The week after Kai's humiliation brought a shift in how other students treated Wei Chen.
Not respect — he'd lost badly, after all. But something else. Acknowledgment. He'd faced an Inner Disciple with Advanced-level magic and lasted two and a half minutes. Most Outer Disciples wouldn't have managed thirty seconds.
Still pathetic by Kai's standards. But less pathetic than average.
Wei Chen noticed it during morning physical conditioning. Other students gave him space during the run, not crowding him like they did the weaker disciples. Small thing. But meaningful in a hierarchy built on constant evaluation.
"You're moving up the invisible rankings," Chen Ling observed during lunch. "People are calculating where you fit. Whether you're worth knowing or safe to ignore."
"I'm rank fifty-four out of sixty-one. Bottom ten."
"Official rankings update monthly. Unofficial rankings update constantly." Chen Ling gestured subtly at the room. "Watch the seating patterns. Who sits near who. Who gets avoided. That tells you more than any roster."
Wei Chen observed. Chen Ling was right — social positioning reflected capability assessment. The strongest Outer Disciples sat at central tables, commanding space. Weaker ones clustered at edges, staying invisible.
Wei Chen sat in middle territory now. Not central, but not edge either. Liminal space. Potential without proof.
That afternoon brought the first mission board posting.
All Outer Disciples gathered in the main courtyard where a large wooden board displayed available missions. Instructor Yan stood beside it, roster in hand.
"Mission system works as follows," Yan announced. "The board updates weekly with new postings. Outer Disciples may accept one mission per week maximum. Inner Disciples in top ten may accept more at their discretion. Rankings determine selection priority."
He gestured at the board. "Missions are categorized by difficulty and contribution point rewards. Grade E missions — lowest difficulty, lowest reward. Two to three points. Grade D — moderate difficulty, moderate reward. Five to ten points. Grade C and above require Inner Disciple approval."
Wei Chen scanned the board from his position near the back. Grade E missions dominated — escort merchants, guard warehouses, patrol districts, deliver packages. Basic work. Safe work. Low reward.
Grade D missions were more interesting. Investigate suspicious activity. Recover stolen goods. Intimidate debtors. Higher risk, better pay.
The top-ranked Outer Disciples moved first, selecting Grade D missions without hesitation. Missions that paid ten contribution points for two days' work.
By the time Wei Chen's turn came, only Grade E missions remained. He selected warehouse guard duty — two nights, three contribution points total. Not exciting, but reliable income.
"Smart choice," Chen Ling said, selecting a similar mission. "Grade E missions have low failure rate. Build reputation first, then take risks."
Han Tao chose escort duty — five contribution points but required leaving the city for three days. Riskier, but better reward if successful.
The warehouse guard mission began that evening.
Wei Chen reported to a merchant district warehouse owned by a textile trader. The merchant — a middle-aged woman named Zhao Ling — explained the situation.
"Thieves have been targeting warehouses in this district. Three robberies in the past month. City guard is useless." She gestured at the building. "You'll patrol inside and outside. Two twelve-hour shifts. Dawn to dusk, then dusk to dawn. Use whatever methods necessary to prevent theft."
"Understood."
"Payment is three contribution points. Half now, half after completion." She produced a token marked with Sanctuary seals. "Present this at the administrative office when you return."
Wei Chen took the token. His first real mission. His first step toward earning resources independently.
The warehouse held fabric — silk, cotton, wool, all stored in organized rows. Valuable enough to attract thieves, common enough that theft was profitable rather than suicidal.
Wei Chen began his patrol. Exterior perimeter first, checking locks and sight lines. Interior next, memorizing layout and hiding spots.
The work was boring. Hours of walking, watching, waiting. But Wei Chen used the time productively. Practiced shadow manipulation while moving, refining control. Studied the Shadow Blade manual Feng had given him, memorizing techniques he could test later.
Nothing happened the first night. Dawn came without incident.
The second night brought complications.
Wei Chen was patrolling the warehouse's eastern side when he sensed movement — shadows shifting wrong, footsteps too careful, magical presence trying to stay hidden.
Three people. Moving toward the loading dock entrance.
Wei Chen activated shadow concealment, blending with the building's darkness. Watched as the three figures approached — two men, one woman, all carrying tools and wearing dark clothing. Professional thieves, not desperate amateurs.
They worked the lock efficiently. Thirty seconds and it was open. They slipped inside.
Wei Chen followed silently.
The thieves moved through the warehouse with practiced efficiency, heading straight for the silk storage. High value, easy to transport. They knew what they wanted.
Wei Chen considered options. Three against one. Unknown capabilities. He could trigger an alarm, but that meant admitting he'd let them enter. Could try stopping them directly, but that meant combat against multiple opponents.
Or he could be creative.
Wei Chen used shadow manipulation, creating constructs that looked like warehouse guards — dark silhouettes moving between fabric rows. Not solid, but visually convincing in poor light.
The thieves froze, spotting the shadows.
"Guards," one hissed. "How many?"
"Four. Maybe five." The woman's voice was tense. "This wasn't in the intelligence."
Wei Chen created more shadows. Made them move erratically, suggesting panic and disorganization. Guards who'd discovered intruders but weren't coordinated yet.
"We abort," the leader decided. "Not worth the risk if they're already alerted."
They retreated quickly, leaving through the loading dock. Wei Chen followed at distance, ensuring they actually left the district.
Once they were gone, he secured the entrance and resumed patrol. No theft. No violence. Just psychological manipulation and misdirection.
Exactly what Darkness magic excelled at.
Morning came. Zhao Ling arrived to inspect the warehouse.
"Any problems?"
"Three thieves attempted entry around midnight. I discouraged them. They left without taking anything."
"You fought them?"
"I convinced them the risk was too high. They chose to retreat." Wei Chen kept his tone neutral. "No damage to property or inventory."
Zhao Ling examined the loading dock, verified nothing was missing, then nodded approval. "Efficient solution. Better than fighting and potentially damaging goods." She handed over the second mission token. "I'll request Sanctuary send you specifically for future guard work."
Wei Chen returned to Sanctuary mid-morning, mission complete. He presented both tokens at the administrative office.
The clerk — an older Outer Disciple managing paperwork — verified the tokens and updated records. "Three contribution points credited to your account. Total balance: three points."
"How do I check my balance?"
"Administrative office, anytime. Or mission board postings show your running total." The clerk pulled out a small ledger. "You're Wei Chen, rank fifty-four. First mission completion. Clean record so far. Keep it that way."
Wei Chen left feeling satisfied. Three contribution points. Small amount by Kai's standards, but it represented progress. Proof that he could earn resources through competence rather than waiting for handouts.
At lunch, Chen Ling reported his own mission success — also warehouse guard, also uneventful. Han Tao hadn't returned yet from escort duty.
"Three points for two days' work," Chen Ling said. "Four missions monthly means twelve points. Not much room for equipment purchases."
"Twelve points monthly is enough to survive. Not enough to advance." Wei Chen ate methodically. "Need to reach Grade D missions. Five to ten points each means real accumulation."
"Grade D requires higher ranking. Which requires proving capability. Which requires resources we don't have yet." Chen Ling smiled slightly. "Classic chicken-and-egg problem."
That afternoon brought combat training with Instructor Feng.
All sixty-one Outer Disciples gathered in Courtyard Three. Feng stood at center, arms crossed.
"Today's lesson: fighting multiple opponents." He gestured at the crowd. "In real combat, you rarely face single enemies. You face groups. Ambushes. Overwhelming numbers. Your techniques must account for this."
He split them into groups of three. "Each group will spar against one defender. Defender's objective: survive three minutes without surrender. Attackers' objective: force surrender through coordinated assault."
Wei Chen found himself grouped with Chen Ling and Xu Lan — the mysterious girl from entrance exam. She nodded once, acknowledging him. Chen Ling looked pleased with the pairing.
"Good team composition," Chen Ling said quietly. "Wei Chen's shadows for distraction, my blade work for pressure, Xu Lan's transformation for unpredictability."
Their defender was Ren Huang — the Outer Disciple who'd sparred with Wei Chen on day one. He'd been here six months, knew the patterns, had experience.
"Begin."
The three attackers moved immediately. Wei Chen took point with shadow constructs, creating distractions. Chen Ling pressed with blade techniques, forcing defensive responses. Xu Lan circled, waiting for openings.
Ren Huang defended efficiently, using minimal effort for maximum effect. Blocked Wei Chen's constructs with precise counter-movements. Parried Chen Ling's strikes with superior positioning. Tracked Xu Lan despite her attempts at misdirection.
Two minutes in, they hadn't forced surrender. But they also hadn't been eliminated.
Ren Huang's expression shifted from casual confidence to focused attention. "You're coordinating better than expected."
Wei Chen pressed harder, using lessons from Kai's fight. Created larger constructs, forcing Ren Huang to commit to defense. The moment he did, Chen Ling's blade found an angle. Simultaneously, Xu Lan used her shadow transformation technique, appearing behind Ren Huang's guard.
The combination worked. Chen Ling scored first blood on Ren Huang's arm while Xu Lan's strike landed on his opposite shoulder.
"Match concluded," Feng announced. "Attackers win."
Ren Huang released his defensive stance, nodding respect. "Excellent coordination. You used complementary techniques instead of competing for dominance. That's how you beat stronger opponents."
They rotated. Wei Chen became defender against three different attackers. He lasted two minutes before getting overwhelmed — his shadow techniques weren't sufficient against coordinated assault.
But two minutes was respectable. Better than half the students managed.
After training, Feng addressed the group. "Most of you failed as defenders. That's expected. Defending against multiple opponents requires either overwhelming power or exceptional technique. You have neither yet."
He pointed at Wei Chen's group. "They succeeded as attackers through coordination. Chen Ling provided pressure. Wei Chen provided control. Xu Lan provided unpredictability. Three different approaches working as one. That's the lesson. Individual capability matters less than group tactics. Remember that."
The session ended. Wei Chen's shoulder had new cuts from the defender role, but nothing serious. Medical could wait.
He headed to the technique library instead, wanting to research multi-opponent defensive strategies. The Shadow Blade manual Feng had given him covered one-on-one combat well, but group fighting required different approaches.
Wei Chen was deep in study when someone approached his table.
Not Kai this time. A different Inner Disciple — a girl maybe sixteen, with calculating eyes and confident posture. Her silver-trimmed robes marked her status clearly.
"Wei Chen," she said, sitting without invitation. "I'm Lin Sha. Inner Disciple, specializing in shadow manipulation theory."
"Lin Sha," Wei Chen acknowledged, setting down the scroll carefully.
"I watched your sparring today. Your coordination with Chen Ling and Xu Lan was competent. Better than average for someone five days into Sanctuary training." She pulled out a scroll of her own. "But your individual techniques are predictable. You rely too heavily on shadow constructs and not enough on mobility."
Wei Chen said nothing, waiting.
"I'm offering instruction. Private sessions, once weekly, focused on advanced shadow manipulation patterns." Lin Sha's tone was businesslike. "Cost is three contribution points per session. Twelve points monthly."
"I have three points total."
"I know. This is investment. You pay when you can. I take calculated risk that you'll be worth teaching." She leaned forward slightly. "Kai humiliated you publicly. That makes you motivated. Motivated students learn faster. Faster learning means you'll earn points quicker and pay me back."
Wei Chen studied her. This wasn't generosity. This was business. Lin Sha was gambling that Wei Chen's hunger would translate to success, which would translate to reliable student fees.
"What makes you think I'm worth the investment?"
"You lasted two and a half minutes against Kai. Most new disciples would've surrendered at first blood." Lin Sha smiled slightly. "Also, Feng gave you his Shadow Blade manual. He doesn't do that for students he thinks will fail. That's endorsement enough for me."
Wei Chen calculated quickly. Twelve contribution points monthly for private instruction. His current earning rate — four missions at three points each — meant twelve points income. Which meant zero accumulation. Every point earned would go to Lin Sha.
Break-even economics. No room for equipment purchases. No buffer for emergencies.
But also, real training. Advanced techniques. Guidance from someone who'd successfully navigated the path he was attempting.
"First payment due when?"
"Beginning of next month. Four weeks from now. That gives you time to complete missions and build your account." Lin Sha's voice was matter-of-fact. "Miss two consecutive payments, contract terminates. No exceptions."
Wei Chen made his decision. "I accept your offer."
"Good. First session is tomorrow evening. Courtyard Five. Bring questions about the techniques you're studying." She stood. "Also, stop sitting in the library corner. You're advertising weakness. Sit at central tables. Act like you belong there even if you don't yet. Social positioning matters as much as combat capability."
She left before Wei Chen could respond.
Wei Chen sat alone, processing. Two significant developments in one day. First mission completed successfully. Private instructor secured despite having insufficient funds currently.
He was building something. Slowly. Carefully. A foundation of resources, connections, and capabilities.
But the economics were tight. Twelve points income. Twelve points expense. Zero accumulation.
He needed to reach Grade D missions. Five to ten points each would change everything. But Grade D required higher ranking. Which required proving capability. Which required time and resources he was currently spending just to break even.
Classic trap. Working to afford training that would let him work better. The cycle needed breaking somehow.
That evening, Wei Chen wrote in his journal — documenting progress, lessons learned, immediate challenges.
Current status:
Rank: #54/61 (bottom ten, second among new disciples)
Contribution points: 3 (first mission completed)
Resources: Shadow Blade manual (from Feng), Lin Sha instruction secured
Commitments: 12 points monthly to Lin Sha (starting next month)
Immediate challenges:
Complete 4 missions monthly = 12 points income
Pay Lin Sha = 12 points expense
Net surplus = 0
Need to reach Grade D missions or find additional income
This month's goal:
Complete 3 more Grade E missions (9 additional points)
Total: 12 points by month's end
Make first payment to Lin Sha on time
Wei Chen closed the journal and lay on his bed, staring at darkness.
One week into Sanctuary life. The pecking order was becoming clear. Top twenty Outer Disciples controlled best missions and resources. Middle thirty competed for scraps. Bottom eleven struggled to survive.
Wei Chen was bottom eleven. But climbing.
The path forward was visible now. Narrow. Difficult. But visible.
Complete missions. Pay Lin Sha. Learn techniques. Improve capability. Reach higher rankings. Access better missions. Accumulate resources.
One step at a time. No shortcuts. No lucky breaks. Just consistent execution.
Wei Chen smiled slightly in the darkness.
Tomorrow would bring physical conditioning. Technique practice. Another mission to select from the board.
And the day after, his first private session with Lin Sha.
Everything was moving. Slowly. But moving.
Brother Kai had shown him the gap. Lin Sha had offered a path to close it. The missions provided fuel for that path.
Everything else was just execution.
And Wei Chen was very good at execution.