Chapter Thirty-Two: What Was Seen

“What?” Luo Tian was somewhat surprised and delighted—he hadn’t expected to meet him here.

On second thought, though, it made sense; the job of a menial guide was usually taken by new outer disciples, those who had just reached the first stage of Qi Condensation. Although it took time and didn’t offer much contribution, it was safe and not particularly tiring. It seemed that he, too, had grown familiar with the power of the first transformation of Qi Condensation and chosen to venture out for some experience.

“What are these people doing here?”

Hearing Luo Tian’s question, he paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. “Senior Brother Luo, you really don’t care much for matters outside yourself, do you? You’ve been a menial servant for two years, spending most of your time instructing newcomers and sleeping. No wonder you don’t know.”

He was simply resting his eyes.

Luo Tian felt somewhat dismissive of the comment. No doubt all the menials thought the same. It was hardly fitting for the bright image of a senior brother—he’d have to be more mindful in the future.

“They’re ordinary folk, here to deliver supplies to the Shenyang Sect.”

His tone was calm, unmoved by the sweat running down their faces and the stoop in their backs, as if describing something utterly mundane.

“Delivering supplies?” Luo Tian frowned. “Don’t we have menials for that?”

“Senior Brother Luo, you’re truly devoted to cultivation, with little concern for the hardships of the mortal world,” he said with a wry smile and a slight shake of his head. “The so-called menials are actually undergoing a kind of tempering for new disciples. Their work is useful, yes, but it only meets the general needs of most people.”

Luo Tian was a bit puzzled. “What do you mean?”

“You see, the stronger a cultivator, the higher their demands for living and cultivation environments. The spiritual energy that fills this place is drawn in by the Spirit Gathering Array. Though it’s had its faults recently, and the cause remains unknown, ultimately, it’s all to create an optimal training ground for cultivators like us.”

Luo Tian nodded slightly.

He continued, “But when it comes to food and drink, cultivators’ requirements are different from ordinary people. For example, the flesh of spirit beasts, spring water, certain rare spices, and dishes that require a chef of particular skill—sometimes even specially trained cooks—these are all beyond what menial disciples can provide.”

How is that any different from the privileged class back in my previous life?

Hearing his explanation, Luo Tian was left somewhat speechless. Privilege existed everywhere; you just didn’t notice it unless you reached that level yourself.

“So they’re just made to serve like this?”

Even though he understood, Luo Tian still felt somewhat powerless as he asked, not sure if the question was for himself or for this world.

“Senior brother, you misunderstand—this isn’t servitude.” He shrugged and explained, “To us, breathing in the world’s spiritual energy is second nature, but it’s different for them. To enter the Shenyang Sect and breathe in pure spiritual energy for half a day is like a stroke of fortune! Without exaggeration, this trip could extend their lives by months and make them physically stronger. What’s more, the sect pays them well, so they have no complaints.”

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth was vitality itself. Though humans were born of it, they also had a great need for it. Even ordinary people, if they stayed long enough in a place suffused with such energy, would find their bodies improved.

Though it sounded like a good thing, Luo Tian couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable.

“There’s more, Senior Brother!” he added, seeing Luo Tian’s keen interest. “If you keep wandering around here, you might come across other deliveries—minerals, jade, even rare spirit stones.”

Endless resources flowed into the sect, which in turn used them to strengthen itself, select talented children from among the commoners, and amass great wealth.

Luo Tian’s fists clenched involuntarily.

“Senior brother, don’t dwell on these details,” he said, noticing Luo Tian’s distracted look, his mind clearly elsewhere. Wasn’t this just the natural order of things? “I heard you advanced to the fourth transformation of Qi Condensation right after becoming an outer disciple? That’s truly impressive. Just like before, you made rapid progress at the start—who knows if…”

He stopped abruptly.

There it was—bringing up old wounds, rubbing salt into them.

“It’s fine.” Luo Tian waved it off without care. If the Divine Eye’s advancement was too slow, he’d just have to wait until his experience was full. Otherwise, reaching the Vein Flow stage would be pointless—he wouldn’t be able to guide others or even handle his own affairs.

“So, Senior Brother Luo, have you been instructing others in cultivation lately?” he asked, relieved at Luo Tian’s unconcerned expression. Luo Tian had never been quick to anger, and he didn’t seem bothered by the remark.

“There are a few,” Luo Tian replied, thinking of Tang Yueran, Li Yang, and Yang Qing.

And that was it.

So few, and so pitiful.

Luo Tian felt a bit dejected. His path as a senior brother was still a long and arduous one.

“Would you like me to rally everyone to support you?” he ventured.

Luo Tian liked being called senior brother; everyone he’d guided knew this. As outer disciples, calling Luo Tian “senior brother” was perfectly proper—no one could slight them for it. Besides, Luo Tian’s ability to instruct others remained, and after becoming an outer disciple, he’d advanced three levels in just ten days—who could match that? He truly deserved the title.

“Support is fine, but only if you genuinely find problems in your cultivation. If you just gather round and shout a few words, it loses all meaning,” Luo Tian replied earnestly. If he couldn’t help others solve real problems, he wouldn’t gain any experience. He had to put a stop to any such empty gestures.

“Senior brother…” His companion was stirred, at a loss for words.

On the mountain path, the porters edged carefully along the side, moving upward. When they saw Luo Tian and his companion, they recognized them as disciples of the Shenyang Sect and greeted them respectfully, not daring to block the way.

His companion took it all in stride, but Luo Tian, though his face betrayed nothing, felt a heaviness inside.

The task hall was bustling, though it was neither the early morning nor late-night rush. Clearly, many disciples had gathered.

Luo Tian had just handed in several completed tasks and was preparing to take on new ones when an administrator called him aside.

Inner disciples often held various positions within the sect—not only did it earn them easy rewards, but it also spared them the danger and fatigue of venturing out. It was certainly a good arrangement.

“Senior Brother Chen, is something the matter?” Luo Tian asked respectfully. He knew this disciple—Chen Shuanghui—by name.