“If that’s the case, then only by having truly profound mastery of Daoist arts will you succeed. If you reach eighty years old and are still healthy and able-bodied, that will naturally prove the depth of your Daoist cultivation, and by then you’ll be promoted in rank.”

Nathan Stewart’s words were quite realistic.

Because there is no concrete standard for the Wenxiu Guanxu technique, it’s hard to define one’s level, so it all comes down to martial prowess.

As a result, under this system, in Qinghe Palace and even throughout the entire Great Daoist Sect, the vast majority of the upper ranks are likely martial cultivators.

“The martial world, the jianghu—do you know what it’s like?”

Brian Bolton understood in his heart and continued to ask.

“I don’t know either, but nowadays the Buddhist Imperial Teacher Damir oversees the martial world across the land. Aside from the Black List and Red List, no one else dares to act recklessly.

These things, I’m afraid only those martial disciples know best.

Alright, we’re here.”

Nathan Stewart led Brian Bolton into the Shangde Garden.

Entering through a white archway and following the pebble path inward, they occasionally saw stone sculptures of immortal cranes and ancient turtles along the way.

Shangde Garden was quite large, with many small sections for various purposes.

Before long, a few more figures appeared ahead on the path they were walking.

These figures were gathered in a small red pavilion, chatting quietly.

Brian Bolton calmed his mind and followed Nathan Stewart as they approached.

But after only a few steps, he suddenly felt a warmth in his chest and abdomen.

A streak of black flashed across his vision.

He was overjoyed and quickly looked down at his arm.

The attribute panel immediately appeared.

‘Brian Bolton—Life 9-9, Skill: Guanxu Technique.

Available attribute: 1.’

‘It’s here, just as I thought!’

Brian Bolton felt an indescribable sense of anticipation.

Looking at the two yellow plus signs next to Life and Skill, he had the urge to click them right away.

But there were still people around him. If he added an attribute and his body changed abnormally and was discovered, it would not be worth the risk.

‘No rush, don’t be hasty. I’ll study it carefully when I get back.’

Brian Bolton forcefully suppressed his impulse, raised his head, and followed Nathan Stewart into the red pavilion.

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Chapter 7

Chapter 7: There were three people in the pavilion.

Two women and one man, all newly dressed in cultivation disciples’ Daoist robes—light blue outerwear and white short jackets.

Nathan Stewart stepped forward and introduced Brian Bolton to the three one by one.

At first, the three were a bit surprised to hear that Brian Bolton had apprenticed under Master Xiao Rong.

“Brother Rongfang, I heard you’re from the barbarian tribes?

Or a Confucian household?”

One of the women suddenly asked.

Nathan Stewart nodded to confirm this.

Immediately, Brian Bolton felt the attention from the three on him lessen by more than half.

He didn’t mind; it wasn’t the first time he’d encountered this.

Being both a fourth-class barbarian and from a Confucian household meant that no matter how capable he became, he could never rise to the upper echelons.

This wasn’t a matter of personal will, but something clearly written into the laws of the Great Ling Dynasty.

Barbarians and Confucian households are not permitted to hold mid- or high-level official positions.

The Great Ling Dynasty venerates Buddhism and Daoism, but is extremely exclusionary—one could even say hostile—toward Confucianism.

After chatting for a while, five more people arrived one after another.

A total of ten people gathered, making the red pavilion feel a bit cramped.

So the group found an open space beside the pavilion and split into small groups to chat.

Brian Bolton and another Daoist, who seemed just as isolated as he was, were left alone.

The two simply stood together.

“These days, everyone’s so realistic at such a young age, they don’t even bother to pretend.”

The Daoist sighed.

“How should I address you, Daoist brother?” Brian Bolton asked.

“Tyler Bolton.”

“Pleased to meet you, I am Brian Bolton.”

Tyler Bolton discreetly pointed to a man not far away, who was surrounded by several people.

“See that James Reed?

He’s just over nineteen, and he’s already crossed the Blood-Nourishing and Tendon-Tempering stages, entering the ranked grades.

He cultivates the Primordial Talisman, and his talent is truly frightening—almost a new level every year. Anyone with eyes can see he has a bright future, as long as he can handle real combat later.”

Brian Bolton looked over.

He saw that James Reed was strong and well-built, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, full of spirit—indeed, an impressive presence.

“And then there’s Jessica Taylor, from a wealthy family, who literally bought her way in.

As for her martial skills, they’re nothing special.

But money is a good thing—if she can’t beat you, she can always rely on numbers.”

Tyler Bolton pointed at another slightly plump woman and commented.

“As for the rest, each has at least cultivated one talisman technique. Now, with their talent or wealth on display, plus the right connections, their advancement is no accident.”

“They’re all much stronger than me,” Brian Bolton sighed.

“Don’t belittle yourself.”

Tyler Bolton patted Brian Bolton on the shoulder. “I’ve heard about what happened with Xiao Qingying. You distinguish clearly between gratitude and resentment, and always repay kindness.

You dared to step forward even at the risk of offending certain people.

That’s what sets you apart.”

“It was just the right thing to do, no need to mention it,” Brian Bolton shook his head.