Chapter 18

Before dawn, Tang Jie got up to clean the courtyard. The courtyard was filled with the rustling sound of the broom as Tang Jie swept, his spirit energy circulating through his body, passing through every meridian, and finally dissipating. However, with each full-body movement, a trace of spirit energy would always hide in his bloodstream, significantly increasing Tang Jie's strength.

This was something Tang Jie discovered after breaking free from his restraints. He found that the Cangxiang Scripture not only expanded the meridians with spirit energy during cultivation but could also blend into the blood, enhancing strength. Refining the blood, bones, and internal organs with spirit energy was something only those at the Transcendent Realm could do, which was why they were called "Transcendent," as they transcended the physical limitations of ordinary people. However, the Cangxiang Scripture could refine the body even at the initial stage of opening the spirit platform, which both surprised and delighted Tang Jie.

At that moment, he realized that this was likely the true hidden function of the Cangxiang Scripture. Xumu Yang had always believed that the Cangxiang Scripture was written by the War Lord, and its effects were certainly not as simple as just breaking through the Jade Gate. Now it seemed he was not wrong. However, he mistakenly thought the Cangxiang Scripture's function was the Nine Revolutions of the Jade Gate, not realizing it was about early body refinement.

It was no wonder Xumu Yang hadn't thought of it. Immortals were known for their magical techniques, and the Jade Gate was the most important, directly affecting the speed of cultivation. Who would have thought the Cangxiang Scripture would take a different path? As for why, Tang Jie knew he wouldn't find the answer until he fully opened the War Lord's hidden secrets.

At this moment, he had cleaned the courtyard and practiced the Cangxiang Scripture once, feeling his strength increase. Though he was still a teenager, his strength was almost on par with adults, which made him very happy. The door creaked open, and Grandma Wu came out, seeing that Tang Jie had already cleaned the courtyard. She smiled and said, "You child, you're up so early again."

Tang Jie smiled and replied, "I owe my life to the two of you, and even if I were to die a thousand deaths, I couldn't repay your kindness. Cleaning the courtyard is nothing. Grandma, you rest first, I'll go to the kitchen to boil water."

"Oh, no need to move. Since you came, we two have nothing to do; you've done all the work." The old lady said helplessly, "My old bones have no place to relax."

"Then let me give you a back massage." Tang Jie smiled and walked over, helping the old lady sit down and starting to massage her back.

He had learned this back massage technique from his father in his previous life. His movements were professional, and he had a good grasp of the pressure, making the old lady feel extremely comfortable.

When Old Man Wu saw this, he couldn't help but laugh, "You really know how to enjoy yourself. You've become like the old lady of the Wei family."

The old lady gave her husband a disapproving look and laughed, "I think even the old lady of the Wei family isn't as comfortable as I am. Xiao Jie's technique is really good, making me feel like a younger person. After marrying you, I never thought I'd have such a good time today. It's worth coming to this world."

"Since Grandma likes it, I'll massage your back every day," Tang Jie smiled.

"Good!" The old lady agreed without hesitation.

Tang Jie was good at making people happy. In the few days he had stayed here, he had cleaned the house thoroughly, without asking for wages, only needing three meals a day and a place to stay. No servant was as cheap as him, which made the old lady very happy.

Actually, sometimes winning someone's favor is very simple. Being good at speaking, being considerate, and doing things well naturally makes people like you. The old couple of the Wu family were not sophisticated, and Tang Jie, who could charm Xumu Yang, found it even easier to deal with them. He served the two old people so well that they felt like they were in heaven, especially since they were lonely in their old age, with their children not around. Having Tang Jie around made them like him more and more, treating him like their own child.

"Since that's the case, you should stay here and not go anywhere else," Grandma Wu smiled.

"That won't do, Grandma. I still need to go out and work; I can't rely on you two for meals all the time," Tang Jie smiled in response.

"You're still young; there's no rush to work."

"Don't look at me as young, but I'm not weak. I can do the work of an adult. Besides, the two of you saved my life and took me in; it's only right for me to serve you. I can't just eat and drink here for free."

Old Man Wu thought for a moment and nodded, "That's true."

Grandma Wu glared at him, "What are you talking about? Do you really want Xiao Jie to go out? Can't we afford to raise a child?"

"Ah, that's not what I meant," Old Man Wu waved his hand, "Poor children grow up early. If Tang Jie hadn't gone through so much hardship, he might not be as clever as he is now. I think it would be good for him to go out and work. If you feel bad about it, you can keep his money and save it for his future wife."

Grandma Wu thought about it and nodded, "Alright, but since it's your idea, you should be responsible for it. Find a good job for Xiao Jie."

"Me?" Old Man Wu was taken aback and smiled bitterly, "Where can I find him a job? Besides, we need to see what he can do."

Tang Jie's hand slowed down as he lowered his head, "Grandpa, I come from a poor family. Apart from farming, I don't know anything else."

"You don't know anything?" Old Man Wu's face fell, "That's a bit difficult. Have you never worked before?"

"Well, I have," Tang Jie said, "I once worked as a child servant for a family. They liked me and treated me well. But then the bandits came..."

He didn't continue, his voice already tinged with sobs.

The old couple understood and sighed together.

Grandma Wu said, "Oh, don't talk about these sad things. No wonder you clean the house so well; you must have worked for a wealthy family. Right, old man!"

Grandma Wu suddenly called out, "Why don't you ask Manager Qin? Maybe he can get Xiao Jie a job at the Wei family."

Old Man Wu immediately frowned, "That... might not be a good idea?"

"What's not good about it?" Grandma Wu shouted, "You saved Manager Qin's life. That winter, he almost froze to death at our doorstep, just like Xiao Jie. It's a coincidence that twenty years later, Xiao Jie is in the same situation. Qin Yuan is now the head manager of the Wei family and has been good to us. If you talk to him, I think it will work!"

"But the Wei family doesn't take people with unknown backgrounds, and even Manager Qin might not have the authority."

"How can he have an unknown background?" Grandma Wu glared, "Xiao Jie is now part of our family. He is... he is... my stepson. Is Wu Yuhua's background unknown? If that's not enough, say he's your illegitimate child!"

Old Man Wu was embarrassed, "What are you talking about? I'm fifty-six, where can I go to have a twelve-year-old child? If this gets out, how can I face the neighbors? Really..."

Grandma Wu pouted, "Xing is only seventeen, and he's your late child, isn't he?"

"That's different. I wasn't forty yet, so I still had... had... had the strength," Old Man Wu struggled to say.

"Xiao Jie isn't much younger than Xing."

"Nonsense!" Old Man Wu was angry and waved his hands.

Tang Jie laughed at the old couple's bickering and then knelt before Grandma Wu, saying, "Tang Jie wishes to recognize the two of you as my adoptive parents. Please take me in, and I will serve you as a filial son!"

"You're such a good child," Grandma Wu smiled and helped Tang Jie up, "Alright, since you've knelt, I won't refuse. Get up."

Then she looked at her husband, "What, you're not happy? I think having Xiao Jie as your adoptive son is a blessing for you!"

"This... this..." Old Man Wu shook his head, unable to resist his wife's wishes, and finally nodded, "Alright, alright, I agree."

Thinking about how he was taking in an adoptive son in his old age, he found it interesting and couldn't help but laugh.

"Then why don't you invite Manager Qin to visit?"

"I'll do that, but we can't rush it. Tang Jie has only been with us for a few days. We need to let the neighbors know about him and get to know him better before inviting Manager Qin. Otherwise, if Manager Qin asks about him, we won't have anything to say, and how can we recommend him?"

"True," Grandma Wu muttered, looking at Tang Jie, who smiled, "I'm not in a hurry. As long as the two of you don't mind me eating and not working, I'm fine."

"Of course not. You do so much work. It's settled. You stay here, and your adoptive father will take care of everything."

"Yes, adoptive mother!"

And so, Tang Jie officially moved into the Wu family.

Time flew by, and several months passed. Winter turned to spring, and it was another good year. It had been about a year since he met Xumu Yang.

In this year, Tang Jie had grown taller, his meridians were fully expanded, and his bloodstream was filled with spirit energy. The Cangxiang Scripture seemed to be refining his bones and internal organs, making him even stronger. However, he still looked like an ordinary teenager, and no one knew that he had the strength to easily overpower three to five strong men.

At the same time, Tang Jie gradually became familiar with the neighbors. On Daliu Street, everyone knew that the Wu family had saved a troubled boy last winter and had taken him in as an adoptive son. Though young, he was very clever and helpful, often assisting the neighbors. He was also handsome, attracting the admiration of some local girls.

During the New Year, Manager Qin visited the Wu family, bringing some gifts. Tang Jie had the chance to meet him, a middle-aged man in his forties, who looked mature and steady.

Years ago, Manager Qin had almost frozen to death at the Wu family's doorstep. Fortunately, the two old people gave him a bowl of hot porridge, saving his life. Unexpectedly, he had risen in status a few years ago, becoming the head manager of the Wei family. He never forgot their kindness and visited them every year, bringing some silver.

Old Man Wu's son, Wu Xing, had also benefited from Manager Qin's help, entering the Wei family to work. Later, he became a servant student and followed the Wei family's young master to the Xiyue Academy. Old Man Wu suddenly had a son who was cultivating, which greatly improved his status. Although he hadn't returned yet, even as a spirit apprentice, it was enough to ensure that the Wu family had no worries about food and drink, and no one dared to cause trouble. Manager Qin visited even more frequently.

Today, Manager Qin visited Old Man Wu again. Old Man Wu asked Tang Jie to prepare wine and meat to entertain him, and they all sat down to eat.

During the meal, Grandma Wu kept giving Old Man Wu hints, but he just buried his head in his food, pretending not to see.

Seeing this, Manager Qin smiled, "The two of you must have something on your mind. We've known each other for so long; there's no need to hide it. Just tell me what you need, and I'll do my best to help."

Grandma Wu glared at her husband and said, "He's like that; he doesn't easily ask for help. A few years ago, he asked you to help Xing get a job, and now he feels bad about it."

"It's a small matter, not worth mentioning," Manager Qin smiled, "Xing hasn't let you down. He's a study companion, and I'm counting on him to bring us good fortune."

"That's right. If he doesn't take care of you, I'll skin him. Even if he becomes an immortal, he's still my son, my flesh and blood!" Grandma Wu said happily, then grabbed Tang Jie, "You know Xiao Jie, right? We picked him up from the snow a few days ago. He's just like you, with a hard life."

"Yes," Manager Qin's eyes reddened at the mention of his past, feeling sympathy for the boy who shared his fate.

Seeing an opportunity, Grandma Wu quickly said, "But this child, though he has a hard life, is very clever and hardworking. He's been a great help in cleaning the house, making it spotless. You can see that. He used to work for a wealthy family, but unfortunately, they met with disaster. Look..."

"Do you want me to take him to the Wei family?" Manager Qin understood the old lady's meaning.

"Yes!" The old lady didn't hide it, "Do you think it's possible?"

Manager Qin thought for a moment and replied, "It's not impossible, but he's only been here for a short time, and we don't know him well enough. Besides, the Wei family doesn't lack servants."

The old lady's face fell.

Manager Qin continued, "However, I've seen that the child is clever and hardworking. I think he made this meal today, didn't he?"

"That's right. He's been busy all day preparing for your visit."

Manager Qin smiled and looked at Tang Jie, "I understand your desire to join the Wei family. But you should know that it's not easy to get in. Tell me, what do you hope to achieve by joining the Wei family?"

After thinking, Tang Jie replied, "I want to join the Wei family for two reasons. First, to earn money to support the two of you, as they saved my life, and I want to repay their kindness. Second, I admire how Wu Xing followed the Wei family's young master to the Xiyue Academy. If possible, I hope to use my efforts to..."

Manager Qin nodded, "Very good, you're not lying."

The world is never fair.

The Xiyue Academy only accepts 1,500 students each year, and countless people fight to get in.

However, for noble families, what is almost impossible for ordinary people is often a simple matter. Some noble families can easily obtain multiple slots, which are often given to their servants.

This is because all major sects have rules that disciples entering the academy cannot bring servants. Therefore, noble families often find a compromise, such as sending servants as students, who are nominally students but actually servants, known as study companions.

Of course, it's not just about serving. Servants, given the opportunity to cultivate due to their families, are naturally grateful and often continue to serve their families even after achieving success.

The Jin family, for example, has more than ten cultivators, most of whom were given this opportunity. Their loyalty is higher than those hired externally, and they share the family's glory.

Lingzhou, due to its high economic status, makes significant contributions to the Xiyue Sect and receives 120 slots each year, with 40 of them in Canglong Prefecture.

These 40 slots are usually divided among the five major families, with the remaining slots open to outsiders.

The Wei family can have one slot each year, and through exchanges, they can accumulate multiple slots, typically selecting one direct descendant and two to three servants.

Therefore, becoming a servant of a major family is a shortcut to success.

This is why Tang Jie was determined to enter the Wei family.

Currently, the Wei family's young master has successfully entered the academy, but his progress is not good, and his chances of reaching the Transcendent Realm are slim, meaning he won't graduate and will remain a spirit apprentice.

A spirit apprentice, though a cultivator, can use techniques but is still a mortal with limited lifespan and abilities.

To ensure the long-term survival of the Wei family, they need their own true cultivators, at least a spirit master. Therefore, their hopes are on the young master, and if he fails, his study companion can succeed, which is also good, as they are considered part of the family. Generally, noble families use marriage to bind such people.

Therefore, although servants have a low status, once they become study companions, the family treats them well to win their loyalty.

The young master, Wei Tianchong, is eleven years old and will be eligible to enter the academy in a few years.

This is Tang Jie's chance to enter the Xiyue Academy, and