The entire next day was spent introducing the new disciples to the areas of the sect that involved dragon points. First, they were told how they could earn points, starting with straight-up buying them at a desk within the Elder’s Administration Building. At a ratio of 1,000 silver to 1 point, the maximum was 500 purchased per month and had to be in hard coin or bronze card or higher. Also at that building were “jobs.” That included things like working as a clerk in a building and welcoming new disciples. For her and her fellows, there were not that many as most tended to go to inner sect disciples. Either way, that meant they could buy or do completely risk-free work for points. That entire concept baffled Yu. Was it truly worth it? How hard or dangerous was it to earn points?

Well, she was about to find out because next was an introduction to missions. Thus, the second building they visited was the Mission Center, which was a large circular building with a single long rounded green jade board around the wall with the titles of various missions seemingly engraved into them in different colors.

The elder in front of them was wearing outer sect elder robes, white with black seams and edges. She was an older woman with gray hair but not nearly as old-looking as Grandma Huan. “As the name states, this is the Mission Center. Fighting is prohibited in this building and will be severely punished. Competition for particular missions can be resolved in the proper manner. Missions are divided first by risk level, range from ‘None’ to ‘Moderate,’ and can be visually distinguished by the color of the text. None is gray, low is white, yellow is moderate. There are ‘High’ and ‘Expert’ risk levels but only inner and core disciples respectively are permitted to take those and they are in their Mission Centers. There are also five different types of missions and are distinguished by their height on the jade board. Those are from top to bottom: maintenance, crafting, gathering, beast hunting and bounty. The names are self-explanatory and the fact that you are here tells me you are not total fools so I will not describe each. To accept a mission, you simply touch the title, read the description provided by the God Sign and accept using your badge. You may have up to five active missions at a time. Missions that are accepted but failed will result in a loss of points equal to five times the reward. I remind you again, fighting in this hall is forbidden. Now I will assign you all your first mission. Show me you are not complete dunces and line up in front of the board here,” and she pointed to a seemingly random spot.

The four girls looked at each other and, smiling, lined up with the rest of the chaotic group of teenagers. Yu was the last of the four, making sure Gui Ai was all set and able to go to the twins when she was done. The old woman continued and said, “The only mission available for you today is at the top left of the board. In the unlikely chance you are curious, the mission board is updated hourly and was just updated for you moments ago. You, boy in the front, go up and touch that mission. Do not touch any other.” She had pointed to a specific mission that was set aside from the rest and was black. It was pretty obvious once Yu looked.

The indicated boy took the single step forward and nervously poked the mission with his finger. He seemed to stare off into nothingness for a moment. The elder said, “You will notice two things. First, nobody but the recipient can see mission Signs. Second, to accept it, you simply touch your sect badge.” The young man did that and stepped back looking at the old woman. “Once you have the mission, step to the side and stay out of the way.”

The line moved quickly after that, with everyone easily accepting the mission. Gui Ai had just shuffled aside, having timidly accepted it when a voice sounded out behind her, “Elder, I have a question.”

Yu heard the elder respond, “What could you possibly have a question about?” just as Yu stepped forward. While mid-step Yu felt a hand in the center of her back causing her to stumble forward and to the right with a clearly Qi-enhanced shove. With Bia in her left hand, she used her right hand to top her forward movement and pressed against a random place on the board. Two silver God Signs appeared before her.

Mission Name: Gather Migomo Flower Nectar

Mission Difficulty: Low

Mission Type: Gathering

Duration: 14 days (14)

Reward: 1 point per full drop of nectar

Repeatable: No

Description:

Senior Alchemist Yanjing requires nectar from the Migomo flower for experiments regarding a new formula. The well-known Migomo powder is made from the petals of the red plant. The nectar is not currently believed to have value but a new discovery involving a previously unearthed chemical mixture opens possibilities for a virility enhancement medicine.

This flower can be gathered in the designated area of the western fields at the foot of the mountain. This field is home to its pollinators, the Vibrant Honey Bees. While generally peaceful when left alone, they are also competitors for the nectar.

Note: A nectar applicator and storage bottle can be gathered at the mission desk. Additionally, a two-way transportation ticket has been provided with specific location instructions.

Mission Name: Food for the Masses

Mission Difficulty: Moderate

Mission Type: Beast Hunting

Duration: 30 days (30)

Reward: {Variable} points per catty of usable meat

Repeatable: Yes

Description:

Every cultivator needs to eat meat to grow strong. Within the forests and planes of the sect are many of the beasts we use to feed you disciples. Once per month this quest is posted for a registered group of cultivators to hunt for food for the sect. You will be required to provide no less than 50 catty per group member of usable meat. Everything that is not meat will be returned in points per value of the product at the time minus the cost of butchering or can be returned physically but you will be responsible for the point cost of the butchering. You may butcher the animals yourselves but only usable meat will earn points.

Note: Point value will be determined by the type and quality of animal meat returned. A minimum of 500 catty is required to consider the quest a success.

Unfortunately for Yu, it was her right hand that she used to find her balance, which just happened to be the same side of her chest of her sect badge. So when her body shifted to avoid squishing Bai’s basket, the right side of her chest touched the back of her hand and another set of Signs showed.

Mission Accepted.

Mission Accepted.

The words she touched disappeared and Yu straightened up, glancing backward to glare at the one who pushed her but there was a shuffling and a shrill, “What in the nine hells are you doing?” echoed throughout the hall. “Are you dull in the head? I told you not to touch any other mission!”

Yu turns to the woman charging for her and said, “Elder I-”

“I don’t want to hear it. What is your name?”

“My name is Fenghuang Yu. Elder, I didn’t-” Yu heard snickering from the crowd.

“Shut your mouth!” The woman was absolutely livid and touched her badge. “Tap your badge and show me your name in your Sign this instant so I can report you to your seniors and have you punished. Not even here for a full day and you already can’t follow the simplest instructions.”

Yu pleads, “Elder, please. It wasn’t-”

“Enough!” she snapped. “Show me your Sign so I can validate your name and have you disciplined.”

Yu’s eyes were watering from a mix of frustration and anger. “Elder, I didn’t mean to-”

“Your intentions are irrelevant. Show me your name right this second or face the consequences.”

Knowing where this was going, Yu sighed. Sounding defeated, she said, “I can’t, Elder.”

The elder spluttered and glared at her. “You can’t? Are you a cultivator? Are you too stupid to call up your Sign? Call it up or I summon the enforcement group.”

A tear finally fell and Yu was even angrier now. At the whole situation more than the elder. “Elder, I am not allowed. My master has forbidden it.”

She scoffed. “Well, whoever your pathetic master was in whatever backwater you came from isn’t here now. This is your last chance.” Another few tears had fallen from Yu’s fury and frustration.

Looking at the woman and then at the group waiting to accept their own mission, Yu saw most were looking down or away and some were looking on, curious. But there was one boy who was staring right at her with a leer. Bao Qing. Then she turned to the group who had already completed the task and Yu saw Gui Ai with her face buried in Jao Lu’s shoulder getting her back patted with one hand while the other was on Jao Li’s shoulder holding her still. The little sister’s face was red and she too has tear streaks down her face. She was biting her lip, her fists were clenched and she looked like she could throttle someone.

Yu looked back at the elder and said, “Elder, if we could just speak privately this can-”

Stiffening the woman said, “That’s it. I gave you plenty of chances.” Then she tapped her badge, walked up to Yu, grabbed her by the upper arm, and dragged her over to a side away from everyone else. She hissed, “Stay here!”

Then she went back to the group and said, “Continue. I assume the lesson is learned. Touch nothing but the quest assigned.”

Yu put Bai’s basket down, took him out of his basket, and held him while rubbing his head. She was shaking with a mix of emotions and was furious with herself for crying. How much more help could Yu give these people to confirm she was just a child who didn’t belong? Grandma Huan would be ashamed of her failure.

A few minutes passed and two outer disciples and an outer sect elder came stomping into the building. They were all dressed like she would expect, except they all wore obvious white bands of cloth around their arms. On it was the character “法,” meaning “law.”

The Mission Center elder said to the students, “Keep going,” and then walked up to the new additions, said something, and pointed at Yu. Thankfully the time before they arrived allowed her to gather herself. Yu quickly wiped her face with her sleeve, not that it would help hide her puffy eyes. All four walked up to her with annoyed expressions. The new elder appeared middle-aged with black hair, and a neatly trimmed short beard. He said, “Elder Ting, describe the incident.” Yu remained silent.

“Elder Tseung, the students were instructed, as is our normal procedure, to line up and collect their first quest to complete their Welcoming for a single contribution point. They were instructed to not attempt to accept any other mission but this. . .” Yu heard the sneer, “. . . disciple decided the rules did not apply to her. When I instructed her to show me her Sign so I could report her, she refused after multiple attempts. I am reporting both the violation of the quests and the refusal to show her Sign for name validation.”

The law enforcement elder turned from Elder Ting and looked at Yu. The outer sect disciples had stepped away from him and each took a spot on either side of her. He asked, “Do you know why we ask to view Signs?”

Yu shook her head and said, “No, elder.” Yu was working hard to utilize Grandma Huan’s lessons and control herself.

“It is because we have many disciples, staff, instructors, elders, and the like. We cannot keep track of everyone. If we ask someone their names they could be lying to blame another, as such we demand to see their Sign to validate they are who they say they are.” That made a lot of sense to Yu. “Why did you refuse to show your Sign and add to your crimes?” Did he just say crimes?

Her emotions more under control, Yu glanced at all four people surrounding her and said, “If we could speak privately, Elder, I will explain everything.”

He raised a single black eyebrow and said, “Do you think that will save you? Why would I grant such a request?”

Yu, finally appearing a calm and confident young cultivator, looked around again and said softly, “I do not believe I require saving and I do it to save certain individuals embarrassment.”

Now both eyebrows raised. One of the disciples snorted but an eye glance from his superior silenced him. Elder Ting flushed red and said, “You are trying to save yourself from being embarrassed? You should have thought of that before flaunting the rules in my building.”

Yu looked at Elder Tseung saying nothing. He was silent for a few breaths and asked, “What is your name, disciple?”

Yu said, “Fenghuang Yu.”

He looked pensive for a few breaths then his eyes opened wide. “Oh. I see.”

The older woman next to him looked at him confused. “Why does that matter? She broke the rules. Yes, it was minor but refusing to show one’s Sign is a serious offense.”

He said, “Fenghuang Yu, can you tell me what happened from your perspective?”

Elder Ting’s mouth was open. Yu looked at the old woman and then back at the older man. “Are you sure, elder?” Yu’s tone was somewhat concerned now.

He nodded once and said, “I believe this may be an opportunity for many to learn something. Speak.”

Yu bowed her head and said, “Yes elder. I was stepping forward to do as Elder Ting instructed when I was shoved from behind. I stumbled forward and touched the board. I attempted to explain to Elder Ting in private but. . . failed to get my message across.”

Elder Ting pointed at Yu and said, “I would have seen it. You’re lying.”

“If you were called away to answer a question just at the moment I was to take my turn, would you?”

She snorted, “Or you used that opportunity of distraction to try to break the rules!” Then she turned to Elder Tseung and demanded, “Why are you even listening to this? I am reporting two violations and I am an elder, which means I have earned trust and this is a new student with no credibility. Just punish her and we can all move on.” Yu could understand her perspective completely. This had turned into so much of a bigger issue than it needed to be.

Still looking at Yu, the law enforcement elder said, “It is not that simple, Elder Ting.”

Looking baffled and frustrated, the woman asked, “Why not?”

“Because she is the sect leader’s personal disciple.”

The disciples to her left and right jumped and took a step away. Elder Ting paled and also took an unconscious step backward. “What?”

Elder Tseung nodded and said, “All staff were supposed to receive notice that a student named Fenghuang Yu was not to be asked to view her Sign under any circumstances, and should he have to get involved he would be quite displeased.”

Ender Ting thought for a moment and said, “I do not believe I ever received such a notice.” Then she looked at Yu and asked, “Why didn’t you say something?”

Yu sighed and said, “For two reasons. First, I tried to speak and you would not listen. Every attempt I made to converse was cut off by your entirely understandable anger at. . . the situation.”

The old woman went even more white. The elder next to her picked up where Yu left off. “And the second reason is because she was trying to have a private conversation so you would not have to answer to her master nor be embarrassed in front of the students. Which was the same reason she asked just a moment ago.” Then he turned to the two young men to her left and right. “You are aware of the rules regarding your roles on the enforcement team. Nothing of this will be spoken of again. Am I clear?”

They both nodded quickly enough that Yu was concerned for their brains in their skulls. He then returned his gaze to Yu and asked, “Do you know who shoved you?”

She said carefully, “I do but I have no proof and will not make an accusation I cannot back up. I will address it myself within the sect rules.”

He nodded. “As long as it is within the rules, I don’t care.” Then back to the older woman who was still wide-eyed and pale, “Elder Ting, do you still wish to pursue this matter?” She shook her head with force. To Yu he asked, “Anything else, disciple?”

She looked at Elder Ting and then back at Elder Tseung. “Elder Ting is nearly as much of a victim here as I am. She was set up equally even though. . . the disciple did not know it. Going through all this and me not being disciplined would look poorly on her. I propose we agree to a small punishment for me that will not stay on my record. That way everyone important saves face. Perhaps I can come and clean this building or something. The rule book did not provide sample punishments of this type so I am unsure what would be appropriate.”

The old woman stiffened and then stood up straighter. Elder Tseung looked at Yu curiously, as did the two outer sect disciples, except with their mouths hanging open. He turned to the older woman, “Elder Ting? Do you have anything besides cleaning? I think something that would offer her a chance to learn might be a fitting. . . punishment.”

She straightened her robes and said to the man, “We have records to be categorized. It would be helpful and she could learn about how missions work.”

Yu nodded while hiding a smile with a bowed head when Elder Tseung looked at her. “That sounds wonderful, elders. I have much to learn. Thank you for being so lenient with me. These two young men should certainly not speak of your graciousness and forgiving nature, Elder Ting.”

With a snort, Elder Tseung said, “Of course they won’t. Will you gentlemen?”

They both shake their heads and said together, “Of course not, elder.”

Yu said, “Please forgive me for my boldness, but I think perhaps it might be wise to look into why this elder did not receive notice. My master specifically mentioned he informed everyone.” Then Yu’s shoulders slumped and she said, “In any case. I am very distraught at my punishment. I should return to the group while you all work out the details of my time here.”

Elder Tseung said, “Of course. Off with you.”

And they separate, letting a visually downtrodden Yu shuffle up to the students and into the arms of her friends. Poor Gui Ai had a puffy face from crying. Jao Li was shaking from so much rage Yu thought she might burst and Jao Lu’s shirt was soaked from Gui Ai’s tears. Yu whispered, “Let it go. I’ll deal with him later.” A snort could be heard from within the crowd at that.