Bound by Hierarchy

Inner Sect, Radiant Sky Sect

"Lord Shen Yan?"

A soft, melodic voice drifted through the air like wind through chimes. Shen Yan turned, his gaze falling upon Su Yanyu.

His eyes — deep, obsidian-black — shimmered with quiet clarity, like moonlight on still water. His voice, when he spoke, was calm and composed, yet carried a magnetic serenity that lingered in the ears.

"Ah… Su Yanyu," he said with a faint, gentle smile.

When he smiled, it wasn't just handsome — it was disarming. Su Yanyu's breath caught; her heartbeat quickened. A faint blush crept up her cheeks, and she turned away quickly.

'How can a man be this beautiful?'

Though Su Yanyu was often praised for her beauty, beside Shen Yan, she felt like a flower beneath the moon — delicate, but dim in comparison.

'I mustn't lose composure… not in front of him.' 

She quickly composed herself and asked, "Lord Shen, what brings you here?"

"Nothing much," he replied casually. "I felt a bit stifled while resting, so I thought a walk around the sect might clear my mind."

Su Yanyu's eyes sparkled. "In that case, allow me to be your guide. After all, we are close friends, aren't we?"

"Really? Then I'll be in your care," Shen Yan smiled. 

As Shen Yan and Su Yanyu walked side by side, their quiet conversation drawing soft laughter from her lips, a few outer sect disciples nearby couldn't help but pause and stare.

A hushed whisper broke out among them.

"Wait... isn't that Su Yanyu? Our goddess?"

"It is! She rarely shows up with anyone, let alone a man."

"Who's that guy? He looks handsome... and judging from his robe, he must be from a wealthy family."

"Hmph. So what if he's rich? This is the Radiant Sky Sect — strength speaks louder than gold."

"Right. Don't forget, Senior Brother Ye Chan is already at the peak of Qi Refinement, and I heard he even stepped into the Vein Tempering Realm recently."

"And didn't he already say Su Yanyu is his woman?"

"Hehe… this outsider is courting death. Flirting with Brother Ye's woman in public? He must have a death wish."

"Let's go inform Brother Ye. He'll want to know about this immediately."

A few of them sneered and quickly dispersed, excitement flashing in their eyes.

"Hmph. Just because you look noble, you think you can do whatever you want in our sect?"

"Let's see how long that confidence lasts…"

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Su Yanyu chattered lightly, choosing her words with grace. Her tone was cheerful, yet refined. Shen Yan, meanwhile, took in the surroundings — and found himself momentarily breathless.

The scenery was like something from an immortal's dream.

Nestled between towering peaks veiled in drifting clouds, the Inner Sect was a realm where discipline met desire. It was the proving ground for countless geniuses — a sacred space where outer disciples yearned to rise, and where inner disciples honed their roots.

Stone stairways carved into the mountains connected vast platforms etched with runes, each absorbing the world's spiritual qi. Upon them, disciples practiced swordplay and mystic arts, their silhouettes dancing through the mist like silver dragons.

Verdant pine forests and ancient willow trees lined the paths, while cranes with sky-blue feathers circled gracefully overhead. The entire Inner Sect sprawled across several low peaks and plateaus, forming a natural amphitheater that pointed reverently toward the distant Core Sect Mountain, which hovered faintly in the sky — like a mirage cast by the heavens themselves.

As they strolled, Su Yanyu diligently introduced each important location:

Inner Sect Martial Arena — a grand coliseum, its grounds scorched and frozen in patches, remnants of fierce duels fought under the watchful eyes of elders.

Qi Tempering Pagoda — a nine-story tower pulsing with spiritual light, each floor simulating a different elemental pressure: fire, wind, earth, water, and even lightning.

Herb Garden Ridge — tended by alchemists and spiritual puppets, this ridge bloomed with rare herbs nurtured by spirit springs and beast compost.

Bamboo Residence Valley — the dormitories of the Inner Sect, each modest yet refined, protected by defensive formations and energy-condensing arrays.

"Incredible. My horizons have truly expanded," Shen Yan murmured.

'So this is the Inner Sect…'

'The sect is divided into three realms: Outer Sect, Inner Sect, and above all — the Core Sect.'

'My residence lies in the Core territory, since I am the sole heir of Zhen Wuji, the Sect Guardian — second only to the Sect Master in status. Below him stand the Seven Grand Elders, five of whom each possess their own mountain peak and legacy.'

'The Core Sect is sacred ground, home to the personal disciples of the Grand Elders — few are ever allowed to step foot there. Inner disciples dream of entering, but most never will.'

He continued to observe, noting:

Inner disciples enjoyed access to higher-tier cultivation techniques, rare treasures, and occasionally, private guidance from elders.

They received monthly allowances of spirit stones, medicinal pills, and tokens of prestige.

Their quarters were guarded by powerful formations and flowing with purified spiritual energy.

But the Outer Sect… was a different world entirely:

Modest huts, shared halls, and basic training grounds.

Only the simplest cultivation manuals, usually limited to Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment.

Sparse resources, constant labor, and a brutal, competitive lifestyle.

Shen Yan sighed in his heart. 'To think, I awakened in the body of someone born with such privilege… I must not waste this chance.'

Just then, Su Yanyu stopped before a towering structure. 

"Lord Shen, this is the Inner Sect's Heavenly Scripture Tower," she said with pride gleaming in her eyes.

Shen Yan's eyes widened — then quickly returned to calm.

Before him stood a colossal tower, its walls pure and radiant, as though untouched by time. Sacred sigils pulsed faintly on its surface — inscriptions from Grand Elders of eras past, etched in the language of the heavens.

Each tier curved upward like the wings of a crane taking flight. It stood not as a building, but as a monument — solemn and eternal.

"Shall we go inside?" Su Yanyu asked, clearly excited.

"Very well." Shen Yan nodded.

The moment they stepped in, they were enveloped by a serene stillness. Scrolls and jade slips lined countless shelves. From basic cultivation methods to restricted arts locked in golden boxes, the Codex Tower held vast knowledge. But entry came with rules — only those who passed inner sect trials could access the upper levels.

First Floor — open to all inner disciples. Contained foundational texts, sect history, and low-tier manuals.

Second to Fourth Floors — accessible only to senior inner disciples and newly promoted core disciples. Contained intermediate arts, rare techniques, and refined battle skills.

"Let's go upstairs," Su Yanyu said with a grin, grabbing Shen Yan's hand.

Shen Yan blinked. 'What is with this girl…?'

Suddenly—

"HALT!"

Two guards stepped forward, crossing their spears before the stairwell. Their cloud-white robes were threaded with silver and celestial blue, and a scroll wrapped in divine chains gleamed proudly on their chests — the symbol of the Codex Tower.

Each wore obsidian belts fastened with jade tablets that shimmered with protective qi. Their gazes were cold, unyielding.

"You two. Step away. Only those with a Core Elder's personally inscribed token may proceed further," one said.

Su Yanyu remained motionless.

The taller guard narrowed his eyes. "Wait… isn't this Su Yanyu again?"

The second scoffed. "Tch. Didn't we warn you last time?"

He gestured lazily toward the stairs. "If you want entry, make a major contribution or complete a high-grade sect mission." His voice then dipped into a mocking tone. "But with your little talents… maybe wait for your next life."

They chuckled coldly.

Su Yanyu smirked. "I figured you'd say that… so I brought someone with me."

"Oh? And who would be so foolish?" the taller guard snorted, turning to Shen Yan.

And then they saw him.

Shen Yan — calm, unhurried — stood like an immortal painting come to life.

His long, ink-black hair flowed freely behind him. His robe, dark as midnight, was embroidered with faint golden patterns that danced in the light. His expression was serene, his aura gentle — yet distant. Like a lotus blooming in still waters, untouchable yet mesmerizing.

When he smiled — soft and composed — something in their hearts tightened. A strange unease settled over them.

For a heartbeat, they forgot to breathe.

"W-Wait… he's just a mortal?!"

"So what if he's handsome? In the end, he's still—"

But even as they spat venom, their bodies trembled slightly. Their voices shook.

"You brought this brat to pretend he's some big shot? Heh, we'll teach you both a lesson!"

Their mocking grins sharpened. Qi surged faintly from their bodies.

But just as they were about to act—

"What's going on here?"

A deep voice echoed from behind.

An elder had arrived.