Chapitre 5: 5 : Sect Mission

As the Third Princess began to make her way back to the palace, Lord Roderick hurried to catch up with her. "Sister, wait..." he called out, a strained chuckle in his voice. "I will also accompany you to the forest."

The princess, without slowing her stride, responded coolly, "Sorry, it's a sect mission. I can't take you with me. I'm going with the sect disciples."

"But I'm a sect disciple too! You're even taking that ugly fellow," Roderick protested, his voice tinged with desperation as he tried to match her pace.

The princess, maintaining her composure, replied dismissively, "Madam Frost is leading this mission with her personal disciples of the Core formation stage. She won't allow others. And that 'ugly fellow' is responsible for the horses."

Lord Roderick's face fell as his sister continued towards the palace, leaving him standing in the courtyard with a mix of frustration and disbelief.

Meanwhile, Eric, having completed his tour of duty for the day, was left alone at the shelter houses designated for personal servants. Instead of taking rest like the others, he decided to explore the fort. As he wandered through the sprawling grounds, his presence went largely unnoticed, his demeanor quiet yet observant.

His walk took him past training grounds where sect disciples practiced, their movements fluid and powerful. Eric watched from a distance, his gaze sharp, taking in their techniques and styles. His silent observation didn't go unnoticed by a few of the disciples.

"Who's that guy?" one disciple whispered to another, nodding towards Eric.

"No idea. Looks like a servant, but he's watching us like a hawk," the other replied, curiosity evident in his voice.

"He is just a Qi condensation fellow. Look how ugly he is looking…" a girl who wore purple colour sect disciple clothes commented in a funny tone.

As Eric continued his exploration, he stumbled upon a secluded garden, its beauty hidden away from the main paths of the fort. The garden was serene, a stark contrast to the disciplined chaos of the training grounds. He paused, taking in the tranquil setting, when a soft voice broke the silence.

"You seem out of place here," said a figure emerging from the shadows of the garden. A young woman, dressed in the robes of a sect disciple, regarded Eric with a mix of curiosity and caution.

Eric turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Just exploring," he replied simply.

The woman studied him for a moment, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Exploring, or looking for something? Most servants don't wander into these parts."

Eric met her gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Maybe I'm just curious, Is servants banned from visiting these places?" he asked, his voice low and enigmatic.

The woman felt surprised as Eric's gaze lingered on the garden unlike many males who will stare at her beauty. The woman's interest was piqued.

"No. It's just that servants won't dare to come here. Its better if you do the same." she replied, stepping closer.

"Why so?" Eric responded, taking a good look at the women's face.

"Because you are just a Qi condensation fellow and people like to make fun of weaklings here." She replied wondering why Eric is not showing any fear or humbleness.

"Thanks for the advice. By the way, you look beautiful if you lose your hair." Eric replied before turning back.

As he walked away, the disciple watched him, her intrigue growing. Eric's mysterious demeanour and his presence in the secluded garden had raised more questions than answers.

The fort, with its layers of secrets and power dynamics, had just become more intriguing for both Eric and those who observed him. His exploration of the fort was not just a physical journey, but a subtle dance within the complex web of the sect's hierarchy and mysteries.

As evening approached, Eric concluded his observatory journey around the fort. His keen eyes had taken in every detail, from the disciplined routine in the sect disciples' barracks to the intricate workings of the sect's hierarchy.

The Clark Clan, under the leadership of Kent Clark, a Mystic Transformation Stage Level 1 expert, was a powerhouse of cultivation talent. The elders, all Nascent Soul stage cultivators of different levels, commanded respect and authority, while the core disciples, predominantly at the Core Formation stage, were the backbone of the sect's strength.

Eric's exploration wasn't just physical; it was a strategic assessment of the power dynamics within the sect. He noted the minimum requirement for disciples being at the Foundation Building Stage Level 1, a clear indicator of the sect's rigorous standards.

Retreating to the relative solitude of the servants' ward, Eric found a quiet spot under a large tree. The tree's branches swayed gently in the evening breeze, casting dancing shadows on the ground. Here, away from the bustle of the fort, Eric could turn his attention inward.

He closed his eyes, his breathing slowed, and his focus shifted to his own cultivation. Stuck at Level 1 of the Mortal Sovereign Stage, Eric was acutely aware of the journey ahead. To advance, he needed to understand and evolve his Dao at each level, a path that would ultimately lead him to the coveted Immortal Sovereign Stage.

As he delved into his inner world, Eric's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and strategies. The cultivation path was fraught with challenges and mysteries, each stage requiring a deeper understanding and a stronger will.

Unknown to Eric, a few curious servants from the sect had followed him, intrigued by the mysterious servant who had caught the Third Princess's attention. They watched him from a distance, whispering among themselves.

"Look at him, so still and focused. Do you think he's cultivating?" one servant asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Impossible. That guy struck at Qi condensation at this age. What could he possibly do without any talent?" another retorted, skepticism lacing his words.

"He is just pretending. Let's leave. Its time for evening food distribution, my master would beat me to pulp if i miss his call." the first servant said aloud as he pulled all the guys along with him.

Inside the sect, every Core formation stage expert gets a personal servant. The people who came here belong to that category.

Back in his meditative state, Eric was oblivious to the onlookers. His mind was traversing the complex pathways of cultivation, seeking the elusive key to advancing his stage. The principles of Dao were vast and intricate, each insight bringing him closer to understanding.

The scene was a blend of tranquility and underlying tension, as Eric's quest for advancement in the cultivation world intersected with the curiosity and suspicion of the sect members. The quiet of the evening belied the swirling undercurrents of power, ambition, and mystery that defined the world of cultivation within the Clark Clan.

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PETERPAN