Reborn with the SSS-Rank Creator System-Chapter 39: South Wing

"I know," Vaelin whispered. "And that's not all."

The Patriarch's gaze deepened. "Go on."

Vaelin took a breath, steadying his thoughts. "After the crystal shattered, I asked Theos what his spirit root grade was. He said 'Mythical.' But..."

"But?" the Patriarch pressed gently.

"He was lying. I've seen thousands of cultivators in my life, and I've developed a sense for falsehood. He lied again when I asked if it was Legendary."

The Patriarch leaned back into the star-essence throne, brows now fully furrowed.

"I'm absolutely certain," Vaelin continued, "that his spirit root surpasses Heaven. But he lied about both Legendary and Mythical grades. I don't know what to make of it. At first I thought he was exaggerating, trying to gain attention, but... who lowers their answer?"

Silence followed for a long breath as the Patriarch considered the implications. The constellation runes overhead flickered as if echoing the tension.

Then, slowly, a grin tugged at the corners of the Patriarch's mouth. His eyes glimmered with something rarely seen—excitement.

"It's fine," he said, chuckling softly. "Even if the boy was lying, it doesn't matter. He's strong, and more importantly... he has a good heart. I sensed it back then during the entrance test."

Vaelin blinked. "You're not... concerned?"

"Oh, I am," the Patriarch said with a low laugh, "but I'm also intrigued. Cultivators like him appear once a century. And, If he really is more than Mythical..."

He leaned forward slightly. "Make sure no one else hears about this. Not a whisper."

Vaelin bowed. "Understood."

The Patriarch leaned back once more and laughed again, a sound rich with wonder. "The future... is going to be interesting."

The two continued their quiet discussion for another half hour, their voices low as they speculated on Theos's potential, the origins of such a spirit root, and what it might mean for the future of the sect—and the world beyond.

Finally, Vaelin rose, bowed once again, and took his leave, leaving the Patriarch alone beneath the shifting constellations, lost in thought and quiet anticipation.

Back in the outer courtyard, Theos, Xiphos, and the others were assembled once more beneath the watchful eye of several instructors. The spirit root testing had concluded, and now the disciples were being sorted based on their results.

"Listen well," one instructor announced. "From this point onward, you will be divided into sect tiers based on your spirit root grade."

He continued clearly, his voice echoing with authority. "The Heavenly Star Sect has three primary layers: the Outer Circle, Inner Circle, and Core Circle, each divided further into four parts—north, south, east, and west—assigned according to talent. Greater talent yields greater resources. However," his voice softened slightly, filled with genuine encouragement, "even without immense talent, courage and relentless determination to challenge fate will always be rewarded."

He raised a hand and projected his voice further. "All cultivators under the Spirit Gathering Realm will remain within the Outer Circle. Only upon breaking through will you be considered for Inner Circle candidacy. Core Circle members are chosen by elders personally, and only those with immense potential are even considered."

Murmurs passed through the crowd as the group processed the information.

"But there are distinctions within each circle," the instructor continued. "Each of the four divisions—north, south, east, and west—corresponds to specific spirit root grades. Bronze and Silver roots will be assigned to the North Wing, Gold to the East Wing, Earth to the West Wing, and Heaven grade disciples will reside in the South Wing. This system ensures that disciples receive resources and training suited to their talent tier."

He paused briefly to let the structure sink in before continuing. "Those with Bronze, Silver, and Gold roots will receive basic housing and resources. Earth-grade roots will receive slightly better conditions, including access to mid-tier manuals. Heaven-grade spirit root disciples will be placed into the elite training division within the Outer Circle, with resources comparable to what Inner Circle disciples typically receive."

He added, "Each month, spirit stones will be distributed based on spirit root grade. Bronze and Silver root disciples will not receive any. Gold grade will receive five spirit stones per month, Earth grade twenty, and Heaven grade disciples will be given one hundred. These stones are crucial for cultivation and resource acquisition."

The instructor's tone grew more practical. "All disciples will be provided standard housing, but if you wish to have a private courtyard or personalized quarters, you'll need to pay for those expenses from your own contribution points or personal earnings."

Theos and Xiphos exchanged a brief glance as their names were called. As expected—based on the false public record—they were each designated to the Heaven-grade section.

Escorted by a pair of instructors, Theos and the rest of the Heaven-grade disciples were guided from the main courtyard through a wide stone-paved path veined with spirit lines that glowed faintly beneath their feet. Trees arched overhead, creating a shaded canopy as they made their way toward the South Wing of the Outer Circle.

As they arrived, the grandeur of the South Wing became apparent. It was a secluded stretch surrounded by quiet forests and enhanced with spirit-gathering formations so dense that the very air hummed with latent power. Towering pavilions carved from jade stone rose along the path, each one shimmering faintly with runic seals.

Disciples murmured in awe as they took in the pristine courtyards, flowing spirit springs, and serene meditation groves. Instructors pointed out key locations—training arenas, the cultivation library, and a communal hall for daily guidance.

As they continued walking, Theos leaned slightly toward one of the instructors. "Is there a way to get a private courtyard here?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.

Xiphos, walking just behind him, raised an eyebrow. "Already tired of sharing space?" he muttered dryly.

Theos smirked without looking back. "I like quiet. And space."

A few of the nearby disciples chuckled. Even Lyra, walking at a distance, gave a small amused glance before refocusing on the road ahead.

The instructor nodded. "Everyone is provided with standard housing. If you want a private courtyard, you must first visit the administrative pavilion and submit a request form. Afterward, you'll need to pay a monthly upkeep cost in spirit stones or contribution points. Once approved, you'll be assigned a personal courtyard based on availability. These courtyards come with enhanced formations, better energy flow, and isolation—perfect for deep cultivation or closed-door training. However, availability is limited, and priority is given to those who demonstrate consistent progress."

Theos glanced around once more, taking in the quiet intensity of the South Wing. "I'll consider it," he said, his voice a little more thoughtful now.

Xiphos gave him a sideways nod. "Just make sure your pride doesn't spend all your stones before the first month ends."

He paused, then blinked as a realization hit him. "Wait... you have those one hundred thousand points from the trial as well"

Theos chuckled. "Exactly. I can use those too."

He glanced ahead toward the private courtyards beyond the main housing sector. "We'll get one. I want to train in peace—and it'll be better if we're not disturbed."

Xiphos raised a brow, the corner of his mouth curling faintly. "We?"

Theos nodded. "You and I can share one."

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Though it wasn't the inner sect, the Heaven-grade division of the outer sect was a place of pride—and fierce competition. Every disciple here had potential deemed superior to most, and the resources available reflected that status.

He looked at the towering structures ahead, spirit energy thrumming in the air like a heartbeat. For now, it seemed this would be their new battlefield.