Supreme Taming Authority

Chapter 82: Meeting Zhou Kang Again

Inner disciples had more freedom but higher expectations. Training sessions were optional but strongly recommended. Mission requirements were more flexible.

But inner disciples were expected to show consistent progress and advancement. Stagnation would result in demotion back to outer disciple status.

"Should we explore the sect together?" Xian Long suggested eagerly. "I want to see everything! The technique pavilion, the resource halls, maybe even the alchemy peak!"

"Let’s start with the mission hall," Xian Tiandi said practically. "Understanding how missions work is important for earning contribution points. You’ll both need points for cultivation resources."

Xian Long nodded enthusiastically. Ying Yue simply inclined her head in agreement.

They made their way to the mission hall, following the sect map that had been provided in their manuals. The building was large and imposing, constructed from dark wood with a curved roof. Disciples constantly came and went through its main entrance, creating a steady flow of traffic.

Inside, the main room was dominated by several large boards mounted on the walls. Each board displayed mission scrolls organized by difficulty and type. Different colored papers indicated different mission ranks and requirements.

White papers were for outer disciples only. These missions involved relatively safe and straightforward tasks. Herb gathering in designated areas. Spirit beast monitoring from a distance. Message delivery between sect facilities. Resource collection. The rewards ranged from five to twenty contribution points depending on difficulty and time required.

Blue papers were for inner disciples. These missions were significantly more complex and dangerous. Investigation of suspicious activities. Escort duties for sect caravans. Dealing with minor threats to sect territory. Hunting specific spirit beasts. Rewards ranged from twenty to fifty contribution points.

There were also red papers for core disciples, but those boards were in a separate section behind a formation barrier that ordinary disciples couldn’t access.

Xian Long and Ying Yue moved to the white paper boards, examining the available missions carefully. They needed to choose their first missions soon to start earning points.

"This one looks manageable," Xian Long said, pointing to a scroll. "Gather twenty stalks of Blue Moon Grass from the eastern hills. Reward is ten contribution points. The description says the grass grows near water sources and is easy to identify."

"That’s a common beginner mission," Ying Yue noted quietly. "The grass is used in basic healing pills. The area is safe and well-patrolled. Good for a first mission."

Xian Long pulled the scroll from the board. "I’ll take this one then. Want to come with me, Ying Yue? We could complete it together."

"I’ll consider it," Ying Yue replied, still examining other options.

Xian Tiandi moved to the blue paper boards, scanning the available inner disciple missions. Most were straightforward. Escort a merchant caravan. Investigate rumors of bandits. Hunt a specific spirit beast that was causing problems.

One mission caught his attention immediately.

**Mission: Investigate Spirit Beast Activity**

*Location: Northern Mountain Range*

*Description: Recent reports indicate unusual spirit beast behavior in the northern mountains. Multiple sightings of spirit beasts moving in organized groups. Investigate and determine cause. Eliminate threats if possible. Report all findings to mission hall.*

*Reward: 40 contribution points*

*Difficulty: Medium*

*Recommended Team Size: 2-3 disciples*

*Warning: Exercise caution. Cause of behavior is unknown.*

’This could be related to Four Spirits Sect operations,’ Xian Tiandi thought as he read. ’They often use spirit beast manipulation techniques for various purposes. Worth investigating.’

In his past life, the Four Spirits Sect had employed spirit beast control methods extensively. They’d used controlled beasts for surveillance, attacks, and resource gathering. If they were operating in this region already, abnormal beast behavior would be one of the signs.

He memorized the mission details but didn’t take the scroll yet. He’d need to prepare properly before attempting it. Gather information about the most recent events in the northern mountains. Stock up on appropriate pills and talismans. Even if he is strong it is always good to be prepared.

"Find anything good?" Xian Long asked, looking over curiously.

"A few possibilities," Xian Tiandi replied vaguely. "Nothing urgent."

They spent another few minutes browsing the mission boards. The hall was getting more crowded as the morning progressed. More disciples arrived to accept missions or report completed ones.

Finally they turned to leave, heading back toward the entrance.

As they exited the mission hall, Xian Tiandi nearly collided with a group entering. He stopped just in time.

"Young Master Xian!" a familiar voice called out.

Zhou Kang stood there with several other disciples in core disciple robes. His expression was respectful and eager. He immediately bowed deeply.

"It’s an honor to see you again," Zhou Kang said earnestly.

Xian Tiandi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed Zhou Kang with his spiritual sense. Something had changed significantly.

Zhou Kang’s cultivation had advanced dramatically since their journey. He was now at peak Qi Refinement realm, just one step away from Qi Condensation. The spiritual energy radiating from him was dense and well-controlled.

"Your cultivation has improved considerably," Xian Tiandi observed. "Peak Qi Refinement already."

Zhou Kang’s face lit up with genuine pride. "Thanks to Young Master’s guidance during our journey together! Observing your techniques and mindset helped me break through multiple bottlenecks. My master has been pushing me hard since I became his direct disciple, but the foundation you helped me establish made all the difference."

He spoke with complete sincerity, treating Xian Tiandi as a superior despite his own core disciple status.

"I’ve been following your example in my cultivation," Zhou Kang continued. "Focusing on foundation rather than rushing advancement. It’s made everything smoother."

Zhou Kang glanced back at his companions, who were waiting patiently. His expression became regretful.

"I would love to speak with you properly and catch up on everything," he said. "But my master has sent me on an important mission that must be completed immediately. He’s very strict about punctuality."

He bowed again, even deeper this time. "Once I’m done with this task, I’ll come visit your courtyard if you’ll permit it. There’s much I’d like to discuss with you and learn from you."

"You’re welcome to visit," Xian Tiandi said simply.

Zhou Kang’s face brightened. "Thank you, Young Master! I won’t take up any more of your time."

He hurried into the mission hall with his group, moving quickly to fulfill his master’s orders.

Xian Long stared after Zhou Kang with confusion and curiosity written all over his face. He turned to Xian Tiandi.

"Brother, what about Zhou Kang?" he asked.

"How did he become a Core Disciple all of a sudden when I didn’t see him I’m take the trials?"