NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Chapter 22: A New Beginning
With the conclusion of the tests, Zhang Hao was informed that he would become an outer sect disciple, while Lin Yue and Li Bao, with their exceptional aptitude, directly entered the inner sect. Although Zhang Hao felt a pang of disappointment, his eyes still gleamed with determination.
"Zhang Hao, I am Zhao Ming, an inner sect disciple of Qingchuan Sect and your guide," a voice interrupted Zhang Hao's contemplation.
Zhang Hao looked up to see a tall and distinguished young man, whose eyes revealed a hint of friendliness.
Zhang Hao turned to the inner sect disciple named Zhao Ming and respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Senior Zhao Ming."
"No need for formalities," Zhao Ming waved his hand with a smile, "Let's go, I'll take you to your assigned quarters."
Zhang Hao nodded, bid farewell to Lin Yue and Li Bao, and followed Zhao Ming down the mountain with his luggage.
"Zhang Hao, in our sect, we're practically family," Zhao Ming said as they walked, "Every place has its own circles. In our Qingchuan Sect, which is vast, there are six elders under the sect leader, and their direct disciples are the inner sect disciples." Zhao Ming continued, "The rest, like you, are outer sect disciples. Every month, outer sect disciples have the chance to enter the inner sect through competition."
"Thank you, Senior Zhao Ming, for the advice," Zhang Hao listened attentively, committing this information to memory.
"Aside from competitions, you can cultivate freely or attend public lectures by the elders," Zhao Ming went on to explain, "These lectures are open to all disciples and are a great opportunity to improve your cultivation."
Zhang Hao nodded, knowing this would be an important way for him to enhance his strength.
Soon, they arrived at a simple courtyard.
"This is your place. It's modest but quiet and suitable for cultivation," Zhao Ming handed a set of keys to Zhang Hao, "These are the keys to your room."
Zhang Hao took the keys and looked at Zhao Ming with gratitude, "Thank you, Senior Zhao Ming."
"There's no need for thanks. We are fellow disciples, and it's only natural to help each other," Zhao Ming patted Zhang Hao on the shoulder, "Tomorrow, I'll take you to an elder's lecture; prepare well. By the way, what level of cultivation do you have now?"
"I've been at the third layer of the Body Refinement stage, but after these past few days, it seems my cultivation has improved," Zhang Hao replied.
"Of course, the three introductory trials have honed your body from the inside out. Your cultivation naturally progresses. So, you're at the fourth layer now?" Zhao Ming asked.
"Not quite there, but I'm close. Thank you for your guidance, Senior," Zhang Hao expressed his gratitude.
"Ah, you're too polite. Go inside and take a look. There's a copy of the sect's rules and introduction, basic cultivation techniques, as well as some clothes and items for outer sect disciples. You'll find everything inside," Zhao Ming instructed before leaving.
After Zhao Ming left, Zhang Hao entered his room. Though small, it was tidy and clean, with basic cultivation diagrams and techniques hanging on the walls.
In the main hall of the room, Zhang Hao saw a white jade table with two books neatly placed on it, along with a package.
Zhang Hao opened the package to find two sets of grey robes, a token, and several jade vials.
"The texture is soft and light. I didn't expect even the clothes of an outer sect disciple to be so well-made," Zhang Hao marveled as he picked up the outer sect robes, then examined the other small vials.
"Gu Ming Dan, a pill that ensures no need for food or drink for a month, specifically for cultivation," Zhang Hao's eyes brightened with curiosity as he read the description on the vials: "This is a great thing to have."
He sat on the edge of the bed, took a deep breath, and began to flip through the techniques. Although he was now an outer sect disciple, he believed that with hard work, he would one day enter the inner sect and fight alongside Lin Yue and Li Bao.
Zhang Hao carefully read one of the books, "Qingchuan Sect Basic Qi Cultivation Technique," a foundational technique required for every new disciple. It detailed how to sense spiritual energy from heaven and earth, how to guide this energy into the body, and how to transform it into one's own cultivation.
As Zhang Hao read and practiced according to the book, he could feel a faint flow of energy moving within him. Though the power was not significant, it encouraged him greatly.
"Indeed, as the elders said! After reaching the fourth layer of the Body Refinement stage, one can start sensing spiritual energy from heaven and earth and lay the foundation for the upcoming Orifice Opening stage," Zhang Hao felt the changes in his body with delight, sat cross-legged again at the stone table, and closed his eyes to regulate his breath.
After several days of observation and explanations from the elders and senior disciples, Zhang Hao had gained a preliminary understanding of cultivation. As far as he knew, the cultivation levels were divided into the Body Refinement stage and the Orifice Opening and Golden Core stages, and beyond that, he was not yet aware.
The Body Refinement stage has five layers, with the first four being about physical cultivation, and the last one laying the groundwork for the Orifice Opening stage. After establishing a foundation with spiritual energy, one can be promoted to the Orifice Opening stage. As for the Orifice Opening and Golden Core stages, there are no so many layers, only divided into early, middle, and late stages.
Moreover, each level, not to mention the significant differences between them, even the gap between the early, middle, and late stages within the same level, is vast and far from comparable to the Body Refinement stage.
Cultivators' lifespans vary according to their cultivation levels. The lifespan of a Body Refinement stage cultivator is not much different from that of a mortal, generally within a century. However, once one reaches the Orifice Opening stage, their lifespan rapidly expands to two hundred years. The lifespan of a Golden Core cultivator far exceeds both, reaching four hundred years. Nevertheless, the number of cultivators who can live out their full lifespan is roughly half in the cultivation world; most either die at the hands of other cultivators or vanish in various explorations and quests for opportunities.