67: Chapter 67 Entering the Inner Sect of the Heavenly Cloud Sword Sect

Occasionally, one could see Disciples wearing various robes, some flying on swords, others riding Spirit Beasts.

Or walking on the ground, all possessing not-weak Auras.

"Look, that is the 'Spirit Beast Garden', where various Spirit Beasts domesticated by the Sect are kept."

"That side is the 'Alchemy Hall', which produces a large quantity of Medicinal Pills daily."

"That is the 'Outer Sect Deacon Hall', responsible for handling the daily affairs of the Outer Sect and distributing missions."

The two Envoys pointed things out from time to time, giving Ye Chen and the others a preliminary understanding of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

The flying boat did not stop at the outer perimeter but flew straight toward the inner perimeter.

After passing over dozens of outer Peaks, the concentration of Spiritual Qi ahead increased by another level.

The Peaks were more precipitous and spiritually beautiful, and the buildings were more exquisite.

"Ahead is the Inner Sect area. Ye Chen, you come with the two of us to the 'Internal Affairs Hall' to report and register your status as an Inner Sect Disciple."

"Zhao Feng, Duan Tianya, you go to the 'Outer Sect Deacon Hall' to report and participate in the entrance examination. Only after passing can you become Outer Sect Disciples."

"Sun Wu, Li Hao, Su Yuyan, you three go to the Outer Sect as well. You must pass a stricter examination to obtain the qualifications of Outer Sect Disciples, or become Named Disciples."

Envoy Zhou arranged.

"Yes!"

Everyone responded in unison.

The flying boat landed slowly on a majestic white jade square.

At the end of the square stood a magnificent seven-story tower.

The tower body was crystal clear like jade, with three ancient characters written on it—Internal Affairs Hall.

People came and went in front of the tower, mostly Disciples wearing Inner Sect white robes, their Auras condensed, their steps hurried.

Ye Chen and the others got off the flying boat.

Setting foot on solid ground and feeling the gentle Spiritual Qi emanating from the white jade floor beneath their feet, they were once again amazed by the Foundation of the Tianyun Sword Sect.

"Ye Chen, come with us." Envoy Zhou said to Ye Chen, then spoke to Zhao Feng and the others.

"Someone will naturally take you to the Outer Sect. Work hard, and do not waste this Opportunity."

After speaking, he and Envoy Wu took Ye Chen toward the Internal Affairs Hall.

Zhao Feng looked deeply at Ye Chen, cupped his hands, and said: "Brother Ye, see you in the Inner Sect."

Duan Tianya also grinned and said: "Brother Ye, this old Duan will also fight his way into the Inner Sect! I'll find you for another fight then!"

Ye Chen returned the salute: "Take care, I look forward to reuniting with everyone in the Inner Sect."

After Zhao Feng and the others were led away by an Outer Sect Deacon Disciple, Ye Chen followed the two Envoys, Zhou and Wu, and stepped into the Internal Affairs Hall.

The space inside the hall was immense.

The first floor was like a huge palace hall with a high, suspended dome inlaid with glowing pearls, illuminating the hall as bright as day.

All around were rows of white jade counters, behind which sat some Deacon Disciples, handling affairs for the Inner Sect Disciples who had come to conduct business.

There were many Disciples in the hall. Seeing the two Envoys, Zhou and Wu, they all saluted. When their gazes fell on Ye Chen behind them, they all revealed expressions of curiosity, scrutiny, and even disapproval.

"Meridian Opening Realm? Who is this kid? Why is he being personally brought by the two Inner Sect Senior Brothers, Zhou and Wu? Judging by his attire, he doesn't look like a Disciple from any major Family."

The two, Zhou and Wu, led Ye Chen straight to an empty counter at the very back.

Behind the counter sat a middle-aged man in gray robes, around thirty years old, with a rigid face and a profound Aura, who was looking down at a Jade Slip.

"Deacon Fang." Envoy Zhou said.

The gray-robed middle-aged man raised his head and saw the two, Zhou and Wu. A smile squeezed onto his rigid face: "Junior Brother Zhou, Junior Brother Wu, you've returned? Did the trip go smoothly?"

His gaze swept over Ye Chen, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "And who is this?"

"Deacon Fang, this is Ye Chen, the champion of this Qingyun City selection. With a Meridian Opening Realm cultivation, he consecutively defeated several Wheel Sea Realm cultivators, including a Third Level Sword Cultivator. After our assessment, we granted him a 'Special Grade' rating and specially recruited him as an Inner Sect Disciple." Envoy Zhou introduced, his tone carrying a trace of pride.

"Meridian Opening Realm? Champion? Special Grade?" A flash of obvious surprise crossed Deacon Fang's eyes.

He looked Ye Chen over again, but seeing that Ye Chen was indeed only at the Peak of the Meridian Opening Sixth Level, a trace of suspicion flashed in his eyes.

In the Inner Sect of the Tianyun Sword Sect, where Geniuses gathered, the Meridian Opening Realm was practically at the very bottom.

To obtain a "Special Grade" rating, he feared that the two, Zhou and Wu, might have exaggerated, or perhaps Qingyun City was too barren, and they were just picking the best among the mediocre.

"Give me the selection token and the assessment Jade Slip." Deacon Fang said in a business-like manner.

Envoy Zhou handed a token engraved with cloud patterns and a Jade Slip recording the selection process to Deacon Fang.

Deacon Fang took them and submerged his Divine Sense into the Jade Slip.

A moment later, the suspicion on his face lessened slightly, but he still showed no enthusiasm: "Hmm, the record is correct. Ye Chen, Meridian Opening Sixth Level Peak, bone age sixteen, from Qingyun City, displayed dual Ice and Fire attribute True Qi during the selection, comprehended a special Concept, combat power assessment: Special Grade. Meets the conditions for special recruitment as an Inner Sect Disciple."

He put away the Jade Slip and took out from under the counter a neatly folded set of Inner Sect Disciple white robes, a standard long sword (Yellow Rank Low Grade), a palm-sized white jade identity token, a low-level Storage Pouch, and a small booklet, pushing them in front of Ye Chen.

"This is your Inner Sect Disciple attire, sword, identity token, Storage Pouch, and the 'Inner Sect Disciple Handbook'. Drip blood on the identity token to refine and activate it."

"The token contains your basic information, one hundred initial contribution points, and a simple map of the Inner Sect area. With this token, you can freely enter and exit most areas of the Inner Sect, collect your monthly allowance, accept missions, and exchange for resources."

"As for accommodation, according to the rules, specially recruited Inner Sect Disciples can choose a Grade B Immortal Cave at 'Flowing Cloud Peak' for temporary residence. Flowing Cloud Peak is a Peak in the Inner Sect where the Spiritual Qi is relatively thin, specifically for housing newcomers and Disciples with average potential. This is the Immortal Cave distribution map of Flowing Cloud Peak; choose an uninhabited one yourself."

Deacon Fang took out another map and spread it on the counter.

The map marked hundreds of light spots on Flowing Cloud Peak; most were gray, with only a few scattered light spots on the edges being white.

Moreover, the locations of these vacant Immortal Caves were clearly in the marginal areas of the Peak where the Spiritual Qi was thin.

Envoys Zhou and Wu frowned.

A Grade B Immortal Cave at Flowing Cloud Peak—this treatment was a bit low for a "Special Grade" rating.

Usually, a "Special Grade" rating should at least be assigned a Grade C or even Grade B Immortal Cave on Peaks with richer Spiritual Qi, like "Zixia Peak" or "Chaoyang Peak".

This Deacon Fang was clearly slighting Ye Chen because his cultivation was low and he came from a small place.

"Deacon Fang, Ye Chen has a Special Grade rating; this Immortal Cave..." Envoy Zhou couldn't help but speak up.

Deacon Fang glanced at him and said indifferently: "Junior Brother Zhou, the Sect rules are as such. Specially recruited Disciples, upon first entering the Inner Sect, lack sufficient cultivation and should naturally hone their Foundation at Flowing Cloud Peak first."

"If he truly has potential, and his cultivation improves in the future, he can naturally exchange for a better Immortal Cave through challenges or by accumulating contribution points. Sect resources are limited and should be prioritized for Disciples with more potential."

His words clearly showed that he felt Ye Chen's "Special Grade" was inflated and he didn't deserve better treatment.

The two, Zhou and Wu, wanted to argue further.

However, Ye Chen spoke up: "Thank you, Deacon Fang, Flowing Cloud Peak will do."

His expression was calm, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Being new here, there was no need to argue with a Deacon over an Immortal Cave.

Moreover, he had the Ice Lotus Imprint and the jade booklet, so his reliance on Spiritual Qi concentration was not absolute.

Flowing Cloud Peak it is; being a bit quieter is also fine.

Seeing that Ye Chen had agreed himself, the two, Zhou and Wu, couldn't say anything more.

They just looked at Deacon Fang with colder eyes.

Deacon Fang seemed satisfied with Ye Chen's "knowing what's good for him," nodded, tapped the map, and marked a white light spot located on the western hillside of Flowing Cloud Peak, near a cliff, as occupied.

Then he said to Ye Chen: "Immortal Cave Grade A, number 307 is yours. This is the Immortal Cave Restriction token; take it. If there is nothing else, go and settle in."

"Remember, you must complete at least one Sect mission every month, otherwise contribution points will be deducted. If your contribution points become negative, you will be stripped of your Inner Sect Disciple status and demoted to a servant."

"Yes, this Disciple understands." Ye Chen took all the items and bowed to Deacon Fang.

He then cupped his hands to the two Envoys, Zhou and Wu: "Thank you both Senior Brothers for your care along the way."

"Junior Brother Ye is too polite. Since we are in the same Sect from now on, feel free to come to the 'Law Enforcement Hall' to find me if you need anything." Envoy Zhou said.

Envoy Wu also nodded.

Ye Chen thanked them again, then took his things and turned to walk out of the Internal Affairs Hall.

Standing on the white jade square outside the Internal Affairs Hall, Ye Chen looked at the warm white jade identity token in his hand.

He then gazed at the countless Spirit Peaks ahead, shrouded in clouds and mist, majestic and imposing.

He took a deep breath of the Spiritual Qi, which was ten times denser than in Qingyun City.

Tianyun Sword Sect, Inner Sect Disciple.

A new starting point, a new challenge, has begun.

...

Ye Chen did not go to Flowing Cloud Peak immediately but walked to a corner of the square first.

He put on the set of Inner Sect white robes over his clothes and hung the identity token at his waist.

He then tucked the standard-issue longsword, the "Inner Sect Disciple Handbook," and the Immortal Cave Restriction token into his Storage Pouch.

This Low Grade Storage Pouch only had the space of a wardrobe, barely better than nothing.

Then, following the guidance of the map in his identity token, Ye Chen headed towards Flowing Cloud Peak on the west side of the Inner Sect.

Along the way, he encountered many Inner Sect Disciples.

Seeing his unfamiliar face and the brand-new identity token at his waist,

most only spared a glance before losing interest.

Inner Sect Disciples at the Meridian Opening Realm, while rare, were not unheard of.

Most were children of influential families who had entered through connections; their strength was mediocre, and they were not worth a second look.

Occasionally, gazes that landed on him carried a faint trace of disdain.

Ye Chen did not care about this at all; he just walked silently, familiarizing himself with the environment,

while simultaneously operating his Cultivation Technique to quietly absorb the dense Spiritual Qi in the surroundings.

He was surprised to discover that the Spiritual Qi here was not only dense but also seemed more "active."

It was easier to absorb and refine, which was of great benefit to Cultivate.

No wonder everyone wanted to join a major Sect.

...

After walking for about half an hour, he finally arrived at the foot of Flowing Cloud Peak.

This Peak was not very high, but it was quite beautiful, with shaded green trees and babbling brooks.

However, compared to the few spirit Peaks he had passed by earlier, the density of Spiritual Qi here was indeed a cut below.

Ye Chen followed the mountain path upwards, and according to the map's instructions, arrived at the west mountainside.

It was indeed remote here; at the end of the mountain path was a platform protruding from the cliff.

On the platform, a cave was carved out with a tightly shut stone door, and "Jia 307" was engraved on the door.

Beside the Immortal Cave was a bottomless abyss, with clouds and mist surging beneath his feet; it was quite peaceful and had a broad view.

This was the place.

Ye Chen took out the Restriction token and pressed it into a groove on the stone door.

The stone door shimmered with a faint light and slid open silently.

The Immortal Cave was not large, consisting of only an inner and an outer room.

The outer room was a simple stone chamber with only a stone table and stone stools.

The inner room was a meditation room, containing only a prayer mat.

Besides that, it was completely empty.

The density of Spiritual Qi was even slightly worse than on the mountain path outside, barely meeting the minimum standard for the Inner Sect.

It was indeed the worst Grade B Immortal Cave.

Ye Chen gave a wry smile, but he was not dissatisfied.

Having a place to stay was already good enough.

He walked into the Immortal Cave and closed the stone door,

activating the simple protective Restriction, which could only prevent prying eyes and wild beasts from entering.

Then, Ye Chen sat cross-legged on the prayer mat in the meditation room,

and took out the "Inner Sect Disciple Handbook" to read carefully.

The booklet was not thick, but it detailed the rules and precepts of the Tianyun Sword Sect, the distribution of the Inner Sect areas, the functions of various halls and pavilions, and how to obtain and use Contribution Points.

It also covered Disciple Ranks and benefits, as well as some precautions.

After finishing the booklet, Ye Chen had a clearer understanding of the Tianyun Sword Sect Inner Sect.

"Contribution Points... are the key. Cultivation Technique, Martial Skill, Medicinal Pill, Spiritual Artifact, Immortal Cave, and even seeking guidance from an Elder all require Contribution Points."

"Methods of acquisition: completing Sect missions, challenging the Trial Tower, sparring at the Sword Fighting Platform, handing over Heaven And Earth Treasure or Cultivation Technique manuals, making special contributions to the Sect, etc."

"Disciple Ranks: Inner Sect Disciples are also divided into three grades. Ordinary Inner Sect Disciples (White Robes), Elite Inner Sect Disciples (Blue Robes), and Core Disciples (Purple Robes). Benefits, authority, and the resources they can access are vastly different. Promotion method: reach the required cultivation level and pass the corresponding assessment, or accumulate enough Contribution Points to exchange for promotion qualifications."

"Must complete at least one Sect mission every month... It seems I need to go to the Mission Hall first to take a look."

Ye Chen closed the booklet, a thoughtful look in his eyes. What he needed most now was to quickly improve his cultivation and Breakthrough to the Wheel Sea Realm.

At the same time, he also had to find ways to obtain Contribution Points to exchange for a better environment to Cultivate and resources.

Additionally, in the Scripture Pavilion of the Tianyun Sword Sect, there might be information about the "bone-eroding pill", the Profound Yin Body,

or even clues about dual ice-fire cultivation and his parents' whereabouts, which would also require Contribution Points to access.

"Let's take it one step at a time."

Ye Chen took a deep breath, suppressed his complicated thoughts, and began to operate his Cultivation Technique to regulate his breath and recover.

Although the days of rushing about and the fierce battles in the selection had yielded huge gains, they had also left him physically and mentally exhausted.

He needed to first recover to his optimal state.

The Immortal Cave quieted down, with only the sound of Ye Chen's long, steady breathing.

Outside the window, the clouds and mist of Flowing Cloud Peak flowed slowly.

The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the sea of clouds with a golden rim.

A new life, just like that, began in the silence.

And what Ye Chen did not know was that the news of him being an "Inner Sect Disciple at the Meridian Opening Realm"

and his "Special Grade" evaluation in the selection had already become like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

It began to quietly spread in certain circles within the Inner Sect, stirring up ripples of varying sizes.

After all, a kid from a small place who was only at the Meridian Opening Realm had managed to obtain a "Special Grade" evaluation and enter the Inner Sect directly.

And he had been assigned the worst Immortal Cave on Flowing Cloud Peak.

This in itself was full of talking points.

Some were curious, some were disdainful.

And some were secretly scheming.

Beneath the seemingly calm lake of the Tianyun Sword Sect,

undercurrents had already begun to surge.

...

Ye Chen sat quietly and regulated his breath in the Flowing Cloud Peak Immortal Cave for the whole night.

Until the next morning, when the sound of the morning bell faintly drifted from outside the Immortal Cave.

Far-reaching and clear, it echoed between the Peaks, waking him from his meditation.

He opened his eyes, feeling refreshed, with the fatigue of the past few days completely swept away.

The True Yuan in his body was full, and the ice and fire flowed through his Meridians, perfectly harmonious.

Although his cultivation had not reached a Breakthrough, his state had already been adjusted to its optimal level.

Afterward, Ye Chen changed into the standard-issue Inner Sect white robe and slung the ice scar sword on his back.

The Yellow Rank Low Grade sword issued by the Sect was hung at his waist just for show.

He also fastened his identity token, the Immortal Cave Restriction token, and the Storage Pouch.

Looking at himself in the Water Mirror Technique—dressed in white robes, with a tall, straight posture, and a handsome face that carried a maturity inconsistent with his age—

Ye Chen felt a slight trance.

Once upon a time, he was still the "Trash" of the Ye Family whom everyone could bully.

Now, however, he had become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Tianyun Sword Sect, a power that dominated one side.

The changes in the world were truly like a dream.

But he quickly composed himself.

The Tianyun Sword Sect was only the starting point, definitely not the end.

Here, he would face more intense competition and a broader world.

As well as deeper hidden crises.

...

Pushing open the stone door, fresh air carrying the fragrance of grass and trees rushed in.

The morning at Flowing Cloud Peak, with the clouds and mist not yet dispersed, was like light gauze shrouding the mountains.

In the distance, the main Peak appeared and disappeared in the sea of clouds, like a fairyland illusion.

On the mountain path, there were already scattered figures of Disciples, either hurrying on their way or sitting cross-legged on the cliff edge to breathe and absorb Qi.

Seeing Ye Chen come out of this remote Immortal Cave, a few people cast curious glances.

But after sensing the Meridian Opening Realm Aura on him, most lost interest and looked away.

Ye Chen did not mind, and according to the guidance of the map in his identity token,

headed towards the "Mission Hall" located in the central area of the Inner Sect, which was specifically for Disciples to accept and hand in missions.

He needed to familiarize himself with the environment as soon as possible and complete this month's mandatory mission.

The Inner Sect of the Tianyun Sword Sect was extremely vast, with halls, pavilions, spirit Peaks, and Immortal Caves scattered like stars.

Ye Chen walked through it, seeing all kinds of Inner Sect Disciples.

Most were in a hurry, with condensed Aura; the lowest were at the first or second level of the Wheel Sea Realm, and those at the third or fourth level were also common.

Occasionally, he could even sense several Auras that were even more unfathomable, at least at the Late Stage or even Peak of the Wheel Sea Realm.

These Disciples wore uniform white robes.

But their cuffs and collars might have different patterns, and the jade pendants and sachets hanging at their waists were also different.

Showing their respective different backgrounds and factions they belonged to.

"Look, that kid is the new one, the one at the Meridian Opening Realm."

"I heard he came from that backwater place, Qingyun City, and got lucky to get a 'Special Grade' evaluation?"

"Pfft, a 'Special Grade' at the Meridian Opening Realm? Senior Brother Zhou and Senior Brother Wu must have misjudged, right? Or did they receive some benefits?"

"Keep your voice down, he's looking over... However, seeing that this Immortal Cave is assigned to the most remote 'Jia 307' on Flowing Cloud Peak, you can tell that the higher-ups don't value him much either."

"That's true, probably just there to make up the numbers. It won't take long before he either can't take it and quits the Sect, or gets crippled by someone on the Sword Fighting Platform."

Some low whispers drifted into Ye Chen's ears with the mountain breeze.

His expression remained normal, and his pace did not stop.

These idle gossips were already within his expectations.

Strength is the best way to shut people's mouths.

After walking for about the time it takes to burn an incense stick, a towering hall appeared in front.