[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-593":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"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},2309253,4512,"Chapter 593: Join","starlight-professional-chapter-593",593,"\u003Cp>Several days later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong, the newly appointed head of the Fei family, sat facing Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man’s expression was deeply respectful, yet his eyes carried a hint of complexity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, he had never imagined that this elder from his grandfather’s generation had suddenly become a Dao Foundation expert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This revelation had largely dispelled the joy of his ascension as Fei family head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh… you needn’t worry. I supported you as Fei family head for no grand motive—I plan to join Qingmu Ridge. All you need do is guard Dulong Slope and care for my ten-thousand-mu bamboo grove…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sipped his tea, speaking calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Join Qingmu Ridge?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong’s expression shifted. Indeed, Fang Xing had long wished to join Qingmu Ridge—and had even asked him to scout the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After establishing the Dao Foundation, there’s no further path forward. I cultivate the Qingmu Art—wouldn’t joining Qingmu Ridge be only natural?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grandfather Fang, our Fei family still needs your support…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong thought of the Pan family, then of the Pan woman he had just become betrothed to, and spoke out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In aristocratic marriages, the identity of the spouse mattered little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For instance, he didn’t even know which Pan woman he would marry, nor whether she was beautiful or ugly—but that didn’t stop the engagement from being sealed before two Dao Foundation experts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Pan family’s intentions were plain as day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only counterbalance was this elder of his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, the Pan family won’t overstep. But you must still focus on your own cultivation—strive to reach Dao Foundation…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing spoke with implied meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh… I’ve been lucky to reach Sensing Qi’s later stage. Dao Foundation? Our family’s foundations are gone. Fortunately, as a Qingmu Ridge disciple, there’s still a path to exchange merits for Dao Foundation spiritual items—but it requires accumulation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh… you’re my junior by a generation. I can still lend you a hand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled and pulled out a blue-green jade vial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Dao Foundation Pill? Grandfather Fang still has one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the pale blue pill radiating multicolored auras, Fei Yong’s breathing turned heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not known Fang Xing was a Dao Foundation expert, he might already have considered murder and theft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even among Qingmu Ridge disciples, fewer than one in ten ever earned a Dao Foundation Pill, and some paid decades of grueling labor for the chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Correct. Want it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing chuckled, stowing the pill: “If you want it… guard Dulong Slope for me. Also, leverage your family’s connections within Qingmu Ridge to secure me a stable position—preferably a herb garden, overseeing cultivation, and quiet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No problem, leave it to me,” Fei Yong agreed at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With your talent, you should be able to attempt breaking into Dao Foundation within ten years. Let’s make our deal effective then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing made a promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the Dao Foundation Pill was useless to him—rewarding Fei Yong posed no loss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he’d gain full access to the Fei family’s network within Qingmu Ridge. All in all, it was a fair trade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the ten-thousand-mu bamboo grove at Dulong Slope remained intact, it would provide him with endless experience points annually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That alone justified keeping a power to guard it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there were also a Dao Foundation cultivator, he could rest easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lastly, accepting this Dao Foundation Pill carried an unspoken implication.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was Fei Wu’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Yong must tidy up the aftermath—even if the truth eventually pointed to Fang Xing, he would actively cover for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingmu Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though called a ridge, it was in fact a vast, unbroken mountain range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the mountains grew a spiritual plant called “Changqing Tree.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This Changqing Tree matured in a century, became exceedingly rare after a millennium, and at the ten-thousand-year stage, naturally formed a Qingmu Sha vein—ideal for cultivating Qingmu Ridge’s techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Qingmu Ridge was lush and verdant; everywhere one looked stretched dense forests of century-old and millennium-old trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excellent…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing walked through Qingmu Ridge, gazing around, nodding silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He favored sects that loved planting trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This way, fellow cultivator!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ahead, a Dao Foundation cultivator in Qingmu Ridge’s distinctive green robe led the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Qingmu Ridge, any hermit who could independently form a Dao Foundation and join the sect was warmly welcomed—otherwise, they wouldn’t have widely distributed their techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the nature of cultivation methods from beyond the borders, once one trained them, one’s future abilities and path were essentially fixed; there was no fear of betrayal or espionage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only recently, Fang Xing had arrived at Qingmu Ridge, revealed his identity, and received enthusiastic reception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, this outer sect official, Yu Tianxing, was guiding Fang Xing toward the Ancestral Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, the two reached the heart of Qingmu Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing looked up and saw a green palace standing amid the dense forest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He followed Yu Tianxing inside and saw dozens of Dao Foundation cultivators, with a middle-aged man in a green Daoist robe at the front.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura was ethereal, yet carried an air of authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yin Shen Zhenren?’ Fang Xing’s mind stirred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Brother Fang’s joining our sect is a major event—the Qingmu Bell rang nine times. All Dao Foundation cultivators within the sect who weren’t in seclusion have come… and ‘Qingyan Shu’ has personally come to preside over your ceremony.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Tianxing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing immediately stepped forward with Yu Tianxing, offering a warm, courteous smile as Yu Tianxing introduced each one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, amid the watchful eyes of the Dao Foundation cultivators, he received the sect’s uniform and token.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Greetings, Master Qingyan!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing bowed to Qingyan Zi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. Our sect’s rules: first, never betray the sect; second, never disrespect your seniors; third…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingyan Zi’s expression was stern, yet his peach-blossom eyes completely undermined it as he recited the rules, then barked: “Fang Xing, do you sincerely join Qingmu Ridge? Can you uphold these rules?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I can.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a single rule was missed, not a single clause overlooked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing answered, and immediately felt an inexplicable force of law settle upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hm? So Qingyan Zi’s ability is something like a pact or oath-binding? No wonder he presides over new Dao Foundation initiations…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the ceremony ended, Qingyan Zi’s form dissolved and vanished instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing had sensed something amiss, yet still feigned astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Master Qingyan’s Yin Shen travel…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Tianxing smiled: “With your achievement of Dao Foundation under fifty, you too may one day attain Yin Shen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you, Brother Yu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing politely replied, then watched as most Dao Foundation cultivators left immediately, their expressions cold and distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In moments, only a handful remained in the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh… most of these brothers are aloof. Don’t take it personally, younger brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Tianxing was slightly surprised: “Actually, I’m surprised so many stayed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, an old man with long green hair stepped forward: “Fang Xing?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s me. And you are?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing asked curiously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m of the Fei family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fei senior continued: “I’m primarily in charge of the sect’s herb garden…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing immediately thought of Fei Cai—his lucky star.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long known that someone from the Fei family had established a Dao Foundation within Qingmu Ridge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the very reason the Fei family could survive any disaster without being wiped out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in truth, this Fei senior was only ancestrally Fei; he had joined Qingmu Ridge as a child and grown up entirely within the sect, feeling no real attachment to his family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precisely because of this, he showed no concern for Dulong Slope or the Pan family—the very ones most likely responsible for Fei Wu’s death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as the Fei family remained under Fei control, all was well—and he was even willing to accept Fei family bribes to pave the way for Fang Xing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve read Fei Yong’s letter. You want a logistics and cultivation assignment?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fei senior sized Fang Xing up, curious: “Do you know such assignments are unpopular in our sect? Too many brothers excel at cultivation—profits are thin… far less lucrative than guarding or combat duties?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only seek a quiet place to cultivate. Had it not been for future methods, I’d still be at Dulong Slope…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmph. Joining our sect grants you the full Qingmu Art—you may reach Dao Foundation mid-stage. To cultivate higher-level techniques, you must exchange sect merits. But accumulating those merits through farming alone? Nearly impossible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fei senior mentioned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My decision is final,” Fang Xing replied with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If that's the case, come with me to the Shen Nong Hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Senior Brother Fei nodded, stepped out of the hall, pulled out a green leaf, murmured a few incantations, and the leaf transformed into a emerald flying vessel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing had no objection and stepped onto it directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind howled, but Senior Brother Fei’s voice continued to reach him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Below our sect’s Yin Shen Ancestors, we are primarily managed by three major halls: the Shen Nong Hall, the Si Hai Hall, and the Shang Shan Fa E Hall. Each hall master is a Great Cultivator of the Dao Foundation Posterior Stage. I am Fei Changnong, Deputy Hall Master of the Shen Nong Hall.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So you’re Brother Changnong...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing followed Fei Changnong to the Shen Nong Hall and saw disciples from Qingmu Ridge coming and going; behind the hall entrance stood a massive granary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our Shen Nong Hall primarily oversees the cultivation of spiritual rice, spiritual herbs, and even spiritual timber... all hard labor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong invited Fang Xing into a small flower pavilion, and immediately a disciple arrived to serve tea and snacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, try this 'Five Grains Cake'—made from five types of spiritual rice: Qingzhu Rice, Yuling Rice, Shanhe Rice, Wu Sui Rice, and Heqing Rice...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fei Changnong chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing picked up a five-colored pastry, put it in his mouth, and nodded: \"Indeed, the flavor is excellent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he leisurely sipped tea and ate the snacks, Fei Changnong opened a golden ledger: \"What kind of cultivation task would you like, Brother?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’d prefer a plot of land for cultivation, and a large one...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled: \"Because I enjoy planting trees—I might grow many plants around my cave dwelling...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1719,"2026-06-20T11:03:22.760Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","b4abc7a576a77db1db5e969805337ddaccf2fb890df738444a72f50be0367ac0","starlight-professional-chapter-594","starlight-professional-chapter-592",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]