A Change in Identity

"A low-grade magic item flying sword, a magic robe, three bottles of Golden Marrow Pills, and ten spirit stones can be collected monthly."

Zhang Qing brought Lin Chang'an to the main hall, his face beaming as he presented the sect's rewards and benefits.

Lin Chang'an replaced his previous understated grey attire with a brand-new black, fitted magic robe.

With his tall, well-proportioned build, handsome and steady demeanor, and refreshed appearance, Lin Chang'an flashed a confident smile, truly embodying the old saying that clothes make the man.

"Tsk tsk, junior brother, if you went to a flower house dressed like this, I bet those flirtatious girls wouldn't even charge you spirit stones."

Watching Zhang Qing shower him with compliments, Lin Chang'an knew himself best. If he weren't valuable, he wouldn't be getting this treatment.

"Senior Brother Zhang, you flatter me."

Zhang Qing laughed heartily, clapping his hands. "Junior brother, you don't need to trouble yourself with these kinds of pills anymore. Simple Ascending Dragon Pills can be refined by the subordinates."

"No need to refine them?" Lin Chang'an feigned confusion, while Zhang Qing laughed loudly, "Elder Lu is genuinely treating you well this time. The sect is preparing to nurture you."

"Handing these miscellaneous pills over to the subordinates, wasting a bit of resources is nothing. In the future, junior brother, you only need to focus on improving your alchemy skills."

Hearing this, Lin Chang'an revealed a look of sudden realization. Elder Lu was indeed extraordinary, knowing that talent was rare and focusing on cultivating him.

"Alright, from now on, junior brother will solely focus on cultivating and improving his alchemy skills."

Lin Chang'an's face was full of smiles. How could he refuse now? Besides, this suited his intentions perfectly.

With his talent, even in a major sect, they wouldn't lack such individuals, and the resources for cultivation would be limited. But if he went to a small sect, they wouldn't even have enough for themselves, let alone spare resources for him. Not squeezing him dry would be considered a act of kindness.

For a force like the Great Sword Sect, with sufficient accumulation of heritage and a pressing need to establish its foundation, someone with his talent was exactly what they needed.

There were drawbacks, of course. Neighboring forces would definitely not want to see him rise, and it wasn't as safe or stable as a major sect.

However, these were no longer his concerns. Lin Chang'an smiled, "Senior brother, I'm afraid I won't be able to help much with the sect's industries in the future, as my main focus is alchemy."

"Junior brother, you're too polite. The sect's industries have just been a bit busy recently, but once we get through this period, you'll find it's quite relaxed. It's only busy during the small market gatherings on specific days each year."

Zhang Qing waved his hand dismissively, as if to say they didn't need to be so formal, but in reality, he was secretly astonished. It seemed this junior brother Lin was truly valued by Elder Lu, otherwise, why would they be willing to invest so much?

But this was also good for the sect. Elder Lu had spent years painstakingly trying to advance the sect, even neglecting his own cultivation, all for the good of the sect.

"By the way, junior brother, you won't have to live outside the market perimeter anymore. The spiritual energy within the market is dense. Elder Lu has specially prepared a residence for you."

Zhang Qing led him out of the hall and directly into the market, taking him to the entrance of a small courtyard.

One had to realize this was within the market. Setting aside the spiritual energy density, there were countless cultivators eager to rent houses here for cultivation.

"Junior brother, don't let the size of this courtyard fool you. Remember, this is within the market. The Spirit Gathering Array arranged here makes the spiritual energy denser than where you were staying in the sect. For outsiders, you wouldn't even dream of getting it for less than ten spirit stones per month."

Good heavens! Lin Chang'an's eyes widened, and he couldn't help but click his tongue. Indeed, no matter the world, these upper-class individuals were masters of exploitation.

He hadn't expected to face exorbitant housing prices in this world too. Fortunately, he wouldn't have to worry about it this lifetime.

"Thank you both, Senior Brother and Elder Lu, for your kindness."

Lin Chang'an expressed his gratitude sincerely. After all, they were giving him magic items and a house. He loved this place.

"Junior brother, rest well today. Tomorrow, I'll take you to pick out some good servants."

Zhang Qing's accommodating demeanor made Lin Chang'an sigh with emotion. Indeed, the ancestors were right: in times of hardship, skilled workers wouldn't starve, especially someone with his particular skills.

"Li Han, have you heard? Brother Chang'an has been taken in as a disciple by Elder Lu."

Inside the glittering mine, filled with the smell of sweat, Li Han, who had been mining for a full six hours, was preparing to rest with his subordinates when Qi Feng excitedly told him.

"Where did you hear that news?" Li Han asked, looking puzzled. Qi Feng, who had come to relieve him, looked envious. "While you were mining."

Qi Feng's tone was clearly tinged with sourness as he said this, and Li Han was startled. Could this be true?

"We're toiling away in this dark, sunless place, while fellow Daoist Chang'an is already enjoying himself outside."

Qi Feng, full of envy, spoke with a sour tone. His eyes held no jealousy, only admiration, but he also knew the gap between them was now too vast.

The title of Elder Lu's disciple was enough to quell any unrealistic thoughts they might have.

Once the gap between people becomes too large, even jealousy fails to arise.

"Li Han, do you think Brother Lin still remembers us?"

Qi Feng uttered this with a hint of sourness in his voice. Li Han, upon hearing the news, was first shocked, then envious. As for jealousy!

They were both tricked into becoming slaves, yet you not only joined them but colluded with them. Although he wished he could, you suddenly became a high-ranking steward. What is this called?

Li Han also nodded with a hint of sourness, "Brother Lin shouldn't forget us."

However, his tone was somewhat shaky and insincere. If it were him, would he choose to help his former companions?

This was the Great Sword Sect, where everything was about profit. Were the two of them worth it?

The two exchanged glances, revealing a wry smile of envy. Their fates were truly different.

Just then, footsteps and commotion echoed from the depths of the mine.

"Which one is Qi Feng and Li Han?"

A sect disciple in charge of the mine's management arrogantly walked in. At this, the somewhat disheveled Li Han and Qi Feng exchanged glances, seeing the shock in each other's eyes, followed by excitement.

"I am Li Han!"

"I am Qi Feng!"

As the two shouted in unison, under the confused gazes of the surrounding cultivators, the steward looked at them and nodded with satisfaction.

"You two are also fortunate. Brother Lin even went to specifically request an audience with Brother Zhang Qing for your sake."

Now that Lin Chang'an had become Elder Lu's disciple, the steward was happy to curry favor. He explained the situation to the two, further praising Lin Chang'an.

Upon hearing this, Li Han and Qi Feng were moved, and a sense of shame welled up within them. Their thoughts earlier had been rather base; Brother Lin hadn't forgotten them at all. He remembered them as soon as he had advanced.

Thanks to Daoist 'Shore Flower Stir-fry Pork' for the 100 coin support, and Daoist 'Twenty-Four Bridges Moonlight Night Ah' for the 100 coin support.