Lan Xiaohui and Lady Yue meet in front of the restaurant and quickly head inside. The receptionist, when she sees Lady Yue, has a look of admiration on her features — a distinct departure from her usual demeanor towards Lan Xiaohui.

Ever since Lan Xiaohui entered this establishment, before she even got a job, the staff have been very withdrawn towards her, and I am not certain why. Envy is one of the possible reasons, but I am not well-versed enough in the interpersonal dynamics between thinking carbon to make an accurate deduction.

However, when they see Lady Yue and my owner together, I can tell that their favorability towards Lan Xiaohui changes slightly. Again, I am not sure why.

Perhaps Lady Yue is a famous person here in Star City. That wouldn’t be that surprising, but I suspect that Lady Yue’s ancient clan is not something they would know about. Lady Yue did not even share her first name with my owner, and the discussion about her background only happened because Lady Yue wants Lan Xiaohui to join her one day if she proves herself.

After they find a place to sit, Lan Xiaohui quickly catches her mentor up to speed on the past week, explaining everything in succinct detail, including her lodgings and the fact that she works in this restaurant.

To this, Lady Yue nods and comments. “Being a butcher in a city like this is one of the most dishonorable things a cultivator can do,” she explains.

Lan Xiaohui frowns slightly, nods, then shrugs. It is clear that Lan Xiaohui is aware of this, which sheds some light on the exact method of how Lan Xiaohui pleaded with Hu Yan to get the job. When Hu Yan asked why Lan Xiaohui would risk her entire future to do this job, this must be what she meant.

It is disgraceful; perhaps in this world of cultivators, reputation is as important as ability — something I would likely never consider. It does not matter to me if Lan Xiaohui is a criminal, prostitute, or saint; if she can reach the pinnacle, she is worthy to be my master. Ten thousand enemies or ten thousand allies makes no difference when one has to face the road alone and walk miles ahead of all others.

Lady Yue smiles, “In the large sects, someone who can process high rank remains and do so efficiently is very highly valued, however,” she says.

Lan Xiaohui looks up from her hands, her gaze meeting Lady Yue’s. “Really?”

My owner’s mentor nods. “Really,” she confirms. “It wouldn’t be strange to say that the success of the sect depends on these few individuals. Once a sect has disciples and treasured lands that can consistently produce Core Formation disciples, the value of a butcher increases to degrees you might say are unthinkable.”

Lan Xiaohui tilts her head. “Why?”

Lady Yue laughs. “Why? Well, think of it like this. What would you think of a cultivator that works at a mundane blacksmith’s forge?”

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Lan Xiaohui purses her lips and nods. “I would think they are wasting their life away.”

Lady Yue’s smile is knowing. “What if I told you that same cultivator could effortlessly forge sect treasures of high grade?”

Lan Xiaohui narrows her eyes, eyebrows furrowing together. “It is complicated,” she says.

Lady Yue nods. “In the cities, it might be; here, people consider circumstance more than results. This is true for the sects on this continent as well — most of them. This is because Core Formation cultivators here are not that common,” Lady Yue says and pauses. “Once you reach the Core Formation realm, you will quickly find out that advancing on your own will become extremely difficult; at this stage, you will need medicinal pills and pastes — all made from the remains of spiritual beasts — and also treasures and talismans and many other things.”

Lan Xiaohui’s eyes widen and she nods. “I think I understand. I might not think highly of these things now, but once I reach the next realm, they will become invaluable to me.”

Lady Yue taps the table with her hand and nods. “That is right, little lily,” she says and glances over her shoulder. “So really, don’t mind them if they don’t respect you. That will change when a sect recognizes your talent. I already know what you are capable of and I can guarantee you that even for a sect like the Galaxy Sword, you will be very valuable to them.”

Lan Xiaohui almost hums with happiness again and I can understand why. Her entrance into the Galaxy Sword sect is all but guaranteed now. Even if she doesn’t get to duel Yu Shun at the Martial Meeting, if she can enter the sect, she will always have the opportunity to kill him.

“It is very much like you to find a job like this,” Lady Yue says, chuckling. “To sharpen your sword?”

Lan Xiaohui nods. “I didn’t know what else to do.”

“You could’ve tried carving jade,” Lady Yue suggests. “It would likely be more effective.”

Lan Xiaohui purses her lips, and then nods. “I did not think of that.”

Lady Yue smiles. “This makes it convenient,” Lady Yue says. “I have arranged something for you, and carving jade is included.”

“Lady Yue?”

“A friend of mine has a… rebellious daughter,” Lady Yue says. “I suppose you could say she is from a respected background, but her daughter is not very interested in these things. She is not interested in anything.”

Lan Xiaohui remains quiet, waiting for Lady Yue to finish explaining.

“You are also from a respected family, little lily?” Lady Yue asks.

Lan Xiaohui nods. “Yes, Lady Yue.” A pause. “I was. They disowned me.”

Lady Yue chuckles. “Perhaps you and Yulan could be good friends — she dislikes people of lofty backgrounds.”

“I do as well,” Lan Xiaohui says.

“My friend wants someone to spend time with her daughter — someone who is cultured, but not from a respected background,” Lady Yue explains. “You will live with them in the villa, you will receive a stipend and even spirit stones, and all you have to do is spend time with her.”

Lan Xiaohui purses her lips again. “Is there a catch? This sounds… too simple.”

Lady Yue shakes her head. “This is not a job, little lily,” she says. “I mostly arranged for you to stay with them while you are here, but my friend hopes that if you befriend Yulan, she will be more interested in becoming a proper lady if she spends time with one herself.”

“What does this have to do with carving jade?” Lan Xiaohui asks.

“It is one of the few things she likes and she has a prominent jade carver helping her learn the art,” Lady Yue says. “It’s a good opportunity for you as well.”

Lan Xiaohui chews on her bottom lip and then nods, smiling. “It sounds fun,” she says. “I will give it a try.”

“Good,” Lady Yue says, nodding. “Let’s have a meal and then head over there. We have more things to discuss later.”