The Central Continent's sect system was vastly different from the Southern Border's clan-based hierarchy.
In clans, bloodlines upheld the structure, and clansmen were the primary focus of cultivation and nurturing. But in sects, the traditional ties of blood were replaced by master-disciple relationships. Sects recruited disciples from all over, and as long as someone possessed talent and good character, they could be accepted — regardless of origin.
It was precisely due to this open structure that Bai Ning Bing was able to join the Immortal Crane Sect and become one of its members.
Within the Immortal Crane Sect, the hierarchy from lowest to highest was: outer disciple, inner disciple, elite disciple, legacy disciple, sect elder, sect leader, and finally, the supreme elder.
The sect elders all possessed at least rank four cultivation. The sect leader was a rank five expert, while the supreme elders were rank six Gu Immortals — some had even reached rank seven!
Among the five regions — north, south, east, west, and center — the Central Continent was the most powerful. And within it, the Immortal Crane Sect ranked among the top ten sects, far surpassing even the mighty Shang clan of the Southern Border.
The disciple selection process in Immortal Crane Sect was completely free of regional prejudice. One's birthplace carried no significance, and as such, no disciples with C-grade aptitude existed within the sect.
B-grade was the standard, and A-grade geniuses were not uncommon.
But Bai Ning Bing stood out even among them — a rare prodigy born with the Northern Dark Ice Soul physique.
"Bai Ning Bing, you were born with exceptional talent and have never shied away from hardship. Having already reached rank four cultivation, you're certainly qualified to become a sect elder. However, since your time in the sect has been brief, you must still complete various sect missions to demonstrate your loyalty. Continue to work hard, build your reputation, and strive to become a legacy disciple."
The Immortal Crane Sect leader sat high upon his throne, gazing down at Bai Ning Bing, who knelt respectfully below.
"I will remember your guidance," Bai Ning Bing replied solemnly.
"Good."
The sect leader's tone shifted slightly as he continued, "A few months ago, a major event occurred on Tian Ti Mountain. You've heard of it, I presume?"
Bai Ning Bing gave a silent nod.
"The inheritance of Fairy Bai Hu has emerged there. She was a renowned figure of the righteous path — a rank six Gu Immortal and the former owner of the Hu Immortal Blessed Land. With her inheritance now exposed, numerous Gu Immortals have converged upon Tian Ti Mountain. Whoever inherits it will claim her blessed land."
"This will be your mission. You are to head to Tian Ti Mountain with your fellow disciples and attempt to obtain the inheritance."
"Now go — make a name for yourself."
As he finished, a bookworm emerged from his sleeve and fluttered down.
Bai Ning Bing accepted it with both hands, gave a respectful bow, and took his leave.
The mission was centered on none other than Tian Ti Mountain.
...
The Dao veins of each region are isolated from one another, and the heaven and earth qi within the Five Regions differs greatly. Just like water flows from high to low ground, the qi disparity creates natural currents—qi tides—that manifest as regional walls between the lands.
Each region is encircled by a regional wall that separates it from its neighbors. These walls aren't just surface barriers—they extend high into Black Heaven and White Heaven, deep below the earth, and stretch across vast distances with considerable thickness.
Because the heaven and earth qi differs from region to region, Gu Immortals who venture into foreign lands face complications. Absorbing unfamiliar qi can destabilize their immortal apertures, which is why Gu Immortals often return to their home regions to undergo tribulations. These same differences in qi are also the very reason regional walls formed in the first place.
Two months later, Fang Yuan stood before the Deep Purple-hued Miasma Regional Wall of the Southern Border.
"This regional wall is a formidable barrier, dividing regions of distinct qi and cultivating laws," he muttered quietly. "Only Gu immortals truly fear it. Gu masters like myself… not so much."
With that, he stepped into the wall.
As he moved through the thick miasma, he felt his defenses and the stability of his Gu techniques weaken, as though being subtly eroded by invisible qi forces.
Fang Yuan immediately recognized the sensation—it was the suppression from foreign heaven and earth qi. For a Gu Immortal, it would have been hazardous.
But as a peak stage Rank 5 Gu Master, it posed no real threat to him.
After walking continuously for fifteen minutes, he exited the Miasma Regional Wall.
At once, his body felt heavier. The heaven and earth qi of the Saint Region pressed down on his aperture, and his cultivation began to decline—from Rank 5 Peak Stage, down to Upper Stage, then Middle Stage, Initial Stage, and finally settled at Rank 4 Peak Stage.
Unfazed, Fang Yuan walked another 4,000 steps, passing through the Saint Regional Wall. Eventually, he emerged into the lands of the Central Continent.
He took a deep breath, the air fresh and vibrant.
"Ah… fresh air," Fang Yuan exhaled deeply, a wide smile spreading across his face as he looked into the distant horizon.
"Central Continent, I'm back," he declared, eyes fixed on the distant location where Tian Ti Mountain was said to stand.