Chapter 755 - 402: So Smart

The Cultivator, addressed as Steward Liao, got straight to the point.

The somewhat familiar name made the black-robed Cultivator pause. He quickly recalled who the man was.

"I’ve checked it carefully. There are no errors."

The black-robed Cultivator said with absolute certainty.

"This man’s performance is extraordinary. In just half a month since joining, he’s gone from being a Wandering Soul to reconstructing a physical body. Some suspect he’s a Demon in disguise. Let me see his Life Plate."

Steward Liao frowned and spoke at once.

The black-robed Cultivator could only obey, presenting the Life Plate with both hands. ’After all, it can only be viewed, not modified,’ he thought. ’Even if something is wrong, it won’t be pinned on me.’

A few breaths later, after examining the contents of the Life Plate, Steward Liao’s brows furrowed deeply.

"This man’s soul lingered in his deceased body for several years after his death?"

"That’s right..."

The black-robed Cultivator hurriedly recounted his earlier speculation. The records on the Life Plate couldn’t be faked; they would show with perfect clarity where a person’s soul went after death.

But after hearing the black-robed Cultivator’s explanation, Steward Liao let out a cold snort.

"Absurd!

If you could determine his identity based on mere speculation, what would be the point of investigating his life story?"

"In my opinion, even though his soul didn’t travel anywhere and remained outside his body, it’s possible a Demon took the initiative to contact him, stir up trouble, and bewitch him.

Otherwise, how could an ordinary mortal make such rapid progress the moment he started cultivating? We have plenty of geniuses in Emei Mansion, and none can compare to him."

"Huh? But..."

The black-robed Cultivator’s face was a mask of surprise. ’If Steward Liao thinks that way and reports it, won’t it be considered my failure of duty?’

’Besides, there’s no evidence for any of this. Isn’t it just another guess? How can he treat it as fact?’

"Don’t be nervous. I’m just here to re-verify, not to give you a hard time. Besides, if this is true, it only proves how cunning the Demon is. Your abilities are limited, so it’s normal for you to have missed something. The higher-ups won’t blame you for it. In fact, if we can expose the Demon’s plot, you’ll receive no small amount of credit."

Steward Liao seemed to have guessed the black-robed Cultivator’s thoughts and offered some reassurance. In a way, however, he was also framing the definitive narrative for the incident.

Terrified and feeling helpless, the black-robed Cultivator could only murmur his assent.

...

Yang An completed his Physical Refining, mastering the three bodily transformations of the Red Wheel Infinite Body with his new form.

Perhaps because the Spirit Charm had driven the Magic Light, his refined body was unexpectedly stronger—about thirty percent stronger than his other body. This was no illusion.

After completing his Physical Refining, he found Guardian Yang Jiang. Once he received permission, he entered Yang Jiang’s grotto-abode. After paying the proper respects, he stated the reason for his visit.

But to Yang An’s surprise, Yang Jiang refused him outright.

"Without an Elder’s permission, I cannot give you the Cultivation Technique. If you want the subsequent technique, you’ll have to go ask an Elder for it yourself."

"That bastard is lying!"

Bow Lady’s furious voice rang in Yang An’s ears.

From the memories she had absorbed, there was no such rule.

Once an Official Disciple of the mansion breaks through to the Golden Core realm and reconstructs their body, they are granted the next Cultivation Technique regardless of whether they choose to leave and serve as a City God or stay to be promoted to a Steward. An Elder’s approval is completely unnecessary.

The rules of Emei Mansion had always been this way, unchanged for a very long time.

Hearing Bow Lady’s words, Yang An immediately understood what was happening.

’If I’m not mistaken, it’s probably that Elder Disciple who came to see me before. He’s the one pulling the strings.’

’He probably wants me to back down in the face of this obstacle and go groveling to the Elder myself.’

’This is not good.’

’Without the next Cultivation Technique, my Cultivation Level will stagnate here.’

’Although Bow Lady’s memories contain the Cultivation Technique mastered by that City God, techniques beyond the Golden Core realm must be personally suitable. Someone else’s technique might not be right for me. Cultivating it recklessly would severely hinder my progress and could even affect my ability to advance to higher realms in the future.’

"If the Elder gives his approval, you may return. Three thousand Cultivation Techniques will be yours to choose from."

Yang Jiang said this with a blank expression, but inwardly he was sneering. ’Offended an Elder and you still want a Cultivation Technique?’

"So many?"

Yang An feigned a look of astonishment.

"Heh. Show yourself out."

Yang Jiang didn’t answer his question, instead issuing an order for him to leave.

However, Yang An noticed that when Yang Jiang mentioned the Cultivation Techniques, his eyes had flickered toward the ring on his hand.

Rejected, Yang An dejectedly prepared to leave. Behind him, Yang Jiang remained seated, leisurely lifting his teacup.

But after taking two steps, Yang An stopped and turned back to face Yang Jiang.

"May I ask, Protector Yang, if a Guardian within the mansion wants to claim a Cultivation Technique, who should they see?"

Yang Jiang faltered at Yang An’s sudden question, then his expression soured with impatience.

"Stewards go to Guardians, and Guardians, of course, go to Elders. Why are you asking so many questions? You’re not a Guardian."

"So they go to the Elders, too."

A look of sudden realization dawned on Yang An’s face. He then looked at Yang Jiang, a smile suddenly playing on his lips.

"Since we both have to see an Elder, I might as well ask about everything at once."

"What do you mean?"

Yang Jiang frowned. The atmosphere suddenly felt strange. Then, as if he’d realized something, a mocking smile spread across his face.

"You can’t be thinking of challenging me for my position as Guardian, are you?"