After a brief pause, Jianyu leaned forward, his expression serious.

  “As core members of the sect, you will gain certain privileges, but with them come greater responsibilities. I will explain those in detail, but first…”

  He held their gazes for a moment before continuing.

  “Our founder, who still serves as our patriarch, established this sect 300 years ago. At the time, he had reached the peak of the Qi Condensation realm, seeking a way to pass on his legacy. By seizing an opportunity, he broke through to Foundation Establishment, granting himself another five centuries of longevity. Compared to many sects, ours is still in its formative years.”

  Jian and Tao listened in silence. Neither reacted outwardly, but a flicker of something unreadable passed through their eyes.

  Jianyu’s tone remained steady. “Most of our disciples in the outer and inner sects have inferior or low grade spirit roots, which slows their cultivation. You two are among them.”

  Jian’s fingers curled slightly, but he said nothing. Tao kept his gaze lowered; expression composed.

  “A small number of disciples possess mid grade spirit roots and are usually chosen as core members. However, reaching the fifth level of Qi Condensation grants anyone the opportunity to join the core ranks.”

  Jian and Tao remained quiet, absorbing the information.

  Jianyu studied them for a moment before adding, “Having inferior or low grade spirit roots does not mean you cannot reach Foundation Establishment. It simply means your path will be harder. But given the progress you demonstrated in the Wilds, I believe you both have the potential to break through.”

  Jian inclined his head slightly in acknowledgment. Tao gave a slow nod.

  With a deliberate motion, Jianyu withdrew two jade slips and placed them before them.

  “These contain the latter part of the Verdant Dawn Scripture, guiding you to the ninth stage of Qi Condensation. They also include the next section of the Verdant Sword Technique.”

  Jian picked up one of the slips, turning it over in his palm. Tao hesitated for a fraction of a second before taking the other.

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  “Core disciples are considered true members of the sect,” Jianyu continued. “You will receive a monthly stipend of ten low grade spirit stones. It will supplement your cultivation, but you will still need to take on missions to acquire additional resources. Core members are permitted to undertake higher level assignments.”

  Jian gave a slight nod. Tao remained silent.

  “In addition, you will receive two Qi gathering pills per month to aid your breakthroughs. Any extras must be purchased with contribution points.”

  Jian finally spoke, his voice even. “How many points do core disciples receive per month?”

  “Thirty,” Jianyu replied. “They can be used to access sect resources, manuals, training formations, or additional pills.”

  Jian merely nodded again. Tao pressed his lips together in thought.

  “You will also each be assigned a new residence with a private cultivation chamber, equipped with a Qi gathering formation to assist in your training,” Jianyu went on. “Additionally, core disciples receive higher quality robes embedded with minor defensive formations. They won’t protect you from stronger cultivators, but in the right situation, they may save your life.”

  Tao ran his fingers along the edge of the jade slip before finally speaking. “Understood.”

  Jianyu’s gaze lingered on them for a moment before he nodded. “Good. The sect provides for those willing to dedicate themselves. You have been given an opportunity; use it well.”

  Jian and Tao lowered their heads in respectful acknowledgment. Whatever they truly thought, they kept to themselves.

  After a moment of silence, a measured knock echoed at the chamber door. Jianyu’s eyes flickered with a hint of approval as he spoke, “That must be Rufeng.” He called for Rufeng to enter.

  The door swung open to reveal Yin Rufeng, who strode in calmly. His presence was unmistakable, a strong, assured aura and the dignified bearing of one who had reached the seventh layer of Qi Condensation. Stepping forward, he offered a polite nod, his voice even as he greeted, “Good day, younger brothers.”

  Jianyu smiled slightly and introduced him, “Tao, Jian, this is Yin Rufeng, one of our strongest core disciples. From now on, you shall address him as elder brother.” Tao and Jian exchanged quick, respectful bows, replying, “Elder Brother Rufeng.”

  At their words, a pleased glint flashed through Yin Rufeng’s eyes. He straightened subtly, his shoulders squaring with quiet satisfaction. The title rolled pleasantly in his ears, feeding a sense of seniority he enjoyed. A slight smirk touched his lips before he composed himself, his expression smoothing into one of dignified acceptance. “Good,” he said, his voice carrying an air of approval. “I will see to it that you settle in properly.”

  Jianyu then turned to Rufeng with a deliberate tone. “Rufeng, please escort our new core members to their new places of residence.”

  Rufeng inclined his head in acknowledgment, his expression resolute, though the lingering satisfaction of his newfound authority still flickered in his gaze.

  Before they departed, Jianyu added with quiet authority, “And as a testament to your achievements in completing the mission and reaching the fifth layer, I have augmented each of your tokens with an extra 1000 sect points. Use them well in your continued cultivation.”

  Without another word, Yin Rufeng departed with Tao and Jian, while Jianyu’s watchful eyes held the weight of their future.