Mortal: Joining the Star Palace at the Start

After their discussion, Zhenhai Zhenren turned to Ji Qing and said:

"Kid, you're lucky. My dragon egg was the offspring of a level nine demon beast. To be honest, I'm a little reluctant to give it to you like this."

Jin Kui glanced at Zhenhai Zhenren, his expression somewhat displeased:

"Alright, alright, what's the point of saying so much? Hurry up and bring me the things."

Upon hearing this, Zhenhai Zhenren pursed his lips, but ultimately nodded in agreement.

He immediately got up and walked into the inner room.

"Master, that dragon egg is far too precious. I'm afraid I can't afford to raise it."

Although Ji Qing said that, she was actually very happy inside.

The offspring of a level nine demon beast are born at the Qi Refining stage.

It's also worth mentioning that demonic beasts are naturally stronger than human cultivators; if properly trained, they can become top-tier combatants.

Ji Qing possesses a spiritual field cave. If he were to use the Rainbow Grass to enhance the level of his demonic dragon, at least no one among the cultivators of the same level would be his match.

"Can't afford to cultivate? That's a joke. As the overlord of the inner star sea, my Star Palace has countless resources. It's just cultivating a demonic dragon. What's so difficult about it?"

"Once that guy retrieves the demon dragon egg, you can raise it with peace of mind. If you need any resources, just tell me, and I'll have someone distribute them to you."

Upon hearing his master's words, Ji Qing was about to bow in thanks when he suddenly remembered something, broke out in a cold sweat, and had a very ominous thought.

In the mortal world, are there truly people who are wholeheartedly devoted to their disciples?

There are answers, but very few.

But he didn't think he would ever meet someone like that.

In the original story, Jin Kui was not a good person; he didn't even care about the death of his distant relatives.

So, based on this, was Jin Kui really doing it for his own good?

The answer isn't necessarily so, is it?

Looking back on the past few days, Ji Qing realized that his master had been incredibly kind to him, almost excessively so. He was so accommodating, granting all his requests, and was practically like a son to him.

He absolutely did not believe that Jin Kui had no requests of him.

Thinking of this, Ji Qing felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

If he weren't a time traveler, and someone younger were to accept this situation, they probably would have agreed without even thinking about it.

After all, they haven't experienced the harsh realities of society and don't know that there are many malicious people out there.

In short, there's no such thing as a free lunch, and nothing comes for free.

If he's unlucky, he could very well become the next Wen Tianren.

"What are you thinking about?" Jin Kui asked gently, his tone seemingly a little probing.

Ji Qing immediately realized what was happening and quickly cupped his hands in a respectful reply:

"No...it's nothing, Master. Before I left the Star Palace, I promised my senior sister something, which is why I was distracted."

"Oh? I see."

Jin Kui smiled and nodded:

"Since it's something you promised someone, then do your best to fulfill it."

Here's what we'll do: after you retrieve the dragon egg, I'll give you half a day to complete this task.

"Once you have finished this matter, I will take you back to the Star Palace."

"Yes, Master."

About half an incense stick's time later, accompanied by the sound of rustling footsteps in the distance, Zhenhai Zhenren arrived with a demon dragon egg.

The dragon egg was entirely crimson, the size of a watermelon, and covered with many patterns that occasionally released eerie, demonic energy.

Ji Qing knew at a glance that this was a good thing.

"Hey, this is the dragon egg."

As Zhenhai Zhenren spoke, he suddenly burst into a strange laugh:

"Kid, you really got off easy this time. If you had come a few days later, I might have had to use my own blood essence to feed it. In that case, even if your master wanted to give you the dragon egg, I would have been powerless to help you."

After saying that, Zhenhai Zhenren immediately handed the demon dragon egg in his hand to Ji Qing.

Ji Qing carefully reached out and took it, as if afraid of breaking it, and quickly bowed to Zhenhai Zhenren in gratitude:

"Thank you very much, Elder Liu."

Now that Ji Qing has figured out Jin Kui's intentions towards him, he is open to taking advantage of any opportunity to get something for free.

Anyway, it's never a bad thing to have things in your own hands.

Ji Qing looked at the demonic dragon egg in his hand, patted his pocket, and said apologetically:

"Elder Liu... this junior does not have a spirit beast pouch."

"Huh? You don't have a spirit beast pouch?"

Zhenhai Zhenren turned to look at Jin Kui and smiled helplessly:

"Okay, I was inconsiderate."

Zhenhai Zhenren skillfully untied the spirit beast pouch from his waist:

"My spirit beast pouch is of a very high grade, and you've gotten a good deal on it again, kid."

Ji Qing chuckled, quickly reached out to take it, and bowed again in thanks:

"Thank you very much, senior."

Zhenhai Zhenren waved his hand dismissively:

"Why are you being so polite, kid? It's just a spirit beast pouch; I have plenty more here."

Upon hearing this, Ji Qing fell silent.

Sure enough, these old guys, having reached this level of cultivation, were all incredibly wealthy; not one of them was poor.

And so, after obtaining the monster egg, Ji Qing left under the pretext of delivering a message.

After Ji Qing left, Zhenhai Zhenren looked at Jin Kui opposite him and said in a low voice:

"Brother Jin, you really care a lot about this apprentice."

Now that the dragon egg has been delivered, I won't waste any more words with you. Just remember what you promised me.

Jin Kui gave a cold laugh and replied:

"Hmph, you old man, don't worry. Since I promised, there's no reason for me to go back on my word."

With the beast tide looming, I will go with you after the monsters have been quelled.

"Haha, okay, let's do it that way."

.........

At this moment, on a deserted path, the joy she had felt upon joining the Star Palace vanished instantly after learning that Jin Kui intended to harm her.

Now all that remains is figuring out how to escape the Star Palace and break free from Jin Kui's grasp.

"Sigh, this is a tough situation."

Ji Qing is currently struggling.

Honestly, he didn't quite believe Jin Kui was that kind of person, but he didn't dare gamble on the possibility.

If Jin Kui really is that kind of person, then wouldn't he be completely doomed?

Ji Qing frowned deeply, her heart heavy.

Right now, his cultivation level is weak. Even if he wanted to escape, where could Jin Kui possibly escape to?

If he really wants to escape, then he can only quickly improve his cultivation level.

After all, for him, only by becoming stronger and knowing how things would develop could he possibly have a sliver of hope.

"Tsk, in the end, his cultivation level is still too weak."

As Ji Qing pondered, he unknowingly arrived at the outside of a very quaint courtyard.

The courtyard was decorated very simply, and the tiles looked white from years of wear and tear.

Ji Qing gently knocked on the door and spoke softly:

Is anyone home?

As soon as he said this, the door in front of him suddenly opened, and the figure of a little girl immediately appeared in his eyes.

The little girl looked at Ji Qing curiously, her face full of doubt, and asked:

"Who are you?"