c-5:Trials of the Xuantian Sect

Xuantian Sect's disciple levels were divided into five main ranks: Handyman Disciple, Outer Sect Disciple, Inner Disciple, Elite Disciple, and Personal Disciple. With each rank, the privileges grew—better cultivation techniques, resources, and status. Conversely, the lower ranks had fewer opportunities and often faced the grunt work that came with their position. Those at the bottom were tasked with the hard, dirty jobs that most cultivators looked down upon.

At this moment, the square was filled with hundreds of hopeful disciples. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as Ge Qing, the Outer Sect's Great Elder, stood on the raised platform. His powerful voice echoed through the air, holding everyone's attention.

"In order to ensure fairness," Ge Qing began, his voice commanding, "all participants will receive unified training during these three months. How much you can learn, what heights you can achieve, will depend entirely on your hard work and Good Fortune."

His words carried an almost mystical weight, making the crowd hang on his every syllable.

"At the same time, I hope to see superior performance from you all. The path of immortal cultivation is long and arduous, but for those with determination, this is where your journey truly begins!" Ge Qing's voice crescendoed with passion, his outstretched hands inviting the crowd to rise to the challenge.

A thunderous cheer erupted from the square, voices brimming with excitement and ambition. Li Taixing stood among the crowd, gazing at the high platform. Though he shared their excitement, his mind was focused. These are just the early steps.

He glanced around, noticing how the excitement gripped his companions. Lu Tong's fists were clenched, his eyes filled with anticipation. Sun Bohu looked equally stirred, a rare moment of serious focus on his usually carefree face. Lu Qingyao and Li Yueniang exchanged eager glances, clearly determined to seize their chances in the Sect.

Once Ge Qing's speech ended, the group began to disband. The massive crowd shifted into smaller groups as they were assigned to their living quarters. In total, there were far more disciples than rooms, and each room would need to house six people, splitting boys and girls, of course.

Li Taixing, Lu Tong, and Sun Bohu were led to their shared dormitory. It was simple and functional, with three bunk beds lining the walls, creating space for six occupants.

"This room's not too bad," Sun Bohu said, flopping onto the lower bunk of a bed and stretching out as if it were his own home. "Could be worse. At least we're not sleeping on stone floors."

"Li Dage," Lu Tong called from the other side of the room. He had already chosen his bed, claiming the lower bunk opposite Sun Bohu. "Let's grab the good spots before the others get here."

"I'll take the top," Li Taixing said, casually pointing to the upper bunk nearest the door. Though the lower bunk had its conveniences, the top bed provided more privacy—something Li Taixing appreciated.

As they settled in, Lu Tong looked at Li Taixing seriously. "Dage, I need to say something. I know you might not like it, but I respect you, so I have to speak honestly."

Li Taixing turned toward Lu Tong, curiosity piqued. "Go ahead."

Lu Tong hesitated, clearly weighing his words. "Li Dage, I just… I worry that the Xuantian Sect might not be the best place for you. Your non-attribute Spiritual Roots, and the fact they're first rank… it might be really difficult for you here."

Sun Bohu, who had been half-reclined on his bunk, sat up, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, we mean no offense, Dage, but the path ahead will be tough."

Li Taixing smiled, not offended in the slightest. He knew they were speaking from concern. "I appreciate the honesty," he said. "But don't worry. I'll handle whatever comes my way."

Both Lu Tong and Sun Bohu were visibly relieved. They trusted Li Taixing, but it was clear they didn't quite understand where his confidence came from. They don't know about the dimensional space, Li Taixing thought, his hand brushing the small, inconspicuous bag at his waist. It won't be easy, but I have more cards to play than they realize.

Just as the atmosphere began to relax, the door to the dormitory creaked open. Three new figures stepped inside. The first was a tall, broad-shouldered youth with muscles that strained against his outer robe. His strong, square jaw and slightly arrogant expression made him stand out immediately. He was followed by two equally sturdy boys who looked ready for a fight at any moment.

The leader, who looked the eldest of the three, clasped his hands in greeting. "Hello, brothers. My name is Xiong Hu, third rank Fire Spiritual Roots. These are my brothers, Xiong Tao and Xiong Lei. We're also third rank, but different elements."

Xiong Hu's voice was deep and commanding, and there was a faint smirk on his lips as if he expected to be treated with respect purely due to his qualifications. His gaze quickly swept across the room, landing on each of them.

Lu Tong, trying to remain polite, nodded. "Lu Tong, fourth rank Wind Spiritual Roots," he said, trying to keep his tone neutral.

"Sun Bohu, third rank Earth Spiritual Roots," Sun Bohu followed, though his usually light-hearted tone had a wary edge now.

Finally, Xiong Hu's eyes locked onto Li Taixing. His arrogant smirk deepened as he asked, "And you, brother? What qualifications?"

Li Taixing looked up from his bed calmly. "Li Taixing. First rank, no attributes."

For a moment, there was silence. Then, the three Xiong brothers erupted into laughter.

"First rank… no attributes?" Xiong Hu repeated, barely containing his amusement. "Isn't that just another way to say 'trash'? What are you doing here at Xuantian Sect?"

The other two snickered, and even Sun Bohu's fists clenched in irritation. Lu Tong's face reddened with anger, but before he could speak, Li Taixing waved his hand.

"Let them laugh," Li Taixing said, his voice steady. "As cultivators, our focus should be on the Dao, not on who can run their mouth the loudest."

His words were calm, but there was a subtle strength behind them that surprised even Lu Tong and Sun Bohu. Xiong Hu, however, narrowed his eyes, clearly disliking the way Li Taixing dismissed their mockery.

"Well, whatever. Just don't slow us down during training," Xiong Hu said, his tone still laced with arrogance, before he turned to claim his bed with his brothers.

Lu Tong exchanged glances with Sun Bohu, and both of them knew that the next three months wouldn't just be about proving themselves to the Sect—they would also need to watch out for trouble from their new roommates.

But Li Taixing wasn't worried. Let them laugh now, he thought. Soon enough, they'll see what I'm capable of.

As the evening settled in and the lights dimmed, Li Taixing stared at the ceiling from his top bunk, a quiet smile forming on his lips. The real journey had only just begun.