"Then starting tomorrow, you will assume your duties as the Head Guard. Furthermore, I ask that you pay close attention to my younger brother's martial arts training."

Having spent time within the Prince's residence before, Chun Can responded calmly to his rudeness: As the two emerged from the study, they exchanged a glance; it would be a lie to say they weren't pleased—after all, what man doesn't desire to be highly valued?

"Excellent, but my shop only sells calligraphy and paintings; I've never dealt in embroidery."

"Since the Young Master insists, then we shall obey the Young Master's wishes."

"Hong Fei, I wish for you to be the Captain of the Guards at my estate. What are your thoughts?"

"Miss, do you think our craftsmanship is marketable?"

"Is this alright? What if I fail miserably?"

"Does he care excessively for money?"

"Oh? Miss, to be honest, I've never done these things before."

"The rest are too ordinary. Although their skill is not bad, they are too stiff and lack spirit. After sparring with them once, I haven't called them again. By the way, Sister, why are you suddenly concerned about them?"

"Yao Bin just lacks confidence in himself."

That evening, after tidying the hand-copied manuscripts, Chun Can, as usual, went to check on her younger brother's and Xiang Nan's bedchamber. Chun Que slept soundly like a little piglet every night due to the day's martial arts practice, occasionally emitting snores. After covering his bare upper body with a thin quilt, she got up and went to Xiang Nan's room next door. She gently pushed the door open and saw him lying there, his eyes fixed on her, just about to enter.

"Chun Can didn't come; I couldn't sleep."

"Besides the Four Treasures of the Study, let's sell some other kinds of copied texts. I haven't had much going on lately, so I can copy some books to sell."

Chun Can said without hesitation: "Hong Fei, this fellow has an excellent temper, and his skill is the best among the group."

"I summoned you two today to discuss something. You both should sit down and listen to me explain slowly."

Hearing the Young Mistress's level tone, Hong Fei realized his previous words had been too presumptuous. He stood straight, clasped his fists, and said: After staying at the Smiling Scholars' Studio for only two days, Shen Tian Fang was in a great hurry to return to the Emerald Flute Mountain Villa. Seeing that he truly had urgent business, Chun Can did not press him to stay. Shen Xiang Nan, seeing his grandfather about to leave, felt reluctance but had no intention of going with him, which greatly displeased Shen Tian Fang, who cherished his grandson. He returned in a gloomy mood.

In the evening, Chun Can chatted with Chun Que while copying books: "Apply your specialty; you will do very well."

"Then you go and attend to your duties."

"Good, I'll go prepare right away."

"Who told you that?"

"He's a well-known informant in the Villa, and exceptionally good at calculating accounts. I heard that when he first started out, he used an abacus as his weapon."

"Chun Que, among your sparring partners, whose skill is the best and with whom do you coordinate most seamlessly?"

Chun Can took the embroidery, examined it closely, and praised repeatedly: "Oh? Then this person must be quite eloquent!"

"Miss, really?"

"Miss, this isn't quite proper; you are the master."

"Let's leave it at that for now. Please trouble Uncle Wang to hurry and handle this matter. I will go to other shops to buy some common books, and I'll start copying them when I return. Perhaps business will come sooner than expected."

Having made up her mind, the next day Chun Can accompanied Uncle Wang to the calligraphy and painting shop on Liancheng South Street. Standing at the shop entrance, she looked up; the shop's name was also 'Smiling Scholars' Studio.' It seemed Liu Yunji truly loved the characters 'Smiling Scholars.' Entering the shop, she took a casual look around. The storefront was quite large, with a fair number of paintings, calligraphy, and books, suggesting some scale. However, the books were rather obscure—many were hand-copied texts that ordinary scholars wouldn't be interested in, being difficult and esoteric. While such items might be treasures in the eyes of an expert, they were garbage to a common literatus. It seemed Liu Yunji, someone who casually pursued his own interests, hadn't considered relying on this shop for a living. While appreciating Liu Yunji's collection and unique taste, since she needed to support a whole family now, she had to change the approach.

Returning to the estate after buying supplies, Chun Can saw her younger brother practicing martial arts by the lake. His sparring partner that day was a guard named Hong Fei. Chun Can had observed this man for some time. This person possessed extraordinary patience; no matter how impatient or restless Chun Que became, Hong Fei would engage him in practice good-naturedly, without complaint. Such a person either had a naturally benevolent disposition or exceptional cultivation.

"Then I will entrust the operation of my calligraphy and painting shop to you from now on. What do you think?"

"A great temper? Has he never lost his temper?"

"Although there are few people in the estate now, we still need individuals with specific responsibilities, so Uncle Wang doesn't have to manage everything. I have heard something about your character and reputation, and I think this job is most suitable for you."

"Does the 'Bin' in your name mean proficiency in both literature and martial arts?"

"So you've had two years of schooling, have you?"

"There's no rush about this matter. You all should focus on your current duties. You can work on embroidery in your spare time."

"I asked the same thing, but Yao Bin said this person once went through some sort of fiery ordeal, taking down over a dozen guards in the Villa, and all of them were severely wounded."

"Why aren't you asleep yet? Aren't you tired?"

"What exactly is constantly on your mind?"

"Then I'll take down a few calligraphy and painting pieces from the study for you to use as samples. Those are famous works; you must guard them carefully."

Seeing the two finally settle onto chairs, Chun Can began: "I want to arrange specific tasks for them, Sister, but I haven't interacted with them much, so I'm asking you to get a baseline idea."

"Hong Fei, he has been in the Villa the longest; he knows the background of everyone here."

Her words were too impactful. This future Captain of the Guards reflexively stood up, surprised: "Uncle Wang, I have no other source of income right now. To prevent exhausting my savings, I must rely on this shop to earn some silver to supplement the household expenses, so I cannot operate it the way the old Master Liu did."

"Next, let's talk about Yao Bin. I hear you are very skilled at calculating accounts."

As soon as the words were spoken, the two maids somewhat dejectedly put away their embroidery. Unable to bear their disappointment, Chun Can amended: "What's wrong with the Young Mistress? I wasn't born a master. When it comes to copying books, no one can surpass me."

"Is that true or false? Is it really that exaggerated?"

"Yes."

"That is as it should be."

"Xiao Yu, Xiao Ying understand."

"Uncle Wang, starting tomorrow, besides calligraphy, paintings, and books, our shop will also sell the Four Treasures of the Study."

"What about the other four, aside from the two?"

Ever since the Smiling Scholars' Studio added the Four Treasures of the Study and the common books copied by Chun Can and the others, business gradually improved. Furthermore, Yao Bin's eloquence was effectively utilized in the shop. Seeing such a clear change, Uncle Wang couldn't help but praise his young mistress for being capable and having good judgment. Looking at the household gradually falling into order, Chun Can felt an indescribable sense of pride.

"Granny Wang taught us in the Villa. What do you think, Miss?"

"I haven't done it, but I can learn slowly. Starting tomorrow, you will follow Uncle Wang there to assist. When you get the hang of it, you can take over."

"This is the high expectation my father placed upon me. Regrettably, Yao Bin is incompetent and has let the old man down."

"That's no problem. As long as the Young Mistress provides us with the patterns, we will embroider according to them."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, looking at this person so pure like a child, Chun Can didn't know what to say. She could only gently stroke his head and softly murmur: "Sleep."

"I am grateful for the Young Mistress's kindness; Hong Fei is willing to serve with utmost diligence."

"What exquisite embroidery! Where did you learn this skill?"

"Hmm, perhaps we can make them into folding fans. Such fine embroidery would surely sell well as folding fans. However, to appeal to the tastes of scholars and young gentlemen, in the future, you should change to embroidering landscapes and similar subjects."

"Understood."

"I was also very puzzled, so I asked Yao Bin. He said he usually has no temper, but if you provoke him, don't expect to live."

Seeing the two cheerfully return to work, Chun Can felt that everyone in her estate was truly capable. If things continued this way, not only would the business of her shop cover household expenses, but there might even be a surplus every year. If that were the case, everyone would stop worrying, and the future looked truly promising.

"That's not it; perhaps it's the thrill of calculating accounts."

Seeing the two maidservants, Xiao Yu and Xiao Ying, busily occupied, they couldn't help but approach their mistress one day, holding up their embroidery and recommending themselves: "This old man understands; I will follow whatever the Miss commands."

One day, Chun Can summoned Hong Fei and Yao Bin in the study, observing them up close for the first time. Having seen people like Qiao Yu Sheng and Li Xiao Yi, she found the appearance and temperament of the two before her rather ordinary, but they seemed like genuine people, without calculation or deliberate concealment in their eyes. Such people might be the most suitable for her to employ and the ones she could control. Perhaps the atmosphere she created was a bit tense, seeing the somewhat constrained pair, Chun Can withdrew her gaze and softened her tone: After seeing off the Ghost Doctor, Chun Can looked at the vast residence, her mind beginning to calculate future plans. Because Uncle Wang managed the household frugally, and she herself was an outsider with little social engagement, the estate's expenses were not very high. With her savings, living comfortably for ten or eight years was not an issue. Chun Que was still young, and she was a woman; showing her face in public was always inappropriate, so she decided to manage the calligraphy and painting shop slowly, just enough to supplement the household expenses. Once Chun Que was a bit older, she could assist from the shadows in managing larger businesses, making it both safe and unlikely to cause trouble.

"Miss, that is not appropriate."

"Oh, I see. I thought you were looking for a husband. Let me state clearly beforehand: none of them are suitable, not even Hong Fei is worthy of you."

"You don't trust my judgment?"

"Although I haven't sold them, I have a way to sell them indirectly."

After three days of copying books, Chun Can realized she couldn't manage alone. She gathered everyone in the estate who could read—Uncle Wang, Hong Fei, Yao Bin, Chun Que, and herself—to copy together. With many hands, the work was quick; in less than half a month, several books were completed, adorned with exquisitely elegant covers, and put up for sale.

"That's no issue. Others have asked before, but the previous master wasn't interested in these things, so they weren't sold."

"Is that so? Truly quite impressive. By the way, who is Yao Bin?"

"Yes, he once joked that if he weren't a guard, he'd be a shopkeeper." Today's "Immortal Gathering of the Elixir Palace was held as usual, with various elixirs displayed before the Elixir Immortal Hall.

The ordinary Spirit Illusionists from various regions in Shenglong City were unaffected by last night's upheaval, and almost all of them had arrived. The entire Shenxiu Peak was bustling with people, exceptionally lively.

Shenxiao Peak, Dantain Palace.

In this palace where the Sect Master of the Elixir Immortal Sect resided, a suffocating atmosphere permeated. Wuhou, Taishu Yan, Luan Yexin, and several elders all wore grim expressions.

Dozens of experts searched all night with no results.

Luan Yexin hadn't brought back any news after meeting Tie Feng and the others last night.

It was said that the ferocious beast cultivating the 'Blood Prison Sword King Tree' Dharma Aspect could change its appearance at will, which was not difficult for a Ninth-Tier Spirit Illusionist. But besides that, the person could completely conceal their aura, even alter it, which was something an ordinary person couldn't achieve.

A person's aura is completely integrated with their physical body; how easy is it to change?

"Those people came from the western part of the Spirit Illusion Continent back then, now the Tianling Continent. They were killed, so be it; there's nothing to regret. However, the perpetrator's reckless actions have severely damaged the prestige of our Elixir Immortal Sect, especially since the Space Talisman Artifact carried by Kou Xilai was also stolen by the culprit! Gentlemen, the item stored in that Space Talisman Artifact was the upper volume of the 'Chaos Jade Codex.'" The speaker was the round-faced, broad-nosed, white-haired elder standing beside Wuhou.

This man was Zhuang Yu, the other newly ascended Spirit God of the Elixir Immortal Sect. He had been visiting a friend the day before yesterday and rushed back to Shenglong City upon receiving news from Wuhou.

"What a pity. We should have seized that 'Chaos Jade Codex' when we first encountered them."

Another elder sighed.

Wuhou frowned: "Kou Xilai carries the token of the Dark Night Divine Venerable from the 'Great Venerable Spirit Realm.' If he were truly killed, it would be hard to prevent the Dark Night Divine Venerable from noticing. Although we have the Ancient Ancestor of Dantain, our Elixir Immortal Sect need not fear him, but this person is known for holding grudges. If killing them truly caused friction with the Dark Night Divine Venerable, it wouldn't be worth the trouble."

"Wuhou Elder Hua speaks correctly."

Luan Yexin added: "Kou Xilai was severely injured, his cultivation greatly diminished; only a Spirit God can save him. Elder Lu, who carved the Illusion Formation for the Tong Shen Tower, said their stance had softened, and they intended to exchange the 'Chaos Jade Codex' for Martial Uncle's help. We didn't expect last night's incident to occur suddenly."

Taishu Yan frowned: "It's useless to regret what has already happened. Martial Uncle Wuhou, Martial Uncle Zhuang Yu, and all the elders, I propose issuing a 'Spirit Soul Edict' throughout the entire Divine Void Realm. No matter where this person flees, they must be captured and killed, otherwise, it will be difficult to salvage the remainder of our Elixir Immortal Sect."

"That is a viable idea. Everything rests on the Sect Master's decision." This was the best course of action available. Neither Wuhou nor Zhuang Yu objected, and the elders like Luan Yexin naturally all agreed. "..."

On this day, a 'Spirit Soul Edict' issued by the Elixir Immortal Sect spread out.

The entire Divine Void Realm was shaken. In past years, the Elixir Immortal Sect had issued 'Spirit Soul Edicts' several times, but always to collect exceptionally rare medicinal herbs.

This time, however, the Elixir Immortal Sect issued the 'Spirit Soul Edict' to hunt down a Spirit Illusionist cultivating the 'Blood Prison Sword King Tree' Dharma Aspect. Moreover, the bounty offered by the Elixir Immortal Sect was astonishingly high: those who discover his whereabouts can receive twenty Ninth-Grade Elixirs that boost cultivation, and those who capture or kill him can receive one Tenth-Grade Elixir and three Ninth-Grade Elixirs. Furthermore, the quality of the Ninth-Grade Elixirs all exceeded ninety, and the Tenth-Grade Elixirs exceeded seventy!

This news created a massive wave across the Divine Void Realm.

Countless Ninth-Tier experts mobilized, rushing from the vicinity of the Divine Void Realm. It was a pity that after more than half a month, the person remained untraceable, as if they had never appeared.

While the Divine Void Realm was in an uproar, Nie Kong and Tai Yan remained at the Creation Villa.

The night before the "Immortal Gathering of the Elixir Palace" concluded, Nie Kong expressed his desire to join the Elixir Immortal Sect to Taishu Yan. Taishu Yan was overjoyed and immediately appointed Nie Kong as an Elder of Shenxiu Peak, holding a grand initiation ceremony for him the next day. At this point, the disciples learned that the Elixir Immortal Sect had gained another Great Medicine King comparable to Taishu Yan and Wuhou in the Way of Medicine, causing great excitement and sweeping away the gloom brought by the changes on Shenxiu Peak.

Afterward, Nie Kong's residence was moved from the Creation Villa to Shenxiu Peak, making him Luan Yexin's neighbor.

The environment on Shenxiu Peak was naturally superior to that of the Creation Villa. Tai Yan excitedly calculated the time for the small life forms to evolve into embryos daily, while Nie Kong spent his nights refining the 'Chaos Heavenly Fire' from the upper volume of the Jade Codex. The innate source power within his body underwent transformation almost daily.

Deep in the loft, Shenxiu Peak.

"Only a little bit left!"

In a pavilion several meters away from the Elixir Immortal Hall, Nie Kong sat quietly in meditation, his heart filled with uncontrollable joy. After twenty-five days of effort, he had absorbed and refined the vast majority of the Heavenly Fire within the upper volume of the 'Chaos Jade Codex,' leaving less than one-tenth remaining.

During this period, although Nie Kong's cultivation realm had not increased, he felt as though he had undergone a complete transformation.

The innate source power was merging with and absorbing the 'Chaos Heavenly Fire,' and the 'Chaos Heavenly Fire' was continuously tempering the innate source power. By now, the innate source power, which was nearly transparent, had turned deep red like fire. When circulating the 'Yin-Yang Spirit Devouring Art,' the energy traversing his meridians felt like flowing flames.

The benefits of this change were obvious.

To avoid detection, Nie Kong hadn't truly tested it, but he could sense that the heat radiated when burning power was dozens of times greater than before. If used for alchemy, such a flame could definitely be called a divine fire. If he had the materials, Nie Kong was confident he could attempt refining even a Tenth-Grade Elixir now.

"Hoo!"

Exhaling lightly, Nie Kong calmed his mind and refocused his attention on the pet inventory.

The palm condensed from his source power gently flipped, and the closed 'Chaos Jade Codex' opened completely. The last trace of 'Chaos Heavenly Fire' surged into the blazing fireball. The next instant, the 'Chaos Jade Codex,' stripped of all its Heavenly Fire, continuously dissipated, vanishing without a trace in moments.

The Codex's disappearance did not affect Nie Kong in the slightest.

Subsequently, Nie Kong circulated the 'Yin-Yang Spirit Devouring Art' with full force. The 'Chaos Heavenly Fire' flowed ceaselessly out of the fireball, penetrating his body, rapidly reaching the Spirit God Acupoints. Accompanying the violent trembling and spinning of the acupoints, the Heavenly Fire separated thread by thread, merging with the fiery-red source power.

The speed, compared to when he first refined the Heavenly Fire, was now more than ten times faster.

When the last thread of 'Chaos Heavenly Fire' merged into the source power, a wondrous sensation surged through his body. In that instant, the paths of life and death contained within the innate source power completely fused, as if the distinction between life and death no longer existed, yet both life and death were present—like a ball of chaos.

"Chaos..."

Muttering these two words repeatedly, a glimmer of enlightenment gradually arose in Nie Kong's heart: "What I possess now is no longer innate source, but Chaos Source!"