North District.

Bubai came to a halt before the steps of the Book Pavilion, gazing up at the familiar signs.

The darkening skies mirrored the mood in his heart.

Bubai had long speculated that memory Qi could be gathered for experiences beyond pleasure. He had even wanted to gather the pleasure from making bank for the first time as a memory.

However, he never discovered the corresponding method to achieve this.

He didn’t expect to have clear examples already stuffed into him, even becoming a major part of his promotion!

In his memory space, the Twins possessed the most orbs, yet these orbs were the smallest, constituting the tiniest solar system situated in the outer rim of the miniature universe.

Following closely was Xiao Hong's solar system. Despite its high-quality orbs featuring larger planetary bodies, its overall size was almost identical to the Twins due to a limited number of harvests.

These comprised his tiny cluster solar systems.

Slightly closer to the center orbit were the two small clusters - one consisting of memories of Jia Fei with Jia Wan, and the other dedicated to Miss Meow.

Then, there was a single medium-sized cluster - the Xiao Lan Solar System, significantly larger than the small clusters.

Finally, the two large clusters came into view, completely dwarfing the other clusters in size.

The smaller one orbited closest to the center. Surprisingly, this was actually the WeiWei Solar System!

At the very center was the Sun of the miniature universe, the largest cluster approximately 10% larger than WeiWei's. This central cluster was none other than the Shu Fairy Solar System!

Who was Shu Fairy? After exploring multiple orbs, Bubai had arrived at a general idea.

She was just the alt account of Granny Shu, a cameo used to harvest his dreams, more specifically, his otherworldly knowledge!

This was all done without him even knowing, and he didn’t even have memories of the event afterwards!

How many times had he been unknowingly dragged into a dream during his work at the Task Pavilion?

The orbs making up the Shu Fairy cluster were countless, serving as evidence to the magnitude of the ordeal!

The horrors of a Golden Core was unimaginable! He became a pawn for her cultivation and he didn’t even know!

Even with his golden finger's anti-control ability working almost full-time, it could only ward off abnormal effects acting on his physical body, but it couldn't shield his consciousness from being dragged into a harmless dream!

In fact, had he not been running his memory Qi gathering technique while maintaining a buffed state, he was dubious if he’ll even be able to keep a record of the event!

But now, he knew.

Why did Granny Shu shower him with favor? Why was she inclined to help him and indulge him?

The price was hidden here. It was his valuable knowledge from his previous life.

Fortunately, even in his dreams, he wasn’t foolish enough to disclose the truth of his transmigration and his origins from another world.

At most, he exchanged some fragments of knowledge from his past life. Poetry, philosophy, social sciences… Surprisingly, he even stumbled upon orbs discussing economics.

Honestly, letting slip these knowledge wasn’t too big of a deal, paling in comparison to the secrets inadvertently exposed during his promotion.

Though his deepest secrets still remained safe, the old Granny Shu probably had already seen his abnormality. Despite this, her continued support hinted at a shared interest, perhaps a desire for more knowledge from him.

This was a good thing. When there are interests, it means he was temporarily safe.

Plus, he was not without benefits. The knowledge exchange was mutual.

In exchange for the knowledge he shared, he received a wealth of invaluable insights into cultivation.

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While he had only glimpsed a few orbs, it sufficed to grasp the general picture.

These knowledge extended to topics that might not even appear in the books he had access to!

They were definitely valuable supplements that he would have to take the time to slowly go through.

Beyond this, there was still the added bonus of gaining memory Qi that served as a major cornerstone for his promotion. If he hadn’t unwittingly collected these strands, his cultivation might have truly stagnated for months or even years to come!

So, it could be said that Granny Shu was a linchpin in his journey to promotion. Perhaps, she had long hinted at this when she told him, “Blessings can come from whence you least expect.”

Thus, Bubai resolved himself to step forward. Cowardice can’t help him do big things, but a good backer can.

“Hum?” Granny Shu’s eyes opened, scrutinizing Bubai who had entered the hall, “Fufu. This old lady thought young Bubai would consolidate your cultivation for a couple days. What brings you back to the Book Pavilion so soon?”

After a breakthrough, other cultivators might need time to stabilize their cultivation and recover from their injuries, but his promotion was as stable as Mount Tai… probably thanks to his golden finger, again.

Coming to a stop in front of Granny Shu's desk, Bubai bowed with utmost respect. “Junior came to thank Shu Po Po for her timely assistance.”

Granny Shu responded with a casual gesture, “Fufu. No need, it was just a trivial gesture for this old lady. Don’t tell this old lady young Bubai only came for a small matter like this?”

Bubai steeled his heart, “Junior does have a request. Junior wants to know which technique can harvest the memories of others as knowledge for oneself.”

The cards were finally put on the table.

“…” Granny Shu squinted her eyes, a faint smile gradually curving her lips. “Fufu, it seems young Bubai is really interested in the pursuit of knowledge. Very good.”

“…” Bubai lowered his head.

“Hum, very well. Tell this old lady, what particular question does young Bubai needs guidance on?” The hall fell into silence as Granny Shu rocked in her chair, staring silently at Bubai.

After a prolonged silence, Bubai, gathering his courage, broached a topic that had long lingered in his thoughts ever since he came to this world, “Is there any technique that can search the souls of others?”

Granny Shu's rocking ceased abruptly, her stare turning stern, “Young man, this old lady doesn’t know where you heard about such a thing, but messing with souls is a dangerous thing. That is not a topic you should touch upon at your level.”

Bubai's heart constricted. So, soul search really does exist.

Not only that, it seemed closer than he thought since the term was recognized here.

Seems like some sort of soul defense will definitely need to be put on the agenda.

His golden finger couldn’t even defend against mere dreams, and it was even more uncertain if it could adequately protect him from a direct soul search.

With a grave expression, Bubai bowed slightly in apology. “Junior has overstepped.”

“No, no. Fufu…” Granny Shu had a soft smile, her gaze drifting toward the luminescent stones decorating the ceiling. “Even this old lady still finds the world fascinating at her age. So, this old lady will not blame you young ones who are curious about everything.”

After a moment of silence, her attention refocused on Bubai, “Hum, this old lady understands young Bubai’s request. Though there are things this old lady can’t disclose, it isn’t difficult to match you with a similar method…”

Granny Shu flicked her fingers, and Bubai instantly detected an intangible force shooting out from her finger, directed straight at his forehead!

But, he didn’t even flinch. A new technique was soon embedded into his memories, “Dream Fishing Technique?”

The name jogged Bubai’s memory, and he instantly recalled its price in the Foundation Establishment techniques room… a staggering 1000 contribution points!

Its expensive price was naturally due to its rarity. It was one of the few cognitive techniques available in the sect, known to be used by the Law Enforcement Hall for interrogating criminals!

In shock, Bubai met Granny Shu’s beady eyes, “Shu Po Po, this gift is too heavy. Junior-”

“Hum?” Granny Shu promptly cut him off, giving him an eye-roll. “Young Bubai didn’t dodge, so this old lady takes it you accepted her gift. Do you think this old lady can take it back after stuffing it into your mind?”

Uh, true. It seems it was too late to reject the gift. But, everything is based on equal exchange.

Wearing a grateful expression, Bubai stared at the old lady, “If Shu Po Po has any requests, junior is willing to do his best.”

“Fufu, there is not much you can do to help this old lady now. Just do your job well, and perhaps this old lady can consider introducing you to someone.”

Someone? Who? Yet, Granny Shu left him hanging. Bubai wore a hesitant expression, “May junior ask…”

“Fufu, young Bubai will know soon enough. At that time, this old lady hopes young Bubai will look upon this tiny favor and be a bit more... receptive.”

Ah. Of course, there was no free lunch. Who says favors don’t need to be repaid? Favors, especially big ones like the ones this old lady had given him, were not to be taken lightly.

Bubai offered his compliance, “As Shu Po Po wishes.”

“Fufu, excellent. Well, since young Bubai is here, why not help this old lady with another old scripture…”

Classified Section.

Bubai steadily printed out the words already etched in his memory. After completing another line, he calmly set down his brush, looking up at the silver-haired fairy that had silently appeared before him, “Shu Ling.”

“Fufufu!” Shu Fairy had a brilliant smile as she bounced in her seat, “You finally remember this fairy!”

Bubai wore a relaxed smile, “So, what topic would Shu Ling like to hear about today?”

A cute pout appeared on Shu Fairy’s face, “You forgot where we last left off?”

Bubai didn’t have a hint of embarrassment, “En.”

Regardless, he was ready to open a blank check after today’s gift.

“Humph!” Shu Fairy silently stared at him with a dissatisfied expression.

However, her eyes soon slyly rolled, causing the mesmerizing stars to twinkle within, “Very well. This fairy will be magnanimous and remind you this time. But next time…”

Leaning forward slightly, she placed a finger on her mysteriously smiling lips, “You’ll have to pay a headhunting fee.”

Bubai’s lips twitched slightly. That’s not how that’s supposed to be used…

“Fufufu,” After a bout of giggles, Shu Fairy composed herself, sitting upright like an elegant lady, clasping her hands and resting them on the table, “Time to get down to business. Now, tell this fairy about the so-called Ponzi scheme...”