Free Web NovelChapter 159: Chapter 159: Inner Palace Structure
Chapter 159: Inner Palace Structure
"Follow me," Fabian said, his hands clasped casually behind his back as he led Rhain away from the secluded pavilion. "Since you are now officially an Inner Palace disciple, there are a few things you must understand about how our Academy operates."
Rhain walked leisurely beside Fabain as he listened attentively.
"Inner Palace is not like the Outer Palace, where thousands of disciples fight for scraps," Fabian began in an instructive tone, "It is an elite gathering. At any given time, there are approximately three hundred disciples in the Inner Palace. But do not think for a second that all three hundred are treated equally."
Fabian raised three fingers.
"The Inner Palace is strictly divided into three distinct classes, based entirely on a disciple’s power ranking. At the bottom is the Bronze Badge Class, which is the lowest tier, encompassing those ranked from 101 to 300. The vast majority of new Inner Palace disciples spend years crawling through this level."
"Above them is the Silver Badge Class, for those ranked from 31 to 100." Fabian glanced sideways at Rhain, "Navarre, the disciple you defeated on the ring today, is a Silver Badge Class disciple."
Rhain simply gave a noncommittal nod.
"And finally," Fabian’s voice grew heavy, "the Gold Badge Class. This is the apex of the Inner Palace, reserved exclusively for the top thirty disciples. They receive the best environments, the best resources, and the highest authority. These disciples are the ones who has the highest chances of entering the Core Palace in the future."
Fabian paused for a moment before explaining further.
"Aside from your class ranking, the Academy is also split into multiple specialized divisions. The Battle Arts Division, the Alchemy Division, the Array Division, and the Forging Division."
"Disciples are entirely free to choose whichever division they wish to join. In fact, there is no limit. If you believe yourself capable, you can join all four simultaneously."
Fabian turned to look at Rhain for a brief moment, and seeing him entirely unmoved by the temptation, he gave an appreciative nod, and continued.
"However, I strongly advise against choosing carelessly. Every division assigns its own mandatory tasks and missions to its disciples. If you bite off more than you can chew, the sheer workload will exhaust you physically and mentally, completely crippling your cultivation progress."
Rhain gave a slight nod.
Multi-division enrollment was clearly a trap for the overambitious.
With his knowledge of the Grandmaster Alchemist, he could dominate the Alchemy Division with his eyes closed. But he had no intention of acting like a dutiful student refining pills for the Academy’s quota.
Fabian’s expression grew contemplative. "Now, for you, the choice of division is entirely optional. You do not need to rush into one if it does not suit your goals. However, the class classification matters a great deal. And it all comes down to the ranking of our teachers."
Fabian gestured to a group of passing elders in the distance.
"There is also a strict hierarchy among the teachers themselves," Fabian added. "The Outer Palace disciples are taught by Instructors, all of whom possess Core Formation Realm cultivation. Inner Palace disciples like yourself are guided by Preceptors — experts at the half-step Domain Master Realm, such as myself. And the Core Palace disciples are overseen by High Preceptors, who are true Domain Master Realm powerhouses, like High Preceptor Aldren."
Fabian’s paused again to let Rhain digest the information before continuing.
"Since all Preceptors in the Inner Palace are at the Half-step Domain Master Realm, you might think our teachings are identical. But you would be gravely mistaken."
"The defining factor of a Domain Master is the comprehension of Domain laws. To break through from the Core Formation Realm to the Domain Master Realm, a cultivator must comprehend a specific Law of the world to atleast ten percent, and forge their own Domain. While all Preceptors share the same cultivation realm, there are vast differences in our understanding of these laws. A Preceptor who has grasped nine percent of a particular law can offer fundamentally deeper insights than one who has only grasped three percent. That difference in understanding becomes critical as disciples advance toward higher realms."
Fabian raised his voice a little.
"This is the true reason every Inner Palace disciple fights tooth and nail to climb the rankings. A higher class badge doesn’t just grant prestige — it grants access to more accomplished Preceptors with deeper mastery. And that guidance becomes the foundation upon which a disciple will eventually attempt their own breakthrough to the Domain Master Realm. In the end, the quality of your teacher determines whether you soar into the heavens or remain earthbound forever.
Rhain processed the entire structure of the Academy in his mind.
’Domain Laws,’ he noted these two words.
It was a concept far beyond the reach of the Outer Frontier, and this was the first time Rhain had come across this concept.
As they spoke, the two of them arrived before a grand, slightly older pavilion.
This was the Registration Hall.
Behind the counter sat an old man with thinning grey hair, yet his aura was deeper and stronger than even Vulcan. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
A peak-stage Core Formation expert.
"Preceptor Fabian," the old man stood up immediately, bowing with a respectful smile. "You have returned from the Outer Frontier! Have you brought the list of the new Outer Palace recruits?"
"I have already handed the Outer Palace matters to the disciples," Fabian replied casually. "I am here to register this young man."
Fabian stepped aside, fully presenting Rhain.
"Issue him his robes, his identification token, and a residence key. He is to be registered directly as an Inner Palace disciple."
The old man turned his gaze to look at Rhain with unconcealed surprise.
He blinked, staring at Rhain who looked no more than eighteen, and whose cultivation was only at the Essence Condensation Realm.
"An Inner Palace disciple?" the old man repeated, entirely unsure if he had misheard Fabain. "Directly from the recruitment trial? Preceptor Fabian, are you certain?"
"Not only that," Fabian added with a tone of certainty. "He is to be assigned to the Gold Badge Class."
The old man’s aged eyes stretched wide. ƒreewebηoveℓ.com
"WHAT???"
Directly jumping over the Outer Palace was already an anomaly. But to be thrown straight into the Gold Badge Class—the apex of the Inner Palace—without fighting a single ranking match?
"P-Preceptor! This defies all procedure!" the old man gasped, "I have never once assigned a newly recruited disciple directly to the Gold Badge Class. Even the most exceptional prodigies typically begin at Bronze and work their way up through the ranking duels."
Fabian let out a mysterious, highly amused smile.
"Old friend," Fabian chuckled, leaning slightly against the counter. "If you are already so shocked by this, then I suggest you prepare your heart. Just wait a little while. When you hear the real earth-shattering news I brought back from Mirravele City today, you might just faint on the spot."
The old man was thoroughly bewildered.
Real earth-shattering news? What could possibly be more shocking than a newly recruited boy bypassing thousands of geniuses to become a Gold Badge disciple.
Old Chen’s curiosity ignited like a bonfire, and he couldn’t help but ask, "What news? What could possibly be more shocking than this?"
But Fabian offered nothing more than that enigmatic smile.
He shook his head, leaving the old man simmering in frustrated curiosity.
Old man grumbled under his breath but dutifully pulled out a fresh jade token from a locked drawer.
His brush moved across its surface with practiced precision, inscribing Rhain’s name and designation before pressing his own Core Formation essence into the token to finalize the binding.
He then produced a neatly folded set of robes — deep black fabric trimmed with subtle gold thread.
Alongside it, he produced a gleaming golden badge and a jade key inscribed with a specific array sequence.
"Residence number thirty-two, located in the prime spiritual vein sector of the Inner Palace," the old man handled the items over.
Rhain calmly accepted the robes and the golden badge, tossing them into his spatial ring without a change in expression.
"Let us go," Fabian said, turning away from the dazed registration elder.
They left the registration office and walked into the Inner Palace grounds.
They walked for another fifteen minutes, until they arrived before a lavish, highly secure courtyard.
"This will be your residence for the duration of your time in the Inner Palace," Fabian said, "The arrays here are strong enough to ensure complete privacy for your cultivation. No one below the half-step Domain Master Realm could breach them uninvited."
Rhain swept his gaze across the courtyard with quiet approval.
It was simple, functional, and far more than adequate for his needs.
Fabain gazed at Rhain, his expression shifting from that of a strict elder to something remarkably warm.
"One more thing, I serve as a Preceptor in the Battle Arts Division, Class A. My personal comprehension of the Laws of Wind has reached nine percent."
He looked deeply at Rhain.
"If you wish, you can choose the Battle Arts Division. With your extraordinary combat instincts, I believe you would thrive there. And if you do... I would be in a much better position to personally guide you and help you comprehend the laws."
Rhain understood perfectly what lay beneath the offer.
Fabian didn’t care about his ’combat instincts.’ Fabian knew that Seris, a peerless True Heavenly Physique genius, was his wife.
By pulling Rhain into his division and offering him special care, Fabian was directly trying to curry favor and build a profound relationship with the future ruler of the Stormveil Academy.
It was a blatant, calculated political investment.
But Rhain didn’t find the calculation distasteful.
In fact, he appreciated the honesty of it.
Besides, there was no benefit in rejecting the goodwill of a Half-step Domain Master right now.
"I appreciate your profound kindness, Preceptor Fabian," Rhain replied politely, perfectly maintaining a respectful demeanor. "I will consider all the divisions carefully and make my decision with a clear mind. But I will certainly keep your recommendation at the forefront."
Hearing this, a bright, satisfied smile stretched across Fabian’s face.
"Take your time! Our Academy is vast, and there is much for you to explore," Fabian chuckled warmly. "Rest well today. I shall take my leave now."
"Farewell, Preceptor," Rhain nodded.
Fabian turned and vanished into the distance as a streak of blue light, leaving Rhain standing alone before his new home in the Inner Province.
