Chapter 10: Yuwen Yue

After obtaining the Celestial Heaven True Scripture, Wang Lin immediately began his cultivation, engraving the scripture firmly in his mind.

The path of cultivation is most demanding on resources, especially spirit stones, which are an absolute necessity.

After practicing the Celestial Heaven True Scripture, under the cover of Elder White Brow, Wang Lin’s spiritual root aptitude still manifested as fire attribute. His cultivation continued with fire-based techniques, but now they were even more domineering and fierce.

Wang Lin returned to the Jade Pavilion, carefully tallying his supplies.

He had several hundred mid-grade spirit stones and some scattered miscellaneous items, none of which held much value for cultivation. These were leftovers chosen by his senior sisters.

Wang Lin sighed inwardly. Although he now had the backing of Elder White Brow, as a new disciple, he felt uneasy asking for more.

Or rather, he wished to carve out his own path through his own efforts.

Currently, Wang Lin was reversing his meridians, which required little effort for nurturing them, but refining his physical constitution still needed support from rare heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

Such precious materials naturally came at a steep price, and he doubted he could gather a few of these treasures at present.

He pondered quietly where to fill these gaps.

Should he ask the Daoist Xuan Shui for help?

No.

His strength was still at Foundation Establishment stage; going there would only earn him rebuke and accusations of lazy cultivation.

What about asking a few senior sisters?

That idea was rejected outright. Besides whether they even had any to spare, his usual meek and obedient demeanor made him afraid that asking for resources might provoke their resentment.

His position within the sect was already precarious; he did not wish to risk further conflict.

Then there was Tong Ying, who exploited him the most, withholding his resources and treasures by various means. The contribution points she earned from secret realm expeditions and mountain trials were handed over in a flash.

Many followers also offered resources to Tong Ying, so her supplies were certainly abundant. But rushing over would likely spark another argument, so Wang Lin abandoned the thought.

He was troubled; none of these avenues were feasible.

At that moment, Wang Lin glanced at the calendar—today was the sect’s stipend distribution day. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator and direct disciple of a Deity Transformation elder, he was entitled to one superior-grade spirit stone, equivalent to a thousand mid-grade spirit stones.

After gathering all his resources into his storage sack, Wang Lin prepared to go to the Stipend Hall to collect his pay.

News of his apology to Ye Chen and his flirtation with Lu Qingyan had long spread throughout the sect, becoming a common topic of gossip.

Wang Lin was already well-known. As a mere servant who had been unusually accepted into Daoist Xuan Shui’s sect, which was full of beauties, talk about him had reached a fever pitch.

Most disciples resented him, believing he used some trick to sneak into Xuan Shui Pavilion, likening him to a toad wanting to eat swan meat.

Bearing so much scorn and gossip, Wang Lin had grown accustomed to it; he was even surprised if two or three days passed without any discussion about him.

Most whispered quietly, perhaps out of fear of the fact that he was a direct disciple of Daoist Xuan Shui.

Wang Lin strolled lightly to the entrance of the Stipend Hall.

The place was bustling with voices and a surging crowd, all gathered to receive their stipends from the stewards. Despite the throng, order was maintained.

Feeling the growth of spiritual energy within him and the return of the talent he once proudly possessed, Wang Lin was joyful. He casually found a spot, waiting patiently as the crowd flowed by, listening to the disciples’ chatter.

“Junior Brother Wang.”

A deep voice called out.

Startled, he turned around to see a handsome and elegant face.

“Senior Brother Yuwen?”

Wang Lin could not hide his excitement and stepped forward to embrace him warmly.

“Senior Brother Yuwen is back!”

“Senior Brother Yuwen, great to see you!”

“Senior Brother Yuwen has grown stronger again!”

…

Yuwen Yue patted Wang Lin’s shoulder with a smile:

“Junior Brother Wang, what brings you here to collect stipends?”

The familiar words warmed Wang Lin’s heart, filling him with joy.

Yuwen Yue was alive!

Yuwen Yue, the foremost disciple of the Yin-Yang Heavenly Sect, and a protégé of Jiang Yibai, was the leading figure among the younger generation of the sect. He had entered the sect at seven, achieved Foundation Establishment at ten, and completed Golden Core formation within eight years. His current strength was unfathomable.

Yuwen Yue was not only handsome and refined, displaying effortless charm in every gesture, but also decisive and resolute in action, known for his gentlemanly demeanor, earning him the reverent nickname “Lord Yu” among the disciples.

Designated by Jiang Yibai as the next sect master of Yin-Yang Heavenly Sect, no member of the elders dared to oppose him.

However, in his previous life, Yuwen Yue had met a grim fate…

Whether by betrayal or other causes, it was unclear.

Unlike others who used him for amusement, Yuwen Yue had sincerely reciprocated Wang Lin’s sincerity.

Despite the entire sect’s scorn and slander stirred up by Ye Chen’s machinations, Yuwen Yue remained unaffected and treated Wang Lin as always.

Their friendship dated back to when they first entered the sect.

Yuwen Yue showed no disdain toward Wang Lin’s servant origins, instead offering care and protection. Even when Wang Lin was despised and ordered around by others, Yuwen Yue remained unmoved.

Their bond had lasted many years.

Seeing Yuwen Yue spirited and present before him again, Wang Lin silently vowed not to let the tragedy of his previous life repeat.

“How have you been lately, Junior Brother? The gossip about you is as abundant as ever!”

Yuwen Yue laughed heartily, his openness unchanged.

Wang Lin smiled wryly but with unwavering resolve:

“I’ve long grown used to it. I’ve come to see things clearly now.”

Yuwen Yue’s expression shifted with delight.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother Wang! You’ve finally found your path.”

He had often advised Wang Lin to focus on himself and care less about others’ opinions, but it had rarely worked.

Now that Wang Lin had finally come to terms, Yuwen Yue was immensely pleased.

They chatted casually, ranging from cultivation progress to anecdotes, their conversation lively and congenial.

Time passed quickly, and the line of disciples before Wang Lin gradually diminished.

When it was his turn, Wang Lin stepped forward swiftly and presented his nameplate.

“Steward Li, I’m here to collect my stipend.”

Steward Li was a stout man with a round face and broad build, exuding a genial, almost comical aura.

He was a venerable figure in the Stipend Hall, having distributed stipends for many years, well-known throughout the sect.

“Wang Lin, why are you here to collect your stipend? Let me check... Your stipend has already been collected.”

Wang Lin was taken aback, confusion and shock washing over his face.

“My stipend… How? Did someone collect it on my behalf?”

Next to him, Yuwen Yue frowned deeply, a slow-burning anger appearing on his face.