Lu Qingmo's advice was a revelation for Han, providing insights that would prevent him from stumbling blindly in his future cultivation journey.
Having guidance versus navigating alone—what a stark contrast!
“You’ve earned two merits,” Lu Qingmo remarked. “Although those matters aren’t fully resolved yet, I’ll reward you in advance.”
“Aunt Mo, hasn’t the issue of Huang Shiren, the man who controlled ghosts to harm my junior brother, been dealt with by now?” Bai Ruoyue asked, puzzled.
“He’s just a scoundrel dabbling in Daoist arts for malicious purposes, isn’t he?”
Lu Qingmo shook her head. “The situation is more complicated than it seems. The influx of cultivators from other regions in recent years has added layers of difficulty.”
Han couldn’t help but wonder—was there more to the story?
Lu Qingmo didn’t elaborate. Instead, she revealed Han’s reward.
“I’ll personally grant you an exceptional visualization chart and three Daoist techniques.”
“If you prefer martial resources, you’ll need to apply through official channels, proportional to your merit.”
Han immediately understood the underlying message.
Choosing Daoist resources meant the reward would likely come directly from Lu Qingmo herself, not the imperial government.
An exceptional visualization chart and three Daoist techniques—these far exceeded what his merits could typically secure.
“A substandard chart means certain death during soul departure; a low-grade chart merely allows you to continue your cultivation,” Lu Qingmo emphasized. “An exceptional chart, however, is among the finest soul-refining methods in Tianyue County and the foundation of soul cultivation.”
Han fell into deep thought. He wasn’t hesitating between Daoist and martial resources—his concerns were elsewhere.
Finally, Han cautiously inquired, “Senior Lu, could I exchange my reward for the chance to study under you for a while?”
“I don’t need the visualization chart or the Daoist techniques,” he added firmly.
Did Han lack Daoist techniques? Yes, but what he lacked even more was a mentor’s guidance. Without it, even possessing techniques would be useless.
“You don’t have to teach me Daoist arts—just some foundational knowledge about soul cultivation will suffice,” Han explained.
Lu Qingmo scrutinized him before replying gravely, “Understand this: if you forgo this opportunity, even Bai Tian himself won’t persuade me to give you another exceptional visualization chart.”
Without hesitation, Han declared, “I’m willing to trade it for a chance to study under you!”
To him, knowledge outweighed any material reward.
“Aunt Mo!” Bai Ruoyue tugged at Lu Qingmo’s arm, shaking it playfully. “My junior brother is so talented! Please teach him!”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
“I finally have such a gifted junior brother! We’re going to expand our martial hall to the county capital—and beyond!”
Lu Qingmo glanced at Bai Ruoyue and sighed. “Even your father only asked me for one visualization chart.”
An exceptional chart wasn’t a guaranteed path to greatness, but Lu Qingmo was already a master herself.
Han, standing quietly by, waited for his senior sister to work her charm. Whether this succeeded or not depended on her efforts.
“But my junior brother is really talented…” Bai Ruoyue persisted, her determination unyielding.
Unable to resist her pestering, Lu Qingmo finally relented. “Starting tomorrow, come here at this time daily. I’ll teach you for half an hour each day.”
After agreeing, she brought up another matter.
“Black Cloud Town frequently experiences ghostly disturbances. While the government has a dedicated department to handle such matters, they’re short-staffed.”
“Would you consider registering as an auxiliary with the Ghost Management Bureau?”
Han hesitated and glanced at Bai Ruoyue. “But I’m from the Taibai Martial Hall…”
“You wouldn’t be formally joining. It’s just a nominal affiliation. Occasionally, they might request your assistance with ghostly issues, offering compensation in return. Participation is voluntary, so you can refuse if you wish.”
“Monthly stipends are included, along with Daoist resources.”
Han nodded. “I am honored to serve the Great Qi!”
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Outside the peach grove, Bai Ruoyue puffed out her chest, looking smug.
“Junior Brother, I really pulled some strings for you this time. How will you thank me?”
“Anything for you, Senior Sister,” Han replied with a grin. “Whatever you need, just say the word.”
Being eighteen wasn’t so bad, after all.
Curious, Han asked, “Senior Sister, what’s Senior Lu’s background?”
“Aunt Mo is a cultivator from Xuandu Temple, stationed in Black Cloud Town to oversee all matters related to cultivators,” Bai Ruoyue explained.
“In Black Cloud Town, governance is split—martial affairs are under the Black Cloud Commandant, while Aunt Mo oversees cultivators.”
So, she was one of the three most influential figures in the area. No wonder the bureau he was joining fell under her jurisdiction.
“What’s Xuandu Temple? Sounds like a place that trains cultivators.”
“It’s the state religion of Great Qi and the most powerful sect within its borders,” Bai Ruoyue replied with a knowing look.
“Every county-level city or higher has Xuandu Temple cultivators stationed there.”
“If we could elevate Taibai Martial Hall to the level of Xuandu Temple, my life would be complete.”
You’re dreaming, thought Han.
“The Ghost Management Bureau is a secretive organization. Ordinary people don’t even know it exists. It wields significant authority, and Aunt Mo oversees it,” Bai Ruoyue continued. “They won’t impose any restrictions on you. But if you refuse too many assignments, it might affect your stipend.”
Han didn’t mind affiliating with the bureau. Life in Great Qi inevitably entailed interactions with the authorities.
Such an identity might even be advantageous in the future, especially since it came with no real obligations.
“Don’t worry, Aunt Mo is great. When I was little, I often stayed with her when my dad was busy. She’ll take good care of you,” Bai Ruoyue assured him.
So, his senior sister had grown up under her watchful eye.
Still, what kind of relationship did his master share with Lu Qingmo to entrust her with childcare?
Master Bai Tian truly was a mystery.
“Make sure to behave when you’re with Aunt Mo,” Bai Ruoyue warned. “If you annoy her like you do others, don’t blame me if she throws you out.”
“My manners are impeccable. Trust me,” Han joked.
“By the way, how’s your visualization chart? If it’s lacking, my dad can take you to the county capital to find a better one.”
“I’m fine—better than fine. I’ll show you someday.”
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No way the Great Thousand Immortal Tree could disappoint him!
Gazing at the Immortal Tree in his mind, Han felt more confident than ever in his soul cultivation.
It was time for his daily chopping session. As he checked his status panel, something caught his eye.
[Stamina: 2/2 (Seventh day in the Immortal Tree Secret Realm, bonus rewards applied)]
[Reward obtained: Nine-Orifice Golden Pill]
[Special Elixir: Unranked. Contains nine orifices, resembling a living spirit. Enhances physical potential, cleanses the body, and continuously nourishes it, accelerating martial growth.]
[Usage: Create an opening in the heart, insert the pill, and let it merge with the heart. Its power will circulate through the bloodstream, fortifying the entire body.]
Gold!
It’s finally here!