[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-beyond-the-passage-of-time":3,"chapter-beyond-the-passage-of-time-beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-52":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Beyond the Passage of Time",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2344492,4583,"Chapter 52: Living by the Boat (6000 words)","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-52",52,"\u003Cp>At this moment, under the setting sun, the afterglow spilled onto the mountain path, as if draping the stone steps in a thin layer of orange gauze, adding a touch of sanctity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed that walking upon it, stepping on the sunlight, one could walk all the way toward brilliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On both sides of the mountain path, green leaves and flowers were visible everywhere. The scent of fragrance and soil blended into the mountain breeze, rushing toward them with a dampness that seeped into the mind and permeated the entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding shade of green trees, along with the crisp chirping of birds that sounded from time to time, seemed to be composing a melody for the future of everyone who had ever walked this path, including the group here at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group of five was led by the middle-aged man with a round face; he walked with his hands behind his back, introducing the sect to Xu Qing and the others behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you have successfully joined the Seven Blood Eyes, I will explain the sect to you. Actually, in my view, the Seven Blood Eyes is not a sect.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is more like a massive profit-driven industry operating under the name of a sect!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced middle-aged man spoke indifferently. His words fell into the ears of the four people behind him, causing these young boys and girls who had just joined the Seventh Peak to tremble in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the four, besides Xu Qing, the other three were Zhou Qingpeng, Li Zimei, and a young girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was named Xu Xiaohui. She wore a ponytail and ordinary clothing; she was clearly not from a wealthy family, but she was much better off than a scavenger, likely coming from a small town.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way, she had tried to curry favor with Xu Qing, but Xu Qing was not good at socializing and disliked having people get too close to him, so he only nodded. Thus, the girl soon began to fawn over Zhou Qingpeng instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng’s smile was gentle, which, in contrast to Xu Qing’s reticence, made the girl feel increasingly close to him; the two would occasionally whisper to each other on the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Li Zimei, she seemed very reserved and somewhat insecure, so she stayed at the back of the group, keeping a certain distance from everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Zhou Qingpeng paid close attention to her and Xu Qing, so he would occasionally take the initiative to smile, which seemed to lessen Li Zimei’s reserve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, the mountain breeze blew past, lifting everyone’s hair and carrying over the words of the round-faced middle-aged man in front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Seven Blood Eyes is divided into the mountain and below the mountain. You can think of them as two worlds; in reality, they are indeed two worlds, and you... are the people below the mountain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only by reaching Foundation Establishment does one possess the qualifications to go up the mountain and the right to share in the profits of the Seven Blood Eyes. Those below the mountain live in cruelty and hardship, struggling just to survive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, for those below the mountain, going up is the greatest desire of their lives. Do you know how many people are in the main city below?\" The round-faced middle-aged man glanced at the four young boys and girls behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three million people!\" He raised his right hand and extended three fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This population of three million includes commoners as well as all the low-level disciples of each peak. You will also be among them, and you must survive under the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The rules of the Seven Blood Eyes main city are very simple: it is all about contribution points. Everyone below the mountain, whether commoner or disciple, must pay a daily fee of thirty contribution points—that is, thirty spirit coins—to stay in the main city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is deducted every single moment. Once the number on your jade token hits zero, you will be expelled from the Seven Blood Eyes. This applies to commoners and disciples alike.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you stay by force, you will be wiped out by the formation after one hour.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced cultivator’s words caused the expressions of all four, including Xu Qing, to change. Even though Zhou Qingpeng had some prior knowledge, hearing this rule again now, fear appeared in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is just the basic residency fee. As for food and lodging, that depends on your own choices. Survival of the fittest, and the cost of living in the Seven Blood Eyes main city is extremely high, but the highest costs are for cultivation resources.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to the round-faced cultivator’s words, Xu Qing remained silent, and the other three were also stunned by this harsh reality. Xu Xiaohui hesitated for a moment before asking in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that is the case, why do so many commoners still come? Thirty spirit coins a day... that is one spirit stone a month, which is too expensive. Furthermore, if we have obtained disciple status and still have to pay contribution points, what is the use of being a disciple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced middle-aged man swept a glance at Xu Xiaohui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The commoners who spare no expense to be teleported here are all capable people. The reason they scramble to come is that the Seven Blood Eyes main city protects commoners; disciples are not allowed to slaughter the innocent at will. Additionally... there are formations here that isolate foreign substances, which increases one's lifespan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Compared to the outside world, where foreign substances permeate everything and vicious beasts and desperate criminals are everywhere, the main city of the Seven Blood Eyes is naturally the place they dream of.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for what use there is in becoming a disciple?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, cultivation resources are only open to those who have obtained disciple status. Others cannot buy them, and their circulation is strictly prohibited. Once caught, death is certain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, only disciples who cultivate the Seven Blood Eyes techniques can, after reaching Foundation Establishment within the Seven Blood Eyes, possess the right to go up the mountain and share in the profits. So, you must work hard in the future. Although the sect does not openly allow disciples to kill each other, every month... quite a few disciples disappear from the city for no reason. Regarding this, the sect mostly turns a blind eye. It’s like raising poisonous insects; casualties are normal.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, if an outside Foundation Establishment cultivator attacks you Qi Condensation disciples, then the attacker will definitely be severely punished. This counts as breaking the rules of the Seven Blood Eyes. Of course, the sect does not care about outside Qi Condensation cultivators.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced cultivator smiled meaningfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Xu Qing felt slightly relieved; this was one of the reasons he came to the Seven Blood Eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Li Zimei, who was on the side, hesitated before asking a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it is just like this, then how can the sect foster a sense of belonging in the disciples who grow up in such an environment, and how can the sect itself have cohesion?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced cultivator laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cohesion? What is cohesion? Affection is a kind, gratitude is a kind, and awe is also a kind. But these are not solid. In this cruel, chaotic world, true belonging and true cohesion are interests!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As long as one is a Seven Blood Eyes disciple and breaks through to Foundation Establishment using the Seven Blood Eyes techniques, one can obtain the qualification to go up the mountain and the right to share in the profits of the Seven Blood Eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The monthly revenue of the Seven Blood Eyes is public. It comes from everyone’s residency fees, the sale of cultivation resources, and port traffic. There is an income of about five hundred million spirit coins every day, which is five hundred thousand spirit stones. That is a profit of fifteen million spirit stones per month.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These profits, according to the rights of different cultivation levels, are distributed to all disciples at the Foundation Establishment level and above, after the sect retains a portion for daily expenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The higher the cultivation, the more is distributed. A Foundation Establishment disciple at the early stage can receive about five thousand spirit stones in profit per month. If one reaches Core Formation, it is at least tens of thousands of spirit stones per month.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is why I say the Seven Blood Eyes is more like an industry. All Foundation Establishment disciples who have ascended the mountain are equivalent to shareholders in this industry. As long as the Seven Blood Eyes exists for one day, there is one day of profit!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, do you think that when an outside enemy wants to plunder your industry, you will just watch your own interests being taken away without doing anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the round-faced cultivator’s words echoed, a profound light appeared in Xu Qing’s eyes. He now had a thorough understanding of the Seven Blood Eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cohesion in a chaotic world, perhaps... it really is as the other party said; interests can bind everything together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei also fell silent and stopped speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced cultivator smiled faintly. He had brought many batches of new disciples, and he had said these words many times. In a chaotic world, interests are an eternal truth. He pointed down the mountain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let me tell you about the prosperity of the Seven Blood Eyes. Look over there; that is the largest port in the entire Nanhuangzhou. The ships coming and going are endless. Whether it is transport from any outside force or disciples from other peaks of the sect going out to sea to complete missions, most have to pass through here, and what the Seventh Peak controls is this port area.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, ships... are the key to the cultivation of my Seventh Peak disciples. We call them Dharma Boats.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing looked in the direction of his finger. At this moment, in the sunset light, from this position on the mountain, he could clearly see the main city port below.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Near the sea, many horseshoe-shaped bays had been excavated. Each one was very large, seemingly able to accommodate a large number of boats, and there were quite a few such bays—a full hundred of them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vast and spreading far, the overall colors were also different. Half were white, containing mostly huge merchant ships, and the other half of the bays had buildings that were mostly purple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking from afar, the boats in the purple area were all very small and densely packed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides this, every bay had sluice gates and tall, upright lighthouses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The white area is for outsiders, while the purple area is the residence of my Seventh Peak disciples.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The boats inside are the Dharma Boats I just mentioned!\" The round-faced cultivator’s voice came over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dharma Boats of my Seventh Peak enjoy a great reputation throughout all of Nanhuangzhou, and they are also the core and soul of the Seventh Peak disciples' cultivation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is your cave dwelling, your mount, your partner in battle, and a necessity for obtaining resources. You can completely think of a Dharma Boat as a... magic treasure!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the round-faced cultivator said this, Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui both widened their eyes, clearly knowing the existence of magic treasures. Zhou Qingpeng’s eyes also shone with intense anticipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing was the same, his heart shaken. He knew very well the value and rarity of magic treasures, so he looked at the purple area of the port again, but the densely packed boats there made him feel that it was somewhat contradictory to the rarity of magic treasures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course, they are not magic treasures in the true sense, but the Dharma Boats of my Seventh Peak possess growth potential. With the improvement of your cultivation realm and constant refining, it is not impossible for them to become magic treasures one day.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, owning a Dharma Boat of one's own is the greatest dream and pursuit of every disciple who has just joined the Seventh Peak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, even the most basic Dharma Boat requires exchange, costing one hundred thousand contribution points, which is one hundred spirit stones.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Additionally, only disciples who possess a Dharma Boat are qualified to be randomly assigned to work and cultivate within the bays.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for disciples without a Dharma Boat, they can only find their own ways to make money. The limit is three years. If they cannot accumulate enough contributions to exchange for a Dharma Boat within three years, their cultivation will be reclaimed, and they will be expelled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because the techniques of my Seventh Peak are related to the sea. Cultivating in coordination with a Dharma Boat and utilizing the spirit-gathering array within it will yield twice the result with half the effort. By the way, the techniques are free; you can get them once you become a disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to the round-faced middle-aged man’s words, waves rose in Xu Qing’s heart. While being attracted by the Seventh Peak’s special Dharma Boats, he also gradually gained more understanding of the Seventh Peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dharma Boat is the key item for a Seventh Peak disciple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciples who own a Dharma Boat will be assigned duties and are qualified to live in the purple sea area of the bays. That is why the round-faced middle-aged man said earlier that the boat is the cave dwelling, though one would imagine that living there also costs contribution points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciples without a boat can only stay on the shore, doing menial labor, struggling to cultivate, and needing to work hard every day to accumulate contributions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, because sea voyages from other peaks and even the entire Nanhuangzhou mostly have to pass through here, they often need to rent the boats of Seventh Peak disciples, which is also a way to earn contribution points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the entire Seventh Peak, basically the vast majority of disciples are like this. Everyone is struggling to survive, wanting to break through to Foundation Establishment to obtain the qualification to share in the profits of the Seven Blood Eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Therefore, the Dharma Boat and cultivation are the keys to surviving in this Seventh Peak before reaching Foundation Establishment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I must exchange for a Dharma Boat as soon as possible!\" A sharp light appeared in Xu Qing’s eyes, and a strong sense of urgency arose in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that, under the introduction of the round-faced cultivator, Xu Qing and his group arrived at the mountainside. This was the place where new disciples had all the functions of their identity tokens activated, and where techniques and robes were distributed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one type of robe: the gray Daoist robe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gray Daoist robe is the basic attire for all disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes peaks. It is provided free of charge to any disciple who activates their identity token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, activating the token requires one thousand contribution points. The activated token records each person’s basic information and contribution value, and it can also be used for communication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As everyone received their techniques and successively activated their identity tokens and obtained their gray robes, Xu Qing held his in his hand, feeling the faint spiritual energy fluctuations emanating from it, knowing that the material of this robe was not ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt very soft to the touch and would not easily form wrinkles. If placed in the outside world, the value of this robe would likely be quite high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei, who was beside him, was like Xu Qing, also stroking the robe with a look of determination in her eyes. Xu Xiaohui, next to her, was looking at Zhou Qingpeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Qingpeng blinked, his gaze sweeping over the round-faced cultivator and the sect senior who was distributing supplies, and then he suddenly spoke softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior, this junior would like to buy a Dharma Boat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced cultivator smiled upon hearing this. The person distributing supplies on the side was a thin, withered old man. He flipped his eyelids to glance at Zhou Qingpeng and spoke indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One hundred thousand contribution points, or one hundred spirit stones.\" As soon as the withered old man spoke, Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui both gasped. In their understanding, one hundred spirit stones was an unimaginably huge sum of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zhou Qingpeng hurriedly stepped forward and took out a golden paper note, handing it over respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A spirit note from the Second Peak? Very well.\" The old man took it, looked at it, put it away, and then took out a purple brocade box and pushed it over. He then looked up at the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who else wants to exchange?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui both lowered their heads. After thinking for a moment, Xu Qing endured the pain of losing his wealth, stepped forward, took out one hundred spirit stones from his leather bag, and placed them in front of the withered old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man did not say a word. Amidst the envy of Li Zimei and Xu Xiaohui and the sidelong glance of Zhou Qingpeng, he gave him a brocade box as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing took it and opened it. Inside the brocade box were only two items: a jade slip and a small transparent bottle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The small bottle was very strange, only the size of a palm, and it was half-filled with liquid, looking like seawater. And floating on that seawater was a small black-awning boat!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This boat was entirely black and looked simple, but staring closely, one could find that every plank of the boat was covered with a large number of runes. Even though the boat was separated inside the bottle, it still emitted a non-trivial pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be said that whether it was the bottle itself or this small boat, the value far exceeded one hundred spirit stones. As for the jade slip, it recorded information about the black-awning boat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, you can go down the mountain now. Remember, the techniques and the Dharma Boat must not be spread to outsiders, otherwise... it will be very miserable.\" The round-faced middle-aged man’s voice interrupted Xu Qing’s observation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xu Xiaohui and Li Zimei, you two must work hard and take care of yourselves, striving to obtain a Dharma Boat as soon as possible. As for Zhou Qingpeng and Xu Qing, your identity tokens have job information; you may each go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The four immediately cupped their fists toward the round-faced cultivator. Xu Qing was about to leave, but he was called back by the round-faced cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Xu Qing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing turned his head and looked respectfully at the round-faced cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Among low-level cultivators, you are strong. Even though you are only at the seventh level of Body Tempering, you have formed the shadow of blood and Qi that only those at the Great Perfection of Body Tempering possess. It is clear your natural talent is good; one could say that among low-level cultivators, you are already in the category of the strong, and killing some rogue cultivators or those at the ninth or tenth level of Qi Condensation from small sects is easy for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, Body Tempering is relatively simple; it is merely the accumulation of speed, strength, and recovery, but this is not the Dao.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dao of our generation of cultivators is to cultivate magic! I advise you to place more importance on cultivating magic in the future. The power of spiritual energy and magic techniques within your body is too weak. It is fine when facing rogue cultivators, but if you face disciples from large sects, you will be at a great disadvantage!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Xu Qing’s mind was shaken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Furthermore, I do not know where you lived before, but it must have been fraught with crises, which is why you have developed certain instinctive habits.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Habits?\" Xu Qing was startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Considering that I am the one testing you this time, I will give you a reminder. For example, your right hand barely moves when you walk, and your index and middle fingers are always in a state of alertness. I suspect that in the pouch on your right side, there is a needle-like or flying-knife weapon that can be gripped between two fingers, making it convenient for you to draw at any time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Qing’s expression tightened; it was the first time someone had seen through him so clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I advise you, it is best not to let habits become second nature. If you do, it is very easy for others to see the clues and thus suffer losses. You must know that having no traces, hiding a needle in silk—that is the Dao of our generation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The round-faced middle-aged man spoke with a smile, appearing to have not the slightest edge. To him, reminding this disciple before him was just a casual act, a small investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Xu Qing felt a chill down his spine. After standing there and taking a deep breath, he bowed deeply to the other party.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until he had walked far away, the other party’s words echoed in Xu Qing’s heart. He lowered his head to look at his right hand, trying hard to control it to make it appear more natural.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under this attempted control, his right hand slowly changed; it was no longer stiff, but slightly more natural. However, if one looked closely, one could see that within this naturalness, every movement seemed to hide an edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the road down the mountain, amidst his constant attempts, in a strange scavenger camp in the wilderness very far from Seven Blood Eyes, Seventh Master was squatting on a roof, watching with interest a youth not far away who was fighting a wild dog. The youth’s mouth was covered in blood and flesh mixed with dog fur, and his expression seemed to carry a bloodthirst.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this scene, admiration appeared in Seventh Master’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, his servant was also squatting there. At this moment, the servant took out a jade slip, checked it, and spoke in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seventh Master, the kid has arrived at Seven Blood Eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kid?\" Seventh Master looked at the youth in front and said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant gave a wry smile and explained in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The youth who is reluctant to wear new clothes before killing someone. You even spoke to Master Bai on his behalf, taught him the Dao of Plants and Vegetation, and later gave him a white token.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventh Master’s expression was dazed. He nodded, recalling Xu Qing, and admiration appeared in his eyes once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I remember now, that is a good child with heart and loyalty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is special care needed?\" the servant asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seventh Master waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need. In this chaotic world, if one wants to survive, one must rely on one’s own efforts. If he can eventually rely on himself to walk before me, I will grant him a stroke of fortune.\" As he spoke, Seventh Master pointed at the youth fighting the wild dog not far away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You say, between this youth and the kid, who is more like a wolf cub?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The servant glanced at the youth Seventh Master was pointing at and gave a wry smile. He had already answered similar questions several times; this was already the ninth child Seventh Master had taken a liking to since the kid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They are about the same.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Seventh Master turned his head to look at the servant and suddenly laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I spoke to Master Bai on the kid’s behalf and gave him a white token; this was a favor I granted. But that does not mean I must take him as a disciple. I do not owe him anything; I am just giving him a chance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I do indeed want to take a fourth disciple, but when I took the third, I issued over fifty white tokens before the third one appeared. You have not been with me for long, so you do not know my style.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This time, I feel that fifty-some tokens are not enough to produce a fourth; at least one hundred are needed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go give this youth a white token, and as before, there is no need to say anything extra.\" After Seventh Master spoke, he stood up and walked toward the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two chapters total over 9,000, nearly 10,000 words; I did not force them into three chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I saw the ranking of the monthly tickets and am very happy. Thank you to all the handsome guys and beautiful ladies, and special thanks to Brother Yanhui for the support~\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bow with cupped hands!\u003C\u002Fp>",4131,"2026-06-21T00:45:15.441Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","de2b2fe409559ce4ef3d962cadfe346e9a48c8ae2f5abe79a6b9909623d686f3","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-53","beyond-the-passage-of-time-chapter-51",998,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbeyond-the-passage-of-time-cover.jpg"]