Barbarians are fourth-class citizens, and Confucian households, in the ten-tier hierarchy of Great Ling, are only a little higher than beggars.

No wonder Helen Shaw had such an expression when the two were combined.

Originally, Brian Bolton was not a native of this world, so he had no real sense of these two identities.

But just now, Helen Shaw was clearly interested and wanted to take him as a disciple, but after hearing about his background, he immediately dropped the matter.

This was the first time Brian Bolton truly experienced the strictness of the hierarchical system in Great Ling.

Obviously, even though he had Daoist registration, his barbarian and Confucian household origins would still affect his future development.

What specific impact it would have, Brian Bolton didn’t know, but judging from Helen Shaw’s expression, it was clear it wouldn’t be simple.

After leaving the Daoist hall, the scene of Helen Shaw’s regret still flashed in Brian Bolton’s mind.

If Helen Shaw had accepted him as a disciple, he would have immediately joined the ranks of cultivation disciples.

At that time, not only would he be free from menial labor, but he would also have plenty of time to practice both literary and martial arts, his food and living conditions would greatly improve, and he might even have the chance to be granted a Daoist title and become a mage in the future.

Most importantly, then he could accumulate attribute points faster and improve himself.

Up to now, his attribute panel only had two options: life and skills.

But what exactly counted as a skill?

Brian Bolton had tried many things, but none worked.

And just now, he was so close to succeeding, but unfortunately, success and failure were separated by just a moment.

With a sigh in his heart, Brian Bolton returned to his room alone.

Actually, the treatment at Qinghe Palace was already quite good; each disciple had a room to themselves.

Although it was so simple and cramped that it only fit a bed and a stool.

But it was still better than a bunch of people squeezed together to sleep.

After reporting the news, Brian Bolton continued his usual daily routine: morning bells and evening drums, lessons in the morning and evening, and doing odd jobs the rest of the time.

This continued until the assessment period for cultivation disciples had passed, and it was almost June.

Finally, there was a response from Helen Shaw.

May 14th.

In the early morning, mist filled the air, as if smoke was winding around the entire Qinghe Palace.

Brian Bolton was just about to go to the washroom to start work.

“Brian Bolton, Master Mingguang is calling for you!

Go to the teacher’s room in the back mountain.”

Suddenly, halfway there, a menial disciple came up and called out.

The nearby menial disciples all turned to look at him upon hearing this.

“Got it.”

Brian Bolton kept a calm expression, but felt a bit relieved inside.

He followed the menial disciple, one in front and one behind, quickly heading toward the back mountain.

From afar in the palace came the chanting of other Daoists, as well as the laughter and conversation of nobles and guests in the Shangde Garden.

“There’s a scripture lecture by a master today, and quite a few distinguished guests have come. Be careful with guests carrying the yellow Ruyi token—don’t bump into them.”

The menial disciple in front quietly reminded him.

Brian Bolton understood and thanked him.

It was clear this wasn’t a casual reminder; no one would kindly warn a completely unfamiliar menial disciple for no reason.

So, it was very likely that there was good news from Master Helen Shaw.

He recognized the other person; this menial disciple was different from the others. It was said that every year, he donated a lot of money and goods from his family to Master Helen Shaw, in exchange for the chance to serve the master closely.

That reminder just now was clearly a gesture of goodwill, and Brian Bolton kept it in mind.

“May I ask your name, senior brother?”

“I wouldn’t dare. My surname is Sun, given name Yuanfeng.

No courtesy name.”

The menial disciple smiled as he answered.

“So it’s Brother Foster—” Brian Bolton paused, suddenly feeling it was inappropriate.

“Thank you for the advice, Senior Brother Foster. I’ll remember it.”

“It’s nothing.”

Yvonne Sun waved his hand.

Soon, the two of them passed through alleyways, crossed corridors and Daoist halls, and at the very back of Qinghe Palace, found a cluster of pavilions surrounded by red walls.

The three-story pavilions with red walls and gray tiles were arranged in an orderly fashion.

Yvonne Sun led Brian Bolton inside, and soon they arrived in front of one of the pavilions.

Helen Shaw, with a well-proportioned figure, was standing on the second-floor balcony of the pavilion, dressed in light yellow short robes with a gray-white cloak draped over his shoulders, as if he had just finished practicing martial arts.

Qinghe Palace belonged to the Great Ling Daoist Church, which revered the Three Pure Ones. The disciples’ cultivation was mainly divided into literary and martial arts, with more focus on the literary, and less on the martial.

What Brian Bolton saw in the Daoist hall were all practicing martial arts.

At this moment, he followed Yvonne Sun to the bottom of the pavilion and waited at the entrance.

“Come in first.”

Helen Shaw said calmly.

His gaze swept over Brian Bolton.

“Yes.”

Brian Bolton bowed and entered the first floor of the pavilion, standing at the entrance of the living room, waiting.

Soon, Helen Shaw came down from the second floor, holding a hot, wet towel, wiping his face and hands, then handing it to a serving disciple nearby.

He waved his hand, signaling the surrounding disciples to leave.

Once the others had left, only Yvonne Sun and Brian Bolton remained. He then coughed.

“Brian Bolton.”

“Disciple present!”

Brian Bolton quickly responded.

“Are you willing to take me as your master?

Join my sect?”

Helen Shaw gave no explanation, just asked directly.

The question came out of nowhere, with no warning, making both Brian Bolton and Yvonne Sun slightly stunned.

Fortunately, Brian Bolton reacted quickly and immediately knelt down in salute.

“Disciple Brian Bolton, greets Master!”