He is correct with the meaning of dao in regards to cultivator stuff. But dao is also Chinese saber/single edge sword. They might have different pronunciation or something in Chinese. In most novels dao isn't translated since it has no good direct translation, but dao as a weapon is translated as saber

She was at some point in time member of compact, was a holder/candidate for holder/high ranking acolyte. My bet is on holder, but wasn't involved in smuggling out metal scroll because of the lack of action from Cynthia

This is just stupid what spartan training was all about was not some fitness but a ******** military boot camp since childhood including manhunts and need to steal to survive and that humans are stronger in peace is just such a bullshit