The Beast Hall

The early morning sun threw a soft golden glow over the towering peaks of the Blackfeather Sect, casting long shadows over the sprawling stone pathways. Hei An stepped out of his quarters, filling the lungs with the crisp mountain air. The enormity still weighed on him-it was nothing like the modest village he had come from.

Before he could collect his thoughts, a familiar voice called out, breaking the tranquility.

"Junior Brother Hei! Ready for your grand tour?" Wei Ren's cheerful voice echoed as he approached, his hands casually tucked into his robes.

Hei An turned to face him, his expression calm. "Good morning, Senior Brother Wei."

Wei Ren jerked stiff and open, showing his teeth widely as he began grinning widely. "Whoa! All of a sudden are you polite? Have you noticed how cool I was yesterday and decided to show some respect!?" 

Hei An let out a slow sigh. His voice dropped flat. "Maybe I wasn't supposed to. I mean, I just followed rules."

Wei Ren laughed heartily, clapping Hei An on the shoulder. "Ah, don't be like that! Come on, I'll show you around. Can't have you embarrassing yourself by wandering into the wrong hall."

The sect was a marvel of architecture and cultivation, a sprawling complex carved into the mountainside. Its terraced buildings rose at varying heights, their dark feather-like roofs shimmering in the sunlight. Disciples in gray and black robes moved about the paths, their activities as diverse as their ranks.

Wei Ren led Hei An through the busy outer court. "Our sect is divided into several main areas. You are currently in the Outer Court, where most of the disciples like you and me live and train. Beyond that are the Inner Court and the Core Pavilion, but you won't be going there anytime soon unless you start breaking through your cultivation."

Hei An raised an eyebrow. "What's the difference between the courts?"

Wei Ren smirked as he launched into an explanation. "The Outer Court is where everyone starts. In order to become an Inner Disciple, you must attain the Essence Tempering Realm before the age of twenty. Those who manage to, have the better resources, advanced trainings, and a possibility of working closely with elders."

Hei An nodded slowly, already sensing the pressure of the sect's expectations upon him.

"And then, there are the Core Disciples," Wei Ren continued his tone serious. "These are, in fact, the actual pride of the sect—the talented people who have the most hope. The sect invests as much as it can on them, giving them elders' personal guidance, providing secret techniques, and powerful beasts. So if you want to really distinguish yourself, that is it".

Hei An listened in silence. The sect was a pyramid, and it wasn't easy to climb.

As they walked, the air was filled with growls, screeches, and flapping wings. Before them was a grand building with wide archways and enclosures scattered around it. The Beast Hall was bustling with activity—disciples inspecting scrolls, trading resources, and feeding beasts of all sizes.

"This," Wei Ren declared with a wave, "is the Beast Hall, the pride of our sect. It is where you will spend most of your time if you want to care for Xue Ying—or find resources to help strengthen yourself."

Hei An opened his eyes wide at the sight. Disciples could be seen walking between these enclosures, some cautiously inspecting the creatures while others haggled with sect officials.

Wei Ren continued, "The hall serves three main purposes. First, it's where you'll find resources—herbs, pills, and even special techniques to help both you and your beast grow. Second, it's where disciples can try to form contracts with beasts captured by the sect." He grinned. "Not that it matters to you, Junior Brother. With Xue Ying by your side, you've already got one of the best companions a disciple could ask for."

Hei An furrowed slightly. "Why couldn't I contract another beast?"

Wei Ren turned to him, look incredulous. "Do you think beast taming is easy? Forming a contract requires an immense drain on your spirit and essence. If taming multiple beasts was that simple, beast tamers would already rule the cultivation world."

Hei An fell silent, but his thoughts churned. He could distinctly feel that forming another bond wouldn't strain him. This peculiar ability had to be tied to his Hei Clan bloodline.

'Could this be the true specialty of our lineage?' he wondered, a strange mix of pride and unease filling him.

Shaking off his thoughts, he followed Wei Ren further into the hall.

Wei Ren brought Hei An to a great board in the doorway, behind which dozens of disciples gathered. Rolls and slates were attached to it with intricate details on each of them.

"This is the Mission Board," Wei Ren said. "Here you will find your missions ordered by the sect; everything from gathering herbs to hunting rogue beasts to escort merchants. In return, the points you acquire are Contribution Points. That's the sect's currency."

Hei An looked over at the board, a question forming in his head. "And what can you use contribution points for?"

"Oh, that's the best part," Wei Ren said with a smile. "You can trade them in for resources, techniques, and even some time in the training grounds or an elder's time. If you plan on getting anywhere in this sect, you'll need to keep a steady supply of points coming in."

Hei An nodded, his mind already calculating how he could start earning.

Wei Ren added, "Oh, and you're welcome, by the way."

Hei An frowned. "For what?"

"For being here," Wei Ren said, his grin widening. "It was my recommendation that got you into the sect. No need to thank me too much—just owe me one."

Hei An's face didn't change, but a small part of him was actually thankful. He had been given a chance, and he wouldn't waste it.

As they walked down the hall, a soft voice called out. "Wei Ren, I see you're busy today."

He turned to see a young woman walking towards him. She moved with a gentle elegance, her immaculate robes fluttering slightly in the breeze. Her dainty features were offset by a sharp, intelligent gaze.

"Xu Mei!" Wei Ren greeted warmly. "What brings you here? Don't tell me you're here to show off again."

Xu Mei ignored his jab, her eyes landing on Hei An. "And this is…?"

"Our newest Junior Brother, Hei An," Wei Ren said, gesturing toward him. "I'm showing him around so he doesn't get lost and accidentally walk into the Inner Court."

Xu Mei's gaze softened as she offered Hei An a polite nod. "So you are the one Wei Ren recommended. Welcome to the sect. If you need guidance, feel free to ask."

Hei An returned the nod. "Thank you, Senior Sister Xu."

As they exchanged small talk, Wei Ren leaned in towards Hei An. "Hey, by the way, Xu Mei is outer disciple ranked seventh. She's one of the best; don't let her appear so calm."

Xu Mei gave him a look, although she couldn't help but overhear this and responded, "Do you always have to bring up rankings?"

Wei Ren grinned unapologetically. "Of course. How else would Junior Brother Hei know how far out of his league you are?"

Xu Mei sighed but didn't argue, her composure unshaken. With a final polite nod to Hei An, she excused herself and disappeared into the crowd.

As they left the Beast Hall, Hei An couldn't help but be both amazed and overwhelmed. The Blackfeather Sect was a world unto itself; it was a place filled with towering hierarchies, fierce competition, and untapped opportunities.

Wei Ren nudged him playfully. "So, what do you think? Feeling inspired yet?"

Hei An nodded slowly. "I am. There's a lot to take in, but… I'll figure it out."

He had no choice. This was just the beginning of his journey, and he was determined to carve out his place in the sect—even if the path ahead was fraught with challenges