Chapter 2: The Divine Empress

"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. I, Ma, have always admired ambitious young men like you."

"The errand at Guanyun Platform is indeed dangerous. However..."

"It just so happens that the Disciple responsible for the tea service on the eastern side today is down with vomiting and diarrhea, so he clearly won't make it. I was just worrying about being short-handed, and your arrival is quite timely."

Ma Datou patted Gu Heng's shoulder. "The spot I've arranged for you has the best view; it's right near the rest area for Fairy Lin and her group from Piaomiao Palace."

"How's that? Generous enough, right?"

After he finished speaking, his gaze narrowed slightly, scrutinizing Gu Heng's eyes. "But, kid, I'm a bit curious. This business of serving tea, delivering water, and sweeping floors is something you all usually avoid like the plague, fearing you'll lose your heads by offending some noble."

"Why are you... so proactive today? And you even put up such a large sum?"

These words made the air turn a bit stagnant.

Gu Heng felt a jolt in his heart, then revealed a smile filled with youthful passion.

He cupped his hands and said, "To be honest, Steward Ma, this Disciple... this Disciple has truly been like a frog at the bottom of a well for too long. I've heard that for this grand competition between Sects, the geniuses of the East State are gathering, and Elders and experts are flocking here; it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event."

"This Disciple's cultivation is low, and I may never have the hope of stepping onto such a stage in this life. But if I could have the honor of standing below the stage, catching a glimpse of the grace of the various Sects' Saints, Saintesses, Elders, and Seniors from afar, and listening to a few words of wisdom, that would be a stroke of immense luck."

"A few Spirit Stones in exchange for a chance to broaden my horizons—this Disciple feels it's well worth it..."

Ma Datou nodded in deep agreement after hearing this, a hint of pity flashing in his eyes, as if he were seeing his younger self.

"Sigh, that's true. Back then, when I first entered the Sect, I was just like you..."

He stopped halfway through his sentence and waved his hand, seemingly unwilling to bring up the past, and instead scrutinized Gu Heng once more.

"But then again, you kid..."

Ma Datou clicked his tongue in wonder. "You're quite handsome and fair-skinned. This build, this skin—it's smoother than the scented powder my wife applies."

"If it weren't for this Utility Disciple token at your waist and that thin Qi that barely puts you at the Early Stage of the Qi Refinement Stage, just looking at your face and bearing, one might think you were a Saint from some hidden Sect who snuck out to experience life!"

His words were half-teasing and half-lamenting.

Gu Heng raised an eyebrow and followed his lead, asking, "What do you mean by that, Steward Ma? Could it be... that being good-looking offers some special benefit on Guanyun Platform?"

He had only asked casually to change the subject, but to his surprise, Ma Datou let out a chuckle upon hearing it.

He leaned into Gu Heng's ear and whispered like a buzzing mosquito, "Benefit? It's huge. Kid, consider yourself lucky. I'm in a good mood today, so I'll give you a free tip."

"Rumor has it... it's just a rumor, mind you, that Fairy Lin of Piaomiao Palace has a noble status and profound cultivation, with suitors lining up from the gates of the Qingyun Sect all the way to the Shore of the East Sea."

"But she happens to have... well, a little-known hobby."

"A little hobby?"

Gu Heng's heart stirred.

"Hehe."

Ma Datou smiled without speaking and patted his shoulder. "As for what that hobby is, I wouldn't dare gossip about a Fairy."

"You only need to know that while it might be a death warrant for others, for you... it might be a heaven-sent Opportunity. When the time comes, you'll naturally find out."

After saying that, he waved his hand impatiently. "Alright, alright, I've said all I need to say. Now get lost and don't disturb my sleep."

"Assemble at the Utility Division Square at the third quarter of the Hour of the Rabbit tomorrow. Don't be late!"

"Thank you for the advice, Steward Ma."

Having achieved his goal, Gu Heng didn't linger. After a brief bow, he turned and left the small courtyard.

The night wind was cold against his face.

As he walked toward his small hut, he pondered in his heart.

"A little hobby?"

Lin Qingyue, the number one Fairy of the East State and a powerful Cultivator at the Nascent Soul Stage. What kind of little hobby would such a person have?

Gu Heng instinctively touched his face.

This face was indeed extraordinarily handsome.

But in this world of cultivation, handsome men and beautiful women were as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river. Could one become a 'hobby' just based on a face? It seemed a bit too far-fetched.

As he was lost in thought, the sound of several people talking and laughing came from the stone bridge ahead.

Gu Heng looked up.

He saw three or four young men wearing the robes of Inner Sect Disciples of the Qingyun Sect, leaning against the railing and looking into the distance. Their auras already indicated a cultivation at the Foundation Establishment Stage.

He instinctively lightened his footsteps, preparing to bypass them from the side.

To his current self, these Inner Sect Disciples were beings to be looked up to; it was better to avoid trouble.

Just as he reached the edge of the bridge, their conversation drifted into his ears.

"Sigh, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow! I heard that for this grand competition, all the top-tier powers of the East State are coming! The Sword Seed of Heavenly Sword Mountain, the Young Lord of Wan Shou Valley, and the Alchemist Maniac of the Danxia Sect... such a grand event is a once-in-a-century occurrence!"

"Tch, what's so great about those people? If you ask me, being able to see Fairy Lin of Piaomiao Palace with my own eyes would make the trip worthwhile! She's the number one beauty of the East State!"

"If I could catch her eye, even if it's just a smile from afar, I... I'd be willing to lose ten years of my life!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a sneer immediately came from beside him, filled with mockery.

"Heh, Senior Brother Zhao, are you daydreaming again? A toad wanting to eat swan meat! Never mind you, even among the various Sects' Saints present, name one who could claim to be worthy of Fairy Lin."

"I... I was just thinking! Can't I even think about it?"

"Think? I advise you not even to think about it!" The mocking voice grew even colder. "You probably don't know the latest news yet, do you? My uncle is on duty at the Elder Council and heard a shocking secret!"

"What secret? Tell us, quick!"

"I'll tell you then. Fairy Lin... has long been favored by the Empress of a certain supreme Divine Dynasty in the Upper Realm!"

"It's said that the Empress of that Divine Dynasty greatly appreciates Fairy Lin's Aptitude and wishes to take her as a Personal Disciple..."

"Therefore, in a few days, a divine envoy will be sent down with a Decree to descend upon this realm and receive Fairy Lin into the Upper Realm! Tell me, is such a person someone you can pining for? Just one extra look would probably be a desecration!"

"What? A Divine Dynasty in the Upper Realm? An Empress!?"

"...Is this true?"

This news left the Inner Sect Disciples dumbfounded, their infatuation instantly turning into awe.

Gu Heng's footsteps also came to a halt.

Upper Realm! Empress!

His heart skipped a beat. Was his mission target this time actually such a hot potato?

"Dammit, isn't the difficulty of this novice quest a bit over the top?"

He cursed inwardly and couldn't help but quicken his pace, wanting only to leave this place of trouble as quickly as possible.

Just as he was brushing past those Inner Sect Disciples,

That Senior Brother Zhao seemed to sense something and suddenly turned his head, spotting Gu Heng.

Then, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he said softly,

"Junior Brother, it's so late. Where are you heading?"

Gu Heng's footsteps stiffened.

He slowly turned around and asked in confusion, "Is this Senior Brother calling me?"

Senior Brother Zhao sized him up, seemingly recalling something, and said with realization, "Yes. Junior Brother, you seem to be in a hurry. Are you planning to return to your quarters?"

Gu Heng's mind raced, but he nodded and replied, "Yes, Senior Brother. The Handyman Department has important business tomorrow, so I need to rest early."

Upon hearing this, an apologetic look appeared on Senior Brother Zhao's face, and he immediately took out a jade bottle from his Storage Pouch and handed it over.

"Junior Brother, thank you for your help last time at the Sect Market. To happen upon you here today is also a stroke of fate. Take this."

Seeing Gu Heng hesitate, he shoved the jade bottle into his hand without further ado. "That Senior Brother Wang who made you look bad in public last time is narrow-minded and vindictive. Although you didn't mean it, he's likely already held a grudge against you. It's best to be careful when walking around the Sect in the future."

"I hope this bottle of 'peiyuan pills' will be of some help to your cultivation."

Holding the jade bottle in his hand, Gu Heng's mind went blank for a moment.

Help? Senior Brother Wang?

He struggled to search through his memories, and a few blurry fragments gradually became clear.

Oh, he remembered now.

It was probably a few days ago, not long after he had obtained the System. Being short on funds, he had gone to the market to wander around and see if there were any 'passing by' opportunities.

And then,

He had seen this Senior Brother Zhao arguing with a stall owner over a few Spirit Stones until his face was red.

Not far from him was a haughty Core Disciple, who must be the Senior Brother Wang he mentioned.

That Senior Brother Wang was impatiently urging him on.

At that moment, the System's notification had just happened to sound: [Ding! Passed by target character. Successfully deducted all Spirit Stones from their Storage Pouch, totaling twenty-three Low-Grade Spirit Stones.]

Before Gu Heng even had time to feel guilty, he saw this Senior Brother Zhao finally settle on a price, reach for his Storage Pouch, and then... his face turned deathly pale.

He turned the Storage Pouch inside out, cold sweat pouring down as he muttered, "That's impossible, I clearly brought them when I left."

On the side, Senior Brother Wang was cursing him out, saying he was slow and an embarrassment.

Then, after a tenth of a second's hesitation, Gu Heng 'discovered' a money pouch right at his feet.

"Senior Brother, do you see if this is what you dropped?"

Thus, the Senior Brother Zhao, who had regained what he lost, was immensely grateful to him, while Senior Brother Wang, who had been ignored, felt he had lost face and left in a huff.

"..."

Gu Heng's brain stalled.

So... he had "passed by" his Spirit Stones, and then "helped" him find them, solving his urgent problem.

Now, not only did the man want to thank him and warn him to watch out for enemies, but he even gave him a bottle of Medicinal Pills as a thank-you gift?

For a moment, Gu Heng's expression was quite peculiar.

Seeing his strange expression, Senior Brother Zhao thought he was afraid and patted his shoulder. "Junior Brother, there's no need to worry too much. Although that Senior Brother Wang is overbearing, he wouldn't dare to openly kill a Utility Disciple within the Sect. Just be more careful in your daily life."

"...Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother." Gu Heng took a deep breath and cupped his hands toward Senior Brother Zhao.

"Don't mention it." Senior Brother Zhao smiled and waved his hand. "Go back and rest."

"This Junior Brother will take his leave."

Gu Heng didn't linger any longer. He turned and walked away quickly, his figure soon disappearing into the night.

After he left,

The remaining Disciples on the bridge gathered around. One of them looked in the direction Gu Heng had disappeared and asked in confusion,

"Senior Brother Zhao, why were you so polite to a Utility Disciple? You even gave him 'peiyuan pills'? That although those are only the lowest-tier Medicinal Pills, they're still a month's worth of allowance for us!"

Senior Brother Zhao looked into the night, his gaze deep. He spoke slowly, "Didn't you notice? When he passed by us and heard us discussing such shocking news as Fairy Lin and the Empress of the Upper Realm, his footsteps paused, but his aura didn't waver in the slightest."

"Facing several of us at the Foundation Establishment Stage, he, a mere Early Stage Qi Refining student, had no fear or flattery in his eyes, only calmness. This Heart-Nature is not simple."

"This..."

The others looked at each other. They hadn't even spared a Utility Disciple a glance just now, so naturally, they hadn't observed him so closely.

Senior Brother Zhao gave a light smile and stroked his chin, his tone certain. "Thirty years East of the river... this boy doesn't look like someone who will stay in a lowly position for long."

"A mere bottle of 'peiyuan pills' is nothing; just consider it a small gesture of goodwill. What if one day... he soars to the heavens?"

He turned around and put his arm around his companion's shoulder, laughing loudly. "Enough, enough! Why think so much? Tonight it's on me. Let's go to the Sect tavern and drink our fill!"

"Great! Senior Brother Zhao is so generous!"

The figures, with their arms around each other's shoulders, disappeared at the other end of the bridge.

Meanwhile,

Gu Heng had just returned to his simple hut.

He sat cross-legged on his bedding, lost in thought.

Lin Qingyue, Nascent Soul cultivation, the number one beauty of the East State, a mysterious hobby, an Empress of the Upper Realm...

"Wealth is found in danger!"

A flash of determination crossed Gu Heng's eyes.

He opened the jade bottle, and the fragrance of the medicine wafted out.

Without hesitation, he poured out a pill and swallowed it directly.

The night passed in silence.

When the first ray of sunlight the next morning shone through the cracks in the window into the hut, Gu Heng slowly opened his eyes.

A sharp light flashed through his eyes and vanished.

A night of cultivation had allowed his cultivation to Breakthrough to the Middle Stage of Qi Refining.

However, relying on his own cultivation was still too slow. He still had to wait until he unlocked the full version of 'Passing By' to see what the effects were like.

He rolled out of bed, washed up briefly, and then followed the crowd toward the assembly square of the Handyman Department.

The square was teeming with people, with hundreds of Utility Disciples lined up in several formations, waiting for the stewards' lectures and task assignments.

Gu Heng stood in a corner of the crowd.

Soon, Ma Datou appeared on the high platform in front of everyone, his beer belly protruding.

He gave a brief lecture, which was nothing more than clichés about emphasizing discipline and not offending the nobles.

Then, he began assigning tasks.

"You, you, you... and you, go to the Outer Sect Martial Arts Field to maintain order!"

"...That one, yes, you, you're responsible for delivering spirit fruits to the Elder Seats!"

One by one, the Utility Disciples who were called took their task tokens and hurried away.

Gu Heng's heart gradually began to race.

Until the tasks for all areas had been assigned and more than half the people in the square had left, Ma Datou had still not called his name.

Just as Gu Heng was starting to wonder if Ma Datou had taken the money but failed to deliver, Ma Datou's gaze swept around and finally landed on Gu Heng.

"Gu Heng!"

Gu Heng immediately stepped out and responded,

"This Disciple is here!"

Ma Datou looked at him without much expression, merely beckoning with his finger.

"You, come over here for a moment."