Outer Sect Homework

Early the next morning, Shen Hao was awakened by a crisp bell sound.

The bell came from the Training Ground of the Outer Sect, long and resonant, echoing throughout the entire Outer Sect area of the Ziyang Sect. Shen Hao knew this was the assembly bell for Outer Sect Disciples. He quickly got up, changed into his Disciple Robe, and hurried toward the Training Ground.

The Training Ground was located in the center of the Outer Sect, a vast Bluestone Square covering several dozen acres. At this moment, the square was already filled with Outer Sect Disciples clad in Gray Disciple Robes, over a thousand in number. The disciples were divided into dozens of squads by area, and before each squad stood a Deacon Elder in a Green Daoist Robe.

As soon as Shen Hao reached the edge of the square, a guiding disciple led him to the end of one squad.

"All Outer Sect Disciples," the Deacon Elder before the squad, a burly Middle-aged Man with a voice like a great bell, announced, "from today onward, aside from your daily Breathing and Cultivation, you must also complete the sect-assigned tasks."

As the elder spoke, he raised his hand and waved. At the edge of the square, rows of neat Wooden Plaques appeared, each inscribed with different tasks.

"The sect tasks are divided into three grades," the elder continued. "First-grade tasks: go to the Medicine Field in the Back Mountain of the sect to pick Spiritual Medicine or tend the Medicine Garden. You will receive one Low-grade Spirit Stone per day as compensation. Second-grade tasks: go to the Artifact Refining Room to help transport ores or polish artifacts. You will receive two Low-grade Spirit Stones per day. Third-grade tasks: go to the Library Pavilion to help organize Classics or copy Scriptures. You will receive three Low-grade Spirit Stones per day."

As soon as he finished, a murmur rippled through the square. Low-grade Spirit Stones were the universal currency of the Cultivation World and a vital resource for cultivation. The Spiritual Energy contained in a single Low-grade Spirit Stone was more than ten times denser than the ambient Spiritual Energy in the air, greatly aiding cultivation.

"However," the elder's tone shifted, his sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd, "third-grade tasks have the highest requirements: you must be literate and of steady temperament. Second-grade tasks require physical strength and a willingness to endure hardship. As for first-grade tasks, though they seem simple, you must recognize various Spiritual Medicines and handle them with care, avoiding damage to their roots."

Shen Hao's heart stirred. Since childhood in his village, he had learned to identify many herbs from the old village doctor, and he had some understanding of their habits. As for literacy, though his parents were farmers, they had hired the village teacher to teach him a fair number of characters.

"Alright, you may now choose your tasks. After selecting, register with your respective deacon. Tomorrow morning, you must report to the designated location." With that, the elder dismissed them.

The disciples scattered, surging toward the Wooden Plaques. Shen Hao didn't join the rush. Instead, he walked to the plaque for first-grade tasks and studied it carefully. It stated that the Medicine Field tasks involved going to the Medicine Garden in the Back Mountain each morning to pick specified Spiritual Medicines, or to water, weed, and fertilize them. Upon completion, one could receive a Low-grade Spirit Stone from the Medicine Field deacon.

After a moment's thought, Shen Hao made up his mind. He went to the registration point for first-grade tasks, bowed to the deacon in charge, and said, "Disciple Shen Hao wishes to choose the first-grade task."

The deacon looked up at him. Seeing that though Shen Hao's frame was slight, he carried an air of steadiness, the deacon nodded and wrote his name in the register. "Tomorrow at the hour of the Rabbit, report to Steward Li at the Back Mountain Medicine Garden. Do not be late."

"Disciple obeys," Shen Hao replied respectfully.

Having received his Task Plaque, Shen Hao left the Training Ground. Instead of returning to his quarters, he took the plaque and headed toward the Back Mountain. He wanted to visit the Medicine Garden in advance, familiarize himself with the surroundings, and prepare for tomorrow's task.

The Back Mountain Medicine Garden lay deep in the Outer Sect's Back Mountain, shrouded in a faint spiritual light—clearly a simple Spirit Gathering Array had been set up. The garden was filled with all kinds of Spiritual Medicines: lush green Qi Condensing Grass, Spirit Awakening Flowers with small yellow blooms, and Body Tempering Grass with serrated leaves...

Shen Hao gazed at these familiar yet unfamiliar Spiritual Medicines, his eyes full of curiosity. He walked carefully along the garden paths, careful not to touch any plant. He knew these Spiritual Medicines were sect property; damaging them would mean deductions from his Spirit Stone compensation at best, or punishment at worst.

As he was absorbed in looking, an elderly man in a Green Daoist Robe emerged from the depths of the garden. The old man had white hair and beard, held a Hoe in his hand, and wore a kind smile.

"Little one, you're a new Outer Sect Disciple, aren't you?" the old man asked with a laugh.

Shen Hao quickly bowed. "Disciple Shen Hao. I will be working in the Medicine Garden tomorrow, so I came today to familiarize myself with the place."

The old man nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Mm, a thoughtful child. These Spiritual Medicines are the foundation of the sect. When you tend them tomorrow, you must be careful. Qi Condensing Grass prefers shade and cannot be exposed to harsh sunlight; Spirit Awakening Flowers like moisture and need daily watering; Body Tempering Grass has fragile roots, so be gentle when weeding..."

The old man patiently explained the habits and care methods of various Spiritual Medicines. Shen Hao listened intently, committing every word to memory.

The sun set in the west, its remaining rays spilling over the garden, gilding every Spiritual Medicine in a golden halo. Shen Hao bowed to the old man in thanks, then turned and headed back toward his quarters. His heart was full of anticipation. He knew that tomorrow's task would be an important step on his path of cultivation.