The morning air in the sect was crisp, and the steady hum of activity filled the mountain pathways. I walked alongside Lin Feng, the friend I had made among the new disciples. He was cheerful, always talking about the sect's inner workings and dreaming of becoming a core disciple one day.
"Hey, since we've been training hard, why don't we go to the market?" Lin Feng grinned. "You'll find everything there—manuals, weapons, pills… You'll love it."
Curious, I agreed.
We made our way through the bustling outer sect paths and eventually reached a lively square filled with wooden stalls and open shops. The sect market was vibrant—disciples haggled over prices, vendors shouted about rare herbs, and the clanging sound of weapons echoed in the air.
I stopped at a stand selling basic training gear.
"How much for this?" I asked, pointing at a sturdy pair of gauntlets.
The vendor glanced at me. "Five low-grade spirit stones."
"…Spirit stones?" I blinked, confused.
Lin Feng laughed. "You really don't know? In this world, spirit stones are the most common currency among cultivators. They contain traces of natural energy and can be used for cultivation, buying resources, or even bartering."
I reached into my pockets—empty.
I had nothing.
Everything in this market, from pills to weapons to even the simplest manuals, required spirit stones.
Lin Feng patted my shoulder. "Don't worry. There are ways to earn them. The sect posts missions almost daily. Complete one, and you'll get rewarded."
My eyes sharpened.
If I want to grow stronger… I need resources. If I want resources… I need spirit stones.
"I'll take a mission," I said with determination.
That afternoon, I found myself standing in front of the sect's Mission Hall. Rows of wooden boards displayed tasks of varying difficulty, from simple herb gathering to escort missions and beast hunting.
I chose a low-level mission—harvesting Spirit Marrow Grass from the edges of the Falling Moon Forest. It was straightforward but came with its own dangers: wild beasts prowled the area, and many disciples had failed similar missions before.
Lin Feng offered to come with me, but I shook my head.
"This is something I need to do on my own."
With the mission scroll in hand, I set out from the sect's gates.
It was time to earn my place.