C13 Executive

"Master, would you like to exchange for Cultivation Points?"

"Exchange them, all of them!" Ning Xiaofan was brimming with excitement. Three Cultivation Points—that was huge!

"Ding! Cultivation Point exchange successful. 10 Charisma points deducted."

"Ding! Cultivation Point exchange successful. 10 Cultivation Points deducted."

"Ding! Cultivation Point exchange successful. 10 Reputation points deducted."

Wow, I've got a total of five Cultivation Points now. If all goes well, I should easily advance to Level 10 of the Energy Refining Stage.

Incredible, this system is just incredible, haha!

"Lin Bo, you're moving too slowly, pick up the pace."

Ning Xiaofan wielded a willow switch in his hand, ready to snap it at Lin Bo if he lagged even slightly. Lin Bo glanced at him warily, like a mouse eyeing a cat.

"That's enough for today. I'll show you some more techniques when we have time."

"Yes, Brother Ning. Today, I mastered an extraordinary fist technique. I feel like my strength has increased significantly."

"Ding! Congratulations, Master. Your Charisma has increased by 1 point."

Seriously, this fist technique is remarkably effective. When Ning Xiaofan had only reached Level 3, he already possessed strength many times greater than before, enough to easily overpower Lin Bo, even with his natural divine strength.

That evening, the trio skipped the communal kitchen. Ning Xiaofan had Fanh Yichen prepare extra Spirit Rice, giving Lin Bo a chance to savor it too.

Before dinner, the Spirit Rice behind the house ripened once more. This batch of high-grade Grade Two Spirit Rice was even better than yesterday's.

Harvesting the Spirit Rice, Ning Xiaofan's skill in cultivating Spirit Herbs improved slightly, and he earned an additional skill point.

Consuming the Spirit Rice, his cultivation level rose yet another point, and his Cultivation Points increased by one.

Gazing at the distant Spirit Herbs, they appeared to be twenty to thirty years old. The potency of the herbs seemed to increase by five to ten years daily. The Seven-color Spirit Soil was truly remarkable. One could only wonder if the soil would retain its impressive effects if relocated.

After gathering the Spirit Rice, Ning Xiaofan finished his dinner and handed a full bag of it to Fanh Yichen, saying, "Keep this. We won't need the communal kitchen anymore. From now on, you're in charge of our meals!"

"Got it, Xiaofan."

Fanh Yichen felt a rush of excitement and deep gratitude toward Ning Xiaofan. So much Spirit Rice, worth hundreds of Spirit Stones, and it was all his—having a brother like this was truly a blessing.

Outside the house, Ning Xiaofan practiced his Seven Death Boxing, sensing the fire spirit energy crackling in his fists. With a higher cultivation level, he could imbue his fists with spirit fire, making it easier to harm an opponent. The practice session earned him another skill point.

He then turned to the Energy Refining Divine Technique, feeling his body strengthen under the influence of spirit energy, and he gained another Cultivation Point.

As the sun rose, bathing him in its warm glow, Ning Xiaofan finished his morning routine and headed to the house across the way.

"Yichen, come on. We're going to the deacon's office," he called out.

Xiaofeng wriggled into his clothes, popping her little head out at the neck.

"Alright, I'm on my way."

"Mr. Ning, I want to come too."

"Sure, let's all go together."

The trio made their way to the Spirit Herb Garden, and along the path, numerous Outer Sect Disciples greeted Ning Xiaofan, recognizing the once-labeled "useless" among them.

Now that his status had changed, they all knew this Worker Disciple had been promoted to deacon, enjoying privileges akin to those of the Inner Sect. No one dared to cross him now.

"Good morning, Deacon Ning!"

"Morning, Mr. Ning!"

Many greeted him from a distance, a testament to the influence of power and the nature of people.

"Ding! Congratulations, master, your reputation has increased by 1 point."

"Ding! Congratulations..."

Upon arriving at the deacon's office, Ning Xiaofan's reputation had risen by a total of 9 points. He couldn't help but think, was it really this easy? It seemed he was on the verge of taking off!

With his reputation now at 11 points, he could exchange them for Cultivation Points.

"System, redeem Cultivation Points."

"Ding! Cultivation Points successfully redeemed, 10 reputation points deducted."

Six Cultivation Points, haha!

"Xiaofan, check it out, the two stewards are heading our way."

"Greetings, Deacon Ning, and to the Second Young Master as well."

"All is well, no worries! I'm just here to check on things."

Despite being the deacon of the Spirit Herb Garden, I must confess my management skills are quite lacking. The Jiang brothers are my go-to guys.

No sooner had I settled into my chair than Jiang Jie approached, storage bag in hand. "Deacon Ning, this was delivered from the valley, it's said to be yours."

The sect distributes certain items to its deacons, granting them special privileges.

Upon opening the storage space, I found an Immortal Sword inside, albeit of a lower grade.

With a flick of my wrist, the sword was in my grasp. "Jiang Jie, as the elder brother, I gift this to you. Ensure our Spirit Herb Garden is well-tended."

"Ah, my deepest thanks, Deacon Ning. I will dedicate myself to the work."

The storage bag also contained ten bottles of Energy Refining Pills and a hundred Spirit Stones, the half-yearly stipend for a deacon.

"Jiang Lin, these fifty Spirit Stones are for you. You and your brother should be frugal. Stick with me, and you won't be shortchanged."

"Many thanks, Deacon Ning."

"By the way, Jiang Lin, do we have any of these three types of Spirit Herbs in the garden? I need several batches."

"I'll check." Jiang Lin accepted the list, which read: Hundred Fruit, Night Fragrance, Sky Lantern.

"Do you need many?"

"Just ten of each, I'll compensate with other herbs."

"Understood."

The traditions of the Spirit Herb Garden are deeply respected, and the Jiang brothers hold them in high esteem.

Which other deacon would come along and offer such generosity without taking anything in return? Ning Xiaofan is truly an exception, bestowing considerable favors upon these two without asking for anything himself.

Jiang Jie brought over thirty stalks of Spirit Herbs. "Deacon Ning, these herbs aren't costly. It would be ideal if you could trade them for other herbs. If not, you can use Spirit Stones. How about we just give them to you?"

Jiang Lin promptly retrieved a Spirit Stone from his storage space. "There's no need. This single herb is worth the whole lot."

In Ning Xiaofan's hand, a flash of light revealed a thirty-year-old Sun Shadow Orchid, worth slightly more than thirty Spirit Herbs, ensuring the sect wouldn't be at a loss.

"Great, I'll note it on the account."

As he finished stowing the herbs, Wang Wu burst in, "Ning Xiaofan, did I hear right that you've been made a deacon?"

"Wang Wu, mind your words. It's Deacon Ning to you now."

Wang Lin rose to his feet, fixing Wang Wu with a stern look.

"See, I just can't contain my excitement for my brother's promotion!"

"No worries, Brother Wang Wu. What brings you back to the valley?"

It wasn't the time for mission submissions, and most of the valley's laborers were out in the mountains, foraging for Spirit Herbs.

"I couldn't keep it from you, Deacon Ning. I've caught wind of some news and rushed back to inform you!"

"The word is, the market's grand opening is tomorrow, and they're holding an auction!"

"Is that so?" Fanh Yichen was aware of the auction's rarity, occurring perhaps once in several years. It would be quite the experience to attend!

Jiang Lin and Jiang Jie's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Ning Xiaofan had just gifted them an Immortal Sword and fifty Low Grade Spirit Stones. With people from the Outer Sect attending the auction, they could expect a trove of treasures to be up for grabs.

"Alright then, tomorrow the Spirit Herb Garden will be under watch. Everyone else, take the day off."

"Three cheers for Deacon Ning!"

This was a rare break for the overseer here. The Worker Disciples had long since ventured deep into the mountains, and few had the chance to return.

Ning Xiaofan himself had been no different. Even when good fortune came to the sect, Worker Disciples were often left out, simply because they were uninformed.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, your reputation has increased."

Who knew? Granting a day off could also boost one's reputation.

"Alright, everyone head back and ready your Spirit Stones. Tomorrow, when you spot a good find at the auction, don't hesitate to bid."

Wang Wu chuckled and said, "Mr. Ning, we're really just there for the spectacle. We've got neither Spirit Stones nor status."

"Haha, no worries. How about you stay home and keep an eye on things tomorrow?"

"Deacon Ning, Mr. Ning, let's not bother with that. I'm happy just to join in on the excitement!"

Ning Xiaofan's eyes sparkled at Wang Wu's remark. Indeed, which of his friends could actually afford ten Spirit Stones? Anyone who could would be considered quite wealthy.

"Wang Lin, how many disciples do we have in the Spirit Herb Garden?"

"Deacon, our Spirit Herb Garden has exactly 99 disciples. The sect's rules are strict: not one more, not one less, only those who meet the criteria."

So it's about achieving 90% completion. He hadn't realized the Spirit Herb Garden was so populous. He remembered only a dozen or so; the others must be out and about.

Ninety-nine disciples. Perhaps he should give some of them gifts?

"Xiaofan, we should get going."

Fanh Yichen noted that everyone had dispersed to gather their Spirit Stones.

Ning Xiaofan agreed, reaching out to Lin Bo, who was sitting by the door, "Time to head out!"

"Sure thing, Mr. Ning."

Upon their return home, Xiaofeng leaped from her nest with a chirp of surprise.

Ning Xiaofan noticed Xiaofeng's feathers had changed from a red and green pattern, reminiscent of a parrot, to predominantly red with less green.

From a distance, she resembled a flickering flame.

"Master Xiaofan, I've arrived!"

"Did your cultivation level increase?"

"Yes, I've reached the tenth level of the Demon Spirit, which is on par with your Energy Refining Stage Level 10."

"Ah!"

Could this tiny creature be a Demonic Beast on the verge of Foundation Establishment? He found it hard to believe. Such a small creature at Energy Refining Stage Level 10?

"Master Xiaofan, thank you."

Xiaofeng had soared to the tenth level of the Demon Spirit, all thanks to the spiritual pill Ning Xiaofan had given her. If it weren't for her concern about stabilizing her cultivation, she might have advanced directly to the level of Demon Soldier.

"Ding! Congratulations, Master, on earning 1 Charm Point."

It seemed this little one was growing fond of him, even changing how she addressed him to 'Master Xiaofan.' Not bad at all.

Ning Xiaofan took a stroll through the backyard. The Spirit Rice was still ripening, but the Spirit Herbs were impressive—ginsengs aged twenty to thirty years, quite a find!

He harvested the densely packed ginseng without concern for damage; they were merely two to three decades old, after all.

Similarly, he thinned out the overcrowded Spirit Herbs. In his possession were hundreds of these twenty to thirty-year-old specimens—valuable assets indeed.

He managed to collect all twelve herbs he needed: Hundred Fragrance Grass, Fate Seeking Flower, Qianji Leaf, Dragonbone Herb, Hundred Fruits, Midnight Fragrance, Sky Lantern...

"Ah!" In his room, Ning Xiaofan's eyes sparkled as the pill furnace tumbled out of his hands. He had the furnace, the herbs, and now all he needed was fire.

Sky Burning Valley lacked for nothing, boasting several Earth Fire Spiritual Veins and a dedicated alchemy room for disciples.

Under the cover of night, Ning Xiaofan approached the Pill Pavilion.

"Halt! This is a sacred place for pill refining. No entry without a token."

Suddenly, more than ten Outer Sect Disciples, armed with Immortal Swords, confronted Ning Xiaofan. Dressed in the garb of a Worker Disciple, he was met with their scornful gazes.

"I'm here to refine pills."

"Haha, you? Refine pills?" A burly man brandished his sword, pushing Ning Xiaofan back several steps.

"And why not? Isn't this the Sky Burning Valley Pill Pavilion?"

"Sure, this is the Pill Pavilion, but what makes you think a mere Worker Disciple like you has the right to enter?"

All Sky Burning Valley disciples were entitled to use the pavilion. These guards were simply looking to line their pockets, which is why they were blocking his way.

Ning Xiaofan's expression turned icy as he stirred his spiritual consciousness, releasing an imposing aura.

"Shall I demonstrate whether I'm qualified?"

The group of over ten individuals tensed up, their sword tips aimed at Ning Xiaofan.

With another shift of his spiritual sense, a gleam of light burst forth from the interspace, and a token gently emerged from the storage space.

"Respectful greetings to Deacon Ning. Our apologies, sir; we were blind to your status."

The Outer Sect guard immediately dropped to his knees, his voice quivering.

"Sir, may I inquire about your business at the Pill Refining Pavilion? Allow me to announce your arrival."

Another Outer Sect disciple approached and bowed respectfully to Ning Xiaofan.