After all, within the family, one can still cultivate and be responsible for tasks like Spirit Plant cultivation.
"If that’s the case, then why did Steward Lin specifically come to select this time?"
Chu Ning asked with some confusion.
Gu Xiaoqing also said somewhat puzzled, "I’m not exactly sure, but I did hear Senior Brother Du mention it.
This selection seems different; this time, the disciples being selected from various major Cultivation Clans are all at the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining or those at the Fifth Layer with the potential to reach the Sixth Layer.
They don’t care about Spirit Root qualifications; as long as they reach this cultivation level, they can be brought into the Sect for cultivation."
Again, the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining?
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning’s eyes flickered slightly.
What does the Sect need so many disciples above the Sixth Layer of Qi Refining for?
Is it related to that hidden mission again?
Or is it to supplement the internal vacancies of the Sect?
Thinking this, Chu Ning didn’t ask Gu Xiaoqing more since she might not know either.
However, at Lin Changqing’s place, he might be able to find out more and perhaps hear some news.
Over the past few months, as Chu Ning occasionally gave some Spirit Stones or Talismans, his relationship with Lin Changqing has gotten quite close.
Though not as familiar as with Zhuang Yunde back then.
But this usually cold-faced steward treated Chu Ning quite well.
However, thinking of Zhuang Yunde, Chu Ning remembered that the Service Disciple from Zone D had gone on that hidden mission a few months ago, and his current situation is unknown.
Maybe tomorrow, he could try asking Lin Changqing together.
The next morning, not long after Chu Ning opened his door, Lin Changqing indeed arrived.
Chu Ning took out the Spirit Stones he had prepared in advance, apart from the 500 handed over to the Sect, and additionally took out 30 Spirit Stones for Lin Changqing.
Upon seeing the two piles of Spirit Stones, a gentle smile appeared on Lin Changqing’s usually cold face.
He didn’t immediately take all the Spirit Stones, instead taking 40 Spirit Stones from the 500 and giving them back to Chu Ning.
"Recently, not many people have come out from the clans, and there aren’t many people in the Market. Your cultivation is shallow.
These Spirit Stones should be slightly discounted."
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning took back the 40 Spirit Stones, naturally expressing his gratitude repeatedly.
Then, remembering what Gu Xiaoqing said yesterday, he asked with some curiosity:
"Steward Lin, I heard the Sect is recently recruiting a large number of disciples from Cultivation Clans. Why is this?"
Lin Changqing glanced at Chu Ning, pondered for a moment, and then spoke:
"It is still due to the previous Sect mission. This time, the Sect has arranged too many people; over the past few months, they’ve found many places aren’t running smoothly.
So the Sect thought of selecting some Qi Refining disciples from Cultivation Clans into the Sect."
After a pause, Lin Changqing continued:
"It’s not just Cultivation Clans; the Sect plans to adjust the selection from mortals to once every two years as well.
Alright, this doesn’t concern you much.
Since the Market has arranged for you alone, as long as you can pay your monthly contribution on time, the Sect won’t assign anyone else."
Chu Ning nodded and then asked casually:
"Steward Lin, during my time in Zone D, I was often looked after by a Senior Brother named Zhuang Yunde.
He participated in a Sect mission before, saying he’d visit me after returning. I wonder if he’s back."
"Nephew Zhuang? I do know him; he went to participate in a Sect mission..."
As he said this, Lin Changqing shook his head.
"Most likely, he hasn’t returned. Those who go usually take one or two years, sometimes even over ten years to return.
However, if he does return, he’d become an Inner Sect Disciple, and it wouldn’t be easy for him to visit you."
Chu Ning wanted to speak further, but Lin Changqing waved his hand, saying:
"I know you want to ask about the Sect’s mission, but you’ve really asked the wrong person. Such matters, we stewards don’t even know.
Probably only the Elders and the Sect Leader know; even if you ask me, I can’t answer."
After saying this, Lin Changqing hurriedly left.
Chu Ning shook his head, not expecting that even a Foundation Establishment Stage steward like Lin Changqing didn’t know about the Sect mission.
It’s unclear why the Sect is keeping it so tightly under wraps.
Perhaps it’s best not to inquire further.
In the following days, Chu Ning cultivated steadily.
He continued practicing the Nine Derivations Body Refining Technique Unbreakable Tendons while consolidating his state at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining.
Of course, he didn’t neglect his Refining Spirit Technique either.
At the same time, he increased the cultivation of the Golden Essence Fruit in his Spirit Field.
After all, these Spirit Plants would soon be ready for harvest.
He also considered whether to visit Wind Gorge Square.
In fact, Chu Ning had wanted to go to Wind Gorge Square several times.
Mainly because there were almost no people buying high-grade Elixirs at Yan Workshop, so only Gathering Essence Pills were available from Gu Xiaoqing to improve cultivation.
While Chu Ning’s current Qi Refining Late Stage cultivation still benefits from Gathering Essence Pills, the effect isn’t as evident as during the Middle Stage of Qi Refining.
Ideally, there would be basic upper-grade Elixirs suitable for the Late Stage of Qi Refining to increase cultivation speed faster.
Additionally, Chu Ning, having felt the effects of his previous Body Tempering, wanted to see if there were any Body Tempering items for sale.
After all, although his own Iron Stem Orchid had already grown Iron Blue Orchid Fruit, it would still take a month or two to mature and be harvested.
But since he had to visit the cave daily to use Earth Spirit Spring Water for Body Tempering, he hadn’t been able to make the trip.
Now that the Golden Essence Fruit was about to mature, Chu Ning thought he might as well wait until he harvested this fruit before going.
During this time, another slightly unexpected event occurred for Chu Ning.
Ling Xiaobai, that little creature, advanced to a Tier One Advanced Demon Beast without a sound.
What was particularly astonishing to Chu Ning was that Ling Xiaobai was apparently just napping in the courtyard that day.
Meanwhile, Chu Ning was cultivating the Cyan Wood Evergreen Technique, but once he finished,
he found that Ling Xiaobai had gone from Tier One Intermediate to Tier One Advanced.
Such progress in cultivation even while sleeping left Chu Ning marveling inwardly.
It seemed like Ling Xiaobai’s advantage was even greater than his own.