296: Chapter 296 Identity Token

Hearing Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's words, Hu Nan nodded slightly.

Seeing Hu Nan's agreement, Sect Leader Xuanyangzi's face showed a satisfied smile as he said, "Good, then it shall be set for one year from now."

"You have just achieved a Breakthrough to the Golden Core today, so your status has changed. Your previous Identity Token is already outdated."

"First, go to the General Affairs Hall to exchange for an Identity Token belonging to a Golden Core Cultivator. With this token, you can truly enjoy all the benefits of a Golden Core Cultivator, and your access to various areas of the Sect will no longer be restricted."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Hu Nan replied respectfully, bowing and cupping his hands toward Sect Leader Xuanyangzi once more in a formal salute.

He knew in his heart that this Identity Token was not only a symbol of his status as a Golden Core Cultivator but also proof of his standing in the Heavenly Sword Sect. With this token, he could more conveniently access the Scripture Pavilion, the Treasury, and other privileges, allowing his plans to proceed more smoothly.

Sect Leader Xuanyangzi waved his hand slightly, gesturing for him to leave. "Go on. After exchanging the token, return to rest and familiarize yourself with the power of the Golden Core. I will have a Disciple coordinate with you later."

Hu Nan complied, cupped his hands in salute once more, then turned and slowly walked out of the Sect Main Hall.

The moment Hu Nan stepped out of the hall doors, he paused.

On the corridor not far away, Fairy Qingling was standing.

When Fairy Qingling's gaze fell upon Hu Nan, a clear flash of astonishment instantly crossed her originally calm and rippleless eyes.

Seeing this, Hu Nan quickly composed himself and cupped his hands slightly toward Fairy Qingling. "Greetings, Fairy Qingling."

Fairy Qingling slowly came back to her senses and lightly raised her hand, indicating that Hu Nan didn't need to stand on ceremony. "There is no need for such formalities. Now that you have achieved a Breakthrough to the Golden Core, you are a fellow Golden Core Cultivator and a pillar of the Sect. You may simply call me Senior Sister Qingling."

Hu Nan understood; this was Fairy Qingling's recognition of him and the courtesy extended between Golden Core Cultivators.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Qingling," Hu Nan said quickly.

Fairy Qingling nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes. "Junior Brother Hu, congratulations on your Breakthrough to the Golden Core."

"Thank you for the praise, Senior Sister Qingling," Hu Nan responded humbly, without a hint of boastfulness.

The two exchanged a few brief pleasantries; though their words were few, the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Fairy Qingling asked a few questions about his state after the Breakthrough to the Golden Core, and Hu Nan answered each one calmly and steadily, his expression remaining indifferent and composed without a trace of pride.

After a moment, Fairy Qingling spoke, "I came here today to report an important matter to the Sect Head, so I won't chat with you further. Since you've just achieved your Breakthrough to the Golden Core, rest well and familiarize yourself with the power of the Golden Core."

"Please, Senior Sister Qingling." Hu Nan stepped aside slightly, gesturing for Fairy Qingling to go first.

Fairy Qingling nodded slightly, turned, and walked slowly into the hall.

...

At the entrance of the General Affairs Hall.

Deacon Chen, wearing a green deacon's robe, stood there respectfully with over a dozen Outer Sect Disciples.

Deacon Chen and the others had their hands at their sides, their heads slightly lowered, their expressions extremely respectful.

"Isn't that Deacon Chen? Why is he standing here with so many Outer Sect Disciples?"

"Could it be that some important figure is coming to the General Affairs Hall?"

"That's unlikely; the General Affairs Hall is just the place for processing Identity Tokens!"

"The only ones who could make Deacon Chen so respectful are the Elders of the Sect!"

"The Sect Elders have long been Golden Core Cultivators; what would they be doing at the Sect Hall?"

Passing Cultivators stopped in their tracks upon seeing this, casting curious glances toward them.

They were all very curious about who could have such great influence to make Deacon Chen and the others stand at the entrance of the General Affairs Hall so early to welcome them.

Not long after, Hu Nan's figure appeared, walking from a distance.

Deacon Chen, who had been standing respectfully, immediately ran over the moment he recognized Hu Nan. "Your subordinate, Chen Zhong, greets Martial Uncle Hu! Welcome, Martial Uncle Hu!"

The dozen or so Outer Sect Disciples behind him also reacted quickly, shouting in unison, "Greetings, Martial Uncle Hu!"

"So it's Martial Uncle Hu who's coming!"

"No wonder they're waiting here!"

"I heard Martial Uncle Hu just successfully completed his Core Formation!"

"Martial Uncle Hu is probably here this time to exchange his Identity Token!"

"Martial Uncle Hu is truly amazing; he has already successfully achieved Core Formation at such a young age!"

"If only I could reach Foundation Establishment!"

"Martial Uncle Hu is probably here this time to exchange his Identity Token!"

Many Cultivators finally understood why Deacon Chen was standing there so respectfully.

Because the person arriving was Hu Nan, who had just completed Core Formation.

If they had known it was Hu Nan, they would certainly have been even more respectful than Deacon Chen.

Hu Nan looked at Deacon Chen and the dozen Outer Sect Disciples who were bowing, and nodded. "Deacon Chen, there is no need for such formalities. Disciples, please rise as well."

"Thank you, Martial Uncle Hu!" Deacon Chen and the Outer Sect Disciples hurriedly stood up.

Deacon Chen stood to the side and said respectfully, "Martial Uncle Hu, your subordinate received orders from the Sect Head long ago to wait for you here and accompany you to the General Affairs Hall to exchange your Identity Token. Please follow me, Junior Martial Uncle."

Hu Nan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding Cultivators. His expression was calm as he walked in the direction Deacon Chen indicated.

Deacon Chen quickly led the way, taking Hu Nan toward the General Affairs Hall.

After entering the General Affairs Hall, many Cultivators who saw Hu Nan bowed to him one after another.

Deacon Chen also led Hu Nan to a nearby lounge area.

"Martial Uncle Hu, you've had a long journey. Please sit and rest here for a moment." Deacon Chen's tone was respectful as he gestured for Hu Nan to take a seat, his posture humble.

Hu Nan did not refuse and nodded slightly.

Seeing this, Deacon Chen quickly turned and walked to a tea table nearby. He carefully took out a jar of Spiritual Tea, lifted a teapot filled with Spiritual Spring water, and began brewing with skillful and respectful movements.

"Martial Uncle Hu, this is Cloud Mist Spiritual Tea. Please try some; it can soothe the mind and nourish spiritual power."

Hu Nan nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Deacon Chen."

Deacon Chen quickly replied, "You are too kind, Martial Uncle Hu. Serving you, Junior Martial Uncle, is my duty."

Then, he bowed again and said, "Martial Uncle Hu, the procedures for processing a Golden Core Cultivator's Identity Token are not complicated. I have already prepared the relevant records in advance!"

"It will only take fifteen minutes to finish it for you. Please rest here with peace of mind, Junior Martial Uncle; I will go and process it now."

Hu Nan looked up at Deacon Chen, his expression indifferent. He nodded slightly and said in a calm tone, "Go then. There is no need for haste."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Deacon Chen replied respectfully, bowed to Hu Nan once more, and then turned to walk quickly toward the processing area of the General Affairs Hall, his expression solemn as he dared not delay for a moment.

Being able to process an Identity Token for a Golden Core Cultivator was both a command from the Sect and an honor for him. He had to finish it as quickly as possible and not keep Hu Nan waiting.

Qin Changsheng, far away in his small courtyard, was also feeling very dazed at this moment.

He remembered that when he was still a Utility Disciple, he didn't even have the qualification to enter this General Affairs Hall.

When he was promoted to the Outer Sect and came here to process his identity, these deacons all had their noses in the air and ignored him.

Only after he became a Foundation Establishment Cultivator did the attitude of these deacons improve slightly.

Now that he had become a Golden Core Cultivator, these deacons were extremely respectful to him. Furthermore, Qin Changsheng didn't even need to speak; he only had to sit and rest while they handled everything for him.

Fifteen minutes later, Deacon Chen walked quickly from the processing area, holding an entirely golden token and a black Storage Pouch in his hands.

Walking up to Hu Nan, Deacon Chen stopped and bowed slightly. "Martial Uncle Hu, thank you for waiting. Your Golden Core Cultivator Identity Token has been processed. Here is also the annual salary and related items provided to you by the Sect; I am handing them all over to you."

Hu Nan slowly looked up, his gaze falling on the items in Deacon Chen's hands. He raised his hand slightly and took the golden token and the Storage Pouch.