Book Pavilion.

“Jia, Tai, Feng, Mo, Wu. These are the five main clans dominating the sect, leading their respective factions of elders and clans…”

Steadily tracing over the formation ball with his brush, Bubai listened to the explanation from the Shu Fairy seated across from him...

“As far as this fairy knows, the weakest faction is led by Wu Changping alone. The Wu faction primarily deals with business… hum, the legit type…”

“The Mo faction holds the secrets to the architecture of the sect. They were once a prominent formation clan, but their fortune seemed to have dried up in recent centuries. Now, they’re left with... a rather paranoid bunch. Mo Badao leads this faction, joined by guest elder Ma Pei…”

“At a similar level is the Feng faction, led by the two elders of the Feng Clan, Feng Luping and Feng Huajin. Oh, their specialty is their production of saintesses. As for other technicalities, you don’t need to know at your level…”

“One of the strongest factions is the Jia faction led by Grand Elder Jia. Accompanying him are the two elders of the Jia clan, Jia Gufan, Jia Dahu. The Jia clan is renowned for their body tempering practitioners. The faction led by them also consists of the main combatants of the sect…”

“At a similar level to the Jia faction is the Tai faction, led by the Taiyin clan. This clan only has two elders, Taiyin Su and Taiyin Jun, but the Tai faction is still considered the top-level faction because… Fufufu, this fairy will let you in on a little secret. The sect’s current ancestor is surnamed Tai…”

These were the most prominent clans in the Sun Furnace Sect, their elders making up the majority of the Golden Cores known on the surface.

“These five factions are the main players in the sect, standing just beneath the de facto controller of the sect, the Royal Court.”

“Hum… The Royal Court, this fairy isn’t allowed to leak too much details regarding this, but let this fairy give you a reminder… Public authorities such as the Law Enforcement Hall and Male Servant Quarters all rest under this faction. There are also many hidden elders serving under this faction, Shu Po Po included. If you can gain Shu Po Po’s favor, fufufu…”

As Shu Fairy’s laughter faded away, a subtle distortion momentarily gripped the environment around him before seamlessly returning to normal.

Completing the final symbol on the formation ball, Bubai lifted the brush, watching the golden glow bask his work.

“Seems I will have to take time to practice without training wheels on.”

After his promotion to Foundation Establishment, his formation task naturally got easier thanks to his enhanced cognitive abilities and physique.

With his current memory, Qi perception, and precise body control, mistakes were rare.

With the occasional consumption of green dew, fatigue and strain on his hand were also negligible.

So, his imprinting speed is now actually limited by the brush!

Sooner of later, he’ll have to invest both resources and time to change this habit.

However, his current goal was contribution points. So, he prioritized stability and will stick with the brush for the time being.

Of course, formation practice wasn’t considered his main priority recently. It was only a side job while he waited for the ink to dry. After all, his true goal lay elsewhere.

Lightly setting down his formation brush, Bubai cast a brief glance into his memory space, noting the absence of new orbs.

His attention then shifted toward the other side of the table, a lopsided curl forming on his lips, “Shu Ling really isn’t coming today?”

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He was sure that his knowledge bank of otherworldly wisdom was still far from exhausted.

However, had the old lady lost already interest in his knowledge? If so, he may have to reevaluate his job here and even his overall situation…

Bubai believes he had a grasp of his situation thus far.

The one who brought him back, Elder Ma, and the Mo faction basically wore the same pair of pants. However, the true extent of their unity remained uncertain. After all, a guest was still a guest.

This was reflected in the fact that Mo Badao personally arranged his own chess pieces by his side.

This could just be an extra layer of confirmation due to the distrust in WeiWei, but it might also mean that WeiWei served as Ma Pei's exclusive line, while the twins were Mo Badao’s informants.

However, regardless if they were monolith or not, one thing finally became clear to Bubai: His life was safe for now.

It seemed they had no immediate intention of sacrificing him, at least not until the right moment arrived.

As for what that right time is… there was already one clear answer: the avenger.

This was a completely acceptable outcome for Bubai. This scenario wasn't the worst-case scenario because he had envisioned it when jumping into this pit, and he had long been making preparations for it.

If this was the only reason they kept him, then he had a high confidence of tiding through the difficulties using his Xiao Lan trump card.

However, Bubai was still doubtful over this fact and if there were any other reasons for his treatment.

Why treat him so well? Isn’t it better to just lock him up and throw him out when needed?

Could it all really be thanks to WeiWei? Perhaps they harbored intentions of raising him as one of their own?

Or did they discover some secret in him that piqued their interest?

There were too many other mysteries he still had yet to figure out.

For example, it was unknown if the powerful Jia faction had already set their eyes on him. Bubai hasn’t forgotten about the family guy episodes.

It was also unknown how much attention his breakthrough attracted.

A Foundation Establishment genius under the age of 20 was undoubtedly a top-level talent, and he was now a sheep sitting in a forest full of wolves…

However, despite the myriad uncertainties gnawing at him, Bubai was no longer as afraid as before.

Just as Shu Ling had hinted: As long as he won the favor of Granny Shu, he would have a backer from the most influential faction in the sect.

With a mountain standing behind him, his worries would only be trifles.

Unfortunately, the rare event today unsettled him… Was he no longer needed?

“Well, I’ll know if I ask…” Bubai collected his formation supplies into the large coarse sack he prepared.

Front Desk.

“There is no need for young Bubai to come tomorrow night.”

Nani?! Really being kicked out?! Bubai was inwardly shocked, yet he still kept his composure, politely making his inquiry, “Has the task been completed?”

“Oh, no, no. Fufu…” Laughing softly, Granny Shu gently fixed the bun on her hair, “There will never be an end to the help this old lady needs around here.”

Oh, the problem doesn’t lay with the job. So...

Bubai promptly displayed a well-timed expression of confusion, “Then, Junior dares to ask…”

“Fufu, even formations has a day it needs rest. Young Bubai had worked so hard the past month. So, this old lady decided to give you a week off.” Granny Shu swayed in her chair, wearing a smile.

Phew, so only a temporary break. However, his eagerness to work must be shown. “Junior is always ready to help lighten Shu Po Po’s burdens and is willing to continue serving diligently.”

“Fufu… this old lady understands your heart, but there is no need to rush certain matters. Young Bubai, your body has broken the shackles of a mortal, and your road is still long… It’s time to adapt to the new perspective.”

Indeed. He was now a genius in the Foundation Establishment stage with a lifespan of 200 years. It was normal to take things slowly.

Bubai wore an expression of struggle, eventually letting out a sigh. Displaying gratitude on his face, he respectfully bowed to the old lady. “Junior appreciates Shu Po Po’s wisdom and care.”

“Hum. It’s good young Bubai knows. Fufu…” Granny Shu narrowed her eyes with a pleasant smile, “Oh, and before this old lady forgets… Hopefully, young Bubai still remembers this old lady’s kindness from before?”

From before? Is she talking about… “Junior remembers.” Bubai nodded.

“Good. Good. Fufu...” Granny Shu softly clapped her hands, “Hum, when young Bubai comes back, you can help this old lady welcome a surprise guest.”

Ah, understood. No wonder the old lady gave him a break. Clearly, it was for him to prepare himself.

The time to repay the favor has come. It was much sooner than expected, but it was inevitable unless he could completely escape from the jurisdiction of the sect.

Bubai bowed in acknowledgment, “As Shu Po Po wishes.”

“Fufu, excellent. Go now, enjoy your break, young Bubai.”

“Junior won’t delay Shu Po Po’s business.”

Leaving the Book Pavilion, Bubai closed his eyes, standing in place to enjoy the warmth of the sun as his mind wandered.

Special guest? Could it be an important member of the sect?

Someone from the palace? A Golden Core elder? Or…

“Probably not, right?”

He shouldn’t have attracted the attention of such an esteemed existence.

Bubai shook off the eerie thought. Instead of worrying about the unknown, focus on the present.

With a full week break ahead of him, he naturally needed to make the most of it.