Chapter One: Senior Brother Luo

"Push harder!"
"Faster, move faster!"
"Use your strength! Did you not have your meal? Come on, use your strength!"

Behind the mountain gate of the Divine Sun Sect, dozens of youths—boys and girls alike—were striving their way up the towering Azure Cloud Stairway. Determination and hope filled their faces. Even as great beads of sweat slid down their cheeks, none paused to rest, nor did any show the slightest sign of giving up.

To ascend these steps was to rise directly to the Azure Cloud!

"This is the final trial to become a menial disciple of the Divine Sun Sect! The impurities in your meridians are relatively few, which means you have some talent for cultivation. However—"

Changing his tone, he barked, "To become an esteemed cultivator, you must have resolve and perseverance! You all come from well-off backgrounds; otherwise, your bodies would not be so pure. But if, with such a foundation, you cannot climb all one thousand and eighty steps of the Azure Cloud Stairway, it only proves you lack the steadfast heart necessary for cultivation!"

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Zhang! We can definitely make it to the top!"

"That's right! We all wish to become esteemed cultivators like you, Senior Brother Zhang!"

He nodded in satisfaction, saying nothing more. It was clear these youths had spirit in abundance; it seemed the menial ranks of the Divine Sun Sect would soon be expanded.

Two years ago, only about ten candidates would pass the selection each month. But times had changed. The odds of a menial disciple at the Body Tempering Stage advancing to the Qi Condensation Stage had grown, and without increasing their ranks, there would soon be no one left to chop wood, fetch water, or till the fields.

So, as the sole cultivation sect within several hundred miles, the Divine Sun Sect had been forced to lower the bar for its menial disciple selection. Where once talent, temperament, and perseverance were all required, now even wealthy youths could gain entry by passing the stairway trial and paying a hefty fee—a far cry from former standards.

Yet the sect welcomed this change. After all, the more outer disciples at the Qi Condensation Stage, the stronger the sect’s foundation, and the greater the possibility of producing inner disciples at the Meridian Flow Stage. For the sect as a whole, this was undoubtedly a most fortunate thing.

"Later, I will take you to the menial quarters, where someone will arrange your lodgings and assign your duties. Remember, you must obey all instructions, complete every task yourselves, and never pass them off to others. Most importantly, you must show the utmost respect to Senior Brother Luo Tian of the menial quarters!"

As they neared the summit of the Azure Cloud Stairway and saw that none among this group had fallen behind, he was inwardly delighted. Still, his voice was solemn.

Senior Brother Luo Tian?

Hearing this title, a clever youth plucked up the courage to ask, "Senior Brother Zhang, is this Senior Brother Luo Tian also an outer disciple at the Qi Condensation Stage, like you?"

"Of course not."

Zhang’s tone was odd, tinged with regret and puzzlement. His brief reply left them all guessing, unable to fathom the answer.

"Then... could he be an honored inner disciple?"

The youth’s words trembled, his face filled with disbelief. At the mention of inner disciples, a wave of shock swept through the group.

It was said only those who reached the Meridian Flow Stage could become inner disciples of the Divine Sun Sect—an honor beyond compare. To return to one’s home with such status would have the villagers kneeling in welcome.

But if so, why would such a person remain in the menial quarters?

"Hmph, don’t make wild guesses!"

Zhang snapped impatiently, "Senior Brother Luo Tian is still just a menial disciple at the ninth level of the Body Tempering Stage."

"That’s impossible!"

"Outer disciples at the Qi Condensation Stage calling a menial disciple 'senior brother'? That’s—"

Hearing the commotion, Zhang silenced them with a cold snort. "Enough! Do as I say. In time, you’ll understand the reason!"

Seeing that Senior Brother Zhang was losing patience, the youths immediately fell silent, swallowing their questions for now.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, they rested only briefly before Zhang led them down a mountain path. Going downhill, the way was much easier.

"Could that be it?"

"What a vast area! It’s truly magnificent!"

"Senior Brother Zhang, is that the menial quarters ahead?"

Rounding a bend, the scene before them left the youths astonished.

Layer upon layer of rooftops stretched out like waves, covering a vast expanse of land. Looking down, the sight was deeply impressive.

Though these newcomers came from prosperous families and had broader horizons than most, even they felt a sense of awe at this spectacle.

This was the Divine Sun Sect!

The menial quarters alone occupied several times more space than their own homes. Beyond it, stretches of forest and mountain, and a long river winding like a jade belt—everywhere one looked, the landscape seemed endless.

Soon they arrived at the menial quarters, where the overseeing disciple, Li Min, also at the first level of Qi Condensation, greeted Zhang with a curt nod.

A cluster of two-story buildings comprised the living area, stark and bare before the youths' eyes. There was no hint of beauty; the wooden walls were peeling in places, mottled with black and white patches, giving a rather haphazard appearance.

The contrast was jarring.

But then again, a large population and ample space didn’t guarantee luxury. What comfort could one expect for menial quarters?

Yet behind the living area, there were many functional zones, clearly well-equipped for every necessity.

"So this is the menial quarters?"

"Sigh, how shabby! It’s worse than our servants’ lodgings at home!"

"Indeed! Are we really to live here for so long?"

At their whispered laments, an outer disciple emerged, frowning. He clapped his hands to gather their attention and spoke coolly, "I am Li Min, outer disciple at the first level of Qi Condensation. You may call me Senior Brother Li. The menial quarters are under my charge. Any issues, come to me. Your assignments and lodgings are already arranged—each of you will take a dossier and read it carefully!"

Sensing that Senior Brother Li was not to be trifled with, the youths answered meekly, not daring to voice further complaints.

"Furthermore, everyone must follow the rules!"

Li Min swept his gaze over the group, expressionless. "Menial disciples at the Body Tempering Stage must address outer disciples as 'senior brother' or 'senior sister.' Should you be fortunate enough to meet an inner disciple, address them as 'uncle.' Even among cultivators of the same stage, you must defer to those of higher level!"

"I’ll say this as well—this is the world of cultivation, where strength reigns supreme! Leave all your pampered habits behind. If you don’t work hard, you’ll only be surpassed and trampled underfoot!"

Zhang barked, his face equally impassive.

A hush fell over the gathering.

Just then, from within the menial quarters, a youth sauntered out, drawing the newcomers’ curious gazes.

He wore rumpled clothes, his hair a tangled mess, and his expression was drowsy, as if half-awake. He looked utterly lazy, rubbing his eyes as he walked—completely at odds with the industrious air of the menial quarters.

Outer disciples wore red robes, symbolizing the rising sun and blazing flame—vibrant and forward-striving.

Inner disciples wore black, somber and dignified, the true pillars of the sect.

Menial disciples, on the other hand, all wore blue—a decision made by some elder, with little thought given, for who cared about the attire of menials?

Who was this fellow?

Clearly dressed as a menial, yet utterly at ease, not a trace of tension about him.

At this time, the menial disciples should have been busy: chopping wood, drawing water, tending vegetables, feeding livestock, or preparing meals for the outer and inner disciples—a host of chores.

Wait!

Could it be...?

"Senior Brother Luo!"

"Senior Brother Luo, you’re awake?"

At the sight of this youth, both Zhang and Li Min instantly adopted expressions of deep respect, bowing slightly as they hurried to greet him. All sense of superiority as outer disciples vanished; they smiled at this menial with utmost warmth.

Awake just now?

Seeing that the sun had already passed its zenith, the youths were at a loss for words.

Just who was this mysterious Senior Brother Luo Tian?

"Mmm... ah, what a yawn!"

Luo Tian stretched lazily, his joints cracking audibly. He lifted his head, greeting Zhang and Li Min with casual familiarity. Suddenly, his gaze fell on the newcomers, eyes lighting up as if a beggar had discovered a mountain of gold or a starving man beheld a feast. His excitement was barely contained.

"Are these the new menial disciples?"