at the Martial Arts Pavilion is coming to an end. I’ll leave the 'Spirit Communication Technique' for later. I need actual experience to improve.”

As I stepped out, I saw Chen Fei. Curiously, I asked, “Vice-Chief, what are you doing here?”

Chen Fei smiled, “Ba Qiyun, you've been inside long enough. I came to wait for you. Also, the Ghost King Sect's decennial martial arts competition begins in three months, and our leader needs you to represent the Dark Division.”

Chen Fei then looked at me in amazement, “In just over two years, you've advanced from a mere warrior to the eighth level of a martial artist.”

I replied, “Leader, your favor is overwhelming.”

Chen Fei chuckled, “Qiyun, each department sends three disciples, all under thirty years old.”

Almost nineteen now, I accepted this without much surprise.

“I'd like to leave for a bit of training before the event. Is that permissible?” I asked.

Chen Fei quickly nodded, “Certainly. As Vice-Chief, I authorize you to train in the Beast Mountain.”

Chen Fei then remembered something and sheepishly added, “Qiyun, the jade token the chief gave you can access most places, except the Ghost King Sect’s main hall and other chief residences.”

It seemed the token was quite valuable. “Thank you for the reminder,” I said, bowing.

After taking my leave, I headed to my hut. To my surprise, it was clean and tidy.

Curious, I walked in, and the smell of freshly cooked food enveloped me. Unable to resist, I sat down, ready to eat. Just then, the door creaked open, and a girl’s voice cried out, “Who are you? Why are you eating the meal I made for Lord Ba?”

Stunned, I responded, “Is your Lord Ba named Ba Qiyun?”

The girl retorted, “You know that and still dare to eat? I’m going to report this to the sect master.” She turned to leave.

Exasperated, I stopped her, “Wait... I am Ba Qiyun. You made this for me. Why would you report me?”

Doubting me, she said, “Are you really Lord Ba? You look so shabby. Prove it, or I'll tell the sect master.”

Smiling, I handed her the jade token. Seeing it, she went weak at the knees and immediately knelt, “Lord Ba, forgive me for my blindness and previous offenses.”

I questioned her, “This is my room. Why are you here, and how did you know I'd be back? What’s your name?”

“Servant Murong Yu, at your service. Chief Chen instructed me to serve you. You can call me Murong.”

“Don't be so formal. Treat this place as your own home. Besides, thanks for keeping the place clean,” I responded.

Murong Yu quickly replied, “It’s an honor to serve you, Lord Ba.”

I frowned, “If you keep that up, I can’t have you here. I’m not a lord, just a fellow member of the Dark Division. Let’s be friends instead.”

Seeing my displeased expression, Murong Yu reluctantly agreed, “Alright, I understand

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