After stamping the mission tag and noticing that Han Xiao had no intention of moving away, Elder Gao’s irritation seeped into his voice. "What? Do you have other business with me?" His tone was sharp, clearly implying that Han Xiao should move along, as there was still a long queue waiting to be attended to.

Han Xiao met Elder Gao’s gaze with a calm, unwavering expression. “Yes, Elder. I have one more matter to discuss,” he said, his voice steady and respectful.

Elder Gao raised an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with his annoyance. “And what might that be?” he asked, leaning slightly forward, clearly impatient but intrigued.

“I want to apply for the upcoming Martial Arts Meet of the Outer Court,” Han Xiao began, his tone firm. “Do I have enough credits to apply? If not, what should I do to earn them?”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the hall. It wasn’t common for a disciple to make such a direct request. Elder Gao’s irritation shifted to a more contemplative demeanor.

“And if you don’t have enough credits, are you willing to take on any task we give you?” Elder Gao challenged, testing Han Xiao’s resolve.

“My cultivation skills are poor, and I have little aptitude for martial arts,” Han Xiao replied, his eyes blazing with determination. “But I intend to join the fun this season. So, what should I do?”

Elder Gao studied Han Xiao for a long moment, his sharp eyes assessing the youth before him. There was something about Han Xiao—an unyielding spirit, a hidden potential—that made him reconsider his initial dismissal.

“Very well,” Elder Gao finally said, his tone begrudgingly respectful. “Submit your request in writing. I’ll see what can be done.”

“Thank you, Elder.” Han Xiao bowed deeply. “One more thing, sir.”

“Speak quickly, boy, before I lose my patience.”

“Where can I get a room to practice crafting inscription weapons?” asked Han Xiao.

Tang Chen slapped the book he was holding onto the desk, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Han Brat, don’t trouble our hardworking elders with such trivial matters. They’re already busy with this collection job,” Tang Chen spoke slowly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

Hearing his words, the elders internally scoffed. ‘Isn’t he the one making us overwork? If he just had done his job, these long queues would be gone. This bookworm acts as if he cares for us.’

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Tang Chen continued, “Alright, forget about your poor credits. I’ll help you with your entry into the Martial Arts Meet, but on one condition—you have to make it to the top five. If you fail, you’ll become my servant for five years. Can you do it?”

Everyone was shocked, expecting Han Xiao to recklessly take the bait. The thought of a prince of the Han Major Nation losing and becoming a servant was tantalizing. All the girls chorused, “He’s tricking you. Don’t take the bait.”

However, the three elders and Song Ke had a different perspective. They had already guessed the special identity of this lazy senior brother who loved idling in the Outer Court, reading books. ‘He’s filthy rich,’ they thought. Especially the three elders, who were practically his employees due to the alluring, hard-to-refuse rare cultivation pills and weapons he used to get his tasks done. Now, they practically become his employees-slash-not-in-the-name servants. Basically, they were in too much debt that they might not pay him back even if they spent their whole lives. So, their relationship was in a bittersweet state.

The case was a bit different for Song Ke as somehow this lazy senior brother happened to see his cloning technique.

Song Ke, who had once been pestered by Tang Chen to sell his cloning technique, also knew Tang Chen's true nature. They had grown closer after Tang Chen finally gave up.

‘What is this bookworm up to now? Has reading too many books fried his brain?’ Song Ke wondered, noticing Tang Chen’s hands trembling slightly.

After pondering for a moment, Han Xiao responded, “Fine. You handle my registration, and I’ll take care of my end.”

“Good, good! Take this,” Tang Chen said, waving his fingers with a flourish. A golden card appeared between his fingers, which he flicked towards Han Xiao. Han Xiao caught it, but the force pushed him back three steps. “It’s my identity card. Within Tianfu Sword Palace, both in the Outer and Inner Courts, you can access all the facilities. You could even buy a spot next to me and the three elders. But I suggest you don’t; it’s too boring here. Without books, I’d be bored to death.”

He added, “About refining weapons, I suggest you go to the Zhou Palace’s Special Cultivation Hall and pick the best room.”

“You must be joking, right? The Zhou Palace’s Special Cultivation Hall is only accessible to us elders of the Outer Court. Even if he somehow got entry, he’d need a lot of credits for a refining room,” Elder Gao interrupted.

“Elder Gao, I never joke about such things. After years of working together, I’m disappointed that you’d make me a fool in front of juniors,” Tang Chen retorted. “Han Brat, if anyone blocks your path in the Zhou Palace, then I suggest slapping them with my Identity card I just gave you… Well, now go on, lad, you’re blocking the queues.”

“Thank you, senior brother!” Han Xiao gave a solemn salute, clasping his hands together, and walked calmly towards the exit with Song Ke beside him.

As he turned to leave, the hall buzzed with whispers and curious glances. Han Xiao had just made a bold move, and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Song Ke, who had been quietly watching the exchange, clapped Han Xiao on the back with a grin. “You’ve got guts, Han Xiao. Let’s see where this takes you.”

Han Xiao smiled back, determination shining in his eyes. “I have a feeling it’s going to take me far.”

Realizing one big issue, he inquired, “By the way, do you happen to know the way to the Zhou Palace’s Special Cultivation Hall?”

“I have gone to that place once. Just follow me,”