"Congratulations, Daoist Ya!" Han Li and the Foundation Establishment Deacon spoke in unison, clasping their hands in greeting. Their eyes were filled with undisguised envy as they looked at Qi Ping.
In the face of their well-wishes, Qi Ping returned the salute and asked, "Does this mean I have passed the assessment and can now become a disciple of the Qingyuan Sect?"
Noticing a strange flicker in their expressions, he tentatively added, "Is there something specific regarding this evaluation of 'Mainstay of the Sect'?"
"Daoist Ya... no, I should call you Senior Brother Ya now." Han Li took a soft breath to steady his racing thoughts before continuing. "Senior Brother, your eyes are truly sharp. The evaluation of 'Mainstay of the Sect' carries profound significance within the Qingyuan Sect!"
"The core regulations of the sect dictate that anyone who receives the 'Mainstay' evaluation from the Heart-Questioning Mirror must be nurtured with priority. The supply of resources must be increased by at least one tier above the original grade! Furthermore, the authority to exchange for restricted cultivation techniques and rare resources is granted immediately!"
Upon hearing Han Li's explanation, Qi Ping was inwardly stunned. 'This evaluation actually brings such benefits?'
He had not expected that passing the mirror's test would not only grant him entry but also unlock the right to exchange for restricted cultivation resources and manuals. The access to restricted techniques was what Qi Ping valued most; such precious knowledge was exactly why he had come here in the first place.
'A truly unexpected surprise!' Qi Ping rejoiced silently. He had never imagined that gaining the recognition of the Heart-Questioning Mirror would yield such rewards.
Once the results were confirmed, the Deacon responsible for the assessment moved with practiced efficiency to handle Qi Ping's induction procedures. Given the strength and aptitude Qi Ping had displayed, the Deacon dared not be negligent. To someone like him, being diligent toward a future powerhouse might not bring immediate rewards, but offending one would certainly lead to bitter consequences.
Soon, the elderly man placed a series of introductory items into Qi Ping's hands.
"Daoist Ya, these are the sect's identity token and the matching spiritual robes. There are other items within the storage bag, including a jade slip detailing the sect's history and regulations."
"Within my current authority, I can only finalize your status as an Inner Disciple. For any higher status or permissions, I must report this to the Sect Master and the elders for their final decision."
Qi Ping accepted the items and nodded. "Then I shall trouble you."
"You are too kind. I will contact you as soon as there is further news!"
"Many thanks."
After bidding farewell to the Deacon, Qi Ping walked out of the great hall alongside Han Li.
'I didn't think joining the Qingyuan Sect would be this simple.' Qi Ping still felt a sense of disbelief at how smoothly everything had proceeded.
The most surprising element remained the Heart-Questioning Mirror. Not only had he passed, but he had also been recognized as possessing immense talent and granted high-level exchange rights. According to Han Li, the mirror was a supreme treasure with its own artifact spirit, loyal only to the sect and beyond the control of any individual. Furthermore, there was more than one such treasure within the Qingyuan Sect.
'The heritage of this sect is even better than I imagined!'
Qi Ping felt that with such items present, it should theoretically prevent the sect from becoming a one-man dictatorship, stopping any single faction from exerting total control. However, the specific reality would require deeper investigation.
As for the other benefits the old man mentioned, Qi Ping was in no hurry. He would first use his Inner Disciple identity to familiarize himself with the inner workings of the sect. Although this was merely a Treant clone, if it were lost here, sneaking back in would not be an easy task. Therefore, a slow and steady approach was necessary.
"Senior Brother Ya, let me first take you to the Inner Disciple manors. The identity token also contains many points of caution regarding our sect!" Han Li spoke as he led the way. Once he delivered Qi Ping to his assigned residence and explained the necessary rules, his task would be complete.
"Very well, I shall trouble Brother Han."
Qi Ping followed at Han Li's side as they flew rapidly toward a distant mountain peak. Along the way, they passed a forest of spirit trees rich with spiritual energy, vast fields of spirit herbs, and an expansive area for Outer Disciples filled with celestial residences.
In these places, many Qi Refining and servant disciples were busy at work. Some were casting spirit rain spells to irrigate the herbs, while others were carefully harvesting ripe spirit fruits. The scene of peace and harmony was somewhat beyond Qi Ping's expectations.
"Greetings, Senior Brother!"
"Greetings, Senior Brother Han!"
Many junior brothers and sisters they passed along the way took the initiative to greet them. Han Li acknowledged each with a nod.
"Brother Han, the management within the sect seems quite relaxed?" Qi Ping asked.
"Mhm. Aside from specific large-scale lectures and sect competitions, everyone is free to cultivate as they please. Except for a few mandatory assignments, sect missions can be accepted at will."
"I see," Qi Ping noted. This was far more liberal than he had anticipated.
"However," Han Li added, "most disciples do not receive a monthly salary. If you want to trade for resources or manuals, you must work hard to complete missions to earn Contribution Points. Missions are the primary way to acquire these points. Without them, you will have no way to trade for resources or high-level spells. Even entering the Pavilion of Scriptures to read cultivation knowledge requires points."
Through Han Li's explanation, Qi Ping quickly grasped the operational model of the Qingyuan Sect. To put it bluntly, the disciples were high-talent laborers. Aside from basic benefits, everything had to be earned by completing tasks. Failing to do missions was like being unemployed; you could buy nothing and might even face the risk of dismissal.
In this model, the disciples might make a small profit, but the lion's share always remained in the hands of the sect. Furthermore, the sect could mandate disciples to carry out missions involving life-threatening danger. It was essentially an enhanced version of a corporate structure.
Yet, because of the allure of seeking the Dao, this role was an opportunity dreamed of by countless people. If one did well, there was a slim chance to become a core member enjoying high-level benefits—a true disciple of the Qingyuan Sect—or even enter the management tier.
If Qi Ping wanted to enter the Pavilion of Scriptures to study or exchange for manuals, he had to earn sufficient Contribution Points. Even as a 'Mainstay,' he still had to work for his points unless the upper echelons granted him specific welfare treatments later.
Amidst their conversation, Qi Ping soon followed Han Li into a more luxurious area of celestial residences. The spiritual energy here was noticeably denser, reaching the level of Rank 2. The manor assigned to Qi Ping was, surprisingly, Manor Number Seven!
"Senior Brother Ya, I shall leave you here. If you have questions later, you can use a message talisman to ask me."
Just as Han Li was about to depart after delivering Qi Ping to Manor Seven, he suddenly paused. He seemed to hesitate, his words caught in his throat. After a long moment, he steeled himself and spoke.
"Senior Brother Ya, you have already reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment. You surely know how difficult it is to obtain resources at this level. The closer one gets to the Golden Core stage, the rarer and more precious resources become, even within the Qingyuan Sect."
"I am naturally aware of this. Brother Han, if you have something to say, please do not hesitate," Qi Ping replied seriously.
"Competition for resources at this level is fierce. Every 'carrot' has its own 'hole.' Once your name is added to the priority exchange list for rare resources, it will inevitably disrupt the existing distribution of interests."
"According to the sect rules, your exchange rights must be granted; no one can change that. At most, there is some room for manipulation in the quantities. However, even with the rights, you will still need a massive amount of Contribution Points to make the trade."
"There are not many missions that grant large amounts of points, and almost all of them carry significant risks. I once had a senior brother who received the 'Mainstay' evaluation and died because of such a mission. Therefore, if you are asked to carry out such tasks later, please be extremely careful."