Lin Feng remained blissfully unaware that he had already drawn the malicious attention of a petty schemer. Unlike the others buzzing with excitement over joining the Lingyue Sect, he felt no such fervor. To him, this place was likely just a temporary stopover, not somewhere he intended to remain forever.
All that talk about "once you join the Lingyue Sect, your life and death belong to it" was just hot air, as far as he was concerned.
His primary goal in coming was, of course, to obtain the Snow Sprout Pills. Additionally, if an opportunity arose, learning the art of alchemy would be a welcome bonus. However, he suspected the latter goal might be difficult to achieve.
Even though he had joined the Lingyue Sect, he was merely an Outer Sect disciple. With his low-grade fire spiritual roots, it was highly improbable that any elder within the sect would take notice and accept him as a disciple. This meant the chances of learning profound alchemical techniques were slim at best.
It was still too early; many things remained uncertain. Lin Feng didn't even know how to obtain the Snow Sprout Pills yet. He needed time to settle in, familiarize himself with the sect, and then formulate a plan.
Since I'm here, I might as well settle in. Lin Feng dismissed excessive speculation and focused on cultivating peacefully in his room...
...
The night passed uneventfully. The following day, a resonant chime from outside roused Lin Feng from his cultivation. By the time he tidied up and stepped out of his room, he found several 'senior brothers' waiting in the large courtyard outside. Di Xuan stood at their head.
Lin Feng had gleaned some basic information yesterday. He knew Di Xuan was the head disciple of the South Courtyard, the chief disciple of Zhou Xiantai, and that all South Courtyard disciples fell under Zhou Xiantai's overall management.
The Lingyue Sect was divided into four main courtyards: East, South, West, and North, each overseen by a Golden Core stage Elder. Above them were the Sect Leader and Vice Sect Leader, with rumors suggesting the Sect Leader was already a Nascent Soul stage cultivator.
New initiates, unless exceptionally fortunate like Xia Xin who was directly chosen as a personal disciple by an elder, all started as Outer Sect disciples. Only after a period of time, and demonstrating commendable performance, might they gain the favor of an elder, becoming a nominal disciple or even a personal disciple. This elevated them to Inner Sect disciple status, granting access to superior instruction and resources.
Outer Sect disciples without a formal master could only learn the most rudimentary alchemical skills. Even routine lessons were often taught by senior disciples. Furthermore, all the miscellaneous chores and duties within the sect fell squarely on the shoulders of the Outer Sect disciples.
The structure of a cultivation sect was incredibly complex. What Lin Feng knew so far was merely fragmentary; the rest would require time and experience to understand fully.
Di Xuan had mentioned yesterday that specific arrangements would be made for the new batch today. Everyone remembered this. As the chime echoed, disciples quickly emerged from their rooms. Soon, all the newcomers, including the few mortals, had gathered in the courtyard.
Seeing everyone assembled, Di Xuan cleared his throat lightly. "From this day forth, you are Outer Sect disciples of the Lingyue Sect. Diligence and merit may earn you the chance to become a nominal disciple, or even a personal disciple, of one of our esteemed elders." His gaze swept over them. "Until that potential day arrives, however, your focus must be on fulfilling your current responsibilities! Beyond diligently completing the tasks assigned by the sect, your paramount duty is to study alchemy."
He gestured to a disciple beside him holding a stack of jade slips. "Shortly, each of you will receive a jade slip containing an introductory text on the Pill Path. You have ten days to memorize its contents entirely. After that, I myself will commence your instruction." His tone hardened slightly. "Periodic examinations will follow. Failure to pass... will result in expulsion from the sect!"
"Now," he continued briskly, "we proceed to assign your duties. Your accommodations will also be rearranged accordingly."
After this brief address, Di Xuan began assigning individuals.
"The junior brothers and sisters who haven't yet begun cultivation training, follow Senior Sister Lu Le." He nodded towards a pleasantly plump young woman beside him. "She will instruct you in the sect's foundational cultivation method. As a special consideration, you will not be assigned additional tasks for now. Focus solely on your studies these coming days."
Senior Sister Lu Le stepped forward and guided the mortal disciples aside.
Di Xuan resumed, "Xue Ziqi, you will report directly to me. Your duty will involve recording and distributing spiritual herbs within the sect. There are living quarters within the Herb Repository. Come with me shortly."
Xue Ziqi blinked, then a wave of barely contained delight flashed in his eyes. "Yes! Senior Brother Di!" he responded eagerly. Managing the herbs! A lucrative post! His heart raced. The 'gift' of over a hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones last night was clearly paying dividends. Worth every stone!
"Wei Chengze, Guo Nancheng, Ji Yan," Di Xuan called next. "You three will work in the South Courtyard kitchen. Follow Senior Brother Li Qingcai now; he will detail your responsibilities."
"Zhu Qu, Zhao Meifang, you will be assigned to the Spirit Herb Gardens..."
"Xu Yiqian, Liang Kaixuan, you will be responsible for night patrol duties..."
"Chang Yi, Fan Min, Zhou Quchang, you..."
"..."
Di Xuan systematically assigned each new initiate. Gradually, almost everyone received their posting—except Lin Feng.
Lin Feng waited patiently for his own assignment. He noted the varying nature of the tasks Di Xuan doled out. Xue Ziqi's job was undeniably a cushy position. Working in the kitchen also seemed decent, likely ensuring ample access to spirit-nourishing food. Even the Spirit Herb Gardens assignment had its perks...
As Di Xuan continued, however, the subsequent tasks seemed progressively less desirable. An uneasy feeling began to knot in Lin Feng's stomach, especially when he inadvertently caught Xue Ziqi casting a mocking glance his way. The sense of foreboding intensified.
Finally, Di Xuan's gaze settled on Lin Feng. His tone was flat, almost indifferent. "Lin Feng, your assignment is the Spirit Beast Garden, located in the rear mountains. Proceed there yourself shortly to report. A senior disciple will be waiting to hand over your duties."
"Spirit Beast Garden?" Lin Feng was momentarily stunned before comprehension dawned. So... I'm to be a beast keeper?
"Correct," Di Xuan stated impassively. "The Spirit Beast Garden houses the spirit beasts belonging to the Sect Leader and several Elders. Your responsibility will be their care. This is a task of utmost importance. Perform it diligently. Should any harm befall these beasts and the elders take offense... the consequences will be far beyond your capacity to bear."
"..." Lin Feng frowned slightly. After a brief silence, he nodded. "I understand. I will do my best."
The picture was now crystal clear. Di Xuan was deliberately making things difficult for him. Others had been assigned in groups of two or three; he was alone. Their tasks were within the South Courtyard; his was isolated in the rear mountains. They had senior disciples to guide them; he was sent alone. Most tellingly, the undisguised glee in Xue Ziqi's eyes confirmed he had anticipated this outcome.
Moreover, tending to the precious spirit beasts of the sect's highest authorities was bound to be arduous, thankless labor.
Hearing Lin Feng's assignment, the other initiates also reacted with surprise. Those who had felt slightly dissatisfied with their own postings suddenly found them much more palatable...
"Understood? Everyone, come forward to receive your introductory Pill Path jade slip—except those without cultivation training; you will receive manuals later." Di Xuan ignored Lin Feng, addressing the group before beginning to distribute the slips.
Just then, Lin Feng saw Xue Ziqi sauntering towards him, a false smile plastered on his face.
"Junior Brother Lin Feng," Xue Ziqi said, his tone dripping with false concern, "why the hesitation? Here, this is your jade slip."
He 'helpfully' extended a jade slip towards Lin Feng. As he pressed it into Lin Feng's hand, he leaned in, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper only Lin Feng could hear. "I've heard the beasts in the Spirit Beast Garden are quite... temperamental. I do hope you'll still find time for cultivation and alchemy..." His smile widened into a malicious smirk. "Oh, and I also heard some of them have rather... poor tempers. Do be careful. Wouldn't want you mistaken for feed... Hah!"
He finished with a short, derisive laugh, turned on his heel, and walked away.