strictlysupreme #230 - The strange request of the Hall of Merit
#230 - The strange request of the Hall of Merit
The next day.
Gu An flew towards Sky Suspension Peak on his sword.
He had continued to chop wood after returning last night.
Unfortunately, there hadn't been any progress.
The rate of numerical increase was exceptionally slow.
On the way, Gu An glanced at his stats panel.
[Name: Gu An]
[Cultivation: Late Primordial Spirit Realm]
[Status: Poisoned Qi Sea]
[Skills: 48 / 50]
[Hardship: 3 / 100]
[Ring of Destiny]
Looking at the approaching numbers, Gu An sighed inwardly.
Originally, he could have completed it quickly in the bamboo forest, and even more than once.
But now, he was unable to complete it.
After the Primordial Spirit Realm, the value of chopping wood was too low.
The existing trees were far from enough.
His application for a higher-level forest also hadn't received a response.
His status wasn't high enough; even becoming a peak master's disciple, he still couldn't just go chop wood wherever he wanted, especially since his displayed cultivation was only at the Golden Core stage.
His cultivation wasn't high enough, so he needed to appropriately raise it a bit.
Currently, his true cultivation was at the Late Primordial Spirit Realm.
He should appropriately reveal some of his hidden cultivation.
Now that he had perfected the Myriad Manifestations Grand Array Breathing Technique, his control over the power of his body had reached an astonishing level.
The manifestation of spiritual energy, the flow of aura, he could display it however he wanted.
More or less, he could basically show it.
There were almost no traces.
Just looking at the surface, few people should be able to see through it directly.
But it was hard to say whether those with high cultivation would be able to see through it if they personally used their divine sense to investigate.
So far, he hadn't encountered anyone doing this.
His master didn't seem to be so bored either.
If investigated, there was a certain probability of exposure.
Therefore, it was best to avoid such people.
Or perhaps create a hidden cultivation level that could be seen through, which might be able to fool them.
Of course, the Breathing Technique was only perfected, but there was no end to subsequent comprehension.
Like swordsmanship, the entire set had been learned, but the power could be further comprehended, making it stronger.
Thinking this, Gu An arrived at Sky Suspension Peak.
When he was close to the mountainside, he walked up.
Several months had passed since he was accepted as a disciple.
Although some people still criticized him, fewer and fewer paid attention.
Not to mention that he lived in seclusion.
Many people had never actually seen him.
Just a small character, naturally no one would remember him.
After-dinner conversation was only temporary.
Now, when Gu An came up, there were basically no special gazes.
Occasionally hearing something related to him, they had never seen him themselves.
After a short time, Gu An arrived at Duanmu Qing's residence.
The other party was sitting under a tree and saw him arrive.
Not only him, but Lu Ruan was also there.
This surprised Gu An somewhat.
But he still walked over and respectfully bowed, "Greetings, Senior Brother and Senior Sister."
Lu Ruan got up and shook her head, "Your cultivation is higher than mine, you don't need to call me Senior Sister."
Although she was somewhat unwilling, after suspecting that the person in front of her might be the dark chess piece buried by that person, she was relieved.
This person would definitely have extraordinary achievements in the future.
It was just that he was slightly old; why that person chose this person was unknown.
Thinking carefully, only young people needed to be cultivated; perhaps someone of this age didn't need to be cultivated anymore.
When the time came, they would naturally be able to complete the above task.
"Okay, Senior Sister Lu.", Gu An nodded.
Lu Ruan didn't say anything more.
"Junior Brother, sit.", Duanmu Qing gestured, then asked, "Would you like some tea?"
"I don't really drink it.", Gu An said truthfully.
He basically didn't drink tea; Chu Meng had said it many times.
Blaming himself for not wanting to improve.
He didn't know if people who wanted to improve would buy good tea and wait.
However, he often ate the things Chu Meng brought.
It had to be said that the things she brought were all good.
Mainly because he rarely went out to eat; he always ate some dry food.
Recently, he hadn't even eaten anything.
After all, his cultivation had increased, so not eating didn't matter.
"Then you should learn to drink some; drinking tea can relieve inner restlessness.", Duanmu Qing said.
Gu An thought for a moment; he hadn't been very restless recently.
Unlike before.
It was easy to cause trouble.
Now he had hidden himself.
He was no longer doing anything dangerous on the surface, and everyone's impression of him gradually tended towards the ordinary.
If it weren't for being accepted into Sky Suspension Peak, probably no one would pay attention to him.
Only those on Outer Peak were still watching him, not letting him have an easy time.
When those people had a change of heart, there shouldn't be any major danger.
Unfortunately, as an ordinary person, he couldn't get more spiritual trees.
He couldn't even find a way to chop wood.
He could only hope for Chu Meng to come.
To see if there was a way.
Pouring a cup of tea for Gu An, Duanmu Qing went straight to the point:
"This time, we asked Junior Brother to come for the sake of the spiritual bamboo; Master has already tried it.
It is indeed Immortal Sword Bamboo.
As long as it is planted in the Sword Sect, it can form a brand new bamboo forest nourished by the sword intent of the Sword Tomb in three months, containing sword intent.
Chopping wood can temper sword intent; even being in the bamboo forest can hone sword intent.
In addition, after absorbing the sword intent of the Sword Clan, it can also temper and feed back to the Sword Tomb.
It can be said that with the Immortal Sword Bamboo Forest, Sky Suspension Peak's tempering and understanding of sword intent will reach a new level.
So Master has given you two choices."
Gu An wasn't surprised, but he was slightly curious about what the choices were: "What kind of choices are they?"
Duanmu Qing took a sip of tea and said: "First, hand over the bamboo rice to Sky Suspension Peak as a reward for Sky Suspension Peak.
You can be exceptionally promoted to a personal disciple.
The treatment of personal disciples is extremely high, and Sky Suspension Peak will provide certain cultivation resources.
Their status in the sect also far exceeds that of inner disciples.
To put it this way, there are thousands of disciples on the mountain, but only thirty-two personal disciples.
In terms of status, personal disciples are already above countless people.
Except for the peak master and some elders with high positions and authority, they are second only to true disciples."
"Are there any personal disciples who are only at the Golden Core stage?", Gu An asked.
Hearing this, Duanmu Qing smiled and said, "We don't have any on Sky Suspension Peak; not to mention Golden Core, even Primordial Spirit is extremely rare."
Gu An shook his head and said: "What about the second one?"
The first one wasn't a good choice; becoming a personal disciple, but he didn't have the strength.
That would be too obvious.
And it would be easy to be targeted.
What cultivation, yet he deserves to be a personal disciple with them?
Virtue is not matched with position.
I'm afraid there would be countless disasters.
Even if Master was willing to protect him once or twice, what about many times?
He would be annoyed.
That would be even more dangerous.
And all the merits would be exchanged for status, so he wouldn't be able to get the Void Returning Technique.
He couldn't see enough benefits.
There were a bunch of disadvantages.
So he should still look at the second one.
"Second, hand over the bamboo rice to the sect, and then designate it to be sent to Sky Suspension Peak.", Duanmu Qing said seriously:
"You must personally designate it; this will damage some merits, but Sky Suspension Peak will write down Junior Brother's merits for planting the Immortal Sword Bamboo Forest.
Everyone will know that this bamboo forest was brought by Junior Brother.
Then Junior Brother's reputation will spread throughout Sky Suspension Peak.
All fellow disciples who rely on the Immortal Sword Bamboo Forest for cultivation will remember Junior Brother's kindness.
There are no obvious benefits, but imperceptibly.
The negative impact that Junior Brother previously brought to the sect will be swept away by this merit.
Of course, some will remember the good, and some will be dissatisfied.
Junior Brother will still have troubles, but they will definitely be greatly reduced.
As long as Junior Brother doesn't do anything to harm the major interests of Sky Suspension Peak, this benefit will remain.
It will be much more convenient in many ways.
In addition, Junior Brother's name will also be on the Merit Hall.
If something happens and you offend the Law Enforcement Hall, the Merit Hall will try its best to protect Junior Brother.
Groundless charges will definitely not be placed on Junior Brother's head.
Within the sect, if someone secretly attacks Junior Brother and causes an impact, the Merit Hall will also give Junior Brother an explanation.
Not for anything else.
Just because Junior Brother's name is prominently displayed in the Merit Hall.
People whose names are on the Merit Hall list are not easy to mess with within the sect.
Even if it's some elder or direct disciple who attacks you, as long as your merit is high enough.
They will dare to intervene.
Otherwise, wouldn't their Merit Hall seem useless?
Gu An had heard this Merit Hall theory many times.
That is to say, once he's on the list, others won't easily provoke him.
And if he attacks someone on the list, it's equivalent to provoking the Merit Hall.
Then.
If both people are on the Merit Hall list.
Who will the Merit Hall help?
Gu An asked this question.
"It depends on whose name is higher, and whether they have other backgrounds.
If it's really a tie, they might not help anyone." Duanmu Qing said with a smile, "This kind of thing hasn't happened before, so I'm not too sure."
Gu An nodded, then asked again, "What if I use merit points to exchange for something?"
"That depends on whether Junior Brother's name is still on the list after the evaluation," Duanmu Qing said.
Gu An nodded.
That is, merit points cannot be used recklessly. Using them reduces protection.
And in order not to be overtaken, he has to continue earning merit.
In this way, wouldn't he be working for free and reluctant to exchange merit points?
And the Merit Hall's help is only available if something happens to him.
If nothing happens for decades, what's the use of having his name on the list?
Just in case?
Isn't that a waste of merit points?
Merit points can be exchanged for cultivation techniques, magical treasures, elixirs, almost any resource can be exchanged.
After thinking for a moment, Gu An said, "In that case, should I choose the latter?"
"Not necessarily," Lu Ruan suddenly said, "If you have enough confidence, choosing the first option is not bad. Sometimes becoming a direct disciple is even more difficult.
The Merit Hall's list may not be accessible, and even if it is, it will be surpassed by new achievements. And the things that can be exchanged with merit points may not be useful."
Gu An paused.
It took him a long time to understand what she meant.
Lu Ruan knew that he was that woman's person and must have analyzed his cultivation level.
Her conclusion should be that he had hidden his cultivation level.
Perhaps he was a powerful expert.
Since he himself was strong and also had that woman's help,
the Merit Hall's merit points were dispensable.
So becoming a direct disciple was better.
After all, once you become a direct disciple, you almost never fall down. It's a fixed identity.
The Merit Hall list is not like that.
But he still understood his own role.
He couldn't grasp the direct disciple position.
It's too conspicuous. Once he's targeted and threatened, who can he rely on?
Chu Meng?
Or that woman?
Even if it's possible, where would he get the Returning Void technique?
Directly exchanging for the Golden Core follow-up technique at the Merit Hall is the least suspicious.
"Don't worry, Junior Brother, take your time to think. You still have to consider the gains and losses," Duanmu Qing said with a smile, "No matter how Junior Brother chooses, it won't be any loss to Master.
So there's no need to consider it for Master's sake."
Gu An nodded.
He didn't think too much about it: "Choose the second one."
His current improvement speed was too slow, and the direct disciple goal was too slow.
He was afraid he couldn't bear it.
If he revealed his cultivation level again, he would really become the target of everyone.
When the time came, what if some magical treasure probed his true age, a late-stage Nascent Soul at forty-nine years old, how should he deal with it?
Could that woman protect him?
Wouldn't she be the first to dig out the secrets on him?
The risk was too great.
He could easily become the second Zuo Youyan.
He was still too weak.
"The second one?" Duanmu Qing wasn't surprised, "Then Junior Brother, come with me to the Merit Hall to meet some people. There might be times when you need to trouble them."
Gu An nodded.
Lu Ruan didn't follow.
She was thinking that Gu An's choice not to become a direct disciple probably had other deep meanings.
The time probably hadn't arrived yet.
The person behind her should have other plans.
Becoming a direct disciple was indeed a bit too ostentatious.
Merit Hall.
The Merit Hall was like a pagoda.
You could go to each floor to see what you wanted and then exchange it for merit points.
However, Gu An didn't enter the pagoda but went to the buildings behind it.
Arriving at a separate house, Duanmu Qing knocked on the door.
"Come in," a hearty voice came.
After entering, Gu An saw a young man recording something, not even looking up as he said:
"What is it?"
"Here to offer something," Duanmu Qing said with a smile.
Hearing this, the young man raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled, "It's Junior Brother Duanmu."
Then he focused his gaze on Gu An and said, "This Junior Brother is offering something?"
"Yes," Gu An respectfully bowed.
"What is it?" the young man casually asked.
Duanmu Qing took out the bamboo rice and a jade slip and handed them over.
The young man examined them for a moment and then looked at the introduction.
His originally casual expression turned serious.
Then he looked at Gu An and said, "Just going through the process?"
"Yes," Duanmu Qing nodded.
"Then I'll ask this Junior Brother a few questions." Saying this, the young man looked at Gu An: "Did Junior Brother obtain this?"
Gu An nodded.
"You want to specifically dedicate it to Sky Suspension Peak? If you specifically dedicate it, the merit points will be halved, since it's for Sky Suspension Peak.
The sect can't freely allocate it, so the merit points will drop sharply.
It might not even make it onto the list." The young man looked at Gu An and asked seriously.
Gu An wasn't very concerned and instead asked, "Can I directly exchange it for a cultivation technique?"
Huh?
The young man was a little surprised.
It seemed that the other party didn't want to be on the list.
"What cultivation technique?" he asked.
"All the cultivation techniques after the Golden Core stage of the Innate Longevity Art. Exchange for as much as you can," Gu An said.
In this way, no one would suspect his cultivation level.
The young man thought for a moment and said:
"You can only exchange up to the Returning Void stage. It's not that Junior Brother doesn't have enough merit points, but the sect only has the Returning Void stage of the Innate Longevity Art."
Hearing this, Gu An was slightly surprised.
He was stunned for a moment.
Only up to the Returning Void stage.
Then how about the rest?
Gu An didn't think too much about it, it was still far away.
"If Junior Brother isn't in a hurry, you can exchange it in a month or two. Perhaps your name can be among the top twenty recently. The appearance of the Sword Immortal Bamboo Forest of Sky Suspension Peak will always cause people to question Junior Brother. If you're on the list, no one will question you.
It will save you a lot of trouble in the future.
If something happens, our Merit Hall can also help.
Of course, our Merit Hall isn't deliberately trying to stall Junior Brother," the man saw that Gu An was unmoved and thought for a moment before saying:
"How about this, as long as Junior Brother isn't in a hurry to exchange, I can give Junior Brother some things in the name of the Merit Hall."
Hearing this, Gu An was slightly puzzled.
Why was this?