Starting with warding off evil and disaster, one can ascend to immortality after countless tribulati

"I've heard about what happened this morning. I can understand youthful impetuosity, but conflicts should be resolved privately. I won't tolerate any private feuds under my watch!"

Turning around, he saw Steward Zhou staring at him.

Jiang Ming admitted that he was almost scared to tears at the time. The old man's appearance really surprised him. He hadn't noticed anything from beginning to end.

Silent and unseen, these late-stage Qi Refining Realm cultivators are indeed all formidable.

However, Jiang Ming is not entirely useless; at least he is physically strong, and even if Zhou Yi wanted to kill him, it would probably take him some effort.

"Greetings, Steward Zhou. This disciple knows his mistake. If I ever instigate another private fight, I am willing to cut off my hand as an atonement!"

Jiang Ming gave a respectful reply, his attitude humble and obedient. A forced smile appeared on Zhou Yi's aged face.

"Chen Meng's life tablet is broken. Starting tomorrow, you will take his place as the blacksmith's servant."

Recently, the inner sect members have been complaining about our low output and poor efficiency. You need to find a solution. I'll come and check on the results in a few days.

Suppressing his joy, Jiang Ming immediately clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Steward Zhou. I will do my utmost to help you."

Ignoring the flattery, Zhou Yi quietly left with his hands behind his back.

Back inside the stone chamber.

Jiang Ming couldn't help but admire Madam Zhou's methods; she truly understood Zhou Yi!

The fact that I took over the duty so quickly is probably related to the "bad things" that the other party said.

While excited, Jiang Ming also felt a little tricky.

When it comes to the art of forging, he is at best a skilled worker. He can get the job done without any problem, but he can't really think of any good ways to improve efficiency.

After much deliberation, I came to only one conclusion.

We either need to find a way to improve the process and increase the speed of forging, or we can only pressure the other disciples to spend more time working.

They forced everyone to work overtime after a long day of hard work, ruthlessly draining their energy.

Both methods are quite difficult.

The former requires professional knowledge; it is impossible to imagine it out of thin air unless one consults classical texts.

As for the latter, if one dares to do it, it will definitely cause public dissatisfaction.

At present, although Jiang Ming is the strongest in the blacksmith's workshop, he dares not do such a despicable thing. Otherwise, even if the other disciples do not say it openly, they will secretly disobey him.

If he incurred public wrath, his position as a servant would become meaningless.

After much thought, Jiang Ming decided to go to the Scripture Transmission Pavilion.

Firstly, it was to fulfill a promise and thank the old man; secondly, it was also to try one's luck and see if the other party could offer any useful advice.

Having prepared a jar of fine wine and some snacks, Jiang Ming took out ten spirit stones, along with the mysterious ancient painting whose purpose was unknown, and returned to the Scripture Transmission Pavilion.

It was evening again, and there was no one around.

Jiang Ming familiarly placed the spirit stones on the ground, arranged the wine and meat, and greeted them with a devout expression, "Senior, I have come here to express my gratitude for saving my life."

"Get up quickly, kneel down on the ground, and set out wine and meat as if you're worshipping a dead person. It's extremely unlucky."

Frowning and cursing unhappily, the old man pushed open the door and first put the spirit stones into his storage bag at his waist.

Then, he gently stroked his gray beard, his eyes filled with deep doubt, "It's really strange that you, with such low cultivation, didn't die suddenly after getting involved in karma."

Never mind that for now. You don't come here unless you have a reason. Ten spirit stones must be a lot for you.

In my opinion, repaying a debt of gratitude is a pretense; his real intention is to ask me for a favor. I, Qin, have lived most of my life and have some experience. If you have any questions, please speak quickly.

"I can't hide it from Elder Qin. I do have some questions. I am Jiang Ming, a disciple of the blacksmith's workshop. Recently, I was promoted by the manager and given a task."

"I need your help to improve the efficiency of the blacksmith's workshop. However, I know very little about forging, so I've come to ask for your guidance. Also, I'm unsure of the purpose of this ancient painting; I hope you can enlighten me."

Jiang Ming humbly lowered his head, and before long, he saw the old man raise the corners of his mouth, take a hearty sip of wine, and calmly reply.

"It's not a difficult matter. When I was young, I dabbled in all kinds of cultivation arts. Here is a book about weapon forging."

I don't need it anymore. If you need it, take it; it should give you the answer you're looking for.

Looking at Old Qin with delight, Jiang Ming suddenly realized that the saying "Having an elder in the family is like having a treasure" was true. The huge gap in experience brought about by age was really hard to make up for.

No wonder all the great cultivators who dominate a region in this world have a master. In such a chaotic world of great strife, even geniuses find it difficult to stand out without a solid background to support them.

Jiang Ming reached out as if to take it, but the old man's lips stiffened, and he slapped the hand away, giving Jiang Ming a disdainful look and saying leisurely.

"Wait a minute, aren't you ashamed? There's no such thing as a free lunch. Five spirit stones, and I'll sell you this book."

"Please forgive me, Elder Qin. I was being presumptuous. I didn't bring enough spirit stones this time. Could I bring you more next time?" Jiang Ming scratched his head awkwardly and shamelessly asked for credit.

Seeing this, the old man did not make things difficult for him. He smiled and nodded in agreement, then turned his gaze to the ancient painting and sighed with slight surprise.

"Oh, it's quite a rare item. It seals the evil spirits that grow on willow wood into a painting for people to control. The idea is good, but the craftsmanship is rough. If used improperly, it will likely cause people to lose their minds."

Aside from harming those with low cultivation levels, it's not very useful. However, this item is quite an opportunity for you...

Having said all he could say, the old man fell silent.

Jiang Ming immediately understood, gave a bitter smile, and asked with a pained expression, "Please, Elder Qin, give me your guidance. Just tell me how many spirit stones you need."

"Fifteen spirit stones, five for helping with the blood oath ceremony, and ten for teaching a secret technique." He took out a piece of parchment from his storage bag.

As if he was certain that Jiang Ming would not refuse, the old man calmly handed it over, his voice slightly amused, "With your comprehension, selling this secret technique to you for ten spirit stones is an absolute bargain."

"If you have the opportunity to enter the inner sect in the future, this secret technique will still be useful, and you might even be able to further develop and promote it."

They were used to the old man only saying half of what he meant, and that continuing to listen would cost spirit stones.

This time, Jiang Ming didn't ask any further questions. He repeatedly scanned the small print on the parchment, raised an eyebrow, and asked in surprise, "The 'Yin Yang Ritual Music and Harmony Ode,' senior, is this really not an erotic book? Why is the description so explicit?"

"This secret technique comes from the Hehuan Sect, and it is indeed tainted with eroticism, but it is really useful."

It's easy to get started, has direct effects, and most importantly, it allows you to share your spiritual practice experience with female practitioners without worrying about being scammed.

"After all, the body tells the truth..." The old man licked the plump roast chicken and gave off a knowing look.

Their eyes met, and Jiang Ming instantly understood. "Indeed, it's quite good, but where is the female cultivator? It's not in an ancient painting, is it? You want me to cultivate with an evil spirit?"

Recalling the terrible memories from when he first transmigrated, Jiang Ming's eyes widened and his brows furrowed.

As if seeing right through him, the old man glanced at him and rebuked him sharply, "Otherwise, do you want me to conjure up a Daoist partner for you?"

You are penniless, have low comprehension, poor aptitude, and no family background. Which female cultivator would be blind enough to want to be with you?

It's already pretty good that it has a malevolent spirit to use.

After a long silence, Jiang Ming nodded and said nothing more. "Elder Qin, what is the purpose of the female corpse in that painting? Are you asking me to transport corpses?"

"I'll teach you the secret technique. How you use it is up to you; I won't stop you..."

However, the best use is to detonate the evil spirit in a moment of crisis, destroying it along with the enemy.

Grabbing Jiang Ming's arm, the old man found a vein, took out a silver needle from his pocket, and decisively stabbed it. In an instant, blood gushed out, spraying freely onto the ancient painting.

The old, antique-looking scroll, bathed in blood, shone with an unusual luster, and even the female corpse on it seemed to have gained a bit more life.

"Alright, this item is now completely yours. Take the secret technique and leave. Next time we meet, remember to bring the spirit stones you owe me."

A gentle touch soothed Jiang Ming's wound.

The old man downed the wine in one gulp, then waved wearily to see his guest off.

Jiang Ming had a very fruitful day, and a smile appeared on his face. He quickly bowed to express his gratitude and headed home.

After he left, the old man looked up at the moon, scratched his gray hair, and couldn't help but feel a pang of emotion.

"His skin and flesh are as firm as iron. The inheritance this kid received is actually a rare body-tempering technique. Body cultivators are straightforward and honest, and their lineage is almost gone. This cause and effect is probably not harmful."

This kid is lucky; he might actually make it to the inner sect someday. It just so happens that my lifespan is running out, so it would be good if I could find a helper for my granddaughter while I'm still alive…”