Outer Sect Duties

Early the next morning, Shen Hao was awakened by a clear, crisp tolling of bells.

The bells came from the Outer Sect's Training Ground, long and resounding as they echoed throughout Ziyang Sect's Outer Sect grounds. Shen Hao knew that this was the summons for the Outer Sect Disciples to assemble. He hurriedly rose, changed into his Disciple Robe, and briskly headed toward the Training Ground.

The Training Ground lay at the center of the Outer Sect, a vast Bluestone Square spanning roughly several dozen mu. At this moment, the square was already packed with more than a thousand Outer Sect Disciples dressed in Gray Disciple Robes. The disciples were divided into dozens of small groups by area, with a Deacon Elder in a Green Daoist Robe standing before each group.

The moment Shen Hao reached the edge of the square, a disciple responsible for guiding newcomers led him to the back of one of the groups.

"Outer Sect Disciples," the Deacon Elder at the front of the group was a burly middle-aged man, his voice booming like a great bell, "from today onward, in addition to breathing exercises and cultivation, you must also complete the duties assigned by the sect each day."

As he spoke, the elder raised a hand and waved. Rows upon rows of neat wooden plaques appeared along the edge of the square, each bearing a different task.

"Sect duties are divided into three grades," the elder continued. "First-grade duties involve going to the Medicine Field on the sect's Back Mountain to gather Spiritual Medicine or tend the Medicine Garden. The daily reward is one Low-grade Spirit Stone. Second-grade duties involve going to the sect's Artifact Refining Room to help transport ores or polish Dharma artifacts. The daily reward is two Low-grade Spirit Stones. Third-grade duties involve going to the sect's Library Pavilion to help organize ancient texts or copy Scriptures. The daily reward is three Low-grade Spirit Stones."

The instant his words fell, whispers rose across the square. Low-grade Spirit Stones were the common currency of the Cultivation World and, more importantly, vital resources for cultivation. The spiritual qi contained within a single Low-grade Spirit Stone was more than ten times richer than the scattered spiritual qi between heaven and earth, making it enormously helpful for cultivation.

"However," the elder said, abruptly changing tack as his sharp gaze swept over the crowd, "third-grade duties have the highest requirements. You must be literate, and only those with steady temperaments can handle them. Second-grade duties require a certain amount of strength and the ability to endure hardship. As for first-grade duties, though they may seem simple, you must recognize all kinds of Spiritual Medicine and act with great care. You must not damage their roots."

Shen Hao's heart stirred as he listened. Ever since he was young in the village, he had followed the old village physician and learned to recognize quite a few medicinal herbs. He also knew a little about the habits of different plants. As for literacy, although his parents were farmers, they had hired the village teacher to teach him many characters.

"All right. You may now choose your duties freely. Once you have chosen, register with the appropriate steward. Tomorrow morning, you must report to your assigned location." Having finished speaking, the elder announced the dismissal.

The disciples scattered like a flock of startled birds, surging toward the wooden plaques. Shen Hao did not join the bustle. Instead, he walked over to the plaque for first-grade duties and read it carefully. It stated that the Medicine Field duty involved going to the Back Mountain's Medicine Garden before dawn each day to gather designated Spiritual Medicine, or water, weed, and fertilize it. Once the task was completed, one could collect a Low-grade Spirit Stone from the Medicine Field steward.

After pondering for a moment, Shen Hao made up his mind. He walked to the registration area for first-grade duties and bowed to the steward in charge. "This disciple, Shen Hao, wishes to select a first-grade duty."

The steward looked up at him. Though Shen Hao's frame was slender, he carried an air of steadiness. The steward nodded and wrote his name in the register. "Tomorrow at the Mao Hour, report to Steward Li at the Medicine Garden on the Back Mountain. Do not be late."

"This disciple obeys," Shen Hao replied respectfully.

After receiving his Task Plaque, Shen Hao left the Training Ground. Rather than returning to his quarters, he carried the plaque and headed toward the Back Mountain. He wanted to visit the Medicine Garden beforehand and familiarize himself with the surroundings, so he could prepare for tomorrow's duty.

The Medicine Garden on the Back Mountain lay deep within the Outer Sect's rear hills of Ziyang Sect. It was surrounded by a faint layer of spiritual light, clearly protected by a simple Spirit Gathering Array. The garden was filled with all sorts of Spiritual Medicine: lush, emerald-green Qi Condensing Grass; Spirit Awakening Flowers blooming with tiny yellow blossoms; and Body Tempering Grass with serrated leaves...

Shen Hao gazed at these familiar yet unfamiliar Spiritual Medicines, his eyes filled with curiosity. He carefully walked along the paths through the Medicine Garden, not daring to touch a single plant. He knew that these Spiritual Medicines were all sect property. If he damaged them, at best his Spirit Stone reward would be deducted; at worst, he would be punished.

Just as he was lost in thought, an elderly man in a Green Daoist Robe emerged from the depths of the Medicine Garden. His beard and hair were entirely white, and he held a hoe in his hand. A kindly smile rested on his face.

"Little fellow, you're a newly arrived Outer Sect Disciple, aren't you?" the old man asked with a smile.

Shen Hao hurriedly bowed. "This disciple is Shen Hao. I will be performing duties in the Medicine Garden tomorrow, so I came today to familiarize myself with the surroundings."

The old man nodded, a trace of approval flashing through his eyes. "Mm, you are 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 must not be exposed to harsh sunlight. Spirit Awakening Flowers prefer moisture and must be watered every day. The roots of Body Tempering Grass are fragile, so do not injure them while weeding..."

The old man patiently explained the habits of the various Spiritual Medicines and how to tend them. Shen Hao listened with utmost attention, committing every word to heart.

As the sun sank in the west, its lingering light spilled across the Medicine Garden, gilding every plant with a halo of gold. Shen Hao bowed to thank the old man, then turned and walked toward his quarters. His heart was filled with anticipation. He knew that tomorrow's duty would be an important step on his path of cultivation.