At this moment, a subtle yet powerful fluctuation erupted from Xiao Feng's body.
His aura surged briefly before stabilizing.
Peak Qi Refining Realm.
The surrounding spiritual energy gradually calmed, the previously visible currents dissipating back into the environment as if nothing had happened.
Xiao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
A sharp, clear light flashed within them, carrying a depth that had not been present before.
He exhaled gently, feeling his refined spiritual energy, far purer than anything he had possessed before.
Even his senses felt heightened, as if the world itself had become clearer.
He rose to his feet and bowed respectfully.
Elder Shi looked at him in silence for a moment before speaking.
"You comprehended the first chapter in three hours! Hmmm, not bad."
His tone was calm, yet the depth within it could not be hidden.
Xiao Feng paused slightly before replying.
"This disciple was fortunate."
Shi Bodong let out a deep, resonant laugh that echoed across the quiet mountain.
"Fortunate?"
He shook his head, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"If this is fortune, then the heavens have truly favored you beyond reason."
Then both of them talked about some more matters, or Elder Shi tell him some important matters that he needs to remember.
With a flick of his wrist, a golden token appeared in his hand.
"This is my personal identity token."
He handed it to Xiao Feng, who accepted it with both hands, his expression respectful.
"You have yet to receive your official disciple status," Elder Shi continued. "Normally, such matters are handled after the entrance examination."
"But since you came directly with me, you bypassed that process."
He glanced toward the distant peaks, where faint lights had begun to flicker as evening approached.
"By now, all other disciples have already received their tokens, robes, and assigned residences."
His gaze returned to Xiao Feng.
"No disciple within the sect should be without a token. Without it, you will encounter unnecessary trouble.
You go to the Administrative Hall and find Elder Zhou. Show him this token and he will arrange everything for you."
He paused briefly before adding, "Tonight, you stabilize your cultivation, don't rush further progress. I will teach you pill refining tomorrow."
"Yes, Master."
He bowed deeply once more before turning to leave.
The mountain path stretched downward, winding through dense trees and rugged terrain, illuminated faintly by the golden hues of the setting sun.
A cool breeze brushed past Xiao Feng, carrying with it the faint fragrance of herbs and earth.
The bright golden light of day was slowly retreating, replaced by layers of crimson and amber that spread across the horizon.
'I need to settle my identity first and find a place to stay tonight.'
He did not want to sleep outside, and it's still not night, so he made his way towards Administrative hall.
As he descended to the mountain and went towards the inner disciple area, more disciples began to appear along the path.
Xiao Feng's gaze swept across them naturally, taking in the unmistakable differences between their robes.
These official robes show their status in the sect.
According to his master, there were mainly four kind of disciples in the sect- Outer disciple, Inner disciple, Core disciple and True disciple.
Of course, there were some menial disciples, who had not became the official disciples.
"Alas... I'm too poor."
Xiao Feng glanced briefly at himself.
Let alone any indication of identity, his robes were far plain.
If not for his intact clothes and handsome appearance, someone can mistaken him a beggar.
To others, he appeared no different from an outsider who had wandered into a place he did not belong. Many nearby disciples even look at him twice. Yet his expression remained unchanged as he continued forward without hesitation.
After asking for directions from a few passing disciples and continued walking for nearly half an hour, the Administrative Hall came into view.
It stood tall at the base of a central peak, its structure vast and imposing.
It built with massive stone pillars that supported a wide, open framework, allowing for constant movement without obstruction.
As Xiao Feng approached, the sheer scale of activity became apparent.
Disciples moved in and out continuously.
Some stood in groups, discussing matters in low voices, while others hurried along with focused expressions, clearly intent on completing specific tasks.
This was not a place for cultivation, yet it was no less important.
Because this was the core of the sect's operational structure.
Things like identities registered, residences assigned and resources distributed, all of them happens here.
Every detail that maintained the balance and function of the sect passed through this place.
The moment Xiao Feng came in, a wave of sound met his ears, formed by overlapping voices and the sheer scale of activity within the hall.
He paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the surroundings as he took in the layout, each area dedicated to a specific function.
He made his way toward the front section of the hall.
Several attendants were seated behind long counters, handling inquiries and processing various requests from the constant stream of disciples.
Most of them were already busy with other disciples, except one.
His predecessor had never been to such a place and didn't know the specifics, so he asks directly.
"I am looking for Elder Zhou, do you where he is?"
Hearing his question, the female disciple named Huo Xiu slowly raised her head. Her gaze fell upon Xiao Feng as she look at him strangely.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
"Who are you?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying a faint edge of indifference. "Do you think that anybody can meet Elder Zhou as they please?"
Her tone was not loud, but it was clear enough that those nearby could hear it. Many disciples turned their heads and look at him.
Xiao Feng didn't expected such a reaction from other side, it seems that Elder Zhou was some big figure.
Still, he tried to remained calm and asked slowly.
"I was instructed to find Elder Zhou. Can you tell me where he is?"
The female disciple repeated slowly, "Instructed?"
A faint smile appeared on her lips.
But it was not warm.
"By whom?" Huo Xiu asked, her gaze sharpening slightly as she leaned back in her seat, her posture relaxed yet subtly dismissive.
"With your level of cultivation…" she continued, her eyes scanning him once more, "and without even a disciple robe…"
Her tone carried a superior attitude towards him.
"Do you even understand where you are standing?"
The surrounding disciples began to take interest. Whispers spread quietly, some amused, some curious, while some of them had already formed conclusions.
At this moment, Xiao Feng also noticed her bad attitude and couldn't help but find it strange. He hadn't offended her, so why did she have that expression?
'Maybe she has a strange temper!' Shaking his head, he didn't take it to heart.
As a dignified transmigrator, he couldn't be bothered to argue with a beautiful woman.
"I have some work, did you know where is he?" he said calmly once again.
"Do you think you are qualified to meet an elder?" she replied, her voice now carrying a clear trace of disdain. "Leave now, or I will have someone escort you out."
Although this female disciple works like a attendant, she was an inner disciple.
Even the simple dress she wore, was fitting her figure perfectly, accentuating her slender waist and graceful posture.
While her facial features were delicate and refined. Her skin was fair, her eyes were bright, giving her a natural charm that easily drew attention.
Several male disciples lingered nearby, some pretending to handle their own matters while occasionally glancing in her direction.
Clearly she was quite popular among the inner disciples.
Thus, she had grown a inner pride and became somewhat arrogant.
The atmosphere shifted, and more disciples gathered around them.
The tension grew thicker, and just as the situation was about to escalate, a voice suddenly cut through the noise.
"What is happening here?"
An elder approached, his presence immediately causing the surrounding crowd to quiet down.
His gaze swept across the scene before landing on Xiao Feng, a hint of displeasure appearing in his expression.
"Why is there someone without a disciple robe here?"
Before anyone else could speak, Xiao Feng raised his hand and a golden token appeared between his fingers.
He could still argue with a inner disciple, but not with elders, whose cultivation is five or six realm higher than him.
And his thoughts were not wrong, the elder was about to speak again. However, just then, his gaze attracted towards the familiar golden token.
Unlike the regular elder tokens, its surface engraved with a cauldron.
And a single word written upon it- Shi
His expressions changed rapidly in few moments. From shock to respect, then fear.
"You... who are you?" His tone softened instantly.
Xiao Feng replied calmly, "My master instructed me to find Elder Zhou."
The elder nodded immediately. "Follow me."
The elder turned without another word and began walking deeper into the Administrative Hall.
"Follow me," he said.
Xiao Feng nodded and stepped forward.
As the two figures moved, the crowd behind them fell into an unusual silence.
Whispers slowly rose.
"Did you see that token?"
"That… that elder just changed his expression instantly…"
"What is that identity?"
Their gazes were filled with shock and uncertainty. Some even felt a faint unease.
They could still remember clearly the elder's expression when he saw that golden token.
Shock.
Respect.
Fear.
Such a reaction was not something an ordinary disciple could provoke.
Huo Xiu stood frozen behind the counter.
Her face had already lost its earlier composure. It had turned slightly pale. Her eyes were fixed on Xiao Feng's departing figure.
Her mind replayed everything that had just happened.
That token… that elder's reaction…
Her heart sank.
'His status is definitely not simple.'
A faint trace of unease rose within her. If she had offended someone she shouldn't have…
then this matter would not end well.