As he observed the prisoners, a small group began to form around one particular cell. A tall, broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his left cheek approached Qin Rong's cell. His presence commanded attention, and more disciples gathered to watch the spectacle unfold.

"Well, Qin Rong," the man said with a smirk, his voice dripping with disdain, "I heard the Law Enforcement extracted all the information from you."

Zhen moved closer, drawn by the intensity of the confrontation.

Qin Rong's eyes blazed with anger, the veins in his neck bulging as he spat back, "You think you know everything? You know nothing, fool. My sect—"

The man cut him off with a harsh chuckle. "Oh, save it. Send your pathetic emergency talisman to your sect. Maybe they'll bail you out to save face. Then I could get a cut from dragging you here."

Qin Rong's face turned crimson with fury, his fists clenching so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "You wretch! I'll see you rot before I give you anything!"

The man chuckled and stepped back, clearly enjoying Qin Rong’s reaction.

Qin Rong's fists clenched as he struggled against his restraints, his eyes burning with hatred. The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, clearly entertained by the exchange.

So Qin Rong could only serve as a money bag. The sect really is greedy enough to extract every spirit stone. Sure, it was cutthroat and merciless from previous Li Zhen memory, but it also had its moments of sheer absurdity that he was experiencing.

Moving on, he joined the line of Outer Disciples waiting for their turn at the reception desk. The air buzzed with chatter, the line moving steadily. As he waited, his attention was drawn to the disciple before him. A sword was strapped to the back of the red-robed disciple.

The man at the reception desk raised an eyebrow slightly. "Ah, Lan Mei, it's good to see you again. Did you fail to complete your latest mission?"

The red-robed disciple shifted slightly, revealing a more delicate frame than he had initially noticed. A cold, clear voice addressed the elder, and he realized with a start that the disciple was a girl. "No, Elder Zhou. The traitors have been dealt with."

Elder Zhou nodded, starting to return to his no-nonsense demeanor. "It's alright if you fai— Wait, did you say you eradicated them?"

"Yes, Elder Zhou. They will no longer be a threat to our sect." Lan Mei placed a blood-soaked bag on the desk, red droplets dripping from it.

Zhen almost lost his stomach as the smell of the blood assaulted his nose, and he saw three round-shaped objects inside the bag. His heart raced as he realized they were the severed heads of the traitors. The sight was shocking, a harsh introduction to the brutal realities of the cultivation world he had only expected but not experienced personally.

Elder Zhou's stern expression faltered, "Wasn't the mission issued only three days prior?" He muttered as he checked inside the bag.

Thankfully for Zhen's stomach, the elder only gave it a casual look before the bag, and all the bloodstains were removed with a flick of his wrist. A smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back slightly. "Impressive, Lan Mei. You continue to exceed our expectations. The sect is fortunate to have you."

Lan Mei bowed slightly, her expression softening for a brief moment. "Thank you, Elder Zhou. I will continue to serve the sect to the best of my abilities."

Elder Zhou's smile faded, his demeanor once again serious, but with a hint of pride in his eyes. "Good. Report to the Law Enforcement if you want to deal with more traitors. And take some time to rest; you've earned it."

As Lan Mei turned to leave, Zhen maintained his eyes straight toward the reception. He didn't want to cause problems by trying to observe this ruthless cultivator. Sure enough, jade beauties and sword cultivators should be kept at arm's length.

Next, it was his turn.

At the reception desk, the elder had already returned to his no-nonsense demeanor. His gaze flicked over Zhen, assessing him with a brief, calculating look before nodding slightly, seemingly approving of his composed demeanor.

“Name?” The elder's voice was brisk, with none of the earlier warmth, more like a command.

"Li Zhen," he responded clearly, meeting the elder’s gaze with steady eyes.

The elder’s eyes flicked over him again, this time with a hint of curiosity. "Nominal Disciple Li Zhen, why are you here?"

Zhen maintained his composure under the scrutinous look. "I'm here to receive my Outer Sect uniform and badge, sir."

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Handing over the badge given by Senior Brother Feng Ling, he watched as the elder's expression softened slightly.

"When did you reach the ninth realm?" the elder asked in rapid-fire succession.

"This morning," Zhen replied.

"Where?"

"Inside the Qi Gathering Cave."

"Show me your previous badge."

"Here." Zhen produced the old badge that he found in his robes, holding it out.

The elder took it, eyes flicking over the details, before asking a few more questions. As Zhen answered the rapid firing of questions, the elder picked out a register. He noticed a quill floating in the air, its tip scratching across the parchment as it recorded the information. Then, the elder reached under the counter, bringing out a neatly folded set of robes and a small, velvet-lined box.

The elder handed the items back to Zhen. "Here are your Quasi Outer Sect robes and your disciple badge. The badge must be worn at all times within sect grounds. It’s your proof of identity and rank."

He accepted the robes and badge, feeling the weight of the fabric and the cool metal of the badge against his skin. The robes were a deep blue, almost black, with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered subtly in the light. He opened the box to find a badge made of polished, dark metal etched with the sect’s emblem—a soaring phoenix.

"Thank you, Elder Zhao," he said, accepting the items. He felt the weight of the badge in his hand, a tangible symbol of his new beginning.

"Now, as for your duties," the elder continued, "you are required to complete one non-intensive task for the sect in the next six months. You can choose from tasks like working in the spirit garden, going outside for expeditions, or clearing the Devil Cave. If you're looking for something that pays more, check the bulletin board over there."

The elder pointed towards a large wooden board on the wall to his right, filled with various postings. "Most new disciples start with simpler tasks—tending to the spirit gardens, guarding the sect's lesser halls, or assisting in the kitchens. These tasks help you integrate and understand the daily workings of the sect while in your six months grace period."

Zhen's mind, however, was already on more ambitious goals. "Which of these tasks would be the most financially rewarding?" he asked, his tone casual but his intent clear.

The elder replied promptly, as if he had been asked this question numerous times before. "If it’s the spirit stones you’re after, check the bulletin board for assignments outside the sect. Some involve more risk, like escorting traders or gathering rare ingredients from the wilds, but they pay accordingly. However, going outside might hinder your growth to become a Foundation Establishment."

"Thank you for the advice, honorable elder." he said, turning towards the bulletin board to inspect the postings more closely. Being courteous should have earned him some brownie points.

Just as he was about to take a step, Zhen felt his body stopping. He was confused and a little fearful as his body turned towards the elder automatically.

"Youngsters these days are always in such a rush," the elder commented with a similar sharp tone. "Your registration is not completed. You’ll have the chance to select one Foundation Establishment martial arts technique from the Martial Arts Pavilion. In three months, you would get permission to either pick a new refining technique or upgrade your previous technique. Now sign your name here."

Elder Zhao forwarded a register with a entry in his name. The previous Li Zhen memory easily helped him understand the language so he made a quick sign.

Zhen waited, expecting more information. Elder Zhao glanced at him and added, "That is all you need to know. You can go now."

Thanking the elder, Zhen stepped towards the bulletin board, scanning the various postings. The board was cluttered with flyers and scrolls, each describing different tasks with their corresponding rewards. There were tasks for gathering herbs, hunting beasts, and even more dangerous assignments for higher.

Some were mundane, suited for those looking to avoid risk, while others promised adventure and substantial payment for those willing to brave dangers.

Zhen's eyes skimmed over the postings,

Gather ten Moonlight Herbs from the Misty Forest - 5 Foundation Establishment spirit stones.

Escort a merchant caravan to the Western Pass - 7 Foundation Establishment spirit stones.

Hunt down the Ironclaw Bear in the Blackwood - 22 Foundation Establishment spirit stones.

He mentally calculated his options, considering the dangers and rewards. His debt loomed in his mind, pushing him to seek the higher-paying, riskier tasks.

I need to solve the question of my debt. And fast. Nothing else matters right now. Zhen paced around one of the corners of the Outer Sect Hall, feeling the cold wood floor beneath his foot.

He cast a glance at the task board, examining the available options for what felt like the hundredth time. After ten minutes of scrutinizing the list, he had a rough idea of all the tasks available. Most of them fell into two categories: inside and outside sect tasks. Unsurprisingly, the tasks outside the sect paid more.

He paused, contemplating the choices before him. Tasks inside the sect would allow him to maintain a rigorous cultivation schedule, crucial for reaching the Foundation Establishment without disruptions.

He would have the time and stability to focus on his practice, making steady progress without the added dangers of the outside world.

On the other hand, the tasks outside the sect offered higher pay, a tempting prospect that could help him clear his debt much faster. But the risks were significant. Venturing outside the sect meant facing unpredictable dangers, and the time spent away from his cultivation could slow his advancement, possibly jeopardizing his long-term goals.

The dilemma chewed at him, pulling him in two directions. Inside sect tasks offered a safe and steady path, aligning with his long-term aspirations of progressing through the cultivation realms. Yet, the immediate pressure of his debt made the lucrative outside tasks tantalizingly appealing.

As he debated the question, he weighed the long-term benefits against the short-term urgency. Tasks inside the sect meant a slower, more secure route to power, while outside tasks promised quick relief but at the risk of his future potential.

Finally, after thinking long and hard, Zhen made his decision. The long-term goal of reaching Foundation Establishment and beyond was too important to jeopardize. He needed stability and uninterrupted practice to ensure his future strength. With a sigh, he resolved to take the tasks inside the sect, accepting that the path to clearing his debt would be slower but safer.

But there should be other ways for him to earn spirit stones. He should be able to monetize his daily insights from the golden words.