Chapter Sixty-One: The Position of Steward

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Wang Changsheng could hardly believe it—Elder Yun had actually appointed him as a steward of the Corpse Refining Sect. Was this not some kind of mistake?

Within the Corpse Refining Sect, disciples were not ranked by seniority; stewards themselves were often absent from the sect. Yet, the position of steward was no trifling matter—though not as high as an elder, it certainly stood above the ordinary disciples, a half-step up in status.

More importantly, there were only five stewards in the Corpse Refining Sect. Aside from Little Grey, Wang Changsheng had no idea who the other four were. According to Little Grey, those four stewards were formidable, renowned in the outside world, their identities as stewards carefully concealed.

Stewards of the sect were not required to cultivate its core techniques, nor would they choose the coffin as a magical implement. After all, anyone wandering around with a coffin would be instantly recognized as a member of the Corpse Refining Sect—an eccentricity reserved for its cultivators alone.

“Um… Elder Yun…” Wang Changsheng ventured, “What responsibilities would I have as a steward? What benefits would I receive?”

Elder Yun seemed surprised that Wang Changsheng would ask such a question. But it was understandable—the five stewards were all personally nurtured by Elder Yun, while Wang Changsheng, an outsider, had no sense of belonging to the sect. In fact, he had been brought here as a tribute!

To have no resistance was fortunate enough—did the sect expect Wang Changsheng to go out and capture people for them?

“Considering your abilities, your duties will differ from those of the other stewards,” Elder Yun replied with a frown. “You will be responsible for overseeing the disciples who venture out to temper themselves in the world.”

“As for benefits… You may still access the cultivation resources in the Spirit Stone Hall and the Spirit Herb Hall, but only in moderation…”

“And you will be under the protection of the Corpse Refining Sect.”

Elder Yun finished and awaited Wang Changsheng’s answer.

“Hm?”

Wang Changsheng wore a thoughtful expression. After considering it carefully, he realized that what Elder Yun had described—both the responsibilities and the rewards—would hardly affect him at all.

Given his strength, it was impossible for him to capture people for the sect; he was fortunate not to be captured himself. As for overseeing disciples’ training in the outside world, that was essentially a sinecure—no disciples even ventured out, so what was there to oversee?

He could already freely access spirit stones and spirit herbs even before becoming a steward, so nothing changed there…

And as for the so-called protection of the sect, that was meaningless—within the Corpse Refining Sect, only Elder Mou’s protection counted. Anyone else’s guarantee was unreliable.

Before Wang Changsheng could react, the disciples around him exploded into a lively commotion.

“What? Old Wang’s become a steward? That’s great news!”

“Yeah, Old Wang came from outside—he must know a lot about the cultivation world!”

“But wait, with Old Wang’s strength, can he even survive in that supposedly perilous world?”

“What I care about is the training. Does this mean our sect is re-emerging, and Old Wang is in charge? That’s hard to believe…”

The disciples seized upon Elder Yun’s key points.

They were not particularly surprised that Wang Changsheng had become a steward—five or six stewards, it made little difference. As long as he didn’t become an elder, didn’t ascend in one leap, none of them opposed his appointment.

This was why Elder Yun could make the appointment directly.

One thing, however, greatly excited the disciples. The Corpse Refining Sect had not moved in the cultivation world for years; now, except for the major sects, few even knew of its existence.

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The Corpse Refining Sect had become a semi-secret organization.

If Wang Changsheng really was tasked with overseeing disciples’ training in the outside world, it meant the sect was preparing to re-emerge.

There had always been rumors of this, but never any confirmation.

“So we might finally get a chance to see the outside world…”

“I’d rather not. Quiet cultivation without worries suits me just fine.”

“That depends on what the elders decide, and what the sect leader arranges.”

As Wang Changsheng pondered these things, he overheard the disciples’ chatter, and his eyes brightened.

“If that’s truly my responsibility, overseeing disciples outside, then I can leave the sect?” He felt a surge of excitement.

Since arriving in Shentian Realm, he had yet to witness the splendor of its cultivation world; he had been kidnapped and confined by the sect, growing restless and eager to escape. If he could really leave, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

“I accept!”

After a moment’s thought, Wang Changsheng agreed outright.

The greatest temptation was not the sect’s supposed protection; the Corpse Refining Sect was viewed with universal hostility, and such protection might only mark him for trouble before he even appeared. The real draw was the chance to leave.

“Good!” Elder Yun nodded. “This matter concerns the sect’s emergence—it will take some time. We must plan carefully.”

Wang Changsheng nodded in agreement.

Immediately, he watched as Elder Yun, having settled the matter, vanished from sight, his coffin disappearing with him.

“Congratulations, Old Wang—you’re a steward now, with status and position in the sect!”

“That’s right, Old Wang, you’re really lucky!”

“Old Wang, you must thank Elder Mou properly!”

As Elder Yun disappeared, the disciples grew lively.

Such scenes were previously unimaginable; the disciples used to focus solely on cultivation, drifting aimlessly. Wang Changsheng’s arrival had injected a breath of vitality into the stagnant sect.

Looking at the group, Wang Changsheng boasted, “Of course—just look at how handsome I am. Steward is just about right!”

“From now on, you’d best behave yourselves. Don’t provoke me, or you’ll regret it!” he joked.

“Old Wang, you’re overthinking it!” Old Xian stepped forward, “Look at Little Grey—he’s a steward and still gets bullied…”

Though Old Xian approached, he kept a safe distance; Elder Mou stood behind Wang Changsheng, and a misunderstanding could be fatal. Even Elder Yun hadn’t dared to get too close.

“True enough.”

Wang Changsheng deflated like a punctured ball. He had imagined his new status would bring prestige, but thinking of Little Grey, his prospects seemed bleak.

Still, everyone was right—today’s events warranted thanks to Elder Mou.

“Elder Mou, my deepest gratitude!” Wang Changsheng bowed respectfully.

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Elder Mou looked confused, his expression puzzled. “What’s this about?”

Seeing Elder Mou’s reaction, Wang Changsheng gave an awkward smile, provoking hearty laughter from the disciples.

Clearly, Elder Mou had forgotten everything that had just transpired.

Wang Changsheng now turned and bowed to the disciples, “Thank you all—without you, I wouldn’t have survived today.”

Everyone chuckled, looking at him with amusement.

“Old Wang, don’t be so formal. When we go out to train, take care of me!”

“Yes, Old Wang, when we venture out, you must look after me!”

“And me! I might be strong, but I hear the outside world is even more dangerous…”

Their banter left Wang Changsheng a bit embarrassed.

Why? Because he knew nothing about the Shentian Realm himself!

“Of course!” Wang Changsheng refused to admit defeat, waving his hand grandly, “In future outings, just mention my name—it’ll open doors!”

With the disciples’ playful remarks, Wang Changsheng and the others descended from the platform, Elder Mou already gone.

Wang Changsheng guessed that Elder Mou had returned to his dark, moldy hut.

After descending the mountain, they reached the vast square, where most of the sect’s cultivators had dispersed, leaving only Little Grey behind.

Perhaps because Little Grey had abducted Wang Changsheng years ago, the two had become close.

“Come on, Old Wang—let me take you back,” Little Grey said, and before Wang Changsheng could refuse, he grabbed him and soared toward the small courtyard.

They landed not far from the courtyard; Little Grey glanced at Wang Changsheng, then at the courtyard, a half-smile on his face.

“Old Wang, the last time I brought you here was over three years ago… Didn’t expect I’d have the chance to bring you back again,” Little Grey said with a smile.

“I didn’t expect it either,” Wang Changsheng replied, wearing a bitter smile.

Indeed, it had been more than three years. Wang Changsheng had spent that time in the Corpse Refining Sect, cultivating to the ninth level of Meridian Opening.

He remembered being seized as a tribute by Little Grey—had his vitality not been lacking, Elder Yun might have ended him.

It was Elder Yun who threw Wang Changsheng into the labor quarters, brought there by Little Grey.

Today, it was again Elder Yun who appointed him as steward, and again Little Grey who brought him back.

Looking around at the familiar surroundings and at Little Grey, Wang Changsheng realized that though the people and scenery were unchanged, his circumstances had shifted—he was no longer a tribute, but a steward of the Corpse Refining Sect.