The Eternal Journey: rise of the supreme dao sage

Since there are 1.4 million disciples and 1,022 elders, you might be wondering—just how strong are the disciples and elders?

Let's start from the outer disciples.

Outer disciples range in strength from the third-rate, the weakest of all, to the Perfect Master level—capable of destroying a 500-meter-wide mountain with a single punch.

Beyond them are the inner disciples, the elite among disciples, with strength at least ten times greater than that of outer disciples.

An inner disciple could severely injure an outer disciple with their aura alone—that's why they keep their auras restrained at all times.

Their strength ranges from the First Level of Transcendence to the Perfect Profound Realm—far beyond what most people imagine.

Then come the core disciples, the elite of the elite. These are the disciples the sect looks to when high-priority missions arise.

Although their numbers are small, their combat prowess is overwhelming. Each one can battle dozens of peak Profound Realm cultivators and still emerge victorious.

Their strength ranges from the early Life and Death Realm to the peak of the Nature Realm—though there are anomalies.

Take, for example, the Holy Son of the White Dragon Palace—a Void Realm Master at the Proficiency Level.

He's considered on par with the 106 Protectors, yet holds more influence, as he's the sect's future successor.

At only 434 years old, he still has centuries ahead of him before reaching the peak of the Void Realm.

Now, as for the elders—these are the true pillars of the sect, maintaining its stability and longevity.

Elders are not just ranked by power, but also by merit and passion.

Out of the 1,022 elders, 905 are standard elders, sitting at the early stages of the Void Realm.

Above them are the 106 Protectors—elders whose strength surpasses the standard by at least one level.

But as mentioned, there are anomalies.

Some elders have the power to be Protectors but don't qualify due to either lacking the necessary merit or because all Protector positions are filled. These are often called elite elders—powerful, yet unranked.

And at the peak of the hierarchy stand the Great Elders—the elite eleven.

These are the strongest elders, second only to the Palace Master himself. Even the Holy Son must think twice before crossing them.

Contrary to what many assume, these elders aren't ancient fossils—they range from their early 500s to late 1600s in age.

Each one could kill a Protector-level elder with a single, casual punch.

Finally, at the summit of power stands the Palace Master, a Perfect Void Realm being.

His strength alone is enough to uphold the entire sect. Without his presence, the constant conflicts between sects would have long since torn the White Dragon Palace apart.

The elder leading the new disciples stopped and turned. Standing among the group were Li Hao and several others—those who had climbed all 500 steps without breaking a sweat.

The elder looked at them as they stood in a serene open field, green trees swaying around them, birds chirping in the breeze.

With a calm voice, the elder announced:

"Those of you who made it here are now disciples of the White Dragon Palace.

You will each receive a uniform and a residence appropriate for new disciples."

He continued, "Every year, we host a disciple ranking challenge. If you're dissatisfied with your current standing, you may challenge those ranked above you.

However, those above are not permitted to challenge those below."

"Does anyone have a question?" he asked.

A hand raised in the center of the group. It belonged to a boy who looked about fifteen years old. He wore a black outer robe with white inner garments and black wristbands.

Strapped to his back was a black katana, patterned with white mist that faded toward the tip.

The handle was engraved with a red death lily flower, shrouded in mist.

"Elders," the boy asked, "what do we get if we win?"

The elders showed no irritation at the question. One simply replied,

"Depending on your rank, you'll receive cultivation pills, spirit stones, and other resources to accelerate your growth.

Some rewards are tier-based, while others are reserved for specific rankings—like first place."

"Then Elder, when is this year's martial challenge?" the boy pressed, his confidence evident in his eyes.

The elder smiled and replied,

"It's only a few months away. But I recommend you train hard.

It may take years before your strength even comes close to the top of the list.

Don't forget, that person is currently in the Perfect Master Realm. You'd best prepare before you think of challenging him."

Just then, another hand raised from the west side. A twelve-year-old girl, dressed in a pink martial robe with matching pink hair, asked:

"Elder, has it ever happened that someone at the Perfect Master level monopolized the first position among outer disciples?"

The elder smiled—clearly, this was the real question.

"Yes," he replied. "But that only happens when someone has reached their limit.

If they still have the will to break through, they won't stay at the outer level long.

After all, the benefits of being an inner disciple make even a peak outer disciple look like a beggar in a noble district."

He elaborated:

"Outer disciples receive one low-grade spirit stone per month.

Inner disciples receive twenty per month."

"Mhm..." The pink-haired girl was stunned.

One low-grade spirit stone was worth 100 gold coins.

That meant inner disciples received the equivalent of 2,000 gold coins monthly, while outer disciples only received 100.

And don't forget—spirit stones aren't found just anywhere.

They can only be mined from spiritual veins or granted by sects, forming only in places where spiritual Qi reaches a certain threshold.