Invited by a steward.
That would be a meteoric rise.
Ordinary apprentice.
Ordinary disciple.
There is a fundamental difference between the two and the disciples under a steward.
Not only in status, but in other aspects as well. Just in terms of command, a regular steward cannot command a steward's disciples. Because they belong to the steward, if you try to command them, it's overstepping.
At this moment.
Li Ye felt as if he had been slapped hard in the face.
However, just when everyone thought Wen Jiu would nod without hesitation, Wen Jiu only bowed and expressed his thanks.
"Thank you, Steward Mu, for your appreciation!"
Having lived two lifetimes,
Wen Jiu is very clear that if you want to mix with people, you must follow the right ones.
In this cultivation realm, if you follow the wrong person,
You won't have a good time, not to mention the trouble.
If you die because of it,
it's no small matter.
So Wen Jiu instinctively looked at Wang Nian. As a third-generation immortal, he had knowledge of things many didn't.
When it came to knowing the character of Mu Canglong, he might not know, but Wang Nian certainly did.
Seeing Wen Jiu looking at him, Wang Nian couldn't help but be delighted, feeling that the few Vaginal Charms he had spent didn't go to waste, "Wen, hold on… I will ask my second master if he needs people later."
As the words fell.
Mu Canglong's expression stiffened.
He knew who Wang Nian's second master was, and he understood Wang Nian's intention in saying this.
"I will come again tomorrow."
After leaving a sentence, Mu Canglong waved his hand, taking away the corpse of the Female Cultivator, leaving only a Startled Swan Sword Light for everyone.
Soon.
The crowd began to disperse.
Wang Nian also hurried back with Wen Jiu, explaining while using Sword Control, "Kid, don't mistake my claim that I can introduce you to the Alchemy Room. Entering the Alchemy Room is incredibly strict; first, you must have a wood attribute Low-Grade Spirit Root."
Wen Jiu suddenly understood, "I see, Brother Wang."
"It's easy to talk to a smart person. Actually, our Feixian Peak has seven branches: Night Patrol Department, Alchemy Room, Talisman Room, Artifact Refining Tower, Spiritual Agriculture Department, Demon-slaying Department, and Demon Suppression Department. Once the news spreads that you slew a Qi Cultivation Second Layer spy, someone will definitely try to recruit you. So we need to wait and see who offers the best terms!"
Wang Nian grinned slyly.
Extremely excited.
As if he was the one being recruited.
Wen Jiu recalled Wang Nian's words in his mind, never expecting there to be so many branches in Feixian Peak.
He could understand the Alchemy Room and Talisman Room.
Demon-slaying Department.
Demon Suppression Department.
Could they be dealing with demons and devils?
Putting away his thoughts, Wen Jiu hurriedly thanked him.
The importance of having a good big brother to break through information barriers was proven.
If not for Wang Nian,
he would have accepted directly before.
"Thanks, Brother Wang."
"No need to thank me, this is something you earned yourself. Becoming a disciple who reaches the Qi Cultivation Second Layer, and slaying an outsider alone, you're the first in fifty years!" Mentioning this, Wang Nian was very appreciative and excited.
...
Early the next day.
Wen Ya came bringing food again.
This time, it was much more sumptuous than usual.
It was actually Low-grade Spirit Rice.
An expensive item costing one hundred taels a pound, which ordinary people could not afford. Only the actual disciples on Deadman Peak could barely afford it.
Once inside, Wen Ya told the entire story of the sudden improvement in their situation at the Xu family, mentioning the steward who spoke for them the most.
She didn't know who it was.
Nor did she know why.
To this,
Wen Jiu just smiled without saying anything.
This was also a motivation for Wen Jiu to advance.
To allow his family to live better.
While appreciating Wang Nian, Wen Jiu took big bites of the Spirit Rice. He couldn't help but admit; the low-grade Spirit Rice was indeed rich in Spiritual Qi and had a delicate taste.
...
Back at the Corpse Remains Death Land.
The Corpse Buriers clearly didn't know about last night's events, although they respected him, it wasn't to the point of flattery.
Once Wang Nian arrived, after counting the people, he dispersed them and quickly pulled Wen Jiu out.
"Let me tell you, the news about you last night has spread across the side peak. Even though you have a Low-Grade Spirit Root and practice Heterodox Dao, someone is still interested in you!" Wang Nian said again, emphasizing six words, "Demon Suppression Department, Demon-slaying Department!"
"Come on, they're all waiting for you!"
Wang Nian took off with Sword Control, bringing Wen Jiu towards the steward's place.
Before Wen Jiu had the chance to ask more questions, Wang Nian quickly took him into the hall of the steward's place.
There are three people in the hall.
The steward Mu from last night is here.
Plus two others, one with glaring eyes, very burly, and wearing crimson heavy armor, creating an intimidating presence at first glance.
The other is dressed in a green robe, much smaller in stature, but the aura he exudes is equally daunting.
If not for having experienced major events in two lifetimes, Wen Jiu would have knelt down on the spot, overwhelmed by their imposing aura.
"Not bad, your aura is steady and restrained, it seems the Corpse Nourishing Technique hasn't cost you much life force and foundation," the burly man with glaring eyes spoke first before Wen Jiu could pay his respects. Then he added, "Kid, how about joining my Demon Suppression Department? I'll teach you the top Qi Cultivation Technique, the Demon Suppression Technique, and grant you one year of cultivation privilege in the Demon Flame Cave!"
"You're quite generous..." The man in the green robe also spoke, unwilling to be outdone. "I am Li Qing, steward of the Demon-slaying Department, here on behalf of the Department. If you wish to join us, I offer you the top Qi Cultivation Technique, the Demon-Slaying Technique, plus three years of cultivation in the Spirit Pool, which will perfectly compensate for the damages of your heterodox cultivation."
Their words ended.
The two exchanged a glance.
Both showed hostility.
Wen Jiu forced a smile, hurriedly bowed and thanked them, "Thank you for your kindness, respected stewards... But I have one question, what do the Demon Suppression Department and Demon-slaying Department require?"
"Slaying demons!"
Li Qing spoke first.
The burly man with glaring eyes then arrogantly said, "Eliminate demons and guard the justice, slay evil demon paths, and maintain the safety of mankind and Feixian Peak!"
Wen Jiu clasped his fists and bowed again.
Then his gaze landed on the always silent steward Mu Canglong of the Night Patrol Department.
To be honest.
He doesn't want to join either of the two groups.
Though it's unclear how good their offers are, and how much the Demon Flame Cave and Spirit Pool could aid in cultivation.
But slaying demons and suppressing evil is not his interest.
He just wants to quietly nurture corpses.
And quietly awaits daily settlements.
Seeing this, Mu Canglong's cold expression softened a lot, and a slight smile appeared on his face. "I can't offer you a precious place like the Demon Flame Cave for cultivation, as the Night Patrol Department doesn't have this... but I can offer you the subsequent cultivation techniques of the Yinzhou Corpse Nourishing Technique, plus a low-grade corpse artifact and a low-grade Corpse Nourishing Pearl."
With these words.
Before Wen Jiu could respond, Li Qing began to speak, "Fellow Daoist Mu, you're not even willing to teach the Night Wind Technique of the Night Patrol Department?"
The burly man with glaring eyes also followed, "So stingy!"
Mu Canglong coldly retorted to the two, "You two may be generous, but what's the point? He has great heterodox talent, yet you want him to change his cultivation. Don't forget, he has a low-grade Spirit Root... When recruiting disciples, you must teach according to their ability!"
The next moment.
The three started to argue.
Wang Nian quickly pulled Wen Jiu aside.
Away from the "battlefield."
After a quarter of an hour, the three argued until they were red in the face before stopping.
Seeing this, Wen Jiu quickly interjected, "Steward Mu, I have a question, can I continue to stay in the Corpse Remains Death Land?"
"You want to continue nurturing corpses here?"
Mu Canglong spoke with a flushed face.
Wen Jiu nodded.
Mu Canglong decisively nodded, "Of course you can stay, as long as you wish, you are free to go anywhere within Feixian Peak!"
"Thank you, Steward Mu." Wen Jiu bowed and paid his respects, then turned to the other two, "Thank you both for your appreciation, but I know my capabilities, I can only cultivate heterodox dao, so I choose the Night Patrol Department!"
With these words.
The other two still wanted to persist.
But Mu Canglong quickly seized the right to speak and forcibly began to send them away, leaving no opportunity for further discussion.
Helpless, Li Qing and the burly man could only leave.
After sending off Li Qing and the other man, Mu Canglong left a final remark for Wen Jiu and followed suit, "Come find me at the Night Patrol Department tomorrow!"
When Mu Canglong left.
Wang Nian excitedly slapped Wen Jiu on the shoulder.
Extremely pleased.
Yet somewhat puzzled.
"Do you know what treasures the Demon Flame Cave and Spirit Pool are? Ordinary disciples need to make great contributions to enter and cultivate there, yet you actually declined."
Wen Jiu did not speak.
But at this moment his inner resolve strengthened even more.
Within the sect.
One must show oneself when needed.
But when the time comes for stable cultivation, one must choose stability.
Showing oneself is for rising higher.
To acquire more resources.
To gain higher status.
To change one's circumstances.
Stability is for survival.
Though the Demon Suppression Department and Demon-slaying Department offer good conditions, the act of slaying demons surely involves significant casualties too.
Cultivating and seeking immortality.
Isn't living essential to becoming immortal?
With daily settlement panels, why take unnecessary risks?
[Here comes the second update in the usual manner.
Requesting recommendation votes, monthly votes.]