Supreme Taming Authority

Chapter 77: Official Disciples

After about twenty minutes of waiting, both Xian Long and Ying Yue emerged from the right entrance of the Administrative Hall.

Xian Long was grinning widely, his face lit up with excitement as he clutched his own jade token tightly in his hand. Ying Yue looked more subdued but satisfied, her expression calm though her eyes showed a hint of pride.

"We’re official sect disciples now!" Xian Long exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. "They gave us tokens and everything! Look at this!"

He held up the jade token for Xian Tiandi to see. It was a simple rectangular piece of jade with inscriptions carved into its surface, glowing faintly with spiritual energy.

The token marked their official status as outer disciples of the Four Symbols Sect.

"Where are you assigned?" Xian Tiandi asked.

"Outer sect residential area on White Tiger Peak," Xian Long replied eagerly. He gestured to the west where the peak rose majestically against the sky. "Ying Yue is assigned there too. They said we’ll share communal housing with other outer disciples. Apparently there are dormitory buildings where we’ll each have our own rooms."

"Your monthly stipend is twenty contribution points," Xian Tiandi guessed.

"Yes! How did you know?" Xian Long looked surprised and impressed.

"Standard allocation for outer disciples," Xian Tiandi explained. "The sect provides the same base stipend to all new outer disciples. You can earn more through missions and accomplishments."

Xian Long nodded, absorbing this information. He seemed eager to learn everything about how the sect operated.

Elder Feng, Elder Ming, and Elder Hai approached from where they’d been standing.

The three elders had been waiting at a respectful distance while the registration process completed, giving the young disciples space to handle their own affairs.

"Everything settled?" Elder Feng asked, his stern face showing approval.

"Yes," Xian Tiandi confirmed. "We’ve all been assigned quarters and given our identification tokens. The registration is complete."

"Good." Elder Feng looked satisfied with the outcome. "Then our duty here is complete. We’ll return to the clan and report your successful entry to the Patriarch."

He placed a hand on Xian Long’s shoulder first, his grip firm but not heavy. "Young master, your father will be proud when he hears the news. You’ve brought honor to the main family by earning your place here at such a young age."

"I’ll work hard, Elder Feng," Xian Long promised earnestly, his voice filled with determination. "I won’t disappoint Father or the clan."

Elder Feng smiled slightly, a rare expression on his usually stern face. Then he turned to Xian Tiandi, his expression becoming more serious.

"You as well, Tiandi. The Patriarch has high expectations for you. Your achievements reflect well on the entire clan. Continue to excel as you have been."

"I will," Xian Tiandi replied simply.

Elder Hai glanced at Ying Yue and nodded approvingly. His weathered face showed genuine satisfaction. "You’ve done well to reach this point, girl. The clan is pleased with your progress. Not many servants have the opportunity or talent to become sect disciples."

"Thank you, Elder Hai," Ying Yue said with a respectful bow, keeping her eyes lowered. "I’m grateful for the opportunities the young master has provided."

She didn’t refer to the clan. Xian Tiandi noticed it as did everyone but no one said anything about as she was right.

The three elders exchanged final words of encouragement and instruction. They reminded the young disciples to follow sect rules carefully and to represent the Xian Clan with dignity. Then they departed, walking back toward the main gate where their horses waited.

The new disciples watched them leave for a moment. The reality of their situation was sinking in. They were truly on their own now, independent sect members with their own paths to forge.

"Should we explore the sect?" Xian Long asked eagerly, breaking the brief silence. His earlier excitement was returning quickly. "I want to see everything! The training grounds, the resource halls, maybe the technique pavilion!"

"First, we find our residences and settle in," Xian Tiandi said practically. "Then we can familiarize ourselves with the layout. Trying to see everything at once will only leave you confused."

Xian Long nodded, though he still looked impatient. Ying Yue remained quiet, simply listening to their exchange.

They consulted the maps provided in their sect manuals. The booklets included detailed layouts of the sect grounds, showing the locations of various facilities and residential areas.

Azure Dragon Peak was to the east, marked with blue on the map. White Tiger Peak was to the west, marked with white. The peaks were connected by sky bridges and winding mountain paths that allowed disciples to travel between them.

"I’ll head to Azure Dragon Peak," Xian Tiandi said, pointing to his destination on the map. "You two should go to White Tiger Peak and get settled in your quarters. We can meet later at the main plaza if you want to explore together."

"Okay, Brother Tiandi," Xian Long agreed, though he looked a bit disappointed they’d be separated so soon. "What time should we meet?"

"Give yourself at least two hours to settle in properly," Xian Tiandi suggested. "Unpack your things, familiarize yourself with your room and the dormitory layout. Then we can meet."

Ying Yue bowed slightly, her movements still carrying the habits of a servant. "Young Master, should I come to your courtyard later to help you settle in? I could organize your belongings and make sure everything is in order."

"That won’t be necessary," Xian Tiandi replied, his tone gentle but firm. "Focus on your own cultivation and getting familiar with the outer sect facilities. You’re a sect disciple now, not a servant. Remember what I told you before we came here."

Ying Yue’s expression showed mixed emotions playing across her face. Gratitude was there, clearly visible in the softness of her eyes.

But also uncertainty, shown in the slight furrow of her brow. She’d only been with the Xian Clan for a few months, but serving Xian Tiandi had become an important part of her life.

It had given her purpose and direction. The transition from servant to independent disciple was still not so easy for her to fully embrace and she couldn’t say why.