The versatioween Adrian and o had e to an end. Three hours had passed, and the time had e for the elder's summons.

  Adria his quarters and made his way to the grand hall, where the elder had gathered all the newly recruited disciples. The hall was vast, its high ceilings supported by intricately carved pilrs bearing the insignia of the Evernight Sect. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension as the disciples whispered among themselves, eager to learn about the pce that would shape their future.

  At the front of the hall stood a dignified elder, his gaze firm as it swept over the assembly. After a brief pause, he began in a measured voice:

  "Our sect is one of many that exist within this vast world, but do not mistake our presence as insignifit. We are located in the Northern Region, a nd so expahat even a lifetime of travel would not reveal all its secrets. This region is divided into multiple territories, each governed by its ows, s, and powers. As yress in your cultivation, you will naturally gain access to more knowledge about this world's divisions. Remember, knowledge is as valuable as strength oh of cultivation."

  He paused once more, then tinued with a note of pride:

  "Our Evernight Sect is rapidly growing, and we are on the cusp of asding from a mid-level sect to ohat rivals the highest of cultivators. However, our progress depends on strict discipline and adhereo a code of duct. There are three fual rules every disciple must follow:

  No Killing Within the Sect: Under no circumstances shall a disciple take the life of another while within our sanctuary. Should you enter a fellow disciple outside our walls, you are expected to aid and protect them. Loyalty and Unity: Every member must uphold unwavering loyalty to our unity. Any act of betrayal or selfish ambition that disrupts our harmony will be met with severe sequences. Diligen Training: You must it wholeheartedly to your cultivation. Laziness or deviation from our prescribed path will not be tolerated, as our collective strength depends on the disciplined efforts of every member.

  These rules, though strict, are desige you into the stro version of yourselves."

  The elder's tohen shifted as he introduced a final, crucial figure: "I now introduce you to our Sect Master, Feng Yu Han, whose wisdom and strength guide the Evernight Sect. It is under his leadership that our main branch thrives."

  He went on to expiructure of the main branch:

  "Our sect is divided into three primary disciple rankings. First, there are the Outer Disciples—those who have just joined and are still ying the foundation of their cultivation. They reside ier se of the sed uake minor tasks while they trai are the Inner Disciples, who have proven their worth and earheir p the deeper halls of the sect, gaining access to better resources and teags. Finally, the Core Disciples represent the elite; these individuals have not only shown exceptional talent but have also been personally reized by hest elders. Core Disciples receive the best resources, guidance from top elders, and the highest privileges within our unity."

  He cluded, "The structure of our elders mirrors this division. We have Outer Court Elders to mahe daily affairs and support the outer disciples, Inner Court Elders to oversee and nurture the inner disciples, and Core Elders, who serve directly under Sect Master Feng Yu Han and have the authority to take on Core Disciples as personal students."

  After expining the main branch, the elder's gaze shifted toward a portion of the disciples who would be joining an affiliated branch.

  "As for those who will enter an affiliated branch," the elder began, "your path will be different but still valuable. These branches are extensions of the Evernight Sect, spread throughout the Northern Region. They may not have all the resources or advaeiques of the main branch, but they provide a strong foundation for your cultivation."

  He tinued, "The structure of the affiliated branches is simir to that of the main branch. You will also be cssified as Outer, Inner, or Core Disciples. The standards for adva are a bit different, and the elders in these branches maheir own groups. However, if you prove yourself, you may have the ce to trao the main branch ter."

  A soft murmur of excitement spread among the disciples. Some exged hopeful g the possibility of one day moving up to the main branch.

  The elder then spoke in a clear, steady voice: "Remember, whether you join the main branch or an affiliated branch, our sect values strength and potential. Work hard, follow the rules, and you will have the opportunity to grow."

  After a few more instrus about training and daily disciplihe elder cluded, "That is all for now. Return to your rooms a. You will be informed when the phase of your journey begins."

  With that, the disciples slowly left the hall, each making their way back to their quarters, ready to tiheir cultivation journey with a clear uanding of the sect's structure.

  As the elder's words filled the hall, Adrian listened ily, abs every detail. Amid the grandeur and discipline of the Evernight Sect, he felt both a profound sense of responsibility and an eagero begin his own journey.

  After the elder finished his instrus, the disciples slowly began to disperse aurn to their rooms. Even as most of them obeyed the call, a few wahe corridors, quietly expl the vast interior of the Spirit Vessel. The elder gnced around but made no move to stop them, knowing that as long as they did not stray into forbidden areas, a little roaming table.

  Adrian, curious and thoughtful, decided to take a short walk before heading back to his room. He moved quietly through the winding corridors, notig how the soft glow of nterns lit the spacious halls. As he walked, he observed that the outside of the Spirit Vessel appeared modest—a small, unassuming craft—yet ihe space was almost endless. Shadows and light pyed on smooth stone walls, and the corridors stretched on, far beyond what he had expected.

  Intrigued, Adrian paused near a rge window overlooking the exterior. The view was blurry, with passing clouds and distant stars, but it reinforced the trast: the vessel's exterior seemed limited, while its interior defied expectation.

  Uo tain his curiosity, Adrian reached out with his thoughts to o.

  Adrian: "o, why does the Spirit Vessel seem so small from the outside but so vast inside?"

  There was a moment of quiet before o responded.

  o: "The secret lies in our use of a space stohis stone is a rare artifact that allows us to expand the interior space beyond what the exterigests. It is used to create items—like space rings and space bracelets—that enrge a given area. In fact, many dojos and halls are refined with its power to provide extra room for training and fort. Essentially, the space stone expands the inner dimension of the vessel, making it far more spacious than it appears from the outside."

  Adrian nodded slowly, abs the expnation. "So, even though the vessel looks small to an outsider, its interior is desigo be limitless thanks to the space stone?"

  "Exactly," o replied. "It is a clever application of aeiques, ensuring that every part of our journey is both effit and fortable. This is just one example of how advanced cultivation and knowledge transform even the simplest objects."

  As the gentle hum of the Spirit Vessel tinued and the quiet corridors beed, Adria a mix of wonder and resolve. He khat he must trust in his own strength and the guidance he received from o. With that thought, he turned and made his way back to his room, ready to rest until the elders called him again for the phase of his journey.

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