The exchange of favors within the sects cannot be avoided, even at the upper echelons of the Cultivation Realm.
After all, cultivation aims for immortality, but fundamentally remains human.
Add the word "human" to a "mountain," and you get people on the mountain; as long as they're human, they cannot escape worldly customs.
However, it can be seen that the middle-aged Outer Sect Steward was far less casual in handling Zheng Yi's advancement to Inner Sect Disciple than in recruiting Outer Disciples.
Connections and backdoors were needed within.
Even a Demon Dao influence like the Soul Catching Sect is very strict in the selection of Inner Sect Disciples and has specific requirements.
For any sect, Inner Sect Disciples are the sect's future forces, representing its prospects and heritage, holding extraordinary significance, unlike the casual treatment of Outer Disciples.
Zheng Yi did not hesitate, following the directions of the middle-aged Outer Sect Steward, he immediately performed blood recognition.
The originally pure white jade token absorbed a trace of blood as it dripped, giving it a somewhat sinister aura.
Zheng Yi also felt the mysterious connection formed between the white jade token and his blood qi and divine soul after the blood recognition.
Although it's very faint, it can be said to have imprinted his mark, making it difficult for others to tamper with.
"Alright, here's the map to the sect, study it carefully, do not head in the wrong direction, the Demon Realm is fraught with crises, choosing the wrong path could lead to unimaginable consequences."
"When you approach the sect, your Inner Sect jade token will remind you of the exact location."
The middle-aged steward, having taken a sum, naturally had to remind Zheng Yi of precautions, and he spoke up.
"I am Chen Jiu, upon reaching the Internal Affairs Hall of the sect, just mention my name, everything will naturally be handled smoothly for you."
Having received so much money from Zheng Yi, using the pretext of smoothing relations, he must perform the corresponding services.
Otherwise, when Zheng Yi becomes an Inner Sect Disciple of the Soul Catching Sect, a needless enemy would be created.
Though Zheng Yi's current strength is insufficient to threaten him, a cultivator who can readily produce resources to seek Inner Sect disciple stature undoubtedly has some background.
Moreover, since the other party knows Elder Gongsun, in terms of emotion and reason, relations must be maintained well.
After all, the saying "thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not underestimate a young man's poverty" has occurred within the Cultivation Realm.
The middle-aged Steward Chen Jiu also didn't want to create trouble while gaining nothing.
"Thank you, Chen Jiu, Steward Chen."
"Junior will remember."
"Disciple takes his leave towards the sect's mountain gate!"
Zheng Yi firmly memorized Steward Chen Jiu's words and acknowledged them with a nod.
Without further delay, he remembered all the key points, put away the map, said farewell once more to Steward Chen at the Blood Mist Abyss City Sub-Branch, and turned to leave the premises.
Standing outside the main entrance, Zheng Yi turned to glance at the Soul Catching Sect's establishment in Blood Mist Abyss City, gradually relaxing, and exhaled a sigh of relief.
"Luckily, I did my homework and it happened that personnel changed, this time it was risky but ended safely."
"But fortunately, the goal was reached."
Within the Soul Catching Sect establishment, facing Steward Chen Jiu, this High-Tier Qi Cultivator of the sect's Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer, Zheng Yi appeared confident as if all situations had been thoughtfully considered.
In reality, Zheng Yi merely learned in advance about the rules for the selection of Inner Sect Disciple, coincidentally when Elder Gongsun was dispatched externally to the frontline of the Soul Catching Sect and Hundred Beasts Sect battlefield.
Undoubtedly, this provided Zheng Yi an opportunity to exploit, both to flaunt connections and manipulate timing and information gaps.
Utilizing Steward Chen Jiu's new arrival and the irresistible lure of monetary bribery allowed him to finally relent and secure the quota for Inner Sect Disciple selection at the sub-branch location.
Zheng Yi, being of a merchant background, never fought battles he wasn't prepared for; before doing anything, he ensured meticulous planning and information gathering.
Like this time, Zheng Yi spent a significant sum to buy all recent intelligence on the Soul Catching Sect from informants in Blood Mist Abyss City, as well as information regarding Inner Sect Disciple selection at the sect's sub-branch locations.
According to what he understood:
In various Cultivation Forces within the Demon Realm, Outer Disciples are the least valued.
Though their numbers are vast, few truly succeed, those who happen to advance to Inner Sect Disciples are considered destined geniuses.
Not only is the competition fierce, but in the struggles within the Demon Realm, they are used as cannon fodder cultivated by every sect.
Once an accident occurs, the numerous Outer Disciples become the outermost layer of the firewall, ready to be discarded.
In the Great Yi City Immortal Realm, with a large population, ordinary mortals proliferate like weeds.
To this day, even High-tier Cultivators have not yet managed to explore how vast this world truly is.
Thus, every Cultivation Sect and Demon Cultivation Influence never lack the presence of Outer Disciples.
In sects like the Soul Catching Sect, disciples are variable in quality; on one hand, those practicing Demon Cultivation aren't much for rules, even at the sect's higher levels.
On the other hand, the Soul Catching Sect is at a stage where manpower is sparse, unabashedly recruiting as many willing Outer Disciples as possible, a widespread casting.
Even if just a fraction of the Outer Disciples grow up, it's already a considerable gain.
Moreover, in the Demon Sect wars, they can provide the sect with plenty of cannon fodder.
No need to train them, just put them straight on the battlefield.
Initially, Zheng Yi bribed Elder Gongsun with numerous spirit stones not only for the freedom to choose cultivation techniques and magical artifacts but also as a form of allegiance.
Firstly, after receiving the spirit stones, Elder Gongsun understood Zheng Yi's intentions, providing benefits and conveniences without assigning related tasks, nor dispatching him directly to the frontlines as cannon fodder.
Secondly, by leveraging this allegiance, Zheng Yi's next step of advancing to an Inner Sect Disciple of the Soul Catching Sect became much easier.
After all, having connections makes handling affairs smoother.
Whenever a sect establishes a sub-branch in different regional forces, it is often the domain of the Deacon Elder, holding significant power.
This time, though there were complications due to the Soul Catching Sect's recent contention with the Hundred Beasts Sect over the spirit stone vein, prompting Elder Gongsun of Blood Mist Abyss City's sub-branch to be temporarily stationed at the frontlines.
But Zheng Yi's strategy of borrowing authority, flaunting connections and manipulating power still proved effective.
Without Elder Gongsun's backing, getting the newly appointed Steward Chen Jiu to open up might not have been so easy.
Be it Demon or Cultivation, White Dao or Black Dao, Inner Sect Disciples are considered a core force in any sect.
For Inner Sect Disciples, there are qualifications, only those breaking through to the Middle Stage of Qi Cultivation have the potential to advance further.
These disciples are already beyond the realm of Low-Tier Cultivators, possessing some self-preservation capabilities; if their bone age is young, indicating good aptitude, the sect is willing to cultivate them.