Next morning.
Following Tang Yun Long's suggestion, Chen Tu made his way to the Registration Office after breakfast. And as usual, he waited with the others in the queue until it was his turn.
"What can I do for you today, junior?" the worker asked with impatience in his tone. In his opinion, Chen Tu is likely another disciple coming to claim his monthly salary provided by the Blood Refining Grotto.
But all his following words were stuck in his throat before he could continue after Chen Tu had his disciple token taken out.
"Chen - Chen Tu? You're Chen Tu?" the worker's tone changed into a more polite and easy to the ear. His attitude also had 180 degrees of turnover.
Chen Tu didn't reply to him but simply nodded with a smile. And to these workers who looked down on the weak disciples, such treatment was the best venom to reeducate them.
The worker immediately changed how he addressed Chen Tu from "Junior" to "Fellow Disciple Chen." And needless to say, this instantaneous change was thanks to Chen Tu's social standing in this Outer Grotto.
After all, fewer than fifty people had the status of an "Official Disciple" added to their nameplate. Furthermore, these "Official Disciple" tokens were made from a rare Mahogany Ironwood instead of a simple wooden slab.
It was said that those with this token would have a greater chance to join the Inner Grotto when they advance into the Spiritual Condensation Layer.
For these workers, being able to hug one of their legs would give them immeasurable benefits. Simply the number of Contribution Tokens alone would be more than enough. Because there was a need to patiently explain things to Chen Tu, he had no choice but to stay in the office for a while.
For starters, there's an adjustment in Chen Tu's monthly salary. As an Official Disciple, his salary was multiplied tenfold and revised according to his cultivation level. Because the Distribution Day happened a few days ago, he was given forty Spiritual Coins, four sets of Entry-Level Pills, and four Spiritual Replenishing Pills.
But after this adjustment, he was compensated with an additional three hundred and sixty Spiritual Coins and thirty-seven Spiritual Replenishing Pills. The only thing that didn't change much was the four Entry-Level Pills, which were adjusted from four to ten sets.
But instead of giving six sets as replacements, the Registration Office generously dispensed everything anew to Chen Tu. Furthermore, all of them were Two-Star Pills and not the usual standard quality.
This compensation alone replaced all the material cost Chen Tu had to bear when accomplishing Elder Wei Xuan's assignment to him previously. But nothing could top what Chen Tu was given next.
"What is this, senior?" Chen Tu asked politely. He knew that his standing was no longer as low as before, but that didn't mean he should change how he spoke with others. His identity might have elevated, but not his attitude.
"This is a bottle of Pure Spiritual Beast Essence. Each of the Official Disciples was entitled to several drops according to their cultivation level. Because you're a fourth-level disciple, the office dispensed out four drops to you." the worker said.
Hearing this made Chen Tu smile brightly. Perhaps, not even the sweetest young maiden out there could smile as happily as Chen Tu did. The explanation of what he could and couldn't do continued until half an hour later.
Being someone who knew how the world works, Chen Tu took five Contribution Tokens out and gave them to the worker attending to his needs. After all, this worker still patiently explained everything to Chen Tu regardless of how impolite he was from the start.
Chen Tu headed toward the Worldly Treasures Pavilion after leaving the Registration Office. Thanks to the Official Disciple's benefit, he was allowed to enter the building without paying an entrance fee. But unfortunately, Chen Tu still couldn't access the second floor due to the insufficient Cultivation level.
Regardless of status, one still had to reach the Spiritual Condensation Layer before they were allowed on this floor.
Nevertheless, Chen Tu enjoyed his shopping experience this time. After all, he was one of the few with the title of an "Official Disciple." This alone granted him plenty of respect and small privileges here and there.
"Hmm... Looks like the fourth elder had made up his mind. Good for you, little brat." suddenly, Lady Shuiyue Liu's voice echoed inside Chen Tu's head.
"Lady Shuiyue?" Chen Tu turned his head around and searched for her silhouette. But before he could find her, another voice came into his head.
"Silly boy... I am naturally not on the first floor. I can see you, but you can't see me, don't you know this?" she chuckled and teased Chen Tu happily.
"Ah... No wonder. In that case, this junior can only greet Lady Shuiyue from where he stands. Please accept this junior's sincerest respect." Chen Tu replied and bowed toward a pillar. He didn't realize that he appeared like an idiot in the eyes of the others.
But to Chen Tu, the least he could care about was other people's useless thoughts. After all, he was speaking with Lady Shuiyue Liu, not them. And so, why would he be concerned with their pointless thoughts?
"Tell me, what are you here for?" Lady Shuiyue Liu was naturally curious about Chen Tu's visit. This brat usually only came for a few Spiritual Herbs and left. But today, he seems a little more excited and problematic.
It is natural for her to ask to answer her curiosity. Furthermore, most of the Spiritual Herbs Chen Tu asked for were either extinct or unheard of.
(Perhaps, this brat had his hand on some lost Pill Recipe?)
Lady Shuiyue Liu guessed. In addition, she was one of Qin Tianbao's acquaintances in this Blood Refining Grotto. And with her ability to make a few guesses, she was sure that Qin Tianbao's pill recipes were now in Chen Tu's hand.
(I think I was told that the Verdant Sky Small World would be open in the next five months or so... It looks like... I should get a few references for this brat when he gets into that independent space...)
(He's really lucky, I think... Or perhaps, they're just coincidentally bumping into one another?)
"Finally!" a creature roared. An expression of happiness could be seen on the creature's face for obtaining a legendary fruit, which rested in the heart of its palm.The fruit is also known as the Twin Physiques Creation Fruit.Based on what the legend about this fruit says, if this fruit was consumed by a human, it would grant them a second physique of a Divine Beast. On the contrary, if the Spiritual Creature is the one consuming this fruit, they would be given the ability to reform their body into a human.This explained how attractive the Twin Physiques Creation Fruit was.With one million years to sprout, one million years to develop its first leaf, and another million years for its consecutive leaves, this Twin Physiques Creation Fruit would only bear a single fruit in its eleven millionth year.The subsequent fruit would take ten million years to grow after the first fruit."Shall I eat this fruit right now, to avoid any mishap?" the creature continued. It was extremely careful
"I had to say, boy... Why would you keep running out of the manor knowing you'll get beaten after this?" said an old man in his seventies. While speaking, his hand didn't stay idle but instead rubbed an ointment on the scarred buttcheeks.From his words, this wasn't the first time he's applying the ointment on the boy's buttocks. In fact, something like this happened once a week.At first, the boy had a light punishment for attempting something like this. But gradually, it gets worst. Now, he's treated the same as the other adults and was given similarly harsh punishment for attempting to escape the manor.But surprisingly, no matter how painful the punishment was, the boy not only could overcome it, to the point it became a norm to the disciplinary servants and family elder."Xiao Tu... How many times did your grandfather tell you? The world outside there is harsher than what we have now inside this Chen Manor?" the old man continued.Although he calls himself Chen Tu's grandfather,
Chen Tu immediately slithered inside the courtyard like an agile snake. Sticking close to the walls wherever he goes, Chen Tu focuses on the ground, searching for a hole to crawl outside. To his disappointment, not even a gap existed along the walls. Furthermore, little did he know that he was tailed by another child about his age closely from behind. Maybe because he was still young and had little to no existence in the eyes of the adult, this allows Chen Tu to run around the courtyard without garnering others' attention. But the same explanation cannot be used on the other child who follows Chen Tu closely without getting caught. One has to know that while it was easy for one to sneak around, it is ten times more challenging to tail someone else without getting caught by all sides. Soon, Chen Tu gave up. He's not only feeling exhausted but also sad from not finding a hole to crawl outside. And during the process, Chen Tu also noticed that the door back to the servant's area wa
"Blasphemy!" the patriarch of the Chen Family shouted angrily at the two youngsters kneeling before him.Seated beside him were six other leading figures of the Chen Family. Based on seniority, Chen Zigang would have to address them as "uncles."Thanks to the mess they've made outside the Chen Manor, they were kneeling before the patriarch, awaiting their punishment."Sixth brother, let everyone know what the two useless bums did outside without missing a word." said the patriarch, Chen Tian Peng."As you ordered, Lord Patriarch." the sixth brother, Chen Tian Ma, responded. Turning his attention to the two brats kneeling in the middle of the hall, he recites what kind of mess was made.The destruction of a Spiritual Garden containing Crimson Marble Fruits.Two steads were taken, and only heaven knows where they ended up. The culprit, who kneels here, is said to be thrown from the horse midway and hurt their buttocks.Flirting with Liu Xiaofei, the princess of the Liu Family with a sim
Chen Tian Peng pondered while unconsciously rubbing his goatee with his thumb and index finger. In his mind, Chen Tu's reply actually made sense. As one of the five large families here in Crimson River Town, the duty of upholding the rules and safety of this settlement is their responsibility.Furthermore, this "Phoenix Pavilion" business is opened on the Chen Family's territory.Suppose they were caught by others before the Chen Family Policing Hall. In that case, the blame could be destructive when other families use it as a weapon to attack the Chen Family.It was not a secret that the five families were competing against one another for the sake of the leader of five families in this Crimson River Town. Obviously, the one named the family's leader would take the larger portion of the pie before dividing them into the rest.While the sum might be meager in the eyes of the county governors, it is still worth a bite to large families like the Chen.Who would complain if they're given
"Ah!!! Fresh air, at last!" Chen Zigang screamed after coming out from the dungeon, where he spent a night without worry. Needless to say, Chen Tu followed him closely but didn't behave as freely as Chen Zigang.After all, he was a mere servant while they were still inside the Chen Manor. Unlike Chen Zigang, who had absolute privilege inside this manor, Chen Tu would be punished if he followed everything Chen Zigang did.To him, Chen Zigang is the reincarnation of a law obstructor. Each step he took was right on the track to trashing all established rules. Still, it's not like Chen Tu is anywhere better.If Chen Zigang was the bulldozer of rules, then Chen Tu is definitely the stead that went amok for no reason.After returning to their respective room, they quickly clean themselves from all the filth before stepping outside the Chen Manor again. As Chen Tian Peng had guessed, the two did keep a secret from the family.The two proceeded without noticing they were followed. It was a gr
"Get in there!" the follower yelled before kicking the two into the prison cell. The kick comes at Chen Tu and Chen Zigang as a surprise and causes them to tumble inside.The two finally stop after coming to the end of the prison cell.This was the second time they were thrown into the dungeon. Surprisingly, it happened not long after coming out from the first one. It's like history is repeating itself.Unfortunately, this place is filthier compared to the previous dungeon. A pile of bones can even be seen at one of the four corners, heightening the prison cell's creepiness. At another corner is a bundle of feces, likely dumped by the previous resident of this cell."Let me out! Let me out!!!" Chen Zigang immediately bangs on the door in a panic. But no matter how loud the noise he's making, nobody made a trip over to check them out. At the very least, the dungeon back in the Chen Family is well-lit and properly ventilated.Over here, the stench was too strong, to the point it made th
"Chen Zigang.""Chen Tu.""Get out of the cell and get changed. The family elders summoned both of you." said the dungeon's supervisor. He had quite a curious expression plastered to his face like he was wondering about something.They were supposed to be punished by getting locked inside the dungeon for three days. This was the decision made by Chen Tian Peng to teach them a lesson for acting secretly and endangering themselves.But something happened because only two days had passed. They weren't informed about what happened, so the elders summoned them to the Family Hall.After changing into clean clothing, the two made their way quickly to the Family Hall."The Chen Family is honored with your visit today, milord." Chen Tian Peng's voice can be heard clearly outside the Family Hall. Judging from his tone and manner of speech, the background of this guest is quite powerful.After all, Chen Tian Peng is accepted to be the number one martial artist here in this Crimson River Town, wi
Next morning. Following Tang Yun Long's suggestion, Chen Tu made his way to the Registration Office after breakfast. And as usual, he waited with the others in the queue until it was his turn. "What can I do for you today, junior?" the worker asked with impatience in his tone. In his opinion, Chen Tu is likely another disciple coming to claim his monthly salary provided by the Blood Refining Grotto. But all his following words were stuck in his throat before he could continue after Chen Tu had his disciple token taken out. "Chen - Chen Tu? You're Chen Tu?" the worker's tone changed into a more polite and easy to the ear. His attitude also had 180 degrees of turnover. Chen Tu didn't reply to him but simply nodded with a smile. And to these workers who looked down on the weak disciples, such treatment was the best venom to reeducate them. The worker immediately changed how he addressed Chen Tu from "Junior" to "Fellow Disciple Chen." And needless to say, this instantaneous change
"Teacher, really? We're going to attend the examination for the Titled Alchemist this year?" Tang Yun Long couldn't help but feel excited. Naturally, he was very happy with what Elder Wei Xuan had said. After all, Tang Yun Long is turning eighteen this year. And even amongst all the disciples from both elders, his talent in Alchemy was the highest. But regardless of how he requested, Elder Wei Xuan would always reject him when it came to permission to attend the Titled-Alchemist Examination. No matter how much he begged, the elder would deem he was not ready for the test yet. Counting from the year he had been asking until now, it was almost four years past. But today, the sun seems to be rising from the west. Of course, Tang Yun Long realized that the change in Elder Wei Xuan's mind did not come from him but from Chen Tu. Without bathing in this junior brother's brilliance, he might have to wait another year or two before his chances arrive. Obviously, there was a reason for the
"Good. Very good. Then, you'll be the second official disciple of this old man from this moment onward. I am looking forward on how far you can grow." Elder Wei Xuan appeared very satisfied with Chen Tu's instant reply. This could also show how much Chen Tu had longed for this chance. "Disciple understood!" Chen Tu kneeled and raised a teacup in both hands to the elder. Regardless of the custom, serving a cup of tea to your master is essential. This customary practice not only creates a proper master and disciple but also the connections in between. "En... Those unimportant things will be told to you by Xiao Long later. For now, take this as your gift to study under my tutelage. It was the Pill Formula I promised you last time." the elder said after placing the teacup aside and taking something from nothingness. Apparently, the elder had a piece of Spatial Jade too. And from the look of it, the quality is slightly better than what Tang Yun Long had. "Why don't you take a look at i
"junior brother Chen, this Three-Star Pill... Did you refine them by yourself?" Tang Yun Long asked. Even he hadn't had success in refining a pill of this quality. At most, he is only confident in refining Two-Star Pill. Furthermore, this result was before Chen Tu was officially accepted by the elder as his second official disciple. If he was, would he be capable of Four-Star, or even a Five-Star? Of course, that kind of level is nowhere to be heard of... After all, no alchemist would dedicate all their time to researching and refining a four or Five-Star Grain Pellet. Even if that alchemist is the most foolish one, he would likely have zero to little interest in an entry-level pill like this. Looking at the Three-Star Grain Pellet sitting on the table, the elder couldn't calm his heart down. And without further ado, he put his hand out toward Chen Tu and asked for something. "Xiao Tu... Bring the Alchemist Token out." Elder Wei Xuan asked. It appears that what he will be doing
(Hmm... I wonder what kind of medicinal pill is this Spring and Autumn Profound Pill and Lesser Vitality Pill. Could their effect be something extraordinary, like the Spiritual Replenishing or Spirit Desertification Pill?) Chen Tu spoke to his own while flipping through the pages. The contents were fairly easy for him to understand, and there was nothing to be suspicious about. But when Chen Tu came to the ingredient part, he had the urge to scratch and pull his hair. (Aargh... Now, this is where my first obstacle comes in...) Chen Tu took a few deep breaths after he set the book aside. He had mixed feelings due to what was going on inside his mind. The reason for these confusing thoughts was naturally understandable. After all, this was a lost recipe Qin Lei's father, Qin Tianbao, found from excavating the tomb of a certain expert. Interestingly, this relic site was also where Qin Tianbao had a mishap and lost one of his legs. And no wonder he would be allowed to keep these two
(What an amazing feeling... Could this be something only those in the fourth level would realize?) Chen Tu remained seated, but for every breath he took, the Spiritual Energy of his surroundings was attracted over. His body was like a leaf sponging up all the dew as it absorbed all these blimps of Spiritual Energy to nourish his flesh. This mist-like Spiritual Energy is incomparable to what a Spiritual Replenishing Pill offers. Still, it was something nobody would complain about. After all, no matter how diluted and faint this Spiritual Energy was, they're still the Spiritual Energy everyone pursued. Nobody would cover their water well when it rains because they're afraid it would be overfilled by the rainwater. Apparently, Chen Tu's guess was correct. A feat like this was indeed someone above the Flesh Tempering Stage could enjoy. And thanks to his fully-tempered flesh, Chen Tu is now more than capable of applicating Spiritual Energy to strengthen his physique. Although the diff
A day ago. "Hmm... I wonder what insight that brat had for him to rework the Grain Pellet's Recipe until this level..." Elder Wei Xuan said while holding a Two-Star Pill between his two fingers. Apparently, he was studying the pill for flaws before giving a verdict. He was feeling neither prejudiced nor unhappy. But more or less, there was something he was unable to let go of in his heart for making him so indecisive at this moment. As Chen Tu's Alchemy Teacher, the elder naturally wanted to endorse Chen Tu's reworked recipe and the Grain Pellet he refined. But at the same time, his worries and self-ego made him couldn't help but be indecisive in this matter. In fact, this same ego of his was why Tang Yun Long has yet to participate in the Titled Alchemist Examination. It wasn't overrated to say that with Tang Yun Long's performance to date, he could easily pass the test. "Old Wei... What is occupying your mind so much until you didn't notice me coming in?" Another elder's voice
"Disciple understands." Chen Tu cupped his fists together and replied. His response also helps confirm that he will be taking the assignment seriously. "Xiao Tu will start paying more attention to his pill refinement after returning and wouldn't disappoint the teacher's expectation," he added. After saying what he should, Chen Tu excused himself from the workshop by giving a reason he'll have to get back and prepare. And obviously, the eight Grain Pellets were left in the workshop without saying. That's a must in case the elder changes his mind later. And regardless of how he decides, Chen Tu still has to leave a sample for Elder Wei Xuan to check on them, correct? This means a copy of everything from the ingredient, steps, and final product was left for the elder's inspection. Chen Tu's activities consisted of eating, sleeping, cultivating, and refining pills for the following days. Thanks to all these tasks in his hand, he hardly reported to the Spiritual Garden to work or assis
The question piqued the elder's interest after Xia Xuan-Xuan opened her mouth. Apparently, even the elder couldn't help but feel curious about Chen Tu's answer. But at the same time, he can't ask this question openly. After all, he was an elder. Someone who stood at least a few levels above them in alchemy and cultivation. Wouldn't it hurt his pride slightly to ask a junior about something he should know better? Luckily, there's a Xia Xuan-Xuan in the group. While her talent is neither good nor bad, she has this social commonsense that could make everything work. Hence, she was the elder's icebreaker, always the first to hear and know everything. Chen Tu didn't respond to Xia Xuan-Xuan's question instantly. Still, everyone here could see that Chen Tu's gaze was currently pointed at the pill mold. This reaction from Chen Tu can be partially translated to "look at the result yourself!" He stayed silent and observed the mold until it was completely cooled. Then, instead of inspecti