Chapter 107: The Celestial Workshop Steward

First, naturally, he would replace the two low-grade magical instruments he currently wielded—one offensive and one defensive—with two medium-grade ones of the same types.

Second, he planned to purchase high-grade spirit talismans, especially life-preserving ones, to protect himself and ensure escape if necessary.

Thirdly…

He pondered for a long time but couldn’t come up with a third course of action.

Learning higher-grade spells would take too long; if he bought them now, by the time he mastered them, it would be at least a year later—offering no tangible help for his imminent journey to Qingyuan Immortal City.

With no solution, he shook his head, choosing not to dwell on it.

Traveling with Wei Fan, another late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, there was little to fear. Even if danger arose, he could rely on life-preserving talismans to escape.

In actual combat, maintaining his current late-stage Qi Refining strength would suffice.

Equipped with two medium-grade magical instruments—one offensive, one defensive—and several high-grade talismans, He Song’s combat capability was reasonably assured.

At the very least, he wouldn’t be easily defeated.

Reassured by this, He Song breathed a sigh of relief, replaced his instruments, and purchased the necessary talismans. With over a thousand spirit stones on hand, he could afford all these preparations.

“Brother Wei, since Elder Meng has invited us, when shall we set off for Qingyuan Immortal City? If it’s urgent, I can start preparing immediately,” He Song asked.

No need to sell spirit rice this time, so naturally, he inquired about their travel plans.

Meng Guan was in Qingyuan Immortal City, so they had to hurry.

After all, Meng Guan’s time was running short.

He would turn sixty in less than a month, and aimed to breakthrough Foundation Establishment before then. That short span was critical.

Meng Guan needed to be in peak condition to attempt the breakthrough.

“Things have come up rather suddenly,” Wei Fan said thoughtfully, glancing occasionally at He Song, still amazed at his rapid breakthrough. “We should prepare a bit and set off tomorrow morning together. With both of us going, there’s little to worry about.”

Suddenly, Wei Fan slapped his forehead.

“Ah, right. Since you’ve successfully reached late-stage Qi Refining, if you choose not to leave Zhushan Immortal Workshop, you can take up any department’s steward position at will. The Workshop will also assign you a courtyard.”

“I wasn’t aware,” He Song replied, looking at Wei Fan.

Wei Fan’s eyes flickered with a brief joy.

He Song’s breakthrough meant he now had a friend who was also late-stage Qi Refining.

Naturally, as He Song’s friend, Wei Fan could count on him if trouble arose. Their little circle—once only comprising He Song, Wei Fan, and Meng Guan—was now fully late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.

Thus, if difficulties came, none of them would stand alone.

It truly was the saying: “One hero needs three helpers.”

Wei Fan already guessed whether He Song would stay at Zhushan Immortal Workshop.

Given He Song’s cautious nature, it was highly likely.

If so, their combined presence as two late-stage Qi Refining figures would increase their influence within the Workshop.

“This visit was precisely to discuss this matter,” He Song said when Wei Fan asked.

Having just stabilized his cultivation and arriving at the Spirit Construction Pavilion, his aim was clear: to advance his position and move into the inner circle of the Workshop.

He had once lived in Wei Fan’s small courtyard and never forgot its benefits.

Not only was the spiritual energy richer there, but the facilities far surpassed his current residence.

Most importantly, the courtyard allocated to him came without rent!

This saved him all housing costs permanently.

As long as he didn’t leave, he could live there indefinitely—a tremendous boon.

However, it was a bit too close to Master Cheng Shan.

Most inner courtyards of the Workshop fell within Master Cheng Shan’s divine sense scan range.

He Song needed to pick a courtyard farther away, or else Master Cheng Shan’s divine sense might detect something.

After all, the Maze Formation was only an entry-level array—it couldn’t block divine sense scans.

This was also why He Song avoided placing his spirit field near frequently trafficked areas.

Only by staying outside the divine sense range of Master Cheng Shan or other Foundation Establishment cultivators could his anomalies remain unnoticed.

Alternatively, if he could obtain an array formation capable of shielding divine sense, then location wouldn’t matter.

But…

After completing the introductory study of array techniques, He Song had sought information on advanced array knowledge.

He learned that advanced arrays required joining the Thick Earth Sect or purchasing from someone with spirit stones.

With no other choice, He Song abandoned further array study, focusing instead on cultivation and entry-level talisman arts.

This was why his cultivation advanced so rapidly.

“Don’t mention it. I can report your steward appointment for you. When the time comes, just show your token at any department to assume the position. As for the courtyard, you may choose freely,” Wei Fan said, seeing no sign He Song intended to leave the Workshop.

As if prepared, he took two items from his storage pouch: a token and a map.

“Carry this token to claim a steward position anywhere you wish.”

“All courtyards not marked on this map are available for selection. It’s best to choose one near the center where spiritual energy is denser,” Wei Fan advised, placing both on the table.

He Song accepted the token and examined the map.

His gaze shifted swiftly to a quiet courtyard somewhat remote, over three li away from Master Cheng Shan.

Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Even at the early Foundation Establishment stage, their divine sense coverage extended roughly two li.

To avoid living under such scrutiny, He Song had to pick a courtyard sufficiently distant.

Fortunately, Foundation Establishment cultivators seldom extend their divine sense unless investigating or fighting.

Divine sense scans consume spiritual power and are greatly disliked by those being scanned.

In the cultivation world, scanning others with divine sense was a grave taboo.

(End of chapter)