"Miss Mo, I'm here," Bai Ruoyue called out loudly.

A graceful woman on the balcony waved her hand, signaling Bai Ruoyue to lead the others inside.

Han shot Bai Ruoyue a look, as if to ask, What's going on here?

"Junior Brother, is your eye twitching?"

"..."

I'll twitch you to death!

Once inside the pavilion, Bai Ruoyue busied herself brewing tea. Acting like she owned the place, she prepared three cups with an air of casual hospitality.

"Here, Junior Brother, have some tea."

As soon as the tea was ready, Aunt Mo walked in and seated herself beside Bai Ruoyue.

"Aunt Mo, you were waiting for me to make tea, weren’t you?" Bai Ruoyue teased, catching on.

The elegant woman shot her a glance.

"You had a much different attitude when you came begging for my help last night."

Turning to Han, she said, "So you're the new disciple Bai took in yesterday?"

"Yes, Senior," Han replied respectfully. "A few days ago, my master officially accepted me as his student."

"Dual cultivation of Dao and martial arts with such talent—no wonder Bai sought my advice on visualization diagrams. My name is Lu Qingmo."

Han realized that Bai Ruoyue had already sought help on his behalf the same day his talent for Dao cultivation was discovered.

Master really is kind-hearted.

No wonder Bai had mentioned using her connections with the authorities to find a good visualization diagram—she clearly had connections in high places.

"The situation at Mountain Water Temple was handled well. The Great Qi authorities won’t skimp on your reward," Lu Qingmo said.

"However, this matter must not be disclosed to outsiders. The Black Cloud Town government will also downplay it and avoid making it public."

Han and Bai Ruoyue nodded, understanding the implications.

Over the past six years, countless couples had visited the temple hoping for children. Revealing its dark secrets could lead to chaos, potentially destabilizing the entire town.

Handling the aftermath was beyond their responsibility; the authorities were better equipped for that.

"Aunt Mo, uncovering the truth about the demonic lair in Mountain Water Temple was all thanks to my Junior Brother," Bai Ruoyue said, shaking Lu Qingmo's arm playfully.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"You can’t be stingy—you must reward him generously!"

Han remained silent, thinking, Denying a reward now would just make me seem fake.

Go ahead, reward me—I can handle it!

Lu Qingmo said calmly, "Merit should indeed be rewarded."

"What visualization diagram are you cultivating?"

Han hesitated, unsure how to respond. While he was willing to reveal certain abilities to Bai Ruoyue and others, that didn’t mean he completely let his guard down.

Sensing his reluctance, Lu Qingmo didn’t press further but instead shared some insights about visualization diagrams.

"Visualization diagrams are the foundation of soul refinement. The strength, potential, and progress of your soul all depend on the diagram you cultivate.

"Ordinary diagrams leave the soul muddled and slow to grow, prone to disasters of disorientation and loss of self. Even if one’s soul miraculously leaves the body, it is doomed.

"A weak soul dissipates with the wind, melts under light, shatters at the sound of thunder, and perishes upon encountering fire or water.

"If you’re cultivating a basic diagram, you must upgrade it before your soul leaves the body to go further on this path.

"Once your soul departs the body, its foundation is set, and switching diagrams becomes nearly impossible."

Han listened with growing alarm, realizing how perilous soul cultivation truly was.

In martial arts, even with basic techniques, as long as one avoided mistakes, training was safe. But Dao cultivation, even when done correctly, could be fatal if the visualization diagram was subpar.

Thank goodness I chose the Thousand Realms Immortal Tree.

Bai Ruoyue, on the other hand, was startled, glancing at Han with concern. What if his diagram isn’t good enough?

Though he could be annoying, she didn’t want her Junior Brother to die.

"Thank you, Senior Lu, for your guidance," Han said.

Lu Qingmo shook her head. "It’s nothing—just some basic knowledge."

Han didn’t take her words lightly. To someone of her caliber, this might be basic, but for someone like him, it was precious information.

Knowledge like this depends on one's background and connections.

"The items taken from the monk should be with you," Lu Qingmo said.

Han obediently handed over the objects, having brought them along on purpose.

"Four Spirit-Calming Incenses, three Guardian Spirit Incenses—perfect for your level.

"The Dao techniques are unaltered and safe to cultivate.

"The visualization diagram is decent, and this Illusory Dream technique is impressive, even reaching the Divine Travel grade. The Moonlight Refinement technique, however, is mediocre."

Lu Qingmo’s evaluations provided Han with valuable clarity.

Meanwhile, Bai Ruoyue frowned at the "Joyful Immortal" diagram and muttered, "This looks like something only bad people would cultivate."

"That’s a bias," Lu Qingmo corrected. "Except for a few inherently malicious diagrams, most are neutral. It’s the cultivator who determines their nature."

"That said, certain diagrams do make it easier to stray toward evil."

"Wait," Bai Ruoyue said, pointing at the Spirit-Calming Incense. "Aunt Mo, isn’t this the same incense you use?"

"It looks similar but isn’t the same," Lu Qingmo explained.

"Incense-making is a profound art and an essential aid in soul cultivation, as crucial as spiritual pills.

"Spirit-Calming and Guardian Spirit Incenses are basic but invaluable at your stage.

"When your soul leaves the body for the first time, burn a Guardian Spirit Incense.

"And this Tranquil Mind Incense will help if you encounter the Disaster of Disorientation."

"What is the Disaster of Disorientation?" Han asked.

"Visualization strengthens the soul but also influences it. At critical moments, cultivators may confuse themselves with their visualization object, losing their sense of self.

"Those who fail to break free will become lost souls, never to awaken again.

"The lower the diagram’s grade, the more frequent and severe these disasters. The highest-grade diagrams only bring this calamity once—at the culmination of visualization."

Han fell silent, realizing just how dangerous soul cultivation was.

Every step, from visualization to out-of-body experiences, was fraught with life-threatening challenges.

Without guidance, he wouldn’t have known any of this. Lu Qingmo’s advice was invaluable for someone like him who lacked formal training.

In that moment, Han made a decision: I must hold onto this wise and capable woman’s support!