Except for occasionally being called over by Helen Shaw to answer questions, in all other respects, the meals had increased to four white steamed buns per meal, a pound of meat, and unlimited vegetables.

With good food and a regular routine, after more than ten consecutive days, Brian Bolton finally began to recover.

His cheeks gradually regained a healthy flush, and his skin looked more radiant than before.

Most importantly, he once again felt the warm energy in his chest and abdomen that could accumulate attribute points.

In the blink of an eye, another month passed.

In the Qinghe Palace dining hall.

"Hey, I heard you really became a cultivation disciple?"

Fatty Barnes carried his food tray and plopped down across from Brian Bolton.

Along with him were two other menial disciples.

One was May Thompson, the other Nathan Stewart.

May Thompson's name was rough, and her appearance was that of a true nobody—she was the kind of girl you could see on the street and never notice.

She came from a farming family. Her wealthy farmer father favored sons over daughters, and to reduce taxes and avoid conscription, he spent a lot of money to send her here.

The other, Nathan Stewart, was similar, but unlike May Thompson, her family were wealthy merchants, and her name was given by a down-and-out scholar they had paid.

"What brings you here?"

Brian Bolton looked up and nodded to the three, as a greeting.

Since arriving at Qinghe Palace, these three were the only ones he was familiar with; he got most of his news and information from them.

"We're from the same hometown, after all. Senior brother Brian Brooks, you're a senior brother now, so you have to look after us more in the future."

Fatty Barnes said with a smile.

There was a hint of flattery in his smile.

"Also, Stewart has been promoted too.

She's now working in the library, apprenticed to the steward mage who manages the library."

He smiled and pointed at Nathan Stewart beside him.

Brian Bolton wasn't surprised. Among the four of them, if anyone was most likely to be promoted, it was Nathan Stewart.

The reason, of course, was her looks.

Nathan Stewart had fair skin, good features, a calm and cool personality, and was diligent and meticulous in her work. Most importantly, her family was wealthy and had greased many palms.

Disciples like her, who made generous offerings, caused little trouble, and were pleasant to look at, were favored by many mages.

After Nathan Stewart sat down, she glanced at the cultivation disciple robe on Roy Bolton.

"Brian Brooks, if anything comes up in the future, we can share information."

"Mm."

Brian Bolton nodded, meaning the same.

"I heard you now follow Master Helen Shaw's daughter every day, that Senior Sister Emily Shaw?"

Fatty Barnes leaned in and asked in a low voice.

"Mm."

Brian Bolton nodded.

He glanced around and noticed the looks from the other menial disciples nearby—mostly envy, with a hint of hidden jealousy.

Many probably thought he just got lucky to be promoted to a cultivation disciple.

"There's a gathering later at Shangde Garden. Let's go together—it's all cultivation disciples who have been promoted in the past few months."

Nathan Stewart invited.

Brian Bolton hesitated for a moment, then agreed.

These kinds of gatherings for mutual support were common among disciples.

If you were lucky, you could exchange a lot of useful information and secrets.

"Alright."

"Brian Brooks bro, Stewart sis, I really envy how quickly you both got promoted. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

May Thompson couldn't help but say.

"Don't worry, I'll do my best to help if I can."

Nathan Stewart nodded.

After the meal, the four parted ways.

These days, Brian Bolton happened to be on break. Emily Shaw was accompanying her father Helen Shaw on a visit, so he had some free time.

Walking together with Nathan Stewart, the two headed toward Shangde Garden at the rear of Qinghe Palace.

Along the way, all the menial disciples they encountered lowered their heads and stepped aside, greeting them proactively.

Nathan Stewart walked ahead, about two steps in front.

"Brian Bolton, do you know how a cultivation disciple can get promoted further?"

"No."

Brian Bolton was pondering this very question.

The next step for a cultivation disciple was to be formally accepted by a mage as a direct disciple.

Only direct disciples were eligible to have a Daoist title, and only then could they qualify to be promoted to mage.

"I only found out at the last gathering."

Nathan Stewart said, "The promotion of cultivation disciples mainly depends on martial arts cultivation.

Because it's very hard to judge the level of literary cultivation.

Whether it's an illusion or a mental image, no one can tell what's real.

So the main assessment is still based on martial arts proficiency."

"This is the easiest and most straightforward way to judge."

Nathan Stewart's words made Brian Bolton frown slightly.

He thought for a moment.

"Now that the Great Ling Dynasty's martial arts are unrivaled in the world, what use is there in focusing on martial arts?"

"The Great Ling is strong, but as my master said, our Qinghe Palace belongs to the Daoist sect, and we are not without rivals.

Not to mention the other sects in the martial world—even the nearby White Bell Temple often sends people to cause trouble.

There are also wandering monks passing by, notorious criminals, river bandits—a lot of threats to guard against."

Brian Bolton seemed to understand.

"Then what if someone can't cultivate martial arts?"