Chapter 100: The Difference Between Sects and Academies

Tang Dynasty, Year 276. Winter.

The Imperial Examination had concluded. The Ministry of Rites published the minimum score requirement of every great sect in the empire.

The ten great sects, first-class sects and second-class sects all had the right to recruit students from all academies. Students who made it into the top 10,000 in the Imperial Examination all had a chance to be recruited into sects to practice cultivation.

On the same day.

The 3,000 academies in the empire were open for enrollment. Wealthy nobles and poverty-stricken peasants from bustling cities or tranquil villages alike all brought their children to the academies for a core evaluation to secure a place in the academies.

Thanks to Fang Lang’s achievement in the Imperial Examination, Luojiang Academy had become the world’s center of attention. Many wealthy nobles had traveled over land and sea to arrive at Luojiang Academy.

There were even some who came from Changan and bought properties in Luojiang while sending their child to Luojiang Academy, all in hopes that three years later, their child could get into the honor roll and achieve feats similar to Fang Lang.

On the practice grounds of Luojiang Academy, Headmaster Cui’s smile blossomed like a flower. The senior mentor responsible for the weapons shelf still smoked cigarettes as he told the children stories of the grand champion.

Rays of light finally penetrated the thick clouds that congregated in the skies. Light snow began to fall.

It made the academy appear sacred and mysterious.

…

Just as the peaceful winter began, the ancient bell of Changan City rang, shattering the tranquility and bringing turbulence to the lands.

After the court meeting of the new day, the Emperor’s orders were delivered throughout the empire. The Emperor had decided to proceed with the individual border regiment policy but revoke the decision to put foreign generals in important positions. Instead, the Emperor had assigned supervisors to aid the foreign generals in suppressing opposition at the borders and fighting the demon portals. The foreign generals would be responsible for the soldiers while the supervisors would be responsible for the rationing of provisions and funds. Any decision the foreign generals made in regards to promoting a soldier had to be discussed with the supervisors beforehand.

The moment the order was announced, uproars broke out throughout the empire. Many foreign generals sent their memorials to Changan on flight swords.

Blood phantoms were lined up in front of the Vermilion Bird Gate again. Some foreign generals were weeping as they spoke about their loyalty while some were screaming out the sorrow in their hearts.

After that, the Emperor issued another edict.

Any pure-blooded foreigner of the younger generation would be granted the right to join any sect in the empire and train and compete with the locals for cultivation resources.

It served as a concession and also an ultimatum from the Emperor.

Once the order was announced, all the foreign generals in front of the Vermilion Bird Gate understood the Emperor’s message. They knew if they continued this ruckus, they would truly trigger the Emperor’s fury.

Thus, the foreign generals dispersed.

Meanwhile, the sect leaders of many prominent sects in the empire were infuriated. Nonetheless, the Emperor had issued his edict—they could only do as they were told.

…

Sand filled the air in the western region.

Torches in the camps appeared like a field of blooming lotuses on the yellow dessert.

Asi Luoshan sat within the military camp. A powerful aura surrounded him and a flame could be seen in his eyes. On the desk in front of him was an edict sent in from Changan.

With a profound look in his eyes, Asi Luoshan walked out of the camp and raised his head, gazing as if he could see the snowy city of Changan through the vile of yellow sand.

He was not surprised by the edict; after all, they would eventually have to suffer the consequences of that day’s probing.

Nonetheless, he still regretted not being able to test the Emperor’s might.

Martial Arts King Jiang’s appearance was unfortunate—the man was the cause of their failure in testing the Emperor’s powers. Alas, they could not determine if the Emperor had indeed become feeble.

“The ironclad laws of the Tang Dynasty… The laws that govern every cultivator on these lands…

“It seems like the laws are gaining more power by the day…”

Asi Luoshan exhaled slowly.

Then, he called for his lieutenants.

One after another, young and talented foreign soldiers appeared with their swords. They kneeled down.

“His Majesty has issued an edict which grants the children of our tribe access into the great sects of the empire. You shall compete among yourselves, then shed your armors and head to the great sects.

“Cultivating within sects comes with its own benefits—you’ll have access to much more resources than in the army.

“So go ahead.”

…

At the same time, in the military camps across the borders of the empire, generals like Song Xianzhi and Geshu Taixing were also calling out their young soldiers and picking the most outstanding geniuses among them. Those were the ones selected to join the sects of the Tang Dynasty under the Emperor’s edict.

Countless flight swords carrying fresh blood took off from the military camps and tore through the sandy deserts of the borders, making their way across the great rivers and mountains of the vast empire to reach the great sects.

…

The route to Mount Shu was more daunting than climbing the sky.[1]

Even on flight swords, no ordinary man could cross the vast Mount Shu and reach its impossibly high peak.

Gradually, their families disappeared from their view.

The familiar mountains and cities passed below.

The sorrow of leaving their homes could only be held in their hearts. They channeled their emotions into motivation. They would cultivate in the sect and return home with glorious achievements.

Chao Xiaojian transported Fang Lang and the others to the Sword Guild on his sword. Their speed of travel was no slower than traveling on a flight sword. Chao Xiaojian had greatly reduced their travel speed in consideration of the immense pressure Fang Lang and the others would have to endure.

As a ninth-class cultivator, Chao Xiaojian’s travel speed was naturally lightning fast.

It was as if they sliced through the clouds, creating a trail in the shape of a slithering snake. As they disappeared into the horizon, they left behind a rip in the clouds that looked like a neverending river in the sky.

Mount Shu, the Sword Guild.

Peaks that grazed the sky formed the mountain ranges. Off the steep and sheer precipices hung withered pines.[1]

The landscape on Mount Shu was extraordinary. Jagged rocks stood on the peaks, penetrating the clouds like blade tips.

A waterfall cascaded down from halfway up the mountain, making deafening noises like thunder striking the lands below.

A beam of light landed, encapsulated in thin layers of cloud.

The great plaza of Mount Shu was unusually rowdy.

Disciples of the Sword Guild, dressed in white robes, had long awaited their arrival at the plaza. From above, it looked as if countless white flowers were blooming on the lofty peak of Mount Shu.

“Vice Leader Chao.”

The disciples cupped their fists with their palms and greeted in thunderous voices.

The white-haired white-browed man sheathed his sword and raised his hand to quiet down the disciples.

“The Imperial Examination has come to an end. We have new disciples joining the Sword Guild, including this year’s grand champion, Fang Lang. Make sure you get along well.”

Chao Xiaojian said nonchalantly.

“Understood.”

The disciples replied at the same time. Their booming voice burst through into the skies above.

The disciples whispered among themselves, displaying inspirited expressions on their faces.

They could not believe that the champion of the Imperial Examination had joined the Sword Guild!

After Sect Leader Xuanyuan Taihua’s disappearance, the Sword Guild had been falling behind in the fight for geniuses. In fact, they were very close to losing their spot among the top ten sects.

As a result, not many geniuses were willing to join the Sword Guild. After all, the resources they received had greatly reduced due to the sect’s decreasing strength. The Sword Guild had a high chance of falling out of the top ten sect rankings after the year’s Battle of Sects.

In the last Imperial Examination, the Sword Guild only managed to recruit one disciple of the ninth rank.

Chao Xiaojian was satisfied with the Sword Guild disciples’ excitement toward the champion’s recruitment. He turned to Fang Lang, Ni Wen and Liu Bubai. His gaze turned solemn.

“You have just left your academy and had just completed the Imperial Examination, but I must warn you, a sect is different from an academy. In your academy, you could study and cultivate without a care in the world, but in a sect, you’ll have no chance to relax. In a sect, you’ll have to compete for your own cultivation resources!

“Disciples will compete among themselves for resources within the sect, while the sect has to compete with other sects for resources…

“After all, the world of cultivation is a competitive one!

“You must fight!

“Perhaps even put your life on the line to for an opportunity!”

Chao Xiaojian warned.

His dour words sounded as loud as thunder in their ears.

Even Fang Lang had turned serious.

“Of course, as new members of the Sword Guild, we will provide you with some material benefits. The sect will provide you with a steady source of resources for three months. Of course… that is if you can hold on to them.”

A playful smirk appeared on Chao Xiaojian’s face.

However, Fang Lang’s mind was elsewhere. “Vice Leader Chao, as cultivators of the Sword Guild, does that mean we’ll have to, one day, fight in the demon world too?”

The moment Fang Lang uttered those words, many disciples at the plaza shifted their gaze onto him.

Chao Xiaojian’s white robe and hair fluttered in the wind. He glanced at Fang Lang. “You don’t have to worry about the demon world for now. Disciples of the fourth-class or lower are not qualified to enter the demon world. We won’t send you there on a suicide mission.

“In fact, disciples of fourth-class or lower can’t even survive in the gap between the two worlds, so don’t even talk about killing demons.

“Alright, that’s enough talk about the demon world. Let’s talk about your next step in cultivation.

“Xiao Lingjian, come and introduce the Sword Guild’s inner sect to these three younglings.”

Chao Xiaojian beckoned.

“Once you’re done with the introduction, bring them into the inner sect and make sure you give them a proper welcome.

“Our grand champion here has got impressive skills.”

Chao Xiaojian glanced at Fang Lang with an ambiguous look in his eyes. Then, he morphed into a cloud of blade energy and vanished into thin air.

Chao Xiaojian had other matters to attend to. He needed to figure out how to deal with the foreign geniuses who were about to enter the sect.

After Chao Xiaojian vanished, a handsome young man emerged from the crowd of disciples. There was not much of a smile on his face.

“I am an inner sect disciple of the Sword Guild, Xiao Lingjian.”

The man smiled and introduced himself. Having said that, he led Fang Lang and the others across the plaza where the other disciples resumed their cultivation practice. The magnificence of their blades and their youthful energy permeated the plaza.

They ascended the steep peak of the mountain along the ancient bluestone stairs.

Xiao Lingjian explained as he walked, “As one of the top ten sects in the empire, the inner sect is split up into four ranks—Heaven, Earth, Dark, Light…

“Light is the lowest rank while Heaven is the highest. The quota for the Light rank is eight hundred disciples, three hundred for Dark, one hundred for Earth and thirty for Heaven. Although everyone in the ranks is considered a inner sect disciple, there is a significant difference in the resources allocated.

“Of course, there are also those who are not part of any ranks. Usually, those are inner sect disciples who have been practicing cultivation in the Sword Guild for less than a year.

“Among which includes disciples recruited from the previous Imperial Examination and outer sect disciples who have passed the inner sect entrance exam. They are all your rivals. After all, there are limited slots in each rank.

“After this, you’ll be assigned to mentors who will guide you in cultivation. They will teach you various practice methods and brief you about some rules of the inner sect.”

Xiao Lingjian expounded.

The four of them felt as if they were standing at the top of the stairs to heaven. The unique scenery was constantly changing before their eyes as they gazed at the cloudy sunrise.

During the Gathering of Swords, Fang Lang had set foot upon the Sword Guild before. However, he was at the plaza of Mount Shu most of the time. Moreover, the place he stayed at was only part of the outer sect. He had never seen the inner sect before.

Xiao Lingjian was about to lead them into the inner sect.

Just then, the System’s notification sounded in Fang Lang’s head.

‘Ding! A new environment brings new prospects! Challenge mission unlocked!

‘Congratulations on making it into the inner sect of the Sword Guild. There’s no need to be humble in the sect! Put an astonished expression on your senior disciples’ faces during the welcome party. Fill the Level of Astonishment gauge to one hundred and you shall unlock the ‘Stats Scanner’ ability. Level of Astonishment (0/100).’

Fang Lang received a new mission.

Fang Lang was staggered by the mission’s introduction. A perplexed expression appeared on his face.

Level of Astonishment?

The System was getting more and more flamboyant in its ways.

Nonetheless, Fang Lang’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm the moment he saw the ‘Stats Scanner’ reward.

‘What a useful ability!’

As Fang Lang was comprehending the mission’s requirement, Xiao Lingjian had led the three of them into the inner sect area of the Sword Guild.

Pointed tips of jagged rocks penetrated the clouds, like tips of blades rising from below.

Strong winds blew at the peak and Fang Lang’s green robe flapped noisily.

Fang Lang gazed at the horizon and saw there were five peaks in total.

The peaks were like five divine swords plunging into the skies. The summit that Fang Lang and the others stood on was the first of the five.

Xiao Lingjian smiled and explained, “The Heaven Pavilion stands on the furthest peak, followed by Earth, then Dark. The Light Pavilion is located on the peak closest to us. The summit we are standing on is the Grooming Peak. Inner sect disciples who have not made it into any of the ranks will stay on this summit until they successfully overcome the challenges and qualify into the ranks.

“Getting into the Light Pavilion is not an easy task. You’re welcome to take on the challenge, but you might end up in a dreadful state.”

Xiao Lingjian smiled mischievously.

He stood at his spot and clapped his hands together.

“Everyone, come out and welcome the newcomers.”

Fang Lang felt his spiritual senses fluctuating wildly. Suddenly, he could hear rustling sounds surrounding them.

From afar, disciples dressed in white robes charged toward them with their blades in hand.

Many were only there to spectate, while others were gearing up to give the newcomers a warm welcome.

Their method of ‘welcoming’ gave the newcomers a clear picture of just how competitive the inner sect disciples were.

“I heard the grand champion of the Imperial Examination has decided to join our sect. Rumor has it that the sect will reward additional resources especially for him.”

“Ha, that’s great! If the champion wants to get those rewards, he’ll have to defeat us first! If he loses, we’ll take half of his resource rewards! Wouldn’t that be amazing!”

“But if we lose, we’ll have to give him our whole month’s worth of cultivation resources…”

“Sounds pretty risky.”

“What are you afraid of? It’s a rare occurrence to have a grand champion joining us. Let’s show him a proper welcome!”

…

The disciples’ chatter could be heard from all around.

Some of them had their sword box slung across their backs, some were approaching with unsheathed blades while others were simply hugging their swords in their arms waiting to spectate. Nonetheless, all of them had mischievous looks on their faces.

Xiao Lingjian turned to Fang Lang and the others and smirked. “According to the rules of the inner sect, these senior disciples can challenge the newcomers to a welcome battle. If you lose, you’ll have to give them half of the rewards the sect is providing you with.

“The purpose of the welcome battle is to teach you a lesson of how competitive the world of cultivation is. Rivalry begins from the moment you set foot into the sect.

“The battle is meant to demolish your inherent views.

“It’s meant to show you the difference between sects and academies.”

Xian Lingjian explained.

Hearing his words made Liu Bubai and Ni Wen’s expressions change abruptly. They turned serious, feeling pressured and somewhat fearful.

Meanwhile, Fang Lang’s whole body quivered.

‘It’s here!

‘I can feel it!’

Fang Lang’s eyes twinkled. He was exploding with energy and excitement!

[1] Lines extracted from Chinese poetry 蜀道難 written by 李白