Playing inventor in a cultivation world

That night, Elder Cassius had a deep discussion with Ariana and Seraph, repeatedly telling them about morals and conduct that they should follow.

He also warned them not to offend anyone with great background, and at the same time, not to lower their heads to everyone.

"In everything you do, let there be balance."

The next morning, after leading them to the city center once again, Elder Cassius said his goodbye after receiving the protection token of the sect. He knew lingering behind until they departed would produce mixed feelings

Most of the guardians did this, leaving the city after dropping the children at the city center.

As the sun rose into the sky, Elder Wang and a few existing disciples flew over from the sect. The man nodded when he saw only a few guardians around.

"Seems like everyone is ready to depart."

The man smiled, then waved his hand. From the long length of his robes, a tiny boat flew out, trailing mystical dust in the air.

The boat expanded, becoming large enough to fit a hundred people.

It landed on the stage, the impact kicking up dust in the city.

Gasps of surprise spread from the new disciples as they stared in awe. Even the city folks that had come to see them off were all amazed.

"Climb aboard the treasure. We’re leaving immediately."

From the side of the boat, a staircase manifested, reaching the ground with ease.

The newly accepted disciples immediately began climbing up, filing into the spacious inside of the boat. To their surprise, it was smooth and comfortable, with lots of seat for them to take.

Elder Wang levitated off the ground, standing on the stern of the boat. The existing disciples all levitated on their swords, standing on both sides of the boat.

"You might want to look out and enjoy the scenery."

Elder Wang said, then controlled the boat to rise in the air. It floated high above the ground, then began moving forward, followed by the disciples levitating on their swords.

As the transport moved, Elder Cassius began speaking.

"There are three stages for a disciple within the sect. At the moment, you are all Outer Court disciples. The next stage is the Inner Court disciple, and the last stage is the Core disciple."

"If you perform well enough as a Core disciple, and your cultivation is high enough, you will be accepted as a Sect Elder."

The young children were surprised, their eyes shining as they listened to him.

"That is nothing but a mere dream for most of you. Instead, I’d prefer you focus on becoming Inner Court disciples."

Hearing this, one of them asked. "What are the conditions for becoming an Inner Court disciple, Elder Wang?"

The man smiled gently. "You must have either Core Advanced Stage cultivation level or Peak Advanced Stage cultivation level."

"Ehhh?"

The youngsters were surprised, wondering how long it would take them to reach that stage.

Ariana lowered her head, deep in thoughts.

’I should be able to attempt breakthrough to the Advanced Stage too, putting me on equal level with Big Brother.’

However, advancing into the Core Advanced Stage was harder, and might take her several months or a year.

"That is not all." Elder Wang’s voice interrupted her thoughts. "The sect will give you a mission which you must complete, and then you must duel one of the existing Inner Court disciples—either winning or ending the battle in a draw."

Tamar’s eyes narrowed. ’That’s... almost impossible.’

Her heart became heavy, and she realized becoming an Inner Court disciple might be harder than she imagined.

"Hehe. Seems like you all now realize that the sect isn’t an amusement park."

The man grinned, his face colored with delight.

"Focus on growing yourself as an Outer Court disciple first. Complete four missions every week, cultivate, and attend the occasional lectures held by the other Elders—it will surely be beneficial for you."

As the new disciples went into deep thoughts and contemplation, the man said in a warning tone.

"You might want to sit tight and grab the person next to you. We’re going to be traveling at a faster speed."

The disciples who had been flying on their swords came aboard, joining the new disciples in the boat.

Elder Wang nodded, then mentally controlled the boat to move faster. It shot through the air, leaving a loud sonic boom in its wake.

Several new disciples tumbled onto the ground, disoriented and startled by the sudden momentum.

Ariana clung tightly onto Seraph, like a girl hugging a tree during a hurricane.

’Sigh... she’s still a child. Wait. Hm?’

Seraph shook his head, then noticed someone on his left. Surprisingly, it was Tamar, tightly clutching the hem of his robes with her eyes closed.

’Huh...’

Seraph deadpanned, staring at her blankly. He couldn’t believe that she could express this anxiety, fear, and weird cuteness.

The speedy ride lasted for a few minutes, and by the time they stopped, almost everyone had adapted.

"Wahh!"

Someone gasped, involuntarily standing to stare at the scenery. Before them were five mountains shrouded in faint mist. The base of the mountains were clear, with flowers and lush vegetation covering their expanse. Several houses could be seen built around the mountain, with a lone pagoda at the top of each mountain.

Elder Wang crossed his legs and sat. "As I mentioned while introducing myself, there are five main peaks in the Soul Cross Sect—the Cloud Peak, the Winter Peak, Summer Peak, Solstice Peak, and the Soul Peak."

"Right now, we are heading to the Solstice Peak where your placement will be determined."

He steered the boat, making it dive towards one of the mountains on the left.

The boat gently parked itself at the base of the mountain, allowing everyone to alight through the stairs. Some of the new disciples immediately wretched, feeling airsick.

Elder Wang merely spared them a glance, then led everyone up the mountain. The climbing seemed strenuous, but they stopped after a few hundred meters.

It was an open field, large enough to contain a hundred people. There were several other disciples around, all curious to check out the new disciples.

Also, there were several elders from the other peaks present. In total, there were five main elders including Elder Wang.

Asking the new disciples to stay back, Elder Wang approached the other four elders, then greeted them respectfully.

"Fellow elders, glad to have you here."

The other elders also cupped their fists, returning his greeting. Each one held a scroll containing every disciple’s information in their hands.

"Let us begin the selection."

An Inner Court disciple dressed in clean white and blue robes came down, his gaze calm and steady.

He also held a similar scroll in his hand. Holding it up, he took a deep breath and read.

"First on the list, Tamar Dharl. Age twelve, earth element affinity, Initial Advanced Stage cultivation, and a six-ci-aptitude."

Instantly, the other elders grew excited, their eyes locked on the young girl who stepped forward.

A female elder with lustrous white hair raised her hand. "The winter peak claims her."

Instantly, she was faced with opposition. "What? She doesn’t even have any element like water or ice. She’s more fit for my Summer Peak."

A bald elder said, his eyebrows long—almost reaching his cheeks.

The white-haired elder glanced at him in disdain. "Hmph! Your Summer Peak? And let her be tainted by your rusty men? Impossible."

The bald elder snorted and replied. "What do you know? I can tell she has great energy within her. She is fit for my Peak."

"Elder Tian, Elder Tarus, please calm down." Elder Wang intervened gently, "Elder Tarus, I believe this girl should be given to Elder Tian’s Winter Peak. After all, her demeanor and personality fits so well."

Everyone turned to look at the girl whose expression remained cold and unchanging.

Elder Tarus clicked his tongue and reclined in his seat, no longer arguing. Seeing this, Elder Tian nodded at him respectfully.

"Tamar Dharl now belongs to the Winter Peak." The Inner Court disciple announced.

Then, he moved onto the next person on the list.

"Melox Cang. Age thirteen, wind element affinity, Initial Advanced Stage cultivation, and a five-ci-aptitude."

The elders became interested, though not as much as they were to Tamar.

"Cloud Peak would like to claim this student." A handsome looking elder said, his expression gentle and calm.

No one objected, since Melox’s affinity matched that of Cloud Peak.

Seeing that no one was going to drag the boy with him, the young man smiled. "Much appreciated everyone."

"Melox Cang now belongs to Cloud Peak." The Inner Court disciple announced.

He moved onto the next ones which had aptitudes between four-ci, and five-ci. The elders contemplated among themselves, choosing the disciples according to their affinities regardless of their aptitudes.

Soon, the disciple called a peculiar name. "Ariana Moonveil. Age ten, water element affinity, Peak Beginner Stage cultivation, and a five-ci-aptitude."

Instantly, Elder Tian’s eyes shone and she leaned forward.