Zhou Xuan stared at the data panel before him, a tempest raging in his heart.
The system could actually enlighten living people!
The significance of this discovery was far greater than he had imagined.
If the system's abilities had previously given him the means to establish himself in this cultivation world,
then this discovery had practically opened a door to infinite possibilities!
He could help others improve their cultivation, heal their injuries and illnesses, and even improve their Spirit Root aptitude!
What did this mean?
It meant he could cultivate a group of subordinates who were absolutely loyal to him!
It meant he could establish a force of his own in this world of cultivation, where the weak were prey to the strong!
At the same time, however, Zhou Xuan keenly sensed the enormous risks hidden within this power.
If this secret were exposed, what awaited him would certainly be no happy ending.
Countless powerful cultivators would do everything they could to capture him and force him to serve them.
By then, he would no longer be in control. He would be a tool kept captive by others!
Zhou Xuan took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the excitement and fear in his heart, then refocused his gaze on Zhou Ye.
Now was not the time to worry about distant dangers. The opportunity right in front of him was what mattered most.
He carefully examined the system's enlightenment options, rapidly weighing their pros and cons.
Removing the Pill Poison and repairing the Meridians were the most basic options. They probably wouldn't cost too much Gold Touch Value.
Replenishing his qi and blood and improving his cultivation would cost more, but the effects would be more noticeable.
As for repairing and improving the quality of his Spirit Root, that option was tempting, but Zhou Xuan guessed it would cost an astronomical amount.
He had only a little over seven hundred Gold Touch Value to his name, so he had to spend it carefully.
I'll give him a little taste of the good stuff first.
Zhou Xuan made up his mind.
Looking at Zhou Ye's eyes, full of hope, he spoke slowly. "I have one life-saving Detoxifying Pill left. I can help you, but you need to understand that there's no such thing as a free lunch."
Zhou Ye nodded repeatedly. "I understand! As long as I can stay in the Sect and keep pursuing the path to immortality, I'll do anything you ask!"
Zhou Xuan nodded in satisfaction. After rummaging around on himself, he took out a Pills, then feigned deep thought as he looked at Zhou Ye, appearing extraordinarily hesitant.
Seeing this, Zhou Ye dropped to his knees. "Brother Zhou, I swear by my Heart Demon that, as long as you cure me, I'll follow your lead in everything!"
Zhou Xuan hurriedly helped Zhou Ye up and handed him the Pills. Zhou Ye took it and swallowed it without the slightest hesitation.
Zhou Xuan issued a command in his heart.
"System, enlighten Zhou Ye. Choose direction one: remove Pill Poison and repair the Meridians."
[ Ding! Enlightenment commencing. Estimated Gold Touch Value cost: 100 points. Confirm? ]
One hundred points? That was less than Zhou Xuan had expected. It seemed that although the Pill Poison in Zhou Ye's body was stubborn, it wasn't too severe.
"Confirm!"
[ Ding! Enlightenment successful! Pill Poison in target's body removed. Damaged Meridians repaired. Gold Touch Value consumed: 100 points! ]
The instant the system notification sounded, Zhou Ye's body jolted!
He could clearly feel the poison that had plagued him for years vanishing at an astonishing rate!
The Meridians, once blocked and corroded by the poison, were quickly regaining their vitality!
"This is..."
Zhou Ye's eyes widened as he stared at his hands in disbelief.
He could feel the spiritual energy in his body circulating more smoothly than ever before.
That long-lost feeling of vitality had returned to his body!
"My Pill Poison is gone?"
Zhou Ye's voice trembled, his eyes filled with shock.
He suddenly fell to his knees before Zhou Xuan, overcome with excitement. "Benefactor, I know what this Pills means here. You saved my life! From now on, my life, Zhou Ye's life, is yours!"
Zhou Xuan looked at him calmly, his face showing not the slightest ripple.
"Get up."
His voice was calm and authoritative.
"This Chore Servant Courtyard is extremely dangerous. As long as you listen to me, I promise you that I won't just cure your Pill Poison—I can also raise your cultivation, even all the way to Qi Refining."
At those words, Zhou Ye's breath caught completely!
Improve his cultivation? To the Qi Refining stage?
To him, these things sounded like utter fantasy. Yet the seemingly ordinary Chore Disciple before him spoke of them as if they were nothing!
Zhou Ye understood perfectly well that Zhou Xuan must have powerful backing. He'd heard as much, though it seemed to belong to the past.
Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees again and knocked his head against the ground three times. "Zhou Ye is willing to follow you, Benefactor, unto death!"
Seeing Zhou Ye's heartfelt submission, Zhou Xuan felt a surge of satisfaction.
That was the allure of power.
When you possessed something others dreamed of but could never obtain, winning their hearts became so simple.
"Good."
Zhou Xuan nodded and took the Copper Marriage Contract Zhou Ye handed him.
The thin piece of copper felt cool in his hand. The writing etched upon it was rough, but every stroke carried a plain, sincere earnestness.
Zhou Xuan carefully tucked the Marriage Contract into his robe, then looked at Zhou Ye. "Remember, don't tell anyone about what happened today. If I find out you've revealed my secret..."
He left the threat unfinished, but the icy look in his eyes was enough to make Zhou Ye shudder.
"Rest assured, Benefactor. Even if I die, I, Zhou Ye, won't reveal a single word about the Heart Demon Oath!" Zhou Ye hurriedly promised.
"Mm."
Zhou Xuan nodded in satisfaction.
"Go back and rest for now. Take your time to feel the changes in your body."
"Remember, don't make it too obvious, or you'll arouse suspicion."
"Yes!"
Zhou Ye answered respectfully, then rose and left with care.
Watching Zhou Ye's figure disappear into the night, Zhou Xuan's stern expression gradually faded, replaced by deep contemplation.
He hadn't expected the system's enlightenment ability to have a use like this.
It was practically the perfect way to cultivate an army of loyal death warriors!
Zhou Xuan shook his head. It was too soon to think about that. His top priority was to improve his own strength.
He pretended nothing had happened and continued rummaging through the trash until the end of his shift, then leisurely left the Miscellaneous Affairs Department.
When he returned to his dilapidated thatched hut, Zhou Xuan immediately closed the door and began counting what he had gained that day.
[Gold Touch Value balance: 628 points]
His total had reached 728 points earlier that day, but helping Zhou Ye through one round of enlightenment had cost him 100.
Still, the 100 points had been well spent. He'd not only gained a loyal subordinate but also acquired the Marriage Contract, a priceless treasure to Senior Brother Zhao Zhen.
Zhou Xuan didn't plan to hurry with Zhou Ye's next round of enlightenment.
After all, he first needed to improve his own strength.
As Zhou Xuan planned out his upcoming cultivation, he failed to notice that two furtive figures were watching from outside his hut.
Both were disciples of the Chore Servant Courtyard, and both had reached at least the fifth layer of Body Forging. They were among the stronger disciples in the courtyard.
Clearly, they hadn't come to reminisce with Zhou Xuan.
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