Chapter 132: Chapter 102: Shifting Stars

Chen Qing’s heart stirred. He cupped his fists to the surrounding disciples again. “Senior Brothers and Sisters, if you’ll excuse me.”

With that, he passed through the crowd and walked toward the courtyard gate, from which emanated the scents of medicinal herbs and sandalwood.

He pushed open the unlatched courtyard gate.

Li Baichuan was not meditating on a cushion, nor was he playing chess at a low table. Instead, he sat cross-legged before a massive Astrological Birth Chart.

The Astrological Birth Chart was drawn on a special material, its myriad stars shimmering with a faint light.

He was holding a few ancient Turtle Shell Copper Coins, facing a certain position on the chart. He seemed to be divining something, not even looking up when Chen Qing entered.

Chen Qing stood quietly to the side and did not disturb him.

After about the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, Li Baichuan slowly set down the turtle shells in his hands, his gaze shifting from the Astrological Birth Chart to land on Chen Qing.

Those eyes, which contained a profound glint, lingered on Chen Qing for a moment, as if they could pierce through flesh and bone to gaze directly into his Dantian Sea of Qi.

“Mm, not bad.”

Li Baichuan nodded slightly and smiled. “Your foundation is quite stable, and your Cyan Wood True Qi is well-condensed.”

The Cyan Wood Institute had not seen a disciple advance to the Embracing Pill Realm for over a year, and many Elders had been grumbling about it.

Thus, Chen Qing’s breakthrough was a boon for the entire Cyan Wood Institute.

How could he not be pleased?

“It is all thanks to the Heart Method you bestowed upon me, Master Li. I did not dare to slack off,” Chen Qing said with a bow.

“Did not dare to slack off?”

Li Baichuan’s lips twitched in a faint, unreadable smile. “There are many diligent disciples in the Cyan Wood Institute, but not many… who can reach the Embracing Pill Realm.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Chen Qing once more. “Embracing Pill is just the beginning. The application of True Qi, the integration of Martial Techniques, the Evergreen Qingmu… its value lies in longevity. Do not be impatient.”

Chen Qing replied solemnly, “I will remember Master Li’s teachings.”

“Mm.”

Li Baichuan waved his hand, his gaze returning to the Astrological Birth Chart. “You may go.”

“Yes. I will take my leave.”

Chen Qing bowed once more and quietly exited the courtyard.

The encouragement just now had felt like a mere formality, without any special favor shown.

’I thought Master Li might bestow some benefits or guidance upon me. It seems I was overthinking things.’

’For a man as greedy as Li Baichuan, getting any benefits from him is nothing but a fool’s dream.’

After Chen Qing left, only the faint light of the Astrological Birth Chart and the lingering scent of medicine remained in the courtyard.

Li Baichuan’s eyes were slightly closed, his Heart and Spirit seemingly wandering far away.

A moment later, he slowly opened his eyes and muttered to himself:

“The stars shift thrice, the palace of fate rotates… When will the calamity end? When will enlightenment come?”

……

Just as Chen Qing stepped out of the rear courtyard, Xu Qi came up to greet him with a smile.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother Chen, on officially stepping into the Embrace Pill Realm. From now on, you are a pillar of our Cyan Wood Institute.”

Xu Qi’s tone was much warmer and more sincere than before, carrying a hint that he now considered them peers. “Now that you’ve reached Embracing Pill, you should report to the Affairs Department. For an Embracing Pill Disciple, it’s not just a simple increase in Cultivation. The corresponding rights, responsibilities, and benefits come with it.”

Chen Qing was well aware of Xu Qi’s intentions.

Luo Xinyi and Xu Qi had long been vying for the position of Chief Disciple of the Cyan Wood Institute.

This position represented the Cyan Wood Institute to the outside world, held a status comparable to an Elder, and was even a candidate for the future Dean of the Cyan Wood Institute.

Li Baichuan had no interest in worldly affairs and had never established this position before. The two of them were fighting openly and covertly, trying to win over the Embracing Pill Disciples within the institute, all for the sake of this role.

As they walked, Xu Qi explained in a low voice, “The Wutai Sect is a massive enterprise, controlling twenty-seven cities in Yunlin Prefecture. It needs a large number of Steward-level experts stationed in various places to maintain operations and deter troublemakers.”

“As a Steward, you receive a fixed monthly stipend from the Sect. In addition to the monthly salary in silver, there are also special Elixirs made by the Sect that are highly beneficial for cultivating Embracing Pill Force, as well as a share of Treasure Fish, which are rich in pure blood-qi.”

“More importantly, there’s the status! The position of Steward means you are officially integrated into the Sect’s power structure. When you are out in the world, you represent the face of the Wutai Sect. It becomes much more convenient to acquire resources and gather information. Of course, you must also bear the corresponding responsibilities.”

Chen Qing listened silently and nodded.

’The Sect is no Charitable Hall. If it cultivates you, it naturally expects you to contribute.’

’This Steward position is both a benefit and a responsibility, and more importantly, a stepping stone into the Sect’s inner circle.’

Through Xu Qi’s explanation, Chen Qing then learned about the classifications of a Sect Steward’s duties, which fell into four main categories.

The first type was the Sect Patrol Steward, responsible for patrolling important Sect locations like the mountain gate and the periphery of the Armory. The duty was tied to the Sect’s safety, and though not very dangerous, it was extremely tedious and mentally draining.

After all, the Sect’s security was of the utmost importance and could not tolerate the slightest mistake.

The second was to be stationed as a city Captain, overseeing the Wutai Sect’s local influence, and responsible for collecting taxes, apprehending criminals, suppressing powerful local families, and dealing with any cults that might appear.

This role came with immense power and great responsibility, requiring one to be self-reliant and granting a high degree of autonomy.

Pang Qinhai was an example of this type.

However, to become a Captain, one needed five years of experience as a Steward in addition to sufficient strength.

The third was the Mine Inspection Steward, responsible for supervising mining operations, accounts, and security. These posts were in remote locations with harsh environments.

The last one was the Fishery Steward, responsible for managing the Treasure Fish Fishery, patrolling and guarding it, preventing theft, and ensuring the Treasure Fish grew properly.

The environment was relatively stable, located within the core circle of the Sect’s influence, and was widely regarded as a cushy job.

Having spent time at the Fishery, he naturally knew about the perks of the job.

Ye Rong’Er rarely patrolled on normal days, usually dispatching Chen Qing instead. When her friends visited, she would even go to the Fishery to grab a few Treasure Fish for a feast.

After all, a Fishery was not small, and there was no shortage of Treasure Fish. The Sect wouldn’t investigate such a small loss.

These were all perks of being a Fishery Steward.

Chen Qing thanked Xu Qi and then made his way to the Affairs Department.

The place was bustling with people, mostly disciples and Stewards handling the Sect’s daily affairs. The atmosphere was serious and busy.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep