His tone unconsciously grew more forceful, and the oppressive sensation around him intensified even further.
This was the pressure stemming from hierarchical superiority. Since he refined the Soul-Catching Banner into his Lifebound Spiritual Artifact, the distinctive cold aura around him had become increasingly dense.
"No, no, no. I think Senior Brother might not be quite familiar with the layout of the sect headquarters. It's likely that you're a newcomer to the sect, hence the misunderstanding."
Liang Qing quickly explained, then added:
"The Internal Affairs Hall manages the sect's internal matters. Disciples must go there to perform their duties and take on new roles."
Zheng Yi listened, his expression calm, quietly observing Liang Qing.
Before coming here, he was indeed unaware of these specifics. It's good to seize the opportunity to understand the details now.
"Senior Brother can first visit the main reception hall. It has detailed maps of the sect and introductions to sect information."
Liang Qing said softly, watching Zheng Yi's expression.
"Alright."
After a pause, Zheng Yi nodded, finally shedding the indifferent demeanor from his face.
Liang Qing's anxious heart finally calmed down.
In the Soul Catching Sect, such a Demon Dao influence, hierarchies and rules are strictly enforced.
In both Righteous and Demon Dao sects, the difference in status between sect positions is significant. True Disciples are high above, Inner Sect Disciples form the sect's backbone, and Outer Disciples are peripheral and idle, only slightly above sect servants in terms of status.
In Demon Dao influences, the strictness of hierarchical relationships is even more pronounced.
Inner Sect Disciples have the right to discipline Outer Disciples and can assign them dangerous tasks.
After all, if one wants to deal with you, there are plenty of ways.
Therefore, most Outer Disciples either follow Inner Disciples closely, willing to be lackeys, or respectfully keep their distance, diligently performing their duties to avoid trouble.
This is because in a sect like Soul Catching Sect, such an Inner Sect Disciple is genuinely the core, able to inherit the various cultivation techniques of the sect.
Though Outer Disciples have a slightly higher status than servants, they are essentially waiting to be harvested like crops, and the sect cares little for them.
Previously, Liang Qing was disinclined to interact with Zheng Yi until Zheng Yi inadvertently revealed his Inner Sect Disciple Token, quickly changing his attitude.
His swift change left Zheng Yi, who had long struggled on the fringes of Loose Cultivators, somewhat surprised.
This is inevitable, as Demon Dao cultivators are notoriously cold-blooded and vengeful.
A small Outer Disciple within the sect, who fails to read the situation, might unknowingly offend someone and face dire consequences without even realizing how.
Upon seeing Zheng Yi's youthful appearance, judging by the age and his Qi Cultivation Middle Stage, to become an Inner Sect Disciple of the Soul Catching Sect, he likely has a notable background and promising future.
If a good impression is made, it might be useful for Liang Qing, who is still enduring significant hardship as an Outer Disciple.
Thus, Liang Qing mustered the courage to ask boldly, unexpectedly solving Zheng Yi's query.
"You're decent, what's your name?"
"Senior Brother, my name is Liang Qing."
Zheng Yi asked another question that concerned him.
"What is the current status of the spirit stone vein war between our sect and the Hundred Beasts Sect?"
"Reporting to Senior Brother, my position is humble and my influence limited, so I am not particularly informed of specifics. However, I heard that this time the sect higher-ups are truly fired up about it, given that the spirit stone vein involved produces middle-grade spirit stones. Both we and the Hundred Beasts Sect are determined to obtain it."
"Most of the sect's fighting power has been deployed, even the Sect Leader and Supreme Elder are on the frontlines. However, it is said that our Soul Catching Sect currently holds a bit of advantage, but overwhelmingly defeating the Hundred Beasts Sect doesn't seem realistic. A sect-level war of this nature could last several years before reaching any kind of resolution."
Liang Qing cautiously watched Zheng Yi's expression while explaining.
"It seems that the contest over the spirit stone vein is having a significant impact on the sect, unlikely to yield short-term results."
"But for me, it's actually a good thing."
"Elder Gongsun has been deployed to the frontline; he probably won't return in the short term. Let them fight, let them fight."
"Anyway, every Demon Sect Cultivator is culpable; it's best if they all perish there. Looking after Elder Gongsun at the front would be ideal."
After dismissing Liang Qing, Zheng Yi's expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he contemplated.
The sect warfare is a positive development for him, unlikely to affect new Inner Sect Disciples like him temporarily.
With a feud over a single spirit stone vein, albeit containing middle-grade spirit stones, it's impossible for both sects to expend all their resources. It will mostly be a prolonged war, one of attrition; no victor will emerge anytime soon.
This provides Zheng Yi an opportunity to fish in troubled waters.
Previously, he ascended rapidly through Elder Gongsun's influence to become an Inner Sect Disciple.
The issues with this advancement are hard to escape the notice of veteran sect members.
Moreover, he knew what cultivation technique Zheng Yi practiced.
The 'Black Evil Technique' requires a large number of Life Souls or Resentful Ghosts for cultivation; how did Zheng Yi acquire these?
Should Elder Gongsun become suspicious of this, Zheng Yi would be in peril, attracting unnecessary trouble at the least.
Despite his affable demeanor in Blood Mist Abyss City, Elder Gongsun's disposition was largely due to being bribed with spirit stones.
Cultivators by nature are greedy; the path of cultivation assaults a single lane, fiercely contending for the Great Dao. Without adequate cultivation resources, how could one pursue immortality? As the saying goes, "One general's success comes on the bones of others," and the paths of all great cultivators are paved with the sweat, tears, and even the bones of lesser cultivators.
For those cultivating Demon Techniques, this avarice is even more blatant.
If Elder Gongsun were to suspect any fortuitous encounters with Zheng Yi, he would go to any lengths.
"The hidden dangers on me must be resolved."
"Within the sect gate, with so many eyes watching, although there is substantial Spiritual Vein and Qi, is not a safe place for now. It easily exposed numerous issues."
"Quickly find subsequent cultivation techniques along with the refining and upgrading secret techniques of the Soul-Catching Banner, then find an excuse to leave."
Zheng Yi had made up his mind that this place is not suitable for long-term stay.
He was different from ordinary sect cultivators, harboring many hidden secrets.
Some secrets simply cannot be revealed, nor are suitable for exposure under the sect gates.
Within these gates, many experts dwell, cultivating within the sect brings considerable exposure risks, making it insecure.
Resolute in his decision, Zheng Yi didn't hesitate, heading firstly to the sect's main hall to locate a complete sect map and introductions of various places.
According to the map layout, he visited the Internal Affairs Hall, submitted the White Jade Token, left a Spiritual Imprint, and reported the name of Blood Mist Abyss City's Steward Chief, Chen Jiu.
Although Chen Jiu was somewhat greedy, his execution was relatively reliable, fulfilling the advance preparations he promised.
Zheng Yi smoothly transitioned to assuming an Inner Sect Disciple's identity, obtaining the sect disciple's Magic Robe and accommodations access.
Then, following the sect map's instructions, he hurriedly proceeded to the place he desired most.
The back mountain, the Dharma Transmission Hall.