Zhen’s first priority was to secure an inside job with the sect, but he wasn’t opposed to exploring other ways to make money. Absentmindedly, he found a secluded corner and started going through other money-making schemes.

The distant hum of conversations and the hurried steps of disciples filled the air, but he was oblivious to it all, lost in his thoughts. He extended his fingers, counting the potential methods one by one.

He lifted his index finger, his brow furrowing in concentration. First was Selling Techniques and Scriptures.

What if I sold some of the scriptures and techniques that I would know using the golden words? Although he had only tested the ability on Hundred Stars Refinement, the prospect of learning advanced techniques and scriptures seemed plausible if he could find their distilled versions. Even if it wouldn't be a new scripture, it could at least upgrade any of the scriptures and techniques he might target.

He spent a few moments mulling over the idea, visualizing himself in clandestine meetings, passing scrolls to eager buyers. But then he dismissed it with a shake of his head.

While his knowledge was valuable, he was too weak to demand the proper value for it. The sect likely had these scriptures in their library, and selling directly to disciples would raise uncomfortable questions he wasn’t ready to answer.

He sighed, lowering his index finger, dismissing the idea, and raised his middle finger. Selling Guidance.

This comes back to my golden words, Zhen thought, tapping his chin thoughtfully. He had spent plenty of time getting answers from the golden words on anything that he used the ability on. From cultivation questions to mundane details. Maybe he could help disciple solve their problems.

Sage’s Daily Scroll of Heavenly, Earthly, and Mortal Insights.

Target: None

There were many obscurities about his ability, but the Insights were what Zhen was sure about. Unfortunately, while this knowledge could guarantee a smooth journey to at least the same realm as his, it faced the same issue as selling techniques and scriptures.

He was too weak, and no one would believe his advice, let alone pay for it. Advice from peers was rarely helpful, and targeting those lower than him wouldn't work either—they were as poor as he was. He crossed out the second idea.

Next, Zhen raised his ring finger, Selling Formations Or Maybe Pills.

The golden words had already helped him learn the Starlight Convergence Qi Gathering Formations. Perhaps he could sell his service by constructing formations he learned from the golden words. His mind conjured images of intricate formation patterns, glowing with ethereal light as they channeled qi. But the problem was whether they were restricted by the sect or if there was exclusivity.

He had similar concerns about pills. Although he hadn't checked a pill with his ability, he was seventy percent sure he could get the pill refining method. He imagined rows of bubbling cauldrons, the rich aroma of herbs filling the air. But again, sect restrictions and exclusivity issues arose. But not by that much, as pills should be staple supplements for these cultivators. Even the previous Li Zhen used quite a number of pills.

A little mollified, Zhen put down the ring finger and raised his pinky finger, thinking of his fourth idea. Rather than chasing extra income, he could concentrate on his cultivation progress. After all, wasn’t this the typical path of fated cultivators in the world who forged their path? His past problems could be solved with a wave of his hand when he is strong enough.

Advancing his own cultivation would not only ease his path but also enhance his allowance from the sect. There could be future options that he could easily pursue, but there was also the risk of falling deeper into debt once the interest period was activated.

After thinking it over, he decided to postpone the money-making schemes and go for stability inside the sect. If an opportunity arose, he would try to search for general formations and normal pills to sell within the sect. Hopefully, the golden words would help him produce higher quality products. But for now, planning in detail was simply counting his chickens before they hatch. At least, he know a direction.

Heaving a sigh, Zhen made his way through the crowded hall to the reception. After another period of waiting, it was again his chance.

The elder, already deep in the next set of paperwork, glanced up with a hint of surprise and mild irritation. "What is Nominal Disciple doing here again so soon?"

Ignoring the slight rebuke, Zhen took a deep breath. "Do I have to select a task right now?"

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

The elder's initial curiosity lessened a little, creasing his brow. "You don't have to snatch up a task right this second. You can head back to the nominal area. Sort out your advancement first; tasks can wait."

Zhen's brows furrowed slightly. Shouldn't he be moved to better housing and transferred to the Outer Sect Area? He voiced his thoughts, trying to ensure he understood every detail. "And housing? Do I move into the Outer Sect quarters now?"

The Elder scoffed as soon as Zhen stopped speaking. "Stay where you are until you've cracked Foundation Establishment. You don’t just get handed the keys to a better place because you got a new badge."

Zhen mind raced. What the hell? I don't get free housing? All those days of diligent practice, and I still have to worry about a place to stay. The thought of missing out on the dense Qi in the Outer Sect area gnawed at him. That Qi would skyrocket my cultivation, he mused, imagining the power he could attain.

Moreover, moving into the Outer Sect would mark a clear division from the life of the previous Li Zhen. It was a step towards solidifying his own identity in this world. He took a deep breath, determined to push further. "Is there no way to move into the Outer Sect Area?" he asked, a hint of suggestion lacing his words. Surely, there must be some way around this.

The elder's irritation melted, and he raised an eyebrow, his interest piqued. Slowly, he set down his pen and removed his glasses, wiping them with a cloth from his sleeve in a deliberate, thoughtful manner. Leaning back, he finally spoke, "You really don't give up, do you, Li Zhen? It's rare to see such stubbornness."

Zhen straightened, feeling a flicker of hope ignited within him. This is it, he thought, a chance to finally break free from the confines of the nominal disciple quarters.

The Elder paused, studying his face before continuing. "The Outer Sect is divided into Twelve Peaks. You have to be selected into one of the peaks to move into their region."

Zhen's eyes brightened with curiosity. The faint lines of worry on his face relaxed slightly. It wasn't much, but it was a start. "And how do I get selected?"

The elder's eyes met his, "Each peak has its own criteria and trials. You'll need to prove your worth. Or wait for the quarterly mass advancement period." He paused for a moment, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Sometimes, new positions that are crucial to the sect or particularly demanding can come with the perk of improved accommodations. These aren’t typical, but they do exist."

Positions that come with better accommodations? This could be my chance. Zhen's interest deepened. "Are there any new positions available right now?"

The elder leaned forward, lowering his voice even further. Zhen mirrored his action, leaning forward as well.

The elder glanced around, ensuring no one else was listening. The disciples behind him suddenly appeared engrossed in their own tasks, their chatter fading into the background. "As a Quasi Outer Sect Disciple, you would receive one Foundation Establishment Spirit Stone at the end of each month," he said, his tone suggestive.

Zhen’s heart leaped with joy. One spirit stone a month just for being a disciple? His mind raced with future plans. The idea of receiving resources for being a quasi disciple was beyond his expectations. But before he could fully revel in his fortune, the elder's next words brought him back to reality.

"Of course," the elder's expression turned suggestive, as if expecting something in return for this information. "some information like this isn’t freely given."

Zhen's excitement dimmed as he realized the elder expected a bribe. He cursed inwardly but knew he had no choice but to accept. It was already his idea, but spending his money before seeing was too much. "How much?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

The elder smirked, a look of satisfaction crossing his face. He reached for another register, made an entry, and then handed Zhen a small pouch. "Here is your monthly allotment of spirit stone."

Zhen took the pouch, confusion washing over him. His fingers traced the edges of the pouch, noting its lightness. He opened it, only to find it empty. Realization dawned, and he gritted his teeth, understanding that the bribe had been taken upfront.

"You could start by helping with the construction effort for a new spirit garden in Jadecrest Peak," the elder suggested. He sighed, as if debating whether to delve into the details for a mere one foundation establishment spirit stone, then shrugged. "This project involves setting up a mild Qi density cultivation area. It's high stress and high responsibility. Screw up, and you affect the sect's future supply of healing salves, potions and cultivations resources. But manage well, and you get not just better pay, but also a living space in the Outer Sect quarters to keep you close to your work."

Zhen nodded, absorbing the information. "Where can I find more information about this role?"

The elder opened a folder and handed Zhen a sheet. The parchment felt heavy in his hand, filled with detailed script. "These tasks are on a need-to-know basis, but this should qualify you. Make sure you understand what you’re signing up for. These roles aren’t for the faint-hearted or slackers." His tone was stern, almost challenging, as if testing Zhen's resolve.

"Thank you, I will," Zhen responded, grateful for the honest advice.

With a deep breath, Zhen decided to take the plunge. This task could fast-track his integration into the sect's core activities and establish his own advancement.

The details were daunting, outlining the precision and dedication required to manage the garden effectively. The list of potential pitfalls seemed endless, but so did the benefits.

As he read, Zhen envisioned himself amidst rows of rare herbs, the rich scent of medicinal plants filling the air. This could also be the perfect opportunity to gain insights and ingredients for a future pills business, he thought, excitement bubbling within him. It was a challenging task, but the rewards were worth it: increased pay, better living quarters, and a denser qi percentage than the sect grounds.

He approached the elder again, who looked up with his same no-nonsense demeanor. "I'll take on the medicinal herb garden task."

The elder nodded, his expression slightly less stern. "Very well. Report to Jadecrest Peak in a week at dawn. You'll meet the head disciple for the task there, and they'll brief you on your duties."