to sect resources.
- Roles:
- Perform simple tasks such as gathering herbs, hunting low-level spirit beasts, and performing maintenance missions.
- Learn basic combat and cultivation techniques.
- Available Resources:
- Access to external training areas.
- 1 Strengthening Pill per month.
- Basic martial skill books.
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2. Inner Disciples
- Description: Those who have advanced in cultivation and have distinguished themselves among the outer disciples. Typically, they are between the 4th and 9th levels of Qi Condensation.
Roles:
- Participate in important sect missions, such as protecting resources or leading outer disciples on field assignments.
- Represent the sect in minor competitions against other organizations.
- Available Resources:
- Access to intermediate techniques and better cultivation pills.
- The right to train in cultivation rooms with more concentrated Qi.
- May receive mentoring from Elders.
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3. Core Disciples
- Description: The elite among the disciples. These individuals have exceptional talent and often reach the highest levels of Qi Condensation or even the early Spiritual Foundation stage.
- Roles:
- Play strategic roles within the sect.
- May lead small groups of inner and outer disciples on crucial missions.
- Represent the sect in high-level tournaments.
- Available Resources:
- Access to advanced techniques and exclusive cultivation rooms.
- Receive medium-quality spiritual weapons and rare pills.
- Are considered potential future elders.
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4. Elders
- Description: They are the pillars of the sect, cultivators who have reached the Spiritual Foundation stage or higher. They oversee the progress of disciples and manage the sect's resources.
- Functions:
- Teach and guide core and inner disciples.
- Defend the sect in times of crisis.
- Make important administrative decisions.
- Available Resources:
- Control over significant resources, such as spiritual herbs and high-grade weapons.
- Residences within the sect's most protected area.
- Exclusive high-grade techniques and skills.
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5. Sect Leader
- Description: The strongest cultivator in the sect, usually at the Nascent Soul stage. He is the supreme leader, with final authority over all decisions.
- Functions:
- Protect the sect against external and internal threats.
- Represent the sect in alliances or disputes with other organizations.
- Plan the long-term growth of the sect.
- Available Resources:
- Access to the sect's secret techniques.
- Rare treasures and exclusive cultivation areas.
- Has absolute power over the sect's resources and strategies.
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Hierarchy Summary
1. Outer Disciples
2. Inner Disciples
3. Core Disciples
4. Elders
5. Sect Leader
This structure ensures that each level motivates members to progress while maintaining strict order in the administration and training of disciples.