Chapter 53: Rules for Surviving in the Inner Sect
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
“Sect Master, are you joking with me?”
Elder Hou stared in disbelief, his eyes wide open after a long pause.
His shock was understandable. In the Five Elements Dao Sect, it was common for inner sect disciples to be promoted to personal disciples, but never the reverse. A personal disciple being demoted to the inner sect was unheard of.
Who would be so utterly disastrous as to be expelled from their master’s tutelage? The mere thought of it was almost impossible.
Sect Master Ji Yuan coughed lightly and said, “Do I look like I’m joking? That’s how it is. Don’t ask too many questions. Just follow the order.”
Elder Hou slowly came to terms with the situation, glancing at Yu Zhao as though she were some sort of rare creature.
He had recognized her.
After all, Master Qing Yan, known as the number one cultivator in the Five Elements Dao Sect, only had seven personal disciples, and Yu Zhao was one of the more infamous ones among them.
Though infamous for her bad reputation, there wasn’t a single disciple in the sect who didn’t know her name.
Back when the rumors were at their peak, disciples often whispered about why Master Qing Yan hadn’t expelled Yu Zhao from his tutelage.
Of course, none of them believed their idle chatter would ever become reality. It was simply for amusement.
But who could have imagined that Yu Zhao would truly become the discarded disciple of Lone Moon Peak?
Elder Hou could already foresee the storm of gossip Yu Zhao would face.
He frowned and turned to Sect Master Ji Yuan. “Sect Master, how about letting her stay on your main peak for a while?”
At least there, disciples would restrain themselves somewhat.
Seeing that Elder Hou had thought of the same thing, Sect Master Ji Yuan couldn’t help but feel gratified as he patted Elder Hou’s shoulder.
Elder Hou was indeed a model elder, always considering the best interests of the sect and its disciples.
Elder Hou thought the sect master agreed, and before he could breathe a sigh of relief for Yu Zhao, Ji Yuan rejected the idea decisively.
“No. Rules are rules. Even I must adhere to sect regulations.”
Sect Master Ji Yuan puffed out his chest, exuding a righteous and unwavering demeanor. There was no trace of the desperation he had shown earlier while persuading Yu Zhao.
Elder Hou was visibly moved, feeling a tinge of guilt in his heart.
His suggestion had partly been to curry favor with the sect master, given how highly Ji Yuan seemed to regard Yu Zhao. But to his surprise, the sect master’s integrity was so noble that he outright refused.
The sect master’s magnanimity was beyond him.
“Rest assured, Sect Master, I know what to do,” Elder Hou promised, patting his chest.
Rules were rules—he was quite familiar with following them.
Sect Master Ji Yuan, still doubtful of Elder Hou’s competence, handed Yu Zhao over and leisurely strolled back to the main peak.
His eldest disciple was waiting for an update, after all.
“Follow me,” Elder Hou said.
As soon as the sect master left, Elder Hou’s demeanor turned cold.
Yu Zhao quietly followed without a hint of concern for the elder’s shift in attitude.
The inner courtyard of the Five Elements Dao Sect was located on a smaller peak south of the main peak. Hundreds of courtyards were scattered across the mountain’s slopes in an orderly fashion.
Elder Hou noticed Yu Zhao’s calm demeanor along the way and, somewhat satisfied, decided to share some basic survival rules for the inner sect out of rare generosity.
Inner sect disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect belonged to the most competitive and high-pressure group among the sect’s three tiers of disciples.
Due to the strict requirements for inner sect disciples, a ranking competition is held every six months. Any disciple who ranks among the bottom ten three consecutive times is automatically demoted to the outer sect.
On the other hand, the promotion system for outer sect disciples is much simpler: defeating an inner sect disciple in battle earns them an upgrade to the inner sect.
Conversely, an inner sect disciple who loses accumulates a demerit. Three demerits result in demotion to the outer sect.
Outer sect disciples strive to rise by defeating inner sect disciples. Meanwhile, inner sect disciples are equally determined to avoid becoming stepping stones and aim to impress elders or peak masters to secure the coveted position of personal disciple.
This creates a fiercely competitive environment: fighting for resources, reputation, and status.
The guiding principle for inner sect disciples can be summed up in one word: compete!
Yu Zhao absorbed the information provided by Elder Hou and silently formulated her own plans.
She didn’t have the time or interest to engage in the constant struggles of the inner sect. The position of personal disciple, so highly sought after by others, held no appeal for her.
All she wanted was a quiet environment to focus on her cultivation.
Surely, such a modest request wouldn’t meet with resistance, would it?
“Actually, you don’t need to worry too much,” Elder Hou said, attempting to reassure her. “With your late-stage Foundation Establishment level, few in the inner sect can match you. As long as you avoid crossing paths with a handful of individuals, you should be able to coexist peacefully.”
“Who are those individuals?” Yu Zhao asked.
At this, Elder Hou grew tight-lipped. “You’ll find out after staying here for a while. Look, there’s the inner courtyard ahead.”
Inner sect disciples had a singular focus: cultivation.
Only by cultivating could they grow stronger and protect their current status.
No cultivator wished to be surpassed by someone weaker, nor did any cultivator want to stagnate.
Thus, despite it being the prime of the day, not a single person was visible in the inner courtyard.
The moment Yu Zhao stepped into the courtyard, a stifling tension enveloped her. The very air seemed to crackle with sparks.
“Do you feel their determination?” Elder Hou asked with a chuckle.
Yu Zhao nodded.
During her time on Lone Moon Peak, individuals like Fang Cheng Lang and Cui Jue often urged her to cultivate. She had always considered herself diligent, but arriving here made her realize she had overestimated her efforts.
Elder Hou led Yu Zhao along stone stairs carved into the mountainside, heading uphill.
“Even the living arrangements in the inner courtyard follow specific rules. The strongest live at the foot of the mountain, while the weakest reside at the top. Do you know why?”
Yu Zhao thought for a moment. “It’s probably to save time.”
Living at the foot of the mountain makes it more convenient to travel anywhere.
Although the time saved compared to living at the top isn’t significant, for inner sect disciples, even the smallest difference could determine success or failure.
“Exactly,” Elder Hou affirmed. “This means the allocation of residences isn’t fixed. If you have the ability, you can live in any courtyard here. It’s also a symbol of status.”
There was a trace of provocation in Elder Hou’s tone, as if he was eager for Yu Zhao to challenge other inner sect disciples.
Yu Zhao smiled but didn’t respond.
The mountain where the inner courtyard was located was relatively low. In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, Yu Zhao and Elder Hou reached the summit.
At the center of the mountaintop was a flat expanse, and on it stood a small courtyard with blue-gray walls.
Surrounded by a wooden fence, the courtyard’s interior could be clearly seen through the gaps.
Inside was a barren expanse of land, except for an ancient tree growing in the eastern corner.
The tree’s thick trunk supported a canopy of layered branches and leaves, resembling clouds. When the wind blew, the leaves collided, producing a soothing rustling sound.
Yu Zhao immediately took a liking to the ancient tree.
Pointing at the courtyard, she said, “Elder Hou, I want to live here.”