Death... and me

"Can you tell us about those badges?"

Julio nodded.

"Father told me that the Elders have Red Badges. The Dalamu Sect also has Badges for its disciples and menial workers. Of course, there are also the protectors and other types of members, like alchemists, blacksmiths, etc. According to what my father said, it goes like this:"

"Gray Badges represent the menial disciples. These ones aren't really disciples but were given a chance to live in Sect. The Spiritual Energy there is much higher than any other ordinary place, so those disciples gladly accept this position. Especially when they don't have enough talent to be an official disciple. As the name says, they were responsible for the menial jobs, like cleaning, cooking, etc. These menial disciples are also the most common ones inside the Sect."

"Yellow Badges represent the Outer Sect disciples. Between the official members of the Sect, these are the most ordinary ones. They have access to the least amount of Spirit Stones and other cultivation resources. They also must complete any mission given by the Sect and can't refuse."

"The next one is Green Badges Disciples. These ones are part of the Inner Sect. They have many more Spirit Stones per month and the freedom to select any mission as long as it is within their capabilities. Also, they have access to the formations inside the Sect to train. As for what kind of formations are available there, my father didn't know."

"Finally, there are the Blue Badges. They represent the Core Disciples. My father didn't know much about them, but he warned me that I should never disrespect one. If possible, try to have as little contact with them as possible. Inside the Sect, they rule above all the other disciples, so no one would complain even if they killed an outer sect disciple, for example."

Rean and Roan narrowed their eyes. Isn't this too much for authority abuse?

Uncle Wen, who was beside Julio, then added another piece.

"Don't worry, Core Disciples are few and far between. Just the chance of encountering one before entering the Sect is as hard as becoming one yourself. As long as you don't go out of your way to seek a problem with them, you should be fine."

Rean immediately bowed after hearing that.

"Thank you, senior."

That Uncle Wen nodded and returned his attention to the front.

"After Blue comes Red, which means the sect elders. I understand it now. Does it mean that the Sect Leader has a Purple Badge?"

Julio nodded.

"Exactly! But not only the Sect Leader. The Ancestors that stay in the Sect to protect it can also be recognized by their Purple Badges."

"Another thing, there are differences between the badges of all elders. You can identify it by the color as well. Light-Red is an Outer Sect Elder. Just red means an Inner Sect one. For example, those elders at the South Gate are Inner Sect elders. Dark-Red means a Core Sect Elder. Of course, those are just as hard to find as the Core Disciples."

"Also, there are a few other colors, but those represent the different side occupations like alchemy, blacksmith, formations, etc. You will learn more about it if you enter the Sect later."

Roan then asked something else.

"Do you know why they can fly? Is that a technique?"

"Ah!"

Only now did Julio remember that Rean and Roan were talking about the flying elders.

"It is not a technique. Once you reach the Core and Soul Fusion Realm, you will be able to use the Spiritual Energy's power inside your dantian to accomplish the same thing. Of course, it will take a very long time until any of us reach that level."

Roan nodded. As he looked at those elders, it didn't seem that the wind element was being used to keep them afloat. So Roan thought that perhaps it wasn't really a skill. Sure enough, Julio confirmed that he was correct.

"Oh, right! Do you know what kind of tests we will take this time?"

Julio looked at Uncle Wen, who just shrugged his shoulders.

"Didn't your father tell you? They change it every single year. No one knows what it is until the test finally starts."

Rean and Roan thought that it was the correct decision. It would ensure a higher degree of fairness during the exam. If the Sect is really looking for the best disciples, then not giving anyone the advantage was the best option.

As Rean exchanged a few more words with Julio, another Elder arrived at the scene. He had the same Red Colored Badge, which proved that he was an Inner Elder as well. However, the other three seemed to treat him with a lot of respect.

"That guy is probably in a higher position in the Inner Sect."

It was then that everyone heard that elder's voice.

"Welcome, everyone. Today, the annual Dalamu Sect Entrance Exam will finally start. Anyway, I won't waste anyone's time anymore. If you are here, then you should know what we want. Only the best ones can enter the Dalamu Sect, it's that simple."

That elder then continued.

"First, those who are accompanying the kids will wait here. None of you can enter the Sect Premises until I say so. That is to prevent the old ones from playing some tricks to help their kids."

"Once we open the Majorias City South Gate, the test will begin. Majorias City is located 300km away from the Sect Entrance. There are around fifteen thousand kids in this place at the moment, so I'll make it simple. The first 5000 to arrive at the Sect Entrance, can participate in the second part of the exam. That's all, good luck."

Before anyone could ask anything, the South Gate began to open. The quick-witted kids immediately dashed forward, fully displaying their cultivations. Still, Rean's group was taken aback to how simple it was.

"Isn't it too unfair? Those with higher cultivation will obviously arrive first."

Uncle Wen patted Julio's head while he looked at Rean's group.

"Do you think it is this simple? Trust me, I don't know what it is, but merely having higher cultivation will not be the determining factor."

He then looked at Julio and smiled.

"Good luck, brat! Your parents are counting on you."

"Yes, Uncle Wen."

Julio then dashed forward, promptly following the other kids.

Rean and Roan nodded before looking at Alanda.

"Well, we are going."

Alanda smiled at them.

"Take care of Malaka."

Rean, Roan, and Malaka then quickly departed as well.

However, as soon as they passed through the gate, they noticed a big problem. Rean and Roan couldn't help but look at each other while grimacing.

"Sure enough, it wouldn't be that easy."