Just as Xu Jin and Zhu Sheng were envisioning their future, Kong Xunzhen's next words chilled their eager hearts.
"Although I'm a member of the Cangzhou Kong Family, certain circumstances make it difficult for me to return to Cangzhou Prefecture. So we'll all remain in Qingjiang Town for the foreseeable future."
The disappointment on Xu Jin's and Zhu Sheng's faces was plain to see.
But then Kong Xunzhen lifted their spirits again.
"However, if the three of you show talent as Paper Effigy Makers, I can contact the family and send you there."
"As things stand, Chen Bai has the best chance, because his soul body is naturally stronger. Zhu Sheng comes next."
Kong Xunzhen's words made Xu Jin, who considered himself the senior disciple of Kong's Shop, feel a chill.
So he was the worst of the lot?
Afterward, Kong Xunzhen explained some basic knowledge about yin cultivation, helping Xu Jin and Zhu Sheng understand why a stronger soul body generally meant greater future achievements.
Although Xu Jin and Zhu Sheng envied Chen Miao for this, there was nothing they could do.
A soul body wasn't something money alone could improve.
After explaining the basics of yin cultivation and the circumstances of the Cangzhou Kong Family, Kong Xunzhen said something else that made Chen Miao's heart sink.
"From now on, the three of you will stay in the Paper Effigy Underground Palace."
"Outside his regular working hours, Xu Jin must use the underground palace to cultivate his apertures and practice his craft. The rest of his time is his own."
"Only when you two can make complete paper offerings will you be allowed to enter and leave the underground palace as Xu Jin does."
"Do the three of you understand?"
Xu Jin and Zhu Sheng naturally had no objections.