Elder Ren brought Agois to a valley with rows of complexes and settled him into Courtyard Number 27. Agois immediately liked this valley; with its lake, colorful trees, and flowers, it provided a natural and refreshing atmosphere. The courtyards here were quite spacious and featured luxurious architecture and furnishings; Agois was impressed with his own abode. He realized that Inner Sect disciples were truly treated well.
Elder Ren smiled, understanding Agois's satisfaction from his expression. Touching Agois's shoulder, he said, "If you become stronger, you will gain access to much better amenities and protect yourself and your loved ones better. If you see this comfort and deliberately become lazy, child, the sect will revoke your privileges. So, never lose your motivation. Remember, you are safe nowhere; only your own power secures your safety." He said with a serious expression. He had taken a liking to Agois, and this was a timely warning to prevent the youth from straying; there were many examples of such incidents in the sect's history.
Agois understood the meaning and Elder Ren's good intentions. He already possessed this awareness. Looking at Elder Ren, he replied with respect and seriousness, "Don't worry, Elder. I've taken your words to heart, and you can be sure I won't slack off and neglect my cultivation."
Elder Ren could see that this child was much more intelligent and had a mature character than his peers; he was becoming increasingly pleased with him. He should talk to Old Fu about taking him as a disciple. Maintaining his serious expression, Elder Ren began giving Agois advice and tips related to the Heavenly Sun Technique to facilitate his understanding for cultivation. Normally, newcomers start by taking classes in the Outer Sect, but those, like Agois, who are directly promoted to the Inner Sect usually train under the guidance of the elders.
Finally, he told Agois that he had 50 Nel Stones in his Spatial Ring. "You can use Spiritual Artifacts when you become a Cultivator; only then can you use Nel Stones as you wish," he said. This was a form of encouragement.
Agois nodded, indicating his understanding. He wanted to start cultivating immediately; he thought that with Elder Ren here, he could intervene if anything went wrong. Elder Ren, however, saw the thoughts of this young brat and just smiled. In this world, only the intelligent and those who seize opportunities could advance; it was normal for him to spend more time and attention since he wanted to take Agois as his disciple.
He guided Agois, who quickly grasped the introductory part of the Heavenly Sun Technique. Agois's comprehension ability was also top-notch.
"Come on, take the elixir and start now," Elder Ren told Agois.
Agois opened the box and took out the green elixir. This elixir was called the Awakening Elixir; it was an elixir for those just starting cultivation. Agois opened the elixir, drank it all at once, and entered meditation according to the technique. The elixir slowly permeated his body, opening his blocked meridians and circulating through the meridian channels like green blood. Agois could now feel the surrounding Nel Energy. The bright yellow energy was slowly being drawn toward him. As the energy entered Agois's body and began to fill his first meridian, incredible changes were occurring within him. Every cell was renewed, every muscle fiber reshaped. This was different from the changes that occurred when he entered the Iron Body realm; it was a more evolutionary, radical change, as if he was evolving towards a higher life form.
The changes continued slowly, and Agois's body strengthened to a level he had never seen before. Agois was beginning to feel the energy in his first meridian, and along with it, the Nel Energy he drew from nature accelerated. The energy slowly formed a spiral around Agois, like a miniature tornado, creating a yellow energy vortex with a one-meter radius.
Elder Ren nodded when he saw this scene; this child was impressive. He thought that drawing so much energy was likely due to his very strong physique. "At this rate, he might directly reach the middle stage of the 1st-level Silver Realm," he thought. There were 12 meridians in the body; each meridian was measured as a level, and each level was divided into three stages: Early, Middle, and Peak, according to the energy status. Up to the 12th meridian, each realm was leveled from Level 1 to Level 3, and each level had Early, Middle, and Peak stages.
He began to wait with anticipation for the level Agois would reach.
Agois was drawing more and more energy. No matter how much energy he collected, his body seemed capable of handling it. Slowly, his meridian began to strain; this meridian had just been opened and was subjected to a flood of energy, but Agois endured until it was full. He reached the limit of the meridian; any more energy would mean opening another meridian, and opening two meridians at once would cause instability and a fragile meridian. Therefore, Agois slowly stopped practicing the technique. His body now contained a yellow, sun-colored energy source. The spiral around him began to dissipate, and the environment slowly stabilized.
Elder Ren was surprised. He thought Agois would reach the middle stage of the First Level at most, but Agois had reached the Peak of the First Level of the Silver Realm. He truly was a rare talent. Even he had only reached the middle stage of the First Level, and that was considered impressive. He grew fonder of this child. He had never had a disciple before, or rather, he hadn't had the time, but he was thinking more about it now. Well, these were matters for later discussion.
Agois suddenly opened his eyes, which were glowing with fire. He felt the energy in his first meridian. There was great excitement and joy within him. He felt that his body had undergone a profound and evolutionary change; he was so full of energy that he felt he could train for a week without sleeping, eating, or resting. Yes, he had finally stepped into the world he had always dreamed of; he had become a Cultivator. Mixed silver and sun-colored energy circulated in his body. He felt tremendous power; forget the Iron Body realm, he felt he could annihilate a hundred people from the Copper Body realm if they came.
Agois immediately collected himself and bowed to Elder Ren: "Thank you, Elder Ren, for your supervision and attention," he said.
Elder Ren smiled, tossed his red hair back, and looked at Agois: "Those who enter the path of cultivation normally start at the Early Stage of the First Level of the Silver Realm; you are starting at the Peak. It's impressive, but do not become arrogant with it. Remember, there are always more talented people. Talent alone isn't what matters; countless talents have been buried in these cruel, bloody lands," he said, giving Agois another small lesson. He now regarded him as his own student.
Agois knew that Elder Ren was speaking for his own good. "I am aware of the incredible opportunities and dangers in this world. I am also aware of the existence of far greater talents, Elder. Don't worry, I will never succumb to complacency or arrogance. Not until I've grown at least a little stronger. Then it won't be too late to be arrogant," he joked, smirking playfully.
Elder Ren laughed, lightly and teasingly tapping Agois's head. "I see your confidence has grown, brat. You think you can oppose the entire world now, don't you?" he chuckled slyly. This was one of the delusions of those new to cultivation; people could sometimes lose themselves when they first attained new power. He sighed, thinking about this. Suddenly, the air in the surroundings began to grow heavy and warp; the air felt compressed. An aura, a mix of light purple and golden yellow, that Agois had never felt or would ever forget, emanated from Elder Ren's body. The pressure was so immense that even space seemed to begin warping. Agois collapsed to the ground; his entire body was drenched in sweat and felt broken from the pressure, rigid. He felt like he would be torn into pieces by a slight movement from Elder Ren. This was a genuine feeling; he felt the breath of death. Just as Agois was about to lose consciousness, all the heavy pressure suddenly disappeared, and the world returned to normal.
Agois slumped to the ground; his breathing was slow and uneven. Slowly coming to and starting to straighten up, he saw Elder Ren smirking at him. But he had nothing to say; he had truly just become a Cultivator but had been arrogant. Elder Ren began to speak: "Congratulations on becoming a Cultivator, but remember this is only the beginning. What you just experienced was the Cultivator's Baptism. It is administered to every new Cultivator to curb their arrogance and recklessness. You are still too weak. You can become arrogant when you reach the strength to establish yourself and stand alone in this world, brat," he said with a serious expression.
Agois nodded in understanding and bowed to Elder Ren: "I will never forget this lesson you have given me, Elder Ren. Thank you for bringing me back to my senses," he said. He looked at Elder Ren with a newfound respect; he could tell from the pressure he exerted that he truly was a genius, just as they said, he thought.
Elder Ren was pleased to see that Agois truly understood and took his lesson to heart, as some youths couldn't curb their arrogance even after the Cultivator's Baptism. He hadn't been mistaken about Agois; this child was talented in every respect.
He began to speak: "You are now an official Cultivator of the sect. New Inner Disciples will arrive in a month. After that, the sect will organize assignments and missions for you, and you will also have classes. When that time comes, the sect will comprehensively explain your monthly allowance of Nel Stones and Elixirs. You have one month of free time. Study hard during this month, because I hear there are very talented brats among the newcomers. Alright, you are a new Cultivator; try to adapt to your power, and you can either cultivate with the Nel Stones or save them; it's up to you," he said, throwing a pouch to Agois before leaving.
Agois stood respectfully after Elder Ren, then sat down and took a deep breath. The recent baptism had truly exhausted him; it was terrifying. New disciples, talented ones, were coming in a month, he thought; he loved competition and clenched his fists. Then he opened the pouch Elder Ren had given him. Inside the pouch were shiny triangular stones; they must be Nel Stones, as they were filled with Nel Energy. There were exactly 100 Nel Stones. Combined with those the sect had given him, it made 150; a good amount, he thought.
He immediately wanted to try out his Spatial Ring. Looking at the elegant ring on his finger, he infused a little energy. Suddenly, his mind perceived the 5-cubic-meter space; it was empty, containing only 50 shiny stones. He immediately took them out with a thought; the stones suddenly appeared outside. Agois was very surprised; this was a very magical item. He excitedly tried it a few more times. After satisfying his curiosity, he went to take a shower. His courtyard even had a small hot spring. Agois wanted to live a little luxuriously; he giggled foolishly, undressed, and entered the bath. After a comfortable shower, Agois dressed and felt his stomach rumbling. Yes, he had become a Cultivator; even though he had evolved into a higher life form, he hadn't reached those high levels yet, and still needed sustenance. But where could he eat? No one had told him. Well, he had Nel Stones; as far as he knew, these stones also served as currency in the Cultivator world. And he also had the sect's Contribution Points. He immediately put on his new uniform and left his courtyard.
Agois didn't immediately look for a cafeteria or restaurant; he wanted to see and explore the sect a little first. As Agois walked near the courtyard complexes, the disciples passing by in the valley looked at him and talked about something. It seemed he had gained some fame today as a disciple who had received attention from Old Fu and Elder Ren, but he didn't care. While wandering in the valley, a youth about 17-18 years old suddenly approached him.
"Hey little brother, who are you? I'm seeing you here for the first time," he said, surprised. Agois looked at the youth. He was a young man with an elegant and ethereal aura, combined with handsome features, presenting a stylish appearance.
Agois replied, "I just joined the sect."
The young man was surprised again: "I thought the new disciples were coming in a month."
Agois smiled: "Old Fu brought me," he replied.
The young man finally understood; this was the youth Old Fu was talking about. Nodding his head, he examined Agois from head to toe. He was indeed a very handsome boy; if he was like this at this age, he would be even more handsome when he grew up, he thought. There was an intelligent and determined look in his green eyes; this was something not seen in his peers. He immediately began to look at Agois differently. He approached Agois with a warm demeanor, "May I know the little brother's name?" he asked gently.
Agois replied just as gently, "My name is Agois. How should I address Big Brother?"
The young man smiled, "My name is Lu Nan, but little brother can just call me Lu," he said.
Agois replied, "I greet Big Brother Lu," with a slight bow.
Lu Nan said gently, "There's no need for so much politeness, little brother; we are now brothers of the same sect."
He immediately added, "Also, little brother, could you lend me 50 Nel Stones? I urgently need them. Don't worry, I'll pay you back tomorrow," he asked gently.
Agois frowned; he felt something was wrong. He wasn't stupid; he didn't have such familiarity with someone he had just met. Moreover, the passersby were giving them strange looks.
Suddenly, a harsh voice cut in.
"Hey shameless Lu Ran, are you trying to swindle a new junior brother again, you bastard?!"