Got Work

Watching Gu Feiyan’s alluring figure disappear into the distance, Qin Gou clicked his tongue in amazement.

What a ruthless woman; trying to “steal her heart” would be a nightmare.

No wonder the task’s rewards were so generous. That damned system really had it in for him.

“So, this is where you are.”

The black-robed elder reappeared after being absent for over half an hour, pulling Qin Gou onto the spirit boat and taking him to a quiet room.

“After discussing with the Sect Master, everything is settled. If you achieve greatness in the future, don’t forget the kindness of this old man who recognized your talent,” the elder laughed heartily, placing a black oil lamp on the table.

“Of course,” Qin Gou replied politely, feigning sincerity.

The elder gestured to the black oil lamp, “Give me a drop of your essence blood.”

“And this is?” Qin Gou asked, eyeing the lamp with curiosity.

“This is our sect’s unique Soul-Chasing Lamp. Once your essence blood is added, the sect will always know your location. If you’re attacked, the lamp will signal us to aid you. Unless you’re instantly killed, the lamp will react,” the elder explained, watching Qin Gou intently.

Qin Gou chuckled, “And it prevents me from betraying the sect.”

The elder paused, then laughed loudly, “Exactly. This is no small matter, as you’ll be learning our sect’s founder’s supreme technique!”

Qin Gou nodded, saying no more. He used his spiritual energy to draw a drop of essence blood from his fingertip, sending it toward the elder.

The elder flicked his finger, sending the blood into the lamp, which flared with an eerie green flame.

He stored the lamp and placed an ornate box on the table, saying, “Guard this well. It’s the first copy of our sect’s secret manual. Do not lose it.”

Qin Gou took the box, stood, and bowed, “I won’t disappoint you, Elder.”

The elder led Qin Gou to a modest courtyard, saying, “According to the Sect Master, you’ll live with new disciples until you master the first layer of the secret technique. Only then will you be the sect’s top seed, above the chief disciple. During this time, you must not reveal your identity or our plans.”

“I understand.”

“With your Enlightened Dao Body, mastering the first layer should be easy,” the elder grinned. “The sect won’t treat you poorly. If you need anything or succeed, come to me.”

“May I ask your name, Elder?” Qin Gou inquired respectfully.

“Remember it well, I’m Yuan Zhen, the second elder of the Seed Demon Holy Sect!”

With that, Elder Yuan Zhen laughed and left.

Entering the room, Qin Gou found it empty. He retrieved the box from his spatial ring and opened the manual.

The cover was blank, and the first page was filled with complex diagrams.

“System, what’s this technique called?” Qin Gou murmured.

“Ding. Insufficient data. The system store doesn’t have this manual.”

“Really?” Qin Gou exclaimed. “Your store even sells the ‘Turtle Punch’ used by kids for 1 merit point, but not this?”

“Insufficient data.”

“Can I cultivate this technique? Any hidden traps?”

“Scanning.”

“Scan complete. It’s safe to cultivate. No adverse effects. However, without data, you can’t use merit points to comprehend it.”

Qin Gou smiled, “Good.” He began studying the manual.

“Ding. Congratulations, Host, for scaring the mighty Purple Extreme Demon Lord Zhao Xinting into releasing a mysterious liquid. Reward: 500 merit points.”

Qin Gou looked up, tears welling in his eyes.

Can tears fall?

In this materialistic, cold world, such selfless care still exists? Zhao Xinting, my prized disciple, keep it up. Next time, aim for a torrent; that would be the greatest gift for your master.

The door opened.

Four sect disciples carried in an injured youth with bloody legs, chatting as they entered.

“Elder Wu was too harsh. Brother Shen just talked back, and now his legs are ruined.”

“Didn’t you know? The sect’s always been like this, survival of the fittest! Elder Wu was merciful today. He could’ve killed Brother Shen, and no one would bat an eye.”

“We’re new disciples; it’s normal not to know the rules. If I’d known, I’d have stayed a bandit.”

“Leave? That’s betrayal. You’d be dead before you knew it.”

“Ouch, my legs… Brothers, anyone have healing pills? I’ll repay you a hundredfold!”

“Brother Shen, we’ve been here less time than you. How could we have such rare items?”

“But without healing pills, my legs are ruined! My cultivation path is over! Elder Wu, you’re so cruel!”

Brother Shen cried out in agony.

Qin Gou smiled. Here was an opportunity.

Helping the weak and aiding the world is a Heavenly Master’s duty. These merit points can’t be missed.

Qin Gou hid the manual and approached.

The disciples eyed Qin Gou suspiciously, “Who are you?”

“Brothers, I’m Qin Gou, a new disciple,” Qin Gou smiled slyly, producing a small bottle of healing pills from his spatial ring. “If Brother Shen doesn’t mind?”

Suddenly, Brother Shen, with broken legs, mustered the strength to snatch the bottle from Qin Gou’s hands.