Training Field

In the Training Field of the Red Cloud Sect, Akata stood there looking at the scene. The Cabins were still there but they weren’t how they used to be. No longer were they places that housed the strongest people in the sect, but were places that held trials to strengthen everyone in the sect. There were 9 different trials for people and each trial had a list of ten people who did the best.

As soon as Akata stepped onto the training field he could see many people challenging these trials in an attempt to get a better score. Apparently, these trials transported you to different places. Some disciples came out of the Cabin Trials wet, others had their clothes scorched, and others simply looked shaken.

That wasn’t all there was to it however, as in the middle of the field, where the tower had been, there was a new building. It seemed to be made of three levels and were also a trial. This one was different as only a few people were around the building, showing that only certain people were capable of participating in the trial.

The Training Field was extremely busy for once and it was hard to talk to people. They seemed to be really focused on increasing their strength. Luckily, however, Akata managed to find someone he was familiar with.

“Ah! Fang Zuwa! It’s so nice to see you!” Akata yelled out. As he was yelling he made his way to the familiar figure.

It was a boy with a gray robe on. He looked to be 15-16 years old and had handsome features. When he turned around to see who was calling his name one could see his deep blue eyes, but that was it, as the rest of his face was covered up by a cloth.

When he saw who was approaching him, his eyes went wide with disbelief and he subconsciously gaped. “Akata? Is that you? What happened to your arm?” He called as he strode forward with shock.

“Just had a little accident that's all. Anyways, it’s been two months already. It’s nice to see you.” Akata said with a light laugh.

Seeing how Akata avoided the topic so did Fang Zuwa. “Same to you. You’ve grown a lot in these two months. I heard that you were punished by being kicked out for two months. I didn’t know you would be back today. There’s a lot that has happened while you were away.” Fang Zuwa laughed as well as he clasped Akata on the back.

“I was hoping you could tell me about it. I just got back not to long ago and all of this is new to me. Not only has the sect changed, even the disciples have. It’s like this is a whole new place to me. Even you. Just two months ago you were at the 2nd Grade but now you’re at the mid 6th Grade. You’ve almost broken through to the peak 6th Grade.” Akata said with a sigh.

“Hehe. That’s nothing compared to you. I don’t even know what your cultivation base is, so that means it’s higher than mine. Not just your cultivation base, but also your body strength seems strong as well. Just your mere presence is pressuring me.” Fang Zuwa humbly said.

“But anyways, the sect has been changing a lot to prepare us for the incoming war. At first when we heard about it, we were all discouraged and a lot of us thought about leaving. Although we didn’t know where we would go, it would be better than staying here and getting killed in a war.” Fang Zuwa seemed to be reminiscing about that time as he told the story to Akata.

“Then, the Sect Leader personally came out and told us that there was nothing to fear. She would help us to grow more powerful than we could have ever imagined. I don’t know what it was but when she spoke, every word that came out sounded more like a fact than a wish. Naturally, we all believed in her, even the Elders.

From then on, the sect went through many many changes. No longer were there any cabins showing rank, but instead, Cabin Trials that would help all of us grow much more powerful. For those of us that fly through the Cabin Trials there is the Tower of Clouds. It has three levels that, if you complete one, you will undoubtedly become much stronger.

All of the people who are capable of challenging the Tower of Clouds are at least at the 7th Grade or capable of battling people in that Grade. Elder’s have participated in it too and some of them broke through to the Earthen Rank because of it. I need to hurry up and get stronger so that I can participate in it.” Fang Zuwa said through gritted teeth.

He soon calmed down and then regained his composure. “But other than that, the Cabin Trials are a great way to increase in strength too. It even brought me to the 6th Grade in the first place. I didn’t think I would ever get this strong. Especially this soon.” He laughed. You should find time to do some of the trials, if not all of them. Each one focuses on a different aspect meant to strengthen you. If you get into the top ten of one of them you will get an amazing prize that will help you to grow. I even made it into some of the top ten in some of the trials.”

Akata looked at him with thoughtful eyes. Obviously he was going to have a look at the trials but there was another thing on his mind. “Why is everyone anticipating the Body Spirit Exam and the Red Cloud Sparring Day? Shouldn’t everyone be training for the war?” Everything just seemed to relaxing as of now.

“Oh that.” A wicked smile appeared on Fang Zuwa’s face. “The Sect Leader told us that the generals on our side will be given very special power and command over our side.”

“What does that have to do with the Exam and Sparring Day? Does that mean those who perform well get to be right under the generals and also get a special reward?” Akata asked confusingly.

“Hahaha! No! Those who perform well become generals of our army! I had the same thoughts as you. I thought that the Elder’s would be the generals, but no. They have a different task so the part of general will be given to us. There are nine spots for a general but to become one there are a number of qualifications. For one you need to perform well in the Exam and on Sparring Day. We don’t know how well we have to perform so everyone is just hoping to do their absolute best.

Other than the Body Spirit Exam and Red Cloud Sparring Day, you need to have at least been in the top ten of at least three different Cabin Trials. That’s just for show though, powerwise you need a cultivation level of at least the 6th Grade, be able to handle at least ten different opponents on your same level, and withstand three attacks from someone who is two levels higher than you. That’s just qualifying for the position however, as you still have to show that you can lead a squad of your own.

Of course, generals need to be able to control the battlefield so they have to have great power. To be considered a general you would already be outclassing a lot of people. But if you are chosen as one, then the sect will make sure that you are even more of a monster. That is why everyone is trying to get as strong as possible to have a chance at becoming one.

Most of the people who have no chance, however, simply curry favor to those who do have one. That way they will still be in a good position. Although I’m not strong enough to make it to the Tower of Clouds right now, I still have a chance of becoming a general. There are only 14 disciples who have made it to the Tower of Clouds. They are probably going to be generals but that doesn’t guarantee that they will chosen to be one. I’m hoping to take one of those spots. I’m sure you can take one as well.”

Akata’s eyes and face flashed with complete understanding now. It all made sense now. Although he didn’t know how the disciples grew so fast, considering how the sect was riddled with mystery, it was possible. Right now he put all that to the back of his mind as he thought about what to do for himself.

Should he work hard to become a general of the army? The general would have special command over entire squadrons and lead in the battle. To become a general one would need outstanding results in the Body Spirit Exam and on Red Cloud Sparring Day. Not only that but you need to be able at the 6th Grade as well as a number of things.The qualifications alone made it so that you had to be a monster on your level. Considering the qualifications, there wouldn’t be much competition but everyone would undoubtedly be giving it their all.

The other option was to be a lowkey soldier of the army. It wouldn’t cause that much trouble and it would be much much more simpler and easier. But obviously Akata wouldn’t choose this option. He wanted to put his power to the test.