While the heavens ruminated on the choices of skills...

Toh Gen recovered from his sudden jolt of heavenly lightning, and found himself stronger than before. A whole three stages stronger than before, which pushed him well into the first steps of the Fourth Realm. Once they stepped into the Fourth Realm, they were very much eligible to be elders in smaller sects. Though, in the great sects of Highfollows Continent, that would merely qualify them as inner disciples.

It didn't matter, since at the 4th stage, he was in the same realm as Elder Yi of the Eastern Wind Sect.

Zhan Yuanfang was quick to congratulate him. "Congratulations, Senior Toh. The Sect master will be pleased with your ascension to the Fourth Realm."

"Eh, I felt like I got cheated out of my regular cultivation path." Toh Gen complained a little. "I wasn't expecting a power-boost lightning from Huang Lu!"

Huang Lu shrugged. "Are you seriously complaining?"

"Well, no." Toh Gen laughed. "Well, maybe. A little. At least I can hide away and be a hermit if I want to dodge jade beauties."

Zhui Gui, the newcomer, quickly intercepted. "Why would any jade beauty want anything to do with a piece of shit like you? If they aspire for greatness-" He pointed his arms at Huang Lu, showing him off, "-this, is what you should look for."

Huang Lu frowned, ignoring how this old man seemed to really, really try to stick to him. "Uncle Gui, are you seriously going to join us? We are just a bunch of young farts travelling through the continent."

"Well, yes. Someone needs to keep an eye of your band of fangirls and useless sidekicks, and it'll be me."

"I thought that's my role."

"You're just the comedian." Uncle Gui retorted. "You can't even stop a nether demon! What if there's more? Is Huang Lu going to save all your asses the next time?"

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Toh Gen shrugged. "That's true. Huang Lu does seem to attract the half-star Sect like how a pile of trash attracts flies."

"Exactly. Know your place, and admit you need me."

Huang Lu frowned. "Are we disturbing you, Master Zhui Gui? You really don't have to tag along with us..."

"Like I said, call me Uncle Gui, and it's no problem at all. I've never seen a young man with such unlimited potential as yourself! It is my DUTY to escort and protect a wonderful potential as yourself! Then we can show those Highfollow Snobs! They won't know what hit'em."

Huang Lu wasn't sure whether that was alright. "Uh... am I being used as a means to get back at some old conflict with the Highfollow Sects?"

"Oh no no no nono." Uncle Gui said. "Nothing like that. I just don't like'em. Don't worry, young Lu, you're still the boss of this travel group, and I'll listen what you say. Just think of me as your faithful Dao Protector. I'll even help you get laid, though, I don't think you need any help there!"

"Uh... How about..." Huang Lu felt heavenly presence descend on him. At that moment, Huang Lu knew that Zhui Gui was sent via the mechanics of the heavenly spirits. They arranged for this to happen! "You know what, Uncle Gui? Welcome to the team."

Toh Gen had a look of betrayal. "Brother Lu! Are you seriously accepting this drunkard?"

"Yes. The heavens will it."

Toh Gen stared wide-eyed, and then sighed. "Very well. The heavens will it."

Both Qian Ziyi and Xue Xinling were still in the pocket realm, resting. Uncle Gui smiled, and tapped Huang Lu on the shoulder. "Good choice, young man. I knew you're a smart boy. Come, let's get moving."

-

They arrived at a small village not far from the Secret Realm, and the first thing Huang Lu asked, was, pants.

"A tailor?"

"Yes. Is there a tailor here?"

"Oh, we mostly make our own clothes here, so uh, no. But if you want some old pants and stuff, we could check."

"Yes please. I need some spares, just in case."

"Wardrobe malfunction, got it." The villager chief gathered the villagers, and they all donated some pants.

None of them fit. They were all too small. At that moment, Toh Gen whispered some words to Zhan Yuanfang, and she blushed. Strangely, she then approached the villagers for some sewing kits.

"I'll alter these pants for you, Huang Lu." Zhan Yuanfang volunteered. The village-ladies noticed, of course, and they quickly huddled around Zhan Yuanfang to help her with the alterations.

Three hours later, there were five extra sets of extra-large-sized pants. They fit, of course. They took his measurements.