Chapter 49: 49. Revisiting Once again, it was an empty Cave Mansion, only this time Song Yan was somewhat more accustomed to it than when he first arrived. At least the threats he could see on the surface had temporarily vanished, and he had become the senior brother of South Bamboo Peak. However, he soon found some annoyances. Because he learned that Gu Rufeng’s body was eventually found. After that, he didn’t know what happened. He only vaguely knew that the "mistress" seemed to be somewhat deranged, which was evidently due to Soul Search. It seemed that the Peak Master Gu indeed doted on Gu Rufeng, even daring to perform Soul Search on Shi Shi’s partner. This matter hadn’t ended and instead...led to some direction he couldn’t discern clearly. What could that be? In fact, he had considered killing Gu Rufeng during the "recruitment" period, but doing so would have dragged the accompanying disciples, including himself, into it. He also thought about destroying Gu Rufeng’s corpse in Cuique Forest, but because the last people to interact with Gu Rufeng were "recruitment disciples," he might still get caught up. Therefore, he chose to have Gu Rufeng die at the Earth Demon. At this moment, Song Yan lay alone on the stone platform in the Cave Mansion, looking up at the skylight. After some time, he murmured to himself: ’Still have to strive to become stronger.’ ... ... The next day, it was sunny. As soon as Song Yan stepped out of the Cave Mansion, he saw five strong disciples gathered at the door. These five disciples were the same group who blocked him a few days ago. Song Yan frowned slightly, and the leading disciple suddenly smiled obsequiously, nodded, bowed, and ran over, respectfully calling out, "Senior Brother Song." The other four big guys laughed awkwardly as they scratched their heads and called out, "Senior Brother." Song Yan asked, "What’s the matter?" The leading disciple rubbed his hands, exhaled and approached, smiling, "Senior Brother Song, it’s like this. We juniors have thought things over and would like to formally apologize to you. Of course, this isn’t just an empty apology! From now on, we will hand over thirty percent of our Contribution Points from the Tannery to you." As he spoke, he showed a pained expression. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎 Song Yan said, "Lu Haiyi, right?" "Exactly, exactly, Senior Brother knows my name," the leading disciple said with a smile. Song Yan replied, "Just give ten percent." "Thank you, Senior Brother!" Lu Haiyi and his group quickly expressed their gratitude. Originally, they wouldn’t have gone to such lengths, but early that day, they heard that from now on, the daily affairs within South Bamboo Peak would be managed by this Senior Brother Song. They panicked and thus hurried to offer their flattery to completely smooth over past grievances. What does "daily affairs" mean? It’s about the distribution! For example, when good Furnaces become available, if your senior brother takes one, but doesn’t share it with you, what can you do? Go cry to the Peak Master? Or you try to "persuade" him with your fists? But Senior Brother Song was admitted under Shi Shi! Who dares? At this moment, Lu Haiyi pounded his chest proudly, saying, "Senior Brother is so righteous! Only taking ten percent, which truly makes me admire Lu." Lu, today, swear an oath right here! From now on, I’m just a dog for Senior Brother!! Anyone who offends Senior Brother has to go through me first! Woof! Woof woof!" The group of disciples followed up fiercely, "So are we, woof woof!" Song Yan:... He had a slight feeling of sentimentality: The waves behind push the waves ahead in the Yangtze River. Back then, he only gave some Contribution Points to Senior Brother Zhang, but this group of people was even more intense. Sycophancy, bullying the weak and fearing the strong, cronyism, without bottom-line seemed to be the traditions of the Demon Sect. Unless you become the Puppet Sect Leader, trying to "keep yourself clean" here meant severing oneself, that is... courting death. He glanced at them, smiling warmly, and said, "We are all senior and junior brothers here. Be courteous to each other daily. If you have the energy, direct it outside, don’t harm our own people." Lu Haiyi praised, "Profound wisdom! Senior Brother Song’s words have truly opened my eyes. Reflecting on the past, I feel really ashamed and have nowhere to hide, sigh!" The group of disciples also showed expressions of embarrassment. Song Yan:... He lost interest in chatting, casually exchanged a few words with them, and went to look at the Tannery. Even though there were wars in these years, there still were quite a few Demon Beast Skins. But, these Demon Beast Skins weren’t purchased from Qingxi Market but obtained during the wars. Unfortunately, all the complete ones were low-level Demon Beast Skins. As for intermediate ones, there were some, but most were tattered, indicating the person handling them had difficulty controlling their strength. Using such tattered skins to make Shadow Puppets results in compromised quality, and the success rate of Summoning would be relatively low. ... ... After a brief patrol, Song Yan took a reduced version of the "Profound Qi Guiding Technique," and then, accompanied by Wang Susu, Lu Haiyi, and a disciple named Shangguan Jian, went to test it at the Tannery. Lu Haiyi and Shangguan Jian were two "big brothers" of South Bamboo Peak over the past five years. Now, since Peak Master Shi officially appointed a "senior brother." These two "big brothers" naturally knew better and voluntarily adjusted their "self-perception," descending to become the "second brother." But there can be only one second brother. Who would be the "second brother"... this annoying thing, Song Yan didn’t want to overly interfere. Keeping the balance, let the two fight it themselves, he would just uphold fairness and act as the referee. Before he transmigrated, he had watched plenty of palace dramas and dynasty dramas; he was familiar with such "balancing" tactics. As expected, on the way to the Tannery’s Chores Room, these two "former big brothers" began to compete with each other. Shangguan Jian’s face was gloomy, showing a "you all owe me three million gold taels" expression, saying things like "Lu Haiyi is a scoundrel, all smiles in front, stabbing in the back, Senior Brother be careful." Lu Haiyi, with a face full of evil aura, repeatedly declared, "Shangguan Jian is ambitious, long coveting the position of Senior Brother, while I just want to cultivate properly. Brother Song is so righteous, I’m sticking with Brother Song." Wang Susu looked at this former junior brother, now senior brother, and quickly adjusted her position, listening to the quarrel between the two "former big brothers," giggling coquettishly, fueling the fire, making their argument even fiercer. When Song Yan was alone, he felt that even though he was in the Demon Sect, he was actually quite normal. But now, being surrounded by three "proper Demon Sect disciples," thinking about what he was about to do, he couldn’t help but feel a bit dazed. He, Song, is this also being tainted by the mud while being in the mud? ... ... The Tannery hasn’t changed much from before. After Song Yan arrived at the mountaintop, Lu Haiyi moved a large rock for the Senior Brother to sit down, then glared at Shangguan Jian, saying, "Are you the senior brother? Doing nothing? Why don’t you transmit the skills instead?" Shangguan Jian snorted coldly, respectfully saying, "Brother Song, I’ll go call those servants." He had just taken two steps when Wang Susu enthusiastically ran off, waving her hand and coyly shouting, "Newcomers, those who haven’t undergone the second test, come on~~" She was enchanting in the mountain wind, swaying with a unique charm. Though not young, perhaps due to cultivation or the abundance of Furnace Ji Yuan, she seemed even younger and more alluring compared to when Song Yan first saw her. Many male servants, hearing this enthusiastic voice and seeing her seductive figure, couldn’t keep their eyes from flying towards this demoness. Meanwhile, Wang Susu was swiftly selecting a new "Furnace." Soon, she set her sights on a tall, strong young lad, beckoning him over. The young lad, feeling flattered and shocked, came forward, and the two started chatting. Before long, they were holding hands, the young lad’s face filled with excitement, his speech becoming breathless. Song Yan then began to emulate Senior Brother Zhang from years ago, testing everyone. The sights of the past reappeared. Also allowing him to once again realize the sensitivity and fragility of the Divine Soul. Those without a Profound Root couldn’t even withstand the extremely weak "Spiritual Shock" of a weakened Cultivation Technique, let alone the full version... wouldn’t that drive a lot of people mad? After half a day, the testing was over. Only four people successfully acquired a Cultivation Method. Song Yan then methodically explained the rules and began selecting Furnaces. He glanced at Senior Sister Wang, who was still "pretending to be a pure little girl falling in love," and then at Shangguan Jian and Lu Haiyi, who were also scanning the surroundings. Clearly, the privilege of picking the first fresh one belonged to these "big brothers and second brothers" of South Bamboo Peak. However, no matter who wanted to pick someone, they all needed to consult him. And those three also occasionally glanced at him, seemingly waiting for him to announce the rules. Song Yan summoned the three and softly said, "You all should know my past, I’m not one to waste Furnaces, remember a rule no matter who you pick today." "Once taken, they need to be cherished. Remember to use things like Strengthening Ginseng Pill to supplement them. If someone squeezes them dry or forces them to suicide in haste, then wait three months to find a new Furnace." The three Demon Sect disciples fell silent hearing the rule. Shangguan Jian showed a difficult expression. Lu Haiyi forced a smile, saying, "I told you Brother Song is righteous." Wang Susu blinked her big eyes and said, "Senior Brother, what if... they want me to squeeze them dry hastily?" Shangguan Jian: ??? Lu Haiyi: ??? Wang Susu waved at the distance, and though the young man looked afraid, seeing Wang Susu’s pretty face, he mustered the courage to come over. Wang Susu showed a sorrowful expression, gently saying, "Are you willing to give your all for me, go through fire and water?" The young man said, "Willing!!" Wang Susu waved again, and the young man went further away, but his eyes stayed glued to Wang Susu. Wang Susu covered her mouth, giggling, "Oh Senior Brother, and I haven’t even used Fanatic Fans yet." Song Yan said helplessly, "Just don’t let me see or hear anything bad." The three hurriedly replied respectfully, "Yes." Song Yan waved and said, "Alright, you guys can go back for now. Today I’ll finish searching, you can come back tomorrow." The three weren’t surprised. At South Bamboo Peak, the Senior Brother gets the first taste, and these three, very evidently, get the second. Not bad either. So, the three left first. Song Yan began his search. His goal was simple: newly arrived single women who weren’t dead yet, or pairs of women living together. He would then pick the one he felt a connection with. He knew himself well, whoever he chose wouldn’t die, at least not from "Furnace matters," and would still have a chance to return to the mundane world and reunite with family. But he also didn’t know if this was good or bad for the woman. Perhaps being abducted to South Bamboo Peak was already misfortune. Or perhaps being born in this chaotic world was the source of misfortune. Song Yan’s mind wasn’t really here, but he had to find a Furnace, otherwise, he couldn’t explain his cultivation. He planned to finish this quickly, then figure out where to get "advanced Demon Beast Skin." That was the main issue he was eager to solve. If it didn’t work out, he was considering earning more Profound Jade and resorting to the "Snake Corpse Market" route. Relying on distant means for urgent issues wasn’t sensible, too many turnovers, unstable supply, too many variables. Unless absolutely necessary, Song Yan didn’t plan to do so.