Evelyn Spencer was deeply moved by Senior Brother's teachings. In the world he came from before crossing over, people like Clifford Bolton were nearly extinct.

Personally, he was very fond of this Senior Brother. Although the combined age of his two lifetimes was actually greater than Clifford Bolton's, he sincerely and respectfully said, "This junior has learned much."

Although Clifford Bolton was upright by nature, he was not rigid. He accepted Evelyn Spencer's suggestion and went to the tailor's shop to order three sets of Daoist robes, along with matching shoes. Evelyn Spencer also bought three extra sets of bedding. The robes were custom-made and would take a few days to be ready, but the bedding was available immediately. The mountain dwelling was quite cold, and he now missed the air-conditioned apartments in the city, even feeling nostalgic for "magical" items like sleeping bags.

Both Fellow Brothers practiced martial arts and were much stronger than ordinary youths, so there was no need for delivery—they simply carried the bedding back themselves.

The two returned to the temple, each took their luggage, and went to the prepared courtyard behind Taiyi Temple. Behind this courtyard was the mountain itself, and on the south side, a platform over two feet high had been built. On this platform stood more than ten blue-brick tile-roofed rooms, likely to prevent dampness or flooding from mountain streams and rain. The courtyard had a large open space.

Recently renovated, the traces were still visible, but it was much more spacious and bright than the storage rooms.

Clifford Bolton said, "Little junior brother, when we first came to Taiyi Temple, only one room in this courtyard was still intact—the roof didn't leak, and the walls were solid. Master used to live here alone. He stayed in the easternmost room, and I chose the one right next to Teacher. You can pick whichever room you like."

Evelyn Spencer readily agreed and chose a room on the western side.

This room had an extra window, with one door and two windows, making it brighter than the others. It was currently empty, with no furniture at all.

Evelyn Spencer placed the bedding on the floor first, then went to find Senior Brother. Together, they tidied up Charles Bolton's room, swept the floor, wiped the doors and windows, and laid out the new bedding.

Before long, the carpenter from the foot of the mountain arrived with two laborers, bringing beds, tables, chairs, and other furniture. The two Fellow Brothers directed the laborers to place the wooden beds and tables, settled the payment in silver, and sent the men back down the mountain.

Against the wall with a window, Evelyn Spencer placed the wooden bed, propped it up with some stones, laid down wooden planks, scattered dry grass, and put the old bedding on top, creating a simple, rustic mountain-style sofa for meditation and cultivation.

By the other windowed wall, he set up the newly delivered desk. During his travels with Edward Miller, he had bought quite a few miscellaneous books and also acquired brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Now, all these were piled on the desk, making the room feel less empty.

After he finished setting up the room, Charles Bolton came to call the two disciples for lunch.

Both Clifford Bolton and Evelyn Spencer were excited about their new living quarters and were more talkative than usual during the meal.

Charles Bolton listened to his two disciples talk about their shopping trip to the town, only smiling without saying much. After lunch, he suddenly said, "The three of us want to restore Taiyi Temple. Though it will take time, it isn't too difficult. But if we continue living so frugally, it will be hard to establish a sect."

"I've already found out that there's a group nearby called the Heavenly Serpent Gang, which harbors quite a few lawless individuals and commits many evil deeds."

"In the next few days, I plan to subdue the Heavenly Serpent Gang, put their affairs in order, and turn them into a force for good and righteousness. We can also collect some funds to help support the temple's expenses."

Although Evelyn Spencer had heard from Edward Miller about the Miao family's finances and had discussed the Songyang Sect's management model with Senior Brother, he was still a bit shocked to hear that Master planned to subdue the Heavenly Serpent Gang.

Now he finally understood why the martial sects in this world all seemed so wealthy.

These days, if a gang's leader didn't have good martial arts or enough strength, yet still wanted to bully the locals and extort money, how could that possibly work?

Clifford Bolton cupped his hands and said, "Master, there's no need for you to trouble yourself. I can handle this."

Charles Bolton smiled slightly and said, "You are too intolerant of evil. Whenever you hear of wrongdoing, you can't help but act with hot-blooded zeal. Back when you were in the Songyang Sect, I sent you to subdue the Black Sail Gang, and you ended up scattering the whole gang. When the sect sent people to take over, everyone in the Black Sail Gang had already fled. Your sixth uncle, who was in charge of the matter, complained to me quite a bit."

"I'd better handle this myself!"

Evelyn Spencer guessed that this Senior Brother's martial arts must be "impressive," but since he had never seen Clifford Bolton truly display his skills—apart from that first meeting when the other tested his abilities—he hadn't expected Senior Brother to be so ruthless. He really couldn't tell at all!

Clifford Bolton looked embarrassed, wanting to defend himself, but in the end, he didn't contradict Master. He only said, "I'll look after the place and give Little Junior Brother plenty of guidance, so he can focus on his cultivation and not trouble Master."

Charles Bolton smiled gently and said, "Very good."

After lunch, Charles Bolton accompanied Evelyn Spencer in cultivation again, protecting his meridians with his own energy. It wasn't until evening that he stopped and went to cook for his two disciples.

The next day, Charles Bolton did not leave immediately, but continued to help Evelyn Spencer with his cultivation for several days. Only after he was fully confident that this second disciple was practicing the Ziwu Meridian correctly and had no difficulties did he finally set out and leave Taiyi Temple.