His outer disciple registration process had been completed. Xiao Han was now officially an outer disciple of Cloud Rain Sect.
Xiao Han had secretly heard from the novice disciples that once a novice disciple becomes an outer disciple, it was equal to having a good chance to achieve a higher cultivation realm, since they have the rights to practice a higher cultivation technique from the sect, and regularly received medicinal pills every month as allowance. They were even allowed to choose a martial arts skill book, which was a great opportunity for martial artists.
“Xiao Han!”, the chancellor’s sharp eyes immediately stared at Xiao Han.
“Oh… Yes?” Xiao Han was startled for a moment.
“From today onwards, you are an outer disciple of Cloud Rain Sect. Our Cloud Rain Sect is one of the most powerful sects amongst five others in this Feng Huo Empire. No matter if you are a novice disciple or an elder, we are well respected in the world. As the sect’s disciple, when you are adventuring and go outside, you must cautiously and carefully maintain your behavior. So your every words and actions must not shame the sects’ honor and reputation. The most important thing is that you cannot fall into temptation and collude with the demon race. The demon race is our human race’s most dire enemy. If any Cloud Rain Sect’s disciples is found colluding with the demon race, they will be hunted and killed at first sight. And in case that you find a member of demon race, you are obligated to kill them at once without hesitation. You cannot be lenient and soft hearted, and you must absolutely not be tempted to join them, do you understand?”
“Oh, I know about this, demon race devours human race’s brains as their food. They are very cruel and notoriously ferocious, if I really encounter a demon, I will also naturally kill them immediately, if not, my brain would be devoured by them, and that is not a good thing.” Xiao Han deeply nodded.
“Well, that’s good. Anyway, since your bone explosions and your cultivation was primarily accumulated from external resources and not from your efforts cultivating our sect’s martial arts, then you must not be complacent. One’s cultivation after all depends on his own talent, perception and hard work.” Another chancellor said to Xiao Han in contempt.
Xiao Han couldn’t help but stare at that chancellor, his heart secretly mused, “Is it just because I have no influential background that these people purposefully aim and pick me anytime?”
The chancellor as if understood Xiao Han’s thoughts, laughed, “Xiao Han, you must not think that the sect will leniently give you all the resources needed for your cultivation. You must remember, Cloud Rain Sect has many outer disciples, and the competition is extremely harsh, thus the sect will only focus on nurturing the best ones from all outer disciples, and cannot wastefully spend manpower, time and resources to train mediocre disciples, only the strong will survive and the weak could only die. In short, the sect will not care who you are, and where you come from, as long as your performance is outstanding. Good… if you have understood, I’ll call someone to explain more things to you about your allowance as outer disciple, and he will arrange a dwelling for you to live.”
After finishing his lecture, the old chancellor’s eyes looked at the far corner of the square. Most of the youngsters, who had stopped and watched in the surrounding square center, had all turned around and left.
“These chaps…”, the chancellor couldn’t help but lightly laugh, but shortly, he waved his hand and called a male youth who hadn’t left the square center. “Ah Chou, come here.”
“Yes, alright master.” That youth walked very fast and immediately arrived in front of the three chancellors.
“Xiao Han, this is Ah Chou, he can be counted as your senior brother, and his cultivation has reached the peak of Body Refining Realm, and his attitude is also commendable.” the chancellor introduced that youth to Xiao Han.
“Oh? Ah Chou?”, Xiao Han glanced up and saw a tall youth with a slim graceful body. The youth’s vigorous aura filled the air around him, and his breath was full of vitality, but his face was thoroughly scarred.
Ah Chou had a large red scar like a ringworm which, transfigured almost three-fourth of his face. Even the nose and lips were covered by a disgusting tinea, the ringworm on his face was as if it was glowing in a red colored light, which made it even more eye catching. Even on top of his nose there was a red bean-sized protruding skin granule. Ah Chou face was totally disgusting to look at.
“This… Ah Chou… No wonder this person is called Ah Chou… he is really ugly…” Xiao Han whispered in his heart, but immediately thought, “Meh… I was also a walking target, and had no background whatsoever, what rights do I have to talk about others appearances?” with such a thought, Xiao Han quickly laughed and spoke to him, “Senior brother Ah Chou, I’m Xiao Han, and I was just promoted to outer disciple, please take care of me!”
“Haha, Brother Xiao Han, don’t worry, it’s alright.” Ah Chou looked very happy as he could feel that Xiao Han didn’t seem to feel disgusted by his face; he quickly responded in an amiable manner.
“Ah… hahaha, Ah Chou, it seems that you and Xiao Han are very compatible, then you take Xiao Han to get his allocation, and also explain the Outer Hall customs to him.”
The old chancellor smiled and waved towards Xiao Han and Ah Chou, “Now, the both of you, go.”
“Junior brother Xiao Han, please come with me.” Ah Chou warmly called Xiao Han.
“Okay.” Xiao Han quickly followed Ah Chou and left the square.
“Hahaha, did you see that? They both are really compatible and their origins are almost equal, one is a walking target, and the other is ugly… these two people really arouse each other’s sympathy, it’s so touching.”
“Hahahaha…”
The three chancellors couldn’t help laughing.
Xiao Han together with Ah Chou left the square and quickly walked straight along the avenue.
The avenue was very spacious and could be passed by 10 horses at the same time, it was clean and tidy; thousands of exotic ancient trees were planted on both sides of the avenue. A faintly indiscernible wisp of divine spirit qi floated hovering around Xiao Han’s body. A rich fragrance of medicinal aroma flowed in the air, which made Xiao Han feel relaxed and joyful.
Most of the passersby on the avenue were youths. The male youths seemed to be the incarnations of divine beasts, looking valiant and fierce, but also indifferently proud and aloof, while the female youths were graceful, delicate and beautiful.
These youths were outstanding as the incarnations of dragons and phoenix amongst human.
After getting promoted to an outer disciple, Xiao Han found out that these youths were more powerful than him physically, but he could also feel clearly that their spiritual aura was also superior.
“Tsk, tsk, this kind of environment…” Xiao Han couldn’t help but sigh.
“What, environment? What do you think about it Xiao Han?” Ah Chou laughed.
“Well, it’s great. No wonder those novice disciples were so very engrossed and obsessed in their practice to become an outer disciple. It’s just that everything here is so great.” said Xiao Han honestly.
“It is.” Ah Chou nodded his head.“ Xiao Han, I could also tell you that even if you get expelled after being an outer disciple for several years, you’ll still be respected everywhere.”
Ah Chou paused a bit, and slowly spoke, “Xiao Han, this mountain peak is only one of 10 mountain peaks for outer disciples in Cloud Rain Sect, they were well known as the Ten Outer Hall Peaks. There are at least 2000 outer disciples living and cultivating in each hall.”
“What? There are ten Outer Hall Peaks? And each hall has more than 2000 disciples? Tsk, tsk… Wouldn’t it be that Cloud Rain Sect has more than 20000 outer disciples?”, Xiao Han was totally surprised.
“Xiao Han, these Ten Outer Hall Peaks are competing intensely with each other, and our Outer Hall could only be called as mediocre, as we only rank seventh out of the ten halls, and if it weren’t for the two geniuses, senior brothers Ling Fei Yu and Meng Ran, we could have been ranked eighth. However for this year’s competition, our hall ranking could even fall to the very bottom as these two geniuses might be promoted to inner disciples.” Ah Chou slowly explained with a cloudy expression.
“Oh… ah… ah.” Xiao Han nodded, but immediately he remembered something, and whispered, “Senior brother Ah Chou, I would like to inquire you about someone.”
“Xiao Han, I have been an outer disciple for about 5 years, and I might know many people here, who is it that you would like know about?” said Ah Chou.
“Is there an outer disciple called Xue Jianfeng?” Xiao Han’s voice slightly trembled as he asked Ah Chou.
“Xue Jianfeng?” Ah Chou was slightly stifled, and immediately stared at Xiao Han.
“He was one of the few peerless geniuses amongst the outer disciples, and when he entered the Outer Hall, he had shocked everybody as he reached the peak of Blood Purifying Realm in about three years, and he successfully had his mortal body tempered to be as hard as steel, coupled with his great talent in swordsmanship, many were shocked. A young 18-years-old disciple with peerless swordsmanship had reached the qualifications to be an inner disciple. But he refused to enter the Inner Hall and declared that he would strive and breakthrough the Zhen Qi Realm as he had no interest in becoming an inner disciple. He said that only after reaching Zhen Qi Realm would he jump over a stage and become a true disciple.”
“If you and him somehow had some friendship, then it would be very convenient for you. As your circumstances in this Outer Hall would be much easier. No one dares to mess with people who are close to inner disciples, even many senior outer disciples had to give you some face.” Ah Chou, slowly spoke to Xiao Han.
“He is that powerful huh…”Xiao Han licked his lips, “Senior brother Ah Chou you misunderstood me, I don’t know him, and how would I? I’m only a merely a walking target, how could I know this talented famous disciple?”
“Xue Jianfeng is too proud and arrogant, and only has a few friends, probably genius people are doomed to have few friends.” said Ah Chou smilingly.
Suddenly, Xiao Han murmured with a very low voice, “Xue Jianfeng, the things I’ve had lost to you, one day I will take it back from you.”
“What did you say, Xiao Han?”
“Oh… nothing… it’s nothing.” Xiao Han hurriedly change the topic, “Ah yes, senior brother Ah Chou, what about the customs in this Outer Hall, tell me about them.”
“Actually, there’s no special rule, in fact…” Ah Chou voiced down his tone. “There are no rules, all the rules and customs are false. As long as you have enough strength, nobody will question you. However, the Outer Hall strictly forbids personal duels between disciples. If a disciple has some grudges with others, the both sides must formally settle a duel and resolve it in the arena. For example if I were to offend the other disciples, then according to the rule, they cannot beat me however they wanted, but must have an agreement with me to arrange a formal duel on the arena.”
“Ha… this one is a good rule.” Xiao Han heartily laughed.
“OK, we have arrived here, and now I’ll explain the benefits and allocation that outer disciples receive.” Ah Chou directed Xiao Han to walk toward a magnificent building outside.
The two went into the magnificent building.
Ah Chou stepped forward to the front desk, and helped Xiao Han fill in some written formalities, and received a brocade bundle wrapped in cloth.
“Xiao Han, open your brocade bundle and see what’s inside, this is your allocation, and you only receive it once a month.” Ah Chou laughed. “Now, as you’ve gotten your things, let us go to the place you are supposed to live, in your brocade there is a key for your courtyard gate, and since your place is not far away from mine, we’ll go straight over there right now.”
“Great, sorry for taking your time senior brother Ah Chou, and thanks for taking good care of me.” Xiao Han laughed and quickly opened the bundle.
There was a key, a booklet and some coins inside.
“Uh?” Xiao Han stifled, “How come there is no pill inside? I heard that outer disciple regularly received a medicinal pill once a month.”
“Do you see that string of Zhenwu coins? That is the currency circulating in our Feng Huo Empire, our sect uses the same currency. With that you can buy medicinal pills, martial arts books, weapons, and even regional map charts… these coins are a martial artist’s hard currency. You look at those shops, there is a medicinal pill store, weapons store, etc. And do you see those stalls? Sometimes you can find some outer disciples set up a stall to sell various materials, medicinal herbs, rare treasures, and even a secret martial arts technique. In short, as long as you have sufficient Zhenwu coins, there’s nothing you cannot buy.” Ah Chou’s unceasing words explained many things in the Outer Hall to Xiao Han.
“Oh, I see… originally it’s not directly receiving medicinal pills, but only receiving money…” Xiao Han quickly counted the Zhenwu coins in his hand, there are 100 coins.
“A newly arrived outer disciple’s allowance is 100 Zhenwu coins a month.” Ah Chou grinned.
“Each Ten Outer Hall Peaks have different amounts of monthly basic allowance distributed to its disciples”. For example our Outer Hall is ranked seventh, so we only receive 100 Zhenwu coins. But the first ranked Outer Hall, in which Xue Jianfeng is assigned, gets 1000 Zhenwu coins every month.”
“What? Our peak can only give us 100 coins, while that first Outer Hall’s disciples receive 1000 coins every month? How come the difference is so high? It’s ten times higher.” Xiao Han blurted out immediately.
“What can we do? We can only blame ourselves that we and our Outer Hall are not strong enough. The world has never been fair, whose fist is bigger, the benefits he can obtain are also much more, and I have realized this for a long time.” Ah Chou helplessly smiled.
“It’s alright Xiao Han, just cultivate and practice diligently, as long as your strength is sufficient and powerful enough, your opportunity will also arise, and then you will earn more Zhenwu coins.”
“And lastly, this booklet mainly explains basic general knowledge, martial arts realms, regional geographic overview, local customs and conditions, the sects in this empire… and much more. When you go to your dwelling, you can read it carefully.” Ah Chou continued his explanations, “And the day after tomorrow, I’ll take you to Martial Arts Pavilion and receive your Body Purifying book and also explain to you about receiving a mission. You can also choose one martial arts technique for you to practice there.”
“Martial arts technique? Wonderful! I only have Bone Refining Bull Fist, which is only a basic foundation technique to temper the body, it isn’t even worth mentioning.” said Xiao Han excitedly.
“That is only natural, martial arts styles listed in Martial Arts Pavilion are more powerful compared to Bone Refining Bull Fist.” Ah Chou nodded in agreement.
In a few minutes, while they were talking to each other, they finally arrived at a fine idyllic area, the emerald green colors intertwined with each other, and the lush vegetations covered the vast area. There were many red-brick pavilion-like residences with green tile floors built between the forest trees. Each residence had a large courtyard, which gave the impressions that the people living in there were far richer than common aristocratic families.
Forest deers, apes, antelopes and many other docile animals were seen strolling and grazing in this vast area. A clear scent of grass and trees from the surrounding area was filling the atmosphere with a refreshing fragrance.
Xiao Han breathed slightly and savored the tranquility and refreshing feeling that the surrounding nature emitted to the air.
In a few minutes, Ah Chou and Xiao Han had arrived in the middle of a maple forest. There was a luxurious spacious residence which belonged to Ah Chou, while Xiao Han’s was next to it, a residence with warped glazed tiles, and a stair constructed from white stones, giving off a resplendent and magnificent flavor to whoever looked at it.
Xiao Han was quite lost for a few moments and thought; he was living a walking target’s life before, his life was so simple and crude, his dwelling was only a stilt house made of crude woods on top of a water current. Compared to the pavilion-like residence with a large courtyard in front of him, it was simply like comparing the heaven and earth.
“Xiao Han, this is also part of the outer disciple’s welfare, this courtyard also belongs to you, just hurry, take your key and open the door.” Ah Chou patted Xiao Han’s shoulder.
Xiao Han opened the door to his residence.
Surprisingly, there was a big garden and a small training field.
The garden was large enough, as it covered several acres of the house, almost the same size as the training field.
The tall bamboo was flickering, and the water was trickling. Either inside the residence, the terrace or in this open hall, a dense divine qi could be felt everywhere.
Xiao Han could only stand in awe and swallow his saliva seeing such luxuries exposed in front of him.
“Xiao Han, enter your house quickly and have some rest, I’ll come again later to call you for dinner.” said Ah Chou, while he turned around and withdrew from Xiao Han’s house.
His outer disciple registration process had been completed. Xiao Han was now officially an outer disciple of Cloud Rain Sect.
Xiao Han had secretly heard from the novice disciples that once a novice disciple becomes an outer disciple, it was equal to having a good chance to achieve a higher cultivation realm, since they have the rights to practice a higher cultivation technique from the sect, and regularly received medicinal pills every month as allowance. They were even allowed to choose a martial arts skill book, which was a great opportunity for martial artists.
“Xiao Han!”, the chancellor’s sharp eyes immediately stared at Xiao Han.
“Oh… Yes?” Xiao Han was startled for a moment.
“From today onwards, you are an outer disciple of Cloud Rain Sect. Our Cloud Rain Sect is one of the most powerful sects amongst five others in this Feng Huo Empire. No matter if you are a novice disciple or an elder, we are well respected in the world. As the sect’s disciple, when you are adventuring and go outside, you must cautiously and carefully maintain your behavior. So your every words and actions must not shame the sects’ honor and reputation. The most important thing is that you cannot fall into temptation and collude with the demon race. The demon race is our human race’s most dire enemy. If any Cloud Rain Sect’s disciples is found colluding with the demon race, they will be hunted and killed at first sight. And in case that you find a member of demon race, you are obligated to kill them at once without hesitation. You cannot be lenient and soft hearted, and you must absolutely not be tempted to join them, do you understand?”
“Oh, I know about this, demon race devours human race’s brains as their food. They are very cruel and notoriously ferocious, if I really encounter a demon, I will also naturally kill them immediately, if not, my brain would be devoured by them, and that is not a good thing.” Xiao Han deeply nodded.
“Well, that’s good. Anyway, since your bone explosions and your cultivation was primarily accumulated from external resources and not from your efforts cultivating our sect’s martial arts, then you must not be complacent. One’s cultivation after all depends on his own talent, perception and hard work.” Another chancellor said to Xiao Han in contempt.
Xiao Han couldn’t help but stare at that chancellor, his heart secretly mused, “Is it just because I have no influential background that these people purposefully aim and pick me anytime?”
The chancellor as if understood Xiao Han’s thoughts, laughed, “Xiao Han, you must not think that the sect will leniently give you all the resources needed for your cultivation. You must remember, Cloud Rain Sect has many outer disciples, and the competition is extremely harsh, thus the sect will only focus on nurturing the best ones from all outer disciples, and cannot wastefully spend manpower, time and resources to train mediocre disciples, only the strong will survive and the weak could only die. In short, the sect will not care who you are, and where you come from, as long as your performance is outstanding. Good… if you have understood, I’ll call someone to explain more things to you about your allowance as outer disciple, and he will arrange a dwelling for you to live.”
After finishing his lecture, the old chancellor’s eyes looked at the far corner of the square. Most of the youngsters, who had stopped and watched in the surrounding square center, had all turned around and left.
“These chaps…”, the chancellor couldn’t help but lightly laugh, but shortly, he waved his hand and called a male youth who hadn’t left the square center. “Ah Chou, come here.”
“Yes, alright master.” That youth walked very fast and immediately arrived in front of the three chancellors.
“Xiao Han, this is Ah Chou, he can be counted as your senior brother, and his cultivation has reached the peak of Body Refining Realm, and his attitude is also commendable.” the chancellor introduced that youth to Xiao Han.
“Oh? Ah Chou?”, Xiao Han glanced up and saw a tall youth with a slim graceful body. The youth’s vigorous aura filled the air around him, and his breath was full of vitality, but his face was thoroughly scarred.
Ah Chou had a large red scar like a ringworm which, transfigured almost three-fourth of his face. Even the nose and lips were covered by a disgusting tinea, the ringworm on his face was as if it was glowing in a red colored light, which made it even more eye catching. Even on top of his nose there was a red bean-sized protruding skin granule. Ah Chou face was totally disgusting to look at.
“This… Ah Chou… No wonder this person is called Ah Chou… he is really ugly…” Xiao Han whispered in his heart, but immediately thought, “Meh… I was also a walking target, and had no background whatsoever, what rights do I have to talk about others appearances?” with such a thought, Xiao Han quickly laughed and spoke to him, “Senior brother Ah Chou, I’m Xiao Han, and I was just promoted to outer disciple, please take care of me!”
“Haha, Brother Xiao Han, don’t worry, it’s alright.” Ah Chou looked very happy as he could feel that Xiao Han didn’t seem to feel disgusted by his face; he quickly responded in an amiable manner.
“Ah… hahaha, Ah Chou, it seems that you and Xiao Han are very compatible, then you take Xiao Han to get his allocation, and also explain the Outer Hall customs to him.”
The old chancellor smiled and waved towards Xiao Han and Ah Chou, “Now, the both of you, go.”
“Junior brother Xiao Han, please come with me.” Ah Chou warmly called Xiao Han.
“Okay.” Xiao Han quickly followed Ah Chou and left the square.
“Hahaha, did you see that? They both are really compatible and their origins are almost equal, one is a walking target, and the other is ugly… these two people really arouse each other’s sympathy, it’s so touching.”
“Hahahaha…”
The three chancellors couldn’t help laughing.
Xiao Han together with Ah Chou left the square and quickly walked straight along the avenue.
The avenue was very spacious and could be passed by 10 horses at the same time, it was clean and tidy; thousands of exotic ancient trees were planted on both sides of the avenue. A faintly indiscernible wisp of divine spirit qi floated hovering around Xiao Han’s body. A rich fragrance of medicinal aroma flowed in the air, which made Xiao Han feel relaxed and joyful.
Most of the passersby on the avenue were youths. The male youths seemed to be the incarnations of divine beasts, looking valiant and fierce, but also indifferently proud and aloof, while the female youths were graceful, delicate and beautiful.
These youths were outstanding as the incarnations of dragons and phoenix amongst human.
After getting promoted to an outer disciple, Xiao Han found out that these youths were more powerful than him physically, but he could also feel clearly that their spiritual aura was also superior.
“Tsk, tsk, this kind of environment…” Xiao Han couldn’t help but sigh.
“What, environment? What do you think about it Xiao Han?” Ah Chou laughed.
“Well, it’s great. No wonder those novice disciples were so very engrossed and obsessed in their practice to become an outer disciple. It’s just that everything here is so great.” said Xiao Han honestly.
“It is.” Ah Chou nodded his head.“ Xiao Han, I could also tell you that even if you get expelled after being an outer disciple for several years, you’ll still be respected everywhere.”
Ah Chou paused a bit, and slowly spoke, “Xiao Han, this mountain peak is only one of 10 mountain peaks for outer disciples in Cloud Rain Sect, they were well known as the Ten Outer Hall Peaks. There are at least 2000 outer disciples living and cultivating in each hall.”
“What? There are ten Outer Hall Peaks? And each hall has more than 2000 disciples? Tsk, tsk… Wouldn’t it be that Cloud Rain Sect has more than 20000 outer disciples?”, Xiao Han was totally surprised.
“Xiao Han, these Ten Outer Hall Peaks are competing intensely with each other, and our Outer Hall could only be called as mediocre, as we only rank seventh out of the ten halls, and if it weren’t for the two geniuses, senior brothers Ling Fei Yu and Meng Ran, we could have been ranked eighth. However for this year’s competition, our hall ranking could even fall to the very bottom as these two geniuses might be promoted to inner disciples.” Ah Chou slowly explained with a cloudy expression.
“Oh… ah… ah.” Xiao Han nodded, but immediately he remembered something, and whispered, “Senior brother Ah Chou, I would like to inquire you about someone.”
“Xiao Han, I have been an outer disciple for about 5 years, and I might know many people here, who is it that you would like know about?” said Ah Chou.
“Is there an outer disciple called Xue Jianfeng?” Xiao Han’s voice slightly trembled as he asked Ah Chou.
“Xue Jianfeng?” Ah Chou was slightly stifled, and immediately stared at Xiao Han.
“He was one of the few peerless geniuses amongst the outer disciples, and when he entered the Outer Hall, he had shocked everybody as he reached the peak of Blood Purifying Realm in about three years, and he successfully had his mortal body tempered to be as hard as steel, coupled with his great talent in swordsmanship, many were shocked. A young 18-years-old disciple with peerless swordsmanship had reached the qualifications to be an inner disciple. But he refused to enter the Inner Hall and declared that he would strive and breakthrough the Zhen Qi Realm as he had no interest in becoming an inner disciple. He said that only after reaching Zhen Qi Realm would he jump over a stage and become a true disciple.”
“If you and him somehow had some friendship, then it would be very convenient for you. As your circumstances in this Outer Hall would be much easier. No one dares to mess with people who are close to inner disciples, even many senior outer disciples had to give you some face.” Ah Chou, slowly spoke to Xiao Han.
“He is that powerful huh…”Xiao Han licked his lips, “Senior brother Ah Chou you misunderstood me, I don’t know him, and how would I? I’m only a merely a walking target, how could I know this talented famous disciple?”
“Xue Jianfeng is too proud and arrogant, and only has a few friends, probably genius people are doomed to have few friends.” said Ah Chou smilingly.
Suddenly, Xiao Han murmured with a very low voice, “Xue Jianfeng, the things I’ve had lost to you, one day I will take it back from you.”
“What did you say, Xiao Han?”
“Oh… nothing… it’s nothing.” Xiao Han hurriedly change the topic, “Ah yes, senior brother Ah Chou, what about the customs in this Outer Hall, tell me about them.”
“Actually, there’s no special rule, in fact…” Ah Chou voiced down his tone. “There are no rules, all the rules and customs are false. As long as you have enough strength, nobody will question you. However, the Outer Hall strictly forbids personal duels between disciples. If a disciple has some grudges with others, the both sides must formally settle a duel and resolve it in the arena. For example if I were to offend the other disciples, then according to the rule, they cannot beat me however they wanted, but must have an agreement with me to arrange a formal duel on the arena.”
“Ha… this one is a good rule.” Xiao Han heartily laughed.
“OK, we have arrived here, and now I’ll explain the benefits and allocation that outer disciples receive.” Ah Chou directed Xiao Han to walk toward a magnificent building outside.
The two went into the magnificent building.
Ah Chou stepped forward to the front desk, and helped Xiao Han fill in some written formalities, and received a brocade bundle wrapped in cloth.
“Xiao Han, open your brocade bundle and see what’s inside, this is your allocation, and you only receive it once a month.” Ah Chou laughed. “Now, as you’ve gotten your things, let us go to the place you are supposed to live, in your brocade there is a key for your courtyard gate, and since your place is not far away from mine, we’ll go straight over there right now.”
“Great, sorry for taking your time senior brother Ah Chou, and thanks for taking good care of me.” Xiao Han laughed and quickly opened the bundle.
There was a key, a booklet and some coins inside.
“Uh?” Xiao Han stifled, “How come there is no pill inside? I heard that outer disciple regularly received a medicinal pill once a month.”
“Do you see that string of Zhenwu coins? That is the currency circulating in our Feng Huo Empire, our sect uses the same currency. With that you can buy medicinal pills, martial arts books, weapons, and even regional map charts… these coins are a martial artist’s hard currency. You look at those shops, there is a medicinal pill store, weapons store, etc. And do you see those stalls? Sometimes you can find some outer disciples set up a stall to sell various materials, medicinal herbs, rare treasures, and even a secret martial arts technique. In short, as long as you have sufficient Zhenwu coins, there’s nothing you cannot buy.” Ah Chou’s unceasing words explained many things in the Outer Hall to Xiao Han.
“Oh, I see… originally it’s not directly receiving medicinal pills, but only receiving money…” Xiao Han quickly counted the Zhenwu coins in his hand, there are 100 coins.
“A newly arrived outer disciple’s allowance is 100 Zhenwu coins a month.” Ah Chou grinned.
“Each Ten Outer Hall Peaks have different amounts of monthly basic allowance distributed to its disciples”. For example our Outer Hall is ranked seventh, so we only receive 100 Zhenwu coins. But the first ranked Outer Hall, in which Xue Jianfeng is assigned, gets 1000 Zhenwu coins every month.”
“What? Our peak can only give us 100 coins, while that first Outer Hall’s disciples receive 1000 coins every month? How come the difference is so high? It’s ten times higher.” Xiao Han blurted out immediately.
“What can we do? We can only blame ourselves that we and our Outer Hall are not strong enough. The world has never been fair, whose fist is bigger, the benefits he can obtain are also much more, and I have realized this for a long time.” Ah Chou helplessly smiled.
“It’s alright Xiao Han, just cultivate and practice diligently, as long as your strength is sufficient and powerful enough, your opportunity will also arise, and then you will earn more Zhenwu coins.”
“And lastly, this booklet mainly explains basic general knowledge, martial arts realms, regional geographic overview, local customs and conditions, the sects in this empire… and much more. When you go to your dwelling, you can read it carefully.” Ah Chou continued his explanations, “And the day after tomorrow, I’ll take you to Martial Arts Pavilion and receive your Body Purifying book and also explain to you about receiving a mission. You can also choose one martial arts technique for you to practice there.”
“Martial arts technique? Wonderful! I only have Bone Refining Bull Fist, which is only a basic foundation technique to temper the body, it isn’t even worth mentioning.” said Xiao Han excitedly.
“That is only natural, martial arts styles listed in Martial Arts Pavilion are more powerful compared to Bone Refining Bull Fist.” Ah Chou nodded in agreement.
In a few minutes, while they were talking to each other, they finally arrived at a fine idyllic area, the emerald green colors intertwined with each other, and the lush vegetations covered the vast area. There were many red-brick pavilion-like residences with green tile floors built between the forest trees. Each residence had a large courtyard, which gave the impressions that the people living in there were far richer than common aristocratic families.
Forest deers, apes, antelopes and many other docile animals were seen strolling and grazing in this vast area. A clear scent of grass and trees from the surrounding area was filling the atmosphere with a refreshing fragrance.
Xiao Han breathed slightly and savored the tranquility and refreshing feeling that the surrounding nature emitted to the air.
In a few minutes, Ah Chou and Xiao Han had arrived in the middle of a maple forest. There was a luxurious spacious residence which belonged to Ah Chou, while Xiao Han’s was next to it, a residence with warped glazed tiles, and a stair constructed from white stones, giving off a resplendent and magnificent flavor to whoever looked at it.
Xiao Han was quite lost for a few moments and thought; he was living a walking target’s life before, his life was so simple and crude, his dwelling was only a stilt house made of crude woods on top of a water current. Compared to the pavilion-like residence with a large courtyard in front of him, it was simply like comparing the heaven and earth.
“Xiao Han, this is also part of the outer disciple’s welfare, this courtyard also belongs to you, just hurry, take your key and open the door.” Ah Chou patted Xiao Han’s shoulder.
Xiao Han opened the door to his residence.
Surprisingly, there was a big garden and a small training field.
The garden was large enough, as it covered several acres of the house, almost the same size as the training field.
The tall bamboo was flickering, and the water was trickling. Either inside the residence, the terrace or in this open hall, a dense divine qi could be felt everywhere.
Xiao Han could only stand in awe and swallow his saliva seeing such luxuries exposed in front of him.
“Xiao Han, enter your house quickly and have some rest, I’ll come again later to call you for dinner.” said Ah Chou, while he turned around and withdrew from Xiao Han’s house.
