Outer Sect

The Sect Leader brought Fang Hao outside the tower and encountered a few idle disciples. "Show this new member to the location of the outer sect," the Sect Leader ordered.

One of the disciples was engaged in conversation with a girl and seemed a bit annoyed by the interruption.

However, as soon as he recognized who had called him, he froze and nodded obediently, resembling a chicken's quick peck.

Satisfied with the response, the Sect Leader cast one last glance at Fang Hao before departing, gradually fading from view.

"What is your cave number?" the disciple inquired, walking over to Fang Hao, who was gazing at the sky.

"4050," Fang Hao replied, his gaze shifting to appraise the newcomer. He couldn't sense the person's strength, but there was no doubt it surpassed his own.

''4050? Ah, you must be a new outer sect member,'' the disciple nodded, comprehending the situation.

He then led Fang Hao down the mountain, this time walking allowing him to appreciate the scenery.

''Senior brother, what are the rules here?'' Fang Hao inquired, his expression polite, and a gleam of delight flickered across the disciple's face at being addressed as "senior brother."

''My name is Lan Yue. Place the jade token on your head, then send spiritual energy into it. It will make it easier for you to receive information,'' Lan Yue explained with a gentle smile.

Fang Hao nodded, holding the token in his hand before placing it on his head as Lan Yue had instructed.

Suddenly, a flood of information surged into his mind, causing him to stop his steps. His eyes blinked rapidly as he processed the influx of knowledge.

A soft touch jolted him from his daze, and Lan Yue gently guided him, prompting them to continue down the path.

As they walked, Fang Hao gradually regained his focus, his mind now filled with a new understanding of the sect.

Fang Hao remained lost in thought, refraining from further conversation as he immersed himself in the details he had acquired.

A rudimentary map of the outer sect area materialized in his mind, along with some expected regulations.

These rules included a ban on killing fellow disciples, limiting conflicts to arena battles, and the option to challenge to a life-and-death duel under mutual agreement.

It indicated that the token served as the key to Hao's cultivation cave and new home, revealing the identity of the cultivator in possession.

Additionally, it displayed their contribution points, with each of them being allocated 10 points as a new disciple.

This sum was enough to purchase fundamental manuals from the first floor of the cultivation library, as well as partake in various tasks and tournaments for additional rewards.

Fang Hao was deeply engrossed in processing the information when suddenly, a loud voice shattered his concentration.

--

"Halt," a cultivator on the path called out, causing Lan Yue to come to a stop and present Fang Hao's token to him.

"New disciple?" the guard inquired, prompting Lan Yue to explain the situation.

After giving Fang Hao a stern look and closely examining his token, the guard nodded.

While finding it weird that someone arrived ahead of time, he didn't question further. He stepped aside, granting them passage.

--

In the distance, the outer disciples bustled about, engaging in conversations and trading amidst a vast plaza.

The area was dominated by five massive structures, with the library and a grand arena standing out– both of which Fang Hao recognized from the token.

"Senior brother, what are the other three buildings?" Fang Hao inquired, his curiosity piqued as the token had not provided details about them.

Lan Yue nodded, a patient smile gracing his face. "The Alchemy Pavilion is where you can learn to craft and buy pills. The Trial Cave is a place to undergo challenges and tests to enhance your cultivation.''

''The Quest Pavilion is where disciples receive tasks and missions to contribute to the sect."

In the midst of the plaza, cultivators who had been here longer than Fang Hao engaged in conversations, negotiations, and trades.

The bustling atmosphere brought back memories of the city, but the activity here was even more intense and densely packed.

For a brief moment, Fang Hao stood still, his astonishment causing a momentary pause.

The sheer volume of individuals in motion was staggering, leaving him slightly overwhelmed by the scale of the cultivators.

"Don't be taken aback by the number," Lan Yue's voice cut through the daze, accompanied by his advice. "These are recruits from last year and the previous ones Every individual here surpasses you in strength."

Fang Hao's curiosity persisted, leading him to inquire, "Senior Brother, how long can someone remain in this outer area?"

His gaze lingered on those who appeared much older than him, creating a sense of unease within him.

Lan Yue's response carried a hint of nonchalance as he explained, "You can stay until the age of one hundred. After that, you're either compelled to leave or choose to serve as a servant."

His tone then shifted, with a sense of aspiration, as he continued, "I'm approaching 70 and am on the verge of breaking through to the Marrow Infusion realm." He was only missing that last step.

''That building over there is the outer sect library. You have enough points to choose one cultivation manual to meditate on. I suggest you think carefully,'' Lan Yue pointed in the distance adorned with two lion statues.

''In this outer sect area, your cave is located in the southern part. I won't take you to your living quarters; they're not difficult to find.'' Lan Yue began to leave, but Fang Hao stopped him with a question.

''Senior Lan Yue, who are our masters?'' Fang Hao inquired, noticing the absence of teachers around.

''There are none. The library's first floor provides basic information only. We'll have a chance to have mentors when we become inner sect disciples,'' Lan Yue explained with a hint of disappointment, the reality of the situation sinking in.

The number of disciples was far too many, only those that showed extreme talent got a chance.