Chapter 14: Joining the Capital Second Generation Chat Group

Given his temperament, standing here in such a foolish manner felt rather awkward. Unable to practice cultivation or admire beautiful women, he could only converse quietly with a few young lords and ladies. Naturally, their voices were especially hushed, for fear of disturbing the elderly gentleman nearby.

After some exchange, he learned that these companions were Liu Yun from the House of the Pill King, Wang Daoming, third son of the Left Chancellor of Dayue, and Luo Yongsheng, sixth son of the Luo family from the capital. The last was the only girl, Chi Mingzhu, daughter of the Lord of the Scarlet Flame Prefecture, and the sole member of royalty present.

Gathered together, these scions of noble houses, aside from boasting and bantering, were most curious about the newcomer, Cao Chengyu’s background. Of course, his near-celestial beauty was another cause for envy.

Liu Yun, dressed in elegant purple robes, carried a potent fragrance of medicinal herbs. His appearance was rather ordinary, but he possessed a scholarly air and was the most inquisitive of the group.

“This brother, may I ask your name and where you reside?”

Since someone had spoken, Cao Chengyu responded without shyness, boldly announcing, “My surname is Cao, given name Chengyu, courtesy name Mengde...”

With introductions made, the group became acquainted. To their surprise, Cao Chengyu was not a native of the capital and had no background to support him; his presence here was thanks to the recommendation of an elder named Yang Jiuxuan. Cao mentioned this partly to probe for information about Master Yang, but none of them were aware of his identity. Only Chi Mingzhu furrowed her brows briefly, then quickly relaxed, clearly knowing something but choosing not to share.

Cao Chengyu took note and did not pursue the topic further. Among young people, familiarity grew swiftly, and since Cao Chengyu’s family in Immortal Palace City was moderately wealthy, he found some common ground for conversation.

Their discussion ranged from pleasure houses and the Red Mansion to the path of immortality, famous sights of the capital, and gifted talents. During these exchanges, Cao Chengyu mostly played the role of listener, occasionally offering praise, much to the satisfaction of the boastful heirs, who seemed only a step from forming sworn brotherhoods.

Through their conversation, Cao Chengyu learned that among the four, only Chi Mingzhu and Wang Daoming had entered the early stage of Essence Refinement, their bodies cleansed by spiritual energy; combined with excellent foundations, both were exceptionally attractive.

Soon, the hour reached the period from five to seven in the evening, signaling the end of the first day of spring recruitment.

After Cao Chengyu’s arrival, no one else entered the rear chamber reserved for this purpose. The elderly gentleman calmly gathered his tools, beckoning the five to follow as he led the way out. They exchanged glances and went after him.

Exiting the spirit-testing room, they followed the elder to the second floor of the Skywatch Tower, arriving at a connected suite in the northeastern corner. The suite resembled a rental, with a shared hall surrounded by five bedrooms, and an additional fire chamber for alchemy and forging. Among the myriad arts of cultivation, alchemy and artifact-making were most common, so the fire chamber was a standard feature.

Nearby on the first floor lay a courtyard planted with Jade Grains—spiritual rice capable of refining energy. All these belonged to the noble heirs; their families had provided resources, making such arrangements possible.

Thanks to these second-generation nobles, the elder, seeking convenience, simply settled Cao Chengyu in as well. There was a hint of support in this gesture, which Cao Chengyu recognized. Though these heirs were not the most talented among their siblings, they understood social etiquette and showed the elder respect by raising no objections.

Compared with other newcomers to the Skywatch Tower, whose quarters were cramped and supplied with only limited spiritual energy, this environment was far superior. Cao Chengyu thus owed them a favor.

Cultivation was not merely about combat, but also about social relations—quite different from the novels he had read in his previous life. Here, people seemed friendlier, or so it appeared.

Once the group had been settled, the elder provided them with maps of the first and second floors of the Skywatch Tower and a white token. Given the vastness of the premises, newcomers could easily lose their way in the corridors. He also outlined several important rules.

As new members, their status was that of Feathered White Guards, with activity restricted to the first two floors; the third floor was off limits for now. New White Guards could freely claim one Essence Refinement cultivation manual and two energy-control techniques from the Tower’s library. Each month, they would receive two spirit stones, three Qi Gathering pellets, and five basic first-grade spell talismans as their stipend. Additionally, they would be issued a set of Green Leaf flying tools and a standard Maple Leaf sword.

These items would be available for collection the next morning, once the elder had entered their information in the Skywatch Tower’s records.

Aside from these benefits, as White Guards, they were obliged to fulfill certain duties. The first floor housed the Essence Refinement task hall, where daily assignments were issued—primarily monster extermination, ghost removal, and demon suppression, with secondary tasks such as gathering spiritual herbs and precious minerals. There were also investigations, protection, vein exploration, and various miscellaneous arts.

Each White Guard was required to complete at least one task per month; failure to do so would result in expulsion as a parasite. Completing assignments earned contribution points, which could be exchanged in the Tower’s treasury for cultivation materials, manuals, and techniques. Contribution points were non-transferable.

This was the advantage of belonging to a powerful organization: access to methods and resources, and so long as one was willing to work and strive, the future held much promise. Those recruited into the Skywatch Tower possessed notable talent, unlike the tool-like status of those in the lesser branches.

The elder’s explanation was mostly intended for Cao Chengyu, as the others had been briefed by their families beforehand. Cao Chengyu carefully remembered all these details.

After the elder departed, the group, having conversed for several hours, grew weary and retired to their rooms to settle in, agreeing to collect their cultivation supplies together in the morning.

Cao Chengyu chose an eastern bedroom, with Liu Yun and Wang Daoming nearby. On the other side, Luo Yongsheng and Chi Mingzhu took the remaining two rooms.

The night passed quietly. Cao Chengyu slept soundly and rose early. Seeing the others still at rest, he left the Skywatch Tower and entrusted his little Feng’er, tied at the entrance, to a stable outside the city. He also sampled the capital’s morning fare; the locals favored sweet flavors—even the bean curd was sweet—which drew strong complaints from those who preferred savory and spicy dishes.