Chapter 61: Change
After carefully tidying up his appearance to shake off his dejected state, Yao Shifeng stepped out of his room. In the living room, he immediately noticed a box on the table.
Beside the box was a note. The box itself was an investment from Gu Mo and the others, while the note was left by the Fufeng servant disciple who had delivered it, explaining its origin.
"Heh…"
Yao Shifeng put down the note. Previously, whenever he received an investment from Gu Mo and the others, he would feel genuinely happy. But at this moment, his mindset had undergone a dramatic shift.
Before, he had believed that with the support of Gu Mo's group and the small circle within Fufeng, he could rise step by step. But reality had shown him how laughable that was—one unexpected incident could completely destroy everything.
Without even glancing at the box, Yao Shifeng left directly, heading toward the main peak of Qinglu Sect.
At this moment, the only person Yao Shifeng could think of who might be able to help him continue his path of cultivation was none other than He Shaogang, the personal disciple of the sect master, who had once invited him to join.
Facing the harsh reality of his shattered meridians, Yao Shifeng had abandoned his pride. Now, he was ready to beg Senior Brother He for help, hoping he would extend a hand.
Of course, Yao Shifeng was also prepared for rejection. After all, he had previously turned down He Shaogang's invitation, and now he was shamelessly seeking him out—being rejected was highly likely. But for the sake of his future, he had no choice but to try.
However, as a mere servant disciple, he wasn't allowed to enter the main peak directly. All he could do was wait outside, hoping to catch He Shaogang as he passed by.
Yao Shifeng's actions quickly drew the attention of some inner disciples who were coming and going. Most simply glanced at him and ignored him—a servant disciple wasn't worth their interest.
But once someone recognized that Yao Shifeng was the one who had previously received an invitation from He Shaogang, the attention on him increased significantly.
After all, He Shaogang was currently the most prominent inner disciple, and anything related to him naturally attracted interest.
"He came even faster than I expected."
Upon receiving the news, He Shaogang's lips curled into a smile. He had known Yao Shifeng would come to him sooner or later. Someone with Yao Shifeng's level of ambition could never be satisfied with his current standing.
And He Shaogang appreciated ambition. He liked people who had it.
However, he had no intention of meeting Yao Shifeng right away. Since Yao Shifeng had once arrogantly refused his invitation, he would now have to pay the price for that decision.
Time passed. Yao Shifeng remained standing outside the main peak, his injured body growing weaker by the moment, teetering on the verge of collapse.
But he gritted his teeth and persevered—this was his only chance.
Just when he felt like he had reached his limit, the person he had been waiting for finally appeared.
"I heard you wanted to see me?" He Shaogang's voice was emotionless.
Yet, to Yao Shifeng, it was like the voice of an immortal. Without hesitation, he knelt down.
"Please, Young Master, save me."
With this kneeling gesture, Yao Shifeng abandoned all his former pride and persistence. After all, even among servant disciples, it was enough to respectfully address an inner disciple as 'Senior Brother'—kneeling was unnecessary.
"Recover first, then come find me."
He Shaogang cast a glance at Yao Shifeng, immediately discerning his current state. Without further words, he tossed over a jade bottle and an identity token before disappearing into the distance.
"Thank you, Young Master, for your grace!"
Gazing at the jade bottle and identity token before him, Yao Shifeng's eyes reddened. His path of cultivation had been restored.
He had lost his freedom. He had lost his pride.
But he had secured his future.
…
"Huh? Who sent me a message talisman?"
Gu Mo, who was tending to the spiritual fields, noticed a communication talisman outside the formation. His eyes filled with curiosity as he picked it up and infused it with spiritual energy, revealing the message within.
"Boss Yao is out of seclusion?"
Reading the contents, Gu Mo was surprised. Several months had passed since their last meeting, and he hadn't expected Yao Shifeng to reach out at this moment.
Since Yao Shifeng had specifically summoned them, it must have been for something important. Without hesitation, Gu Mo prepared himself and headed to the marketplace.
Upon arriving at their familiar meeting spot, he found that Wu Jinfei, Hu Hai, and Chu Feifei had also arrived around the same time. The four exchanged glances.
"Do you guys think Boss Yao has broken through to the third layer of Qi Refinement?" Wu Jinfei speculated. To him, this seemed like the only reason Yao Shifeng would use a message talisman to summon them.
Gu Mo shared the same suspicion. However, reaching the third layer of Qi Refinement so quickly seemed almost too fast—it was not a speed that an ordinary servant disciple could achieve.
While they were still discussing Yao Shifeng's reason for gathering them, he appeared—dressed in a black robe.
Seeing his attire, the four were momentarily stunned.
After all, as servant disciples, they all wore the standard gray robes. Wearing the appropriate disciple robes was a sect rule, and although the marketplace was outside the sect grounds, most wouldn't bother changing their clothes.
After all, being recognized as a Qinglu Sect disciple had its advantages.
"Why are you all gathered here? This isn't the place I chose." Yao Shifeng waved at them before walking toward another location.
The group quickly followed.
Before long, they arrived at the largest restaurant in the marketplace—the very same place where they had first met here.
Naturally, they noticed where Yao Shifeng had chosen to hold the gathering.
But everyone instinctively ignored that detail.
After all, this was a place they currently couldn't afford to dine at.
"Boss Yao, are we really going inside?" Hu Hai asked nervously at the entrance. The last thing he wanted was to be thrown out for not being able to pay.
"Of course. I've already reserved a banquet." Yao Shifeng said casually as he walked in. The others had no choice but to follow.
"Boss Yao, how many spirit stones did this cost?"
Wu Jinfei swallowed hard as he looked at the lavish private room and the exquisite spiritual dishes on the table. To be frank, this single meal was worth months of his cultivation expenses.
"It's nothing. Eat as much as you want—this meal is on me." Yao Shifeng waved his hand dismissively.
However, despite his words, no one touched their chopsticks.
They had all come from the same background as Yao Shifeng and knew his circumstances well. Under normal circumstances, he couldn't afford such a luxurious meal.
Noticing their hesitation, Yao Shifeng called over the restaurant's owner.
After confirming that the bill had already been paid, the group stared at Yao Shifeng in disbelief.
"…Looks like something big is about to happen," Gu Mo muttered, studying Yao Shifeng closely.
He was certain that Yao Shifeng hadn't broken through to the third layer of Qi Refinement.
Since his cultivation hadn't advanced, this sudden generosity must mean something else.
Something significant.
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