Re-birth: The Beginning after the End

"Inner disciples have priority booking for the enhanced arenas," Senior Ming continued. "Those have the strongest protective formations and can withstand even a sixth rank spirit beast's techniques."

After completing their circuit of the sect grounds, the seniors led them back to the main hall. The grand structure seemed even more impressive now that they understood its central role in sect life. Inside, the spacious chamber was cool and quiet, with sunlight filtering through crystalline windows to create patterns on the polished floor.

Senior Ming approached a side chamber where a formation-inscribed board displayed various schedules. A large wooden desk, where an attendant would sit, stood empty against the far wall, its surface polished from centuries of use.

With a gesture, she retrieved two jade slips that shimmered with information, along with two sets of neatly folded inner sect robes from a nearby storage cabinet. "These jade slips contain your daily schedules, important sect rules, and cultivation requirements," she explained, handing one to each sibling along with their new robes. "The slips will update automatically when there are changes to regular activities or special events." Her expression grew serious. "Guard these slips carefully—they're not just for information. Without them, you won't be able to pass through the sect gates. Losing one means a significant deduction in merit points and a troublesome replacement process."

The siblings nodded solemnly, each carefully storing their jade slips and robes in their spatial storage rings with practiced movements.

"As inner disciples, your core classes focus on advanced beast taming theories and practical applications," Senior Chen added, his serpent familiar observing with intelligent eyes. "But you're also expected to maintain a certain level of independent cultivation and contribute to sect activities."

The schedules outlined their structured days: morning cultivation sessions, theoretical studies, beast communication practice, and combat training. Yet they also showed considerable free time blocks—a privilege of inner disciple status that would allow them to pursue their own cultivation paths.

"Your official training begins after the ceremony," Senior Ming said. "Do you have any questions?"

"Yes," Li Wei spoke up, his nature showing through. "You mentioned contributing to sect activities. What exactly does that entail?"

"Ah, good question," Senior Chen nodded approvingly. "There are several ways to contribute. You can assist in teaching outer disciples, help maintain the beast training grounds, participate in herb gathering expeditions, or aid in refining beast cores for the sect's use. Some disciples even choose to help in the library or medicine hall."

"Each activity carries different merit points," Senior Ming added. "These points determine your ranking among inner disciples, which in turn affects your access to certain resources and opportunities. Performing well in sect tournaments or completing advancement trials can also earn you significant merit points." She gestured to a large crystal board mounted on the main hall's wall. "The rankings are updated monthly. You can check your current points and available tasks on that board—just channel a bit of essence into it, and it will show your personal records."

"The higher your contribution ranking," Senior Chen continued, "the more priority you have in selecting advanced cultivation techniques from the restricted section, choosing prime meditation spots in the caves, or even accessing high grade artifacts."

"There are also special requests posted on the crystal board," Senior Ming noted, pointing to a section that glowed with a different light. "These come from both within and outside the sect—everything from escorting merchant caravans to helping other sects with beast-related issues. If you're interested in taking on these requests, you'll need to speak with Elder Fu, who manages all external assignments. He's quite strict about matching disciples to appropriate tasks, but the rewards and merit points could be substantial."

The siblings nodded in understanding, taking in all the information about sect contributions and rankings.

"Is there any way we could watch the entrance exams?" Li Hua asked, curious about the testing process they'd bypassed.

The senior disciples exchanged knowing smiles. "That's where we're headed as well," Senior Ming replied. "If you'd like, we could go together. There's a special section where current disciples can observe without being noticed—it's hidden from the candidates to prevent adding extra pressure."

Senior Chen's serpent familiar coiled with interest. "It's actually quite educational to watch. You'll see different types of spirit beast affinities and various levels of talent. Helps you understand what the sect looks for in its disciples."

Li Hua glanced at Li Wei, seeking his opinion. When he nodded, she turned back to the seniors. "Yes, please."

Senior Ming led them through a series of winding paths, their footsteps silent against the stone. They emerged onto a covered balcony that overlooked the main testing grounds, its position cleverly concealed by both formations and architectural design. From here, they had a perfect view of the candidates below, yet remained invisible to those being tested.

Other disciples were already gathered along the balcony's edge, their spirit beasts maintaining a respectful quiet as they watched the proceedings. The testing area below had been divided into several sections, each designed to evaluate different aspects of a candidate's potential.

"Watch closely," Senior Chen whispered, his serpent familiar extending its head with interest. "The first test measures raw spiritual energy, but it's the second phase—beast resonance—that truly determines their potential."

Below, a young candidate approached the testing crystal, her hands trembling slightly as she extended them. Li Hua found herself leaning forward, curious to see this simpler version of their test. Where her own evaluation had involved complex formations and profound resonance patterns, this basic assessment used a much simpler crystal.

The candidate's spiritual energy flowed into the crystal, creating a faint golden glow. Elder Sun, who was conducting the test below, nodded with mild approval. Then came the beast resonance test. Three spirit beasts of different attributes were brought forward: a wind fox, a flame-scaled lizard, and a water serpent.

The candidate's essence reached out tentatively. After several tense moments, the wind fox showed a slight response, its fur rustling with a weak spiritual connection. The other beasts remained unmoved. Elder Sun made some notes before gesturing for the next candidate.

"That's a typical response," Senior Ming whispered. "Most candidates can form a basic connection with one type of spirit beast. Some can't form any connection at all—they're usually redirected to other sects." Her words made Li Hua think of her own test, where the crystal had blazed with multiple elemental affinities in patterns Elder Sun had never seen before.