Lucy continued explaining, her voice gradually taking on the scholarly tone of someone who had spent considerable time studying the inner workings of the cultivation world.
"Within the Rising Dragon Academy, disciples are divided into three principal grades: Outer Disciples, Inner Disciples, and Core Disciples. Each grade represents more than a difference in cultivation. It determines the resources a disciple can access, the responsibilities they must fulfill, and the degree of authority they possess within the academy."
Travis listened attentively.
They had discussed cultivation techniques, physiques, and combat abilities countless times, but he was beginning to realize that understanding the academy's power structure was equally important.
A cultivator could possess extraordinary talent and still struggle if they lacked access to resources. Conversely, someone with the right connections could obtain opportunities that remained inaccessible to others.
