It all started with one person becoming a shaman, but the Stand user...

He waved to Qing Hemiao in the same manner.

He felt a warm current sweep over him, and the bruises on his body disappeared quickly as well.

[Level 51 Shaman Guan Shihua has activated the Witch Doctor (Master) skill on you, successfully revitalizing your blood and energy, nourishing your meridians, and promoting rapid recovery.]

The system has eight levels of skill proficiency: Beginner, Proficient, Expert, Junior, Specialist, Master, Grandmaster, and Legendary.

The first five levels can theoretically be reached through sufficient hard work, study, and accumulation.

All of Qinghe Miao's current methods fall within this scope.

However, the three levels of "Master", "Grandmaster", and "Legend" are still very mysterious even in the system's evaluation.

It all depends almost entirely on one's exceptional talent and serendipitous encounters.

Alternatively, top-tier sects or martial arts schools that are proficient in certain fields may possess methods for achieving breakthroughs.

This was the first master-level skill Qing Hemiao had ever seen in his life, and it seemed to be a medical technique from the "Bai Family Immortal" lineage.

All I can say is that he truly deserves to be one of the Ten Elders.

After doing all this, Guan Shihua looked at Qing Hemiao again.

The anger on his face had vanished, replaced by undisguised admiration and astonishment.

"Good lad."

She looked Qing Hemiao up and down, as if trying to get to know him all over again, and sighed:

"That really opened my eyes. That move just now... was no simple feat. Even if you were prepared, to be able to unleash that level of power and speed at your age, your physical endurance, and your... special methods are all extraordinary."

Qinghe Miao smiled modestly:

"Grandma Guan, you flatter me. It really is just a trick, a little unorthodox method I came up with myself. It's not worthy of being called elegant."

Actually, there's no need for any resilience at all.

The Stand abilities produced by the system seem to be absolute; if it says it will enhance, it will enhance, and there are absolutely no side effects.

"Unorthodox methods?"

Guan Shihua shook her head, her gaze deep:

“Even if he was careless, the unorthodox methods that could bring down my grandson are no ordinary unorthodox methods. You have quite a few secrets... But who doesn’t have their own special abilities and hidden cards? As long as you have a righteous heart and use them for good, that’s a good skill.”

As they spoke, the group returned to the warm little house they had just been in.

On the way, Master Chai frequently glanced at his apprentice, his expression extremely complex.

There was an unbelievable shock, a sense of pride in being part of it, and a slight belated bewilderment.

When did my apprentice become such a skilled fighter?

But in the end, it all turned into an irrepressible joy, and he walked with a much straighter back than when he arrived.

"Alright, little guy, you've surprised me today. Your future is promising. I certainly can't let you and your master leave empty-handed this time, or the immortals will scold me for being senile."

After sitting down again, Guan Shihua didn't waste any time. She took Qing Hemiao's hand and asked directly:

"Now, tell me, what specific things do you want to do this time? Or, do you think there's anything this old woman can do to help you?"

Qinghe Miao was prepared for this and answered almost without thinking, his voice clear and calm:

"I want money."

The moment those four words were uttered, the room fell silent.

Deng Youcai couldn't help but cover his face, unable to believe that he had just lost to such a person.

Master Chai was so anxious he almost jumped up. He quickly signaled to his apprentice with his eyes, thinking to himself:

Silly child! How can you ask for money directly at a time like this!

Guan Shihua was also slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting him to make this request so directly.

But being a seasoned veteran, she immediately laughed, showing no anger. Instead, she patted Qing Hemiao's hand and said in a tone of instructing a junior:

"Want money? Hmm, that's very practical. Of the four essential elements of cultivation—wealth, partner, method, and place—'wealth' comes first, and there's a reason for that. It's perfectly normal for someone your age to recognize the importance of 'wealth.' But in our world of supernatural beings, many things are different."

For example, 'wealth' doesn't just refer to money. There are many things whose value far surpasses ordinary money. Often, even money can't buy them. And once you possess these things, you'll naturally no longer worry about 'wealth' in the future. Do you understand what I mean?

"Grandma Guan, I understand what you're saying."

Things that are beneficial to spiritual practice can, in the long run, bring extraordinary abilities, vitality, and lifespan, enabling one to do things that ordinary people cannot.

Nature is priceless, its value far exceeding that of worldly gold and silver.

Qinghe Miao met Guan Shihua's gaze, but calmly stated his reasons:

"However, as the saying goes, even a hero can be brought down by a penny. I have always believed that with my talent... or rather, with my special circumstances, as long as I have the most basic methods to guide me in, the rest of the journey will be completed with enough accumulation, and I will naturally see different scenery. For me, it is not necessary to urgently pursue those things."

Chapter 20 Respect for Teachers

Real money has always been the most effective way to solve real problems and bring a sense of security in this world.

To live a life full of emotional value and sunshine, you need real money as a foundation.

Poverty brings sorrow in everything.

For Qinghe Miao, who was not a first-timer, she already had experience.

Compared to personal feelings, he doesn't place much importance on temporary gains or losses in spiritual practice and daily life.

With money, you can first solve many mundane problems that are affecting your emotional values.

For example, he can arrange his own school schedule, so his parents will worry less.

Qinghe Miao is still very grateful to her parents in this life.

Although sometimes one's perspective is limited and one's understanding is limited, it can be annoying, just like being bored.

But that's because they suffered hardship their whole lives; that's just how the rules of survival are. The fault isn't with them, it's with the environment.

With less economic pressure, arguments and anxiety can naturally be alleviated.

With fewer conflicts at home, a quiet, harmonious, and worry-free environment is the best 'resource for self-cultivation' for Qinghemiao.

If he were the kind of wise person who was single-mindedly pursuing immortality, with an unwavering will, and so selfless as to burn down his family and property, that would be fine.

But he was too soft-hearted to escape this mortal world, destined to go all the way through this journey.

If one is constantly troubled by worldly affairs and anxieties caused by financial difficulties, even the best talent will inevitably be hindered in one's state of mind.

Isn't living a fulfilling life simply about feeling at peace with yourself?

Otherwise, every day would be hell.

"What a wonderful mood..."

After hearing this, Guan Shihua did not immediately refute it, but instead murmured four words with a complex expression on her face.

She has lived to be so old and has met all sorts of people.

I have seen countless examples of ideals that were considered grand or ethereal triumphing over reality.

Among them, there are those who, like "a sharp sword is forged through grinding," endure hardship and eventually reap the rewards.

But many more remain nameless, leaving no trace until their departure, forgotten by everyone, as if they had never existed.

Like Qinghe Miao, who knows that money is a good thing, and also knows why it is a good thing.

This is the first time this has happened at this age.

She had to admit that the child's idea made sense, even was quite insightful.

If there's anything wrong with it, it's precisely because of this clarity that it seems too realistic, lacking the sharpness that a young person should have, as well as the curiosity and yearning for the "Great Way" itself.

Each age should have its own characteristics.

It's hard to say whether this kind of rebellious growth is good or bad.

After a moment's hesitation, Guan Shihua made a decision. Instead of trying to persuade Qing Hemiao to change his mind, she offered a practical and generous solution:

"Alright, since you've put it this way, I won't try to persuade you anymore. Money is no problem."

Although money is still valuable these days.

But she, the head of the shamanic sect in charge of the three provinces outside the Great Wall, was not just a figurehead; she had considerable wealth.

She held up one finger:

"First of all, it's our first time meeting, and you've really impressed me. According to custom, elders should give younger people red envelopes. I'll give you 10,000 yuan from my own pocket as a small token of my appreciation."

Then, she pondered and said:

"Secondly, I'll talk to a few familiar old friends in our shamanic lineage to see if we can get you a special scholarship. At the very least, it will cover your school fees. That way, the pressure on your parents will be much lighter."

"Qing He Miao, a disciple of the shamanic lineage, thanks the Grand Master for his generous gift!"

Upon hearing this, Qing Hemiao felt reassured, knowing that this was the real benefit that could bring him real gains. Without hesitation, he bowed deeply in gratitude.

He took a step back, respectfully faced Guan Shihua, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to the ground, offering a formal and solemn thank-you.

This bow is both an expression of gratitude and a way of emphasizing the connection to the shamanic lineage, signifying that it will never be forgotten.

Of course, this would be a risky investment for the shamanic tradition.

"As for cultivation... such a promising talent still needs proper guidance and a higher platform."

Guan Shihua nodded in satisfaction, then added:

"Then hang your name at the main hall and see if any deity is compatible with you. Then find a deity to become their disciple and give you some guidance. Is that alright?"

In our lineage, inviting another deity as a teacher is not considered out of line, as long as the etiquette is proper.

Her arrangements were thorough and comprehensive.

In the lineage of shamans, it is not Guan Shihua who is the head of the sect; those shamans are the ones who lead the main shrines.

Instead, Guan Shihua invited a celestial being from the main hall, whose cultivation was quite good, and who was now the Grand Master.

The immortals who can reside in the main hall are all formidable figures in history, representing the essence of this land beyond the Great Wall.

Invoking the spirits of the main hall is an opportunity that countless shamanic disciples dream of.

Unexpectedly, Qinghe Miao shook his head again:

"Grandma Guan, thank you for your kindness, but I think it's best not to disturb the other deities."

"Oh?"

Annoyed by the repeated unexpected events, Guan Shihua raised an eyebrow, looking at the boy who had made an unconventional choice:

"Why? Can you explain why? Finding you a better teacher is to help you avoid detours. Isn't that a good thing?"

"My master, Chai Ningshen, may be considered by many to be not particularly skilled, nor does he have a large sect. One could even say that he was mediocre his whole life and did not achieve much."

Qinghe Miao straightened up, her eyes clear, her tone earnest:

"But a teacher is one who imparts knowledge, instructs in skills, and resolves doubts. He is my mentor, who taught me the foundation for my survival in this world."

He paused, then turned to look at Master Chai beside him, whose expression was complex because of his words, a resolute light shining in his eyes:

"So I think I have a chance to reach the point of ascension in the future. I hope that if I really achieve something in the future, when people mention me, Qinghe Miao, at least in the lineage of shamans, the glory will be attributed more to my master, Chai Ningshen, to our small shrine, and to the Bai family of our lineage. Consider it a gift I give to him for our master-disciple relationship in this life."

His words were not spoken on a whim, but after careful consideration.

As the saying goes, "When people are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame; when their granaries are full, they know etiquette." Now that he has a system as the fundamental support for his livelihood, he has the confidence and leeway to pursue a higher realm.

Naturally, one can also spare some energy to consider the feelings of those around them and to help others with their spiritual well-being.

For example, it could allow a master who led an ordinary life to gain honor in his later years because of his students.

Master Chai stood aside, and after listening to his apprentice's words, he was first filled with surprise and disbelief, and then his chest felt slightly heavy.

But more than anything, he felt helpless and angry that his apprentice's ideas were too far-fetched and almost absurd.

He opened his mouth, intending to say a few polite words to ease the tension, but in the end he said nothing and chose to remain silent.