Inside Dongyang Palace on Dongyang Peak, Daoist Yuhong sat in the seat of honor, flanked by four disciples of the Golden Core stage. To his left stood his eldest disciple, Xu Jingliu, a cultivator at the peak of the late Golden Core stage, and his third disciple, Wang Jingfu, who was in the late Golden Core stage. To his right stood his fourth disciple, Liu Jingli, a female cultivator in the mid-Golden Core stage, and his fifth disciple, Chen Jingyuan, also in the mid-Golden Core stage. Standing in the center were Li Xue and her son, Li Lin.
Aside from Daoist Yuhong, whose expression was kind and approachable, the other disciples looked at Li Lin with incredibly complex gazes—some were curious, some pensive, and others tinged with sorrow.
Li Xue and Li Lin felt uneasy under the weight of these various stares. Fortunately, having dealt with high-level cultivators frequently of late, they managed to remain composed.
Daoist Yuhong spoke, "Except for your second senior brother, Liu Jingluo, who is currently in seclusion, everyone is here." He scanned the room before continuing, "These two are my blood relatives. From this day forward, they shall cultivate here on Dongyang Peak. Li Lin possesses a single fire spiritual root; he shall be recorded as a disciple under your name, Jingyuan."
"Yes, Master," Chen Jingyuan replied respectfully. The others raised no objections. Ordinarily, a disciple with a Heavenly Spiritual Root would not be out of place even if taken directly under a Nascent Soul Daoist’s wing, but everyone in the hall understood the truth of Li Lin’s identity. Although Daoist Yuhong had not stated it explicitly, these senior brothers had watched Li Ran grow up; how could they fail to recognize the boy? He was the spitting image of Li Ran as a child. It was only because of the generational hierarchy that he was being placed under Jingyuan’s name.
"Furthermore, Li Xue, you have performed a great service for the sect. After consultation between the Grand Elder and the Sect Leader, you are hereby appointed as an inner sect disciple of Dongyang Peak. Additionally, in recognition of your service to my Li family, I shall take you as my named disciple," Yuhong added.
The disciples were momentarily stunned, but then realization dawned. According to sect regulations, those with Five Elements spiritual roots remained outer sect disciples until they reached the Foundation Establishment stage. However, those with special status were exceptions; they could become inner sect disciples directly, though they would still rank lower than core disciples.
In the cultivation world of the Mangyun Mountains, most sects were divided into outer disciples, inner disciples, and core disciples. Outer disciples were those with average spiritual roots; they could become inner disciples once they reached Foundation Establishment. Inner disciples included those promoted from the outer sect, descendants of high-level cultivators, and those who had made special contributions. These inner disciples generally did not have a specific master; they received a standard inner sect stipend but were also responsible for certain sect missions. Core disciples, meanwhile, were the darlings of the sect. They focused solely on cultivation and enjoyed the best resources, only being called upon when the sect truly needed their strength. Regardless of their initial classification, any disciple who managed to form a Golden Core would become a sect Elder and enjoy the corresponding status.
Now that Li Xue had become an inner disciple, most assumed it was due to Daoist Yuhong’s favor and her connection to Li Ran and Li Lin. Only a few at the very top understood the monumental secret she had brought to the Cloud-Force Sect and the entire cultivation world. Based on that merit alone, being an inner disciple was more than deserved. Now that Yuhong had taken her as a named disciple, her status was effectively equal to that of a core disciple—this was the sect’s way of rewarding her.
"From now on, look after this mother and son well, and urge them to apply themselves to their cultivation," Yuhong commanded.
"Yes, Master!" the disciples answered in unison.
Daoist Yuhong nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Li Xue and her son. "For now, you shall reside in Chonghua Hall."
The four disciples thought to themselves: *As expected, their relationship with our late Junior Brother must be very close.*
After a few more instructions, Daoist Yuhong returned to his own Yuhua Palace.
Liu Jingli was the first to step forward. She took Li Xue’s hand and said with a smile, "Junior Sister Li, we will be living together in Dongyang Palace from now on. If you need anything, just come to your Senior Sister!"
Li Xue was somewhat overwhelmed by the attention. These were all Golden Core cultivators; as a mere "rookie" at the Qi Condensation stage, she truly didn't know how to respond.
At that moment, Chen Jingyuan walked over and took Li Lin’s small hand. "Xiao Lin, Master will take you to Chonghua Hall first." He then turned to Liu Jingli. "Senior Sister, try not to scare our new Junior Sister."
Liu Jingli smiled and ignored him, continuing to hold Li Xue’s hand as she followed Chen Jingyuan toward Chonghua Hall. Xu Jingliu and Wang Jingfu both cleared their throats lightly, prompting Liu Jingli to realize her oversight. "Oh, right! Eldest Senior Brother and Third Senior Brother haven't had a chance to speak yet."
Xu Jingliu teased, "Fourth Junior Sister is already a grand-master level figure, yet she still plays around like this. Don't let our new Junior Sister see you as a joke."
Li Xue found it all rather surreal. She thought to herself: *These are Golden Core cultivators who have lived for hundreds of years. Why don't they have that... intimidating aura from the legends?*
As if sensing Li Xue’s thoughts, Liu Jingli smiled and said, "Don't mind us, Junior Sister. We only let our guard down like this within Dongyang Palace. It has been a long time since we all gathered to joke around like this." She seemed to sigh with a touch of melancholy.
The gazes of the others also seemed to drift, as if lost in memory or mourning. At the same time, the looks they cast toward Li Xue and Li Lin grew even more complex, filled with a deeper sense of pity and tenderness.
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 东阳宫 | Dongyang Palace | The main hall/residence on Dongyang Peak. |
| 徐净流 | Xu Jingliu | Eldest disciple of Daoist Yuhong; Golden Core stage. |
| 王净浮 | Wang Jingfu | Third disciple of Daoist Yuhong; Golden Core stage. |
| 刘净漓 | Liu Jingli | Fourth disciple of Daoist Yuhong; female Golden Core stage. |
| 陈净渊 | Chen Jingyuan | Fifth disciple of Daoist Yuhong; Golden Core stage. |
| 刘净洛 | Liu Jingluo | Second disciple of Daoist Yuhong; currently in seclusion. |
| 记名弟子 | Named Disciple | A student who is officially recognized by a master but does not have the full status of a "personal" or "inner" disciple. |
| 内门弟子 | Inner Sect Disciple | A rank of disciple within the sect, higher than outer but lower than core. |
| 外门弟子 | Outer Sect Disciple | The lowest rank of disciples, usually with average talent. |
| 核心弟子 | Core Disciple | The elite disciples of a sect, given the most resources. |
| 重华殿 | Chonghua Hall | A residence hall within Dongyang Palace. |
| 玉华殿 | Yuhua Palace | Daoist Yuhong's personal residence. |
| 份例 | Stipend / Allocation | The regular distribution of resources (spirit stones, pills) given to disciples. |
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