Nathan emerged from the bathing chamber, droplets of qi?infused water still clinging to his silver?blonde hair. His robe settled neatly across his shoulders. He stepped outside, intending to practice the Avalanche technique in some vacant area to not only prevent harm but also to test the full extent of this newfound ability.

  But just beyond his door stood a man waiting. His features were sharp, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Jet?black hair was tied neatly at the crown, and his eyes carried a depth that seemed to pierce through flesh and spirit alike. Though his face appeared no older than twenty, the ageless weight in his gaze betrayed decades of cultivation. His aura revealed him as a Peak Foundation Realm. In truth, he was over seventy years old, yet his cultivation had preserved his vigor and youthful appearance.

  “You finally come out of seclusion,” the man said, his tone calm but edged with authority. “My name is Elder Rian. I was assigned not only to explain the rules and regulations of the sect but also to guide your cultivation. On the latter, it seems my help may not be needed at all.”

  Nathan bowed deeply. “Disciple greets Master. I apologize for my tardiness.”

  “It’s alright,” Rian replied. “But before you take another step in this sect, you must understand its laws.”

  Rian’s voice carried the weight of tradition as he recited the regulations. Loyalty to the sect is absolute—betrayal is punishable by death. Infighting among disciples is forbidden unless both parties agree and conduct their duel within the battle arena. Every disciple must obey the elders and uphold the sect’s honor in all dealings. Forbidden techniques, demonic arts, and the harming of mortals without just cause are strictly prohibited. Spirit stones, herbs, and scrolls are distributed according to rank, and theft or misuse is punished severely. Finally, sect techniques are sacred and may never be taught or revealed outside its walls.

  Nathan listened intently, committing each rule to memory.

  Rian then gestured toward the mountain’s towering layers as he explained the hierarchy. At the top stands the Patriarch, supreme authority of the sect. Beneath him are the elders, divided into three ranks: Upper Inner Core Elders, who have reached the Peak Foundation Realm; Lower Inner Core Elders, ranging from early to mid Foundation Realm; and Outer Sect Elders, ranging from mid to late Foundation Realm.

  The disciples themselves are divided into six ranks. Inner Sect disciples are ranked from one to three: Rank One consists of top prodigies, usually in the early to mid Core Formation Realm; Rank Two includes those from late Foundation to Peak Foundation; and Rank Three covers early to mid Foundation cultivators. Outer Sect disciples are likewise ranked from one to three: Rank One encompasses those in mid- to late-Qi Condensation; Rank Two covers early Qi Condensation; and Rank Three is reserved for those still in the Body Refining stage.

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  Uniforms reflect this hierarchy. All disciples wear purple robes, but the trim color marks their rank. Inner Sect Rank One disciples wear purple with black trim, Rank Two wear purple with white trim, and Rank Three wear purple with blue trim. Outer Sect Rank One disciples wear purple with silver trim, Rank Two wear purple with grey trim, and Rank Three wear plain purple without adornment.

  Nathan bowed again. “I understand, Master.”

  Rian studied him for a moment, his gaze sharp yet not unkind. “Good. You are in the Outer Sect, but your cultivation already surpasses many of its disciples. Walk carefully, Nathan. The sect rewards talent, but it punishes arrogance. Remember the rules, respect the hierarchy, and you will rise.”

  Nathan straightened, his resolve firm. “I will not forget.”

  Rian gave a faint smile, the kind that carried both approval and warning. “Then let us see how far you can climb.”

  “Um, Elder Rian. Is there a place that’s spacious and secluded, somewhere I can train without disturbing others?” Nathan asked.

  Rian raised a brow. “So you’ve only just realized your technique is too dangerous to practice near the dorms? Thanks to that deadly ice art, two of your neighbors were left homeless for days.”

  Nathan scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “I… apologize for that.”

  “There are plenty of places like that in the sect,” Rian replied.

  “If it’s not too much trouble, could you take me there? I don’t know my way around yet.”

  Rian chuckled. “Very well. Follow me.” In a flash, his figure vanished. Nathan followed with Silver Step, but though his speed was impressive, Rian’s was on another level entirely. Still, the elder was quietly impressed. When I first entered the Foundation stage, I wasn’t nearly this fast. This boy truly is a prodigy.

  They appeared at the Northern Plateau, a vast training ground carved into the mountain’s base. Once used for large?scale sect drills, it had long been abandoned, leaving its wide expanse empty and silent. The plateau’s stone surface was reinforced by ancient arrays, designed to withstand even the most destructive techniques. It was secluded, spacious, and far removed from the dormitories—perfect for Nathan’s practice.

  “Is this suitable enough?” Rian asked.

  “Yes,” Nathan nodded. “By the way, Elder, how are my two brothers doing?”

  “They came a few days ago to check on you, but you were deep in cultivation, so they left.”

  “After I’m finished here, could you take me to meet them?”

  Rian shook his head. “Outer Sect disciples are not permitted in the Inner Sect quarters. Even an Outer Sect elder like me cannot enter without invitation.”

  “I see… I’ll just have to wait until they come to visit me again.”

  Rian smirked. “If that’s all, may I go now—or do you still plan to haul me around like a servant?”

  Nathan chuckled nervously. “Of course not, Elder.”

  “By the way, what is that ice technique called?” Rian asked. He wanted to press further—where Nathan had found it, how he had learned it—but he knew cultivators guarded their secrets, and such questions could not be asked lightly.

  “It’s called Ice Art Manipulation,” Nathan answered.

  “I see.” Rian thought it over. He had never heard of such a cultivation method. “Since you practice ice cultivation, I’ll arrange for the sect to provide manuals and techniques related to ice, as well as a supply of ice?qi spirit stones to aid your growth.”

  Nathan bowed gratefully. “I thank you in advance, Elder.”

  “It’s nothing. Since there is nothing else, I’ll take my leave. I presume you don’t need me to escort you back to your quarters once you’re finished?”

  “Of course not, Senior.”

  With that, Elder Rian departed, leaving Nathan alone in the field.