In the Myriad Beasts Order, elders aren’t ranked by strict levels, but in the Heavensnare Order, elder positions have clear hierarchies.
The lowest rank is Deacon Elder. These Deacon Elders mainly hold key posts in various departments and must have reached at least third-stage Transforming-Gang Realm. Their status is a notch above Elite Disciples, but still below Core Disciples.
Above Deacon Elders are Department-Master Elders, who oversee entire departments. Their authority is similar to the five Hall Masters of the Myriad Beasts Order, and their cultivation is always sixth-stage Transforming-Gang or higher. Their status is just above Core Disciples, but still below the Divine Sons and the Saintess.
Above the Department-Master Elders are the First-Seat Elders—nine in total. Even the Order Master’s command can’t be carried out if more than half the First-Seat Elders oppose it, and if all nine unite, they can even depose the Order Master.
Each of the nine First-Seat Elders is a top expert, all having reached the ninth stage of the Transforming-Gang Realm.
Of course, besides these three main elder ranks, the Heavensnare Order also has many hidden elders who devote themselves to cultivation and rarely interfere in sect affairs. They only step in when the Order faces a major crisis.
When someone came to take the Inner-Sect test, both Deacon Elders stopped playing chess and looked over at Ian Song.
Because Ian deliberately suppressed his aura to appear as third-stage Transforming-Gang, the two Deacon Elders saw through his 'cultivation level' at a glance.
"Elder Wayne, do you want to go first, or should I?" Elder Wood asked with a smile.
"Haha, why don’t you go ahead, Elder Wood," Elder Wayne waved his hand.
After a moment, Elder Wood stood tall, fixed his gaze on Ian Song, and said, "Young man, I see you’re a third-stage Transforming-Gang cultivator. Why don’t we have a quick spar?"
"Sure!"
Ian nodded. These two Deacon Elders—one at fifth-stage, one at fourth-stage Transforming-Gang—would be no match for him if he didn’t suppress his cultivation; he could kill either with a slap.
Elder Wood stood proudly and smiled, "Young man, you go first!"
"Pardon me!"
With a sharp exhale, Ian Song stepped forward, instantly closing the distance to Elder Wood. His palms struck out in rapid succession, creating layers of palm shadows—seemingly scattered, yet forming the shape of Bagua.
"What a fine Bagua Dragon-Palm!"
Seeing Ian's attack, Elder Wood's eyes lit up. To cultivate internal martial arts to this level was truly impressive.
He swept his hands, countering with several palms—each neither too light nor too heavy, perfectly timed—and easily dissolved Ian's offensive.
Ian understood the martial arts of this world quite well.
Ever since the great sects went into hiding, the advanced martial arts of this world have gradually been lost. Only three styles circulating in the secular world barely approach the Transforming-Gang level: Bagua, Xingyi, and Taiji.
These three are called the 'three great internal martial arts,' but training them takes ages. Take Jason Long, for example—he practiced Bagua Palm for over a decade and only reached the early Bright Force stage.
Helen Guo, meanwhile, trained in Xingyi Sword, a branch of Xingyi Fist. After more than ten years, she too only reached the Bright Force stage.
To infiltrate the Heavensnare Order, Ian collected, studied, and improved these three major styles, even fusing them together.
Ian wasn’t surprised Elder Wood could dissolve his move. He suddenly straightened his waist, his posture like a javelin, and punched fiercely at Elder Wood’s chest.
"Bang!"
Elder Wood raised his hand to block, but felt a powerful crushing force from Ian’s fist, forcing him back three steps before he could neutralize it.
"Xingyi Crushing Force! Interesting!"
With a shout, Elder Wood took the initiative to attack. His movements were like a swimming dragon, his palms fluttering like butterflies—elegant and unrestrained.
These were Heavensnare Order’s advanced techniques: Soaring Swan Footwork and Butterfly Lover Palms.
"This kid is impressive—just two moves and Elder Wood had to use both footwork and martial skills!" Elder Wayne, watching from the side, couldn't help but mutter to himself.
Facing Elder Wood’s attack, Ian spread his feet and swept his hands, tracing a Taiji yin-yang in the air. His palms kept striking outward, movements slow but executed to perfection.
"Bang bang bang!"
With a series of crashes, the two exchanged over thirty moves in an instant. Elder Wood, somewhat frustrated, retreated several meters but still praised, "You’re excellent—actually blending Taiji, Bagua, and Xingyi into one style, and your use of Taiji’s borrowing force is flawless. If I don’t go all out, I doubt I could take you down!"
"Thank you for your guidance, Elder!" Ian replied with a humble smile.
"Victorious yet humble—not bad at all! No wonder you reached third-stage Transforming-Gang with just secular martial arts!" Elder Wood said approvingly. Then he turned to Elder Wayne: "Elder Wayne, can this young man join the Inner Sect?"
"Of course he can!" Elder Wayne nodded with a smile. "Young man, reaching this level with only secular styles shows you have outstanding talent. Once you’re in, you should visit the Martial Arts Hall and buy a few advanced techniques to train with. You might just break through again in no time!"
"Thank you both for your guidance!" Ian replied, once again showing his gratitude.
The two elders then had staff register Ian as an Inner-Sect disciple and issued him an identity token.
The identity token was made of plastic, embedded with a chip. It served as ID, bank card, and even access card. Each month, the sect’s stipend would be deposited into its account.
As an Inner-Sect disciple of the Heavensnare Order, Ian was also assigned a standalone courtyard in the city.
"Congratulations, Brother Stone, on becoming an Inner-Sect disciple!"
As soon as Ian stepped out of the Trial Hall, Shawn Huo greeted him with a big smile.
"It’s all thanks to your recommendation, Shawn," Ian said with a laugh.
"Not at all, just a small favor! Brother Stone, let me take you to the Inner-Sect residential area so you can find your courtyard. Once my shift ends tonight, how about I treat you to a few drinks?"
Ian looked a little embarrassed. "I should be treating you, honestly. But I’m flat broke right now—once I earn some money, I’ll treat you next time!"
"You’re too polite, Brother Stone! I’ve got some spare cash—why not take it for now? You can pay me back when you get your stipend at the end of the month!" With that, Shawn stuffed 1,000 Heavensnare Credits into Ian’s hand.
"Thanks a lot, Shawn!" Ian said gratefully, secretly thinking Shawn really knew how to make friends.
Chatting as they walked, the two soon arrived at the Inner-Sect residential area, where guards watched the gate.
Shawn was familiar with the guards and quickly introduced Ian to them.
Inside the gate, rows of elegant standalone courtyards stretched out—nearly a thousand in all, like a village within the city. Ian realized just how deep the Heavensnare Order’s foundations ran: even the Inner-Sect had nearly a thousand disciples, and every one of them was at least Transforming-Gang realm.