In the outer sect area, the buildings were all quite similar, constructed on flat ground with none perched on mountains or near lakes,at least, that's what the tall guide had explained during the tour of the outer disciple area.
But the inner sect area was entirely different. Some pavilions stood atop small mountains, while others were nestled beside lakes, and some inner sect disciples didn't even have traditional houses. Instead, they were granted cultivation caves within the mountains, allowing them to focus entirely on their cultivation without distractions.
The only similarity to the outer sect area was the arrangement of pavilion halls. Unlike the outer sect, where they were scattered far apart, here, they were built much closer together. Aqua explained that in the inner sect, disciples often took on multiple responsibilities at once. It wasn't uncommon for someone like him to work in the Information Hall while also tending to the Garden Hall. Because of this, the pavilions were centralized, making it easier for disciples to manage their various tasks.
But that wasn't the only difference. Like outer sect disciples, inner sect disciples also had missions to complete. However, while they received fewer missions, each one was significantly more difficult. These tasks required a solid cultivation base just to survive, making them far more dangerous than those assigned to outer sect disciples.
Though the rewards were greater, the cost of resources, training, and cultivation necessities was also significantly higher.
But that was it. Aqua didn't mention anything else particularly relevant. Eventually, they arrived at one of the pavilion halls,the Library Hall.
"So, fellow disciple Yuan, we are now standing before the Library Hall. As a new inner sect disciple, you have the right to choose one middle grade cultivation technique and two low grade cultivation techniques!" Aqua explained with a warm smile.
Choosing cultivation techniques? Interesting.
Yuan nodded at Aqua, thanking him for guiding him to the Library Hall. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and pushed open the doors.
The Library Hall was vast, lined with countless bookshelves filled with neatly arranged scrolls and manuals. There were hundreds of them,perhaps even more. As Yuan scanned his surroundings, a voice suddenly echoed through the quiet hall.
"Hello, junior. What brings you to the Library Hall?"
Hearing the voice, Yuan immediately became alert, his sharp gaze sweeping the hall. Finally, his eyes landed on an old man seated in a wooden chair, a book resting lazily in his hands.
The old man had long white hair, his face marked with deep wrinkles. He wore a black and white robe, his expression calm and indifferent, as though Yuan's presence hardly interested him.
How could I not have noticed him?
As Yuan pondered this, his instincts sharpened. There were only two possibilities,either this old man was a sect elder or a powerful Bone Forging cultivator.
Yuan couldn't afford to waste any more time. Without hesitation, he saluted the old man respectfully.
"Greetings, Senior! I, Yuan, have recently become an inner sect disciple and wish to choose my middle grade and two lower grade cultivation techniques."
The old man nodded slightly, his sharp gaze remaining indifferent. "So, you're a new inner sect disciple. That makes sense,I haven't seen you here before. But aren't the inner sect missions scheduled for a few months from now?"
Yuan nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Senior, that is correct. The inner sect missions take place in five months. However, as I was a high outer disciple, I was allowed to become an inner sect disciple simply by advancing to the Blood Purification Stage."
The old man nodded once more. "Makes sense. In any case, if you lied to me, you'd be dead by tomorrow. So, I hope you're not foolish enough to deceive me just for the sake of a few low grade techniques."
His voice carried no emotion, as if he were merely stating a fact rather than issuing a warning.
"Since you claim to be a new inner sect disciple, you may choose your techniques. However, once you've made your selections, you must inform me of your choices. You have three hours,choose wisely."
His tone remained indifferent, as though he were simply reciting predetermined words. But Yuan paid it no mind. He had only three hours, and his priority was finding a suitable attack technique that would complement his strengths.
Without wasting another moment, he turned his attention to the shelves, his sharp eyes scanning the countless titles before him.
Howling Gale Steps, Wind Cutter Slash, Gale Endurance Method, Echoing Wind Palm, Mist Veil Concealment, Roaring Tempest Fist, Whispering Wind Awareness, Rising Cyclone Kick, Cloud Drift Body Art, Howling Wind Breathing Technique, and many more,these were the best low grade cultivation techniques he found.
But as he scanned through them, most were useless to him. Many techniques simply didn't align with his current needs or future plans. After careful thought, two stood out,Howling Gale Steps and Wind Cutter Slash. Both fit his current requirements the most, providing mobility and a solid offensive option.
With his choices made, he moved on to the middle grade techniques, searching for something more powerful. Two techniques immediately caught his attention,Raging Ember Tempest and Thunderclap Gale Strike.
After some deliberation, he chose Thunderclap Gale Strike. It simply fit him better.
In the end, he didn't waste all three hours given to him. In just two, he had already made his decision. He could have spent more time searching for an even better technique, but sometimes power wasn't everything. What mattered was efficiency and practicality.
And so, without hesitation, he walked back to the black and white robed old man, bowed slightly, and saluted.
"Senior, I have finished picking my cultivation techniques."
The old man looked at Yuan, his black eyes flashing with a strange light as he observed him closely.
"Hmm… You chose three good ones."
His voice was calm, yet carried a hint of approval.
"The Wind Cutter Slash and Howling Gale Steps are very solid low grade cultivation techniques. The Wind Cutter Slash will establish a strong foundation for more powerful sword techniques, while the Howling Gale Steps are excellent for dodging and quick bursts of speed. However, be mindful,it has a flaw. When you use its rapid movement, your speed momentarily increases, but immediately afterward, your body slows down slightly. If you rely too much on that burst of speed, it could become a fatal weakness."
He then nodded slightly before continuing.
"As for the Thunderclap Gale Strike… This is a very powerful technique. It stimulates your spiritual blood, forcing your muscles to move faster. However, the process is painful. If you push too far, you could damage your hands beyond healing. Be cautious when using it."
With that, the old man waved his hand dismissively.
"You may go now."
Hearing the old man's advice, Yuan began to understand something,this wasn't just any old man. Despite his indifferent tone, he was someone who cared for juniors in his own way. A kind hearted old man who gave guidance.
Yuan bowed deeply, showing genuine respect.
"Thank you for the guidance, Senior."
Then, without wasting another moment, he turned and left the Library Hall.
But as Yuan stepped outside, the black and white robed elder watched him leave, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"He could see me… even when I was fully concealed."
His voice was soft, almost amused.
"A monster has arrived in the Howling Wind Sect… Hehe."
Only a low chuckle echoed through the library hall before the old man's figure slowly faded away,vanishing into nothingness.
But Yuan had no way of knowing any of this. Oblivious to the old man's words, he simply walked forward, heading toward Aqua, who stood waiting for him outside the Library Hall.
Seeing Yuan exit, Aqua smiled and asked, "Did you find suitable techniques?"
Yuan nodded calmly, his expression indifferent. "I found a few good ones."
Without saying more, they continued walking, this time toward a massive mountain. It towered so high that its peak was hidden within thick clouds,this was the Seventh Peak, the Most important territory of the Howling Wind Branch Sect within the Seven Peak Mist Mountain.
Among all the peaks in the Seven Peak Mist Mountain region, the Seventh Peak was the third highest. It was here that everyone from the inner disciples to the Sect Head could reside. But not all floors were equal,each level of the mountain had a designated ranked territory
The first three floors were for inner disciples.The fourth and fifth floors belonged to core disciples.The entire sixth floor was occupied by elders.The seventh and highest floor was reserved for the Grand Elders and the Sect Head.
And now, Yuan had finally stepped into the Seventh Peak, officially taking his place among the inner disciples.
His new residence was a normal cultivation cave,his very own place deep within the mountain, a secluded space meant for cultivators to refine their techniques and grow stronger.
At this moment, Yuan had truly become part of the sect.
He was no longer an outsider.