“Junior Brother, are you done yet?”

  “Almost there, almost done.”

  “It’s been a while! Why aren’t you out yet?”

  “I’m almost finished! Coming out now, coming out!”

  Han withdrew his immense spiritual energy and noticed that Bai Ruoyue seemed a bit flushed.

  “Senior Sister, thank you so much. How about I show you the results of my work?”

  It’s only fair to return the favor.

  “No need,” Bai Ruoyue huffed, rolling her eyes.

  “As long as you’re satisfied with the results, that’s all that matters.”

  Once Han returned to the peach grove, he received good news from Lu Qingmo.

  “Your promotion request has been approved. From now on, you’re officially a Seventh-Rank Ghostly Wanderer,” Lu Qingmo smiled as he spoke.

  “The information has been updated in the Ghostly Register. Starting today, you’ll enjoy the privileges of a Seventh-Rank Ghostly Wanderer.”

  The Ghostly Register is a magical artifact within the Ghostly Division, used to record and assign ranks.

  Once a person joins the Ghostly Division and takes up an official post, they will be recorded in the Ghostly Register.

  If someone leaves the division, they’re removed from the register. If they die in battle, the register will note that, and if they’re promoted, their information is updated accordingly.

  This artifact is quite special, similar to a mother-child artifact system.

  The true Ghostly Register is located at the headquarters of the Jade Capital Ghostly Division, while the registers in various counties and states serve as secondary copies.

  However, the information is synchronized across all registers. For instance, if a Ghostly Division member from Tianzhou County travels to Qingzhou County and their identity is questioned, they can verify their identity in the Ghostly Register.

  This prevents many unnecessary complications.

  Even the special position of Ghostly Wanderer is recorded in the Ghostly Register.

  “Additionally, the second volume of the Haoran Great Seal has been approved for exchange by the state Ghostly Division. I can hand it to you now,” Lu Qingmo continued.

  Han was overjoyed at the news.

  Such efficiency?

  This doesn’t quite match the usual pace of the imperial departments. I didn’t even submit a formal request!

  Lu Qingmo explained, “Since this is a method of Taoist cultivation that can be written down, not a physical item, the state Ghostly Division used a special method to directly send me the cultivation method, and I’m passing it on to you.”

  “The transmission of Taoist techniques across such a distance isn’t easy.”

  “This time, since you successfully advanced, the state Ghostly Division saw your dedication and made an exception to use this method, allowing you to receive the Taoist technique immediately as an extra reward. You won’t have to waste time going to the state Ghostly Division yourself.”

  Promotions in the Ghostly Wanderer rank typically come with some form of reward, as it means becoming a true member of the team.

  Han replied seriously, “Please thank the state Ghostly Division for me.”

  Loyalty!

  “I’ll now explain the cultivation method from the second volume to you. Come closer.”

  “That’s too close, step back.”

  “Too far…”

  Lu Qingmo couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. Was this intentional?

  “You complain it’s too close, then it’s too far—now it’s my fault. I look like I’m being unreasonable.”

  Han sighed in frustration. This is tough.

  “Do you still want it or not? If not, I won’t give it to you.”

  “Of course I want it, Aunt Mo, please give it to me!”

  With the foundation from the first volume and Han’s innate talent, combined with the Haoran Qi he had already cultivated, there was no obstacle to learning the second volume.

  “Some Taoist techniques from the Academy of All Saints are difficult to practice, but also easy to learn,” Lu Qingmo remarked.

  “The key lies in Haoran Qi. Once you grasp this force, techniques that are usually hard for many people become much easier to master.”

  “I can already feel it,” Han nodded.

  This force is at the core of many Taoist techniques in the Academy of All Saints, smoothing out many hurdles.

  No wonder Lu Qingmo thought Han should go there.

  After memorizing the second volume of Haoran and reflecting on it briefly, Han withdrew his focus and began cultivating his soul.

  Taoist techniques are powerful, but cultivation rank is what truly matters.

  “Aunt Mo, about Zuo Tianzheng…”

  Lu Qingmo frowned slightly. “I went to find him later, but he insisted on expanding the Black Cloud Guard and controlling the Black Mountain.”

  “I can make the Ghostly Division ignore his orders, but if he insists on going through with it, there’s nothing I can do. I can’t stop him.”

  Zuo Tianzheng can’t do anything to Xuandu Temple, but Lu Qingmo, naturally, can’t do anything to him either, as he’s a close advisor to the emperor.

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  “If he manages to pull this off, there will likely be more chaos in Black Mountain, not peace,” Han said.

  “That place is outside the law. Strong individuals who could prevent his ideas from being executed can’t enter, so this is all just his wishful thinking.”

  “Why is he doing this? For political gains? Is his main task really to develop the Black Cloud Guard?”

  Lu Qingmo shook his head. “I can’t understand his thinking either.”

  “You don’t need to get involved in this. Black Mountain is dangerous, full of savage beasts and all sorts of hazards.”

  “That’s what we’re planning as well.”

  Han hasn’t forgotten about his last encounter with Bai Ruoyue. That place was lethal, not a training ground for cultivators.

  After finishing his cultivation for the night, Han spent the entire evening absorbing the second volume of Haoran.

  No wonder it’s called the Holy Path—its intricacy and depth are unmatched.

  By the time dawn broke, Han left his room and was surprised to find Yun Duo, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, standing there.

  “Han!”

  The little girl greeted Han with a wave.

  “How did you get here?”

  Yun Duo answered honestly, “Master sent me to deliver a message to my father.”

  Then she curiously asked, “How did you come out? Did you arrive that early?”

  “I did come pretty early…”

  Early enough to have arrived the previous night.

  She didn’t know Han had already moved and was now the owner of the peach grove.

  This was a well-kept secret, known only to the martial arts hall members.

  “Are you finished with your business?”

  “Yes, just finished. I was about to head home.”

  Han nodded, not asking too much about what Lu Qingmo had said to her.

  “I’ll walk you back.”

  He was also heading to the martial arts hall.

  “Great!” Yun Duo nodded eagerly and then asked, “By the way, Han, do you have time later?”

  “Later…” Han thought for a moment, then said, “If nothing urgent comes up, I should be free. Why?”

  “Are you inviting me to your house again?”

  “If you want to come, it’s no problem. My house is always welcoming you,” Yun Duo said naturally.

  “Actually, my father told us to spend more time with you, get closer, and build a better relationship.”

  “…”

  She’s really straightforward, saying everything without holding back. She doesn’t treat me like an outsider at all.

  "Junior Brother, are you done yet?"

  "Almost, almost."

  "It’s taking you so long. Why aren’t you out yet?"

  "Just a second, I’m coming out now!"

  Han withdrew his vast spiritual energy, and he noticed that Bai Ruoyue was slightly flushed.

  "Senior Sister, thank you! Would you like to take a look at my results?"

  It’s only fair to return the favor.

  "No need," Bai Ruoyue snorted.

  "As long as you’ve made progress, that’s all that matters."

  When Han returned to the peach grove, he received some good news from Lu Qingmo.

  "Your promotion request has been approved. From now on, you’ll be a seventh-tier Ghost Patrol," Lu Qingmo said with a smile.

  "Your information has already been updated in the Ghost Gods’ Registry. Starting today, you will enjoy the benefits of being a seventh-tier Ghost Patrol."

  The Ghost Gods' Registry is a magical artifact used by the Ghost Gods Division to record names and official positions.

  Once someone joins the Ghost Gods Division in an official capacity, their name will be registered in the Ghost Gods' Registry.

  Leaving the Ghost Gods Division or dying in battle results in removal from the list, and if someone gets promoted, their status is updated accordingly.

  This artifact is quite powerful, similar to a master-apprentice system in magic tools.

  The true Ghost Gods' Registry is kept in the headquarters of the Jade Capital’s Ghost Gods Division, while the registers in the various counties and states are secondary versions.

  However, the information in all the registers is shared. For example, if a member of the Ghost Gods Division in one county travels to another county and their identity is questioned, the local division can verify their identity in the Registry.

  This prevents many potential problems.

  Even special positions, such as Ghost Patrols, are listed in the Registry.

  "Also, the second volume of the Great Handprint of Haoran has been approved for exchange by the state’s Ghost Gods Division. I can hand it over to you now."

  Han was overjoyed upon hearing this.

  "Such efficiency?" he thought. "This doesn't quite align with the usual pace of government departments. I didn’t even submit any documents."

  Lu Qingmo explained, "Because it's a method of Daoist cultivation that can be passed down in writing, not an actual object, the state’s Ghost Gods Division used a special method to send me the cultivation method directly. I’m just passing it on to you."

  "Transmitting Daoist cultivation methods over such a distance consumes a lot of energy," she continued.

  "Since you’ve just been promoted, and the state’s Ghost Gods Division sees your hard work, they’ve used this special method to ensure you get the technique as quickly as possible as a reward. This way, you don’t have to waste time going to the state’s Ghost Gods Division yourself."

  Promotions to Ghost Patrol are usually accompanied by rewards, as it signifies an official standing within the division.

  Han said seriously, "Thank you to the state’s Ghost Gods Division."

  Loyalty!

  "I’ll now tell you how to cultivate with the second volume. Come a little closer."

  "Too close, move back."

  "Too far..."

  Lu Qingmo laughed despite herself. Was this intentional?

  "Complaining about being too close, then complaining about being too far? Now you’re making me seem unreasonable, am I being too dramatic?"

  Han sighed. This was tough.

  "Do you still want it or not? If not, I’m not giving it to you."

  "Yes, yes, yes! Aunt Mo, please give it to me!"

  With the foundation from the first volume, Han’s innate talent and the Haoran Qi he had already cultivated made the second volume incredibly easy for him to learn.

  "Some Daoist techniques at the Sacred Academy are difficult to practice, but also quite simple," Lu Qingmo explained.

  "The key lies in the Haoran Qi. Once you comprehend this power, many Daoist techniques that are difficult for others to grasp will become incredibly simple."

  "I can already feel it," Han nodded. The Haoran Qi was indeed the core of many Daoist techniques at the Sacred Academy, clearing many of the obstacles for those who mastered it.

  No wonder Lu Qingmo felt Han should be going somewhere.

  After memorizing and briefly understanding the second volume of Haoran, Han withdrew his mind and began cultivating his soul.

  Although the Daoist techniques were powerful, his cultivation level was the real foundation.

  "Aunt Mo, about Zuo Tianzheng during the day..." Han began.

  Lu Qingmo furrowed her brow. "I went to speak with him later, but he insisted on expanding the Black Cloud Guard and taking control of Black Mountain."

  "I can make the Ghost Gods Division disregard his orders, but if he’s determined to go through with something, there’s nothing I can do to stop him."

  Zuo Tianzheng couldn't do anything to the Xuandu Sect, but Lu Qingmo had no influence over him as a high-ranking official close to the Emperor.

  "If he succeeds in this, things in Black Mountain won’t be peaceful at all. In fact, it might get worse," Han said.

  "That’s an unregulated area. Only the strongest can carry out their ideas without interference. It’s just wishful thinking on his part."

  "Why is he doing this? Is it for political gain? Is his main goal really the development of Black Cloud?"

  Lu Qingmo shook her head. "I can’t understand his thinking."

  "Don’t get involved in this. Black Mountain is dangerous. Beasts and various other threats dominate that place."

  "We weren’t planning to," Han said. He hadn’t forgotten his close call with Bai Ruoyue, that place was far from being a cultivator’s paradise.

  After finishing his cultivation, Han spent the entire night studying the second volume of Haoran.

  True Daoist techniques, especially those with profound meaning, were beyond comparison.

  When the morning came, Han stepped out of his room and was surprised to find Yun Duo there.

  "Han!"

  The young girl greeted him.

  "What are you doing here?"

  Yun Duo answered honestly, "Master sent me to pass on some words to my father."

  Then, curious, she asked, "How did you come out? Did you arrive so early?"

  "I did come pretty early..." Han replied, realizing she didn’t know he had already moved and was now the man of the Peach Grove.

  This matter was kept fairly secret, known only to people from the martial arts school.

  "Is everything settled?"

  "Yes, everything’s done. I was about to head home."

  Han nodded, not asking what Lu Qingmo had discussed with her.

  "I’ll walk you back."

  He was also heading to the martial arts school.

  "Great!" Yun Duo replied eagerly and then asked, "By the way, Han, do you have time later?"

  "Later?" Han thought for a moment before replying, "If nothing urgent comes up, I should be free. Why?"

  "Are you going to invite me over again?"

  "If you want to come, it’s no problem. My home is very welcoming to you." Yun Duo said naturally, "My father specifically asked us to spend more time with you, get closer, and build a stronger bond."

  "..."

  Well, you’re really... honest and straightforward, aren't you? No pretenses, just putting everything out there.