After stepping out of the bath, Chen Mo still felt the lingering sting and soreness across his skin. He reached for a recovery pill, downed it, and settled into a cross-legged position. Slowly, the discomfort eased, and his body regained its usual steadiness. Opening his panel, he studied the numbers carefully:

  Name: Chen Mo

  Age: 14

  Realm: Skin Refining 10/300

  He began calculating in his mind. One medicinal bath could net him 10 points, far surpassing the meager 1 point gained from a normal day of training. However, medicinal baths could only be taken three times a week, yielding 30 points, and adding his daily training brought the total to 35 points per week. At that rate, a breakthrough to the middle stage of Skin Refining could be achieved in three weeks. He still had nine medicinal baths left in reserve and, with Master Lian’s support, more resources would be available next month. Resources weren’t an immediate concern; all that remained was to take it step by step and steadily grow stronger.

  Chen Mo sat cross-legged, marveling at how quickly his cultivation was advancing. Even at the early stage of Skin Refining, his progress far outstripped what a normal disciple could hope to achieve. Most prodigies would take at least half a year to reach the middle stage—if they didn’t get stuck on one of the minor bottlenecks that often tripped up even the talented. Minor bottlenecks were manageable, but major ones could halt a disciple’s growth for years. Yet here he was, advancing at a speed that seemed almost impossible, bypassing the usual grind and moving toward the next stage with a steady, unstoppable momentum. The thought sent a thrill through him—this kind of rapid growth was unprecedented.

  Two weeks passed in a blur. Chen Mo’s days had been consumed by relentless training—his skin refining grind leaving him little more than a few hours to eat and rest. Yet he didn’t neglect his newly acquired movement technique. Every day, he dedicated half a day to mastering it in one of the training yards, threading his body along invisible paths, testing the limits of balance, speed, and coordination. Sweat and fatigue blurred into the rhythm of his movements, but with each repetition, his body felt lighter, sharper, more attuned. Every step, every turn, every burst of motion was a lesson in precision, a quiet battle against the subtle strains that threatened to betray his recklessness.

  Name: Chen Mo

  Age: 14

  Realm: Skin Refining (Initial) 75/300

  Martial Arts: Silver Crane Body Refining (Skin Chapter)

  Skills:

  Archery (Perfect)

  Threaded Movement (Beginner) 55/200

  Chen Mo stared at the panel, letting the numbers sink in. His mastery of Threaded Movement was far ahead of where a normal beginner would be; at 55/200, he could already maintain smooth, flowing motion for extended periods, his steps barely touching the ground, every movement threading along invisible paths of least resistance. The panel had made it possible to cultivate the skill correctly, showing him the alignment, timing, and force distribution he needed—something most disciples would struggle to grasp for months, or even years.

  He flexed his limbs experimentally. Even at this stage, his body moved with efficiency and precision that others might only achieve after hitting the middle of the realm. Most Skin Refining disciples would take half a year to reach this level of practical control, assuming no minor bottlenecks slowed them down. Chen Mo, however, could already feel the difference: less wasted motion, lighter steps, and a speed that, when combined with bursts, could rival those far beyond his age. Minor bottlenecks were trivial now; the real challenges would come only at the major thresholds, far in the future.

  Chen Mo was deep in thought about his realm progress—only 25 points from Skin Refining middle stage—when a sharp knock came at his door.

  He stood and opened it to find an attendant standing respectfully, bowing slightly. “Disciple Chen Mo, Master Lian sends his regards and requests your presence,” the attendant said.

  Chen Mo nodded, cupping his hands briefly. “I understand. Please inform Master Lian I will come immediately.”

  He closed the door and prepared himself, knowing this summons likely meant new instructions or assignments from the Alchemy faction he was now entwined with.

  Chen Mo didn’t waste a moment. He hurried toward Master Lian’s office, knocked lightly, and stepped inside.

  He cupped his hands and greeted, “Disciple Chen Mo pays respects, Master.”

  Lian looked up with a faint smile. “How is your training going?”

  Chen Mo bowed slightly. “Thanks to your support, Master, everything is progressing smoothly.”

  “Good,” Lian said, his tone turning serious. “Don’t rush. Cultivation must be approached with caution, or minor injuries and accumulated toxins could hinder your future.”

  Chen Mo nodded firmly. “I will follow your instructions, Master.”

  “That’s good,” Lian continued approvingly. “The higher-ups have noticed your talent and have decided to nurture you until you become a pillar of the Silver Crane School.”

  Chen Mo’s expression was resolute. “I am grateful for your care and determined to go through fire and water for the school.”

  Lian’s smile deepened, and he handed a document to Chen Mo. “Your new task has been issued. Master Feng and an Elder from the Bone Forging Realm personally ordered it. You will be transferred to the Eastern Storage Transportation Facility as steward, effective immediately. You’ll assume your role starting tomorrow. Don’t worry about the details—an attendant there will explain everything.”

  Chen Mo accepted the document, bowing slightly. “I will follow Master’s orders.”

  Lian leaned back, speaking with a measured tone. “Don’t forget what we agreed upon last time. The facility is well-guarded by a team of Skin Refining experts led by a Muscle Refining expert. They won’t interfere with your work—their mission is to protect the facility and ensure safe transportation of goods. Still, you need to be cautious when dealing with them.”

  He added meaningfully, his eyes sharp. “Remember, they are the law enforcement of the school.”

  With that, Chen Mo accepted the documents, excused himself, and left the office.

  As he walked down the corridor, his expression remained calm, obedient, almost earnest. Yet inwardly, a quiet voice stirred, sharp and unamused.

  So here it comes… nurturing me… pillar of the school.

  His lips nearly twitched. What a grand collection of words, polished and hollow. If he were truly a native fourteen-year-old of this world, perhaps his heart would be pounding with pride, ambition swelling at the thought of being chosen by the higher-ups.

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Unfortunately for them, he was not.

  Master Lian means well, Chen Mo admitted. But good intentions did not change the nature of cultivation sects. Nurture today, demand tomorrow. Support now, ownership later.

  Still, there was no reason to refuse the feast while it was being served.

  I’ll play along, he decided calmly. Smile when required. Obey when watched. Take what I can.

  If benefits were offered, he would reap them without hesitation. Resources, protection, opportunities—these were tools, nothing more. And when the day came that he was strong enough to protect himself…

  Then pillars, nurturing, loyalty—those would become choices, not chains.

  For now, Chen Mo’s footsteps remained light, his back straight, the perfect image of a promising disciple walking obediently into the school’s grand design.

  Suddenly, Chen Mo heard someone calling after him: “Senior Brother Chen, please wait!”

  He turned and saw Jia Tao hurrying toward him, his face flushed with excitement. Chen Mo smiled faintly and came to a halt.

  Jia Tao’s eyes widened as they landed on Chen Mo’s uniform, a mix of awe and admiration in his gaze. “Congratulations, Senior Brother, on your breakthrough!” he said, bowing deeply.

  Chen Mo shook his head with a small smile. “Jia Tao, you don’t need to be so formal. It’s my fault I haven’t visited—you know, training keeps me busy.”

  “No matter, Senior Brother,” Jia Tao replied, his smile weary but genuine. “If you allow it, I’d like to invite you to dinner tonight at Golden Phoenix Pavilion to celebrate your success.”

  Chen Mo’s thoughts flickered: With power, even old acquaintances can’t help but change the way they address you… Still, he didn’t mind. Jia Tao had proven loyal and reliable, and as a soon-to-be formal disciple, he could become even more useful.

  Chen Mo nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips. “Thank you, Jia Tao. I’ll be there. Just tell me the time.”

  Jia Tao’s grin widened like a child who’d just been handed a gift. “Xu hour will be fine (7 to 9 pm), Senior Brother! I’ll see you then!”

  Chen Mo watched him rush off, then turned back toward the corridors of Silver Crane Hall, a quiet determination settling in him. Responsibilities awaited, but so did opportunities—and he intended to seize both.

  At Xu hour, Chen Mo arrived at the Golden Phoenix Pavilion, a renowned establishment where even a single meal could cost several taels of silver. It was his first time visiting, and the lavishness of the place immediately impressed him.

  Jia Tao was already waiting, dressed in a finely embroidered brocade robe, looking every bit the part of a young master. When he saw Chen Mo, his face brightened and he rushed forward.

  “You came, Senior Brother! Come on, let’s go in. The Golden Phoenix Pavilion is famous across the entire city of Lian!”

  Chen Mo nodded silently, following behind Jia Tao as they approached the entrance. The steward at the door, noticing Chen Mo’s uniform, straightened immediately and greeted them warmly, then led the two to a private cabinet on the second floor, where they could dine without interruption.

  The restaurant proved itself worthy of its illustrious name. The mountain delicacies laid out on the table were fragrant and exquisitely prepared, each dish carrying a depth of flavor that surprised Chen Mo. As he ate, a quiet realization surfaced in his mind. The culinary craft of this world was no inferior echo of his previous life. In some ways, it even surpassed it.

  While savoring the meal, Jia Tao grinned and lifted his cup.

  “Senior Brother Chen, we’re only enjoying such a feast because of you,” he said, laughing openly.

  Chen Mo raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And how is that?”

  Jia Tao leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “You don’t know, Senior Brother. When I told my father that one of the people who entered the hall with me had already become a Skin Refining expert, he immediately insisted I get close to you.” He scratched his head sheepishly. “I told him we were already friends, but he didn’t believe me and almost beat me up for it.”

  Chen Mo smiled faintly, amusement flickering in his eyes. Inwardly, he understood all too well. Jia Tao’s father was a true businessman, keenly aware of where value lay. It was only natural that Jia Tao, still green and sheltered, failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind such urgency.

  “Well,” Chen Mo said calmly, “it doesn’t hurt to enjoy a meal in such a fine place. Though I imagine it isn’t cheap.”

  Jia Tao laughed even louder. “My old man’s paying! And he was so enthusiastic about it, you wouldn’t believe it.” He then shot Chen Mo a playful, sly look. “Next time, maybe I’ll tell him you want to visit the docks.”

  Chen Mo shook his head lightly, a trace of warning in his tone. “Don’t fool around. You should focus on getting promoted to a formal disciple as soon as possible.” His gaze sharpened just a little. “I might need you there sooner than you think.”

  “I’m getting there, Senior Brother,” Jia Tao said earnestly. “Maybe in half a month… no, I’m sure half a month will be enough.”

  Chen Mo nodded slowly, his tone firm and measured. “Good. Remember this—when you get promoted, don’t sign the 20-year contract. Take the least appealing one, the five years. Don’t be tempted by the extra resources.”

  Jia Tao opened his mouth to ask why but hesitated, then simply said, “I will follow Senior Brother’s instructions.”

  Chen Mo’s advice wasn’t born out of mere kindness. He knew that he might need this boy in the future, and if so, it was better to save him from unnecessary pitfalls. Long indenture contracts might promise more resources, but in the end, they were no different from the five-year ones. If Jia Tao failed to achieve his goals within five years, he could leave and start anew, sparing himself fifteen years of labor—and perhaps preserving his potential.

  Chen Mo leaned back slightly, his gaze calm but sharp. “I’ve been transferred to the Storage and Transportation Facility on the eastern side of the city. When you get promoted, make sure to gather whatever information and gossip you can hear inside the school…try to get close to some people there. Anything related to the law enforcement takes priority.”

  Jia Tao’s eyes widened in surprise. “Senior Brother… is everything okay?”

  Chen Mo shook his head slightly, his tone measured. “Don’t worry too much. We just have to be careful about everything. You also need to be mindful of your actions and what you say.”

  Jia Tao, feeling the weight of Chen Mo’s seriousness, nodded. “Yes… I will do my best.”

  Chen Mo added, almost casually, “Also… I’ll try to provide some Qi-boosting pills for you.”

  Jia Tao’s eyes lit up, but he quickly waved his hand. “Senior Brother, you don’t have to…”

  Chen Mo interrupted firmly, “Jia, friendship aside, benefits must be shared.”

  Jia Tao hesitated, caught off guard, then finally said, “I understand.”

  After the dinner, the two parted ways. Chen Mo returned to his room, his mind already shifting to the coming day. He needed rest—tomorrow marked the start of a new chapter, and he had to be ready.