The Lord of Void and Real

Chapter 225: Chapter 223 The Eighth Guest Official

“Shen Luo, to be honest, the fact that you can confide in me and tell the truth makes me glad. Yet, I am unable to accept your request.” A flash of relief crosses Bai Xiaotian’s eyes as he speaks.

“Why is that?” Shen Luo asked in surprise.

“Our ancestor previously sought an opportunity for me to be admitted into Hua Sheng Temple. I received a reply only recently, and I plan on leaving Jianye City shortly.” Bai Xiaotian looks out of the window as he speaks slowly.

“Hua Sheng Temple?”

Heard of this name, Shen Luo felt familiar. After thinking for a while, he recalled it.

He had stumbled upon some information about Hua Sheng Temple in the Book Pavilion of Mount Fangcun. The words seemed to be full of approval and compliments.

“You’ve heard of this place?” Bai Xiaotian asked.

“I’ve heard a bit about it. It’s one of the main cultivation sects within the Tang Dynasty. Given your talents, if you can join them, you will surely achieve great things in the future.” Shen Luo sincerely praised him.

“Once I’ve been admitted to Hua Sheng Temple, I will no longer be considered a disciple of Little Straw Mountain. So, I can’t agree to inheriting the Pure Yang Scripture and rebuilding the Spring and Autumn Pavilion.” Bai Xiaotian withdrew his gaze and said solemnly to Shen Luo.

“When you join such a sect, you will be able to learn more profound skills. Missing the Pure Yang Scripture doesn’t matter much. In this way, we can stay together for a few more days. When you leave Jianye City, I will return to Chunhua County.” After hearing this, Shen Luo nodded in agreement.

“In my opinion, returning to Chunhua County right now may not necessarily be a good thing.” Bai Xiaotian hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Why do you say that?” Shen Luo was taken aback.

“Setting aside the fact that the people we sent haven’t discovered any trace of the demons, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they have completely retreated. Even if they have indeed left, who can assure us they won’t return?” Bai Xiaotian retorted.

“You’re suggesting that if I hastily return to Chunhua County, I might attract the demons to return?” Shen Luo frowned.

“As survivors of the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, we must consider all aspects. The demon may not dare to invade Jianye City as it is protected by the Bai family, but they have no such restrictions in Chunhua County.” Bai Xiaotian spoke seriously.

Shen Luo agreed with the truth in Bai Xiaotian’s words and his frown deepened.

“Straight off, not only Jianye City, but many places within the Tang Dynasty are not stable. The disaster of demons is intensifying, and signs of chaos are beginning to appear. The reason my family is eager to teach me more profound Daoist laws and for me to grow faster is to prepare for this situation. Shen Luo, what you need to do now is not to return home but to focus on your cultivation. You’ll only be fearless of the demons’ harassment when you have the ability to protect yourself.” Bai Xiaotian pats Shen Luo’s shoulder as he continues speaking.

“You’re right. But with your departure from Jianye, I can’t just stay at your house, can I?” Shen Luo sighed. He knew better than anyone the state of the world after the disaster of demons.

“For this, you need not worry. Before I leave, I will persuade my father to let you temporarily serve as a guest official in our family. By then, not only will you be able to continue your cultivation in the Bai Mansion, but you should also receive the immortal jade as compensation.” Bai Xiaotian waved his hand, speaking.

“I’m afraid it’s not feasible. I am only in the mid-stage of Qi refining, how can I qualify as a guest official?” Shen Luo immediately replied.

“Well… most of the guest officials in our Bai family are cultivators in the Qi refining late stage, but it’s not uncommon for some to be in the mid-stage. So there’s no issue.” Bai Xiaotian relayed.

“Bai Xiaotian, I’ve always been curious about the strength of your Bai family. As the first demon exorcising family in Jianye, how strong are you, and how much stronger are you compared to the Spring and Autumn Pavilion?” Shen Luo suddenly asked.

“Compared to the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, naturally, we are stronger. Besides our ancestor who is a soul condensing cultivator, my father and my third uncle are monks at the late and mid-stages of Grain Avoidance. Also, there’s the fifth grandma whom you’ve met at the bottom of the lake, she’s a mid Grain Avoidance Cultivator as well.” Bai Xiaotian gave this reply.

“One soul condenser, three Grain Avoidances, the Bai family indeed has a remarkable foundation.” Shen Luo couldn’t help exclaiming upon hearing this.

“Among the guest officials, there is one Grain Avoidance Initial Stage Cultivator, the other six are all Qi Refining Cultivators, ranging from the sixth layer to the ninth layer of Qi refining. If you join, you will be our family’s eighth guest official. What do you think, do you want to give it a shot?” Bai Xiaotian said.

“Seeing how thoughtful you’ve been for me, If I don’t agree, it would be ungrateful. From what you say, I know your intention, so I will agree.” Seeing that Bai Xiaotian meant well, Shen Luo agreed.

“Rebuilding the Spring and Autumn Pavilion is no small matter. It’s not just money that will be consumed, but also considerable strength for backup. The burden on your shoulders is not light.” Seeing Shen Luo’s consent, Bai Xiaotian replied, beaming with joy.

“I was thinking of dragging you along; two monks carry water to eat, but in the end, I will have to bear it all by myself.” Shen Luo relaxed and joked.

“After parting, who knows when we will see each other again! Let’s go, I’ll treat you to drinks, and we won’t return until we are drunk!” Bai Xiaotian waved his hand and dragged Shen Luo outside, ignoring his protestations entirely.

…

A few days later, Bai Xiaotian, escorted by a family elder, left Jianye City.

Shen Luo was immediately invited to the study in the backyard by someone from Bai Hecheng.

“Senior.” Shen Luo greeted him after entering the room.

“Heh, you and Xiao Tian are close friends. Just call me uncle, come sit and talk.” Bai Hecheng put down the book in his hand and replied with a warm smile.

Shen Luo smiled in response and sat respectfully across from him.

“I’ve called you here today because I have something to discuss with you.” Bai Hecheng continued.

“Senior, please give your instructions.” Shen Luo replied.

“In recent years, the Bai family has been continuously expanding its strength, bringing in many external cultivators as guest officials. I wonder if you would be willing to join the Bai family and become a guest official?” Bai Hecheng asked directly.

“Being a guest official of the Bai family is naturally a great thing. But I’m afraid my cultivation level is too low to fulfill the requirements.” Shen Luo promptly responded.

“That’s not a problem. I invited you to become a guest official of the Bai family. It’s not because of your current cultivation level, but because I see potential in you. Both Xiao Yun and the third elder speak highly of you, and I think you have a good temperament, so I’d like to make you a guest official.” Bai Hecheng said with a smile.

“I am honored to be valued by senior. I am willing to join the Bai family as a guest official and serve the Bai family.” Shen Luo immediately rose, holding his fists in salute.

“Good, good, sit down and talk.” Bai Hecheng quickly invited Shen Luo to sit down.

“Thank you, Family Head.” Shen Luo complied and took his seat.

When Bai Hecheng heard the change in his salutation, the smile on his face became even brighter.

“Now that you are officially a guest of our family, there are some things I need to tell you in advance. You’re currently at a low stage, so your stipend cannot be the same as other guest officials’. You can receive an Immortal jade every three months. Correspondingly, the family will assign you some simple demon exorcising missions. After you completed these missions, there will be corresponding rewards.” Bai Hecheng explained.