Chapter Twenty-Four: Disciple of the Outer Sect

A few people whispered among themselves as Guo Tianmeng walked over and reported directly to the sect master.

“Sect master, a total of sixty-six new arrivals have been received this year. They are all waiting at the entrance of the valley. Please grant permission for them to enter.”

“What are we waiting for? Send a message to the disciples at the valley entrance—let them in. All of you, follow me to the square at the entrance. We’ll let the peaks select their disciples.” With that, he strode out at the front.

The elders followed, soaring through the sky toward the valley mouth.

The two disciples guarding the entrance received a message talisman that flew down from above. The paper instantly combusted, transforming into a black glyph: “Invite the new disciples into the valley.” Just a few terse words, clear and direct.

One disciple stepped forward. “Follow me. Do not wander. There are formations everywhere. Although the grand array is not active, several warning arrays remain in place.”

Everyone followed closely, some cautiously stepping in the footprints left by the disciple ahead. Dao Sansheng did not dare to stray either, though he glanced around as he walked.

Refining Heaven Valley was encircled by five great mountains, forming a natural fortress. The entrance was a narrow pass, easily defended by a single person. There was only one way in; the mountains on either side rose straight and tall like giant trees, their tops out of sight.

After half an hour’s walk, the group reached the inner valley. Ahead lay a vast square, crowded with people. Old Master Guo stood among them, but in the center was a middle-aged man, forty or fifty years old, standing like an unsheathed sword ready to strike. His brows were sharp, his eyes bright, yet he smiled as he addressed the newcomers.

“You are all chosen by Elder Guo Tianmeng, handpicked talents brought from Eastern Lin County, the fourth batch this year recruited from outside. You are the pride and future hope of Refining Heaven Valley. Seize this opportunity, find your path, and realize your destiny. Elder Guo, bring the roster so we can assign disciples.”

Guo Tianmeng produced the list and handed it to the sect master, who instructed a disciple to read it aloud. “Hu Xuelin, dual spiritual roots, intermediate earth, and low-level wood. Tan Xiaoxiao, dual roots, intermediate water, low-level gold…” As the names and spiritual roots were recited, the elders eagerly vied for promising disciples.

At last, Dao Sansheng’s name was read: “Dao Sansheng, dual roots—supreme fire and supreme ice.” At this, not a single elder stepped forward. They glanced at each other; the sect master’s brow furrowed. By rights, Elder Guo Tianmeng would not make such a mistake. Twin mutually destructive roots could never form a foundation.

Guo Tianmeng had anticipated this outcome and broke the silence. “This boy will follow me. I’ll teach him personally. He’ll start as an outer disciple, like the others. When he becomes an inner disciple, he’ll reside at Phoenix Song Peak. Sect master, do you approve?”

Before the sect master could reply, the elder who had previously rebuked Guo Tianmeng in the great hall spoke up again. “Child, do you have some connection with Elder Guo?” The whole hall erupted in laughter.

The allocation was done. Those with strong spiritual roots followed their masters to the peaks. The less talented remained in the outer sect for observation. The sect master mounted a magical artifact and flew off; the elders took their chosen disciples, leaving thirty or so behind—including Dao Sansheng.

Somehow, Guo Tianmeng had vanished amid the crowd. Dao Sansheng searched for a long time but did not see him.

“Outer sect brothers, follow me,” called the disciple, leading the thirty or so newcomers southward.

Dao Sansheng trailed behind. After an hour, they reached a modest palace. “This is the Hall of External Affairs. Register here. Senior brothers will arrange your lodging and cultivation matters.”

A disciple in green ran out. “Senior Brother Zhang Ming, I’m Dong Fei, on duty at the Hall of External Affairs. The hall master is at an inner sect meeting today.”

Zhang Ming tossed the roster to Dong Fei. “These are the new arrivals. Arrange them.”

Dong Fei, bowing deeply, retrieved the roster. “Understood, senior brother. I respectfully see you off.” He bowed as Zhang Ming flew away. Once Zhang Ming’s silhouette departed, Dong Fei straightened and his demeanor changed.

“You lot, report your names. If you cooperate, you might get a decent assignment. If not, you’ll be left idle.”

After everyone obtained their waist tokens, Dong Fei tapped his fingers on the table. Several well-dressed ones placed spirit stones on the table. Dong Fei pocketed them and assigned them chores outside—sweeping, cooking, washing dishes, and so on.

“Are you still standing here? Waiting for me to treat you to a meal, or perhaps a beating? I haven’t exercised in days. Find your own lodgings—don’t stare at me. The rooms are inside.” Dong Fei barked without ceremony.

Hearing this, the crowd dispersed, each seeking a place to stay. Dao Sansheng followed the flow inside.

There were rows of houses. Some checked each one; those near the Hall of External Affairs were already occupied. Dao Sansheng went deeper, passing house after house, until he reached the last one.

Dao Sansheng pushed open the door and entered. The room was clean and tidy, clearly inhabited. He chose a room and settled in, noticing sunlight streaming through the window—it pleased him.

At that moment, the o