Elder Ren escorted Agois to the valley filled with serial complexes and settled him in Courtyard 27. Agois instantly fell in love with the valley; with its lake, colorful trees, and flowers, it offered a natural and refreshing atmosphere. The courtyards here were spacious and boasted luxurious architecture and furnishings. Agois was utterly mesmerized by his own courtyard. He understood that the Inner Sect disciples truly received excellent treatment.
Elder Ren smiled, pleased by Agois's expression. He tapped Agois on the shoulder and warned him with a serious tone: "If you grow stronger, you will access far better resources and better protect yourself and your loved ones. But if you see this comfort and slacken your efforts, child, the Sect will revoke these privileges. Therefore, never lose your motivation. Remember, you are safe nowhere; your safety is only secured by your own strength."
Agois understood the intent and the Elder's good will. He already possessed this awareness. Looking at Elder Ren, he replied respectfully and seriously: "Do not worry, Elder. I have taken your words to heart, and you can be certain that I will not relax or neglect my cultivation."
Elder Ren saw that this child possessed a character far more intelligent and mature than his peers. He grew increasingly satisfied. He should speak with Elder Fu about taking Agois as a disciple. Maintaining his serious expression, Elder Ren began giving Agois advice and tips to facilitate his understanding of the Heavenly Sun Technique. Those who were promoted directly to the Inner Sect, like Agois, usually trained under the guidance of the Elders.
Finally, he informed Agois that there were 50 Nel Stones in the Spatial Ring. "You can utilize Spiritual Tools once you become a Cultivator; only then can you use Nel Stones as you wish," he said, giving him a small incentive.
Agois nodded in understanding. He immediately wanted to begin cultivation; Elder Ren's presence here gave him the reassurance that the Elder could intervene if anything went wrong. Elder Ren saw the little boy's eagerness and smiled faintly. Only the intelligent and those who seize opportunities could advance in this world.
He guided Agois, who quickly grasped the introductory part of the Heavenly Sun Technique. Agois's comprehension ability was also top-tier.
"Take the elixir and start already," Elder Ren urged.
Agois opened the box and took out the green elixir called the Awakening Elixir. Agois unsealed it, drank it all in one go, and immediately entered meditation according to the technique. The elixir slowly spread through his body, unblocking his clogged meridians and circulating through the meridian channels like green blood. Agois could now sense the Bright Yellow Nel Energy in the surroundings. The energy was slowly being drawn toward him.
As the energy entered Agois's body and began filling his first meridian, incredible changes occurred in his physique. Every cell was renewed, and the Nel energy was reshaping his body from top to bottom. This was different from the changes that occurred when he entered the Iron Body Realm—it was a more evolutionary, radical change.
This transformation, and the influx of Nel energy, naturally stimulated the mysterious pearl within Agois's body.
The pearl began emitting a strange, powerful energy into Agois's body. Agois could neither sense nor control this energy, but he knew it was not Nel energy; it was something far stronger. This mysterious energy rapidly nourished his body and aided in his transformation. With this effect, Agois started drawing even more Nel Energy into his body. Agois didn't fully understand what was happening, but he was aware that it was strengthening him significantly.
The transformation slowly continued, and Agois's body grew stronger to a level he had never seen before. Agois began to feel the energy in his first meridian, and the Nel Energy he drew from nature accelerated. The energy slowly swirled toward Agois like a vortex, creating a yellow energy spiral with a one-meter radius around him.
When Elder Ren witnessed this spectacle, he nodded. He thought that such a tremendous capacity for drawing energy was most likely due to the boy's already powerful physique. "At this rate, he could directly reach the middle stage of the 1st Level Silver Realm," he mused. He waited expectantly for the level Agois would reach.
Agois kept drawing more and more energy. No matter how much energy he gathered, his body seemed capable of handling it. Slowly, his meridian began to strain. The meridian had just opened and was being subjected to a flood of energy, but Agois endured until it was full. He had reached the limit of the meridian. Any more would mean breaching another meridian, and opening two meridians at once would cause instability and lead to a fragile meridian. Therefore, Agois slowly ceased applying the technique. He now possessed a source of energy within his body, the color of silver and the sun. The spiral around him began to dissipate, and the environment slowly stabilized.
Elder Ren was astonished. He had thought Agois might reach the middle of the First Level at most, but Agois had reached the Peak of the First Level Silver Realm. This was truly a rare talent. Even he himself had only reached the middle stage of the First Level, which was already considered impressive. He grew to like this child more and more.
Agois suddenly opened his eyes, which were shining with fire. He could feel the energy in his first meridian. There was immense excitement and joy within him. He felt that his body had undergone a profound, evolutionary change; he was so full of energy that he felt he could train for a week without sleeping, eating, or resting. Yes, he had finally stepped into the world he had always dreamed of; he had become a Cultivator.
Agois quickly composed himself and bowed to Elder Ren: "Thank you, Elder Ren, for your supervision and attention."
Elder Ren smiled, sweeping his red hair back, and looked at Agois: "Those who enter the path of cultivation usually start at the Early Stage of the First Level Silver Realm; you are starting at the Peak. This is impressive, but never let it make you arrogant. Remember, there are always those who are more talented. Talent alone is not what matters; countless talents have been buried in these cruel, bloody lands," he said, giving Agois another small lesson.
Agois knew that Elder Ren was speaking for his own good. "I am aware of the incredible opportunities and resources in this world, Elder, and I am also aware of the existence of great talents. Do not worry; I will never give in to complacency or arrogance. Not until I have grown strong enough, at least. Then it won't be too late to be arrogant," he joked, grinning mockingly.
Elder Ren laughed and playfully tapped Agois's head. "I see your confidence has grown, brat. You think you can challenge the whole world, don't you?" he said, chuckling mischievously.
Suddenly, the air in the area became heavy and distorted; it was as if the air was being compressed. An aura of light purple and golden hues emanated from Elder Ren's body—a pressure that Agois had never felt before, or would never forget. The pressure was so immense that it felt like space itself was beginning to warp. Agois collapsed to the ground; his entire body was breaking from the sweat and the pressure, rigid with fear. He felt as if a slight movement from Elder Ren would tear him apart. It was a genuine feeling; he tasted the breath of death. Just as Agois was about to lose consciousness, all the heavy pressure vanished, and the world returned to normal.
Agois slumped to the ground, his breathing slow and uneven. He slowly composed himself and rose, seeing Elder Ren smirking at him. Elder Ren began to speak: "Congratulations on becoming a Cultivator, but remember, this is just the beginning. What you just experienced was the Cultivator Baptism. It is applied to every new Cultivator to curb their arrogance and recklessness. You are still very weak. You can be arrogant, brat, when you reach a strength capable of securing your place in this world alone," he said with a serious expression.
Agois nodded in understanding and bowed to Elder Ren: "I will never forget the lesson you have given me, Elder Ren. Thank you for bringing me back to my senses." He looked at Elder Ren with a newfound respect.
Elder Ren was pleased to see that Agois truly understood and had learned his lesson, as some youngsters could not curb their arrogance even after the Cultivator Baptism. He had not been wrong about Agois; this child was talented in every respect.
He continued: "You are now an official Cultivator of the Sect. New Inner Disciples will arrive in a month. After that, the Sect will organize arrangements and tasks for you all. You will also have lessons. When the time comes, the Sect will comprehensively explain the monthly Nel Stones and Elixirs you will receive. You have one month of free time. Work hard during this month, as I hear there are very talented brats among the newcomers. All right, you have just become a Cultivator; try to adapt to your strength. You can also cultivate with Nel Stones or save them; it's up to you," he said, tossing a pouch to Agois before leaving.
Agois stood respectfully after Elder Ren, then sat down and took a relieved breath. The baptism had genuinely exhausted him; it was terrifying. New, talented disciples were arriving in a month, he thought; he loved competition and clenched his fists. Then he opened the pouch Elder Ren had given him. Inside were shining triangular stones; they must be Nel Stones, as they were filled with Nel Energy. There were exactly 100 Nel Stones. Combined with the 50 given by the Sect, it totaled 150; a good amount, he thought.
He immediately wanted to try out the Spatial Ring. He gave a little energy to the elegant ring on his finger. His mind instantly perceived a 5-cubic-meter space; it was empty, containing only 50 shining stones. With a single thought, he retrieved them; the stones suddenly appeared outside. Agois was utterly amazed; this was truly magical. He excitedly tried it a few more times. After satisfying his curiosity, he went to take a shower. The courtyard even had a small hot spring. Agois wanted to enjoy the luxury; he chuckled foolishly, stripped, and entered the bath. After a refreshing shower, Agois got dressed and felt his stomach rumble. Yes, he had become a Cultivator; even if he had evolved into a superior life form, he hadn't reached the higher levels yet—he still needed nourishment. But where could he eat? No one had told him. Well, he had Nel Stones, which he knew also served as currency in the Cultivation world. He quickly put on his new uniform and left his courtyard.
Agois did not immediately look for a dining hall or restaurant; he wanted to explore and see the Sect a bit first. As Agois walked around the courtyard complexes, the students passing by in the valley looked at him and spoke among themselves. It seemed he had gained a bit of a reputation as the disciple attended to by Elder Fu and Elder Ren, but he did not care. While wandering in the valley, a youth about 17-18 years old suddenly approached him.
"Hey, little brother, who are you? I'm new to seeing you around here," he said, surprised. Agois looked at the youth. He was an elegant young man with an ethereal demeanor and handsome features, presenting a stylish image.
Agois replied: "I just joined the Sect."
The young man was surprised again: "I thought the new disciples would arrive in a month."
Agois smiled: "Elder Fu brought me," he answered.
The young man finally understood; this was the child Elder Fu had brought, the one people were talking about. He nodded and examined Agois from head to toe. He was a genuinely handsome boy; if he looked like this at this age, he would be even more attractive when he grew up, he thought. The youth's green eyes held an intelligent and determined look, something rarely seen in his peers. He immediately looked at Agois with different eyes. He quickly adopted a warm demeanor toward Agois: "May I learn the little brother's name?" he asked gently.
Agois replied just as gently: "My name is Agois. How should I address the big brother?"
The young man smiled: "My name is Lu Nan, but little brother can just call me Lu," he said.
Agois responded, "I greet Big Brother Lu," with a slight bow.
Lu Nan said gently: "No need for such courtesy, little brother, we are now brothers of the same sect."
He immediately added: "Also, little brother, could you possibly lend me 50 Nel Stones? I urgently need them. Don't worry, I will pay you back immediately tomorrow," he asked politely.
Agois frowned; he sensed that something was wrong. He was not stupid; he did not have such familiarity with someone he had just met. Moreover, the passersby were giving them strange looks.
Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Hey, shameless Lu Ran, are you going to swindle another newcomer brother again, you bastard!"