Let the Dark Hall Matter End Here
Lu Ping quickly calculated that this simulation game hadn't even been running for a year.
Little B started to slack off at work.
Lu Ping chose A.
[You chose A.]
[You gazed calmly at the Floating Mechanism City, nodding slightly.]
"The Thousand Mechanisms Hub is even more perfect than it was back then."
[You're just making this up.]
Ye Zhi chuckled softly, a hint of pride flashing in his eyes.
"Brother Lu has a keen eye. Over the past century, the Sect Master has personally added several arrays to the central structure."
[The Flying Boat passed over the mechanical city and flew towards the highest Main Peak.]
"Brother Lu, according to the rules, newly appointed Guest Elders must meet with the Sect Master."
[Ye Zhi retracted the Flying Boat and landed you in the plaza in front of the main hall on the Main Peak.]
[You follow Ye Zhi into the main hall.]
The interior of the main hall was very spacious.
[In the deepest, most prominent seat sat a person.]
[Gongshu Ke, Sect Master of the Thousand Mechanisms Sect.]
He looked like an ordinary middle-aged scholar, dressed in a blue robe.
He was holding a piece of wood and slowly carving it with a small knife.
He did not raise his head, nor did he exert any pressure.
[But the moment you stepped into the main hall, the Golden Core within your body paused slightly.]
The Fire Crow Seed in my Dantian seemed to stir slightly before settling completely.
[The Spiritual Power circulating within the Azure Origin Dao Canon also showed obvious signs of stagnation.]
This is absolute suppression at the level of life.
[Spirit Transformation Stage]
[Options pop up.]
[A: Maintain a low profile and the proper demeanor of Golden Core cultivator facing Spirit Transformation.]
[B: Don't underestimate a young man's potential; actively release the aura of your Golden Core to demonstrate your indomitable will.]
[C: Immediately slide to his knees and shout, "I have wandered for half my life, only regretting that I have not met a wise ruler. If you do not abandon me, I am willing to become your godfather!"]
Option C unexpectedly caught Lu Ping's attention again.
However, Lu Ping still shook his head.
He had just fabricated a senior figure who played the game of the mortal world when Ye Zhi claimed the role and then tricked him into coming to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect.
If Lu Ping really dares to acknowledge a godfather, the Sect Master Gongshu Ke might actually take him in.
Then, when the time is right, use it to perform a ritual.
Lu Ping chose A.
[You chose A.]
[Salty Fish, in effect.]
[Your Golden Core, which had been agitated by the aura of the Spirit Transformation Stage, calmed down instantly.]
[Your State of Mind is as steady as a rock.]
[You lowered your eyes, followed Ye Zhi to the center of the main hall, and respectfully performed a junior's bow.]
"Junior Lu Ping greets Sect Master."
[Gongshu Ke's carving knife paused for a moment.]
He finally raised his head.
These are eyes completely devoid of any emotion.
His gaze swept over you.
"Lu Ping?"
[Gongshu Ke's voice was calm, echoing in the hall.]
Ye Zhi stepped forward, blocking most of Gongshu Ke's view.
"Sect Master, Brother Lu is a close friend I made during my early travels, despite our age difference."
"If it weren't for Brother Lu's help this time, I and my few good-for-nothing disciples probably wouldn't have made it back."
[Ye Zhi begins to recite for you.]
He gave a detailed account of the investigation into the massacre in the mortal village, as well as the encounter with the Dark Hall's ambush.
[Regarding your situation, Ye Zhi has simplified the details.]
Gongshu Ke listened quietly.
[His carving knife began to move across the wood again.]
[The sawdust fell little by little and dissipated.]
After Ye Zhi speaking, a long silence fell over the main hall.
[Gongshu Ke blows away the wood chips.]
He looked at Ye Zhi.
"Elder Ye, the Guest Elder you brought back is quite impressive."
His tone remained indifferent.
[But you inexplicably feel that this Spirit Transformation Stage Sect Master probably knows everything, yet he doesn't reveal it.]
[That's how it is with Great Sects.]
[Many things, we don't care whether they're true or false, we only care whether they're useful and worth acknowledging.]
[You saved Ye Zhi, you demonstrated the combat power to kill Nascent Soul cultivator, and you have a considerable reserve of Pills.]
That's enough.
[Gongshu Ke puts down the wooden carving he's holding.]
[This is the prototype of half a Mechanism Bird.]
"The matter of the Dark Hall."
[Gongshu Ke spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an unyielding will.]
That's all.
"You should stop investigating."
[Options pop up.]
[A: Respectfully agrees, going along with the situation.]
[B: Shouts loudly, "You old scoundrel Gongshu, could this matter be related to you?!"]
[C: Submit a "Case Closure Report on the Dark Hall Incident," request reimbursement for travel expenses, and apply for workers' compensation.]
Looking at Little B, Lu Ping smiled.
I laughed in exasperation.
Little B is getting more and more outrageous.
However, Lu Ping immediately hesitated. Could this be the option closest to the truth?
Therefore, Lu Ping chooses A.
[You chose A.]
[You bowed your head, your voice respectful.]
"I understand."
Ye Zhi's expression shifted, revealing a hint of resentment.
[But looking into Gongshu Ke's emotionless eyes, he ultimately lowered his head.]
"I will respectfully obey the decree of my Sect Master."
Gongshu Ke picked up his carving knife again.
"Elder Ye's injuries have not yet healed; please return and rest."
As for Elder Lu...
[Gongshu Ke slightly turned his wrist, and another Array Patterns appeared on the wooden carving.]
"Now that you've joined my Thousand Mechanisms Sect, Elder Ye, you can arrange the proper treatment for yourself."
[After Gongshu Ke finished speaking, only the soft sound of a carving knife scraping wood remained in the hall.]
[Ye Zhi bowed and accepted the order, then led you out of the Main Hall.]
[Ye Zhi led you all the way to the Thousand Mechanisms Sect's Alchemy Hall.]
[It's called the Alchemy Hall, but it actually only occupies a side peak.]
Compared to the flying bridges and mechanical cities outside, this place is pitifully simple.
[A few Alchemy Chamber, a medicine storehouse, and several Earthfire.]
[An old plaque still hangs at the entrance of the hall, which reads "Alchemy Hall".]
[Looking at these three words, you inexplicably feel a sense of familiarity.]
Goodness!
[The Thousand Mechanisms Sect is such a large, technology-driven sect, yet its Alchemy Hall seems to have the feel of an outsourced department.]
[Compared to your Greenwood Sect, it's only slightly more upscale.]
[Really, only a tiny bit.]
Ye Zhi.
"Brother Lu, please don't find it too simple."
"Our sect is founded on Mechanism Arts, but we are indeed somewhat lacking in Dao of Alchemy."
Before you could even speak, a gray-robed cultivator emerged from the main hall.
His hair was disheveled, and he was clutching half a charred herb in his hand.
However, his cultivation level is only at the Nascent Soul Realm.
Upon seeing Ye Zhi, he bowed first.
Elder Ye.
[Then his gaze fell on you, first scanning your waist token, then your cultivation level.]
[Ye Zhi explained,]
"This is the newly Guest Elder Lu Ping, who will be affiliated with the Alchemy Hall from now on."
The old man in the gray robe frowned.
"Guest advisor?"
"The Alchemy Hall?"
"Elder Ye, although we are not as grand as the other halls, this is not a reception area."
Ye Zhi's face remained unmoved.
"Hall Master Yi, Brother Lu's alchemy skills are quite impressive."
Hall Master Yi tossed the charred piece of grass into the medicine basket beside him.
"What level is 'not bad'?"
"Level 2?"
"You'll still be able to refine a few batches of healing pills, even if your alchemy skills aren't bad?"
Several Alchemists peeked out from inside the door.
The way they looked at you showed curiosity, but also a hint of resentment.
[The Thousand Mechanisms Sect's Alchemy Hall has few people, but even with few people, there are still rules.]
[A Golden Core cultivator from out of town, who actually acts as Guest Elder, immediately claims a place here, occupying cave abode, Earthfire, and offerings.]
[No one would feel comfortable in that situation.]
[Options pop up.]
[A: Discreetly produce the Third-Grade Alchemist Certificate and complete the formalities according to procedure.]
[B: They started refining elixirs on the spot, smearing their faces with the aroma of the elixirs.]
[C: Take out your resume, apply for the position of Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall, and request Hall Master Yi to recuse himself from the scene.]