"Artisan Zhao, you're leaving?"
At these words, surprise crossed Li Chen's face. Then he remembered that three years ago, Zhao Ke had told him he would have no more than three years to study under him.
At the time, Li Chen had thought Artisan Zhao was simply imposing a deadline on him. He had never imagined there was more to it.
Later, he had heard about the term of duty, but with the date still far off, he had paid it little mind. Only now did he suddenly realize that the day was finally approaching.
Zhao Ke said, "That's right. Our roots aren't in Coldwind Valley. I only came here on the sect's orders to serve a rotation."
Li Chen asked, "What about Yan Xiang and the others?"
Zhao Ke said, "They're disciples studying under me, and it's time for them to return to the sect for their examinations and have the fruits of their studies assessed. Whether they become True Disciples, choose another teacher, and continue advancing in their cultivation, or retain their status as Inner Disciples and get assigned elsewhere to serve, is beyond my control."
At this, he sighed softly, seeming a little melancholy himself.
Li Chen had heard before that the Creation Sect divided its studies into five-year terms, with an examination at the end of each to assess everything learned over that period.
After joining the sect, ordinary disciples would study under a Master Artisan, learning the crafts and methods in which he specialized. If they failed the major examination, they would continue studying or switch to another Master Artisan to learn other crafts.
Those of exceptional talent could become True Disciples within one or two terms—five to ten years—and receive more Cultivation Provisions and greater support. Some with extraordinary gifts or powerful backgrounds could