He fell off a cliff but unexpectedly gained a cultivation inheritance.

Only after following Yue Shouren out of the forbidden area of ​​the Spirit Spring did Zhang Bufan truly appreciate the vastness and profundity of the Huashan Secret Realm.

"Bufan, you've just joined my Immortal Sword Sect and are still unfamiliar with the Mount Hua Secret Realm and the sect's rules. I'll introduce them to you along the way." Yue Shouren's gentle voice came through the air. He deliberately slowed down the flight speed so that Zhang Bufan could clearly observe the scenery below. "This Mount Hua Secret Realm covers a radius of eight hundred kilometers, comparable to the territory of a large province in the mortal world. It contains tens of thousands of mountains of varying sizes, and the concentration of spiritual energy far exceeds that of the mortal world. It is the foundation upon which my Immortal Sword Sect stands in the Pangu World."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Bufan was secretly alarmed. The territory spanning eight hundred kilometers was something that, even at his current Foundation Establishment stage, it would take him several hours to traverse, even with full-force flight. Looking down, he saw mountains scattered about, some steep and towering, piercing the clouds; others gentle and beautiful, shrouded in mist; and streams and waterfalls meandering among them, their vapors mingling with the mountain's spiritual energy, creating hazy halos.

"Such a vast secret realm must have quite a few disciples, right?" Zhang Bufan couldn't help but ask. He had lived alone in the Xuanqing Secret Realm for fifteen months and had long been used to its solitude. Seeing the vibrant life in this secret realm now, he couldn't help but wonder about the size of the Immortal Sword Sect's disciples.

Yue Shouren nodded slightly, his tone tinged with emotion: "Although the secret realm is vast, my Immortal Sword Sect has fewer than 100,000 registered disciples and members, plus a million disciples' relatives. This may seem like a lot, but if spread across tens of thousands of mountains, it becomes extremely sparse. Moreover, among these fewer than 100,000 people, the differences in social status are enormous, and the boundaries between superiors and inferiors are extremely clear. This is the law of survival in the cultivation world."

As they spoke, Yue Shouren manipulated his spiritual energy, leading Zhang Bufan towards a range of low, continuous mountain peaks on the outskirts of the secret realm. As they descended, Zhang Bufan gradually became aware of the scenery on the mountains. Most of these peaks lacked spiritual veins. Each peak contained several or dozens of small cave dwellings, with only two or three small pavilions at the entrance. These cave dwellings and pavilions were exposed on the mountainside, without any protective formations.

Low-ranking disciples dressed in gray robes could be seen everywhere in this area. Some were mining veins, while others were tending to spirit grain vegetables in small plots of land they had cleared. Their auras were extremely weak, most of them only at the third or fourth level of Qi Refining, and many had not even reached the first level of Qi Refining.

"These are the outer disciples of my Immortal Sword Sect, making up more than 90% of the sect's total membership." Yue Shouren's voice was somewhat calm, as if he were recounting something extremely ordinary. "Most of them have mixed spiritual roots with five or four attributes, resulting in extremely poor cultivation aptitude. The vast majority can only break through to the late stage of Qi Refining in their lifetime. For them, the path of cultivation is already destined to end. Joining the sect is merely to exchange for a stable cultivation guarantee and that sliver of hope to break through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Once they break through to the Foundation Establishment stage, they can be promoted to outer sect elders, and the cultivation resources they can obtain will greatly increase. Or, if they have talent in alchemy, weapon crafting, or other areas, they may be promoted to inner sect disciples."

Zhang Bufan's heart stirred slightly. Looking at the busy figures below, he couldn't help but think of his own life in the mortal world. The plight of these outer disciples was so similar to that of ordinary people struggling to make a living in the mortal world.

"They are mainly responsible for miscellaneous tasks within the secret realm, equivalent to maids, servants, and stewards in a mortal mansion," Yue Shouren continued. "They undertake all the tedious and laborious work within the sect, such as building repairs, environmental cleaning, planting of spirit grains, and transporting resources. In return, the sect provides them with a small amount of cultivation resources and basic cultivation techniques, enough for them to maintain basic cultivation and survival."

"For them, this is already an immense blessing," Yue Shouren added. "In the mortal world, they might only be able to farm or do manual labor, living out their lives in peace; even if they embark on the path of cultivation, they can only be rogue cultivators, lacking cultivation techniques and resources, and facing threats from demonic beasts and other rogue cultivators, with an extremely low survival rate. Joining my Immortal Sword Sect, although it is hard work, at least they can cultivate in peace without worrying about survival, so they will do their best in the work assigned by the sect and dare not slack off in the slightest."

Zhang Bufan nodded silently, gaining a more direct understanding of the cruelty of the cultivation world. Talent determines one's starting point—this saying was vividly reflected in the cultivation world. These outer disciples weren't lazy; it was just that their innate spiritual roots limited their potential, and coupled with the scarcity of cultivation resources in the current world, they could only struggle at the very bottom. If he hadn't been transported to the Xuanqing Secret Realm by chance, he would probably be buried by now.

Yue Shouren didn't linger, leading Zhang Bufan onward towards the center of the secret realm. As they ventured deeper, the mountains below grew increasingly tall and majestic, and the spiritual energy within them became ever more concentrated. Unlike the lower peaks on the outskirts, these mountains were enveloped in a faint aura of spiritual energy, and the vegetation became more lush.

The buildings on the mountain peaks have also changed significantly. Each peak usually has only one cave dwelling, and the buildings outside the cave dwellings are more magnificent and fully functional. Disciples dressed in blue Taoist robes can be seen walking by from time to time.

Zhang Bufan noticed that most of these disciples were focused and hurried about. Some were heading to the cultivation platform in the mountains, while others were going to the sect's cultivation technique pavilion. Few were as busy with miscellaneous tasks as the outer disciples. Occasionally, when disciples met, they would simply nod slightly in greeting before going their separate ways, fully immersed in their cultivation.

"This is the living area for the inner disciples, with a total of over three thousand people," Yue Shouren introduced. "To become an inner disciple, one needs at least three spiritual roots, which is considered a promising talent in the cultivation world. They don't need to do any menial work; their only task is to focus on cultivation and improve their cultivation level."

"The sect regularly distributes cultivation resources to inner disciples, including spirit stones, basic pills, and advanced cultivation techniques, which is enough to support their steady improvement in cultivation," Yue Shouren continued. "However, if they want to obtain better resources, such as high-quality pills, rare spiritual herbs, or access to cultivation rooms with richer spiritual energy, they need to complete tasks issued by the sect to earn contribution points, and then use those contribution points to exchange for the required resources in the sect's treasury."

Following Yue Shouren's gaze, Zhang Bufan saw dozens of inner disciples practicing swordsmanship on a platform on a mountain peak. The sword energy was crisscrossing, and the spiritual energy fluctuations were obvious.

"Inner disciples are the sect's basic defensive force and also its future reserve talent," Yue Shouren said. "Most tasks such as the outer defense of the secret realm, the extermination of low-level demonic beasts, and information gathering in the mortal world are handled by inner disciples. By completing these tasks, they can not only obtain resources but also accumulate combat experience, laying the foundation for their subsequent Foundation Establishment breakthrough."

Zhang Bufan understood perfectly; the boundary between the outer and inner sects was already very clear. Outer sect disciples worked hard to provide support for the inner sect disciples' cultivation; inner sect disciples focused on cultivation, providing the sect with basic strength. This hierarchical division constituted the most basic operating system of the Immortal Sword Sect.

As they ventured deeper into the core of the secret realm, the surrounding peaks grew increasingly majestic, their spiritual energy so dense it seemed almost tangible, each breath invigorating and refreshing. These peaks were mostly imbued with a rich spiritual energy, their surfaces meticulously carved to house ancient and elegant palaces and pavilions, their upturned eaves and carved beams exuding grandeur. Faint fluctuations of magical formations could be felt emanating from each peak containing a cave dwelling.

The number of disciples here has decreased significantly, but each one possesses an extraordinary air. They wear blue Taoist robes, with exquisite jade pendants at their waists, and exude a calm and powerful aura. Some are practicing their skills in the square in front of the palace, while others are cultivating in seclusion in the caves in the mountains. Spiritual energy flows around them, and every move they make exudes confidence.

"This is the living area for the core disciples, with more than two hundred people in total." Yue Shouren's tone was somewhat solemn. "They all have the aptitude of dual spiritual roots or above, and some of them are even geniuses with heavenly spiritual roots. They are the true hope of the sect and the mainstay for maintaining the operation of the sect."

"Core disciples occupy the sect's most essential cultivation resources," Yue Shouren said. "In the past, more than 90% of the spiritual spring liquid produced in the forbidden spiritual spring, apart from the sect's reserves, was allocated to them. They not only have access to the sect's top-tier cultivation rooms, but also receive personal guidance from the sect elders. Cultivation resources are allocated almost entirely based on their needs."

"The main peak at the very center of the secret realm is the sect's public area. Important buildings such as the sect's main hall, cultivation technique pavilion, and divine weapon pavilion are all built on the main peak," Yue Shouren said, pointing to the most majestic mountain in the center of the secret realm. "The reason these buildings are built on the main peak is that no spiritual veins have been found below the main peak, making it unsuitable for cultivation and residence. Using it as a public area is the most appropriate option."

Following Yue Shouren's gaze, Zhang Bufan saw that the main peak was dotted with magnificent palaces, and people were coming and going, mostly inner disciples and core disciples. They were either going to the cultivation technique pavilion to check cultivation techniques or to the main hall to report matters, all in an orderly manner. The surrounding peaks were the cave dwellings of core disciples and elders, each peak corresponding to a core disciple or elder, with clear boundaries and no interference between them.

"In the world of cultivation, strength determines everything, aptitude determines the upper limit, and status is directly linked to resources." Yue Shouren seemed to see through Zhang Bufan's thoughts and said slowly, "Now that you have become a core disciple under the patriarch, you have the qualification to live in the core area and use core resources. In the eyes of other disciples, this is already an opportunity to rise to the top in one step, something that countless inner and outer disciples dream of, but can never achieve in their entire lives."

Zhang Bufan remained silent. He had risen from an ordinary mortal to become a disciple of Daoist Xuanqing after a miraculous fall off a cliff, and within just fifteen months, he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment stage. Now, he had even become a core disciple of the Immortal Sword Sect under the tutelage of the Nascent Soul Ancestor Yue Buwei. Such an experience was indeed an extraordinary stroke of luck.

"This is the norm in the cultivation world," Yue Shouren said calmly. "The difference between inner and outer disciples is not only in aptitude and cultivation level, but also in status and position. In front of core disciples, inner disciples are equally humble; in front of elders, core disciples must also bow respectfully. Only those with sufficient strength and status can gain the corresponding respect and dignity."

Zhang Bufan took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. He knew Yue Shouren was telling the truth. In this world, without strength, there is no voice, and no dignity. Although he had now become a core disciple, and his status had been greatly elevated, this was only the beginning. To truly establish himself in the Immortal Sword Sect, to protect those he cared about, and to fulfill Xuanqing Daoist's last wish, he had to continuously improve his strength and solidify his position.

"Alright, let's continue. I'll take you to your cave dwelling," Yue Shouren said, leading Zhang Bufan towards a mountain peak with extremely rich spiritual energy. This mountain peak was located in the core area. Although it was not as majestic as the mountain where the Supreme Elders lived, it was still extremely beautiful. Spiritual herbs were everywhere, streams were babbling, and the spiritual energy was so rich that it was almost dripping with water.

At the summit of the mountain, there stood an exquisite cave dwelling. A simple spirit-gathering array was carved outside the cave, which could gather the surrounding spiritual energy into the cave. Inside the cave dwelling, there were several rooms, including a cultivation room, a rest room, and a storage room. The facilities were complete, far more luxurious than Zhang Bufan's residence in the Xuanqing Secret Realm.

"Not bad. This 'Azure Mist Peak' is the cave dwelling the sect has arranged for you," Yue Shouren said. "You can cultivate here in peace."

"Thank you, Senior Brother Sect Leader." Zhang Bufan bowed to Yue Shouren.

Yue Shouren nodded and said, "Since you've just arrived at the sect, take some time to familiarize yourself with the environment and solidify your cultivation. I've already had the sect's rules and instructions on how to use the facilities compiled into jade slips and placed in the cultivation room. If you have any questions later, feel free to come to me anytime."

"Disciple understands," Zhang Bufan replied.

Yue Shouren said no more and turned to leave Qinglan Peak. Zhang Bufan stood before his cave, gazing down at the vast Huashan Secret Realm below, his heart filled with determination. He knew the path of cultivation was long and arduous, and while the hierarchical world of cultivation was cruel, it also provided him with the motivation to move forward. From this day forward, he would take Qinglan Peak as his starting point, diligently cultivate, continuously improve his strength, and forge his own path in this cruel yet wonderful world of cultivation.

He entered the cultivation room, picked up the jade slip left by Yue Shouren, and probed it with his divine sense. The jade slip contained detailed records of the various rules of the Immortal Sword Sect, including the responsibilities of disciples at different levels, the standards for resource allocation, the issuance and redemption of sect missions, and the opening hours and usage rules of various buildings. Among them, the regulations concerning the disciple levels were the strictest, clearly defining the etiquette and authority between disciples of different levels.

Setting down the jade slip, Zhang Bufan sat cross-legged on the futon in the cultivation room and began circulating the "Mysterious Purity Dao Inquiry Technique." Rich spiritual energy flowed into his body through his pores, slowly circulating through his meridians, and finally converging in the vortex of energy in his dantian. As the spiritual energy continued to flow in, the vortex became increasingly solid, and Zhang Bufan's cultivation level slowly and steadily improved.