"The Black-and-White Divine Hall disclosed this information to us, the Eight Sacred Grounds."
Bone-Nightmare Old Devil paused in thought. "Only core cultivators of the Eight Sacred Grounds know about it. That's why I'm telling just the three of you."
At that, Ji Yuan and the other two pricked up their ears. They even leaned closer without realizing it.
High Person Yin Bone, who looked the oldest, was no exception.
"Everyone who enters the Rakshasa Sea gets one chance to choose a side... Actually, only those with both a ring and a token can choose. Anyone without them is automatically considered a Rogue Cultivator."
"Those who do have both can choose for themselves whether to join the Yin Ghost Sect or become a Rogue Cultivator."
"So what's the difference between the two?"
High Person Yin Bone could not help asking.
"Good question."
Bone-Nightmare Old Devil acknowledged him, then explained, "If you join the Yin Ghost Sect and become one of its disciples, you gain a measure of safety. Only a measure, mind you. Many places in the Rakshasa Sea won't attack Yin Ghost Sect disciples, but they will attack Rogue Cultivators. And if a disciple faces a mortal threat—say, being surrounded by Rogue Cultivators—they can draw on a sliver of the Formation's power to fight back."
"Then wouldn't we have to choose the Yin Ghost Sect? It sounds like Rogue Cultivators can only take a beating."
Magui sounded puzzled.
"If it were that simple, your master would have told you to collect a Yin Ghost Sect Ring and token long ago."
Fire-Spirit Ghost Mother, seated beside them, gave a derisive laugh.
Magui smiled awkwardly and lowered his head in embarrassment.
"Becoming a Yin Ghost Sect disciple isn't all good." Bone-Nightmare Old Devil shook his head. "First, if a Rogue Cultivator is