Chu Feng was in a foul mood. At Chu Chong’s words, he glanced over, a flicker of understanding and indifference in his eyes.

’How could I not know what he’s thinking?’

Still, with Song Xiang dead, he did need someone to handle miscellaneous tasks. Chu Chong might not be as capable as Song Xiang, but he was his cousin, after all. At least he could be trusted.

After a moment’s thought, he waved his hand, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

"Fine. For now, you can take over Song Xiang’s duties of resource allocation. Be careful, and don’t make any mistakes."

Chu Chong was overjoyed and quickly bowed in acceptance.

"Yes! Cousin, rest assured. I will do my utmost and not disappoint your trust!"

’Song Xiang is dead,’ he thought. ’From now on, the position of number one man by my cousin’s side will be mine.’

"Mm, you may go."

Chu Feng rubbed the bridge of his nose and sank back into his chair, closing his eyes. He couldn’t hide the exhaustion on his face.

"I will take my leave."

Taking the hint, Chu Chong said no more and respectfully exited the study.

Once again, Chu Feng was alone in the study.

He leaned against the back of his chair, his mind a chaotic mess.

The threat of Fang Han was a sword hanging over his head, while the elusive "Thousand Hands Thief" was a thorn in his side, leaving him unable to eat or sleep in peace.

’He had clearly made it onto the Celestial Pride List, and the situation was excellent. How did it all suddenly take such a sharp downturn?’

...

「True Inheritance Courtyard, Villa Thirty-Five」

After reassuring his anxious maids and servants with the news of his return to the top thirty, Fang Han went back to his room under their awestruck gazes.

’6,450 Contribution Points.’

Fang Han infused a sliver of Inner Qi into his True Inheritance Token, and a number appeared upon it: 6,450.

After collecting his ranking rewards at the beginning of the month, he had 6,850 Contribution Points. He then spent some on four bottles of True Spirit Pills, bringing the total down to 6,450.

As his Cultivation advanced, his monthly consumption of True Spirit Pills had increased from three bottles to four.

’I’m still short three or four thousand Contribution Points...’

A contemplative look flashed in Fang Han’s eyes.

His Wind Shadow Annihilation Sword had reached the Realm of Perfection and could not be advanced further. If he wanted to continue improving his swordsmanship, exchanging it for a High Grade Swordsmanship technique was the only choice.

A top-level Martial Technique from the Sect’s Library Pavilion typically cost around ten thousand Contribution Points.

He currently had 6,450 Contribution Points, meaning he was still short by about three or four thousand.

’In a few more days, I can collect the ranking rewards for True Disciples...’

Fang Han made a quick mental calculation.

As the sixteenth-ranked True Disciple on the main list, the Contribution Point reward he would receive at the beginning of next month would be substantial—more than enough to reach ten thousand.

With only a few days left until the start of the month, he dismissed the idea of borrowing Contribution Points.

There was no need to owe someone a favor over this; he just had to wait a few more days.

’For the next few days, I’ll focus my main efforts on the Flowing Wind Shadowless Step.’

Fang Han made up his mind.

His Swordsmanship had already reached Perfection and couldn’t be improved for the time being. Meanwhile, as a critical technique for survival and combat, the importance of his Body Technique was self-evident.

He couldn’t let the gap between it and his Swordsmanship grow too large; he had to catch up as soon as possible. From now on, he would use the time he’d normally spend on Swordsmanship to practice his Body Technique.

Over the next few days, Fang Han adjusted his Cultivation plan.

He would cultivate his Inner Qi in the mornings and evenings, and practice the Flowing Wind Shadowless Step in the forenoons and afternoons.

Just like the Wind Shadow Annihilation Sword, once the Flowing Wind Shadowless Step reached the Great Success level, the difficulty of practicing it increased dramatically, and his progress inevitably slowed.

However, this "slowness" was only relative to his own usual pace.

In fact, his Cultivation speed in both Swordsmanship and Body Technique had always been extremely fast.

Compared to others—even the top figures on the Sect’s Celestial Pride List—his pace could only be described as exceedingly quick.

A few days passed. Although he was still a ways off from breaking through to the Realm of Perfection, the feeling of steady progress was still fulfilling.

One afternoon, just as Fang Han finished his Body Technique practice and was about to return to his room to meditate, the maid Qiu Lan approached with light steps, holding a gilt-edged invitation card.

"Senior Brother, someone at the gate delivered this invitation. They wish to see you."

Qiu Lan presented the card with both hands.

Since Fang Han had become a True Inheritor, he often received invitations from powers outside the Sect, either for banquets or simply from those wishing to curry favor and build connections.

Fang Han’s policy was to decline whenever possible, unwilling to waste his precious time on pointless social engagements.

He took the card casually and glanced at the signature, but his hand paused mid-motion.

"Baisan City... the Xu Family? Xu Rong?"

The signature on the card read, "Respectfully, Xu Rong of the Baisan City Xu Family."

A nostalgic look flickered in Fang Han’s eyes.

The Xu Family of Baisan City... He remembered this family.

Back when he was still a nobody, the Xu Family had invested five thousand silver taels in him.

At the time, those five thousand silver taels, while not exactly life-saving, were still a considerable sum that represented a gesture of goodwill.

He had always remembered this favor.

Now that the Xu Family had come knocking, a meeting was certainly in order.

"Tell the person who delivered the card that I will have time tomorrow morning."

Fang Han instructed Qiu Lan after a moment’s thought.

Compared to those powers who were only trying to curry favor, he was willing to show some courtesy to the Xu Family, who had previously shown him kindness.

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Qiu Lan acknowledged the order and left.

"Take my Token, go to Tingyu Hall, and retrieve a file on the Xu Family of Baisan City."

Fang Han called over a servant and gave the order.

Though he valued old connections, he was not a man without principles.

Before meeting Xu Rong, he needed to understand the Xu Family’s current situation to avoid them making an unreasonable request or getting him entangled in unnecessary trouble.

"Yes, Senior Brother."

The servant took the Token and hurried away.

「The next morning.」

In the living room, a middle-aged man dressed in a brocade robe sat somewhat awkwardly in a guest’s seat. He had a prosperous-looking face and shrewd eyes that held a hint of nervousness.

Upon seeing Fang Han enter, he scrambled to his feet, his face breaking into a smile that was both enthusiastic and respectful. He cupped his fists in a salute.

"I am Xu Rong of Baisan City. I hope True Inheritor Fang will forgive my presumptuous visit and for disturbing your peaceful Cultivation!"

"Patriarch Xu, you’re too kind. Please, have a seat."

Fang Han gave a slight nod and walked to the host’s seat, his tone placid.

A maid had already served fresh, fragrant tea.

"Congratulations, True Inheritor Fang, on becoming a True Inheritor of the Qingxuan Sect. Your name is now known throughout the Commandery City."

Xu Rong adopted a very humble posture, his words dripping with obvious flattery.

"Patriarch Xu, you flatter me. I have not forgotten your past assistance."

Fang Han got straight to the point, his gaze calm as he looked at Xu Rong.

"May I ask what brings you here today, Patriarch Xu?"

"True Inheritor Fang is a straightforward man, so I will be direct as well."

Seeing how direct Fang Han was, Xu Rong hesitated for a moment before deciding not to beat around the bush. He stood up, bowed once more, and said with a sincere tone,

"I have come on behalf of the Xu Family of Baisan City to humbly request that we be allowed to pledge our allegiance to you. We are willing to offer thirty percent of our family’s annual income in exchange for your protection, True Inheritor Fang!"

With that, he performed a deep bow, his attitude exceedingly humble.

"Pledge allegiance to me?"

A flicker of surprise showed in Fang Han’s eyes.

According to the intelligence report, the Xu Family was currently thriving and had no pressing reason to seek a backer.

His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest as he asked,

"Patriarch Xu, as far as I know, the Xu Family’s business is flourishing, and you hold considerable prestige in Baisan City. It doesn’t seem like you’re in any major trouble. Why the sudden desire to find a backer? And... why me?"

"True Inheritor Fang sees clearly. The Xu Family is indeed not facing any immediate crisis."

Xu Rong straightened, his expression shifting to one of certainty.

"But I have been a merchant for many years and know the value of preparing for a rainy day."

"Furthermore, you are a peerless talent, True Inheritor Fang. You became a True Inheritor after only a year in the Sect. Your future is bound to be limitless. The Xu Family is betting on your potential!"

He looked at Fang Han, his gaze sincere.

"To be honest with you, True Inheritor, from the moment we first met, I knew you were destined for greatness. That was why I made the investment of five thousand silver. Now it seems my judgment was not mistaken!"

Fang Han listened quietly, his eyes deep in thought.

Xu Rong’s words were surprisingly frank. He was betting on his potential, looking to make a long-term investment.

Although he was now a revered True Inheritor, the Sect’s monthly stipend consisted of Contribution Points and precious resources. He actually didn’t have much disposable money.

As for his own family, he was reluctant to ask them for too much.

Having a subordinate power would provide a steady annual income that could be used for daily expenses, or even to purchase items without having to waste Contribution Points. It was an excellent proposition.

The Xu Family had approached him on their own initiative and had shown goodwill in the past, which made them a suitable choice.

The thirty percent revenue share was standard for subordinate powers within the Sect; it was neither too high nor too low.

After a moment of consideration, Fang Han made his decision.

He looked up at the nervous Xu Rong and spoke slowly.

"Since you hold me in such high regard, Patriarch Xu, it would be ungracious of me to refuse."

"I agree. From now on, the Xu Family will be under my protection."

Upon hearing this, Xu Rong’s face erupted with irrepressible ecstasy. His body trembled with excitement, and he quickly performed another deep bow.

"Thank you, True Inheritor Fang! Everyone in the Xu Family will know their place and will never cause you any trouble! In the future, whatever you command, the Xu Family will carry it out with all its might!"

A great weight was lifted from his heart, and he was filled with bright hopes for the future.

For the Xu Family, pledging allegiance to a True Inheritor of the Qingxuan Sect—and one so young, with such limitless potential at that—was undoubtedly like finding a solid mountain to lean on.

Even with giving up thirty percent of their annual income, the benefits far outweighed the costs!

"Rise."

Fang Han made a gesture as if to help him up.

"I won’t disturb your peaceful Cultivation any further. I will take my leave now!"

Taking the hint, Xu Rong stood up and took his leave.

Fang Han watched Xu Rong’s departing figure, his expression placid.

Compared to the gold-devouring beast that was his system panel, the Xu Family’s share of income was but a drop in the ocean.

Accepting the Xu Family’s allegiance was merely a way to secure more readily available funds.

He rose, walked out into the courtyard, and once again immersed himself in practicing the Flowing Wind Shadowless Step.

His movements were ethereal, as swift as wind and lightning.

...

「Morning.」

Fang Han finished his morning Cultivation, slowly retracting his power.

A sharp glint shone deep within his eyes. The Inner Qi from his Profound Wind Technique had grown noticeably stronger.

Although the leap from the Late Stage of Sixth Grade to Fifth Grade required a massive amount of accumulation, far more than breaking through a minor Realm, at his current rate of Cultivation, it probably wouldn’t be long before he broke through again.

’Today’s the first of the month!’

He calculated the date. Today was the first of the month, the day the Sect’s resource quotas were distributed.

At this thought, even someone with Fang Han’s disposition couldn’t help but feel a faint flicker of anticipation.

This anticipation wasn’t just for the generous Contribution Point reward, but also for the rare monthly resource exclusive to True Disciples.

Last month, he had received a bottle containing ten Vajra Pills.

After consuming and refining all ten Vajra Pills, he had clearly felt a significant change in his physique.

His muscle fibers had become tougher, his bone density had increased, and the resilience of his skin and even the endurance of his internal organs had all improved across the board.

He roughly estimated that his pure physical strength had increased by at least thirty percent!

This immediate physical enhancement had tangibly solidified his foundation and deepened his reserves.

Having experienced the miraculous effects of the Vajra Pill, Fang Han was even more eager to see what rare resource would be distributed this month.

He wondered if there would be more Vajra Pills this month.