## Chapter Four: The Outer Court and the First Spark
The sheer scale of the Crimson Lotus Sect was overwhelming, even for Lin Feng, who had anticipated grandeur. It wasn't just a collection of buildings; it was a city carved into the heart of the mountains, a sprawling testament to immortal power. Soaring pagodas pierced the clouds, their eaves adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to shimmer with faint spiritual energy. Courtyards the size of village squares bustled with disciples in crimson robes, their movements swift and purposeful. Massive waterfalls cascaded down jade-green cliffs, their roar blending with the distant hum of cultivation arrays. The air itself felt alive, thick with spiritual qi that made Lin Feng's very cells hum.
"This is insane, Lin Feng!" Yan Zhen practically shouted, his voice a mix of awe and pure childish glee as Disciple Ming led them through one of the massive outer gates. He spun in a slow circle, trying to take everything in. "It's like a whole world inside a mountain! Do you think they have, like, a secret giant training arena somewhere?"
Lin Feng laughed, a bright, uninhibited sound that matched Yan Zhen's enthusiasm. "Has to be, right? And I bet it's super cool! Maybe they have flying races, too!" He grinned, nudging Yan Zhen playfully. "We gotta find out all the good spots!"
Disciple Ming led them past groups of disciples, some meditating quietly, others practicing graceful, flowing martial arts forms, their bodies glowing with subtle energy. They saw youths levitating small objects, elderly figures with long, flowing beards sitting motionless as if carved from stone, and even a few cultivators soaring through the air on shimmering swords or beasts. This was the cultivation world, raw and vibrant, far removed from the theoretical concepts Lin Feng knew from the novel.
They were ushered into a large, bustling courtyard known as the Outer Court registration hall. It was a chaotic symphony of young, nervous faces and efficient, older disciples. Here, the true reality of their new life began to set in. They were assigned simple, austere living quarters – small, shared rooms with thin straw mats and basic wooden furniture. Their crimson outer disciple robes were roughspun, a stark contrast to the finer silk worn by the senior disciples.
"Alright, listen closely," Disciple Ming instructed, his voice more formal now that they were on sect grounds. "As outer disciples, your primary goals are to cultivate diligently, complete assigned tasks, and strive for advancement. The path of cultivation is long and arduous. It is divided into several realms, each with its own stages."
He paused, gesturing to a large, carved stone tablet nearby, covered in glowing runes. "You begin at the **Body Tempering Realm**, focusing on strengthening your physical form to withstand spiritual qi. This realm has ten stages. Once your body is tempered, you enter the **Spirit Condensation Realm**, where you begin to gather and refine spiritual qi within your body, forming your spiritual foundation. This realm also has ten stages."
Yan Zhen's eyes were wide. "Ten stages? For just *two* realms? That's a lot!"
Lin Feng nodded thoughtfully, feigning solemnity. "Yeah, but think of how strong you'll be after twenty stages, Zhen! You'll be like a walking mountain!"
Disciple Ming continued, unperturbed. "Beyond that, come the **Core Formation Realm**, where you form a golden core, a condensed essence of your spiritual power. Then the **Nascent Soul Realm**, where your spirit begins to separate from your body, granting immense power and longevity. And finally, for the truly exceptional, the **Ascension Realm**, where one can transcend mortal limits and seek true immortality."
He looked directly at them. "Most outer disciples will spend years, even decades, perfecting their Body Tempering. Some may never advance beyond it. Diligence, focus, and discipline are paramount. Your daily routine will involve basic cultivation exercises, physical training, and various sect tasks. Do not cause trouble. Do not seek shortcuts. And do not neglect your studies of cultivation theory."
Lin Feng's mind raced. He knew these realms. He knew the milestones, the bottlenecks, and the typical breakthrough methods for each. More importantly, he knew that Yan Zhen, the protagonist, had an absurdly fast cultivation speed, often leaping through stages where others stagnated. *This is where the real fun begins,* he thought, a flicker of cold amusement in his eyes, quickly masked by an eager nod.
Their first few days were a blur of new rules, new faces, and seemingly endless chores. As outer disciples, their tasks ranged from sweeping courtyards, tending to sect gardens, to fetching water from distant springs. It was exhausting work, designed to humble and temper the spirit.
Yan Zhen, despite his initial enthusiasm, found the mundane chores frustrating. "Ugh, another day of sweeping? I thought we'd be, like, fighting monsters and flying on swords!" he grumbled, leaning heavily on his broom, kicking at a loose pebble.
Lin Feng, though equally tired, kept a cheerful facade. "Yeah, but think of it this way, Zhen," he said, sweeping with exaggerated diligence. "This is like super-advanced cleaning! We're honing our sweeping skills for when we need to sweep bad guys off their feet!" He then started making whooshing and clanging noises with his broom, turning it into a mock sword fight, which quickly made Yan Zhen burst into laughter and join in. They turned mundane chores into childish games, often drawing annoyed looks from older, more serious disciples, but earning quiet, approving smiles from a few of the younger, more lenient taskmasters.
It was during one such chore – fetching water from a spring nestled deep within a secluded forest – that they encountered their first significant peer. They were lugging heavy buckets, their shoulders aching, when they heard a faint, melodic strumming. Following the sound, they came upon a small clearing where a girl sat, her back to them. She was perhaps a year or two older, with long, dark hair that cascaded like a waterfall. She wore the familiar crimson robes, but hers seemed to drape more gracefully, and her presence was ethereal, almost glowing. She was playing a guqin, its ancient notes weaving through the forest like silk.
Yan Zhen, true to form, was mesmerized. "Whoa... that's so pretty," he whispered, completely forgetting their task.
Lin Feng felt a prickle of recognition. *This is Xiao Li, the gentle, talented healer and guqin master. One of Yan Zhen's early admirers, destined to become a supporting heroine.* He quickly adjusted his childish persona. This was an opportunity.
He gave Yan Zhen a playful shove. "Hey, go say hi! Maybe she'll teach us a cool song!"
Yan Zhen, suddenly shy, stammered, "W-what? No! She looks like an immortal! What do I say?"
"Just be yourself, dummy!" Lin Feng whispered loudly, mimicking Yan Zhen's awkwardness. "Go on! I'll guard the water buckets!" He pushed Yan Zhen forward, then settled back, a knowing smirk playing on his lips, completely hidden from Yan Zhen's view.
Yan Zhen stumbled forward, clearing his throat awkwardly. The girl, Xiao Li, turned, her eyes, like clear spring water, widening slightly at their unannounced presence.
"Uh, hi," Yan Zhen blurted out, his face turning bright red. "That was... that was really nice. The music."
Xiao Li offered a small, hesitant smile. "Thank you. I am Xiao Li." Her voice was soft, like the music she played.
"I'm Yan Zhen! And that's Lin Feng!" Yan Zhen gestured wildly back at Lin Feng, who offered a cheerful, innocent wave from behind the water buckets. "We're... we're outer disciples. We just joined."
Xiao Li's gaze drifted to Lin Feng, her gentle eyes seeming to linger for a moment, sensing something beneath his playful exterior. Lin Feng held her gaze, offering a friendly, open smile, devoid of any hidden meaning in his outward appearance.
"It's nice to meet you both," Xiao Li said, her smile broadening slightly. "Are you having trouble with your tasks?" She gestured to the heavy buckets.
"Yeah, they're super heavy!" Yan Zhen complained, rushing back to them. "My arms are gonna fall off!"
Lin Feng piped up, "He complains a lot, but he's secretly super strong! He just likes to make it seem hard so I feel better about how slow *I* am!" He grinned at Yan Zhen, who playfully cuffed him on the head.
Xiao Li giggled, a delicate, musical sound. "You two seem like very good friends."
"The best!" Yan Zhen declared proudly, slinging an arm around Lin Feng's shoulders.
As they chatted, Lin Feng subtly steered the conversation, ensuring Yan Zhen talked about his village, his dreams of cultivation, his simple kindness. He'd interject with a playful jab that made Yan Zhen seem more endearing, or a self-deprecating comment that made Xiao Li feel comfortable. He noticed Xiao Li's occasional subtle glances his way, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes that was distinct from her gentle acceptance of Yan Zhen. *Good. A little spark, just enough to keep her interested, but not enough to draw her focus away from the main target.*
Before long, Xiao Li offered, "You know, there's a smaller stream just around the bend, the water qi is much purer there. And it's closer." She pointed. "It might make your task easier."
Yan Zhen's eyes lit up. "Really? That's awesome! Thanks, Xiao Li!"
"We gotta go fill up our buckets now," Lin Feng said, bouncing on the balls of his feet. "But maybe we'll see you around, Xiao Li? This place is so huge, it's easy to get lost!" He gave her a charming, wide smile.
Xiao Li smiled back, a blush faintly dusting her cheeks. "Perhaps. Be careful on your way."
As they hurried towards the stream she indicated, Yan Zhen was practically skipping. "She's so nice, Lin Feng! And her music was beautiful! Do you think she'll teach us more about the sect?"
"Probably!" Lin Feng replied, matching his friend's excited pace. "She seemed pretty friendly. See? I told you just being yourself works!" He allowed himself a tiny, internal smirk. *First female lead. Initial connection made. Now, to let it simmer.*
The **Crimson Lotus Sect** was a vast, intricate web of opportunities and challenges. Lin Feng felt a thrill coursing through him. He was no longer just reading the story; he was living it, playing a crucial, unseen role. Yan Zhen, oblivious, was already making friends, drawing in the very people Lin Feng needed close. The chessboard was set, the first few pieces moved. And Lin Feng, beneath his loyal smile, was ready for the game to truly unfold.