Social Circle

"Ahem, Ze Tian, be mindful of your behavior..."

Seeing that Zheng Zetian's hand was almost reaching under the disciple's inner garment, Song Dayou, who was at the helm, nearly capsized the boat and quickly sent a telepathic warning to him.

Meanwhile, Real Person whispered, "It's alright, it was my unworthy disciple who was being disrespectful and disturbing my junior brother's cultivation."

"Yes, Ling Chan has caught a cold and is feeling a bit dizzy. I'll take her back to her cabin to rest right away."

So Zheng Zetian simply picked Ling Chan up and carried her down from the cabin to the couch. He even wrapped her feet in a sheet, worried that she might catch a cold since she was dressed so lightly in silk and brocade.

As I was leaving, I heard Real Person softly laughing from the private room next door.

"Junior Brother Ze Tian, come here and talk to me."

"Yes, greetings, Master."

Zheng Zetian remained unfazed, Door Opening and venturing straight into the lion's den.

Okay, calling it a tiger's den is a bit of an exaggeration.

Inside the private room sat a cauldron of alchemy, its steam rising and emitting the finest incense. Real Person had removed her robes and lay on her side on the mat, wearing only white embroidered shoes. Her long, white, radish-like legs were spread wide, almost dizzying to behold. Her creamy-yellow undergarment embroidered with mandarin ducks playing in the water was also bulging, revealing her alabaster-colored shoulders, which were even more striking.

"No need to be so formal. We're all fellow practitioners of the Xuanmen sect. Come over here and sit closer."

The Real Person had a rosary wrapped around her hand, her beautiful eyes half-closed as she inhaled and exhaled, swallowing the swirling smoke and Daoist Dao Breath into her fragrant lips, then gently exhaling it from her mouth and nose. She repeatedly chewed, refined, and polished it, finally incorporating it into her Inner Landscape body. This was a superior Qi-refining immortal formula.

Yes, I've been nagging.

Zheng Zetian then walked to the waist of Real Person and sat down beside her thighs. He regulated his breathing and opened his mouth to receive a Dao Breath of Daoist energy exhaled from Real Person's cherry lips. He also refined it in his lungs, but out of politeness he could not absorb other people's energy. After passing through his meridians, he exhaled it again to help her refine it.

Real Person smiled gently, then stretched out his legs and nestled them into Zheng Zetian's arms.

"Judging from your instructions to my two maids on how to practice their internal energy, you seem to have a high level of skill. Could you please demonstrate this technique and instruct me as well?"

"How could I dare disobey the Master's orders?"

Zheng Zetian then directly embraced the real woman's feet, removed her embroidered shoes, and, with his fingers like playing a Dao Breath, blew Daoist energy while pressing and massaging the meridians and acupoints on her feet, guiding the Dao Breath to circulate.

"Woo!"

Real Person clearly hadn't expected this young man to be so skilled. A wave of numbness washed over him, his waist went limp, and he couldn't straighten up on the couch for a moment. He could only pant slightly and murmur softly, asking...

"... Eek, what kind of Qi circulation technique is this?"

"In response to the Master, it is indeed the secret transmission of Ink Bamboo Mountain, the Great Perfection Finger Technique of the Yuling Great Law Art."

Zheng Zetian first massaged her feet, then pressed down on her legs, and then reached out to stroke the inside of her thighs.

"Wait a moment..."

Real Person bit her lip and sat up, not caring that her undergarment was half-open and revealing her chest. She moved close to Zheng Zetian, lifted the Daoist's chin with both hands, and blew her Dao Breath onto his face.

"Junior brother, you are so young, yet you possess such profound skills. Are you a reincarnation?"

Zheng Zetian smiled and, without any hesitation, directly swallowed the Daoist Dao Breath. He then pulled Real Person's legs into his arms, secretly channeling his internal energy and combining it with lightning stimulation to deeply massage the meridians and muscles in her legs.

"Whether it's reincarnation or rebirth, for us cultivators seeking the Dao, it's like rowing against the current; if we don't advance, we fall behind. It's nothing more than doing our best and exerting our utmost effort. In truth, there's no difference, so why bother?"

Real Person Shuxin's face flushed slightly, and her beautiful eyes, gleaming with a hint of light, pressed on with a question.

"After my junior brother is reincarnated, will he still remember the grudges and affections of his past life?"

"Does the True Person Dao Companion who is to be reincarnated?"

Zheng Zetian glanced at her and understood what she was worried about. He helped Real Person adjust her thighs, asking her to maintain a lotus position. Then, he pressed himself against Real Person's back, gathering lightning power in his palms and fingers, and gently stroked her smooth back through the light gauze, pressing the acupoints on her spine. As he did so, he whispered in her ear...

"Rest assured, Master. After reincarnation and awakening, one remembers all past lives clearly. How could someone as ethereal and peerless as you be easily forgotten..."

Real Person was so comfortable from the massage of his shoulders and back that her eyes were glazed over. Suddenly, she felt a chill in front of her; her undergarment had been undone at the back. She immediately woke up, realizing that she had been almost naked and being held and played with by another man for a long time. How could she do this to her senior brother? She straightened up, crossed her arms to cover her chest, and said apologetically,

"Thank you for your guidance, Junior Brother. The Yuling Great Law is indeed wondrous. I have benefited greatly from experiencing it firsthand. However, I already have a cultivation Dao Companion, and the later secret techniques likely involve the inner sanctum, so there's no need for further instruction."

"Really? What a pity..."

Zheng Zetian touched Real Person's thigh, but instead of standing up, he pressed himself against her waist and whispered.

"Sister, actually, our senior brother won't know if we occasionally cultivate..."

Seeing that the boy was still groping around, Real Person knew that he had developed a taste for the fun and was now interested. She gave him a reproachful glare.

"Tch, shut up! You're just discussing matters with me, what do you take me for? Let go now!"

Zheng Zetian, however, simply lay down, resting his head on Real Person's lap, and grinned as if he were lazing in bed, clutching the pillow.

"Sister, that's not right. I revealed the sect's secret spirit-controlling technique for you, and you won't even give me a sip of soup. Then you'll turn around and use this secret technique to curry favor with your senior brother. Wouldn't I be at a huge loss?"

Real Person pressed her face against his thigh, breathing hot air as she spoke, sending shivers down his spine. He clenched his teeth, trying to suppress the sensation.

"What do you want from me? Some Cultivation Method manuals? Or Chan'er, Juan'er, which one do you fancy? Do you want me to give you one?"

Zheng Zetian smiled and suddenly pulled the undergarment from Real Person's hand.

"That little brat can't compare to my sister. Why don't you give me this as a keepsake?"

Real Person was unwilling to comply.

"This is a token of our love, how could I give it to you as a keepsake! If your senior brother finds out, you'll be dead! Alright, alright, let go, don't tear it. Here, take this as compensation..."

Real Person had no choice but to take off a jade bracelet from her wrist and offer an empty promise to appease him.

"Your master is still out there, so it's not convenient for him right now. Once you reach Tianyu Mountain, you can come and find me if fate allows."

"Oh, you're just giving me a bracelet... I want the one on your leg then..."

"Junior brother! Ouch, stop touching me like that! Okay, okay, I'll do as you say..."

After all that haggling, Real Person managed to navigate the chaotic world unscathed, managing to win over the junior brother from Ink Bamboo Mountain without a scratch. He didn't even give him a sip of soup, but directly acquired the dual cultivation manual, the <Yuling Great Law>, for the mere cost of a jade ring on his leg. Truly befitting an old Xuanmen sect member who Cultivation Method from immortal opportunities!

Of course, Zheng Zetian didn't feel like he had lost out. After all, he had taken the opportunity to gain several mouthfuls of refined Dao Breath from Real Person Shuxin. This Dao Breath was not like the evil energy that could be obtained by worshipping for a month. It had to be carefully refined. Therefore, if he wanted to use the <Azure Haze Azure Sky Heaven Origin Technique> to Foundation Establishment his core, he would have to do what he did last time and cultivate in seclusion in his dormitory at Tianyu Mountain for a month.

"Hey! You, how did you get out of Master's room! What are you doing again! That, isn't that jade ring Master's?! Give it back to me!"

Um?

When Zheng Zetian looked up, he saw Ling Bao blocking the cabin again, staring at the jade ring he was twirling on his finger, glaring at him angrily, his face flushed red, as if he had caught a cat stealing fish.

Zheng Zetian dodged the boy who rushed to snatch the treasure by swaying left and right, tricking him into moving aside. He then smiled and stuffed the jade ring in his hand into his pocket.

"What, junior brother, you want it? Oh, this was a gift from your older sister, it's still warm, I can't give it to you."

Ling Bao's eyes were bloodshot, and for some unknown reason, he immediately removed the gold ring from his neck.

"How dare you disrespect my master! I will kill you!"

Zheng Zetian's pupils contracted. The instant his opponent made a hand seal, he suddenly leaped forward, his toes landing on Ling Bao's knees. He kicked Lingbao twice in the back of his waist, knocking him to the ground on the spot. He snatched the golden ring magic weapon from Lingbao's hand, then stomped on Ling Bao's neck, making him gasp for breath, and subdued him in one fell swoop.

"You idiot! Just because your master spoils you doesn't mean you can kill anyone you see! You'd better change your ways in Ink Bamboo Mountain! Don't cause trouble for your sect!"

"Ah, senior brother! junior brother! What happened...?"

Ling Juan heard the noise and rushed over.

Zheng Zetian smiled and handed her the gold ring.

"It's nothing, Junior Brother Ling Bao just asked me to teach him a couple of moves."

"Give me some guidance? Do I need a magic weapon to give me guidance?" Ling Juan said angrily. "Ling Bao! Are you throwing a tantrum again?! Apologize to your senior brother now!"

"Aaaaaah--!"

Seeing that Master Ling Juan was siding with outsiders, Ling Bao even gave up his magic weapon and left in tears, probably because his Dao heart had collapsed.

Well, of course, since he was a pre-ordained vessel for reincarnation, his Dao heart was of little use when he was possessed.

"Senior brother, please excuse my poor appearance. Ling Bao has been spoiled since childhood."

Zheng Zetian smiled, gently brushed a strand of hair behind Ling Juan's ear, and pulled her close, saying...

"Junior sister, I've never been to Tianfu Mountain before. Why don't you tell me about your hometown?"

"Great idea! If you ever have the chance, Senior Brother, you absolutely must come to Tianfu Mountain. I'll take you to play in the Tianlong Pool Waterfall..."

People like new things, and Ling Juan was too lazy to bother with Ling Bao, that spoiled brat. Senior Brother Zheng was handsome, had high cultivation, good aptitude, and a pleasant voice, so of course she would play with him.

So the two went up to the deck, admiring the mountain scenery while chatting about the wonders and interesting stories of Tianfu Mountain. By the time Song Dayou came looking for them, Ling Juan was already playfully snuggling up to Zheng Zetian and whispering in his ear.

"Ahem. Ze Tian, come help me steer the ship..."

"Yes, Master. Junior Sister, I'll come find you to play again later."

"Okay, senior brother, I'll be waiting for you..."

Song Dayou watched speechlessly as his beloved, charming apprentice, reeking of perfume, drifted up to him.

"Ze Tian, although you've already reached the Golden Core realm, you should still be careful about your health when engaging in dual cultivation, but you still need to consider the impact of the tribulation of love..."

Zheng Zetian chuckled.

"Master, what are you saying? My body is still so young, how could I possibly be afflicted by a love tribulation? We are all fellow disciples of the Xuanmen sect. If we are destined to be together, we can cultivate together; if not, we won't force it. We'll just do as we please and find some fun."

Song Dayou was also helpless. After all, although he was decades older and had cultivated for many years, comparisons are odious, and he truly didn't understand this aspect...

"Sigh, you know what you're doing..."

"Yes, I will respectfully follow Master's teachings."

Zheng Zetian was well aware of the situation. Did you really think he had the leisure to fool around with women's bellies? In the end, he still couldn't beat that gossipy woman, Shuxin, in a head-on fight. He had just stripped her naked, trying to find a fatal Mingmen during their dual cultivation, but at the last moment, she remembered she had a senior brother and refused to continue. Zheng Zetian couldn't really force her.

So after thinking about it, I decided against it. If force doesn't work, I'll try a softer approach. I'll try to improve the master-apprentice relationship first, and then make my move when I find an opportunity later. If the company people really come after me again tonight, I might be able to take a few people down with me.

"By the way, Master, why did the Grand Master say that those Nangong are chasing after you? Did you raid their cave and steal some magical treasure? Or did you stumble upon some of their secret realms?"

Of course, Zheng Zetian wouldn't forget his main task of repeatedly rewinding time and space for the sake of a few women who temporarily joined the team, and he took every opportunity to inquire with Song Dayou about it.

"Oh, Nangong, hmm, now that you mention it, the last time we raided the Yushan Demon Cave, things really weren't normal. We encountered too many ambushes and ambushes along the way, and in the end, eight Nascent Soul Realm experts suddenly appeared and ambushed us. In the end, only Yuan Shishuai and I escaped from our team. My Holy Armor was completely torn to shreds..."

"Marshal?"

"Oh, Master Yuan Xuanbao, the commander of the Eighth Division of Moshan, my superior in the army. I thought the Demon Prince was chasing me so fiercely because he was after him. It turns out he was watching me..."

However, after that battle, not only the Grand Marshal, but also many officers above the Military Commander were seriously injured and went into seclusion. Ketu be transferred from Yushan to replace those from Moshan. This is indeed a bit abnormal. We need to be on guard."

Zheng Zetian understood, "Successor? So the Eighth Division of Moshan isn't eight divisions, it's the Eighth Division?"

"Ah, I haven't told you about these internal paths within the sects. Now that you've broken through to the Golden Core, it's time to mention it to you."

Song Dayou then explained,

"Whether you came through a stroke of luck or entered through the Outer Sect, as long as you cultivate to the Golden Core realm, you will generally be recognized as a formal disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain. Of course, most people still need to cultivate at Tianyu Mountain. For example, at Mozhu Mountain, one must learn the <Advanced> level of Taisu and cultivate to the Nascent Soul Realm to be considered a true Inner Sect disciple. Lou Guan also needs to reach the Nascent Soul Realm and pass the Xuanmen Examination to become the Lou Guan True Person Guardian."

However, these days cultivation is becoming increasingly expensive. If one is stuck at the Golden Core Perfected Realm, staying in Tianyu Mountain is not a good idea. If a disciple excels in the Six Arts or can get in touch with a family, they will be assigned to various departments of the sect, such as Heavenly Craft Peak and Qixing Peak, which are good at producing mechanical magic treasures. This will make it easier for them to find employment in the future.

Generally speaking, ordinary disciples without family support are more likely to enlist as Armored Soldier, fighting for their sect to eliminate surrounding demons and defend against invasions from external demonic forces.

Song Dayou took out a set of armor and showed it to Zheng Zetian as he changed into it.

"These mass-produced armors are treasures developed by the Grandmaster. Even Golden Core cultivators can hold their own against the Nascent Soul Realm cultivators when equipped with them. And those Nascent Soul Realm experts who are skilled in martial arts and have been practicing the Body Domination Technique day and night, when equipped with the specially made sacred armor from Heavenly Craft Peak, can unleash combat power no less than that of a Divine Transformation cultivator. They can easily slaughter those monsters and demons. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to regard the armor masters of Ink Bamboo Mountain as a cultivator army similar to the Divine Sect's Protectorate Army or the Immortal Palace's Heavenly Soldiers."

If the Oldest One organization were followed, recruits would start as Armored Soldier, and the leader of ten men would become a brave warrior, who would then be eligible to receive custom-made holy armor. Further accumulation of merit would allow them to become officers. For example, a centurion would become a Military Commander, a brigade of 3,000 men would become a brigade commander, and a division of 10,000 men would become a division commander.

Of course, currently it is said that there are eight divisions in Moshan and six divisions in Yushan, but in reality, the Armored Soldier in my Ink Bamboo Mountain is not that large. These divine weapons and armor are not easy to forge. They are just empty titles, and promotions are based on merit.

For example, if I register Armored Soldier in Yushan, eliminate demons and make meritorious contributions, and am promoted to brigade commander based on my merits, then if there is a vacancy ahead of me, the sect will give me a position to take over. If there is no vacancy, a new division will be formed for me to serve as brigade commander.

So, to put it bluntly, in terms of merit, everyone in Ink Bamboo Mountain is a sergeant, Military Commander, or a brigade commander. Those who deserve to be division commanders could easily expand to six or eight divisions. But in reality, there aren't that many people. I heard that there are only three thousand Tiger Warriors in total. In reality, they can't even muster three divisions. They usually organize divisions and brigades on a temporary basis, based on the manpower available during wartime, their respective ranks, and their skills."

Zheng Zetian, "Then I can sign up to Armored Soldier now and get a set of armor?"

Song Dayou smiled and patted Zheng Zetian on the shoulder,

"I only joined the army because I had no other skills. You're so smart, why don't you cultivate the Six Arts, or become an alchemist or mechanic? You could earn so much money that way. Why be Armored Soldier?"

"Don't worry, I've fought Nangong before. I can still afford your expenses at the Golden Core stage. Just True Cultivator and don't be tempted by sensual pleasures, lest you waste such a good talent."

Zheng Zetian was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Yes, I will follow Master's teachings."