Chapter 295: Midway Testing
It must be said that Luo Wusheng's adaptability to unusual situations had recently improved significantly.
After entering the residence, he quickly regained his composure.
Considering the number of guests and the ongoing preparations for the banquet outside, he gathered everyone in the mansion's main hall. After some brief catching up, he began addressing the pressing matters one by one.
The new disciples from the Demon Sect, who were still a bit disoriented, were his first priority.
Among the 36 new disciples, 20 were trained in the Demon Sect Artifact Refining technique.
However, unlike Song Zhong and the others in the Little Demon Domain who genuinely loved the craft, these individuals were recruited due to their lack of cultivation talent and their desire to receive sect subsidies.
'Incidentally, most demon domains had quotas for Artifact Refiners imposed by a certain Demon Sect Master. Their administrators offered incentives to meet these targets.'
The benefits weren't overly generous—evident from the fact that all these forgers were still at the Qi Refining Realm.
Luo Wusheng arranged for them to receive direct training under Song Zhong and his team, who were toiling tirelessly in the Demon Artifact Pavilion. Even though there were 20 of them, their Qi Refining cultivation meant they posed no threat to Song Zhong's group, who were equipped with various strange, modified ammunition.
The remaining disciples, who were tasked with clerical duties, had cultivation levels far above the current officers. Some even had Peak Foundation Establishment levels. Luo Wusheng planned to have Long Dahai and others keep an eye on them.
This wasn't particularly challenging, and with everything settled, Luo Wusheng had the officers explain the memory loss these disciples experienced upon arriving in the capital.
With that out of the way, Luo Wusheng turned his attention to answering Long Dahai and the others' questions.
The questions were measured, avoiding anything that seemed overly private or sensitive.
"So, Luo, you even went to Sword Province recently? Speaking of which, although I've never been, I hear that sword cultivators are highly revered there. Apparently, in certain brothels, even renowned sword cultivators get free entry. Did you check it out?"
Long Dahai's uniquely characteristic question left the Demon Sect disciples completely baffled.
What was this man even asking? Their Holy Saint had always been above such carnal distractions—how could he possibly visit a brothel?
Then they saw their Holy Saint pause.
"Really…?" Luo Wusheng thought of his reputation near Daybreak City and his now-refined mastery of sword intent, which had moved beyond amateur status. Could he also qualify for such perks?
Well, it wasn't really a loss—after all, he ended up with a far better experience.
'Tsk, I've only been back for a day, and I already miss my dearest wife. How will I ever endure the days ahead?'
The combination of the Hemal Sanguine Technique and a modified Buddhist Golden Body technique was unparalleled. When he did it, despite being dry the night before, by the next morning, he's good to go again.
Even if another battle were to break out, he'd be ready to pick up his spear.
While these thoughts occupied his mind, Long Dahai's banter continued:
"Anyway, that's just what I've heard during my… travels. Some penniless cultivators supposedly team up to boost their reputation and sneak in. But for rich cultivators, like yourself, it doesn't make much difference."
Long Dahai cast a glance at Luo Wusheng, the only person present with actual financial clout.
Luo Wusheng shook his head slightly, silently noting that this man didn't understand the joy of free perks.
Still, most broke cultivators would choose the Joyful Lotus Domain under the Demon Sect, where the ladies didn't charge money—they typically charged lives instead.
'Back in the day, it was literal life-stealing. After my cheap master's reforms, it's mellowed out quite a bit…'
Reflecting on this, Luo Wusheng couldn't help but acknowledge how much his master had accomplished. The odds of him being an ally seemed to increase once again.
He mused further: it seemed unlikely that the Demon Sect Master, after doing so much to reform the sect, would abandon everything for a vague and elusive pursuit of ascension.
But what exactly was his endgame?
Breaking from his thoughts, Luo Wusheng noticed his companions' hesitant expressions.
"…What is it? Curious about my current realm?"
They froze, slightly embarrassed at being called out so directly.
"Well, this will become public knowledge soon enough. As you might have guessed, there were complications during my tribulation six days ago. I've yet to fully advance to the Nascent Soul Realm," Luo Wusheng said nonchalantly.
While there had been numerous conspiracies behind this, he felt no particular regret. In fact, defeating Nascent Soul cultivators as a Golden Core cultivator felt far more thrilling.
Besides, once he unsealed the golden blood at his brow, he could instantly awaken his Diabolic Saint Physique and step into the Nascent Soul Realm—assuming he didn't mind the risks.
Come to think of it, he really needed to upgrade his dual cultivation techniques.
As these thoughts settled, Luo Wusheng looked back at his companions and smiled:
"That said, the tribulation did bring me numerous benefits. You'll understand in time, so don't worry too much about it."
The others, who had been quietly berating themselves for their curiosity, finally relaxed.
"Ha! I knew it! Holy Saint's talent and fortune are unmatched! Let's celebrate his return. How about we all head to Red Blossom Pavilion after dinner—!"
Li Xing's flippant suggestion was abruptly cut short when a familiar silver thread wrapped around his neck.
Everyone watched as the shameless officer started turning pale. Then their gazes shifted to follow the thread, and their eyes widened.
Two meticulously dressed girls stepped into view.
Bai Xiaoyao, dressed in a pristine new white gown, exuded an aura of elegance and innocence, though her playful gesture of retracting the silver thread added a mischievous charm.
Behind her, Lu Yuliu—no longer disguised—wore a finely crafted yellow dress. Her blushing cheeks and shy demeanor made her look especially enchanting.
Bai Xiaoyao moved forward, grasping Luo Wusheng's right hand.
"The banquet celebrating your return is ready…"
"Please, Senior Brother, take your seat~"
Before Luo Wusheng could respond, he felt his left hand being gently hooked.
Lu Yuliu whispered timidly:
"L-let's go…"
Once again, the Holy Saint of the Demon Sect found himself caught in the middle.
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Note: Link to the character Illustration:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lkIcPnCxeyuyZA4Kkb621dPC05UvWjhD