Then, I tutored all four of them. Instead of selecting just one leader, I nurtured each into a capable leader in their own right. I advised them not to cling to this single product for their entire lives—it was easily copied and held little long-term value. "Innovate more. Solve more problems. Always think about making this place a better one to live in," I told them. "Don't just chase profits—give people value for their money."
Teaching them filled me with deep satisfaction. They were eager to learn, and I found joy in their questions and ideas. Days passed, and I gradually approached the second stage of the Body Refining Realm. When the breakthrough came, I welcomed it with ease. My missions refreshed, becoming harder than before, but I preferred it that way—only through challenge could I continue to grow.
On the business side, the four eventually decided to follow the lead of one man—Tuo Ban, a middle-aged man with a turban. He appeared gentle outwardly but had a sharp mind beneath the surface. To his credit, Tuo Ban treated the others well, giving them bigger responsibilities and room to grow.
Soon, the month came to an end. I parted ways with them and the employees. Though I hadn't invested a single coin, I still left with a profit of 20 silver coins—a huge gain in such a short time. Pleased, I returned to the inn, stored the coins safely, and thought to myself, Even though I've left that business, I now have enough money to live comfortably for years. But that thought only brought a strange emptiness. I didn't know what to do next. So, I simply went to sleep.
The next day, I completed my daily missions again—this time pushing myself harder than before. I raised the difficulty of my training so much that, by the end, I couldn't even stand. I collapsed into bed, breathing heavily, and checked my progress:
Cultivation Progress: 31%
Lying there, my mind drifted. Many ideas came, but none I truly liked. Until one thought struck me. There was a profession in this world that was highly respected, and it aligned perfectly with what I wanted to achieve. My goals were far too big for me to reach alone—I needed people, support, and a network.
That profession was… Teacher.
A teacher commanded respect from all, regardless of status. The profession itself had ranks—starting from 1-star teacher and climbing higher. To become a 1-star teacher, one needed to be in the Body Refining Realm and possess the skill to instruct others, something tested and certified by the Teachers' Institution. Advancing further required strength and mastery—2-star teachers, for example, had to be in the Qi Refining Realm, and so on.
There was only one problem—this city lacked both cultivators and proper academies. To become a teacher, I would have to travel to another city, hundreds of miles away. Without hesitation, I booked a cart for the journey. It would take days, but I was ready. Leaving this city behind, I set out to begin the next chapter of my life.