An Offer of Allegiance, Exalted Status, and the Western Sea Dragon Market

Before long, more than half a month had passed.

This day.

Fang Shu sat cross-legged in his guest room, surrounded by a crimson light that swirled around him.

Suddenly, he opened his eyes, exhaled a breath, and swooshed it into the crimson light. Immediately, five-colored light splashed out from within, which was quite a sight.

A full hour later.

The light had just stabilized; it was a deep red, like the setting sun, incredibly beautiful, and it changed at a speed visible to the naked eye, eventually transforming into a human form.

It was none other than Fang Shu's face!

Fang Shu looked at the body in front of him, a serene joy appearing on his face.

"Not bad, not bad, after more than half a month of careful refinement."

The Yao Qi emanating from this body has been thoroughly purified, making it difficult for outsiders to discern its origins even in a magical battle.

He nodded in satisfaction as he commented.

The scene before him was the result of his complete refinement of this External Incarnation.

From now on, he can use this body to show his face in public for a long time without having to nurture it back into his original body from time to time.

The next moment.

Fang Shu's true form transformed and dissipated with the wind, turning into wisps of Core Qi that rushed onto this Avatar before suddenly disappearing.

And its Avatar face instantly came to life.

He looked around several times, then closed his eyes and carefully examined the situation. He discovered that, apart from the fact that the upper limit of his cultivation Avatar was difficult to improve, his avatar was not much different from his original body in every other way.

Even if one achieves supernatural powers through Divine Ability Golden Core, the Avatar can only be used to a limited extent. However, if the true body is attached to the Avatar, the power of the Divine Ability powers can be fully utilized, as if the true body were controlling it.

Furthermore, the supernatural Divine Ability of this Scarlet True Flying Centipede are still intact, and it is even easier to control it.

With every gesture, he could instantly unleash Scarlet Gold Divine Light, incredibly swift and powerful.

If it senses something is wrong, it can transform into Golden Light and escape into the distance with incredible speed, far surpassing its previous ability to control the Scarlet True Flying Centipede through the barrier and use its supernatural Divine Ability!

Overjoyed, and having confirmed that there was nothing amiss in his home, Fang Shu no longer hesitated.

He rolled up all the items in the room, erased his own scent, and then pushed open the door, intending to go to the Moral Profound Teaching Sect to inquire about his own residence and other things.

With a creak.

As soon as the door opened, Fang Shu paused, a look of surprise in his eyes.

Two figures were waiting outside his door, their eyes lowered. They only opened their eyes and looked up at each other when Fang Shu.

One of them was old, with white hair and beard, while the other was young, with a graceful figure.

The latter was none other than Chu Qingxuan, the female Daoist who had already made two transactions with Fang Shu.

Before Fang Shu could speak, the old man and the young boy were the first to greet him, "Greetings True Disciple Fang!"

Fang Shu wasn't surprised that the other party knew he lived here; he simply asked curiously, "How long have you two been waiting?"

It should be noted that he had not told anyone the time limit for his seclusion, and the fact that he was able to see two people at the door as soon as he emerged today shows that they must have been waiting outside for a long time.

Upon hearing Fang Shu's words, both the old man and the child quickly replied, "Not long ago, we just arrived." and "It's quite a coincidence that we happened to run into True Disciple Fang coming out of seclusion."

Fang Shu smiled and said nothing more. He simply gestured for the two of them to follow.

Then, the three of them sat down in a Private Room of the inn.

Fang Shu casually replied, "Judging from your appearance, sir, your injuries should be almost healed. I wonder what brings you here today? If you still want spirit medicine, I'm out of stock."

The old man with white hair and beard was none other than the current Golden Core of the Chu Household, and also Chu Qingxuan's great-grandfather.

"No, no, not at all." Old Master Chu quickly stood up. "I came here today because I was fortunate enough to survive thanks to your True Disciple, so I came to thank you as soon as I recovered."

Then, the man recounted his family's recent situation.

It turned out that thanks to the Longevity Ginseng bestowed by Fang Shu, not only were the old man's injuries healed, but his lifespan was also extended by sixty years, allowing him to protect the clan for several more decades.

The man spoke sincerely, "I truly have no way to repay this life-saving grace. If you ever need my True Disciple Fang, please speak frankly."

As soon as he finished speaking, the old man flicked his sleeve, and the table was piled high with Spirit Stone and spiritual materials.

These items looked quite familiar to Fang Shu. Upon closer inspection, he realized that they were the money he had given Chu Qingxuan when he asked her to purchase spiritual items some time ago.

Elder Chu said, "Previously, due to the clan's difficulties, Qingxuan had no choice but to accept the True Disciple's money. Now that I have recovered, I have cleared out the clan's treasury, and also sought out some old friends to recover some money, thus redeeming these valuables—I urge True Disciple Fang to take them back."

These words reached Fang Shu's ears, causing him to raise an eyebrow slightly.

It should be noted that the money he used to purchase the spiritual materials was no small sum, and even if the other party was an Aristocratic Clan had achieved the Golden Core, they wouldn't be able to come up with it easily. Moreover, the Chu Household's recent situation was not good.

Fang Shu did not put it away, but smiled and said, "In business, giving and receiving money is the proper thing to do. Although I have done a favor for your Chu Household, I have not been without any benefits."

Having said that, what more could I ask for?

He sipped his tea, his gaze lowered.

Old Master Chu hesitated, as if he wanted to speak but stopped himself. Finally, he exhaled deeply and bowed deeply to Fang Shu, saying directly, "I have heard that True Disciple Fang is a newcomer to the Profound Teaching and is not from within its Profound Teaching Rule. My Chu Household is willing to join you; I humbly request that True Disciple accept us!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the old man winked at Chu Qingxuan beside him.

Chu Qingxuan walked out with a slightly flushed face. She did not have the demeanor of a Dancheng Immortal at all, but instead seemed rather shy.

The woman bowed gracefully to Fang Shu and murmured, "Though my origins are humble, my body is pure and I am not yet sixty years old—I hope you will accept me True Disciple."

Fang Shu saw this and couldn't help but smile.

Is this considered a sacrifice of a woman by the Tuo tribe?

All he had to do was agree, and he could become the Chu Household's son-in-law.

Furthermore, neither the father nor the son mentioned wanting to be Fang Shu's principal wife, suggesting they didn't ask for much, only hoping to have a dao companion.

For a moment, Fang Shu was filled with emotion once again.

Such a accomplished female Golden Core would actually come to his door and beg him to accept her.

Although the Chu Household may have wanted to be the first to serve him, to help him out, and to repay his kindness, this incident still proves the noble and aloof nature of the Profound Teaching True Disciple.

However, Fang Shu was no longer a newcomer to the Profound Teaching. He remained calm and did not agree. Instead, he frowned.

How could a mere woman Golden Core possibly bind him!?

Fang Shu flicked his sleeve and casually pushed the provisions on the table toward Chu Qingxuan.

This action startled Chu Qingxuan and her grandfather, and a look of desolation immediately appeared on their faces.

Fortunately, Fang Shu spoke up the next moment, "I have a connection with the Chu Household, so there's no need to talk about acceptance or rejection. As for Fellow Daoist Qingxuan, there's no need to feel so wronged. When I establish my own residence, there will be a shortage of people to oversee the Core Formation cultivator. I wonder if Fellow Daoist Qingxuan is interested?"

Mr. Fang is willing to hire Fellow Daoist Qingxuan to serve as an attendant at the market rate within the sect, in order to ensure fairness.

The Chu Household father and son snapped out of their daze, their expressions initially relaxing. After exchanging a glance, their eyes held a mixture of sadness and relief.

Without further hesitation, Fang Shu wasn't just being polite, they immediately agreed, "We will respectfully follow True Disciple Fang's instructions."

In just a few words, Fang Shu accepted the Chu Household's allegiance.

He inquired about the current situation of the Chu Household and discovered that although Old Master Chu's current cultivation level was still only at the Second Tribulation of Golden Core, he had not yet broken through to the third tribulation stage and had no potential to break through in the future.

However, due to the tribulation he underwent and the nourishment he received from the Longevity Ginseng, his Law Power, which falls within the ranks of second-tier Core Formation cultivator, is considered exceptional.

When enraged and desperate, he could barely be considered a third-stage Core Formation cultivator, and even within the Profound Teaching Sect, he was already considered a formidable expert!

As for Chu Qingxuan, although she had only recently broken through to the Golden Core, only a few years had passed. Moreover, it was only before her breakthrough that Old Master Chu had painstakingly given her a push, allowing her to achieve the Golden Core.

However, this woman's foundation is not flawed; it is just not very solid, but she is still considered a good fighter!

Moreover, the Chu Household has been Aristocratic Clan Golden Core for three thousand years under the Profound Teaching Rule the Dao and Virtue Xuanjiao sect, and their ancestors even included Immortal cultivator had achieved Golden Core Perfection.

Although they were in decline under the sect's rule, they could still establish connections with all the inner workings of the Profound Teaching, making them veritable local tyrants.

Fang Shu was quite satisfied with what he had learned.

As they said, he was a newcomer, unfamiliar with the place and its people, and had not yet established a foothold. Even his nominal master, Divine Immortal, was still trapped in Mount Lu.

He needed a local strongman like this to assist him.

And so.

Fang Shu immediately stopped hiding his feelings and recounted the few miscellaneous things he had encountered in the Profound Teaching, wanting to ask for Old Master Chu's opinion.

To his delight, this Mr. Chu was indeed a wise and experienced old man.

The person had prepared a response well in advance and used his connections both inside and outside the church to find out the details.

Fang Shu immediately understood.

Although he missed the previous round of recommendations, he is not without a chance to try again!

Elder Chu said, "Our altar usually sends the Refining Spirit seed to the Ancestral Altar ten years in advance. If any Refining Spirit seed are unfortunately lost outside, the altar will expedite the selection process to avoid wasting any spots."

These words made Fang Shu's gaze flicker slightly.

Mr. Chu added, "But True Disciple Fang is a disciple of the Divine Immortal and holds the Immortal Method. As long as the True Disciple in the altar has not yet stepped into the Ancestral Altar registered his name there, one person should be removed from the altar and the True Disciple should be included first."

I've heard that if a Divine Immortal could intervene and inform the Ancestral Altar, they could add another person to the original list as a sign of protection.

Fang Shu's gaze shifted, and he raised his hand in greeting, saying, "Thank you for your explanation, sir. Without your guidance, I fear I would have wasted much more time to learn these things."

He asked, seemingly casually, "Do you know where those Refining Spirit seed within the sect are currently traveling?"

Old Master Chu did indeed inquire about it, and directly uttered the words "Sea Market," but he didn't know exactly which Sea Market overseas the people from West Altar were currently in.

The person added, "However, regardless of where they are right now, once they set sail, they will inevitably pass by the Sea Market of the Western Sea Dragon Palace, and they will likely stay there for quite some time."

Fang Shu pondered for a few moments, then nodded, a thought already forming in his mind.

To be honest, the opportunity to study at the Ancestral Altar, which comes around once every sixty years, is not something he can't wait for. Even if he had to wait another eight or nine cycles, given his age, he could afford to wait.

But now that there's still a chance to fight for it, how could he possibly give up?

Could it be that he really intends to stay obediently in this within the Western Altar, accumulating merit and virtue, diligently meditating and Refining Qi, enduring at least sixty years of hardship?

It should be noted that even with External Incarnation as a cover, Fang Shu was ultimately not a disciple of the Profound Teaching, and his long-term presence within the Profound Teaching posed considerable risks.

Moreover, the True Disciple skin he possessed was obtained by tricking the Goose Divine Immortal, making the risk even greater.

Rather than staying confined within the Western Altar, it is better to find peace outside.

Once one truly enters the Ancestral Altar of the Central Continent, few people there will know his origins. It's not too late to cultivate there when the world is vast and distant.

Inside the Private Room.

These thoughts were not convenient to share with outsiders for the time being, Fang Shu suddenly changed the subject and asked the old man Chu, "Has the sect recently cleared out the residence of my True Disciple?"

A hint of hesitation immediately appeared on Mr. Chu's face.

He said in a low voice, "I have already inquired about this matter. There is only one Spirit Vein in the sect that matches the identity of True Disciple Fang, named Cloud Mountain, which was once the resting place of the Goose Divine Immortal."

Legend has it that the Spirit Vein within contain Spirit Marrow, also known as Supreme-grade Spirit Stone, and the Spiritual Qi of the entire mountain is far more concentrated than ordinary people expect.

However, decades ago, Elder Wenxiang of the sect, citing the waste of such a sacred land, selected disciples to cultivate spirit medicine and raise spiritual birds and beasts in the Cloud Mountain. Now, as the years have passed, the spirit medicine and beasts in the mountain have begun to mature, making it quite difficult to force them to relocate suddenly.

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu smiled enigmatically, "So, it turns out that my residence is still occupied by outsiders, and they intend to continue dragging their feet and refuse to relinquish it, huh?"

He clicked his tongue and said, "It seems that the rules of this Profound Teaching are sometimes strict and sometimes lenient, depending on the whim of certain individuals. I wonder, sir, how should I handle this situation?"

Old Master Chu smiled wryly and cupped his hands, saying, "Although I am Core Formation cultivator, I am merely a retainer within the Profound Teaching. How could I possibly know how to handle such an important matter?"

However, I, Chu, have heard that Elder Wenxiang was reprimanded by the Goose Divine Immortal when he was young, and it was only through the intercession of the Thousand-Foot Divine Immortal that he was able to remain in the sect.

Fang Shu couldn't help but raise his eyes and sized up the old ancestor of the Chu Household.

He is increasingly satisfied with his service to the Chu Household.

If it weren't for this person's explanation, he wouldn't be as clear about the intricacies of the Profound Teaching as he is now.

Fang Shu took another sip of tea. "It seems that Elder Wenxiang wasn't taught a lesson enough back then, or perhaps he harbored resentment and wanted to test something."

Hearing this, the Chu Household father and son immediately kept their eyes down, not wanting to make any comment.

It should be noted that the father and son had already discussed this before they arrived.

Such matters involving the Refining-Spirit Divine Immortal are things that Fang Shu could either choose to endure, file a lawsuit within the sect, or even directly complain to the Thousand-Foot Divine Immortal —none of which the Chu Household could get involved in.

Regardless of Fang Shu's choice, the Chu Household should simply act as their own assistants and refrain from interfering.

But very soon.

When Fang Shu placed the teacup on the table and asked several questions in succession, the Chu Household father and son suddenly felt uneasy.

This is because Fang Shu only inquired about matters related to the precepts of the sect, such as "What about murderers!"