Chapter 14 Sect 2 Entering the Jade Cloud Sect (including world background introduction)...
The Lingwu Continent is home to five races: humans, demons, monsters, ghosts, and beasts, all of whom can cultivate.
Humans are the most numerous race, and the human realm is located in the eastern part of the continent, further divided into the Eastern Pole, Western Border, Central Continent, Northern Land, and Southern Wilderness. The Jade Cloud Sect is located in the Eastern Pole and is one of the top sects in the region.
The Demon Realm, where the demon race resides, is located in the southern part of the continent where the essence of vegetation is most abundant; beyond the ocean to the west of the continent lies the Demon Realm; the far north is a wild and untamed land, inhabited mostly by beastmen; as for the Netherworld, where the ghost race resides, it exists only in legends and has no fixed location.
While the various factions appear to be clearly distinct, they are actually a mixed bag, with frequent interactions. However, the relationship between human cultivators and the demon and monster races has historically been strained, with many conflicts occurring.
However, a thousand years ago, the three races fought together against a monster uprising. Since then, the races have maintained a delicate harmony on the surface and no major wars have occurred.
"Xiaohe Village is located in the mortal village in the Southern Wilderness. I heard that the Southern Wilderness has many connections with the Demon Realm. Perhaps that purple dragon came from the Demon Realm."
Seeing that Shen Du and Xiang Yuquan were meditating with their eyes closed, Zuo Qiuxu, who had recovered his energy after a night's rest, was bored and decided to take the initiative to introduce the Lingwu Continent to the four new disciples who did not yet know how big the world was.
The four from Xiahe Village and the three disciples from Yuxiao Sect were riding together on Lin Borong's flying mount towards Yuxiao Sect. It was nearly dusk when they set off, and now, with the first light of dawn, they were almost at the mountain range where Yuxiao Sect was located.
Several mortals who had not yet come into contact with the path of cultivation listened attentively. Xiahe Village was located in a very remote area. Although there was a town for mortals, it was not under the jurisdiction of any sect, so they knew very little about it.
The other three were still in a state of great awe towards cultivators. Only Xu Xing was somewhat familiar with the three cultivators. She asked curiously, "Has Senior Brother Zuoqiu ever been to the Demon Realm?"
Zuo Qiuxu's master only had two disciples, Xiang Yuquan and himself. He was also quite young, so he was always the one calling others "senior brother." Xu Xing's address of "senior brother" made him very happy.
"No, not at all. But I know some rumors about the demon race that I can tell you about. The demon realm is now..."
Seeing that Zuo Qiuxu was going off on a tangent, Xiang Yuquan opened his eyes and interrupted him helplessly, "They don't even know about the forces in the human realm. It's too early to talk about these things now. You should introduce the sects instead, so they won't be confused after they enter them."
"So you were listening, Senior Brother. I thought you were also making the most of every minute to cultivate, just like Senior Brother Shen."
Zuo Qiuxu glanced at Chen Du, who was motionless beside him, and chuckled.
Seeing that they were almost at the sect, he cleared his throat. "There are also martial artists in your village, so you must know that the path of cultivation for humans is divided into the Immortal Path and the Martial Path. The Jade Cloud Sect has both an Immortal Path Academy and a Martial Path Academy in its outer sect. All new disciples with spiritual roots must study in the Immortal Path Academy for five years. After five years, they will participate in the graduation assessment, and only those who stand out can enter the various peaks."
The path of immortals involves those with spiritual roots who can draw qi into their bodies and transform it for their own use. The demonic qi of the demon race and the demonic qi of the demon race are both sources of energy, just like spiritual qi.
Therefore, there is no difference between demon cultivators, evil cultivators, and human cultivators; they all aim to attain immortality.
Martial arts, on the other hand, is a unique cultivation method possessed only by humans. Although they lack spiritual roots, they possess internal energy. However, martial arts only has three stages: Body Refinement, Martial Entry, and Martial Integration. The Martial Integration stage is the pinnacle of martial arts, but it is only equivalent to a Foundation Establishment stage immortal cultivator.
Although there is a great difference between martial artists and cultivators, there are more martial artists than cultivators. Therefore, many cultivation sects recruit martial artists, but they are often used as servants and guards in the sect to handle mundane affairs for cultivators. As a result, they do not have a high status in the sect.
Hearing this, the villagers from Xiahe Village sighed. Martial artists were the most powerful people in their village, but they were nothing special in the cultivation sects.
Zhao Jia suddenly said, "So this is what martial artists are all about. Zhao Youming is just a little bit talented in martial arts, yet he thinks he can get into the sect by relying on Xu Xing. He's dreaming."
He was a few years older than Zhao Youming, but he did not inherit his father's martial arts talent. The clan also valued Zhao Youming more, which made him resentful. Fortunately, Xu Xing did not agree to his grandfather bringing Zhao Youming into the sect.
He'll soon be a cultivator, while Zhao Youming is just a martial artist. What can he do to help him?
Seeing that Zhao Jia was already looking down on martial artists even before entering the sect, the other three exchanged glances but no one said a word.
"Don't underestimate martial artists. There have been instances in our sect where cultivators mistreated their martial artists, leading to the martial artists' betrayal and causing the cultivators to suffer heavy losses."
Zuo Qiuxu shook his head and gave a reminder, then continued talking about the Jade Cloud Sect.
The Jade Cloud Sect is mainly composed of three parts: the Inner Sect, the Outer Sect, and the Thousand Machines Academy. The Inner Sect is where the core disciples reside, and they enjoy most of the sect's resources. The Thousand Machines Academy is responsible for handling all matters, large and small, within the sect. Below the Thousand Machines Academy are various other forces with different cultivation directions, such as the Alchemy Academy, the Weapon Forging Academy, the Beast Taming Field, and the Spirit Plant Garden.
Based on their different spiritual roots, the Immortal Dao Academy, where new disciples reside, is divided into three branches. The Heavenly Pivot Academy is where geniuses with single spiritual roots gather, and most disciples who graduate from the Heavenly Pivot Academy become members of the inner sect. The Jade Balance Academy is where disciples with dual or triple spiritual roots reside, and after completing their studies, they become the backbone of the outer sect. The Yao Guang Academy is where disciples with four spiritual roots reside, and because their aptitude is limited, most of them are scattered to various academy offices, leading martial artists to serve the sect.
Thinking of Xu Xing's five spiritual roots, Zuo Qiuxu added, "By the way, we haven't accepted any disciples with five spiritual roots in recent years, so you will probably be assigned to Yaoguang Academy as well."
"So, Linglan will be going to Yuheng Academy, and she'll definitely have a bright future." Zhao Jia sat a little closer to Zhao Linglan.
Wang Lianhua laughed and said, "Then the three of us can keep each other company in Yaoguang Courtyard."
She didn't understand or care about these courtyards and gates; she was already content to be able to enter a cultivation sect with her daughter.
"That's about it. As for the sect rules, once you enter the Immortal Dao Academy, you will be taught by teachers, so I won't go into detail." Zuo Qiuxu crossed his arms and resumed his lazy demeanor.
"Thank you for telling us these things, senior brother."
Xu Xing said gratefully, "May I ask which immortal venerable you senior brothers are disciples of? I will definitely pay you a visit when I have the chance."
Xu Xing was very fortunate that the first cultivators he met were these three. Zuo Qiuxu was warm and cheerful, Xiang Yuquan was gentle and considerate, and as for Shen Du, whom he hadn't had much contact with, although he didn't talk much, he not only saved her from the snake demon, but also managed to get spirit stones for her, which showed that he was also a kind and thoughtful person.
Xu Xing didn't say how she would repay them. She didn't have the ability to do so now, and saying anything about repaying them would be too vague. But she would definitely repay them when she had the opportunity in the future.
"My master and Senior Brother Xiang's master is True Person Feng Ling, and our cave dwelling is on Qingling Peak in the south. My master specializes in water-based magic. If you also want to study water magic in the future, you might become our junior sister~"
Seeing the sincere expression on the ten-year-old girl's face, filled with gratitude, Zuo Qiuxu couldn't help but pat Xu Xing's hair, and he really had the idea of persuading his master to accept this junior sister.
Unfortunately, Xu Xing only possessed five spiritual roots. One of the criteria for the Immortal Cultivation Academy's entrance exam five years later was to reach the fourth level of Qi Refining, and it was extremely difficult for someone with five spiritual roots to reach that level...
Seeing Zuo Qiuxu's friendly demeanor towards Xu Xing, Zhao Jia, though feeling that Xu Xing was merely trying to get close to him, was not about to back down. "So, Senior Brother Shen and the two other senior brothers are not from the same master?"
He already knew that Shen Du was the most powerful of the three, and he tried to strike up a conversation with him all the way, but Shen Du kept his eyes closed and meditated, so he couldn't find an opportunity.
Zuo Qiuxu paused, then hesitated before saying, "Senior Brother Shen..."
"We're almost there."
Lin Borong, who was at the very front, stood up and slowed down his flight speed.
As everyone looked up, they saw a continuous mountain range shrouded in swirling clouds and mist, with a majestic sect standing atop the mountains. Long white jade steps led to a towering gate that soared into the clouds, resembling a celestial palace or blessed land.
Xu Xing held his breath, and Zhao Jia was also stunned.
Zhao Linglan nestled in her mother's arms, took a soft breath, and murmured, "So...big..."
As the group marveled, Lin Borong had already ordered his mount to land on the spacious platform at the entrance of the gate.
Zuo Qiuxu explained quietly, "Except in special circumstances, outer disciples are not allowed to use their own flying mounts without authorization."
Of course, this rule does not apply to core inner disciples and cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage or above.
Although Lin Borong is one of the outer sect managers, his cultivation level has not reached the Nascent Soul stage, so he cannot be used.
The four people from Xiahe Village nodded repeatedly, all sighing inwardly at how many rules there were in this cultivation sect.
The gate of the Jade Cloud Sect was over ten zhang wide, and dozens of disciples were stationed at the entrance. They were all dressed in uniform white and gold clothing, with solemn expressions and a powerful presence, which made the villagers from Xiahe Village dare not breathe.
The leader glanced at the mortals behind Lin Borong and asked, "Manager Lin, may I ask who these four mortals are...?"
Lin Borong affixed the waist tag to a disc-shaped object at the entrance. "These are the newly admitted disciples of the sect. I have consulted with Senior Zhang of the Thousand Machine Academy about the specific reasons and received his authorization."
After confirming the situation, the guards didn't ask any further questions. However, when Lin Borong led the group through the gate, he stopped Xu Xing, saying, "Please, young lady, wait a moment."
Xu Xing's heart tightened. Why was she the only one being called? Was it because of her eyes again?
Seeing that she looked a little nervous, Chen Du whispered, "Don't be afraid, it's just verifying your human identity according to the rules."
“Since they’re going to be inspected, let them go with us,” Lin Borong said, his hands behind his back.
He brought the person, and although he has already verified him, it's still best to go through the proper channels.
"Manager Lin is indeed meticulous." The guard cupped his hands and led the four to a place with a magic array engraved on it. After they passed through the array one by one, and there was nothing unusual about it, he let them pass.
After so many investigations without finding anything unusual, Xu Xing was completely relieved and believed that he was just an ordinary human being.
Upon entering the sect, the faint chirping of spirit birds could be heard from above. Zuo Qiuxu looked up and said, "Look, this silver-winged roc is the mount that the disciples of the sect ride when they travel."
"Once you have your disciple's badge, you can apply to ride." He stroked his chin. "However, there aren't many places that new disciples of the Immortal Academy can go."
Surrounded by such a magnificent and vast sect, and seeing the roc flying overhead, its enormous wings casting a shadow, the four from Xiahe Village almost stopped breathing, feeling dazzled and utterly awestruck.
Finding their dazed expressions amusing, Zuoqiu Xu couldn't help but chuckle. He winked at Xu Xing, "You'd better cultivate diligently!"
At this moment, Shen Du bowed to Lin Borong and said, "Senior Lin, this disciple will go to receive the punishment now and will not accompany you."
Why should I accept punishment when I've already obtained the elixir?
Zuo Qiuxu looked at Lin Borong and, seeing that he remained unmoved and seemed to tacitly agree, immediately pleaded, "But Seven..."
Xiang Yuquan held his junior brother's arm firmly and said with a smile, "It's time for your disciple and junior brother to return to Qingling Peak to report to Master. Senior Lin, farewell."
Lin Borong nodded slightly, and the three of them went their separate ways in two different directions.
Zuo Qiuxu was forcibly dragged away by Xiang Yuquan. He angrily said, "Senior Brother Xiang! Senior Brother Shen clearly..."
"Senior Brother Shen's situation in the sect is already awkward. We can't let people talk about this. Anyway, we've got the elixir. The Punishment Hall will only give us a minor punishment as a warning. Don't worry unnecessarily."
"..."
Xu Xing gazed at Shen Du's lonely figure and thought to herself, "She hasn't even found out which sect he belongs to yet."
However, since we belong to the same clan, there will surely be a chance to meet again in the future.
After thinking for a moment, Xu Xing mustered up his courage and asked Lin Borong, "Immortal Venerable..."
Lin Borong coughed, glanced at the disciples passing by, and said in a low voice, "In the sect, you can't call me Immortal Venerable. It's more appropriate to call me Steward Lin or Senior Lin."
Xu Xing understood. This cultivator surnamed Lin was not yet powerful enough to be called a Celestial Venerable. It was one thing in Xiahe Village, but he couldn't just call him that in the Jade Cloud Sect.
She readily changed her tune, "Manager Lin, the elixir wasn't destroyed by the Purple Dragon, so why is Senior Brother Chen Du still being punished?"
“You are quite thoughtful,” Lin Borong said. “He concealed it, which is a mistake. The rules of the sect are strict, and mistakes should be punished.”
"But the matter has been resolved now. It's just a matter of fining him a month's worth of resources, nothing serious."
Xu Xing fell silent. Although she didn't know how much resources a month would amount to, the way the manager spoke of it so casually suggested that it was indeed not much.
If she remembered correctly, this Senior Brother Chen Du seemed to be quite poor...
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