Volume 1, Chapter 20: Outer Disciple Jiang Mu

Outer disciples usually have low status and live in groups of three or five in shared courtyards. However, it was clear that arrangements had been made for Jiang Mu in advance; by the time he and Su Li met with the outer sect elder, a private courtyard had already been prepared for him.

What left Jiang Mu even more speechless was that, besides him, Su Li was also staying in this courtyard! Fortunately, they each had their own separate rooms; otherwise, Jiang Mu might have found his imagination running wild.

The outer sect elder was surnamed Xue, his given name Hao, and he was the most senior among the six outer sect elders. That he had stepped in personally to make these arrangements was clearly due to prior instructions from Jiang Yuexuan. After leading Jiang Mu and his companion to the courtyard, Elder Xue Hao provided a brief explanation.

"Young Master, this courtyard is located further away from where the other disciples live. It is usually very quiet, and no one will disturb your cultivation. Furthermore..."

"Outer disciples do not have a fixed daily schedule. If you follow this path forward, there is a pavilion that houses the sect’s martial arts techniques. If you have any need, you may go there to borrow them."

As he spoke, Xue Hao produced a golden token from his robes and respectfully handed it to Jiang Mu. Even though he was an elder, he was well aware that his status was insignificant compared to the sect master’s own younger brother standing before him; if there was a chance to curry favor, he naturally wanted to take it.

"Young Master, with this token, you may travel anywhere within the outer sect, and the guards will not stop you."

Jiang Mu nodded and took the token.

"By the way, Young Master, the sect will be issuing several tasks in the coming days. If you are interested, you can look at the Order Stone in front of the plaza. These tasks are intended to train the outer disciples and are not very difficult. If you wish to accept one, simply channel your spiritual energy into the token and place it in front of the corresponding task!"

Hearing this, Jiang Mu grew interested and nodded. "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Xue. I will take a look."

"Also, Young Master, the sect holds matches on the arena stage every day, encouraging outer disciples to spar with one another and compete for rankings on the Earth Ranking. New disciples will also undergo an assessment two months after joining the sect; only those who pass can enter the inner sect. You may go and watch from time to time, as there are some quite talented individuals among these outer disciples!"

Hearing Xue Hao mention the Earth Ranking again, Jiang Mu could not help but ask in confusion, "Elder Xue, what exactly is this Earth Ranking?"

"To encourage progress among disciples, the sect has established a Heaven Ranking and an Earth Ranking, corresponding to the inner and outer sect disciples respectively. Those who make the list receive a greater share of the sect's resources. Disciples compete for these rankings through duels. Each list has one hundred spots, and the higher the rank, the more generous the rewards, ranging from currency to techniques and weapons. For you, Young Master, competing for a spot on the Earth Ranking would be a way to earn the respect of the disciples!"

Xue Hao assumed Jiang Mu wanted to establish his authority, so he offered the suggestion. Jiang Mu simply nodded calmly. "I see, Elder Xue. I understand."

He did indeed intend to compete for a spot on the Earth Ranking, but not right now. Although he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he had never formally practiced any techniques or martial arts. To fight others in his current state would be nothing more than making a fool of himself.

***

Seeing that Jiang Mu had no further questions, Xue Hao tactfully took his leave, giving them space to themselves. Jiang Mu walked straight into a room, untied his bundle, and began rummaging through its contents.

Aside from a few changes of clothing, the bundle contained a storage ring. Jiang Mu put the ring on his finger and, with a thought, peered into its contents. At one glance, he was left both laughing and crying.

The storage ring was packed to the brim with all sorts of items: weapons, technique manuals, and a pile of herbs—almost all of which were things Jiang Mu did not recognize. He had originally hoped to find a technique manual suitable for his current level of cultivation, but seeing the chaotic state of the items in the ring, he gave up for the time being. It seemed he would have to sort through them one by one when he had more spare time.

Regaining his composure, Jiang Mu noticed Su Li, who was standing quietly to the side. "Why are you standing there instead of going back to your own room?"

Jiang Mu was puzzled. This girl had been following him for half the day, and now that she had a place to stay, why was she still hovering near him? However, when faced with Jiang Mu’s question, Su Li remained silent, merely lowering her head in a bashful manner.

Jiang Mu shook his head helplessly and, after a moment, said with a touch of annoyance, "I am going to find a technique manual. Are you coming or not?"

Upon hearing this, Su Li’s eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly. Jiang Mu felt like crying but had no tears; he grumbled to himself. He had no idea why his third sister had sent her to follow him—wasn't this just giving him a tag-along? But he couldn't say much, so he simply changed into plain cloth robes and walked out of the room toward the plaza.

They hadn't walked many steps before Su Li clung to him like a piece of adhesive plaster, familiarly wrapping her arm around his and refusing to let go, no matter how much Jiang Mu tried to shake her off.

In this awkward state, Jiang Mu brought Su Li to the pavilion that housed the technique manuals. There were many disciples coming and going, but with Jiang Mu’s plain attire, no one paid him much attention. He was happy for the anonymity; since his strength was lacking, it was better to avoid trouble. Otherwise, he wouldn't have deliberately changed out of his previous black outfit.

Glancing at the three characters "Lingji Pavilion" on the building, Jiang Mu stepped inside.

***

Just inside the entrance was a counter. Behind it sat an old man, dozing off, while a young disciple stood nearby, frantically registering the disciples who had come to borrow techniques.

Jiang Mu stood to the side, observed the actions of the other disciples, and then followed suit. He walked up and took out the golden token Elder Xue had given him, flashing it in front of the young disciple.

"Alright, go on in... Wait!"

The disciple glanced at it, his words cutting off abruptly. He then stared at Jiang Mu as if he had seen a ghost.

"Is something wrong?" Jiang Mu asked, puzzled.

The disciple snatched the token from Jiang Mu’s hand and began to examine it closely. A moment later, he frowned, looking at Jiang Mu with deep suspicion.

"What kind of token is this? I’ve never seen it before. Hey, where did you get this token? Take out your sect disciple badge!"

"Sect disciple badge? Elder Xue only gave me this one!"

Jiang Mu was confused. Hadn't Xue Hao said that with this token, no disciple would block his way?

Unexpectedly, the disciple began to scold him. "What a joke! Who does Elder Xue think he is, to personally issue a token to an ordinary disciple like you? You can't even make up a decent lie. I see, you must be a spy posing as a disciple of the Xuantian Dao Sect! Someone, come here—"

The disciple was about to call the enforcement disciples to take Jiang Mu away, but before he could finish, Su Li, who had been watching from the side, could no longer contain herself. She slammed her hand onto the table.

"Who are you calling an imposter? Get your manager out here! How dare you accuse this young lady of being an imposter? Have you lost your minds?"

"Where did this shrew come from? How dare you cause trouble here! Someone, seize them both!"

The scene descended into chaos. Jiang Mu was just about to intervene when, suddenly, a surprised voice rang out.

"Lin... Lin Mu?!"