"Master, the logistics elder mentioned that all newly admitted disciples have the right to visit the Pavilion of Scriptures today," said Roy. He carefully stored his blank jade plaque into his belt. "We are permitted to select one basic martial skill to begin our official training. Would you like to go now?"

"It sounds acceptable," said Ethan. He adjusted the crisp sleeves of his deep blue dragon robes. "Let’s go. I will accompany you."

The two of them walked out of the logistics hall, their identical white robes cutting a clean path through the winding, mountain-side corridors. The sun had completely vanished now, replaced by the soft, ethereal glow of spirit stones embedded into the ancient stone arches. The pathways were bustling with older disciples returning from their daily missions or martial training, their eyes sharp and calculating as they inspected the fresh batch of rookies.

As Ethan and Roy approached the central plaza that led toward the grand archives, the heavy sound of approaching boots echoed from a covered stone bridge.

Walking at the front of the group was the direct grandson of the Sword Saint. His torso and left arm were still heavily wrapped in thick, medicine-soaked linen bandages, but his pale face was twisted into a look of absolute arrogance. Standing right beside him was a tall, broad-shouldered youth whose immaculate white robes bore a striking difference—the coiled dragons embroidered on his sleeves were not deep blue, but a vibrant, burning orange.

An elite main outer disciple.

"Well, look what we have here," said the Sword Saint’s grandson. His voice was dripping with venom as he stepped directly into their path, forcing Ethan and Roy to halt. "If it isn’t the lucky dog who snuck through the side door."

The older disciple with the orange dragons took a step forward, his suffocating spiritual pressure instantly flaring out to blanket the stone bridge. He looked down at Roy with absolute, unadulterated disdain.

"So you are the trash who dared to injure my younger cousin through cheap, underhanded tricks in the valley," said the senior disciple, his voice booming across the plaza, attracting the attention of dozens of nearby onlookers. "A filthy commoner from the borderlands who doesn’t even possess an official sect rank. Kneel down, hand over your storage ring as compensation for his medical pills, and perhaps I will allow you to crawl to the archives in one piece."

The blatant, aggressive provocation caused the surrounding crowd to whisper in excitement, many expecting the wild, suicidal commoner to instantly snap and draw his blade.

However, Roy didn’t move a single muscle. He stood perfectly straight, his expression entirely calm and stoic, though his hand remained casually resting on the hilt of his katana. He had trained savagely in the with Ethan, and he knew exactly how the politics of these sects worked.

"I respectfully decline, Senior Brother," said Roy, his voice clear, steady, and entirely devoid of fear. "According to the explicit, foundational laws of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion, higher-ranking or senior disciples are strictly prohibited from forcing a lower-ranking, unranked junior into an unsanctioned duel. If you wish to take my ring, you will have to wait until the official monthly arena challenges open."

The senior disciple’s face instantly contorted with intense rage, his knuckles cracking loudly beneath his silk sleeves. Roy was entirely correct—the sect’s enforcement division was ruthlessly strict about maintaining the hierarchy’s legal boundaries to prevent senior disciples from completely wiping out the incoming talent before they could grow.

"You snarky little rat..." said the senior disciple, his energy flaring violently, yet he didn’t dare to strike. "You think the law can protect your pathetic neck forever? Enjoy your walk to the archives, because the moment the arena gates open, I will personally ensure you lose more than just an arm."

"I will remember your invitation, Senior Brother," said Roy, maintaining his absolute composure as he subtly stepped aside, completely refusing to grant them the satisfaction of a reaction.

Ethan casually rolled his shoulders, his piercing amethyst eyes watching the furious departure of the noble heirs before he cast a sideways glance at his student.

"You should have just handed over your rings," said Ethan, his voice flat and perfectly serious. "You went and made yourself a massive enemy over a couple of worthless trinkets."

Roy blinked, looking completely taken leagues aback by his master’s sudden lack of bloodlust. "But Master... I don’t even own a spatial ring. And I highly doubt those snobs would have believed me if I told them I was empty-handed."

"Haha, I know," said Ethan. A low, thoroughly amused chuckle broke through his lips as he clapped Roy on the back, dropping the serious act instantly. "I was only messing with you. But remember this: if any of those dogs actually try to cross the line and attack you in the dark, kill them. Don’t restrain yourself for a second."

"I wouldn’t dream of it, Big Brother," said Roy, a relieved grin finally cracking across his face.

The two of them exchanged a few more dry, dark jokes as they continued down the stone pathway, the heavy tension of the encounter completely evaporating beneath their casual banter. They moved past the grand stone arches and beautifully manicured courtyards of the outer peak until they finally stood before a massive, towering pagoda carved entirely from ancient gray jade.

Towering above the entrance was a massive wooden plaque etched with sharp, dominant brushstrokes that pulsed with a faint, warning sword qi: The Pavilion of Scriptures.

-------------------

From this moment forward, to avoid confusion regarding cultivation ranks, I will include this footer with the current established levels.

Note: These are only the ranks mentioned so far to avoid spoilers.

Body Refinement Realm

Skin Refinement / Bone Refinement / Organ Refinement

Spiritual Gathering Realm

Spiritual Perception / Spiritual Mist / Spiritual Condensation

Spiritual Core Realm

Core Solidification / Core Awakening / Spiritual Collapse (Half-step Spiritual Core)

Spiritual Soul Realm

Spiritual Soul Awakening / Soul Nourishing / Soul-Core Fusion

Golden Core Realm

Prime Fusion / Core Perfection / Core Destruction

Spiritual Sea Realm

Stage 1 ?? / Stage 2 ?? / Stage 3 ??

Dao Manifestation Realm

Stage 1 ?? / Stage 2 ?? / Stage 3 ??

Spiritual Transcendence

Stage 1 ?? / Stage 2 ?? / Stage 3 ??