The initiation ceremony concluded.
Two geniuses emerged, reaching the summit of the Heaven-Climbing Stone Steps, an unprecedented event since the founding of the Qingyuan Sect.
The news spread swiftly throughout the sect, as if it had wings.
Main Peak of Qingyuan Mountain, Inner Affairs Hall.
"This year, we have four new True Disciples."
"I heard that the elder hasn't taken a disciple in fifty years. Could it be that he's thinking of training a successor?"
"You weren't there. That girl is as beautiful as a Heavenly Immortal... Ahem, that's not the point. The main thing is she reached the summit of the Heaven-Climbing Stone Steps in just a few breaths! She's a prodigy."
"Wasn't there another person who reached the summit?"
"Uh, that person became a disciple under Elder Shang Wu."
"Hiss!"
The Inner Disciples in the Inner Affairs Hall were enthusiastically discussing over tea.
When they heard someone had joined the Ninth Peak, they all leaned back tactically, with strange expressions and a hint of sympathy in their eyes.
This kid is doomed.
"Alas, if he hadn't been in the same cohort as that girl, he might have been considered a candidate for Sect Master."
"He has talent, but no luck."
Someone sighed.
The other Inner Disciples nodded in agreement.
As they were talking, they suddenly put down their teacups and stood up straight, greeting respectfully:
"Greetings, Elder Qian."
The Short Fat Elder nodded:"I've brought some newly initiated True Disciples to collect their items.
Also, the first month's salary should be distributed in advance, according to the standards set by each peak."
The Short Fat Elder was named Qian Bufan, the Inner Affairs Elder of the Qingyuan Sect.
Within the sect, he was one of the highest-ranking elders.
Because inner affairs also included finances.
'This is a favor, mainly because of Ying Bing...' Li Mo understood, but still bowed to Qian Bufan:
"Thank you, Elder."
"Sigh, there's no need to thank me."
Qian Bufan turned slightly, not accepting the bow.
Li Mo was puzzled.
But he soon understood why.
The initiation items were quickly distributed: two sets of finely crafted Cloud-Pattern Robes and a waist token made of red copper, all standard issue from the sect.
The monthly salary was more nuanced.
"Murong Xiao, residing at Divine Weapon Peak, monthly silver of five hundred taels, one Hundred-Forging Hammer, and two bottles of Jade Bone Pill."
"Lin Ye, residing at Ruyi Peak, monthly silver of three hundred taels, and two bottles of Tranquility Pill."
An Inner Affairs Disciple brought two trays.
Then he looked at Ying Bing, his expression becoming much more respectful: "Ying Bing, residing at Qingyuan Main Peak, monthly silver of one thousand taels, one Fine Coldiron Sword, two bottles of Pure Yang Pill, and ten Vein-Cleansing Herbs..."
The Inner Affairs Disciple rattled off a long list.
Other disciples passing by all showed envy.
The treatment of the Sect Master's True Disciple was enough to make anyone drool.
But it wasn't over.
The disciple continued:"The Sect Master has ordered that you may choose an additional residence for your exclusive use, and you can select it yourself."
A private residence!
This was a privilege usually reserved for stewards who had contributed to the sect.
Besides having an excellent environment for martial arts practice, it was also a symbol of status.
"Autumn Water Pavilion."
Ying Bing said without hesitation.
"Uh, alright, I'll record it for you, Junior Sister." The Inner Affairs Disciple was momentarily stunned, then nodded.
"What about me?"
Li Mo pointed to himself, thinking he had been forgotten.
"Junior Brother is from Qunyu Peak, and, well, your peak has prepared..."
The Inner Affairs Disciple handed over a thick ledger.
'Could it be a divine technique manual? It's so thick...'
Li Mo opened it curiously, only to see it was filled with entries like:
"Jingtai Year 162, March, Qunyu Peak advanced ten jars of Apricot Blossom Wine."
"Jingtai Year 164, September, dismantled Rare Beast Peak's beast cages, resulting in the escape of 52 exotic beasts."
***
It was densely packed with debt entries.
Li Mo: "?"
A bunch of question marks appeared over Li Mo's head.
"Isn't this a mistake?"
"No mistake."
Elder Qian Bufan sighed and said, "The resources for True Disciples from each peak are provided by the peaks themselves, not uniformly distributed by the sect.
Qunyu Peak has not provided any resources to its True Disciples. Moreover, Junior Nephew Shang Wu has advanced many items from the Inner Affairs Hall. When you have time, take this ledger to her and ask her to settle the debts."
"This whole thick book is just debt?"
Li Mo's mouth twitched.
So while others receive benefits, I have to bear debts?
Qian Bufan nodded and kindly advised, "By the way, there should be no place for you to stay on Qunyu Peak. You'd better make plans early and build yourself a grass hut or something. The materials... can be requested from the Inner Affairs Hall."
"Grass hut?"
Li Mo fell into contemplation.
He never imagined that after joining the Qingyuan Sect and becoming a True Disciple, he would end up homeless.
Am I a fake disciple?
"Stay with me."
Suddenly, Ying Bing spoke softly.
Li Mo's body trembled, and he turned back, unable to discern any emotion from her cold face.
Is this still the ice block I know?
"Autumn Water Pavilion has an excellent environment. You two could make a fine pair of celestial lovers." Qian Bufan patted his belly, a hint of a teasing smile on his face.
So Elder Qian is a shipper.
"Uh, Elder Qian, you're overthinking it."
Li Mo shook his head.
"Huh? Aren't you two a couple?"
Old Qian was taken aback.
He had heard they were childhood sweethearts, joined the Qingyuan Sect together, and both became True Disciples. Ying Bing even specifically said Li Mo should stay with her today, which seemed like cohabitation.
These days, who shares a room without a special relationship?
"Uh..."
Before Li Mo could speak.
Ying Bing's voice had already sounded: "No."
Her tone was casual, but it sent a chill down one's spine.
"You misunderstood."
Li Mo waved his hands repeatedly.
Then both of them fell silent.
The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat awkward.
"Getting old, I tend to gossip, please forgive me." Qian Bufan chuckled, smacking his lips, looking somewhat disappointed.
Li Mo smiled wryly, withdrawing his gaze from Ying Bing.
Is the ice block beautiful?
Describing her as a beauty capable of toppling cities and nations wouldn't be an exaggeration.
But... she's too cold.
Cold in both personality and physical presence.
Thinking of this, Li Mo couldn't help but sigh.
His feelings for this cold childhood sweetheart were more of pity than admiration.
In his memory, she wasn't like this initially; it was only after a family incident that she became this way.
If he were in her shoes, Li Mo doubted he could remain optimistic and gentle.
Across from him.
Ying Bing shook her head almost imperceptibly.
Heaven and earth are indifferent, the martial path is long.
In her past life, countless outstanding individuals pursued her.
But if she hadn't severed her emotions and desires, focusing entirely on ascending the martial path, she wouldn't have reached the pinnacle.
In this life, she maintained the same unwavering determination to pursue the path.
***
Nestled by the mountain and water, the scenery was picturesque.
The pavilion was three stories high, with an attached courtyard, a clear spring flowing through the middle, exuding an ancient elegance and natural beauty, standing out among other pavilions.
At this moment, the door of Autumn Water Pavilion was opened.
Two people walked in, one behind the other, the young man carrying large bags.
"This house is well built."
Li Mo was satisfied with the new living environment, feeling a bit sentimental.
Previously, Ying Bing had stayed at the Li Clan, living under someone else's roof.
Now, the roles were reversed.
He turned around, seeing Ying Bing gazing at the courtyard, lost in thought.
"It seems like no one has lived here for a long time. Let's clean up first."
Li Mo surveyed the surroundings.
He walked around but couldn't find any cleaning tools.
Ying Bing suddenly said, "The broom is under the stone bench in the flower garden."
Li Mo bent down and indeed found a broom.
"You go boil some hot water."
Ying Bing tied up her hair with a ribbon, speaking naturally.
As if she had lived here for a long time, seamlessly becoming the mistress of Autumn Water Pavilion.
She didn't do it on purpose.
But her movements while sweeping had a certain grace of someone accustomed to being in a position of power.
Alright, I've become a diligent little housekeeper.
Li Mo pouted, saluting, "Following orders from above."
Though he knew the ice block was always like this, he couldn't help feeling a bit unwilling.
Well, as a male with a strong sense of pride, that's normal.
***
The steaming hot water was ready, poured by Li Mo into a large redwood tub.
[Congratulations to the host for successfully investing in a tub of bathwater, helping the investment target clean their body.]
[Received investment feedback: one gold bar.]
The gold bar from the system was quite hefty.
Li Mo was silent for a moment, then called out to the courtyard:
"One tub of bathwater isn't enough, I'll heat more for you!"
***
Night fell.
The next day.
Li Mo woke up as usual, glancing at the frozen solid room next door, then went into the kitchen to make breakfast.
His recent widespread investments had provided him with many strange returns, including a variety of foods that just needed heating.
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When the sun was fully up, Li Mo brought out soy milk and buns, and the ice block was already sitting there.
Her lips were still bloodless, her face as white as snow.
Describing her as stunningly beautiful was more than fitting.
Not long after breakfast, a booming voice came from outside:
"Is Junior Niece Ying Bing here!"
Opening the door.
An old man sat on an ancient, grand carriage, with four carvings on its eaves, exquisite yet simple.
"I am the Sect Master's coachman."
The Old Coachman beamed, "By the Sect Master's order, I'm here to take you up the mountain. From now on, I'll be the one to pick you up. There are many buildings on Qingyuan Peak, and you might have trouble finding your way."
Wow, the Sect Master's carriage.
Li Mo thought, no wonder it looked so grand.
Look at that, now that's the treatment of a True Disciple.
He, on the other hand, would probably have to walk up the mountain.
"Thank you."
Ying Bing nodded, and after getting on the carriage, she lifted the curtain and said:
"Li Mo, before you head to Qunyu Peak, you might want to prepare some good wine."
Leaving those words, the carriage sped away.
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