Chapter 25: The Ways of the World

Having resolved the matter concerning Xu Ze, Su Yi returned to his residence. Finding nothing else to do, he simply summoned his interface.

He had already completed the task for the third level of Qi Refining, and a new quest had refreshed in the task bar:

"You have overcome countless hardships to join the Xianxia Sect, a path of cultivation that is gradually getting on track. Having broken through to the third level of Qi Refining, you are one step closer to fulfilling your wish."

"Deep down, you yearn to return to your family with the dignity of a Foundation Establishment cultivator and slap the faces of all those clansmen who once looked down on you."

"Now, you must continue your efforts and distinguish yourself among the new disciples."

"Task Goal: Hunt a Qi Refining stage demonic beast in the back mountains of the Xianxia Sect. The beast must be at least at the third level of Qi Refining."

[Task Difficulty: Three Stars (Average)]

[Task Rewards: 150 points, 5 Superior Grade Qi Recovery Powders, 300 Low Grade Spirit Stones...]

Looking at this "pure and authentic" task, Su Yi’s heart remained completely calm. This brainless system had never let him down; the tasks had been exactly like this all along. By now, he understood that the system’s tasks were a chain; finishing one triggered the next. As long as he was patient and diligent in completing them, things like spiritual roots, aptitude, spirit stones, elixirs, artifacts, treasures, techniques, and insights were all within his reach.

It truly was a system designed specifically for the counterattack of a loser, with rewards tailored in a 360-degree, all-encompassing fashion for such a person. Even a pig could take flight with these rewards, let alone a human.

Yet, despite these rewards being excellent, why couldn't he bring himself to be happy?

Su Yi looked down at his servant's uniform and sighed softly.

"Ever since this damn system arrived, it’s been hard for me, a Holy Son, to maintain any shred of dignity. If I’m not bullying the weak, I’m on my way to doing so. My integrity has been shattered into pieces..."

After a brief moment of melancholy, he shook his head, stopped dwelling on it, and raised his hand to set up a warning barrier in the room before entering a state of meditation.

Every cultivator must practice. He had been running around these past few days and hadn't spent much time on it.

As his mental cultivation technique circulated, the golden core within his body shimmered with countless rays of light, swirling in colors, as if a magnificent spiritual energy was brewing inside, ready to burst forth at any moment...

The next day, at the Xianxia Sect’s Herb Garden.

A middle-aged deacon spoke to Su Yi with a serious expression:

"Zhang Yi, from today onwards, you are responsible for working in Elder Qu’s herb garden."

"If there is anything you don't understand, you may ask the senior brothers and sisters in the garden. But remember to keep to your duties; you must not pick any spiritual herbs without permission, or you will face severe punishment according to the sect rules."

"Thank you for the reminder, Deacon Shibo, I will certainly do my best," Su Yi said, cupping his hands in a salute.

"Good. Work hard. If you have any issues or don't understand something, you can find me at the Outer Sect Deacon's office." After giving his instructions, the middle-aged deacon looked toward another male cultivator surnamed Lin standing nearby. "Junior Nephew Lin, I will leave him in your care. Please show him the ropes of the herb garden. I shall take my leave now."

"Yes, Deacon Shibo."

The male cultivator surnamed Lin watched the middle-aged deacon leave, then looked at Su Yi with a gentle, smiling gaze.

"Junior Brother, my name is Lin You, and I am the Outer Sect disciple responsible for guarding this herb garden. Since you are new here, let me take you around."

"Then I thank you, Senior Brother Lin," Su Yi replied politely.

Lin You walked ahead, leading him into the herb garden while talking.

"Since Deacon Li personally escorted you here, it shows that you are well-regarded in the Outer Sect. Your future is truly limitless."

Hearing this, Su Yi muttered to himself. This guy seemed to be praising him, but in reality, he was probing for information. If Su Yi had been overly modest or failed to grasp the hidden meaning, this person would likely have sent him to do menial labor in the worst parts of the garden without hesitation.

Thinking of this, he smiled, showing a shy, bashful expression.

"Senior Brother is too kind. Thanks to the generosity of Elder Mo, who specifically requested that I come to this herb garden to work, I was actually quite anxious when I heard the news. I was terrified that I wouldn't be up to the task and would fail to live up to his high expectations."

"In fact, I am still fearful, worried that if I don't perform well, I will waste Elder Mo's cultivation. I have sworn to make something of myself here so as not to disappoint him, and I am already thinking of how to repay the Elder's kindness as soon as possible."

Su Yi admitted it straightforwardly, because before arriving, Deacon Li had asked him similar questions, and he knew his placement in the herb garden was specifically arranged by Mo Shenglin. In such a situation, to deny having backing would be to wait to be cooked like a turtle in a pot. Even if he didn't have backing, he would have had to lie; since he actually did, it was even easier. Compared to Senior Sister Ziling of the Inner Sect, Elder Mo, who held authority over all Outer Sect affairs, was clearly more intimidating.

He wasn't lying, after all. He was simply stating the facts, and as for the rest, it was merely adding a touch of artistic flair.

Seeing Su Yi’s sincere expression, the corners of Lin You’s mouth twitched. The flattery was so intense it almost made him nauseous. *How can this guy be such a sycophant? If he can do it behind someone's back, he must be even smoother to their face. No wonder he's valued.* Of course, he couldn't comprehend the powerful art of "humble-bragging"—he would never grasp its essence in this lifetime.

Although he was annoyed, Su Yi’s words made it clear that his backer was Elder Mo. Lin You had no choice but to feign happiness and act politely, even with a hint of deference.

"It is good that you have that mindset, Junior Brother Zhang. We are all of the same sect, so if you need any help in the future, just speak up. I will certainly do my best."

The Xianxia Sect’s herb garden was adjacent to the back mountains and covered a vast area. Apart from the servants and Outer Sect disciples, there was an Inner Sect disciple at the Foundation Establishment stage responsible for guarding it, preventing demonic beasts from the back mountains from intruding and damaging the spiritual herbs.

Most of the demonic beasts in the back mountains were intentionally kept by the Xianxia Sect for disciples to practice on. Their levels were generally low, mostly in the Qi Refining stage, with very few at the Foundation Establishment stage.

"This herb garden belongs to Elder Shou of the Pill Pavilion. He spends most of his time in seclusion refining pills and ignores worldly affairs. If the Pill Pavilion is short on herbs, he sends his disciples to pick them."

"Also, remember never to approach that small building. Senior Sister Fu of the Inner Sect does not like to be disturbed."

Lin You pointed to a small building inside, and Su Yi couldn't help but take a few extra glances at it.

After the two finished touring the garden, Lin You led him to the edge of a small plot of spiritual fields.

"Junior Brother Zhang, you can start by taking care of this patch of Emerald Leaf Grass. You only need to water it with spiritual spring water morning and night. You can spend the rest of your time cultivating in the garden."

This plot was about a hundred feet square, planted with a medicinal herb called Emerald Leaf Grass. The leaves were a vibrant green with a translucent luster. Since there was a spiritual spring not far away, watering the entire plot would take less than half an hour; it was ridiculously easy.

Although he was still somewhat dissatisfied, this was the easiest job available. Su Yi shook his head, accepting his fate.

*Working is working, at least I have time now. That way, I can complete tasks and cultivate.*

Now that he was on the verge of forming his Nascent Soul, he was desperate to test what would happen if he made a breakthrough while in a state of continuous epiphany. Of course, that would require a massive amount of points.

*I hope this damn system can hold up...* Su Yi thought to himself.