Chapter 77 - 75: Returning to the Sect

’For some reason, at that moment, the image of that somewhat saintly-hearted old beggar suddenly flashed through my mind, especially his clothes, where the inner and outer layers were made of mismatched fabrics.’

Yi Huaihai nodded and said, "Yes!"

"Martial Artists?" Zhang Deming guessed.

Yi Huaihai nodded again. "Yes. At first, when a group of reckless robbers appeared, I didn’t pay them much mind. I planned to just take care of them casually.

But who would have thought that several powerful Martial Artists were mixed in with them? When they joined forces, their strength was no less than that of an Intermediate Apprentice.

On top of that, they had the element of surprise. I was suppressed from the very start by one of their Combined Attack Techniques. If I hadn’t kept a few tricks up my sleeve and managed to escape while injured, I’d probably be dead on the road by now."

"No less than an Intermediate Apprentice?

It couldn’t have been Innate Martial Artists, or even a Grandmaster, right?" Zhang Deming asked.

Yi Huaihai said, "Among them, the one leading the Combined Attack Technique was likely a so-called Grandmaster. The rest were all Innate Martial Artists.

And judging by how practiced they were, this wasn’t their first time doing something like this."

Zhang Deming was quite surprised to hear this. In the Hongmeng Realm, with the existence of Close Combat Techniques and the sheer number of Cultivators, Martial Artists were far too weak and had little room to survive.

Therefore, never mind Grandmasters—even Innate Martial Artists were exceedingly rare.

Martial Artists robbing a Cultivator was definitely big news. It was too rare!

’And it wasn’t their first time? Why haven’t I heard any news about this before?’

Zhang Deming asked in confusion, "If it’s such a rare occurrence, why haven’t we heard any news about it before?"

Yi Huaihai gave a bitter smile. "Since they dared to act, they must be different from other Martial Artists and have some understanding of the Cultivation Realm.

Therefore, the ones they dare to target are obviously lone, down-on-their-luck Loose Cultivators. Your robes alone, Senior Brother, would make them think twice before provoking you.

Forget the robes of a Deep Cyan Outer Disciple—even if you were wearing the gray-cyan robes of a servant disciple, I doubt that cunning group would have rashly made a move."

Zhang Deming looked down at himself. ’Right, the Celestial Spirit Sect’s Cyan Spirit Robe isn’t just a school uniform. This thing really does have a certain deterrent effect.’

After a moment of contemplation, his hands flashed, and a small green seedling emerged.

Zhang Deming casually plucked off a leaf and said, "You look to be in pretty bad shape. Here. I know a few simple healing and recovery techniques."

Yi Huaihai quickly took the leaf, swallowed it, and closed his eyes for a moment. He then let out a long breath, and his staggering figure instantly improved a little.

"Thank you, Senior Brother. I will never forget the kindness of your help today."

As he spoke, a light orb condensed in the repository; about half an orb’s worth appeared.

’Well now, this kid has a good amount of Qi Fortune. Looks like his Talent might be pretty decent.’

"Aren’t you afraid there’s a problem with my Technique?" Zhang Deming said with a smile.

Yi Huaihai smiled. "Never mind the fact that I can already be considered a Celestial Spirit Sect Disciple and am protected by the Sect’s ironclad laws.

In my current state, if you had any ill intentions, would you even need to resort to a sneak attack?

Besides, I’ve been robbed clean. Apart from the flesh on my bones, what do I have that’s worth you plotting over?"

’Kid, you clearly didn’t live in my previous world. When a "cute boy" is out and about, that "flesh on his bones" is in danger too!’

"Senior Brother, the way you’re looking at me... did I say something wrong?" Yi Huaihai asked, puzzled when he noticed Zhang Deming staring at him without a word.

"Ahem... It’s nothing. I was just lost in thought.

Anyway, I have some things to take care of, so I won’t accompany you on your slow walk. We’re already at the foot of the Sect’s grounds; no one should be bold enough to try anything here.

You should reach the Outer Sect in about half an hour. I’ll be on my way," Zhang Deming said.

Yi Huaihai nodded. "Go on and get to your business, Senior Brother."

Hearing this, Zhang Deming turned and left.

"Um, Senior Brother, wait!" Yi Huaihai’s voice suddenly came from behind him.

Zhang Deming paused, turned his head to look at him, and said, "Is there something else?"

Yi Huaihai nodded. "I know a Technique, so getting directly into the Outer Sect this time shouldn’t be a problem."

Zhang Deming asked, confused, "So, what are you trying to say?"

Yi Huaihai said, "I don’t have a referrer. When the time comes, can I put your name down?"

’The Sect has a referral bonus program for Outer Disciples.

In the Sect, "referrer" and "sponsor" are the same thing. Back on Little Qing Mountain, Feng Mingyou earned several Spirit Stones a year doing this.’

Zhang Deming looked at Yi Huaihai with a smile.

’This little brat is too precocious. He’s already so savvy with the ways of the world at such a young age.

I bet he’s had his fair share of family infighting over the years to "experience life."

Otherwise, in this world’s culture, being precocious is one thing; that’s fairly normal.

But being this adept at navigating social situations is another matter entirely. It’s related to Talent and early intelligence, sure...

...but it’s not something you’re born with.

Even though we’ve only met twice, it’s obvious Yi Huaihai has no connections in the Sect.

So, for him to seize this opportunity so quickly to try and build a connection just shows how skilled he is at social maneuvering.’

Zhang Deming smiled. "If you don’t have another referrer, then that’s fine."

Hearing this, a small smile touched Yi Huaihai’s lips. "Understood, Senior Brother."

Seeing this, Zhang Deming gave another nod and turned to leave.

...

He went to the Outer Sect’s Task Department. Since Pei Xiaoxiao had already given him a top-tier review, turning in the task didn’t require any inspection.

After he submitted it, the task was marked as complete, and Zhang Deming’s empty Contribution Points balance finally had two points added to it.

After finishing all this, Zhang Deming quickly returned to Little Hui Peak and went to Qingyou Pool.

"Brother Ming, you’re finally back!"

Zhang Deming had just entered the grounds of Qingyou Pool when Zong En came running out.

"What’s wrong? Did something happen these past few days?" Zhang Deming asked.

Zong En shook his head. "Not really. But when you left, you told me to be careful and not let anyone see me.

So, for the past few days, I’ve stayed in my room except to go out and use Casting to collect my supplies. I’ve been going a little stir-crazy all by myself."

Zhang Deming was stunned. ’This guy is so earnest. Did he really put himself in solitary confinement for four days?

I never realized he was this sincere!’

"I said to *try* not to be seen. I was afraid of causing unnecessary trouble. I was out on a task I’d accepted; anyone who bothered to check would know I was gone.

I wasn’t worried about you being discovered, exactly. It was for other, personal reasons.

I was worried people might cause trouble for you here while I was away. What on earth did you think I was doing...?"

Zong En smiled. "It’s fine. I was just afraid of causing you unnecessary trouble, Brother Ming!"

Zhang Deming studied Zong En’s smile. ’Looks like this guy has sensed something’s up.’

’That makes sense. I had Feng Mingyou summon him here directly and then told him to be cautious. Obviously, he’d figure out something fishy was going on.’