The Inner Workings Of The Palace

Still firmly gripped by Yan Zhi's iron hand, Jiu Mei found herself being guided in the same direction as the flowing river of female cultivators. The senior disciple's pace was unhurried yet purposeful, her scarlet robes billowing behind her like flames dancing in an ethereal wind. Despite her initial terror, curiosity began to overcome Jiu Mei's fear as she observed their surroundings with growing wonder.

"Sister Yan Zhi," she ventured respectfully, "I've noticed that there are only female cultivators here. What's the reason for that?"

Yan Zhi's amber eyes glanced down at her small captive with what might have been approval for the proper etiquette displayed. "The Derived Jade Enchantment Palace operates as an all-female division of the Heavenly Demon Sect," she explained, her voice carrying the authority of one well-versed in the palace's workings.

"Though we exist under the guise of merely another hall, we are in truth a sanctuary where the most talented daughters of the sect refine their cultivation without the distractions and complications that arise from the mixed company of...men." Jiu Mei noticed she didn't seem to be too fond of the opposite gender.

As they continued their procession through the magnificent corridors, Yan Zhi gestured with her free hand toward the various groups of disciples surrounding them. "These women you see are a mixture of all of the Hall's disciples. The outer disciples of our palace—there are two-hundred in total. Above them stand one-hundred inner disciples, and at the apex, twenty core disciples such as myself who have earned the personal guidance and instruction of Hall Master Yinghua."

Jiu Mei absorbed this information with the intensity of a scholar studying texts, though a small part of her consciousness wondered why she remained suspended by her head when her two perfectly capable legs could easily carry her own weight.

It was a little embarrassing and even a bit mortifying.

'If I want to thrive here', Jiu Mei thought with growing determination, 'I must quickly climb to the highest possible position. Only as a core disciple can I truly unlock my potential and grow stronger.'

"Senior sister," she said aloud, "what requirements must one fulfill to achieve the status of core disciple?"

Yan Zhi's lips curved into a warm smile at this question. "To become a core disciple, one must first earn the acknowledgment of Hall Master Yinghua herself. She must accept you as her personal student—a honor granted to precious few."

"And how might I achieve such recognition?" Jiu Mei pressed, her young heart already burning with ambition.

"Obviously," Yan Zhi replied with amusement dancing in her eyes, "through the only currency our sect values—demonstrated potential and overwhelming strength. Your worth is determined by your power. This is how it is in both the sect and the outside world."

Jiu Mei's small hands clenched into determined fists, her resolve crystallizing like tempered steel. 'Hall Master Yinghua,' she vowed silently, 'I will prove myself worthy to be acknowoledged, no matter what.'

As they progressed through the palace's winding passages, numerous female disciples paused in their conversations to offer respectful greetings to Yan Zhi. Each received a curt nod of acknowledgment with a blank expression.

"Senior sister, whats' the difference between the disciples?" Jiu Mei asked, her natural curiosity demanding a deeper understanding of her new environment.

Yan Zhi's expression brightened considerably at the question, clearly pleased by her captive's attentiveness. "Outer disciples," she began with the air of a teacher addressing an eager student, "consist primarily of newly arrived women or those whose cultivation talents have proven unremarkable. While they maintain access to various cultivation techniques and instructional manuals, they also bear the burden of numerous chores required for the palace's daily operation. They occupy the lowest position in our hierarchy and serve those of higher standing."

She paused to return another disciple's greeting before continuing. "Inner disciples have demonstrated exceptional talent and thus enjoy access to more advanced cultivation methods and techniques. While outer disciples must show them appropriate respect, inner disciples are strictly prohibited from engaging in bullying or overt hostility toward their juniors. They too must complete assigned duties, though far fewer than their outer counterparts."

Her voice took on a note of pride as she reached the final category. "Core disciples stand at the apex of our food chain, with authority over both inner and outer disciples. We receive direct instruction from Hall Master Yinghua herself and bear no burden of mundane chores. Our sole responsibility is the pursuit of ever-greater power and the completion of critical sect missions."

Suddenly, Yan Zhi struck her forehead with her free hand, the sound echoing through the corridor like a thunderclap. Her laughter burst forth with such unexpected volume that Jiu Mei nearly jumped out of her skin.

"Hah! I nearly forgot to explain the mission system!" she exclaimed.

Once her laughter subsided, Yan Zhi's expression grew more serious. "The sect distributes mission lists that each hall must fulfill. These missions are carefully ranked according to their difficulty and danger. The lowest ranks—F through D—may be undertaken by any disciple, typically involving the capture of low-level demonic beasts or the completion of simple tasks."

Her voice dropped to a darker tone. "Missions ranked C through A require the strength of inner disciples or higher, usually encompassing assassinations of significant figures, the slaying of powerful spirit beasts, or operations of similar complexity. The highest tiers—S and Z ranks—are reserved exclusively for core disciples or those granted special permission by Hall Master Yinghua herself. These represent the most dangerous and secretive operations, requiring the cultivator's base at the Peak Golden Core realm or above."

Yan Zhi studied Jiu Mei's face carefully, searching for signs of confusion or overwhelming. To her surprise, the young girl's expression remained one of rapt attention, her eyes bright with eager hunger for more knowledge. 'This child is different from others her age,' she mused silently. 'There's something special about her.'

Satisfied with the girl's comprehension ability, Yan Zhi continued her explanation. "The sect assigns fifty missions every three months, ranked from F to A. All thirteen halls compete to complete the most missions, though each hall must fulfill at least thirty or face severe penalties. Once these initial missions are completed and time remains, the coveted S and Z rank missions are announced. The hall that completes the most of these efficiently receives significant point rewards."

Her voice took on an almost reverent quality as she spoke of the point system. "Points are awarded for all missions, though lesser tasks provide minimal rewards. These points may be exchanged for more luxurious accommodations, access to superior cultivation techniques, or—with sufficient accumulation—even an audience with the Heavenly Demon himself. Though none have ever gathered the required one hundred million points for such an honor."

Jiu Mei's face fell dramatically at this revelation, her young features expressing profound disappointment. The impossibility of the number struck her like a physical blow, though she understood that the strongest man of their realm would naturally be occupied with matters of supreme importance.

"Senior sister, how are these points distributed among disciples?" she inquired thoughtfully.

"Simply based on who completes the mission," Yan Zhi replied with casual indifference.

Jiu Mei's brow furrowed as she processed this information. "Doesn't that create an unfair system? Core and inner disciples would naturally accumulate more points while exerting only half the effort required of outer disciples."

Yan Zhi's laughter rang out once more, though this time it carried a harder edge. "Child, this is simply the way of the cultivation world. The Strong inevitably reap greater benefits than the weak. Power determines your privilege—this is an eternal truth you must accept. Both here, and the outside world."

A slight frown creased Jiu Mei's features at this harsh reality, though she wisely chose not to voice further objections. Yan Zhi noted the girl's reaction with interest, thinking to herself that while the child possessed a good heart, such sentiments would only hinder her progress within a demonic sect.

"Senior sister", Jiu Mei finally asked with a growing exasperation, "why do you continue to carry me by my head when my legs are perfectly capable of walking?"

Yan Zhi's only response was another burst of hearty laughter, offering no explanation for her unusual behavior.

They had been walking for five minutes when Jiu Mei's patience began to wear thin. Just as she prepared to voice the question of all youth—"Are we there yet?"—the corridor suddenly expanded into a breathtaking arena-like monument.

Multiple entrances stood side by side like gates to heaven itself, and through them, Jiu Mei could glimpse an enormous elevated platform that dominated the space beyond. Her eyes widened in awe as she estimated its size—easily half the dimensions of the playing fields at her old school, spanning nearly an acre and a half of polished stone that gleamed like captured moonlight.

"..."

She gasped involuntarily at such a sight.

Yan Zhi's smile took on a predatory quality as she observed Jiu Mei's reaction. "In just a few moments, little girl, it will be your time to shine."

Confusion clouded Jiu Mei's features as she turned her gaze upward to meet those burning amber eyes. "Senior sister Yan Zhi, what do you mean by that?"

Yan Zhi's smile widened mysteriously, her voice carrying the promise of revelations yet to come. "You shall see soon enough."