"Foundation Establishment disciples who travel outside the sect generally possess a basic level of self-defense. Seeking breakthroughs through real-world experience is a perfectly normal practice.
If you take on a sect mission before you leave, it kills two birds with one stone. You fulfill the sect's tasks and temper yourself along the way. This is what most disciples choose to do."
"I understand, thank you for the advice, Senior Brother Song," Yun Xi said sincerely.
Song Ke continued, "Inner sect disciples usually use transmission jade slips to communicate. If it's convenient, you should get one as well. They're more secure than transmission talismans and much harder for others to intercept."
"No wonder Senior Sister Mu rarely uses talismans. So she's been relying on jade slips."
Yun Xi nodded in realization, immediately taking out spirit stones to purchase her own transmission jade slip. Zong Hao did the same beside her.
Once they had their jade slips, the three exchanged imprints of their spiritual senses so they could contact each other easily in the future. After that, they cupped their hands and took their leave.
"Yun Xi, being part of the inner sect really is something else! The cultivation resources we get every month are way better than in the outer sect. Even if it's just one mid-grade spirit stone, that's a hundred times better than what we used to get," Zong Hao said in a hushed tone, a bit awestruck.
"Of course. People strive upward. We shouldn't limit ourselves to just Weiyu Realm."
"Our sights should be set on the Immortal Realm, naturally!"
Zong Hao's eyes gleamed with longing.
This time, their new residence was located in the Inner Five Peaks. Zong Hao only managed to secure a place here thanks to Yun Xi, who, with her mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, had the privilege of choosing quarters closer to the core of the Inner Nine Peaks—where the spiritual energy was far richer.
Taking a deep breath, Zong Hao murmured, "The spiritual energy here is so dense… I feel like just breathing it in boosts my cultivation."
Yun Xi wasn't particularly impressed. The Xianling Grass she cultivated created an even richer environment for her training. Still, it was undeniable that the inner sect's spiritual energy far surpassed the outer sect.
"Zong Hao, I'm planning to handle a few things, then go into seclusion for a while. At least three to four years. What about you?"
Zong Hao didn't seem surprised. Yun Xi might have broken through via a sudden insight, but she still needed time to stabilize her cultivation. If her mindset didn't keep pace with her realm, it could become a hidden danger. He had his own plans as well.
"I just advanced to Foundation Establishment too, so I'll be going into seclusion to consolidate my realm. That should take about a year. Afterward, I want to take the assessment for Dan Peak."
"You're thinking of pursuing the path of pill refinement?"
Scratching his head, Zong Hao said, "I'm not sure if I have the talent for it, but I'd like to give it a try."
Yun Xi nodded. "That's a good idea. After all, with our two-hundred-year lifespan post-Foundation Establishment, you can afford to explore. Eventually, you'll find your own Dao."
Zong Hao chuckled. "Yun Xi, now that we've reached Foundation Establishment, we're allowed to return to our clans. When do you plan to go back?"
Even if Zong Hao hadn't brought it up, Yun Xi was already planning to return. The things her mother left behind were still stored with the Feng family. She also intended to confront that scumbag father of hers, and investigate the truth behind her mother's "fall." If her father had any hand in it, she would make sure to settle both old and new debts in full.
She thought for a moment, then replied, "After I come out of seclusion, I'll make a trip back. Do you want to come with me, or go ahead on your own?"
Zong Hao looked hesitant. Since entering the sect, he hadn't ventured out on his own. He couldn't compare to Yun Xi in that regard. So he replied, "Once I've stabilized my cultivation, I'll take on some sect missions to build my combat strength. I also need to exchange for a technique that suits me. By the time I've taken care of all that, you'll probably be out of seclusion. Then we can go together."
"Alright. If anything changes, just leave me a message through the transmission jade slip."
With that settled, the two finally arrived at their new residence.
The inner sect living quarters were neatly arranged four-sided courtyards, enclosed by wooden fences. Each one came with a small yard for planting spirit herbs or spirit rice. There were three rooms in a row that could be arranged freely, furnished only with the most basic necessities.
They pushed their identity tokens into the courtyard's entrance. A gentle blue light emerged, supporting the tokens as if verifying their identities. A moment later, a faint barrier shimmered into view. This must be the courtyard's protective formation.
After confirming their identities, the formation opened a path, allowing them to enter.
Zong Hao and Yun Xi exchanged nods and agreed to meet half an hour later to finish handling their remaining business in the outer sect. Then each went into their respective new quarters.
As soon as Yun Xi stepped into the courtyard, her identity token returned to her hand, and the protective formation closed behind her. She understood that this token served as the key to the formation. The barrier could even block the spiritual sense of Nascent Soul cultivators, offering decent security.
She spent the next half hour planting a few spirit flowers in the courtyard to brighten the space. Then she assigned the three rooms: one as a reception hall, one for cultivation, and one for talisman drawing and pill refinement.
After that, she changed into her new inner sect robes. The robe was still blue, but now featured refined trim of dark gold around the collar and cuffs, giving her a much more distinguished appearance. She also adjusted her Ruyi Boots to match.
Feeling quite pleased, Yun Xi conjured a water mirror and admired her reflection. Her features had grown even more delicate, and she noticed she had grown another two centimeters—now reaching a full 162 cm.
Though still shorter than most other cultivators, she was content. After all, training with the interstellar body refinement technique hadn't stunted her growth. She believed she still had room to grow, and that was enough.
After everything was in order, she went to meet up with Zong Hao, who had also changed into his inner sect robes. The two shared a smile, then vanished from sight as they made their way to the outer sect.
At the outer sect disciple hall, Manager Zheng saw two Foundation Establishment cultivators approaching and rose with a cheerful smile.
"Is there something the two of you need from the outer sect?"
Yun Xi cupped her hands respectfully. "Manager Zheng, we've just been promoted to the inner sect. We're here to settle a few matters left behind in the outer sect."
Manager Zheng glanced at Wei Zonghao and his smile deepened. "So you're the one who crossed the tribulation recently, Junior Brother!"
Zong Hao also cupped his hands and replied modestly, "It was just good fortune that allowed me to break through while still in the outer sect."
After some polite exchanges, they dissolved their outer sect residences and returned their medicinal fields. Yun Xi didn't ask for any rent refunds, treating it as compensation for vacating early.
Manager Zheng could tell that this pair of Wei family siblings were extraordinary and wanted to build a good relationship. As a result, everything was handled smoothly. They even exchanged transmission jade slips before parting.
"Zong Hao, let's send out word to the others. Let them know the good news."
"Sure, I'll send the transmission talismans."
As he spoke, Zong Hao sent out the messages—this time remembering to include Wei Yunqing.
Afterward, they made their way to Wei Zongyu's courtyard. Unfortunately, he was still in seclusion. Wei Zongjin, however, came out to greet them immediately.
The moment he saw their inner sect robes, it would've been a lie to say he wasn't envious. But he had already reached the eighth layer of Qi Refinement, and breaking through to the ninth wasn't far off. He had full confidence in his own prospects.
"Yun Xi, Zong Hao, congratulations on entering the inner sect."
"Thank you. I'm sure you'll be there soon too. We'll be waiting for you," Zong Hao said with a smile.
"Alright."
Wei Zongjin nodded and invited them to sit in the courtyard.
"Zongjin, I've already informed the others and asked them to meet here. Sorry to trouble you."