Bai Chen's words nearly made you laugh in exasperation: "I never realized you were such a business genius before!"

You genuinely hadn't expected Bai Chen, who frequented brothels daily, to end up opening one himself. It reminded you of how many people spend so much money at internet cafes that they could've bought their own computer to play at home.

"Consider that a compliment from your senior brother. Come take a seat and show your junior some support," Bai Chen said.

You stepped toward Mingchun Court: "Just a simple visit, none of those fancy services."

"Of course, whatever senior brother says."

You and Bai Chen entered Mingchun Court together, making your way to his private second-floor lounge with its commanding view of the main hall below.

At the center of the bustling hall, the courtesan performed an elegant dance, her graceful movements captivating the crowd of scholars and patrons drinking, composing poetry, and creating a lively atmosphere.

Bai Chen ordered tea and snacks as you both observed the scene below, chatting leisurely between sips.

After draining your cup in one gulp and leaning back, you asked: "What happened to that guy who tried skipping payment earlier?"

Bai Chen calmly refilled your tea: "Had Jiao Mingxu's people drag him to the magistrate."

You blinked in surprise: "Wait, does Jiao Mingxu have a stake in Mingchun Court too?"

You never imagined someone as honest as Jiao Mingxu would get involved in this business.

Bai Chen tossed a peanut in his mouth: "No, the court's entirely mine. But since Jiao Mingxu runs that martial arts school, I borrowed some of his tough-looking instructors to keep order here."

Taking a sip of tea, you asked: "You giving Jiao Mingxu a cut?"

Bai Chen quickly explained: "I tried, but he refused outright. Just told me to pay the instructors properly."

You nodded approvingly: "Wise. Too much money between friends can ruin relationships. He's learned well over the years."

Bai Chen agreed wholeheartedly: "That guy seems simple but understands life better than anyone. Never made a serious mistake his whole life!"

You chuckled: "Then how'd he end up getting chased around by He Youshan's family back then?"

Bai Chen laughed loudly: "Hah! The one exception to his perfect record. What man hasn't stumbled at that critical moment?" Then he glanced at you, realizing you'd never had your own "critical moment" in decades.

He hastily corrected himself: "Well, other men I mean. A perfect gentleman like senior brother would never make such mistakes."

You glared playfully: "Perfect gentleman? What exactly are you implying?"

"Ahaha, more tea senior brother, drink your tea..."

After more conversation at Mingchun Court, you returned to Danxia Sect, learning that Bai Chen had spent considerable money securing county magistrate approval beforehand - no small feat for opening a brothel.

The establishment had earned Youtong County's "Prominent Enterprise" title on its very first day, transforming Bai Chen into a respected businessman overnight - proof of the magistrate's substantial support.

Back at Danxia Sect, you resumed cultivation. Three days later, Hu Zhongxuan arrived from the capital carrying Deng Wanshu's sliding-lid cold jade coffin with his true qi.

Pausing your cultivation, you greeted: "Martial Uncle, what brings you back home?" It had been over a year since Hu Zhongxuan last visited after escorting Ruan Bai.

Following Deng Rusong's dying wishes, Hu Zhongxuan should have visited monthly to ensure the sect's stability. "Recent matters kept me occupied," he admitted guiltily, though visibly relieved seeing the sect peaceful. "Seems Ruan Bai manages well!"

Unaware you'd eliminated Shen Dingyuan's faction to maintain stability - without which Ruan Bai would likely be rotting in some ditch - you simply agreed: "Yes, he manages fine."

Hu Zhongxuan nodded: "Then I'm at ease. The late sect leader chose well!"

"Martial Uncle, you came for something important?" you asked.

His eyes lit up excitedly: "He Yu! How's your pill refining? When can you reach sixth-grade?!"

Glancing at the silent Deng Wanshu, you understood. "I've recently entered seventh-grade," you answered honestly.

"Seventh-grade already?!" Hu Zhongxuan exclaimed.

"Yes."

"HAHAHA! Excellent! Marvelous!" He clapped your shoulder enthusiastically - nearly dislocating it with his Ultimate Grandmaster strength.

Rubbing your shoulder, you complained: "Martial Uncle, state your business before you cripple your only pill refiner."

"Ah, you've guessed it - I may have found a way to obtain Earth Source, meaning hope for the Reviving Yang Pill!"

"How confident are you?"

Hu Zhongxuan sobered slightly: "Not certain, but there's definite progress." He didn't elaborate on obtaining Earth Source, and you tactically didn't press.

After brief conversation, he went to see Ruan Bai, returning within fifteen minutes looking shocked: "He Yu! Ruan Bai says you killed Shen Dingyuan?!"

Feigning exaggerated concern, you asked: "Martial Uncle, was he your cousin or something?"

"Don't play dumb! You truly killed Shen Dingyuan?!"

"The sect would never know peace otherwise."

Hu Zhongxuan studied you intensely: "Organ Fortifying peak killing Dragon Transformation mid-stage so easily? I've never seen such a thing!"

"Beginner's luck, Martial Uncle."

"Bullshit! An Ultimate Grandmaster knows when someone's bullshitting about luck!"

"Martual Uncle, that sentence would give a censor a stroke."

Circling you several times, Hu Zhongxuan nodded approvingly: "I haven't seen such combat prowess even in the capital!"

"Then you haven't seen enough."

When he moved to clap your shoulder again, you sidestepped. Awkwardly withdrawing his hand, Hu Zhongxuan admitted: "The late sect leader spared Shen Dingyuan out of brotherhood, but I worried about his ambitions. Earth Source matters kept me from checking more often, but with you here, I'm relieved!"

"Don't be too relieved - do visit more."

"Right, right. I'll take my leave now - await your advancement to eighth-grade!"

"I'll do my best."

After Hu Zhongxuan's departure, you resumed cultivation, pushing toward the Essence Refining realm.

Year 32

While cultivating in your courtyard, you sensed the early-stage Essence Refining bottleneck weakening - breakthrough could come within days or weeks.

Suddenly sensing someone approach, you heard a cool yet cheerful voice: "Every time I see you, you're cultivating. So diligent!"

Opening your eyes, you saw Wan Qingluan in white robes entering. Your heart tightened knowing she must have returned from making her wish to Yan Zhixue.

Maintaining composure, you joked: "What ill wind blows the Saintess here today?"

Ignoring your question, she stepped close, eyes intoxicated: "I've made my wish to the sect leader. She found it very interesting!"

"Oh? What did you wish for?"

Instead of answering, she smiled faintly: "Then she said you're very interesting too. I think so myself!"

You seized the key point: "Let me understand - after granting your wish, your sect leader could still speak about me being interesting?"

"Mmhmm~"

"So...your sect leader could speak after you made your wish?"

Leaning in urgently, you came close enough to share breaths, her faint fragrance unnoticed in your focus.

Wan Qingluan's eyes flickered: "Why couldn't the sect leader speak?"

You fell silent, calmly stepping back while cursing inwardly: "Damn it, I've miscalculated badly."