The heavy doors of the Combat Hall swung shut behind them, sealing off the sounds of sparring disciples and the rhythmic thuds against the wooden dummies. Rufeng’s back was as straight as a spear, his movements precise as though every step was measured for maximum impact. Though Rufeng’s gaze remained fixed ahead, Jian and Tao could tell he expected them to fall into step behind him

  Rufeng led them through the sect’s sprawling grounds, guiding them toward a secluded compound behind the Verdant Hall, an area neither Tao nor Jian had ever visited before. The further they walked, the more the atmosphere shifted. The Qi here felt denser, a clear indication of the area’s significance to core disciples.

  They passed several large wooden structures, far grander than the modest huts inner sect members had to share. As they neared the end of the compound, Rufeng stopped before two adjacent buildings, both larger and more refined than any Jian or Tao had seen in the sect.

  “These will be your residences,” Rufeng said evenly, gesturing to the two buildings. “Junior Brother Jian, yours will be the one on the left. Junior Brother Tao, yours is the one on the right.”

  The two disciples exchanged a glance, surprise flashing briefly across their faces before they offered respectful nods to Rufeng.

  “The layout is similar for both,” Rufeng continued, his voice laced with amusement at their surprise. “Living quarters in the front, cultivation chambers in the back. The formation for the cultivation chamber is already active. You’ll find everything in order.”

  Jian and Tao nodded again, silently grateful for the unexpected luxury.

  “There are basic amenities provided,” Rufeng went on. “Should you require anything further, you may consult the sect’s resource catalogue and use your contribution points. You’ll find the catalogue inside your residences.”

  He gave them a broad smile before saying. “I trust you’ll find your way. If you need me, my residence is at the far end of the compound.” He pointed toward a distant building. “Otherwise, familiarise yourselves with your new surroundings.”

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  With that, Rufeng turned and left, his footsteps fading into the distance as he headed toward his own residence.

  Jian and Tao exchanged a brief glance, a shared sense of wonder passing between them. They walked toward their respective residences in silence, both eager to settle into their new spaces.

  Jian approached the eastern building first, using his token to unlock the door. The interior was simple yet clean, the furnishings minimal. A simple bed, a wooden table, and a few shelves lined the walls. It was a far cry from the cramped quarters of the inner sect. He moved through the small living space and toward the back, where the cultivation chamber awaited.

  As he stepped inside, Jian immediately felt the difference. The spiritual energy was dense, the lines and symbols etched into the stone floor glowed faintly. His senses tingled as the Qi in the room seemed to wrap around him, filling the space with a potent, invigorating presence. It was unlike any cultivation environment he had experienced before. Low grade spiritual root or not, here progress would come more swiftly.

  Tao’s residence mirrored Jian’s in layout and design, though his reaction was more subdued. He stood still for a moment in the centre of the living room, letting the quiet satisfaction of the moment settle within him. The difference in quality between this and his old room in the inner sect was stark. He carefully placed the jade slip and token that Jianyu had given him on the table next to the catalogue, his fingers brushing the smooth surface. They were both symbols of his new standing, one that he had worked hard to achieve.

  Yet, more than the luxury of having the whole building to himself, he valued the privacy, this was perfect. He would now have the freedom to investigate the jade mountain statue once he found out how to set up some privacy arrays. His new status would help him here, he could now access arrays and formations of a higher grade.

  He made his way to the back of the building, where the cultivation chamber beckoned. The air there, thick with Qi, seemed to embrace him, almost as if the room itself was aware of his presence. The energy that filled the chamber was a comforting warmth, a silent promise of faster growth and more powerful cultivation. Tao closed his eyes for a moment, drawing in a deep breath, feeling the spiritual energy seep into his very core. It was almost too easy to get carried away and forget about everything. To stay there indefinitely and cultivate.

  After a long moment, he opened his eyes and moved away from the chamber back into the living quarters. It was time to talk to Jian about their future plans and figure out how to divide the spoils.