Han Yu opened his eyes, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

More than a year after arriving at Wanchun Valley, he had finally reached the third level of Qi Refining.

More importantly, he had transformed his aptitude from Four Spirit Roots to Three Spirit Roots.

The subtle extension of his lifespan, the surge in his physical vitality, and the increased volume of Spirit Breath within him were all unmistakable.

The path of cultivation—the pursuit of immortality—was truly intoxicating. It was hard to pull oneself away from such power.

Next, I need to nurture this sprout until it grows a leaf, signaling the fourth level of Qi Refining, he thought. But my speed is already far outpacing other Laborer Disciples. Since I’m registered as having Four Spirit Roots, moving too fast might expose me.

Han Yu calculated silently. For safety’s sake, even when I reach the fourth level, I shouldn’t rush to join the Outer Sect. If I attract an Elder’s scrutiny, who knows what they might find?

There’s also the matter of the Mystic Heart Fruit. Its potency is fading.

He had consumed so many Mystic Heart Fruits that his body was developing a resistance. The efficacy had dropped noticeably at the second level of Qi Refining, and now it had weakened again. A single fruit was barely enough to support one day of cultivation.

While sufficient for now, Han Yu needed to prepare a substitute for the future.

I’ll wait until after this year’s Immortal Destiny Grand Ceremony. Once the crowds at the Green Grain Market disperse, I’ll go take a look.

More excitement means more trouble. It’s better not to get involved in the commotion.

Mind made up, Han Yu spent another day in secluded cultivation. The next morning, noticing the spirit fields were parched, he activated the Wind Control Technique to fetch water from the spring, then used the Water Control Technique to irrigate the crops.

After a full day of labor, he had only watered half the fields.

The following morning, as he continued his work, a sudden burst of shouting and cursing broke the silence.

Han Yu paused and looked up. Sun Kang and Liu Lan wandered over to watch, joined by other Laborer Disciples. In the distance, Senior Brother Hong was loudly disciplining Lu Yun.

The crowd smirked.

Lu Yun was a notorious oddball. Despite being favored by Elder Wen, he showed zero enthusiasm for cultivation, preferring to hide in his room and amuse himself. He must have done something truly foolish to provoke the usually mild-mannered Senior Brother Hong.

The scolding echoed across the Spirit Field Department.

The noise drew out Senior Sister Li. She emerged from her residence, released a shuttle-shaped Magical Artifact, and ascended into the air to investigate.

When she saw it was merely Lu Yun being disciplined, her expression turned to one of undisguised disgust. She descended slowly, clearly losing interest.

As she landed, her gaze drifted and landed on Han Yu.

He was in the middle of channeling Spirit Breath to his legs, ready to activate the Wind Control Technique to carry two large buckets of water.

Senior Sister Li paused. “Hold on.”

Han Yu stopped, surprised. “Senior Sister Li, are you speaking to me?”

“Indeed. Are you Han Yu?”

“Senior Sister Li knows my name?”

“Before Wang Hui was sent to the garrison outpost, he briefed us on the Spirit Field Department to lighten his punishment,” she explained. “I already knew about the Three Spirit Root disciples like Lu Yun and Liu Lan—they have a chance at the Inner Sect. But among the Four Spirit Root disciples, talent is rare. Wang Hui mentioned a youngster with a knack for spellcasting who would make a good combatant in the Outer Sect.”

She looked him over. “You’re young, and your spell control is proficient. You must be the Han Yu he spoke of.”

Han Yu understood immediately. Steward Wang, desperate to mitigate his punishment for negligence, had embellished the quality of the Laborer Disciples under his command. Han Yu had been packaged as a “hidden talent.”

While he wasn’t a true genius, having his name known by an Inner Disciple like Senior Sister Li—and possibly the Deacons—was a rare opportunity.

“I didn’t expect Steward Wang to remember my practice,” Han Yu replied humbly. “Senior Sister Li, I am indeed that Han Yu.”

“You are quite young,” she noted, her voice even. “How long have you been cultivating? What is your level? Which spells have you mastered?”

Han Yu had prepared for this interrogation long ago. “Senior Sister Li, I’ve been cultivating for over a year. I’m currently at the first level of Qi Refining, likely a few months away from the second. I’ve learned the Wind Control Technique and the Water Control Technique.”

“That speed is fast for Four Spirit Roots. Have you taken elixirs?”

“I’ve eaten some spirit fruits and Spirit Blood Vines I found in the wild. I don’t know their names.”

Senior Sister Li nodded. “I see. That explains it. You are diligent.”

She continued, “I saw you use the Wind Control Technique just now. Such proficiency is rare for a first-level Laborer Disciple. Once you accumulate ten Minor Merits, go to the sect and exchange them for a new spell. Don’t let that talent go to waste.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Senior Sister Li.”

She looked at the junior brother before her—fair-skinned, polite, and gentle-featured. She felt a pang of regret. This Junior Brother Han is pleasant. If only his aptitude were better, his talent for spellcasting would take him far. He’s certainly better than that lazy wretch Lu Yun, wasting his Three Spirit Roots.

Just then, a large Plantain Leaf tore through the air.

Senior Brother Jin Qi stood atop it, his voice booming. “By the Sect Leader’s order!”

Senior Sister Li’s expression hardened instantly. She stepped forward. “Jin Qi, what has happened?”

“Senior Sister Li, a major event,” Jin Qi said gravely.

Senior Brothers Hong, Ji, and Hua rushed over to listen.

Jin Qi announced loudly, “By the Sect Leader’s order! All departments are to leave only minimal Outer Disciple guards. All other Inner and Outer Disciples are to gather at the sect summit immediately!”

He glared at the surrounding crowd. “All Laborer Disciples and servants are to remain in their quarters. Anyone moving without authorization will be executed on the spot!”

After the announcement, Senior Sister Li pointed at Senior Brother Hua, signaling him to stay behind.

She then mounted her shuttle artifact and sped off toward the main peak with Jin Qi, Hong, and Ji.

Left alone, Senior Brother Hua began barking orders, driving the Laborer Disciples back to their stone huts. “Everyone inside! No one leaves until further notice!”

Han Yu obeyed, his heart pounding with a mix of shock and relief.

Thank goodness I didn’t condense the Blood Talisman or restart the Blood Refining Technique.

Trouble had struck again. It was likely related to Demonic Cultivators, or perhaps spies from the Spirit Beast Sect or the Little Sky Net Sect. If the sect launched a full-scale investigation now, they would find zero trace of demonic arts on him.

Han Yu spent the next two days in his room, focusing on cultivation.

Finally, Senior Brothers Hong and Ji returned to the Spirit Field Department, and the lockdown was lifted.

Senior Sister Li did not return.

The three Outer Disciples—Hong, Ji, and Hua—were visibly dispirited, their shoulders slumped and faces grim.

Han Yu and the other Laborer Disciples were baffled but dared not ask questions.

It took another day for the truth to leak out.

This year’s Immortal Destiny Grand Ceremony had been a catastrophe.

Wanchun Valley had recruited exactly five disciples. All of them had the lowest aptitude—Five Spirit Roots.

Every other potential recruit had been intercepted halfway to the valley and forcibly taken by other sects!

Wanchun Valley’s Grand Ceremony had become a laughingstock overnight, its prestige shattered.

Enraged, the sect had mobilized its entire force, intending to demand justice from the four offending sects: Spirit Beast Sect, Little Sky Net Sect, Mystic One Sect, and Spirit Sword Sect.

However, Wanchun Valley had never been known for its combat prowess. Facing a coalition of four rival sects, the gathered Elders, Deacons, and disciples ultimately lost their nerve.

Instead of fighting, they resorted to “stern negotiations,” issuing reprimands and warnings.

That explained why Senior Brother Hong and the others looked so defeated.

Their sect had been bullied by a coalition of rivals, and in the end, they hadn’t dared to throw a single punch.

How utterly humiliating.