The first light of dawn filtered through the mountain ranges, illuminating the upturned eaves and tiled roofs of the Cloud Sword Sect. The air was solemn and sacred, spiritual energy surging in waves. Faint streaks of sword light drifted within the morning mist, lending the sect an even more majestic and awe-inspiring presence.
After traversing the perilous forested mountains, Wen Tan and Mai Xuelan finally returned to the sect. Without delay, she led him straight to the Cloud Tower, the residence and administrative seat of the Third Elder, Wei Cheng, a cultivator at the fourth level of the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Inside the grand hall, incense smoke drifted softly. Elder Wei Cheng was dressed in a jade-green dao robe. His hair and beard were silver-white, yet his aura was as deep and unfathomable as the sea, compelling all present to lower their heads in reverence, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
Mai Xuelan knelt before him, her voice clear and solemn, filled with utmost respect:
"Disciple Mai Xuelan respectfully reports an urgent matter. This time, while investigating the enemy's movements with several senior brothers and sisters, we discovered that they were secretly setting up a blood sacrificial formation to refine a Blood Pearl, slaughtering numerous civilians within the territory under our sect's protection, all in order to nurture the evil demonic beast known as the Blood Crocodile Demon Ape.
After breaking into their lair and seizing the Blood Pearl, we were relentlessly pursued. I myself suffered severe injuries. Had it not been for Junior Brother Wen Tan risking his life to assist me, this disciple would not have survived, nor would I have been able to bring back the Blood Pearl as evidence to report to the sect."
As she finished speaking, she produced a cloth pouch and presented it with both hands. A dark-crimson, sinister aura leaked out, only to be immediately suppressed by the restrictive formations within the hall.
Elder Wei Cheng frowned slightly, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. With a casual wave of his hand, the pouch flew up and hovered before him. After a brief inspection, he let out a low sigh.
"A Blood Pearl… truly vile. If such a scheme had succeeded, the surrounding region would have been reduced to rivers of blood. You have rendered great merit this time."
Yet deep in his heart, Elder Wei Cheng felt a heavy unease. Any force capable of orchestrating such a plot was undoubtedly powerful far beyond what a subordinate sect like Cloud Sword Sect could afford to confront directly. At most, they could only investigate and report the matter to the upper sect, awaiting further judgment.
Despite these thoughts, none of his concern showed on his face.
Mai Xuelan hurriedly continued, her gaze briefly shifting toward Wen Tan:
"The majority of the credit belongs to Junior Brother Wen. Without his efforts to divert the enemy and his desperate assistance, I would not have been able to protect the Blood Pearl, nor would I have returned alive."
As she spoke, she kowtowed deeply, her tone turning earnest and sincere:
"Master, although Junior Brother Wen Tan is merely a menial disciple by status, his strength and resolve are far from ordinary. This time, he rendered great service by saving a fellow disciple and safeguarding crucial evidence. I respectfully request that Master grant him promotion to an outer-sect disciple."
Silence fell over the grand hall.
Elder Wei Cheng's gaze slowly descended upon Wen Tan. That look was as deep as an abyss, making Wen Tan feel as though every inch of his body and even his soul was being thoroughly examined.
After a moment, the elder nodded slightly. His voice rang out like a great bell:
"Though you were born a menial disciple, your courage and perseverance are commendable. Your contribution this time is sufficient to be recorded as major merit within the sect.
From this day onward, Wen Tan, you are officially promoted to an outer-sect disciple of the Cloud Sword Sect.
Do not disappoint me, boy."
The words echoed throughout the hall, solemn and authoritative, like a formal proclamation.
Mai Xuelan finally relaxed, a gentle smile appearing on her face as joy sparkled in her eyes.
"Congratulations, Junior Brother, on becoming an outer-sect disciple! Hehe. If you need any help in the outer sect from now on, just tell me I'll take care of it for you."
Wen Tan felt waves surging within his heart. After countless days of silent hardship as a menial disciple, he had finally stepped into the outer sect, gaining the chance to learn better cultivation techniques.
He clasped his fists and bowed deeply:
"This disciple thanks the Third Elder.
And many thanks to Senior Sister Xuelan as well.
From now on, I hope to receive Senior Sister's guidance and care within the outer sect."
Inside the grand hall, after the decision had been announced, Elder Wei Cheng flicked his sleeve and gave an order:
"Disciple Li, take him to the Hall of Administration to complete the formalities. Have him receive his identity token and the benefits allotted to outer-sect disciples."
A law-enforcement disciple immediately bowed to acknowledge the command and stepped forward to stand beside Wen Tan.
A trace of surprise flashed across Wen Tan's eyes, as if he still harbored a faint hope of being directly promoted to the inner sect. The Third Elder seemed to have read his thoughts. Gently stroking his silver beard, he spoke in a deep, steady voice:
"Wen Tan, do not be disheartened. Although your contribution this time was indeed significant, on the path of cultivation, aptitude determines one's foundation. You possess a Five-Element spiritual root, which is the most ordinary of all spiritual roots. Cultivating with it requires consuming far more spiritual energy, and one's rate of advancement is inevitably slower than that of those with purer roots."
He paused, his gaze kind yet stern:
"Throughout the world, those with a single spiritual root are exceedingly rare one in ten thousand. They are regarded by major sects as precious seeds, cultivated with utmost priority, and are even taken directly as personal disciples or holy heirs.
Those with dual spiritual roots are also rare, one in a thousand. Their cultivation speed far surpasses that of ordinary cultivators, and they often enter the inner sect directly.
As for triple and quadruple spiritual roots, their aptitude is considered above average, and most are classified as outer-sect disciples.
But you possessing five spiritual roots are burdened by mixed and impure energies. You must absorb several times more spiritual energy just to make progress. Such a foundation is normally only sufficient for becoming a menial disciple, barely qualifying to step onto the path of cultivation."
His words echoed through the hall, weighing heavily on the atmosphere.
Yet Elder Wei Cheng's tone soon softened, carrying a note of encouragement:
"Even so, you are not like ordinary menial disciples. Your strength is respectable, and you have rendered a life-saving service to my disciple. Your resolve, fortitude, mindset, and fortuitous encounters already far surpass those of the menial ranks.
Promoting you to the outer sect is already an exception and a rare opportunity. If you can rely on your own efforts to overcome the limitations of your aptitude, that will be the true proof of a cultivator's will.
When that day comes, no one will dare object to your entry into the inner sect.
It is only a pity that your foundation is too weak; otherwise, I could even recommend you to the upper sect."
With that, he waved his sleeve, signaling the end of the conversation. The law-enforcement disciple immediately saluted and led Wen Tan out of the hall.
Inside Wen Tan's heart, waves surged violently. He knew all too well that within the sect, possessing a Five-Element spiritual root meant having the lowest possible aptitude normally a fate that confined one to the position of a menial disciple for life. Yet now, he had officially stepped into the outer sect. Though the road ahead would be fraught with hardships, he silently clenched his fists.
No matter the cost, he would prove that even one with Five-Element roots could defy the heavens and cultivate the Dao.
As he followed the law-enforcement disciple away from the grand hall, Wen Tan reflected quietly.
He understood clearly that being able to condense a pseudo Five-Element spiritual root was already a heaven-defying turning point. Had he blindly pursued the creation of a single or dual spiritual root back then, he would likely have failed long ago perhaps even suffered soul destruction.
In this world, while single and dual spiritual roots were exceedingly rare, almost all who possessed them came from great aristocratic clans or powerful cultivation families. They bore noble bloodlines and were nourished by countless pills from a young age. Only under such conditions could they suppress the violent nature of their spiritual energy and prevent their qi, blood, and meridians from collapsing.
For someone without backing, without medicinal support, yet possessing a single or dual spiritual root, there was only one outcome: qi and blood rebelling against the heart, spiritual energy running rampant, and death on the path of cultivation. Such so-called "geniuses" were no different from swallowing deadly poison the faster they cultivated, the sooner they died. Without extraordinary fortune, they would not survive past the age of eighteen.
Compared to them, Wen Tan was far more fortunate. Though he possessed Five-Element roots, their very impurity granted stability, preventing self-destruction. Moreover, he had the mysterious incense burner to support him, capable of absorbing, refining, and transforming the power of beast bloodlines. This was the true foundation that allowed him to walk a path different from all others.
Wen Tan's resolve gradually solidified:
"I don't need some noble single or dual spiritual root. I have my own path. Even if my Five-Element roots are considered worthless, I will still ascend the Great Dao!"
He had once considered it as well since single or dual roots were unattainable, why not attempt to form triple or quadruple roots, regarded as a balanced compromise and more easily accepted by sects?
But after many nights of contemplation, he ultimately abandoned the idea.
Because he understood clearly:
Although triple and quadruple roots were inferior to single or dual roots, they still required a relatively stable original foundation. Someone like him, who began with a severed meridian constitution and a crippled spiritual root, would find it difficult to maintain balance in the long term even if he forcibly constructed such roots. As his cultivation level increased, disparities among attributes would grow ever more pronounced, inevitably leading to meridian disorder.
Moreover, triple spiritual roots and quadruple spiritual roots were generally regarded as mediocre insufficient to warrant focused cultivation, yet incompatible with the unconventional path he intended to walk. They were almost incapable of accommodating aberrant external forces such as beast bloodlines or bizarre and sinister formations.
In contrast, although the Five-Element spiritual root was widely scorned, it possessed one crucial advantage:
Precisely because it was overly mixed and inherently weak… it was unrestrained.
It could harmonize with all kinds of foreign energies whether power derived from demonic beasts, the mysterious incense burner, or even the bizarre cultivation method known as the Void Scripture.
In the eyes of others, the Five-Element spiritual root was worthless trash.
But in Wen Tan's calculations, it was the most level and resilient foundation, capable of bearing the heaven-defying steps he intended to take in the future.
The corner of his lips lifted slightly as he thought to himself:
"Others seek purity I choose chaos.
Only this path is truly meant for me."
After receiving Elder Wei Cheng's instructions, a law-enforcement disciple led Wen Tan straight to the Hall of Affairs.
Inside, a blue-robed steward sat behind a stone desk, stacks of identity tokens laid out before him. The law-enforcement disciple bowed and said:
"By order of the Third Elder, this individual is henceforth an outer-sect disciple. Please issue his identity token and initial benefits."
The steward nodded without unnecessary words and handed over a light-green jade token engraved with the characters 'Cloud Sword', along with a unique identification mark. He then produced a small storage pouch containing ten low-grade spirit stones, several sets of outer-sect robes, and a basic cultivation manual.
After giving Wen Tan a brief look, the steward spoke sternly:
"This outer-sect token represents your identity. From now on, you will reside in the Northern Outer Sect, Courtyard No. 37. Abide by the rules do not cause trouble. Monthly benefits are to be collected here. You may go."
Wen Tan accepted the token and bowed respectfully. A complicated surge of emotions rose within him he had finally shed the lowly identity of a menial and stepped through the gates of becoming a true disciple of the Cloud Sword Sect.
He returned once more to the menial quarters, to the small room he had lived in for months. The familiar faces of the other menial disciples gathered around him. Upon learning that he had been promoted to the outer sect, they reacted with shock and undisguised envy.
Little Zhuo laughed loudly and slapped Wen Tan on the shoulder:
"Brother Wen, you've finally perched on a high branch! Don't forget your old friends from the menial quarters in the future!"
Old Zhou nodded slowly, a glimmer of joy flashing through his aged eyes:
"Good… very good. You've finally reached this step. This old man wishes you a smooth journey on the Dao, free of obstacles.
But the outer sect is not like the menial quarters be cautious."
Wen Tan clasped his fists in gratitude, warmth filling his heart. After responding to everyone, he packed his belongings there was not much to bring, only a few worn items and… the mysterious incense burner he always kept close.
Before leaving, he deliberately went to the Fire Dining Hall.
The steward and the other menials were busy preparing meals for the outer-sect disciples. When Wen Tan entered, they all paused. Someone joked:
"Wen Tan, you're an outer-sect disciple now why come back here? Aren't you afraid the kitchen smoke will dirty your new robes?"
Wen Tan merely smiled faintly and cupped his fists:
"I came to say farewell. It was through my time working here that I was able to temper myself. From now on, I hope you all take good care of one another."
The steward, usually ill-tempered, nodded this time, a trace of approval hidden in his gaze:
"Go on. Leaving the menial ranks is a major turning point cherish it."
Wen Tan turned and left. His silhouette merged into the glow of the setting sun, his heart filled with tangled emotions yet overflowing with resolve. One chapter had closed, and a new door had opened.
After leaving the Fire Dining Hall, Wen Tan followed the winding path toward the northern part of the sect. After only half an hour on foot, a completely different area appeared before him.
This was the outer-sect district rows of orderly courtyards stretching into the distance. Each courtyard stood several zhang apart, complete with small yards, wells, and even patches of basic spiritual herbs for meditation and cultivation. The air here was saturated with spiritual energy, noticeably denser than in the menial quarters.
Along the way, outer-sect disciples in uniform azure robes passed by. Their gazes skimmed over Wen Tan some indifferent, some disdainful, and a few merely glanced at him before leaving. In their eyes, a newly admitted disciple was hardly worth notice.
Wen Tan arrived at Courtyard No. 37, his newly assigned residence. Though not large, it was worlds apart from the cramped menial room. The courtyard gate was made of sturdy hardwood, with a numbered plaque hanging above. Inside were a cultivation room, a small storage chamber, a well in the yard, and several lush patches of spiritual herbs.
When he pushed the door open, he found several people already inside. Courtyard No. 37 was not his alone it was shared by six outer-sect disciples.
In the yard, three were practicing sword techniques, while two others sat beneath a tree drinking tea. All of them turned their eyes toward him.
A sharp-featured youth named San Ya spoke in an unfriendly tone:
"Who are you? How dare you barge into this courtyard?"
Wen Tan clasped his fists and replied calmly:
"I am Wen Tan. I was assigned to the outer sect today, and the steward arranged for me to stay in Courtyard No. 37. I hope to receive your guidance in the future."
Another disciple, Luo Hang, raised an eyebrow and sneered:
"Oh? A new disciple. I hear every year a few menials get promoted. Hmph… benefits are split evenly, yet your cultivation is so low you're nothing but a burden on the courtyard. Probably got in through connections."
A young woman named Jin Xiu spoke up beside him, her tone gentler:
"Enough. He just arrived. We're all fellow disciples why make things difficult for him?"
San Ya snorted coldly but said nothing more, though the disdain in his eyes remained undisguised.
Wen Tan paid it no mind, merely smiling faintly. In his heart, he clenched his fist.
From this moment on, he was an outer-sect disciple. Step by step, he would prove himself no matter how humble his origins, he would not be looked down upon forever.
That night, he tidied the small room within the courtyard, laid out a fresh mat, and placed the mysterious incense burner at the head of his bed. Outside, the wind rustled through the trees, mingling with the flashes of sword light from fellow disciples in training. The sounds made him feel both distant and deeply yearning.
A new chapter of his cultivation journey had officially begun.