Scripture Transmission Hall, in the Book Collection Cave.
Chen Shuangbai had also contributed a lot of Merit Points, so the Book Spirit created a temporary space for conversation inside the Book Collection Cave.
After spending a long time together, even without Book Spirit saying anything, Chen Shuangbai had gradually figured out some of the background of this person.
The Book Spirit is neither human nor demon; it is very likely a great figure from the inner sect of the Jade Spring Sect, who enlightened it with Daoist Divine Ability and supernatural powers. Therefore, there are many wonders in this cave, but it is also because of this that it is subject to control and cannot leave the Book Collection Cave.
One person and one spirit, sitting opposite each other.
Book Spirit spoke eloquently, and Chen Shuangbai listened attentively.
"Our Jade Spring Sect is divided into inner and outer sects. Among the new disciples each year, only those with Grade A aptitude can be directly admitted to the inner sect, while those below Grade A can only climb up step by step from the outer sect."
"This is indeed unfair, but Spirit Root talent is determined by fate. Are you going to say that even Heaven is unfair?"
Chen Shuangbai thought to herself, "Of course I can."
That damned heavens... isn't that how it all came about?
Book Spirit sat cross-legged on the large chair opposite him and continued.
"While the inner sect is indeed the essence of the sect, the high-ranking figures within the sect have never intended to abandon the many disciples of the outer sect, nor have they ever considered them 'talented individuals.'"
"Therefore, the sect has a rule that those who can break through to the Late Qi Refining Stage before the age of thirty are qualified to enter the inner sect."
"Please note that this is called entering the inner circle, not promotion."
As cultivators age, their vital essence declines, hence the saying that the older one gets, the more difficult it is to break through to the next level.
Reaching the Late Qi Refining Stage before the age of thirty is a significant hurdle.
"If you can break through, you will naturally be qualified to enter the inner sect, but I reckon you will have no chance of becoming True Disciple of one of the six peaks of the inner sect."
True Disciple?
Chen Shuangbai astutely extracted these two key words from Book Spirit's words.
"That's right, it's the True Disciple."
"The so-called True Disciple are not as simple as inner disciple."
The Book Spirit's tone was unusually serious, and its small body leaned slightly forward, "Do you know how many Foundation Establishment cultivators are on the six inner peaks?"
Chen Shuangbai was taken aback, then shook her head.
This question was beyond his current understanding of the sect's situation.
"This disciple only knows that the Peak Master of the six inner peaks must be advanced Foundation Establishment Late Stage stage. As for how many Foundation Establishment there are in the inner sect... that's unclear."
The Book Spirit told him the answer.
"On the surface, the inner sect's six peaks have a total of twelve Foundation Establishment."
The phrase "on the surface" is quite intriguing.
"Yes, 'openly'."
Book Spirit repeated it meaningfully, a knowing look on her face.
"These twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators are either in charge of the Three Palaces and Nine Halls, guarding the outer residences, or cultivating in seclusion within their cave abode."
"They are the backbone of the sect's regular operations, and they are also people you disciples have the opportunity to interact with on a daily basis."
"And... what about behind the scenes?"
Chen Shuangbai asked tentatively.
The Book Spirit chuckled and swung her legs. "Well, that's hard to say."
"Our Jade Spring Sect has been established for three thousand years, and we have produced Nascent Soul True Lord before. However, after experiencing some setbacks, we have been reduced to only having Golden Core cultivators remaining in the world."
Chen Shuangbai was secretly alarmed upon hearing this.
Even though there are no Nascent Soul True Lord residing in the world now, the fact that the sect leader, who is at the Golden Core Great Perfection, could force Half-Step Nascent Soul cultivator to hide at the mountain gate and not dare to come out is enough to prove the power of the Jade Spring Sect's heritage.
In addition to the twelve Foundation Establishment who are publicly known.
Hearing this, Chen Shuangbai understood something and said, "Being able to support twelve Foundation Establishment cultivators and three Golden Core True Person means that the sect can support even more Foundation Establishment?"
"Yes and no."
Book Spirit shifted to a more comfortable position. " Jing Kingdom has a flat terrain with many plains and hills. It has a large population and few natural disasters. Our sect originally only had Jade Province, but later we acquired Qing Province Wind Province, two other rich lands, from the other four major sects."
"With the support of the three prefectures, our sect's power has flourished. Therefore, we are generous in nurturing our disciples and not stingy with money."
"Our sect has high standards for selecting disciples. Every year, there are quite a few disciples who break through to the Late Qi Refining Stage before the age of thirty. However, the vast majority of them enter the inner sect but can only become Registered Disciple of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, and cannot become True Disciple."
" The True Disciple is the core disciple of a sect, signifying that they will inherit the sect's leadership in the future."
Since they are capable of inheriting the sect's legacy, they naturally enjoy excellent access to the sect's resources.
"Therefore, if one wishes to become True Disciple, one must not only consider talent, but also character and conduct."
The Book Spirit spoke earnestly and sincerely.
"If you only want to advance to the inner sect and become an ordinary inner disciple, then find a safe place to stay. But if you want to fight for the position of True Disciple..."
"Then we'll have to think about it carefully."
Now that things have come to this point, even someone as dense as Chen Shuangbai could see that the Book Spirit had some faith in him.
Ordinary inner disciple can only have the status of a Registered Disciple, and the resources they receive from the sect are probably only average. If they want to obtain better cultivation materials and continue to improve their cultivation, only True Disciple can.
If Chen Shuangbai were in the shoes of the elders of the Jade Spring Sect, he wouldn't want the next generation of disciples who might inherit the sect's leadership to be mediocre.
But those are all abstract concepts; what truly matters are merit and achievements.
"Thank you for your guidance today, sir."
"So, Little Bai," the Book Spirit said earnestly, "Whether you become a dragon or a worm depends on your own choices. What you sow today will determine what you reap tomorrow."
Whether you become True Disciple or an ordinary inner disciple depends on what kind of disciple you want to be.
Chen Shuangbai remained silent for a moment, processing this information.
He didn't know anyone in the inner sect, and Ding Chengyu and Lu Xin, whom he had met once before, hadn't left any contact information.
Now, with the guidance of the Book Spirit, I feel as if the clouds have parted and the fog has lifted, and everything is suddenly clear.
"This disciple has learned a great deal."
Chen Shuangbai stood up and solemnly bowed to the Book Spirit.
"Alright, enough of this fluff."
Book Spirit waved her hand, indicating that Chen Shuangbai could leave.
After leaving the Book Collection Cave, Chen Shuangbai walked down the mountain, slowly digesting the guidance he had received from the Book Spirit.
"These play scripts were definitely not collected for nothing; I never expected to receive such valuable guidance."
When his mind was clear, he was about to return to his cave abode to cultivate when he suddenly bumped into someone. The person saw Chen Shuangbai and whispered something.
" Junior Brother Chen, I was just about to look for you."