The outer sect peaks

Shi Yao's jade token suddenly flared to life, its soft jade-green glow casting eerie shadows on the wooden walls of his modest room. The token vibrated slightly as a sharp, commanding voice echoed through the space.

"Every disciple must reach the main hall within five minutes. Failure to do so will result in immediate expulsion from the sect."

The words hit Shi Yao like a thunderclap. Heart pounding, he scrambled out of bed, adrenaline surging through his veins. Without hesitation, he burst out of his courtyard, his boots pounding the stone steps as he leapt down from one tier of courtyards to the next.

No way I'm getting expelled on my first day, he thought fiercely, every muscle tense with urgency. I have to make it.

As he sprinted, a sudden flash of insight struck him. In the Qi Refining stage, Qi was limited—stored internally, used only to toughen the body. But now, at Foundation Establishment, things were different. Qi could be directed outward, harnessed to enhance physical abilities and even manipulate the environment.

Seizing the moment, Shi Yao gathered his Qi, channeling it to his legs. A sharp warmth blossomed in his muscles, power coursing through his limbs. With a burst of speed that blurred the world around him, he shot forward, passing courtyards and startled disciples with astonishing velocity.

"Whoa! Did you see that? He just vanished in a blink!" a young disciple gasped, eyes wide.

"No kidding. Who is that? Some kind of prodigy?" another whispered in awe.

"Is he even human? That speed—impossible," murmured a third, shaking his head.

Excited whispers rippled through the crowd as they too raced toward the hall, their curiosity spiked by the mysterious figure's sudden dash.

Moments later, Shi Yao arrived in the vast, cavernous main hall. The space was mostly empty—only six elders sat on grand thrones at the far end, their expressions grave. Across the room, Hao Tian leaned wearily against a marble pillar, his breaths heavy but steady.

Shi Yao's chest rose and fell rapidly. "That guy beat me here," he admitted softly. "Body refiners really do have powerful legs."

The seconds stretched taut as more disciples poured in, the once-empty hall now buzzing with eager anticipation. Whispers and murmurs floated in the air like electric currents.

"Why such a sudden summons?" a curious voice broke the silence.

"Who knows? But when elders call this urgently, it must be serious," another replied.

Shi Yao scanned the crowd, noting a mix of excitement, nervousness, and speculation. For some, this was just the beginning of their cultivation journey; for others, a test of resolve.

Suddenly, the silence snapped as the eldest among the elders rose. His white hair flowed like silk, his piercing brown eyes scanning the assembly beneath thick eyebrows.

"Quiet down!" he commanded, voice steady and authoritative. "We have gathered you to clarify the rules governing life within our sect."

He paused, letting his words settle before continuing.

"First: The currency of this sect is Contribution Points, earned through assigned tasks. One Contribution Point is equivalent to fifty thousand gold coins. Remember this—it will define your path here."

A few eyebrows lifted, whispers sparking here and there.

"Second: Disputes between disciples may be resolved in the Life and Death Arena. Before entering, both parties must sign a document releasing the sect from all responsibility for any injuries or deaths incurred."

Murmurs erupted—some uneasy, others intrigued.

"Third: When summoned by an elder, refusal is forbidden. Those who disobey will be expelled without exception."

A wave of discontent swept through the crowd—grumbles of injustice, but also quiet acceptance.

Shi Yao listened, his mind racing. Only three rules? I expected more from a sect this famous. But fewer rules mean fewer restrictions—maybe that's a good thing.

The elder raised his hand once more, silencing the murmurs.

"One final announcement."

All eyes fixed on him, breaths held.

"The Outer Sect is divided into six peaks: Medicine Refining, Artifact Refining, Alchemy, Spirit Cultivation, Body Refining, and…"

The elder hesitated briefly, then continued.

"Those who wish to join the Medicine Refining Peak should line up before Madam Lin. Artifact Refining Peak aspirants, find Mr. Lin Mu. Spirit Cultivation hopefuls, seek Mr. Qin Feng. Body Refining disciples, line up before Mr. Song Bo. Alchemy Refining, queue before Madam Hua Ran."

Shi Yao frowned slightly, confusion flickering in his eyes. He said six peaks, but only named five. What about the sixth?

As the disciples began to form lines before the various elders, one thing became clear: no one was stepping forward to join the sixth peak.

Shi Yao's lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. No competition. No one brave enough or interested. Perfect.

His mind raced with possibilities. That means I can train with the Heavenly Devouring Pulse Art freely, without interference. This might be the opportunity I've been waiting for.

Steeling his resolve, Shi Yao strode toward the sixth peak's elder. The man was striking—handsome, with white hair pulled back in a neat ponytail and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see right through him.

"I'm here to join the sixth peak," Shi Yao announced firmly.

The elder's eyes widened in surprise. "You wish to join my peak?"

"Yes," Shi Yao replied with steady confidence. "I'm ready."

A rare smile softened the elder's features. "At last, after many years without a disciple, someone dares to join the sixth peak. Young man, come forward."

From a small velvet pouch, the elder produced a shimmering pill. "Take this Foundation Stage pill. It will aid your cultivation and mark the beginning of your true path."

Shi Yao caught the pill reverently, staring at its faint glow. His eyes met the elder's, gratitude and determination shining through.

"Thank you, Elder. I won't let you down."

"No thanks are necessary," the elder said kindly. "As your peak master, it is my duty to nurture and support you in every way."

Before Shi Yao could respond, the air around him shifted. The grand hall dissolved like mist, replaced by the rugged face of a towering mountain.

He found himself standing at the base, the cool wind rustling through the trees. Far above, the peak elder began to climb steadily, his figure becoming smaller against the sky.

Shi Yao's breath caught in his throat. "What just happened? We were in the hall... How did I get here?"

His mind raced to make sense of the sudden transition. Was this some kind of test? Or had the elder brought him to the very heart of the sixth peak's domain?

Looking up, Shi Yao felt a mixture of awe and trepidation. The mountain was vast and steep, its summit lost in swirling clouds.

This is only the beginning, he thought. The path ahead will be hard—perhaps unlike anything I've faced before.

His fingers tightened into fists, determination burning bright. But I'll climb this mountain, no matter what it takes.

As the peak elder continued his ascent, Shi Yao stepped forward, ready to follow. The journey had truly begun.