David Parker only realized after bringing the water over: “How did you know I had four jars of good wine hidden under my bed?”

Henry Clark glanced at him and said, “There are only three jars left…”

He felt a bit contemptuous—he really didn’t know how to hide things at all. Who hides good stuff under the bed?

David Parker let out a wail and ran to check on his wine.

After washing his face, Fat Priest just wanted to leave this nightmare of a place as soon as possible, but Henry Clark had already set out the wine and meat, enthusiastically inviting Fat Priest to sit down and eat and drink together. Fat Priest was practically dragged to the table. He was a foodie to begin with, and when he saw the golden roasted rabbit meat and smelled the aroma from those three jars of wine, he couldn’t keep up his restraint any longer.

Besides, he had figured it out: this little brat called Henry Clark was a total freak. He’d only been a Daoist novice for a few days, yet he’d already gathered all the novices in Area Three under his wing. Each of these novices was older than him, and now that he’d cultivated spiritual energy, once he reported it to the sect, his status would be the same as Fat Priest’s. There was really no need to make things too tense.

Ruthless and daring—no one wanted an opponent like that.

With this in mind, Fat Priest decided to go with the flow. His expression softened, and after finishing off a jar of wine, his face was flushed and he started boasting, throwing his arm around Henry Clark’s shoulders. They looked just like real brothers.

As for the spiritual herb that Henry Clark had pulled up to frame him, it had now been replanted in the soil. Whether it survived or not was up to luck. Anyway, it wasn’t unusual for one or two spiritual herbs to wither in the herb field, as long as the numbers didn’t drop too much.

After sharing a jar of wine with Fat Priest, Henry Clark had learned almost everything he wanted to know. His eyes brightened, and he said thoughtfully, “So, as long as I ring the Clear Sound Bell by the spirit field, I can become an outer sect disciple?”

Fat Priest, slurring his words, replied, “That’s right, brother. Go ring the bell tomorrow—your senior brother will be waiting to celebrate your promotion!”

Chapter 7: The Bell Rings, Severing Mortal Ties

The Qingyun Sect’s spirit fields spanned ten thousand acres, with ten thousand Daoist novices. With so many people, it was only natural that geniuses would emerge. Although the only cultivation technique passed down to these novices was the simplest Qingyun Qi Refining Manual, and there was no other guidance or help, every year one or two outstanding individuals would still manage to cultivate spiritual energy through their own talent.

In the eyes of the other novices, such people were all dazzling prodigies, the pride of heaven.

“Guys, I’m off. I’ll come back to visit sometimes, and we’ll drink together!”

Early in the morning, Henry Clark packed up his belongings into a bundle, slung it over his back, and bid farewell to the other novices.

In the morning breeze, David Parker, Little Freckles, Hanged Ghost, Rat Spirit, and Bent Ghost stood in a row in front of the wooden hut to see him off.

Their faces were filled with both admiration and envy. They never expected that this fierce and domineering kid would, in just three months, cultivate spiritual energy and be on the verge of soaring to become an outer sect disciple.

Although they saw Henry Clark working hard at cultivation every day, they just thought it was the usual enthusiasm of newcomers. Every novice who entered Qingyun Sect would train desperately for the first year or two, hoping to step onto the immortal path and rise to the top. But as time passed, they would gradually give up, accept their own aptitude, and settle into being ordinary people.

Besides, Henry Clark was always tight-lipped. It wasn’t until yesterday, when he said he was going to ring the Clear Mind Bell, that they realized he had already cultivated spiritual energy.

“Boss Clark, you’re truly extraordinary. Now that you’re joining the outer sect and rising to the top, I hope you’ll remember us brothers…”

David Parker said sincerely, his eyes a little red. Little Freckles even started sobbing.

Henry Clark kicked him and scolded with a laugh, “Crying like a woman—what are you bawling for? I’m leveling up, not dying! You idiots, remember the secret technique I taught you yesterday. I worked hard to develop that secret, and as long as you practice it as I told you, you’ll definitely be able to cultivate spiritual energy too. When you join the outer sect, I’ll still have your backs!”

“That method… is really… really weird… but we’ll remember it!”

The novices all laughed awkwardly, not really believing in the method Henry Clark had told them.

Henry Clark just smiled and said nothing more. He’d already shared the method; whether they believed it or not was up to them.

“All right, guys, I’m off. No need to see me out!”

Henry Clark waved his hand, turned, and walked along the winding path into the depths of the green mountains.

“Farewell, Boss Clark! Wishing Boss Clark a bright future and a smooth path to success…”

The voices of the novices’ well-wishes echoed behind him, each sounding deeply emotional, full of the sorrow of parting…

However, once Henry Clark’s figure disappeared from sight, the group of novices suddenly straightened up, wiped the tears from their faces, and sighed in relief, saying, “Heaven has eyes—finally, that little demon is gone…”

“Yeah, yeah, while he was here, I didn’t even dare sleep too soundly at night!”

“Life is finally back to normal—thank the heavens…”