After several days of journeying along winding forest paths and dusty trade roads, the faint outline of rooftops appeared beyond the morning mist. As the sun climbed higher, the haze slowly lifted, revealing sprawling stone walls and a wide wooden gate — Yunhe Town, the first true settlement the young man had seen since leaving the wilderness.
Compared to the quiet forests and lonely roads they had crossed, Yunhe was alive — bursting with voices, colors, and movement. The scent of roasted meat, steamed buns, and sugar-glazed sweets drifted through the air. Merchants shouted from their stalls; children chased each other through narrow alleys; cultivators in simple robes walked with quiet confidence among commoners who bowed respectfully as they passed.
The main street was wide, paved with smooth gray stones, lined on both sides with inns, teahouses, and markets selling everything from spirit herbs to mundane wares. A lively bustle surrounded them — laughter, bargaining, the clatter of carriage wheels.
The young man paused at the entrance, eyes widening.
"So this… is Yunhe Town," he murmured, awe in his voice.
Mingyue smiled faintly, her moon-white robes fluttering as a gentle breeze passed. "It's not a large city," she said softly, "but compared to the villages we passed, it's quite prosperous."
They walked a short while down the street before stopping near a teahouse. Mingyue turned to him, her expression turning serious.
"I must part ways here," she said. "I have my own cultivation matters to attend to — if I delay any longer, my sect tasks will pile up."
He looked surprised. "You're leaving already?"
She nodded. "Yes. But before I go, there are things you should know."
Mingyue reached into her sleeve and took out a small pouch. "First — take this. Two silver taels and a hundred copper coins. Enough to live for a few weeks if you're careful. Find work at an inn or restaurant, something steady. You'll need a place to stay."
The young man hesitated before taking it. "Thank you, Senior Sister."
She smiled. "No need for such titles between us. Consider this a small help for your first steps."
Then her tone grew calm and instructive — the voice of someone who had walked farther down the path of cultivation.
"Listen carefully. In five months, disciple recruitment for the major sects will take place in Mingzhou City, about twenty-five miles from here. You can take a carriage when the time comes — it's a safe road."
He nodded silently, absorbing each word.
"Try to join a righteous sect, even a low-ranked one," Mingyue continued. "Competition in the high-ranking sects is fierce, and the weak are easily crushed. Stay away from the Blood Fang Sect, Shadow Scourge Sect, and Iron Claw Sect. They aren't demon sects, but their methods are cruel — disciples there bully and even kill each other. A place like that destroys more lives than it saves."
She paused, then began listing slowly:
"There are seven known spiritual roots — from weakest to strongest:
First level, Weak Root;
Second level, Inferior Root;
Third level, Average Root;
Fourth level, Above Average Root;
Fifth level, Excellent Root;
Sixth level, Superb Root;
and Seventh level, Heavenly Root.
In all the Zhou Kingdom, only nine people are known to possess a Heavenly Root."
Her eyes softened as she added, "Legend says there may exist an Eighth Root — a level beyond Heaven itself — but none alive have seen it."
The young man listened intently, his hands tightening slightly at his sides.
"As for the sects," Mingyue went on, "there are three major righteous ones in the Zhou Kingdom — my Moon Blossom Sect, the Celestial Sword Sect, and the Blue Phoenix Sect. The royal family also maintains their own cultivation force, though few outsiders know their strength."
She smiled faintly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "My sect only accepts women, so you cannot join. But if fate allows, seek out either the Blue Phoenix Sect or Celestial Sword Sect — they are honorable and value true talent."
"There are also other good middle-level sects: the Azure Dragon Sect, Wind Tiger Sect, and Celestial Sword Sect's sub-branches. The top three sects only accept disciples with at least Above Average Roots — anything less, and you'll be relegated to a handyman or servant disciple."
She glanced toward the distant mountains, her eyes thoughtful. "And remember — sometimes, demonic sects send scouts in disguise during recruitment. They may promise power or wealth, but once you join, there is no return. Stay vigilant."
After saying all this, she took a step back, her robe fluttering like moonlight. "Our paths part here, but I hope to hear of your progress someday. The world of cultivation is vast and cruel — survive first, grow second."
He bowed deeply. "Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister Mingyue."
She gave him one last smile, then turned away.
Her figure faded into the crowd, leaving behind only the faint fragrance of plum blossoms and the lingering warmth of her words.
For a long time, the young man stood there, silent amid the bustling town. The sounds of merchants, laughter, and the chime of coins filled the air, yet he felt strangely calm.
At last, he looked up at the azure sky, determination flickering in his eyes.
"Five months," he murmured. "Five months until Mingzhou City… and my first step toward cultivation."
Mingyue's farewell marks the end of the first phase of the protagonist's journey — the time of wandering and survival. From here onward, his path will truly begin in the mortal world, where fate and effort will shape the foundation of his cultivation.
The seven levels of spiritual roots introduced here will play an important role in determining the strength and potential of cultivators throughout the story. Though the concept of an Eighth Root is but a legend for now… perhaps one day, it will no longer be myth. May be there are many apart from this under veil.