"We will accompany you to the outpost, brother Ethan," said Mary. She adjusted her new spirit-spider silk jacket, her posture proud as the four of them walked through the bustling streets of the citadel toward the grand outpost of the Heavenly Sword Pavilion.
"Welco, Young Master Ethan," said an elder. He bypassed the front reception desks entirely, stepping out personally from the inner chambers with a deep, respectful bow that drew the attention of everyone in the hall.
"We have been eagerly awaiting your arrival to deliver this," said the elder. He held out a velvet cushion, upon which rested a magnificent silver spatial ring. The band was intricately carved with flowing lines that perfectly resembled sharp, interlocking swords.
"Thank you, Elder," said Ethan. He took the ring, sliding it onto his finger, feeling the massive, stable void space inside humming with spiritual energy.
"This ring is an official artifact issued by the Heavenly Sword Pavilion itself," said the elder. "Because of its official status, it will not affect any of the upcoming entry trials. When you are selected—and it would be an absolute anomaly if you were not—you will be permitted to carry it with you into the sect without any additional inspections or restrictions. We truly hope you enjoy its utility."
"That is a great relief to hear," said Louisa. She smiled warmly, standing close to her husband’s side while Roy stared at the ring with open admiration.
"Young Master, a word if I may," said the elder. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping into a low, heavy whisper that only Ethan’s sharp ears could catch. "All the grand evaluators from the main sect have arrived this morning, and the political situation inside the inner circle is already chaotic. Whatever happens during these trials, do not show a single mont of weakness. You are the pride of this entire frontier border. Every single one of us here is standing right behind you."
"I understand perfectly," said Ethan. His eyes narrowed slightly, his piercing athyst gaze turning cold and sharp.
"We are counting on you, Lord Ethan," said a nearby guard. He saluted firmly as Ethan looked around the massive hall.
"May the heavens guide your blade, Young Master," said a receptionist. She bowed deeply, her eyes filled with absolute devotion.
"The entire outpost is watching," said Ethan. He looked back at his family, noting the heavy weight behind the elder’s words. The ssage was subjective, but it carried a massive undercurrent of warning; the eyes of the sect leaders were already fixed on him, and there was no turning back now. Every soldier, clerk, and guard on the frontier had placed their hopes on his shoulders, expecting him to trample over the chaos of the main sect.
"The streets were completely empty when we walked in, but now it is getting incredibly crowded," said Roy. He adjusted his heavy Star Iron plates, his eyes scanning the massive surge of newcors flooding into the plaza outside the outpost.
"Look at the way they dress," said Louisa. She instinctively pressed closer to Ethan’s side, her timid nature resurfacing slightly as she watched the crowd. "Those tunics look like they cost a fortune."
"They are not from around here," said Mary. She narrowed her eyes, her sharp suburban instincts imdiately identifying the deep arrogance rolling off the newcors. "Those are rich young masters and young mistresses from the core regions."
"The embroidery on their robes represents the major noble houses and clans," said Ethan. He watched with a cold, analytical gaze as a young man passed by wearing a deep crimson robe adorned with a roaring golden lion that seed to shimr with real spiritual energy.
"That one over there has a twisting azure dragon stitched into her sleeves," said Roy. He pointed subtly toward a proud young woman whose silk garnts were so fine they practically glowed in the morning sun. "And the group behind her all have silver storm-birds embroidered on their collars."
"It is not just their clothes, Roy," said Mary. "Look at their faces. They look like they think the dirt beneath their boots is beneath them."
"They look down on everything, even the Heavenly Sword Pavilion itself," said Louisa. "They walk as if they already own the entire citadel."
"Every single one of them is flanked by bodyguards," said Roy. He watched a haughty youth step out of a carriage, followed imdiately by two towering warriors clad from head to toe in massive, heavy iron armor that left deep thuds on the stone pavent.
"Those guards are ard to the teeth," said Mary. "They are trying to intimidate everyone before the trials even begin."
"Let them put on their little show," said Ethan. He let out a low, dangerous chuckle, his piercing athyst eyes locking onto a young noble who was glaring dismissively at the frontier cultivators around him. "They think their heavy armor and expensive silk will protect them from what is coming."
"You filthy plebeian, dare to say those words one more ti!" said a haughty youth. He broke away from his entourage, his silk robes embroidered with a fierce beast shimring as he marched directly toward Ethan with a sneer.
"My Lord, please allow to teach this dog a lesson," said one of the heavily armored bodyguards, stepping forward.
"Back off, he is mine," said the proud youth. He puffed out his chest, radiating the energy of the Body Tempering realm as he glared at Ethan, expecting the frontier man to tremble.
Ethan looked right past the youth, completely ignoring his existence as if he were looking at a piece of stone on the road.
"Shut up, you absolute imbecile!" said Roy. He stepped firmly between Ethan and the newcor, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon. "Who do you think you are? You are not even worthy of carrying my Master’s spare clothes! Go screw yourself!"
"You dare insult , you piece of trash?!" said the young noble. He was a man of incredibly short fuse, and his face instantly twisted with rage.
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From this mont forward, to avoid confusion regarding cultivation ranks, I will include this footer with the current established levels.
Note: These are only the ranks ntioned so far to avoid spoilers.
Body Refinent Realm
Skin Refinent / Bone Refinent / Organ Refinent
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
Pri 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 ??
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