First Exploration of the Inner Sect

Three days later, as the sky just began to lighten and a faint fish-belly white appeared on the horizon, Shen Hao and Zhang Shan had already changed into clean Outer Sect Disciple robes and stood early at the boundary between the outer and inner sects.

Both wore expressions of anticipation and nervousness, their gazes fixed tightly on the mist-shrouded mountain gate ahead. On either side of the gate stood two massive stone tablets, engraved with the four bold characters "Ziyang Inner Sect," the strokes powerful and imposing, exuding a sense of authority. Beside the gate stood two disciples in blue Daoist robes, their auras steady and their eyes sharp—clearly inner sect guards.

"Let's go. Don't be late." Shen Hao patted Zhang Shan on the shoulder and took the lead, stepping toward the mountain gate. Zhang Shan hurriedly followed, his steps a little unsteady.

The moment they passed through the mountain gate, they felt an entirely different atmosphere. The spiritual energy in the outer sect was thin, the air carrying only a faint scent of grass and trees. But here in the inner sect, the spiritual energy was more than three times denser, rushing toward them like warm water, soaking into every limb and bone, making them want to take a deep breath. The air was also filled with a subtle fragrance of herbs and the rich essence of spiritual energy, refreshing the mind and spirit.

On both sides of the path stood towering ancient trees, their trunks so thick they required several people to encircle, their branches lush and blocking out the sky. The branches were laden with unknown spiritual fruits, some bright red, some golden, exuding an enticing aroma that drew bees and butterflies fluttering around. Occasionally, a few spirit birds flew through the woods, their crisp calls adding to the ethereal atmosphere of the immortal realm.

In the distance, jade towers and ornate buildings rose from the ground, with upturned eaves and carved beams, appearing and disappearing in the swirling mist like the legendary Immortal Palace. Now and then, streaks of spiritual light flashed across distant peaks—inner sect disciples flying on their swords. Zhang Shan stared in awe, forgetting even to move his feet.

"Such dense spiritual energy!" Zhang Shan couldn't help exclaiming, his face full of shock. He took a deep breath, feeling the comfort of spiritual energy flooding his limbs, and said excitedly, "So much richer than the outer sect! Cultivating here would be at least twice as fast!"

Shen Hao nodded, equally moved. He could clearly feel his Sea of Qi trembling slightly under the nourishment of this dense spiritual energy, the flow of spiritual energy faster than usual. The Companion Jade Pendant seemed to sense the richness as well, emitting a faint green glow that drew the surrounding spiritual energy slowly toward him.

The two walked and looked, occasionally stopping to take in the scenery. Most inner sect disciples wore blue Daoist robes, moving through the woods with calm expressions—some cultivating, some sparring. Every one of them exuded a confidence far beyond that of outer sect disciples.

After asking for directions and circling several peaks, they finally arrived at the Transmission Hall. It was a grand hall built entirely of white jade, its roof covered with glazed tiles that gleamed brilliantly under the morning light. At the hall's entrance stood two Inner Sect Deacons in blue Daoist robes, jade tokens engraved with the word "Transmission" hanging at their waists. Their auras were steady, their cultivation at least at Qi Refining Fourth Layer, and their eyes swept over Shen Hao and Zhang Shan with a hint of scrutiny.

"Newly promoted Inner Sect Disciples from the outer sect, Shen Hao and Zhang Shan, reporting for duty." The two stepped forward and bowed, their voices neither servile nor arrogant.

The two Inner Sect Deacons nodded. One, with a kindly expression, handed each of them a neatly folded set of blue Inner Sect Disciple robes, a jade token engraved with "Inner Sect," and a palm-sized storage pouch. The pouch was embroidered with the Ziyang Sect emblem and emitted a faint spiritual glow.

"Inside the storage pouch are fifty Low-grade Spirit Stones, three Body Tempering Pills, and a copy of the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art," the kindly deacon said slowly. "Your residence is on Qingyun Peak in the inner sect. Take your jade token and go there on your own. The token has a map of Qingyun Peak—follow it, and you'll find your quarters."

"Disciple obeys!" Shen Hao and Zhang Shan accepted the items and bowed again, their hearts filled with joy. Fifty Low-grade Spirit Stones, three Body Tempering Pills, and the inner sect's Qi cultivation art—these were things they wouldn't have dared to dream of in the outer sect.

Thanking the deacons, they turned and left the Transmission Hall. Finding a quiet corner, they eagerly opened their storage pouches. Inside, fifty Low-grade Spirit Stones were neatly arranged, glowing faintly; three Body Tempering Pills lay in a jade bottle, releasing an enticing medicinal fragrance; and a yellowed Classics, the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art.

"Amazing! So many spirit stones! And Body Tempering Pills!" Zhang Shan's hands trembled with excitement. Having grown up in poverty, he had never seen so many cultivation resources.

Shen Hao was also delighted. Fifty Low-grade Spirit Stones would sustain his cultivation for a good while. The Body Tempering Pills were even better—they could refine the body, enhancing its strength, greatly benefiting his training.

"Senior Brother Shen, our quarters are both on Qingyun Peak. We can look out for each other from now on," Zhang Shan said excitedly, his eyes full of anticipation.

Shen Hao smiled. "Right. We can cultivate together and spar together, striving to break through to Qi Refining Fourth Layer as soon as possible."

Following the map on their jade tokens, they headed toward Qingyun Peak. It was one of the residential peaks for inner sect disciples, not very tall but rich in spiritual energy. The peak was covered in lush green pine trees, their rustling soothing to the ear. Halfway up the mountain, rows of exquisite wooden cabins were scattered neatly, each surrounded by spiritual energy—more than ten times better than Room C in the outer sect.

According to the map, Shen Hao's residence was Room C-3 on Qingyun Peak. Zhang Shan's was Room C-4, right next door.

Shen Hao pushed open the door, and a wave of dense spiritual energy rushed out. The room was elegantly furnished: a warm jade bed sat in the center, beside it a Stone Table with a small Pill Furnace, and in the corner a bookshelf holding a few basic cultivation Classics. Outside the window, lush pine trees offered a pleasant view.

"So much better than the outer sect quarters," Shen Hao couldn't help remarking.

He placed his storage pouch on the Stone Table, took out the Ziyang Inner Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Art, and began to read it carefully. This Breathing Technique was several times more profound than the outer sect's, recording a more exquisite Breathing Technique. Practicing it would increase the speed of absorbing spiritual energy by at least twofold.

"Excellent technique!" Shen Hao rejoiced inwardly. With this Breathing Technique, the dense spiritual energy of the inner sect, and the devouring ability of his Companion Jade Pendant, his cultivation speed was sure to reach new heights.