Chapter 103: Supreme Foundation

Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Supreme Foundation

Wang Feng led Chen Yue away from the fragrant area of Dan Peak, taking a fork in the path that led toward the Affairs Hall on the main peak’s mountainside.

The scenery on either side of the mountain path changed once more. Martial Arts Arenas and Weapon Racks appeared, and the air was filled with the ceaseless shouts of people practicing their techniques.

Along the way, Wang Feng grew curious about Chen Yue’s origins. "Junior Brother Chen," he asked casually, "judging by your accent, you don’t seem to be a local of the Celestial State Prefecture. Where are you from?"

Chen Yue had already prepared his story. With a calm expression, he replied, "Senior Brother Wang, I and a few companions are refugees from a remote little town called Youlin County."

"About a month ago, a disaster involving malevolent spirits broke out there. Ghostly Objects ran rampant, causing utter devastation. We had no choice but to leave our homes and wander from place to place until we finally arrived here in the Celestial State Prefecture, hoping to make a new life."

"Youlin County?"

Hearing this, Wang Feng frowned in thought for a moment before shaking his head.

"I’ve never heard of it. But you mentioned a spirit outbreak... *Sigh*. These incidents with malevolent spirits have certainly become more frequent lately. It feels like every other day we hear about trouble somewhere. They even happen occasionally in the towns surrounding the Celestial State Prefecture."

"Fortunately, the Prefecture City is quick to respond and can mobilize forces to suppress them before they turn into major disasters. You were lucky to escape."

Chen Yue’s interest was piqued. He continued the line of conversation, "Senior Brother Wang, have these matters with malevolent spirits always been so common?"

"To be honest, Senior Brother, on our way to the Celestial State Prefecture, we ran into the exceptionally bizarre Red and White Fiends. If we hadn’t happened to be traveling with a merchant caravan that knew how to deal with them, I’m afraid our chances of survival would have been slim."

"The Red and White Fiends?"

Wang Feng’s expression grew solemn. He had clearly heard of these vicious things. He sighed and shook his head.

"There never used to be so many malevolent spirits. I’ve been in the sect for seven or eight years, and in the first few, I only occasionally heard senior brothers mention them. It was mostly old stories or small-scale incidents in remote areas."

"But in the last year or two, and especially the last six months, malevolent spirits have been appearing more and more frequently, and they’ve become more vicious. Many of the Sect’s elders are worried, but no one can pinpoint the exact cause."

"There is some speculation, however, that the Yin Qi in the world seems to have grown much denser than before."

As they spoke, they arrived before a bustling hall. The plaque above the entrance bore the two large words: "Affairs Hall."

The hall was bustling with activity. Disciples were accepting missions, exchanging for supplies, and completing various procedures, all in a very orderly manner.

Wang Feng clearly knew his way around and led Chen Yue straight to a counter.

He presented his disciple Token and explained that Chen Yue was a new Outer Sect Disciple from Dan Peak.

After the disciple on duty examined the certificate issued by Dan Peak, he took out a thick register. He asked for Chen Yue’s name, age, and place of origin, recording each piece of information.

Then, the disciple took out two more items from under the counter and handed them to Chen Yue.

One was a palm-sized token engraved with the word "Panshi" on the front and "Outer Sect · Dan Peak" on the back. This was his Outer Sect Disciple Identity Token.

The other was a moderately thick, thread-bound booklet. Its cover bore the three words: "Panshi Sect Rules."

"The Identity Token must be carried at all times. Do not lose or lend it to others, or you will be dealt with according to the Sect Rules. Study the Sect Rules carefully and commit them to memory. Do not violate them," the disciple on duty recited.

Chen Yue accepted the items with both hands, offered his thanks, and carefully put the Token away, holding the book of Sect Rules in his hand for the time being.

After the registration was complete, Wang Feng didn’t lead Chen Yue back to Dan Peak. Instead, he continued onward, guiding him toward another peak that appeared even more solemn and serene.

"Let’s go, Junior Brother Chen. I’ll take you to the Hidden Skills Pavilion."

As they walked, Wang Feng explained, "Every new disciple, regardless of their peak, gets one chance to receive a foundational cultivation technique. The Foundation Establishment Technique of our Panshi Sect is called the Panshi Skill."

He glanced at Chen Yue, a hint of pride in his voice.

"Don’t underestimate this Panshi Skill. This Cultivation Technique focuses on progressing steadily from the outside in. First, you temper your Physique, muscles, and bones to solidify the foundation of your Qi Blood. Then, you gradually guide your Inner Breath to begin Refining the Internal Organs."

"It’s an orthodox, high-grade Cultivation Technique that can take you all the way to the peak of the Refining Organ Realm! Outside the Sect, countless smaller sects would treat it as their most treasured art!"

Chen Yue’s eyes lit up at his words.

’As expected of a Major Sect! Its foundations run deep!’

’Even the Foundation Establishment Technique available to every Outer Sect Disciple is this incredible, leading all the way to the peak of the Refining Organ Realm!’

Wang Feng saw the gleam in Chen Yue’s eyes and added with a smile,

"But don’t celebrate too early. This Panshi Skill is divided into five layers. New Outer Sect Disciples can only receive the technique’s incantations and Qi Flow Diagram for the First Three Layers."

"Only when you become an Inner Sect Disciple will you be qualified to use Contribution Points to apply for the fourth and Fifth Layer. This is to motivate disciples to work hard and contribute to the Sect."

It dawned on Chen Yue, and he nodded. "So that’s how it is."

’The Sect would never hand over a Core Technique in its entirety, not even a Foundation Establishment Technique. It’s only natural for them to set certain requirements.’

"Senior Brother Wang, how does one get promoted from an Outer Sect Disciple to an Inner Sect Disciple?" Chen Yue asked, seizing the opportunity. It was one of his most pressing questions.

"The conditions are quite clear."

Wang Feng was clearly familiar with the process. "The first and foremost condition is that your Cultivation must reach the Marrow Refining Realm. Below the Marrow Refining Realm, you can only be an Outer Sect Disciple, no matter how great your Talent."

"However, reaching the required Cultivation level isn’t enough. You must also pass the Sect’s Panshi Lane trial to prove you possess the combat prowess of an Inner Sect Disciple at the Marrow Refining Realm. Only then can you be formally promoted."

"Panshi Lane?" Chen Yue’s brow furrowed slightly.

"Yes. It’s a special alley filled with mechanisms and puppets designed to test you. There will also be Inner Sect senior brothers stationed at key points to intercept and challenge you."

Wang Feng explained with a smile, "Only by fighting your way through on your own merit will you be considered to truly possess the strength of an Inner Sect Disciple. This is to prevent disciples from focusing solely on their cultivation while being completely useless in a real fight."

Chen Yue nodded. ’Cultivation is the foundation, and combat is the core. Only by combining the two can one be a true Martial Artist.’

’The design of Panshi Lane is very much in keeping with the style of the Panshi Sect, which values foundation and combat experience.’

As they spoke, they arrived halfway up another mountain. A magnificent, three-story pavilion with flying eaves and interlocking brackets came into view.

High above the entrance hung a plaque bearing three imposing words: Hidden Skills Pavilion.

The pavilion was nestled among the trees in a tranquil setting. It exuded a faint air of solemnity and scholarly refinement, a stark contrast to the medicinal aroma of Dan Peak and the clamor of the Affairs Hall.

Disciples stood guard at the entrance, their auras dense and their gazes sharp.

"We’re here." Wang Feng stopped and pointed at the Hidden Skills Pavilion ahead.

Chen Yue gazed at the Hidden Skills Pavilion, a ripple of emotion stirring within him. After a moment’s thought, he asked, "Senior Brother Wang, aside from access to Cultivation Techniques and Cultivation requirements, what are the other main differences between Outer Sect and Inner Sect Disciples?"

Wang Feng considered this for a moment. "The differences are significant. In addition to their own training, Outer Sect Disciples must patrol the mountains, stand guard, assist with miscellaneous chores, and even leave to perform simple missions each month."

"Furthermore, of the many Cultivation Techniques and Martial Techniques in the Hidden Skills Pavilion, those that Outer Sect Disciples can exchange for with Contribution Points are mostly basic or generic. They have no access to many of the core, advanced legacies."

"And Inner Sect Disciples?" Chen Yue asked.

"Once you become an Inner Sect Disciple, the Sect provides a monthly stipend of basic cultivation resources, such as Elixirs and Contribution Points."

"Second, the number of required Sect missions decreases. Most importantly, as long as you have enough Contribution Points, you become eligible to apply for most of the Cultivation Techniques and Martial Techniques in the Hidden Skills Pavilion, including some powerful Secret Techniques. You can even earn the chance to enter special training grounds."

Chen Yue listened intently. ’This is a classic tiered system for developing talent within a Sect.’

’Outer Sect Disciples are like a reserve force and a labor pool. They have to prove their worth by completing Sect missions to accumulate Contribution Points, all while cultivating hard in hopes of promotion.’

’Inner Sect Disciples, on the other hand, are the core prospects who have earned the Sect’s initial approval. They start to receive a greater share of resources, take on more important duties, and have much more room for growth.’

"I understand now. Thank you for the explanation, Senior Brother Wang," Chen Yue said, clasping his hands in gratitude.

Wang Feng smiled at Chen Yue and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Junior Brother Chen, as an Outer Sect Disciple of Dan Peak, your situation is much better than that of disciples on other peaks. Your Sect mission is Alchemy. The Sect will convert the quantity and quality of the Elixirs you hand in into Contribution Points."

"As long as you can consistently provide acceptable Elixirs, you can basically focus solely on your cultivation and Alchemy Skill. The specific conversion rates and requirements will be explained in detail by a senior brother when you get back to Dan Peak."

This was good news to Chen Yue.

’With my Alchemy Skill, it won’t be difficult to complete the Alchemy missions in exchange for Contribution Points and a stable environment for cultivation.’

’This identity as a Dan Peak disciple is actually a perfect fit for my current needs.’

"Come on, let’s go in and get your Panshi Skill."

With a call, Wang Feng led Chen Yue into the imposing Hidden Skills Pavilion.

The moment he stepped through the doors, a scent of old paper and sandalwood washed over him.

The space inside was far more expansive than it appeared from the outside. Rows of heavy wooden shelves stood in neat order, laden with a vast collection of books and scrolls sorted by category.

There were many disciples within, but it was exceptionally quiet, with only the faint rustle of turning pages and soft footsteps.

Chen Yue’s gaze swept the room, and he felt a slight chill.

The vast majority of people he saw were experts at the Bone Forging Realm, with dense auras and steady gaits. There were very few disciples at the lower Skin Refining and Refined Flesh realms.

What drew Chen Yue’s attention even more were the few Martial Artists in the crowd whose auras were distinctly more obscure and profound.

Near the stairs to the second floor, he even glimpsed an elderly man sitting cross-legged on a cushion. The man’s aura was as deep as an ocean, far beyond the Marrow Refining Realm.

’This is the profound depth of the Sect. Experts who are a rare sight in ordinary towns are not at all uncommon here.’

Wang Feng seemed accustomed to this. He whispered to Chen Yue not to make a sound or touch anything carelessly, then led him straight to a long table near a window on the first floor.