Chapter 101
The shuttle-shaped flying vessel swiftly traversed the mountains and lakes.
At each stop, the cultivators from Sky Sword Sect warmly introduced the sights to Lu Xuan and his companions.
"Sky Sword Sect is strong in every aspect compared to other sects, especially in swordsmanship. It stands out among the rest, surpassing them by more than one level."
"There is the Cleansing Sword Pool; within it, endless sword qi is nurtured. When flying swords are placed inside, it refines their intent, removing impurities to purify them further."
"Adding a small amount of Cleansing Sword Pool water while forging sword tools can slightly enhance the success rate of the forging process."
A refined-looking cultivator from Sky Sword Sect pointed to a water pool below, and Lu Xuan followed the gaze, seeing the pool shimmering with sword light, the sharp intent palpable even in the high skies.
"That's the Fallen Sword Peak, housing many flying swords left behind by the deceased predecessors of Sky Sword Sect. Among them are high-grade swords, brimming with spirituality."
"If any of you juniors have a deep affinity for swordsmanship, perhaps you might venture to the Fallen Sword Peak for opportunities. Who knows, you might obtain a rare sword."
The Sky Sword Sect cultivator pointed to a nearby towering peak.
The immense mountain, hundreds of zhang high, occasionally echoed with the sharp clashing of swords within.
"This is the Sword-Fighting Pavilion, constructed from top-grade green stones. Even Nascent Soul cultivators can't easily cause massive destruction here. It's a great place for fellow disciples to spar and exchange techniques."
Veiled in mist, the Sword-Fighting Pavilion barely revealed itself, shrouded in mystery.
"Senior brother, does the sect have special places for cultivating spirit plants and nurturing spirit beasts?" Lu Xuan asked curiously.
"Naturally. Several elders proficient in alchemy within the sect possess rich experiences and unique insights in nurturing spirit plants and beasts. The sect also has numerous lakes and mountains dedicated to cultivating them."
The upright cultivator smiled and explained.
"For instance, that vast lake ahead spanning dozens of li is called the Thousand Dragon Lake. As the name implies, it houses numerous dragon serpents, pythons, and other creatures, mostly of the second grade, with tens or even hundreds of third-grade and higher beasts."
Lu Xuan couldn't help but be astonished. Third-grade spiritual beasts were akin to early to mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators. In the Linyang Market, there were only a few Foundation Establishment cultivators. This massive lake could easily overshadow the entire Linyang Market.
And this was just one of the spirit beast nurturing grounds of Sky Sword Sect.
This comparison gave him a clear, straightforward understanding of the so-called sect's foundation.
As the flying vessel passed over Thousand Dragon Lake, a huge, double-headed black dragon instantly lunged out of the lake, stopped by a transparent spiritual barrier above the lake's surface before plunging back in.
Seemingly triggering a chain reaction, the calm lake surface surged into turbulent waves. Different forms of dragons, serpents, and beasts jostled to emerge, then swiftly receded back into the lake.
"You juniors needn't worry. There are powerful restrictions laid around the outer ring of Thousand Dragon Lake. These dragons and serpents can't break out."
"Furthermore, each young dragon or serpent carries a restraining artifact. If they show any signs of restlessness, these artifacts can easily control them."
At the edge of the lake, three Sky Sword Sect cultivators were throwing large chunks of fresh monster meat into the lake, fiercely contested by the ferocious dragons and serpents.
Seeing this scene, Lu Xuan remembered feeding koi in his past life, only this spectacle was on a scale many times larger.
"Those are junior disciples tasked with feeding the spirit beasts in Thousand Dragon Lake," explained the refined cultivator.
"After becoming outer disciples, apart from certain times, you'll mostly have a fair amount of freedom."
"You can cultivate techniques, study alchemy, arrays, and symbols. Occasionally, Foundation Establishment or even Nascent Soul cultivators on various peaks will teach and guide you. This can be considered the biggest hidden wealth of becoming an outer disciple in Sky Sword Sect."
"Of course, along with enjoying these privileges, you must fulfill responsibilities. The sect assigns various tasks to disciples."
"Some are simple and safe, like nurturing spirit plants, feeding spirit beasts, assisting in alchemy or artifact crafting, handling symbol-making materials, etc."
"These usually don't pose safety concerns. But there are riskier tasks, such as clearing out and dealing with demonic beasts, picking special spirit herbs in secret realms, and so on. However, these tasks often come with generous rewards."
"Tasks can be chosen freely or may be actively assigned by the sect or senior disciples. If one refuses or neglects tasks for an extended period, they might face certain penalties."
"After completing tasks, you receive something called a 'Sword Seal,' a special currency circulating within the sect. Apart from task completion, contributing to the sect, achieving merit for the sect, etc., can also earn you Sword Seals."
"Sword Seals can be exchanged for various things: techniques, artifacts, elixirs, talismans, etc. They can even be exchanged for spirit stones, although that's not common."
The refined-looking cultivator elaborated in detail to Lu Xuan and the others, some of whom were already familiar with these concepts, while others encountered them for the first time.
Lu Xuan listened avidly, taking it all to heart.
After a while, the shuttle-shaped flying vessel halted on a verdant mountain peak, where several elegant buildings stood among the mountain slopes.
"Junior brothers and sisters, it will be a few more days before you officially join the sect. During this time, you can rest and cultivate here."
"Just remember not to wander aimlessly. You don't have disciple identity plaques yet, and there are formations and restrictions all over the sect. Forcibly intruding can cause unnecessary trouble or even lead to injury or death. If you need anything, you can find me or other sect cultivators at any time."
The refined cultivator advised Lu Xuan and the others before departing.
Everyone nodded and chose their rooms, retreating inside for rest.
Lu Xuan didn't fuss and selected a secluded and tranquil room. He spent his days reading, practicing, and occasionally chatting with Bai Li Jianqing, who lived nearby.
Though eager to release the spirit plants and beasts from the Life-Preserving Bag, he had no place to house them for now, so they remained inside.
During this time, he got acquainted with some talented young cultivators. Upon learning of Lu Xuan's ordinary background and his dedication to spirit plants, most of the initially enthusiastic cultivators turned distant. Only two or three remained unaffected in their attitude.
In the cultivation world, cultivation level was the primary criterion. Upon hearing Lu Xuan's plans, many quickly predicted his inevitable lag in progress along the path of cultivation.
Given the lowly status of a spirit plant cultivator compared to alchemists or array masters, Lu Xuan's cold treatment or even disdain was a natural occurrence.
However, Lu Xuan remained unperturbed. With the presence of the white light cluster, he had more confidence than the exceptionally gifted and well-connected cultivators present.
Regardless of external circumstances, all he wanted was to
peacefully tend his fields.
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