Li stood at the entrance of the Training hall, Looking at the vast grounds and several large buildings in all directions, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar layout of the sect. The size of the Xiang Sect had struck him upon arrival, and now, wandering its grounds, he was realizing just how huge it truly was. His fingers gripped the wooden tablet he had been given by Elder Han and the weight of it felt heavier with each step he took. He didn't know how to go about his first task as a new disciple.
The grounds were empty at this time of day, and the silence only added to his growing sense of unease. Li had never been the type to seek attention, and now, as a new disciple in a place so full of powerful cultivators, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was constantly being watched.
"Hey, you!" a voice called out from behind him.
Li turned sharply in fear, his heart racing but the figure before him quickly raised a hand in a friendly manner.
"Don't be scared," a sect disciple in sky Blue robes said, chuckling. "I'm not here to cause trouble."
Li lowered his hand slightly, his eyes narrowing in cautious curiosity. The disciple before him was tall, with short black hair and a sharp, angular face. He wore the robes of a disciple, though his posture suggested someone very experienced and confident, someone with authority.
"I didn't mean to startle you," the young man said, his smile friendly. "But you look kinda familiar and a little lost. Are you a new disciple? I don't think I've seen you around before."
Li looked at him for a moment, and small wave of confusion washed over him as he nodded. He had only met Elder Han since he came into the sect. He did not even remember how he came about being in the sect except that he was told by Elder Han that a group of the sect's disciples returning from a sect mission had rescued him.
"Yes," Li said, his voice hesitant. "I'm new here. I've been living with Elder Han for a few days. I'm trying to find the disciple hall to collect my sect materials."
The young man's expression softened in understanding. "Ah, So it's you!' He exclaimed 'That explains it. I'm Huang Wei, by the way. I was one of the disciples who found you unconscious in the forest. You might not remember me, but I'm the one who made the decision to bring you back to the sect."
Li blinked, the memory slowly coming back to him. The rustling sound in the forest, faint voices that sounded like arguing and then... everything went black. It was a fleeting memory, and not one he could hold on to clearly.
"I... I don't remember you," Li admitted, his tone awkward. "But thank you for helping me."
Huang Wei chuckled lightly, a warmth in his smile that put Li at ease. "No worries. You were unconscious, after all. You can't be expected to remember every face you see. But don't worry, now that you're here, you've got someone looking out for you."
Li nodded, grateful for the support. "That's kind of you. But... I'm not sure where the disciple hall is. I've been wandering around for a while now."
Huang Wei's eyes twinkled with amusement as he gestured down the hallway. "Its easy to get lost in the sect but lucky for you, I've spent enough time here to know where everything is. I'll take you there myself."
Relief washed over Li, and he immediately fell into step beside Huang Wei as they began walking along a long path bordered by hedges on the sect grounds. They passed by several other disciples coming to and from the various beautiful paths leading to one building or the other, some bowing to Huang Wei respectfully while he bowed to others respectively.
As they walked, Huang Wei glanced at Li out of the corner of his eye. "So, how are you settling in? Any major surprises so far?"
Li hesitated. He wasn't sure what to say. Everything felt strange and new, and he was still trying to come to terms with his new life here. "It's... huge," he said honestly. "I've never been part of anything before, not to talk of something this big. I'm still trying to understand what my place is in all of this."
Huang Wei's smile softened, understanding in his eyes. "I get it. The sect can be a lot to take in, especially for someone new. But don't worry, it's all about finding your balance here. You're in a safe place, so you don't need to rush. Take your time and let things come to you."
Li nodded slowly, but there was still a knot in his chest. Huang Wei must have noticed the shift in his mood because he gave a small, knowing laugh.
"Don't worry too much," he said. "In time, you'll see that things aren't as complicated as they seem. But... there is one thing you need to understand right away: cultivation levels."
Li raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Cultivation levels?"
"Exactly. Every disciple here is at a certain cultivation level, and that's how we determine who's stronger and who isn't. For example, I'm currently at the eighth level of Qi Gathering, which is pretty decent for someone my age. But there are others here who are far more advanced."
"Are the levels that important?" Li asked, a little uncertain. "How do you know where you stand?"
Huang Wei nodded. "It's crucial. The higher your cultivation, the more respect you earn. You'll be able to tell who's stronger by their aura and presence. Cultivators at the higher levels often carry a certain... air about them, a calmness that you'll recognize. It's not something you can fake."
Li thought about that for a moment. "So, how do I know where I stand?"
Huang Wei smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "You're a special case, aren't you? Elder Han mentioned something about your potential. I don't know what you're capable of, but I'd bet from Elder Han's reaction to you, that you'll be rising through the ranks faster than most. Just don't get ahead of yourself, alright?"
Li frowned slightly, still unsure. "How am I supposed to..."
"Relax," Huang Wei interrupted, raising a hand in reassurance. "Everyone starts somewhere. Don't rush. Cultivation is a long journey. You'll find your way."
Li wasn't entirely convinced, but the reassurance in Huang Wei's voice gave him some comfort. Still, he felt a sense of unease. The idea of rising quickly sounded appealing, but it also brought a heavy sense of responsibility. He wasn't sure he was ready for it. He had heard stories in his village about the tallest trees in the forest getting cut down first. He didn't think rising fast was something one should desire, at least not an orphan like him.
Before he could voice his concerns, Huang Wei's voice broke through his thoughts again. "Also, there's something else you need to know about. Recognizing your seniors."
"Recognizing my seniors?" Li echoed, confused.
"Yes," Huang Wei said with a slight grin. "This sect is hierarchical, and you need to know who to respect. Cultivators of higher levels than you are your seniors, and you should address them properly. When you're talking to someone with a higher cultivation, it's common to refer to them as 'senior brother' or 'senior sister,' followed by their first name. And when a senior addresses you, they'll call you 'junior brother' or 'junior sister.' Simple, right?"
Li absorbed the information, nodding slowly. "Got it. Senior brother or senior sister, depending on their level."
"Exactly," Huang Wei said, pleased with the understanding. "It's a small thing, but it's important. Cultivators in this sect take respect very seriously. Also, take note of the colour of disciple's robes as it is also a symbol of status"
'Really? How?' Li asked in surprise
'there are three types of disciples based on their potentials. First are out sect disciples. These ate the ones who come in through sect recruitment exercises like everyone else. They are given smaller sect resources. They wear yellow sect robes. You wont see them here because you are in the inner sect. second level through graduation to third rank of Qi gathering is promotion to inner sect disciple, these wear green robes. Upon getting to the seventh rank of Qi gathering, you become a core disciple, these wear Dark Blue robes' Huang Wei extensively explained
'wow!!! Li exclaimed wide eyed
'Then Lastly, there are the direct disciples who wear light blue robes. These are geniuses who are directly thought by an elder. Some may not go through the first three stages before becoming direct disciples. It is mainly based on Potential. The sect elders wear saffron robes. Please note this and accord them the necessary respect,' Said Huang Wei
"Thank you senior' Li respectfully said, allowing everything His senior brother said to sink into him
They turned a corner, and Li saw a large building with a giant sign at the top reading Disciple Hall in the distance. The large building was elegant but simple, standing in the midst of a beautiful well-kept garden with a paved walkway leading to it. Huang Wei led him inside, where an elderly man wearing Ssaffron robes sat behind a wooden desk, his eyes sharp and alert despite his advanced age.
"Junior greets Elder Cheng," Huang Wei called, bowing respectfully.
The elder looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, Huang Wei. I see you've found our new disciple. Welcome, Li. Elder Han informed me you were on your way here. I trust your journey here has been smooth?"
Li bowed respectfully. "Yes, Elder Cheng. Senior brother Haung showed me the way."
Elder Cheng's eyes gleamed with approval. "You're very welcome. Now, let's get you your sect materials." He handed Li a small pouch, which felt surprisingly heavy in his hands.
Inside the pouch were a cultivation scroll, a few pills, a few glistening stones and a small jade token—a symbol of his membership within the sect. Elder Cheng's eyes softened as he added, "This will help you as you begin your cultivation. The Scroll is the Qi controlling Technique to help you control your Qi, Elder Han says you can already sense your Qi, so you do not need the Qi sensing technique anymore. Those fifteen shiny stones are spirit stones which you will use to buy whatever you want and can also use to cultivate. The five tier three healing pills are for simple ailments or injuries. Don't forget the importance of this token—it is used to collect sect missions which you can only do when you are ten years old and above and also identifies you as a disciple of the Xiang Sect. Treat it with respect."
Li accepted the pouch with awe, bowing once more. "Thank you, Elder Cheng."
As Li left the disciple hall, Huang Wei looked at him in surprise and awe. "You can already sense your Qi? He asked.
'I guess so, if it's the heat I felt on climbing the stone Elder Han took me to' Li replied uncertainly
'Yes, it is. No wonder you were giving so many spirit stones. Sometimes it takes three months to a year of cultivation before one can sense their Qi and here you are sensing yours in just a few hours' Huang Wei couldn't let go of his surprise. Hardwork was good but talent was better, he mused. This boy will be a giant in future, I must stay on his good side. Nothing wrong in being a sidekick to power