"Young Master Zhu."

Situ Kongli emerged from her hiding place, approached, and gave a slight bow:

"We meet again."

"Indeed." Zhu Ju looked toward the other person:

"And you are?"

"Xie Changge, a Demon Catcher," the man, whose brows were lined with wrinkles but who had lost none of his charm, said.

"And also a Swordsman."

As he spoke, his gaze fell upon Zhu Ju’s waist.

"Young Master Zhu, your Sword Control Method comes in part from that Ten Thousand Swords Map, doesn’t it? I never thought someone could actually comprehend the Divine Soul Sword Control True Technique from it."

"A Demon Catcher?" Zhu Ju ignored his curiosity, nodding as he spoke:

"It seems the Situ Clan has gained the support of the Demon Catchers. In that case, you should be able to eradicate the General’s Mansion in one fell swoop."

"You jest, Young Master Zhu." Situ Kongli gave a wry smile:

"The General’s Mansion isn’t the real issue. The true trouble is the Celestial Capital Sect. That is why the Situ Family sincerely hopes Young Master Zhu will lend us his aid."

’Judging from the power Zhu Ju just displayed, although he isn’t a True Man, he’s far beyond any ordinary Great Mage.’

’If we can secure his help, our strength will increase dramatically.’

"It seems I haven’t made myself clear enough."

Zhu Ju said, "I have no intention of getting involved in your conflict with the General’s Mansion. Miss Situ, there is no need to waste your efforts."

"Farewell!"

"Wait!" Situ Kongli’s beautiful eyes flashed, and she reached out a hand to stop him.

"Young Master, you don’t need to fight. Just observe our Combat. Once the Situ Family has dealt with General Wan Zhengyang, would you consider becoming a Guest Minister in our mansion?"

"Oh?" Zhu Ju raised an eyebrow.

"You’re confident you can defeat the General’s Mansion?"

"We have to take the gamble," Situ Kongli said, shaking her head.

"If we succeed, would you be willing to become a Guest Minister for the Situ Family? You wouldn’t have to face major enemies, just handle some minor troubles."

"As a show of my sincerity..."

She took an object from her person.

"These are some of Kongli’s personal insights on the Skin Painting Technique. I hope you will accept them."

...

"Situ Kongli."

Back in the Main World, Zhu Ju was lost in thought.

’That woman is quite remarkable.’

’As a woman, she maneuvers politically to gather allies from all sides, and she’s a Mage herself. Truly extraordinary.’

’But this also shows that the Situ Family has no worthy successors, forcing a woman to be their public face.’

’No wonder Wan Zhengyang rebelled.’

’Just observing the battle... There’s no harm in that.’

Taking out the book of insights on the Skin Painting Technique, Zhu Ju smiled freely, then took out the ’Inner Core’ once more.

An Inner Core could be used for Alchemy or consumed directly.

Using it for Alchemy would require finding a Pill Master, and he would have to explain the item’s origin, which would inevitably lead to trouble.

He might even be targeted by those with ill intentions.

As for consuming it...

He currently had doubts about the authenticity of this ’Inner Core’. He feared that consuming it might leave behind hidden dangers.

’Looks like there’s only one option left.’

An Outer Pill!

This was a Method recorded in the Artifact Refining Truth: refining a Demon Beast Inner Core into an Outer Pill, which was similar to a Magical Artifact.

An Outer Pill was equivalent to a Cultivator’s second Dantian. It could store and supply True Qi, increasing one’s personal strength.

However, it couldn’t be used to advance one’s Cultivation.

*

*

*

Spring and Autumn Cliff.

This place was one of the eight scenic spots of Dragon Head Peak.

Standing here, one side was filled with the vibrant renewal of spring, while the other was swept by bleak autumn winds and scattered with colorful falling leaves.

It was named for possessing the beauty of both spring and autumn.

「On this day.」

A number of figures dressed in white robes with gold trim appeared on the cliff, some in groups of three or five, others in pairs.

"Go on!"

Pei Jingque gestured.

"This is a tradition of the Bright Void Sect’s three lineages. Every few years, we gather the Inner Sect Disciples to foster camaraderie."

"Three lineages, one Sect. This has been true since ancient times and will never change."

"This gathering is being held on our Dragon Head Peak, so you must all act as gracious hosts. Do not neglect your senior brothers and junior sisters."

"Yes," all the Inner Sect Disciples of the Dragon Head Lineage replied in unison.

Zhu Ju blended into the crowd and looked around. The Flying Phoenix Lineage was mostly female disciples, a lovely and lively sight.

The Celestial Sword Disciples mostly carried themselves with a dignified air.

And around him...

...were all unmarried young people of a suitable age.

’A mixer for the three lineages?’

Zhu Ju blinked.

He hadn’t guessed wrong. This gathering was indeed to foster relationships among the disciples of the three lineages, but also to create opportunities for the young ones.

They were all at an age of vigorous Qi and Blood and restless hearts. If any of them took a liking to each other, the Sect would be happy to facilitate a marriage.

"Three lineages, one Sect" couldn’t just be a simple slogan; it had to be put into practice.

If disciples interacted with each other and married, there would be no distinction between them, which would naturally dilute the existence of any single lineage.

Pei Jingque scanned the crowd of young people, a smile gracing his lips, then turned and quietly departed.

The Sect elders were happy to see Inner Sect Disciples from different lineages get married.

If disciples from the same lineage developed feelings for each other, it might be frowned upon out of fear it would affect their Cultivation. But if disciples from different lineages announced their intention to marry, the Sect would never object and would even present a gift at the wedding.

But Core Disciples were different.

Every Core True Inheritance disciple was a Dao Foundation Seed. Unless they had truly lost all chance of advancement, the matter of romance was under extremely strict control.

This wasn’t just due to the fear of it affecting their Cultivation, but more importantly, because the core teachings absolutely could not be leaked.

Not even to a different lineage within the same sect!

Thus, most Core True Inheritance disciples remained single, only considering marriage after establishing their Dao Foundation.

"Senior Brother Zhu."

Ning Ruxue moved closer to Zhu Ju and said in a low voice:

"The news about establishing a Marketplace has been confirmed. Sect Disciples have priority in purchasing shops."

"Oh?" Zhu Ju asked.

"How many Spirit Stones?"

"The cheapest shops are four thousand, with some costing tens of thousands," Ning Ruxue said.

"Senior Brother, how many Spirit Stones do you have on hand?"

?

"The minimum is four thousand Spirit Stones?" Zhu Ju couldn’t help but exclaim.

"That’s enough to buy a High Grade Spiritual Artifact! You aren’t actually planning to get a shop, are you?"

"It’s a rare opportunity," Ning Ruxue said, rubbing her hands together, eager to give it a try.

"It’s expensive, but the returns will be just as generous. If I take the gamble, I won’t have to worry about Cultivation resources ever again."