Elder Sheng led the group through the vast sect grounds until they stopped before a tall, blue building with elegant carvings lining its frame. Above the entrance, bold golden characters spelled out: "Sword Manor Shop."
"This," Elder Sheng began, turning to face the disciples, "is where you'll come if your robes tear or no longer fit. The sect provides many necessities here — clothing, basic weapons, herbs, spirit pills, and even formation materials. But remember, everything comes at a price."
He paused, letting the words settle in.
"You can pay using either contribution points or gold coins. If you lack wealth, then work hard and earn merit for the sect — diligence will always be rewarded."
He gestured toward the entrance as the heavy doors opened, revealing rows of neatly folded robes and shelves glimmering with various items under spiritual light.
"Your first set of robes will be provided free of charge," Elder Sheng continued. "However, replacements or special attire must be purchased later using your own means."
He motioned for them to step inside. "Now then, everyone, form a line. The tailor will take your measurements and find your proper size. Be patient — you'll each receive your robes and your identification jade slip soon after."
The disciples shuffled into line, excitement and curiosity buzzing quietly among them as they stepped deeper into their new lives within Sword Manor.
As Bai Long waited patiently in line, his eyes wandered across the shop's interior. Robes of every size lined one wall, while the other shelves glittered with spirit pills, weapons, talismans, and even scrolls containing cultivation techniques. The Sword Manor Shop truly had everything a disciple could need.
"What's the point of buying a cultivation technique here," Bai Long asked, glancing towards Elder Sheng, "when we can just borrow one from the martial library?"
Elder Sheng turned slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "A good question. In the martial library, outer disciples are allowed to borrow books from the first and second floors, but they cannot leave the building with them. What you purchase here, however, becomes yours — to study wherever and whenever you wish. They're copies, of course, but the quality is slightly superior to the second-floor techniques."
"I see," Bai Long nodded thoughtfully. "One last question then — when will we receive our rewards from the recruitment tournament?"
"Your coin pouches have already been placed in your rooms," the elder replied. "Once everyone receives their robes, I'll take those of you qualified to select martial arts to the library personally."
"Thank you," Bai Long said with a courteous nod.
After another twenty minutes, his turn finally came.
"Just stand over there, young man," said an elderly tailor in a green robe, motioning towards a small wooden platform.
"Alright."
The tailor began measuring him, muttering quietly as he worked. When he looked up, there was a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "You've got quite the physique for your age. Must've trained hard to build a frame like this. Remember to rest every now and then — pushing your body too far can cause hidden injuries."
Bai Long smiled faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."
The tailor scribbled down the measurements and handed the note to a young woman assisting him. She disappeared behind a curtain and returned moments later holding a neatly folded set of dark blue robes trimmed with bronze — the standard attire for new outer disciples.
"Here you are, junior brother," she said softly, a faint blush colouring her cheeks as she handed them over.
"Thank you," Bai Long replied politely, a small wry smile forming on his lips. The words junior brother still felt strange to him — once a cosmic ruler, now standing among fledgling disciples.
"Geesh, Brother Li," Xue He chuckled from behind him, "you've barely arrived and already have girls falling for you left and right."
"I didn't even do anything," Bai Long sighed. "She just gave me my clothes."
To be fair, the girl couldn't really be blamed. Bai Long's appearance was striking — skin like polished jade, long crimson hair that shimmered faintly in the light, and those unmistakable silver eyes that seemed to hold galaxies within them.
"What if we just smear mud on your face next time?" Xue He joked, grinning. "That way, maybe you can— Ow!" He yelped and rubbed the top of his head where Bai Long had flicked him.
"My hand slipped," Bai Long said smoothly, walking ahead without looking back.
Xue He sighed, trailing behind him. "Slipped, huh? Sure it did."