The early morning sun pierced through the mist, spilling into the courtyard of the quiet dwelling on Cui Zhu Peak.
Shen Changqing stood under the old locust tree, staring at his pale, slender palms, his brow furrowed.
"Something's off."
He made a fist, feeling the spiritual power coursing through his veins like a raging river.
After last night's frenzy of "mooching in style," his cultivation had skyrocketed straight to the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining. Among inner sect disciples, this level wasn't top-tier, but it certainly placed him solidly in the upper middle.
The problem was—
"I have the mana pool, but I have no skills."
Shen Changqing threw a casual punch at the air.
*Whoosh—*
It stirred a slightly stronger breeze, but not even a single leaf trembled.
"Empty cultivation at the Eighth Layer of Qi Refining, yet I can't even conjure a basic fireball. Right now, I'm like a noob holding a max-level account who can't even find the basic attack button."
Shen Changqing withdrew his hand, his expression turning grave.
"In this cannibalistic Unity Joy Sect, relying solely on Hong Lian's reputation might scare people for a while, but not forever. That Zhao Wuji, having suffered such humiliation, is definitely plotting to test my limits. What if it really comes to blows one day? Can't exactly use my face to block a flying sword, can I?"
Even a professional moocher needs to stay alive to enjoy the benefits.
"Right, a trip to the Scripture Depository is a must."
Shen Changqing made up his mind:
"Find a couple of defensive spells. Raw power isn't important; the key is they must be easy to learn, quick to master. Preferably something flashy and intimidating, all for show. As long as I never actually have to fight, who can tell if I'm a real master or just a paper tiger?"
Having reasoned it through, Shen Changqing didn't hesitate.
He turned back to his room, stood before the bronze mirror, and meticulously straightened the crimson robe symbolizing his "personal disciple" status under Hong Lian, ensuring every angle was flawless. Then, he pushed the door open and stepped out.
...
On the road to the Scripture Depository.
It was just after morning training, and the main path of Qian Long Courtyard was bustling with inner sect disciples coming and going.
When that eye-searing flash of crimson appeared among the crowd, the noisy street instantly fell silent.
That was the Robe of the Crimson Lotus.
In the Unity Joy Sect, the Crimson Lotus branch had always accepted only female disciples. Their techniques were Yin-aligned and domineering, utterly unsuitable for male cultivation. This had been an ironclad rule for centuries.
Yet now, this robe symbolizing "personal disciple" status was worn by a man.
Countless eyes, filled with shock, scrutiny, and confusion, fixed intently on Shen Changqing.
Shen Changqing looked straight ahead, his expression placid. He wasn't deliberately trying to appear profound and inscrutable; he was merely pondering which skill would be easiest to pick up.
But this "unperturbed" demeanor took on a different meaning in the eyes of the onlookers.
"Look... is that Shen Changqing?"
"Hiss— such a strong aura. Facing so many stares, he doesn't even bat an eyelid?"
"Obviously! Look at what he's wearing! The Crimson Lotus Robe! For the Sect Master to break sect rules and accept him, there's only one possibility..."
A senior disciple swallowed hard, his gaze becoming extremely complex:
"This person must be exceptionally gifted! He possesses some one-in-ten-thousand unique constitution, or is a rare, peerless cultivation genius. That's why the Sect Master would rather break ancestral tradition to take him in!"
"So that's it! No wonder I feel an indescribable 'Dao Charm' around him. He's definitely a hidden powerhouse!"
The crowd's gaze shifted from initially seeing a "male pet" to one of reverence reserved for a "genius."
As Shen Changqing walked, the crowd automatically parted, as if welcoming a young sovereign.
...
Scripture Depository.
A simple three-story wooden building, with a grand armchair placed by its entrance.
Elder Li Bo was half-reclined in the chair, holding a tattered palm-leaf fan, wafting it idly now and then, his eyelids drooping as if half-asleep.
Shen Changqing walked up to the steps.
He knew the Scripture Depository had restrictions; only inner sect disciples could enter, and they needed to present their identity token.
He was just about to take out the Sect Master's jade pendant from his waist.
Elder Li seemed to sense someone approaching and lazily lifted one eyelid.
What met his eye was a robe of crimson.
Looking up further, it was a face of unparalleled, elegant handsomeness, devoid of any malice, extremely pleasant to look upon.
A faint light sparkled in Elder Li's cloudy old eyes.
Having guarded the gate of the Unity Joy Sect for centuries, he was used to disciples who would bow and scrape, full of anxious eagerness or even deep-seated malice, all for a single cultivation manual.
A young man like this before him, with clear eyes and a clean aura, was far too rare.
"Oh, from the Crimson Lotus branch?"
Elder Li straightened up, his originally stern and rigid old face actually breaking into a rare, kindly smile:
"Quite a handsome lad, much better looking than those other misfits."
Shen Changqing was slightly taken aback, then politely cupped his hands: "Disciple Shen Changqing pays his respects to the Elder."
"Alright, alright, no need for such formalities."
Elder Li casually waved his palm-leaf fan, his tone as gentle as a kindly old neighbor:
"Since you're someone that little girl Hong Lian has taken a fancy to, I know the rules. Go on in, all three floors are open for you to browse. Don't be greedy; what suits you is best."
With that, he pointed a finger, and the defensive barrier that could repel Foundation Establishment cultivators instantly split open a gentle gap.
"My thanks, Elder." Shen Changqing felt a wave of relief and stepped inside.
Just as Shen Changqing entered, an inner sect disciple in robes hurried over, a fawning smile plastered on his face as he approached Elder Li:
"Elder Li! Elder Li! This disciple wishes to enter the second floor to borrow..."
"Scram!"
A roar like thunder.
The smile vanished from Elder Li's face, replaced by a ferocious expression. He pointed his fan at the disciple's nose, spittle flying:
"Disheveled! Panicky! What disgraceful behavior!"
"Where's your identity token? Do you have enough contribution points? Did you return the last book you borrowed?"
The disciple was scolded into a daze, on the verge of tears: "E-Elder... that senior brother just now didn't show his token either..."
"Can you compare to him?"
Elder Li rolled his eyes, snapping angrily:
"He's pleasing to the eye, looking at him prolongs life! And you? Looking at you raises my blood pressure! Get lost! Come back after you wash your face!"
The disciples waiting in line looked at each other, a single thought echoing in their minds:
*The justice of good looks.*
...
Inside the Scripture Depository.
Shen Changqing didn't linger on the first or second floors, heading straight for the third.
His goal was clear: easy to learn, quick to master, and impressive-looking.
"System, filter for me. Techniques that require no arduous training, no spiritual root thresholds, usable immediately upon learning."
**[Searching...]**
**[Recommendation: «Great Luo Illusory Star Sword» (Incomplete Edition · Modified).]**
**[Characteristics: Extremely flashy moves, stunning light and shadow effects. Although damage is extremely low (barely scratches), when performed, it appears as if the Milky Way is pouring down, akin to a Mahayana-stage expert making a move.]**
**[Learning Difficulty: Zero. System can directly impart mastery.]**
"Low damage?" Shen Changqing rubbed his chin. "Doesn't matter, looking cool is everything. What I lack right now is a means to intimidate."
He didn't hesitate, picking up the jade slip and pressing it to his forehead.
"Learn!"
*Hum!*
A stream of light flowed into his brow.
A moment later, Shen Changqing opened his eyes, savoring those dazzlingly brilliant sword techniques in his mind, a satisfied curve lifting the corner of his mouth.
"Though it's just for show, at least now I'm someone with a skill."
...
Content, he straightened his attire and walked out of the Scripture Depository.
However, just down the steps, before he had taken a few paces, his good mood was shattered.
"Well, if it isn't Junior Brother Shen?"
A voice dripping with sarcasm came from the shaded path to the side.
Shen Changqing's steps halted. He turned to look.
There stood Zhao Wuji, wearing that smarmy, insincere smile. Beside him stood a middle-aged man in black robes with golden patterns, his expression authoritative.
Law Enforcement Hall Elder, Qian Tong.
Shen Changqing's heart sank slightly.
He recognized those robes and had heard of Elder Qian Tong's reputation—a staunch supporter of the Great Elder faction, always at odds with the Crimson Lotus branch.
"Of all the luck," Shen Changqing cursed inwardly, his face betraying nothing.
Seeing Shen Changqing silent, a trace of venom flashed in Zhao Wuji's eyes. He then turned to Qian Tong and said:
"Elder Qian, look, this is that Junior Brother Shen. Just entered the sect yesterday, and today he's swaggering into the third floor of the Scripture Depository. Tsk tsk, holding the Sect Master's token, he certainly cuts an impressive figure."
Elder Qian stood with hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping coldly over Shen Changqing, lingering for a moment on his mere "Eighth Layer of Qi Refining" cultivation, a scornful sneer curling his lips.
He ignored Zhao Wuji, striding directly up to Shen Changqing.
The pressure of the Golden Core stage was released without restraint, bearing down on Shen Changqing like a mountain.
"Young man."
Elder Qian spoke, his tone lofty, carrying a lecturing air:
"Good fortune is a good thing. To be noticed by the Sect Master is also your destiny."
"But as a person, one must have self-awareness."
Shen Changqing straightened his back under the pressure, saying lightly, "What guidance does the Elder have?"
"Guidance isn't quite the word."
Elder Qian shook his head, making a "tsk tsk" sound of pity, his tone dripping with sarcasm:
"This elder merely feels it's a pity for our Sect Master."
"The Sect Master's personal token, how precious it is, represents the face of our entire Unity Joy Sect. Yet now it hangs at the waist of a Qi Refining stage waste with unstable foundations and zero combat ability..."
Elder Qian extended a finger, pointing vaguely at Shen Changqing's waist, sneering:
"This is like putting a dragon robe on a monkey."
"The robe is a fine robe, the token is a fine token. What a pity, the one wearing them is trash."
"Shen Changqing, tell me, if word got out, would outsiders laugh at you, or laugh at our Unity Joy Sect for having no one better, letting a mere Qi Refining stage disciple hold up our prestige?"
As these words fell, the passing disciples nearby stopped, each holding their breath in fearful silence.
*Too vicious.*
This was literally throwing Shen Changqing's dignity on the ground and trampling it, all from the moral high ground of "upholding the sect's face."
Zhao Wuji chimed in from the side, laughing uproariously:
"Hahaha! The Elder speaks truth! A monkey in a dragon robe is still just a monkey! Junior Brother Shen, listen to your senior brother's advice. This token is too heavy for your frail shoulders. Better hurry back to the Crimson Lotus Hall and hide. Don't come out here making a spectacle of yourself!"
"Scram!"
A furious feminine shout exploded.
Elder Qian and Zhao Wuji were sent flying like kites with cut strings, crashing heavily onto the stone slabs several zhang away.
As the dust settled.
A pink silhouette stood protectively in front of Shen Changqing.
Su Mei held a long whip, her phoenix eyes blazing with fury, glaring at the struggling-to-rise Qian Tong:
"Elder Qian."
"What status do you have to lecture someone from our Crimson Lotus branch?"