“Many people are involved in wild game, you just don’t know about it.” Ethan Brooks said unclearly, chewing on a chicken leg.

“Sigh, if you reach the first level of Qi Condensation in a week and become an outer sect disciple, what am I supposed to do? I can’t even understand those incantations.” Little George looked at Ethan Brooks with a worried face and pleading eyes.

“Fatty, only by becoming an outer sect disciple do you have a chance to go home.” Ethan Brooks put down the chicken leg in his hand and looked at Little George in front of him.

Little George fell silent, then nodded resolutely after a while.

Time flew by, and six more days passed. That night, Little George was already asleep, while Ethan Brooks sat cross-legged in the hut. He thought about how, apart from chopping wood, he had spent almost all his time over the past four months sensing Qi Condensation. He recalled the excitement when he first felt a wisp of Qi two months ago. Now, taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes, and wisps of spiritual energy circulated within his body. Moments later, there was a boom in his mind. The spiritual energy that had never spread throughout his body during these days suddenly surged into every corner of his being. A feeling of transcendence welled up in Ethan Brooks’s mind.

Almost at the same time as Ethan Brooks’s spiritual energy reached the first level of Qi Condensation, outside the hut, the Young Miller who seemed to sit cross-legged on the big rock day and night slowly opened his eyes, glanced at the hut where Ethan Brooks was, and then closed his eyes again.

At dawn, under the envious gazes of many at the North District chores area, Ethan Brooks silently walked out of the hut where he had lived for four months and came to the side of Young Miller.

Little George did not follow, but stood at the door watching Ethan Brooks, his eyes full of determination.

“To reach the first level of Qi Condensation in four months is not considered exceptionally gifted, but it’s not stupid either.” Young Miller looked at Ethan Brooks, his expression no longer cold, and spoke calmly.

“Now that you’re going to the outer sect, I need to tell you the rules. Our sect, Kǎoshān Sect, was called the Demon Sect of Zhao Kingdom years ago. The name alone shows its ferocity. Although the outer sect provides spirit stones and pills every month, it does not forbid robbery or fighting among disciples. There is even a designated public area known as the killing zone. You… take care of yourself.” Young Miller said indifferently, raising his right hand and waving it. A jade slip flew out, landing in front of Ethan Brooks, who picked it up.

“Send spiritual energy into the jade slip, and it will take you to the outer sect’s treasure pavilion, which is also where you register as an outer sect disciple.” Young Miller closed his eyes.

Ethan Brooks was silent. After bowing once more, he turned to look at Little George. The two exchanged glances for a moment. Ethan Brooks felt a surge of emotion, but then stopped thinking about it, and firmly squeezed the jade slip in his hand. The jade slip immediately emitted a gentle green light and slowly floated forward.

Ethan Brooks hurried a few steps, using the jade slip as a guide, gradually leaving the chores area and walking along the mountain path, heading farther and farther down the mountain, entering an area he had never set foot in during the past four months.

Kǎoshān Sect had four main peaks—east, south, west, and north. The outer area was surrounded by endless mountains, seemingly boundless. Each peak had a chores area halfway up, like the North Peak where Ethan Brooks was, which was the North District chores area. But it only extended to halfway up the mountain; any higher was blocked by formations. Only inner sect disciples and elders could live at the summit.

All four peaks were like this. As for the plains between the peaks, they were surrounded by buildings everywhere—this was the outer sect of Kǎoshān Sect.

Kǎoshān Sect was somewhat different from other sects. The outer sect was below, while the chores disciples could live halfway up the mountain. This rule was set by the founder of Kǎoshān Sect for reasons unknown.

From the outside, this place was shrouded in mist, but once inside, the mist instantly cleared, revealing to Ethan Brooks a scene of carved railings and jade steps, pavilions everywhere, and even the roads were paved with bluestone. Many outer sect disciples in green robes could be seen coming and going. As Ethan Brooks walked by, he attracted some attention.

Those gazes were full of disdain, without a trace of kindness. Ethan Brooks felt as if he was being watched by fierce beasts, reminding him of Senior Brother Miller’s words about the outer sect.

Soon, in this outer sect area, Ethan Brooks arrived beside a black pavilion in the south. The pavilion was three stories high. Although black, it seemed to be carved from jade, giving off a crystal-clear feeling.

As soon as Ethan Brooks approached, the pavilion doors silently opened. A thin Middle-aged John walked out. This John wore a dark green robe and had a shrewd look in his eyes. He raised his right hand and grabbed, and the jade slip in front of Ethan Brooks immediately flew into his hand. After glancing at it, he lazily spoke.

“Ethan Brooks, promoted to outer sect disciple. You are granted a private residence, green robe, spirit token, and storage pouch. With the spirit token, you may enter the treasure pavilion to obtain one magic item.” Sharp John flicked his right hand, and a gray pouch immediately landed in Ethan Brooks’s hand.

Ethan Brooks stared blankly at the gray pouch in his hand, recalling that all the outer sect disciples he had seen along the way had such pouches hanging from their waists.

“Infuse it with spiritual energy, and you can store various items inside.” Clever John glanced at Ethan Brooks, immediately judging that he must not have any acquaintances in the outer sect, otherwise he wouldn’t even know how to use a storage pouch. Feeling slightly reassured, he spoke indifferently.

Upon hearing this, Ethan Brooks immediately channeled what little spiritual energy he had into the pouch. His vision blurred, and he seemed to see a space about half the size of a person, inside which were a green robe, jade slip, and other items.