From Celestial Official to Great Celestial Venerable

Chapter 23 Guidance
The night passed.

Finally, dawn broke.

Suddenly, an extremely powerful aura emanated from Qin Chuan's body, which was not only sharp but also contained the vitality of plants.

The third level of Qi cultivation: Transforming light into Qi!

As Qin Chuan extended his finger, a wisp of azure true energy, identical to that of Elder Huo from that day, swirled around his fingertip.

This is precisely the "Yi Wood Azure Sky Technique" that can be naturally unleashed once one reaches the third level of Qi Refining!

"After reaching the third level of Qi Refining, my spiritual sense also increased significantly."

He felt that his spiritual sense had become much sharper.

Suddenly, a thought struck me.

He got up, went outside, and saw He Xingchen sitting in the courtyard, seemingly waiting for him.

I sensed Qin Chuan leaving the house.

He Xingchen slowly opened her eyes and saw that Qin Chuan's aura was now naturally balanced, as if there was a river of qi within his body, which was a sign that he had entered the third level of Qi Refining.

He was amazed:
"Brother Qin is truly the fastest cultivation prodigy I have ever seen!"

"These past few days, thanks to the spiritual rain that the Wind and Rain Bureau sent down, I was able to breathe in some of the remaining energy and accumulate enough spiritual energy to break through."

Faced with He Xingchen's amazed gaze, Qin Chuan spoke modestly.

How could He Xingchen not recognize that this was a humble remark?

Having reached the third level of Qi Refining in less than two months since joining the company, such progress is rare to find in the entire Jiuchuan County.

He thought to himself: If Brother Qin hadn't gotten involved in this troublesome matter of the spirit oranges...

On second thought, if Qin Chuan could truly survive this ordeal, his future would be limitless.

Thinking about it this way, he felt even more fortunate to have met Qin Chuan.

"Brother He, you wouldn't have been protecting me outside the door all this time, would you?" Qin Chuan suddenly realized and quickly replied, "How could I possibly accept that?"

"I just got up a little early. I knew you broke through to a higher realm in seclusion last night, and I was worried that the noise from the early risers in the courtyard might disturb you, so I just went to check on things." He Xingchen smiled nonchalantly.

While breakthroughs in the Qi Refining stage are unlikely to result in qi deviation, severe disturbances can easily lead to internal injuries and chronic illnesses.

Everyone in the courtyard had to get up early to work, which inevitably caused some noise. So he deliberately got up half an hour earlier and quietly gave instructions to each household.

After the neighbors found out, they were all extra careful, tiptoeing out of their homes, for fear of disturbing this fellow Daoist Qin.

Qin Chuan was deeply moved and expressed his sincere gratitude.

"Brother Qin, there's no need to be so polite. Since you're staying in this courtyard, and we're quite close friends, this is only natural."

He Xingchen waved his hand and then said:

"Do you remember what I told you yesterday? Today, at the scripture chanting gathering, I've arranged to meet with fellow Daoist Lin Xiaoheng, who is currently ill, at the Chunlai Teahouse at 7 PM. I'll introduce you to some of our fellow Daoists there—all of whom hold positions in various government offices within the county."

Qin Chuan's heart stirred.

Are they all like-minded? And all of them hold government positions?

In that case, isn't this "scripture recitation group" just a small circle of young cultivators within the government? Getting to know a few of them would certainly be of great benefit to one's cultivation and future development.

He took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Okay, I'll be there on time after work."

…………

"Have you heard? Qin Chuan's application for ordination was rejected by the Longevity Society."

"Huh? He's only been here a short time, and he already dares to apply for ordination?"

"It is said that it was Elder Huo who submitted the application on his behalf and offered to be the introducer. However, the application was rejected outright by several longevity officials, who said that he was too young, had not made any contributions, and was not qualified."

……

As soon as he stepped into the observation field, Qin Chuan's divine sense, far surpassing that of others in the same realm, allowed him to catch these few idle words.

A glance around revealed several familiar fire workers among the chattering group.

Upon seeing the person in charge arrive, everyone immediately fell silent, bowing their heads and pretending to be busy. Qin Chuan was pondering the implications of this matter when Elder Huo summoned him to the wooden hut.

"The minutes of the Longevity Society's meetings are not classified; on the contrary, they are to be disseminated and studied, and recorded in the temple's official gazette. Naturally, the news of your ordination being rejected has spread." Old Huo, with his back to him, took a deep drag on his pipe. "You should know this by now."

Qin Chuan was silent for a moment, then asked, "Is it because I am not experienced enough?"

"That's one reason, but it's not the main one." Old Huo turned around and gave Qin Chuan a deep look, seemingly with a profound meaning.

Qin Chuan received the message in that look, understood, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

Just as Elder Huo was about to speak again, he suddenly paused, his face lighting up with surprise: "You've reached the third level of Qi Refining?"

Qin Chuan nodded: "With the help of the spiritual rain, I just broke through last night."

Upon hearing this, Elder Huo pondered for a long time before suddenly saying, "You always surprise me. Originally, I was at a loss when your ordination was rejected. But your talent is itself an asset. The temple does have a rule: if one can reach the fourth level of Qi Refining within a year, there is a chance to be ordained. However..."

"But what?" Qin Chuan couldn't help but ask.

Old Master Huo slowly said, "If it weren't for this application alerting them, we would still have a chance. But after this, most people in the Longevity Position have already formed their opinions of you. Furthermore, the matter of 'establishment' is always predetermined. Whether or not we can make an exception for you and grant you a permanent position depends not only on whether there are vacancies, but also on..."

Qin Chuan understood what he hadn't said yet—it depended on whether any Longevity Rank holder was willing to give this precious position to a young fireworker, especially one who had already been considered a discarded pawn.

After all, a formal position as a Taoist priest in the Heavenly Court meant a secure job, a stable income, gifts during festivals and holidays, and various special rewards.

It can be said that once you become a formal Taoist priest, as long as you don't commit any heinous crimes that anger Heaven and the people, you can stay in this position until retirement. After retirement, you will be supported by the Heavenly Court, enjoying both honor and benefits.

This shows how valuable a "staff position" is.

Therefore, the so-called "one year to become a full-fledged employee" in the industry is actually a long and arduous process for most pyrotechnicians, with several postponements before they can finally get a spot.

Qin Chuan wanted it, and so did some important figures in the temple and their relatives and friends.

Why should a scorched-earth worker be given this opportunity?
Qin Chuan's heart sank.

Although I had experience from my past life and knew that it was not easy to become a legitimate citizen, I did not expect it to be this difficult.

"It seems that your only chance is to achieve something in the matter of the Spirit Orange, so that you can have a glimmer of hope for survival," Elder Huo sighed. "While I do value talent, rules are rules. The Longevity Society represents the laws of the Daoist sect, and even if I wanted to help you, I could not change the will of the people. This is the way of the Dao."

He had to admit that although the young man before him had only been in the temple for two months, his dazzling talent for cultivation had already made him want to inherit the mantle. However, as an elder of the deputy abbot level, despite his prestige, he could hardly shake the internal decisions of the Taoist sect.

"This disciple understands and will do his best to fulfill his duties." Qin Chuan took a deep breath and quickly regained his composure.

Perhaps because I was mentally prepared, I am unusually clear-headed at this moment.

Isn't it just about getting the oranges to survive and bear fruit?
Without the Heavenly Furnace, there is truly no hope.

But if Heaven is on our side, how can we say there is no hope?
Having been given the opportunity to embark on the path of immortality, even if you ultimately fail, you should know how far you fell from the finish line.

At this moment, Old Master Huo subtly offered another suggestion:
"When you embark on this path, you must remember one thing: those who follow the right path will receive much help, while those who stray from it will receive little help."

A single word brought clarity to Qin Chuan's mind, and he immediately understood its profound meaning.

"Disciples are taught."

Seeing that Qin Chuan had already understood, Elder Huo said no more.

As Qin Chuan returned to Tanaka to await further instructions, his direction gradually became clearer.

Huo Lao's saying "Those who follow the Way will find many helpers" and his third uncle Qin Li's saying "Companions in the Way, the Land of Law" before he entered officialdom, ultimately mean the same thing—

On the path of cultivation, one needs the help of others, the guidance of fellow practitioners, the support of relationships... and a powerful backer!
Old Huo alone may be able to protect him safely in the observation field; but if he wants to go further, he needs to find a higher branch and climb a more stable background.

If someone of sufficient influence were to speak on his behalf, how could the matter of formal appointment and ordination not be accomplished?
Once a thought is clear, the world suddenly becomes vast.

It's as if we've found a new direction to move forward.

This proves the old saying: "Hearing something a thousand times is not as good as experiencing it once." Even though I have kept my third uncle's teachings in mind, it is only now that I know exactly how to put them into practice.

"Isn't the chanting gathering that Fellow Daoist He mentioned a perfect opportunity? It allows me to build a wide network of connections. Let's go and see for ourselves."

I got off work in the evening, around 7 PM.

Qin Chuan arrived at Chunlai Teahouse on time.

(End of this chapter)