Chapter 31

The next morning came quickly as Jiang Tao found himself in a cramped hall, for their first lesson at the twilight flame sect. The room was dimly lit, with beams of sunlight filtering through small, circular windows, casting faint patterns on the stone floor. Rows of wooden benches lined the room, filled to capacity with nervous disciples.

It wasn't very comfortable; the benches were hard, the lecture was boring and the Twilight Flame sect disciples couldn't stop staring, he could feel someone's hot breath on his neck.

Is personal space a foreign concept to them? He thought in annoyance.

Every one of them was acting shamelessly, trying to gain the favor of the newly arrived disciples from the Celestial Illumination Sect. They crowded close, asking questions, offering advice, or simply trying to catch their attention.

Jiang Tao found it exhausting. He just wanted to focus on the lecture, even if it was dry and uninspiring.

He could only think of what position Zhang Yuhan was in as royalty or even Zhou Yixing who came from a cultivator clan because even a nobody like him was getting attention.

The instructor, an elder with a gaunt face and a wispy beard droned on about the history of the Twilight Flame Sect, emphasizing its long-standing traditions and contributions to the greater cultivation world.

Tao tried to pay attention, but his mind kept drifting. The lecture was supposed to be about the Twilight Flame Sect’s history, yet it felt more like a self-aggrandizing tale meant to instill a sense of awe. He couldn’t help but feel it was a thinly veiled attempt to make the sect look amazing in the eyes of the newcomers.

“We are not a sect of glory-seekers, but of steadfast cultivators who understand the true essence of the flame,” the elder intoned, gesturing at a mural on the far wall depicting a great phoenix engulfed in fire. “The flame represents the eternal cycle of destruction and rebirth, of cleansing and renewal.”

Even the Twilight Flame disciples weren't paying attention. Some whispered among themselves, while others sneaked glances at the imperial disciples, their eyes filled with equal parts envy and admiration.

The lesson dragged on, but eventually, the elder finished his spiel, ending with a stern reminder about the importance of discipline and adherence to sect rules. As the disciples filed out, Jiang Tao felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned to see Yixing, a wry smile on his face.

“Didn’t expect our first day to be a history lesson,” Yixing said, stretching his arms above his head.

“Seems like they want to bore us into submission first,” Tao replied, “This is a waste of time.”

Before Yixing could respond, Yuhan joined them, his face a mask of annoyance. “That was a waste of time,” he muttered, rubbing his temples. “They’re treating us like we’re outer disciples who just learned of cultivation.”

When he looked around, he noticed they had attracted a few hanger-ons just by stopping to talk. The conversation paused.

“Juniors can we assist you?" Yixing asked the small crowd. The gathered hanger-ons shrunk back not expecting confrontation.

“Please, if you have questions, just ask,” Yixing said, trying to keep his tone friendly but firm. “We’re just trying to settle in.”

However, a young man with a mop of unruly brown hair and an overly enthusiastic demeanor stepped forward. “I’m Wei Yichen,” he said with an eager grin. “If seniors need any help getting to know the sect. I’ll be happy to assist!”

Jiang Tao exchanged a glance with Yixing and Yuhan. The enthusiasm from Wei Yichen seemed genuine, if a bit overwhelming.

“Thank you, Wei Yichen,” Jiang Tao said, trying to sound appreciative despite his fatigue. “We could use some guidance around here.”

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Wei Yichen’s face lit up even more at the opportunity to assist. “Great! I know this place like the back of my hand, so I know the ins and outs of the sect pretty well. Follow me, and I’ll show you around.”

As they followed Wei Yichen out of the hall, the young man chattered away about the various areas of the sect, including where to find the best meditation spots, the most revered elders, and the best places to avoid. The guy ended up being quite pleasant to be around.

“How long have you been here?” He couldn't help but ask.

Wei Yichen visibly deflated, a sigh escaping his lips. “Four years senior…”

Four years and he still hasn't reached foundation stage? I forget my experience is not normal. He thought.

Yixing beside him grimaced at his answer.

They had started cultivation two years after him and they were about to reach Core Formation. Tao couldn't imagine cultivating that slowly.

"Ah, that's not too bad Junior Wei Yichen, You're only 18, mid qi awakening stage is great for your age. Stick around with us I’m sure we’ll help you out." Yuhan said with an encouraging smile.

Yichen's face brightened at Yuhan's encouragement. "Thank you! Your Highness. I appreciate that. I'll definitely take you up on that offer."

Yuhan’s smile tightened at the title. “Just Zhang Yuhan is fine,” he corrected gently.

“Of course! Yuhan…” He said trying out the name.

Curious about the daily life in the sect, Jiang Tao asked, “So what’s the daily routine like for outer disciples?”

“A mandatory morning lecture every three days, the rest is up to you. We all get a copy of a manual that fits our affinities and cultivate at our own pace. Other lessons cost contribution points to attend. You gain points by doing tasks around the sect. Pills are given monthly and every year five disciples can join the inner sect.”

“Affinities?” Jiang Tao asked, realizing it was a concept he hadn’t encountered before.

“Ah, Brother Tao is probably not familiar with affinities,” Yixing chimed in, “Our assessments didn't test for them. The easiest way to put it is those at the lowest talent grade typically have one affinity, those a step higher two, and so on. At the highest level, you have an affinity for everything, the perfect body for the Dao. Do you understand?”

Jiang Tao nodded, trying to process the concept of affinities. “So if I understand correctly,” he said, “having more affinities means you’re considered more talented?”

Yixing nodded “Exactly! Exactly. But it’s not the only measure of potential... The Cold Moon lady is said to have been born with a lacking talent but she became an Empyrean”

Tao thought about it trying to wrap his mind around it. Being confined to a single path seemed stifling, he had thought all cultivators had free choice in what path they wanted to use to achieve immortality.

Curious, Jiang Tao turned to Wei Yichen. “What affinities do you have, Junior Brother Wei?”

Wei Yichen hesitated before answering, “I have four—water, wood, metal, and earth…”

Yixing winced at the answer, “The heavens were not kind. One affinity away from being able to cultivate the 5 phases,”

Jiang Tao resisted the mental urge to facepalm at Yixing's reaction. Tact get some.

Wei Yichen’s face fell at Yixing’s comment, the enthusiasm in his eyes dimming. The atmosphere grew awkward for a moment as Jiang Tao searched for something to say to lift the mood.

“Actually,” Jiang Tao said, trying to sound encouraging, “having four affinities is still impressive. Many cultivators would envy that.” He wasn't sure about that but the guy needed a pick me up.

Yuhan, sensing the need to change the subject, cleared his throat. “So, You said something about contribution points?”

“Oh yes, you can earn contribution points by doing tasks around the sect. The grand hall is where you’ll find most of these tasks posted. Contribution points can be used to attend lessons, buy pills, and get access to more cultivation techniques.”

Interesting system. They would have to earn things here.

“Would Senior Jiang permit me to ask a question?” Yichen asked tentatively.

Jiang Tao nodded. “Sure,”

“What clan are you from? I’m not familiar with the Jiang clan. Is it a minor clan?”

Tao could not help but chuckle, “No, Junior Brother Wei I’m from a village called Persimmon Peak in the west. My parents raise pigs,” he said with a smile.

He could understand the confusion. Most of his peers were from Western Sun Dominion's upper ranks. The disparity was insane.

Wei Yichen’s eyes widened in surprise. “You must be a favored son of the Heavens. ”

Jiang Tao waved off the compliment with a shrug. Maybe he was after all he had been reincarnated here after dying in his first life.

He was split on whether gaining a spot in the Celestial Illumination sect was good considering they would have to murder each other eventually but it wasn't too bad all things considered.

“Thank you, Wei Yichen,” Jiang Tao said as they reached the end of the tour. “You’ve been a great help.”

Wei Yichen’s face beamed with gratitude. “It was my pleasure, seniors. If you need anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”