After leaving her atelier, Rinne made her way to one of the many gates leading to the inner sect.


    These gates, spread across the sect''s vast territory, provided access to the inner sanctum for authorized disciples. Rinne approached the nearest gate, her eyes narrowing as she examined the elaborate structure.


    The shimmering formation over the passageway exuded a powerful spiritual energy, and flanking the entrance were two enormous statues. Each statue held a colossal halberd, their faces expressionless yet imposing.


    These were the Inner Gate Keepers, ancient constructs designed to protect the sanctity of the inner sect.


    As she drew closer, the statues suddenly came to life. Their eyes glowed with an icy blue light, and with a synchronized motion, they crossed their halberds, creating an unyielding barrier. The air around the gate grew heavy with an oppressive spiritual pressure, forcing Rinne to stop in her tracks.


    Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly steadied herself. Without hesitation, she reached into her robe and retrieved the inner disciple token she had painstakingly prepared. Holding it out in front of her, she watched as the token emitted a faint glow, responding to the formation’s probing energy.


    After a tense moment, the light in the statues’ eyes dimmed, and they retracted their halberds. The spiritual pressure lifted, and the gateway opened, granting her passage.


    Rinne couldn’t help but comment under her breath,


    ''In the end, they’re just dead statues.''


    The statues lacked the ability to think, their sole function was to recognize the token’s authority. To them, the holder of a valid token was deemed worthy of entry, with no questions asked or further considerations given.


    Once inside, Rinne paused to assess her next move.


    She glanced at her masked reflection in a nearby polished stone surface and considered her appearance. The mask had served her well in maintaining anonymity, but here in the inner sect, it could attract unnecessary attention. Inner disciples were expected to be identifiable, and wearing a mask would likely raise questions.


    She pondered using a disguise technique but quickly dismissed the idea. Any low-level technique could easily be seen through by the elders or experienced disciples. While her Phantom Mirage Art was a high-level technique capable of fooling even seasoned cultivators, her current cultivation level was too low to sustain it effectively.


    After thinking for a moment, she took off the mask, tucking it away into her spatial bag.


    ''If I’m going to start anew, I might as well do it openly,''


    Passing further into the inner sect, Rinne’s senses were immediately overwhelmed by the difference in atmosphere.


    The spiritual energy here was dense and invigorating, filling her with a subtle but noticeable vitality. Unlike the outer sect, where the biting cold was ever-present, the chill here was tempered, making the environment much more comfortable.


    Rinne couldn''t help but let out a sigh.


    ''No wonder the cultivation levels of inner disciples are higher.''


    With conditions like these, their progress would naturally be faster. Meditating for one day here seemed to be almost the same as meditating for ten days or more in the outer sect.


    Unlike the outer sect area which seemed quiet, the inner sect area was bustling with activity.


    Disciples strolled along the paths, their robes marking their various affiliations and peaks. Foundation Establishment stage cultivators flew overhead on their swords, moving gracefully between the peaks. Small groups gathered near ornate pavilions, engaged in animated discussions or exchanging resources. The sense of purpose and competition was palpable.


    Many of the young disciples she saw walking nearby appeared to be around her age. They were likely those recruited as inner disciples from the start. Rinne had no intention of getting along with them, her focus entirely on her own goals.


    Rinne decided to wait for a bit until sunset, watching from a secluded corner as the disciples gradually dispersed to their respective residences. Once the main roads were quieter, she resumed her journey. The inner sect was a new and unfamiliar territory, and she had no intention of drawing attention to herself. Her goal was clear: reach Alchemy Peak unnoticed.


    Navigating through the sect, she marveled at the grandeur around her. The buildings were larger and more refined than those in the outer sect, and the air carried a faint hum of spiritual energy, thanks to the powerful formations embedded within the area.


    Finally, the towering Alchemy Peak came into view.


    Each peak in the sect was equivalent to a mountain, and Alchemy Peak was no exception. Rinne began her ascent, climbing the long stone steps that wound their way up the mountain. The journey was arduous but invigorating, the dense spiritual energy providing her with a subtle boost.


    By the time she reached the summit, the imposing structure at the peak, known as the Alchemy Tower, loomed before her. Its unique architecture stood out, adorned with intricate carvings of plants and cauldrons. A faint herbal fragrance wafted through the air, signifying of the alchemical experiments conducted within.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Rinne stopped for a moment, taking in the sight. Her lips curled into a faint smile as she adjusted her robe.


    ???


    With firm resolve, Rinne stepped into the Alchemy Tower.


    Disciples in robes embroidered with intricate alchemical symbols moved about, some engrossed in discussions while others carried materials to and from various rooms. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars and containers of ingredients, their labels neatly inscribed with the names of rare and common herbs alike.


    Her presence went mostly unnoticed as she approached a counter situated near the center of the hall. Behind it stood a middle-aged man with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor, his robe denoting his position as a managing elder of the Alchemy Peak. He was reviewing a stack of scrolls when Rinne arrived.


    Clearing her throat lightly, she spoke.


    "Elder, I am here to request a transfer from Sword Peak to Alchemy Peak."


    The old man looked up, his gaze briefly glancing at her.


    Looking at her small stature, she looked like a new inner disciple who had just been recruited a month ago. Just a little girl who was still at level 1 of the Spirit Gathering stage. What bad things could this little girl do?


    Without thinking much, he nodded.


    "Transfers are not uncommon. Present your token and state your reasons."


    It was not unusual for disciples to shift peaks when they find their initial choice unsuitable. Such changes can arise from a lack of compatibility with the teachings, unresolved conflicts, or simply a reassessment of one''s path.


    Rinne handed over the token she had meticulously prepared, the glow of its spiritual imprint was faint but flawless.


    "I have realized that my talents lie more in alchemy than in the sword arts. I believe I can contribute more effectively here."


    The elder studied the token carefully, his fingers brushing over its surface to verify its authenticity.


    The token was confirmed to be an authentic inner disciple token made by the Frostfire Sect with a sword crest printed on it, indicating a Sword Peak disciple token.


    Finding no faults, he nodded again.


    "Very well, follow me."


    He gestured for her to follow, leading her to a smaller, quieter room adjacent to the main hall.


    Inside, a formation glowed faintly on the floor, its intricate runes pulsating with energy. A desk and a few chairs occupied one corner of the room, along with shelves holding ledgers and scrolls.


    "Stand in the center of the formation, this will finalize the transfer by re-registering your token under Alchemy Peak''s records. Once completed, you will be officially recognized as a disciple of this peak."


    The elder instructed, retrieving a small crystalline orb from a drawer.


    Rinne complied, stepping into the formation. As the elder activated it, threads of light extended from the formation to envelop her token. The orb in the elder''s hand glowed in response, and she felt a subtle energy ripple through the room. The process was seamless, and within moments, the light dimmed.


    "It is done, your details are now registered with Alchemy Peak. Be aware of the rules and abide by them."


    The elder announced as he handing the token back to her.


    Rinne examined the token. It had transformed during the process, the Sword Peak crest replaced with the intricate crest of Alchemy Peak. The token now gleamed with a renewed luster, symbolizing her new affiliation.


    "Thank you, Elder,"


    Rinne replied, bowing respectfully.


    Now she could breathe a sigh of relief. She had successfully turned her illegal token into a legal one, making her a true inner disciple of Alchemy Peak. The resources and opportunities here were leagues ahead of what she had access to at the outer sect. With this new affiliation, her plans could proceed more effectively.


    He gave her a measured look.


    "Your quarters will be assigned shortly. You are free to explore the facilities, but do not disturb ongoing experiments. Should you require guidance, seek out Senior Disciple Hiran. He oversees the orientation of new disciples."


    Rinne nodded and clutching her token tightly. Her transfer had gone smoother than expected.


    With the most difficult problem solved, now all that was left was the housing problem. Rinne would absolutely not accept a place where she had to live with other people.


    "Elder, I would prefer to rent a house instead of staying in the tower. Also, I have not taken my monthly resources yet and would like to do so here. I plan to use part of those resources for the rent."


    Hearing her words, the elder raised an eyebrow, then gestured for her to follow him back to the counter. Stepping back into the main hall, she allowed herself to relax for a moment, before being called by the elder.


    Returning to the counter, the elder took out a pouch and handed it to Rinne.


    "This is your monthly allocation."


    Rinne opened the pouch and inspected its contents.


    It was a low-level spatial pouch, crafted from the stomach skin of a lake-swallowing toad, similar to her spatial bag. Inside were 100 mid-grade spirit stones, 20 Spirit Gathering Pills, 20 Fasting Pills, and 20 Healing Pills. The resources for inner disciples are certainly way much better than the resources for outer disciples.


    Rinne''s eyes lingered on the spatial pouch itself. It was a free gift, and there were no rules forbidding its reuse. Perhaps low-level spatial bags were truly insignificant. This was probably why nobody asked her to return the spatial bag that was "lent" to her in the recruitment trial.


    Next, the elder pulled out a booklet and spread it open on the counter.


    "These are the available houses for rent. Choose the one you prefer."


    Rinne read the booklet, she took her time to observe the various house information on each page.


    After a while, her eyes fell on a simple house but it was much better than the house she rented in the outer sect area. Plus, its remote location meant that not many people passed by. The monthly rent for this house was 10 mid-grade spirit stones, which she thought was still very affordable.


    Without thinking much longer, she decided this house was the right one for her.


    "I will take this one."


    The elder made a note in his ledger and nodded.


    "Hand me your token and the payment."


    Rinne handed over the token and 10 mid-grade spirit stones without hesitation.


    Receiving the payment, the elder nodded. Without further ado, he inscribed the details of the house, along with the formation key, onto the token. A subtle hum vibrated from the token as the information was embedded.


    Once he was done, he returned the token to her.


    "Your token now contains the details of your rented house. The formation key is embedded within, so only you can access it."


    Rinne bowed slightly as she accepted the token.


    "Thank you, Elder."


    With her new token and resources in hand, Rinne stepped out of the Alchemy Tower. Adjusting her hood, she looked around. The night had fallen, and the road was devoid of people. She made her way toward her new house.


    It was time for Rinne to create her second atelier.