Darkan brought Nathan back as roughly as he had taken him away. There was only the sound of wind and everything rushing past. It seemed his master truly had urgent business rather than just saying so. The winter's cold didn't affect him thanks to the protective mana barrier.

  He was thrown down and rolled several times on the ground right at the outer sect's entrance, not even being taken into the ninth mountain. Darkan tossed all his belongings from the storage ring, telling him just one thing.

  "Return to the mountain and continue your training."

  Then Darkan flew back out. Nathan watched him leave in confusion, having thought his master had to return to report to Alaric or something.

  Shrugging his shoulders, he looked at the sect covered in a blanket of white and felt nostalgic. He had experienced winter at Verdant Spire twice now, but had never truly appreciated it like this time.

  In previous years, he genuinely hated the cold that permeated the air. Because that meant he had to spend sect points on essential equipment and some medicinal aids for training. But now, the cold was trivial. All his current sensations were thanks to the results of his training period. Having positive results truly changes one's perspective and feelings.

  He slung everything over his shoulder as if they weighed nothing, though from afar people wouldn't even see him behind the pile of equipment three times his size. He looked more like a servant or manual laborer than an inner sect disciple of a prestigious sect.

  Taking advantage of the journey, he stopped by to visit Orin. As usual, the outer sect elder was in the courtyard of his residence, his eyes focused on that enormous bonsai pot. Snow covered the leaves and filled the ground. Yet even from afar, Nathan could feel the heat emanating.

  Hot and cold but the snow doesn't melt, he silently marveled at the strange sight as always.

  Hearing the crunching sound, Orin turned around. Upon seeing him, Orin's face relaxed into a bright smile.

  "So you're back, eh?"

  "Well, did you miss me?" Nathan asked with a loud laugh.

  "I missed your promise to bring back wine."

  Unlike Orin's exhausted appearance during the summer and autumn months, winter seemed to bring some strange aid to the elder. Evidence being that he wasn't wearing anything, exposing everything. Though his face looked no different from someone near death's door, Orin's body was incredibly firm, the muscles full and well-defined. His dark skin bore battle scars, telling stories of fierce fights. Snowflakes falling on him quickly melted into water, then vaporized in the blink of an eye. Somehow, Orin didn't let the vapor surround himself.

  Nathan didn't pry as this wasn't the first time he had seen this phenomenon. If Orin was willing to share, he would have done so already.

  Nathan set his belongings aside, snow jumping up under their weight. He took out a bag half his size, from which he produced a round jar, the type of container he had crafted and modified from Burrow Herd and Ironbark.

  "Here's your gift," Nathan cheerfully pushed the wine jar forward on the table.

  "Heh, so you really weren't lying," Orin smirked.

  "Old man, if you don't trust me like that, then forget about taking it."

  What Nathan grabbed was just air as Orin had already opened the lid and was taking deep sniffs.

  "Good wine!" he praised without having taken a single sip.

  "At least you have an eye for quality," Nathan commented.

  "Let me see... essence water, Crimson Lotus petals, balanced and enhanced flavor through Dragon Breath."

  Nathan's eyes widened as the old man could guess the ingredients just from the aroma.

  "Damn," Orin exclaimed. "How did you get the ability to brew this kind of wine? These ingredients - outsiders might not know, but I understand their properties aren't something you can just use as you please. They must go through stages that aren't just difficult but require extreme precision too."

  "Well? Not a bad gift, right?" Nathan said proudly.

  "Magnificent!" Orin gave a thumbs up. "This wine can't even be bought..."

  Orin suddenly went silent when he realized his slip.

  Meanwhile Nathan's eyes lit up. From the outer sect elder's words, he had heard what he had always yearned for. Money.

  "Oh no, I was mistaken," Orin wiped his lips, eyes blinking rapidly, "it's quite easy to buy actually."

  "Easy to buy, huh?" Nathan held back his laughter, mouth twitching mockingly, "then after this bottle, old man, you can just buy more to drink. Besides, if it's that easy to get, my gift doesn't seem sincere enough. So give the wine back, I'll find something rarer to give you."

  Orin had already stored the wine in his storage ring, not allowing Nathan to haggle. He had accidentally said something he shouldn't have, so now he was eyeing the bag at the young inner sect disciple's waist longingly.

  Nathan chuckled, took out another bottle, and waved it in Orin's direction.

  Being a wine connoisseur, Orin understood immediately, taking out two wine cups from his storage ring and placing them on the table.

  Nathan shook his head looking at the two precious cups that Orin always boasted about. He or Zeryn had only heard tales about the miraculous nature of these cups, never being allowed by Orin to use them. Today, surprisingly, they were permitted.

  The wine, with its blue mixed with red color, gurgled as it poured into the white cups. The rich aroma spread through the air making their noses tingle with pleasure.

  Orin still showed great restraint by not hastily drinking right away but waiting for Nathan to pour a second cup. The two clinked glasses, not even getting to say cheers before Orin drained his cup. His eyes closed, lips smacking to savor the taste. His facial muscles relaxed in pure enjoyment and satisfaction. He hiccupped once in the ecstasy the wine brought.

  Nathan was even happier than when he had hosted Evelyn's group. Because Orin wasn't just anyone, but someone dear to him in this strange world.

  He raised and emptied his own cup. The wine's fragrance shot straight to his nose up to his brain, making him unable to help but mirror Orin, his face showing only pure pleasure. When the sensation passed, he looked back at the cup with greedy eyes. Though he had made the wine himself and tasted it many times, thus understanding its flavor and effects well, the cup in his hand seemed to enhance those properties. Though very subtle, with [Cooking], he could notice it immediately. If one were to drink from this cup every day, the cumulative effects would become significant. No wonder Orin treasured these two cups like his own life.

  "Want it?" Orin asked with a smug smile.

  Nathan put the cup down with a clank, saying.

  "What's the condition?" he didn't believe he could get this precious cup just for two bottles of wine.

  "Just regularly supply me with wine and that's enough," Orin replied casually, pouring himself another cup.

  "Deal," Nathan didn't bother to negotiate.

  If not for Orin, his time in the outer sect would have been several times worse. Therefore, even without the cup, as long as he could, he would still help this outer sect elder find some solace. The look in Orin's eyes, though always trying to appear otherwise, Nathan could still see the despair. Because he himself had once carried that same look.

  "Good," Orin laughed loudly, echoing across the courtyard. "You must be able to brew other fine wines too, right?"

  Nathan answered with a wink.

  "Does this cup have a name?" he asked.

  Orin's movement froze at Nathan's question. For a moment, his eyes were tinged with deep sorrow.

  Nathan was about to apologize, thinking perhaps he had asked something he shouldn't have, when Orin answered.

  "The Chalice of Fading Memories," he shrugged. "It once had that name. I call it Mourner's Comfort. You must understand why, right?"

  Nathan nodded. The effect of enhancing efficacy from the cup could probably be increased further. Thus, making even a high-Tier cultivator able to get drunk. Able to let unwanted memories fade away.

  He was about to return it when Orin stopped him.

  "Keep it, kid. You need it more than I do. With that peculiar constitution of yours. No point in keeping both cups anyway."

  Nathan could hear the melancholy in Orin's final words. He silently poured more wine, and they drank another round.

  He left right after, with Mourner's Comfort cherished in his hand. He preferred this name better. Just looking at the white cup with simple decorations as if made from porcelain, he strolled gradually toward the inner sect entrance.

  "Hey, Nathan," a loud call made him look up.

  Instructor Maxim with his buzz cut and wearing only a thin shirt was waving enthusiastically in his direction. Around him were outer sect disciples either paired up to spar or discussing knowledge. The scene made Nathan nostalgic for a moment.

  He smiled and walked over to Maxim.

  "Looking good, eh?"

  "I had a great instructor," Nathan replied.

  Maxim's nose flared, accepting the praise.

  "You look taller?" Maxim squinted, evaluating. This sense of being taller wasn't just physical, but in other aspects too. Nathan gave off the feeling that he was a formidable opponent to Maxim.

  "I wouldn't know, but maybe."

  Maxim swept his eyes over the other disciples then commanded a blue stone pillar to rise from beneath the ground through a command sent via PsiLink. Nathan blinked in confusion, not understanding what his former instructor planned to do.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "Help me out a bit here," Maxim winked.

  This outer sect instructor wouldn't let the opportunity before him slip away. Inner sect disciples rarely came here so Maxim couldn't ask for their help. Most importantly, Nathan's story could be used as an example. Even a Tier 1 could still move forward rather than being left behind. That was what he wanted the outer sect disciples to understand.

  "Everyone," Maxim's voice roared like a tiger across the training ground.

  The outer sect disciples stopped their activities, gathering before Maxim. Their eyes simultaneously assessed Nathan standing beside him wearing white wolf fur and tattered, patched clothes.

  Nathan suddenly shuddered at the not-so-positive looks from everyone.

  "This is Nathan," Maxim continued. "He's an inner sect disciple, more precisely the direct disciple of Elder Darkan, master of the ninth mountain."

  Everyone's eyes became bright. Some disciples who had studied with Nathan nodded, showing admiration. They hoped one day they could be in that position too.

  "And you're not mistaken in your sensing, Nathan is currently still at Tier 1, Phase 4."

  This statement led to whispers below, people pointing and discussing. Seeing this made Nathan even more uncomfortable. He finally understood what Maxim wanted to do.

  Even if one was incompetent, being in the inner sect meant at least approaching Tier 2 breakthrough. As for Nathan, well, no need to elaborate.

  "But don't be fooled by appearances," Maxim's voice deepened, warning. "Nathan earned that position by taking second place in the outer sect tournament. I ask you, among you all, who is confident they could do the same?"

  The outer sect disciples gasped, feeling the fire in their chests surge. Disciples who had experienced the event months ago excitedly shared with friends, expressing admiration for the spectacular fights involving Nathan. However, some still snorted in disdain, gossiping that Nathan got into the inner sect through connections, or as some elder's illegitimate child.

  "If you doubt, then today, let Nathan demonstrate his strength for you to see. To show you how he has changed over these four months."

  Maxim believed in his instincts, one of the strengths of a Tier 2. He had limited potential, unlikely to breakthrough. But time and experience were still enough to make uneroded judgments.

  Nathan nodded. Setting down his belongings, he went to the testing pillar. He looked at the pillar before him with an inexplicable fondness. He still remembered last winter, on a snowy evening, he had stood alone in the training ground punching the pillar repeatedly to vent his frustration and loneliness. The results kept showing 1.9 then 2.0, making him utterly dejected.

  Maxim stood beside him tilting his head, wondering why Nathan hadn't acted yet.

  The other outer sect disciples had started whispering.

  Right after, they felt a cold wind blow past their faces, along with an ear-splitting crack.

  Nathan stepped aside, put his belongings back on, and said to Maxim.

  "I need to go now, Instructor Maxim."

  People were still wide-eyed when Nathan had already disappeared on the path leading to the inner sect.

  Maxim blinked in confusion. The testing pillar hadn't lit up. However, that didn't indicate the level of destruction Nathan had caused.

  On the stone surface was imprinted a fist shape, with cracks spreading around it. The testing pillar had been damaged. That meant Nathan had struck with power far beyond Tier 1 without any doubt. Though designed to withstand geniuses who could score beyond the scale like Xander or Zahra, it still had its limits.

  "So strong!" someone among the outer sect disciples exclaimed.

  Followed by words of agreement. That inner sect disciple's punch looked like an ordinary matter, seemingly requiring no lengthy preparation. The disciples truly aspired to that. Just imagining being able to throw continuous punches like that, who could withstand it.

  "No wonder he could enter the inner sect," someone concluded, mainly to mock those who had dared speak disrespectfully earlier.

  Those ill-intentioned disciples just ignored it, not participating in the debate.

  From afar, not heeding Maxim's command, Elen let out a sigh. His eyes carried the chaos of emotions like that day Nathan was insulted months ago.

  Maxim was still rubbing his chin, wondering why the pillar hadn't lit up. Even if damaged, there should have been some signal beforehand.

  Of course the pillar wouldn't light up, because Nathan didn't use mana. That strength was the pure power of his current body obtained through Physical Cultivation.

  It was like a stern answer saying don't judge him based on Spirit Cultivation.

  While on his way back to the mission center, Nathan had the movement booth stop, looking through the glass window down at the inner sect training ground below.

  Xander Caldoran was sitting in meditation, the gleaming spear gifted by the sect leader laid across the hill above. Around him, blue smoke wisped. His back was straight, his bearing majestic.

  Nathan waited patiently. A moment later, Xander's eyes opened wide, releasing a sound wave carrying golden particles around.

  Tier 2, Nathan silently confirmed.

  Xander jumped up from his position, his hand grasping the spear. He twirled it a few times. Around him immediately appeared golden arcing lines flying chaotically. When these arc lines hit the wooden pillars arranged in a circle around, they created deep cuts.

  Even observing from afar made Nathan's skin tingle. He was quite certain that even with his current level of Physical Cultivation, he wouldn't dare take a direct hit. Before, such a slash would have been enough to split him in two, now it wouldn't go that far, but would still easily sever one of his limbs.

  Xander hadn't stopped, he held the spear thrusting forward. Nathan thought Spear Intent had been activated but that wasn't the case. Another spear appeared, enveloping the physical spear in Xander's hand. It was hazy, carrying the same golden color as the earlier slashes, advancing to pierce a wooden stake. Without doubt, the stake was pierced through, creating a long jagged gap.

  Xander turned his head toward a boulder, performing a similar motion. This time, he also used Spear Intent. As a result, his spear pierced through the rock surface like thin paper. A second later, the boulder exploded from within, shattering into small pieces flying everywhere.

  Metal Aspect, Nathan saw that all previous discussions about Xander were still correct.

  However, it seemed Xander had been taught more to incorporate the use of mana aspect as well as Intent together.

  The spear-wielding disciple threw his weapon into the air, using mana to keep the weapon floating. The spear spun once. At each interval, it created an illusion of itself. A total of ten brilliant spears were formed.

  With a roar, Xander shot his spears in all directions. The result left only wooden pillars pierced or cut through.

  Xander caught the spear floating down, using its butt to steady himself on the ground. Clearly performing a series of techniques had left him exhausted.

  Sensing someone watching him, he looked up to see Nathan observing. Xander smirked, pointing his spear at Nathan, signaling a challenge. His lips moved instead of speaking aloud.

  "I'd be crazy to fight you," Nathan muttered.

  Just now Xander had wanted a rematch. But Nathan had to face the harsh reality as warned by his master. The disciples of his generation were growing stronger, and weren't inferior to him, only superior.

  Nathan still had enough confidence to engage in combat with Xander's first technique. By the second technique, he no longer wanted to confront him. The third technique completely extinguished any desire to fight from him.

  In his head still echoed the warning about who would let him get close enough to fight. Just staying at a distance would nullify all his advantages. Even with Qi Armor, Nathan doubted he could hold out for long when facing a Tier 2 opponent. The passive skills could give him moments of surprise. However, if he couldn't end it in one or two moves, then the consequence would only be defeat for him.

  He would still have confidence to try against other normal Tier 2s. But against genius types like Xander, no one would blame him for being cautious.

  The mission center staff goggled at the pile of items Nathan brought back. From monster hides like Great Spine Wolf, to Armor Scarab shells, or Blood Thirster parts. Most precious were the medicinal ingredients brought back. Following Argentius's advice, Nathan hadn't hunted too much, but mainly spent time exploring Life Spring, making his harvest even more abundant.

  It took an hour for the system to finish processing everything. The longest time was waiting for confirmation from those who posted the missions, usually other inner sect disciples or sect elders and higher-ups.

  The result was Nathan earning 21,740 sect points. He was ecstatic, having to read it several times to believe he had earned such an unimaginable amount of points.

  72 Initial Advancing Pills, Nathan silently calculated.

  With this amount, he couldn't believe he wouldn't be able to breakthrough to Tier 2. If not enough, he could still return to Moirath Forest or some other area to accumulate more.

  The main issue was that pill usage needed rest intervals, otherwise the effectiveness would decrease sharply. Nevertheless, he was still delighted with his achievement and results.

  Thinking back to Zeryn spending 100,000 points to buy PsiLink, he clicked his tongue at his own inferior ability. Zeryn had to cover many things and wasn't simply saving up. As he thought, hunting for materials was one of the poorest ways to earn among mission types. More complex missions needed to be solved to hope for more resources for cultivation. This was understandable, as the sect grew medicinal herbs. Additionally, if urgent, they could purchase from market towns like Crystalton. If only relying on disciples going to collect, they could never meet the enormous demands of the whole organization.

  Unless he brought his harvest from Lunar Shadow to exchange, then it could be considered substantial. However, he wanted to auction these materials instead. That way he could find potential buyers willing to pay a large sum for what they wanted.

  Not thinking too much more about this issue, Nathan left with a lightened body. He was planning to take a walk to clear his mind when before he could do anything, everything before his eyes went dark.

  When he opened his eyes, he was in the sect's great hall, where he had been invited when reaching the top 4 of the outer sect tournament. Suppressing the churning in his stomach, he looked around in panic.

  "Sorry about that," a strong female voice rang in Nathan's ear. "I'm in a hurry so I could only do it this way."

  Nathan hastily bowed to the person who had just spoken to him.

  "Greetings, Elder."

  Elder Nalani of the seventh mountain was wearing what appeared to be an old worn bronze armor, but from it Nathan could smell an intensely pungent blood scent. The images of monsters carved on the armor made his mind feel like falling into chaos. Surely it was a rare and high-level item.

  "No need to be so formal," Nalani said cheerfully.

  Nathan only dared to raise his head then, truly taking in this elder's appearance for the first time. Before, being too nervous, he hadn't remembered who was who among the elders, except for Darkan.

  Nalani possessed a square face and brown skin. Her hair was bronze like her armor, braided into shoulder-length bunches. Her figure was both slender and firm. At her waist hung a sword. She was famous as one of the cultivators possessing high-level Sword Intent in the sect. With gray eyes, the inner sect elder made her presence even more eye-catching.

  Nathan looked around. Several other disciples were here, whispering about something he wasn't clear about. What caught his attention was that Zeryn was also present. The genius who was like the midday sun of Verdant Spire Sect was leaning against a pillar, leisurely separate from everyone else. Zeryn seemed to sense it, then turned his eyes toward Nathan. He raised his hand to his eyes, signaling a greeting to his close friend.

  Nathan smiled, just hoping to go to Zeryn so they could chat all day about events over the past few months. But he couldn't just leave before Elder Nalani.

  "Elder," Nathan spoke up. "May I ask why you brought me here?"

  Nalani, who was busy thinking about something, startled, turned to Nathan, saying.

  "Ah, yes. Right! I brought you here to ask something."

  "Please ask, Elder," Nathan said politely.

  "I hope you can give up your position to participate in the upcoming event in Maelivar city for one of my disciples."

  Nathan didn't understand anything, inquiring.

  "What event?"

  "You don't know?" Nalani was surprised.

  Nathan was about to use PsiLink to search when Nalani continued.

  "Let me tell you then. Every three years, the Kingdom of Caelindor holds an event for young people from various sects and organizations to compete. This year, Maelivar City was chosen as the venue. The city has named it 'The Shifting Trials'. It will take place next week."

  Caelindor was where Verdant Spire Sect was currently affiliated. That much Nathan knew. Everything else he was clueless about. Previously, these were all information he never thought he would participate in so hadn't bothered to learn about.

  "Therefore," Nalani continued, "our sect will send talents. The condition is that only Tier 2 and below can participate."

  "And I have a slot to go?" Nathan asked strangely.

  Nalani hearing this burst into giggles, followed by other disciples in the hall also laughing. Nathan wasn't sure if that was just meaningless courtesy laughter or mockery of him.

  "Of course. Each elder has a certain number of slot for their disciples. Darkan has you as a disciple this year so the Sect Leader has left a spot for you."

  Nathan remained silent, waiting for the elder.

  "I want to exchange this slot from you. Of course, you will still receive full compensation. After all, disciples with higher abilities should go, don't you think? Not that I'm saying you're inferior, but you need time to become stronger. The event three years later will surely have your part."

  Nathan hearing this nodded. Indeed he would be the weakest among the chosen disciples participating in the event. That was further reinforced when he saw Xander training an hour ago. And he was just a genius from the southern outer sect area. The number in the remaining areas as well as disciples from previous years meant this position must be fought fiercely to obtain.

  If he went, he would bring no benefit to himself, and would also affect the sect. During this time, he should intensify training as well as propose to Darkan to find another place like Moirath Forest would be better.

  After contemplating for a moment, Nathan spoke up.

  "Alright, I accept."

  Nalani smiled brightly in joy, saying.

  "Let's settle it then! If you need anything, you can request at any time."

  "Then I'll take my leave."

  "Okay. Return to your mountain."

  Nathan turned to leave, not knowing the other disciples wore contemptuous smiles on their lips.

  When outside the great hall, he was stopped by Zeryn's hand on his shoulder.

  About to smile when Nathan saw his friend's annoyed expression, he stiffened his face.

  "Let's continue going," Zeryn said. "Back to your mountain and we'll talk."

  Nathan didn't understand anything but still nodded in agreement.

  When they reached the ninth mountain, Zeryn let out a breath, as if he had been holding it for long.

  "You've caused trouble, Nathan," Zeryn exclaimed.

  Before understanding anything, Darkan's roar from outside made him freeze.

  Seems like as Zeryn said, he had just done something seriously wrong.