Immortality and Cultivation: I can extract entries from all things.

half a month later.

In the main hall of the Zhou residence, a long sandalwood table stretched across the center, upon which sat a pot of spiritual tea, its steam rising gently.

A nautical chart of Qing'ao Island hangs on the wall, with the coastline outlined in ink, winding and twisting. Several reefs are circled in vermilion ink in the northeast direction, making them particularly eye-catching.

Steward Zhou sat upright in the main seat, his face, over forty years old, calm and composed as always. He held a jade slip in his hand and his gaze swept over everyone present.

On the left is Zhou Tieshan, a burly man whose early Foundation Establishment stage aura is restrained and not released, like a lurking beast.

On the right are two elders of the Zhou family, with gray hair and beards, and solemn expressions.

Next was Zhou Ming, a collateral relative in his early twenties, who was responsible for recording the meeting minutes. His pen hovered over the paper, and he dared not slack off.

Zhou Xiaolan sat beside Zhou Tieshan, dressed in a blue robe, her posture upright.

She tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, making a soft tapping sound, revealing a hint of impatience.

She had been in seclusion for cultivation these days, and was summoned to a meeting as soon as she came out of seclusion, which made her quite irritable.

She had heard about the Dark Abyss Pavilion, but how important could a clue reported by a rogue cultivator be?

"Everyone's here, let's begin." Steward Zhou put down the jade slip, his voice low.

He cleared his throat and his gaze fell on the northeast direction of the nautical chart.

"Two weeks ago, Fang He, the owner of the pharmacy, reported a crucial lead. The reason for gathering everyone today is to report on the progress of the investigation."

Zhou Xiaolan paused for a moment while tapping her fingers, then continued.

Fang He, that rogue cultivator?

A blurry figure appeared in her mind.

He has slightly dark skin, an ordinary appearance, doesn't talk much, but his eyes reveal a calmness.

Back when she was on patrol, she really didn't take this plant grower seriously.

Three days ago, Fang He ran into Qian Laosi in the market.

Manager Zhou slowly began, "Qian Laosi secretly met with a gray-robed cultivator and handed over a bronze array plate. Fang He secretly followed him and recorded the other party's physical characteristics, the ship's course, and the entire conversation."

Manager Zhou took out a folded piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and placed it flat on the table.

"The key point of the East Third District formation. High tide in three days. The order of the Pavilion Master. These are their exact words."

The two elders exchanged a glance, their expressions changing slightly.

Zhou Tieshan said in a deep voice, "I have been leading patrols recently, and the density of sea creatures in the northeast direction is indeed abnormal. They are in large groups and move in a regular pattern, unlike natural migration."

He stood up, walked to the nautical chart, and pointed to the northeast reef area.

"Here, here, and here. In these three sea areas, the number of sea creatures has more than tripled compared to last month. And they are all moving in the same direction, as if they are being pulled by some kind of force."

Manager Zhou nodded: "Fang He's deduction is completely consistent with Tie Shan's observation."

He turned to the crowd, his tone becoming more forceful.

"This person, through a chance encounter at the market, tracked down Qian Laosi, identified the beast-driving array plate, and deduced that the Dark Abyss Pavilion intended to summon a sea beast tide. This observation and deductive ability is no less than that of my Zhou family's elite spies."

Zhou Xiaolan stopped tapping her fingers.

She slightly raised her eyes and looked at the paper on the table.

The densely packed handwriting is neatly categorized and clearly organized.

Qian Laosi's appearance, the gray-robed cultivator's scars, the runic features of the array plate, the ship's trajectory...

Every detail was meticulously recorded.

Several encounters with Fang He flashed through her mind.

During her time in the patrol team, she only thought of him as a lucky rogue cultivator who had broken through to the mid-stage of Qi Refining and had opened a pharmacy.

She never even glanced at this person.

But now, Steward Zhou says his observation skills are no less than those of the family's elite spies.

Zhou Tieshan's additional patrol findings further confirmed his deduction.

Zhou Xiaolan slowly withdrew her fingers and placed them on her knees, unconsciously straightening her posture.

"If the Dark Abyss Pavilion's beast-driving array is indeed as Fang He deduced, covering the entire sea area surrounding Qing'ao Island..."

Manager Zhou's voice continued, "The high tide three days from now will be their opportunity to strike. When the sea monster tide arrives, Qing'ao Island's defenses will inevitably suffer heavy losses."

The council chamber was silent.

Zhou Xiaolan lowered her eyes; the irritation in her heart had long since dissipated, replaced by a complex emotion.

She recalled how Fang He had silently followed at the back of the patrol team, never taking credit and never saying much.

She thought it was cowardice, a lack of confidence.

In retrospect, that was just keeping a low profile.

A kind of wisdom of the underprivileged cultivators who survive in the cracks.

"Fang He is a man to be taken seriously," Manager Zhou concluded. "I have already granted him a guest advisor token to assist Tieshan in the investigation."

I have something to say.

A clear voice broke the silence.

Everyone looked up and saw Zhou Xiaolan stand up, her blue robe hanging down, her expression calm.

Manager Zhou paused for a moment, then nodded: "Xiaolan, you speak."

"I did underestimate Fang He before," Zhou Xiaolan said frankly, her voice low but clear. "I thought he was just a lucky rogue cultivator who ran a medicine shop to make a living. Now it seems I misjudged him."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone present.

"This person was able to detect something unusual during a chance encounter in the market, follow the contact person without revealing their whereabouts, and deduce a large-scale beast-taming formation from a single array plate. Such meticulousness and keen observation are among the best of the younger generation in the Zhou family."

The two elders looked at each other in bewilderment.

Zhou Ming paused, his hand holding the pen pausing, the pen tip leaving a blot of ink on the paper.

He had never seen Zhou Xiaolan speak up for any rogue cultivator.

"Xiaolan, didn't you have a strong prejudice against him before?" an elder frowned. "Why are you speaking up for him today?"

Zhou Xiaolan stared directly at the elder, her expression unchanged.

"It is precisely because I underestimated him before that I understand his growth so well now. It was my fault for misjudging people. But if I miss out on helping him because of prejudice, it would be a loss for the Zhou family."

Her tone was calm, without any eagerness to defend herself, but rather conveyed a sense of composure.

"Unaffiliated cultivators are ultimately unreliable," another elder said in a deep voice. "Don't raise a tiger that will become your own enemy."

"Trust those you employ," Zhou Xiaolan retorted. "If he truly harbored disloyal intentions, why would he have taken the initiative to report it? He could have easily pretended ignorance of the Dark Abyss Pavilion's conspiracy and watched Qing'ao Island perish. Yet, he chose to report it and chose to cooperate with the Zhou family."

She turned slightly to face Steward Zhou.

"I suggest that the Zhou family should give Fang He more trust and resources, rather than just treating him as an outsider cultivator. He knows more about the Dark Abyss Pavilion than anyone else."

Manager Zhou pondered for a moment, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.

He had already planned to elevate Fang He's authority, and Zhou Xiaolan's words were merely a convenient way to do so.

"Xiaolan is right." Steward Zhou nodded slowly. "Effective today, Fang He's investigative authority will be upgraded to the core level, allowing him to access intelligence surrounding the Zhou family. He will assist Tieshan in coordinating the Dark Abyss Pavilion matter."

He paused, then looked at Zhou Xiaolan.

"As for contacting Fang He..."

"I'll take over," Zhou Xiaolan said calmly. "I'm willing to cooperate with Tieshan in coordinating the Dark Abyss Pavilion matter. As for Fang He, I'll keep in regular contact with him."

Zhou Tieshan glanced at her and nodded slightly.

Manager Zhou smiled and said, "Okay, it's settled then."

The meeting adjourned.

As Zhou Xiaolan stepped out of the council chamber, the spring sunshine warmed her.

She stood under the veranda, gazing at a blooming spirit flower in the courtyard, the complex emotions in her heart still lingering.

Fang He.

That rogue cultivator she had once looked down upon is now someone she's willing to speak up for.

She sighed softly, turned and left.

---

The third day after the meeting.

The market was bustling with people, and herbal medicine shops and spiritual medicine shops were located side by side. The smell of the sea and the aroma of herbs mixed together to create a unique odor.

Fang He stood in front of Zhang's herbal medicine shop, holding a purple salvia miltiorrhiza in his hand, carefully examining the color of its roots and stems.

Su Yun'er helped count the medicinal herbs, her little abacus clicking away.

"Shopkeeper, five Sea Soul Grass plants, three Purple Salvia miltiorrhiza plants, two Fire Spirit Flowers, a total of sixty spirit stones," she announced in a clear voice.

Fang He nodded, took out the spirit stones from his sleeve, and counted them one by one.

The herbal medicine shop owner smiled and carefully accepted the spirit stones: "Shopkeeper Fang, the pills have been selling well lately, haven't they?"

"good."

Fang He responded calmly and put the medicinal herbs into his storage bag.

He didn't have the habit of chatting for long; he turned and left after finishing his shopping.

Su Yun'er jogged to catch up.

As the two walked through the crowd and passed the spiritual materials shop next door, Fang He paused slightly.

A familiar figure stood in front of the shop.

Zhou Xiaolan wore a light blue dress and her hair was simply tied up in a bun. She looked less sharp and more casual than usual.

She was negotiating with the shopkeeper of the spiritual materials store, pointing to a piece of sea beast leather with her finger. She spoke slowly, but every word she said was aimed at lowering the price.

"This leather is damaged in three places, and even in perfect condition, it's only worth fifteen spirit stones. Your price of twenty is not in accordance with the rules."

The shopkeeper said with a pained expression, "Miss Zhou, this price is already at cost..."

"Twelve yuan." Zhou Xiaolan's tone was calm but authoritative. "Will you sell it or not?"

The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded: "Alright, twelve pieces."

Fang He stood not far away, watching quietly.

He never expected that this young lady of the Zhou family would personally negotiate prices, and that her methods were so skillful that they were no less adept than those of a seasoned cultivator who frequented the market.

After paying the spirit stones, Zhou Xiaolan put away the leather and turned around.

Their eyes met.

The two were three to five zhang apart, with people coming and going in between them.

Zhou Xiaolan was slightly taken aback, then nodded.

It was not a perfunctory gesture, but a clear expression of respect.

Fang He returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his expression calm and composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

Su Yun'er was stunned by what she saw.

Having been by Fang He's side for so long, she had never seen Zhou Xiaolan take the initiative to show kindness to anyone.

Zhou Xiaolan walked towards Fang He, her light blue skirt fluttering in the crowd.

"Fellow Daoist Fang." She stopped in front of Fang He, her tone calm, "What I said in the council hall that day was my true opinion."

Fang He remained calm: "Fellow Daoist Zhou, you flatter me. I merely did what I was supposed to do."

His voice was flat, revealing neither pride nor humility.

It's just stating a fact.

Zhou Xiaolan stared at him for a moment, then suddenly lowered her voice.

"There have been unusual movements in the Qingyuan Sect recently. Some members of the sect have been inquiring about the situation in the sea from the Zhou family, seemingly paying attention to the abnormal sea monsters."

Fang He felt a chill run down her spine.

Qingyuan Sect is a major sect in this sea area.

If they also get involved, the situation will become even more complicated.

He asked calmly, "Fellow Daoist Zhou told me all this because...?"

"We're in the same boat now." Zhou Xiaolan looked directly at him, her eyes clear. "If the Dark Abyss Pavilion's troubles erupt, no one on Qing'ao Island will be able to escape unscathed. The Qingyuan Sect is paying attention to this matter; it's hard to say whether it's a blessing or a curse."

Fang He pondered for a moment.

The Qingyuan Sect has always been indifferent.

Gu Qingfeng, the island's resident steward, never interfered in the Zhou family's affairs, but now the sect itself is actively inquiring about the situation in the sea.

There must be something fishy going on behind this.

"How does the Zhou family plan to respond?" he asked.

"Let's wait and see." Zhou Xiaolan shook her head slightly. "It's not appropriate for the Zhou family to ask too many questions about sect matters. But we must find out about the Dark Abyss Pavilion's beast-driving array as soon as possible."

The two briefly exchanged their assessments of the situation.

Fang He's analysis coincided with Zhou Xiaolan's—the Dark Abyss Pavilion's appetite extends beyond Qing'ao Island; the sea beast tide is likely just the first step.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhou Xiaolan's eyes.

She never expected that a rogue cultivator's insight into the situation would be comparable to hers, a direct descendant of the Zhou family.

"Fellow Daoist Fang's insights have exceeded my expectations," she admitted.

"Spending too much time at the bottom will naturally make you think a few steps ahead," Fang He said calmly.

Zhou Xiaolan was silent for a moment, then the corners of her mouth turned up slightly.

This was probably the first time she had shown Fang He an expression that was almost a smile.

"If you make any new discoveries, you can come directly to me," she said in a gentler tone. "There's no need to go through Zhou Ming anymore."

Fang He nodded: "Thank you."

Zhou Xiaolan turned and left, her light blue skirt disappearing into the crowd.

After taking a few steps, she turned back.

"Fellow Daoist Fang, if I have offended you before, it was not my intention."

Having said that, he left without lingering.

Fang He stood there, holding the newly bought Condensing Essence Grass in her hand, gazing thoughtfully at the departing figure.

Su Yun'er leaned closer and whispered, "Shopkeeper, Miss Zhou seems like a different person."

"People always change." Fang He withdrew his gaze and walked towards the pharmacy. "But whether this change is beneficial or detrimental remains to be seen."

He paused, then added:

"On this Qing'ao Island, there is no kindness without a reason."

Su Yun'er nodded as if she understood, and quickly followed.

The bustling market remained as before, with the smells of the sea mingling with the aroma of medicine.

Fang He walked calmly through the crowd, but a new plan was already forming in her mind.

Zhou Xiaolan's change of attitude, the unusual movements of the Qingyuan Sect, the beast-driving array of the Dark Abyss Pavilion...

With various forces intertwined, Qing'ao Island appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.

He touched the guest token in his sleeve; it felt cold and hard.

My identity has changed, but I must not lose the caution of a low-level rogue cultivator.