The city lights correspond to the stars, and there's someone keeping watch over the pavilion's lights.

At night, when all the pesky guests had gone, Li Hongjiu let loose a bit, sitting against the bookshelf with a book in one hand and a wine jar in the other. Occasionally, he'd take a swig, feeling very pleased.

Since the day he guided Dong Liangyu, the red-clothed woman had kept him well-supplied with wine. Of course, he hadn't lacked for it before either.

Footsteps approached; it was Dongliang Ying, carrying a tray, which held a night snack made by her elder sister.

It was at the behest of her father, who asked the older daughter to cook and the younger daughter to bring it to her master, requiring her to do so every night.

Now the second young lady, Dong Liangyu, could cultivate. This was no secret in the family. Considering that even the red-clothed woman and Fu Que were surprised, how could the family not view Li Hongjiu as a prodigy?

Discovering that the so-called first of the new generation in the Cultivation World was indeed extraordinary.

A great favor indeed, naturally they became even more respectful.

Mr. Li lights the lamp to read at night, how could they not express their goodwill?

Of course, it wasn't possible to just send it to Li Hongjiu, as there was someone more famous than him in the Book Collection Pavilion.

Thus, Sword Saint Fu Que also benefited from Li Hongjiu's influence, but Fu Que, with a strong and resilient mindset, had long lost any appetite, accustomed to fasting, and thus politely declined each time.

Dongliang Ying kneeled down, set the tray, and placed the bowls and chopsticks for her master, then sat waiting.

Li Hongjiu wasn't the least bit polite. If they were so insistent on preparing this, he wouldn't stand on ceremony. After taking a bite, he noticed his first disciple was pouting and looking unhappy.

Curious, he asked immediately, "What's wrong, did I do something to upset you?"

Dongliang Ying, with a pleading look, said, "Master, please guide me well. You see, even my second sister can cultivate, but I still haven't figured it out. How could a disciple bear this?"

Li Hongjiu was calm and unhurried, took a gulp of wine, and said slowly, "You might think I'm withholding secrets, but if every principle could be explained to everyone, then there wouldn't be any fools in the world. The principles are written on paper for all to read, yet some things simply can't be explained. Even if I talked until my mouth was dry, it would be useless."

Glancing at his disappointed disciple, he smiled to comfort her, "Many cultivation techniques in the Cultivation World are like this; some people can master them, while others simply can't no matter what. Don't rush, take it slow; understanding will come naturally."

Not wanting to discuss it further, a topic he'd reiterated countless times in the Yanbao Sect, he diverted the conversation, sipping wine and eating meat, "Your father is a stickler for the rules, surely your siblings' names have some significance?"

Dongliang Ying replied disinterestedly, "'Polish the external to be 'ceremonial', cultivate the internal to be 'jade', nurture a moral integrity to be 'heroic', and thus 'nourish' others."

Li Hongjiu acknowledged, "So it's about self-cultivation and family tradition."

As they spoke, more footsteps approached. Both turned to see, surprised, as Dong Wenshu emerged from behind the bookshelf.

Dongliang Ying quickly stood up, "Father, why have you come?"

"Go practice, I need to talk with your master."

After sending his daughter away, Dong Wenshu bowed slightly to Li Hongjiu on the ground, then sat down cross-legged.

He glanced at the tray on the ground and, seeing no wine cup nor extra bowls and chopsticks, hesitated to offer a toast.

Li Hongjiu laughed, "Pavilion Master, feel free to speak your mind."

"Alright then, since you say so, I won't beat around the bush." Despite his words, Dong Wenshu paused, gathering himself before attempting, "We've all noticed Yu'er's recent changes in our family. She appears healthier, doesn't cough anymore."

Li Hongjiu nodded slightly, responding nonchalantly, "Nourish the body with the world, fill the gaps with the world."

Uncomprehending, Dong Wenshu continued, "It's clear that Yu'er is well-suited for your cultivation technique. Since you've been guiding her, we've discussed it with her, and see no reason to let this go unacknowledged. If you don't mind, Yu'er is willing to become your disciple. Please consider it."

To him, legitimacy was vital.

He assumed that since the other was willing to teach, there'd be no issue with accepting her as a disciple.

However, he did not realize he was dealing with someone who did not follow conventions.

Taking a sip of his wine, Li Hongjiu shook his head resolutely, "No need to take a disciple. I'm already in confinement, restless in this body. There's no reason to let your daughter follow in my footsteps."

Startled, Dong Wenshu asked, "Why do you say that? Your talent would be a blessing for my daughter, a fortune she couldn't ask for."

Li Hongjiu waved again, "I haven't taught her anything, nor does she need me to. Her qi circulation is different from mine. I merely led her out the door, showing her the world beyond. Before her lie countless paths, she can choose whichever she wants, perhaps..."

With a finger, he gestured around, "Perhaps the answer has always been hiding in your family's collection of books."

Dong Wenshu listened with a slightly perplexed expression, then cupped his hands in inquiry: "What do you mean?"

Li Hongjiu raised his hand and patted his forehead, then turned his head and dropped the formal tone, simply saying: "What I mean is, upon apprenticing you'll have to join the Yanbao Sect, adhere to sect rules, and don't cause trouble for no reason. I neither want to nor will accept your second brother as a disciple. That's it."

"..." Dong Wenshu stood awkwardly, at a loss for words.

Sometimes, speaking too plainly makes things easier to understand, yet also harder to accept...

In Qiangyu City, Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang, relying on their wealth, each hired a carriage with hanging curtains on four sides, allowing them to tour the city with insights from well-informed carriage drivers.

They only needed to look at the scenery and people, marking locations on the purchased map.

During the journey, Shi Chun received a message from Lao Changtai, stating he had returned and asking their whereabouts.

Shi Chun immediately invited Wu Jinliang to leave the carriage.

They didn't let the carriage driver escort them back, instead walked all the way themselves.

Upon returning to the residence, Lao Changtai, who was pacing in the courtyard, immediately guided them inside.

On the table inside were about thirty black Soul Capturing Bags, each labeled with a number, along with a Qiankun Bag.

Lao Changtai pointed and explained: "There are thirty-three souls in total, the bodies are in the Qiankun Bag, intact. Each corresponds to a number on the Soul Capturing Bags."

This far exceeded Shi Chun's expectations; within half a day, it was all sorted out, even the unmentioned details were handled thoroughly. No wonder he was once a chosen elite disciple from various sects; he has indeed proven his capabilities. Shi Chun was very satisfied.

Wu Jinliang curiously asked: "Can't possibly just grab random people off the street and kill them, right? How did Lao Xi manage to kill so many people so quickly?"

Lao Changtai smiled bitterly at this, "Anyway, when I brought it up, he just patted his chest and assured he'd handle it. I only found out after he reported back. He surprisingly took care of all the death row prisoners in Zhu Yong City at once. I don't know how he did it, probably bribed the officials.

Among the thirty-three, there were great villains, but I can't be sure everyone deserved death. In essence, it's a thousand per soul, costing a total of thirty-three thousand."

"..." Shi Chun and Wu Jinliang exchanged glances, curious if it's really doable to singlehandedly wipe out an entire prison's death row.

They were somewhat worried as well; after all, the Netherworld has rules and order. Such reckless behavior might bring trouble and implicate them.

"That Lao Xi even seemed regretful—thinking there weren't enough prisoners to spare and asking if more time could be extended so he could find more for us.

Can't use them like food after all. Master said it's for experimentation, ten or more should suffice. I feel thirty-plus is already quite enough, so I decided to stop. If Master still wants more, it shouldn't be a problem on his end."

Wu Jinliang chuckled, "Lao Xi really does anything when he has money. Did you check carefully on your way back, making sure you weren't followed?"

Shi Chun already activated the right eye superpower, scanning the surroundings.

Lao Changtai replied: "He suddenly killed over thirty prisoners; of course, I'm scared. I regret involving him, but it's already done. I took a major detour returning and checked repeatedly. Hopefully, I wasn't followed?"

Wu Jinliang looked at Shi Chun; in matters of being tailed, Master's keen eyesight holds greater authority.

After silently pacing in circles within the room and observing thoroughly, Shi Chun finally said to Lao Changtai: "Lao Xi's execution speed is indeed too efficient, a bit terrifying. Lesson learned—you should clarify matters before enlisting his help again."

"Mhm." Lao Changtai nodded. He planned to do so without needing to be told.

Shi Chun pointed at the bags on the table: "I'll take all the bodies, leave half the bags here, observe the experiment's results. If Netherworld creatures can open passages back and forth, it would be best. If not, we'll have to divert more living beings externally. We must manage the movement of bodies and souls ourselves. Otherwise, like Langdang River, each entry alerts the Netherworld Envoy, which is too dangerous. Sooner or later, it'll cause trouble."

Lao Changtai deeply agreed: "That's right."

Immediately taking action, Shi Chun left behind Soul Capturing Bags numbered one to fifteen, and after brief instructions, departed with Wu Jinliang.

The two left the city straight away, entering an underground passage at a remote spot, and once again burned the Death Refusing Incense.

Amid somewhat tense anticipation, the portal to the outside world reopened, and they both breathed a sigh of relief.

But still, another ordeal awaited. Based on previous experiences above Qiangyu City, Wu Jinliang whispered: "Wonder where we'll end up this time."

Shi Chun glanced at the portal: "Young Master Nan's 'Wuyu Inn' is in a relatively quiet place."

Wu Jinliang: "But the exit location can't be determined."

Not daring to waste time, Shi Chun swiftly slipped into the tunnel, and upon exiting the tunnel, landed unexpectedly in an opulent room. Judging by its scale, it didn't seem like an ordinary place.

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