Chapter 257: Getting in Line

Chapter 257: Getting in Line

Just before I walk into the tower, I take another look at the formations that were setup with my scan. While I can still see the general foundation of the formation, such as preventing scrying, Id need to do a much deeper dive to figure out the rest.

Luckily, I have a huge amount of time to do so, since Ill be living here.

Since my scan gave me the bare minimum that there wasnt anything dangerous or compromising with it, I mentally moved on from it.

What gives me pause is that the first thing I notice when I enter is that no one is here.

The first floor is completely empty.

But I quickly discover what happened with my scan. Sister Nuan is taking everyone on a tour of the facilities.

An elder of the sect. Showing people around a disciples tower. This is not normal.

The reason comes quickly.

Shes basking in the envious looks of the girls on her beautiful skin. Having a steady smugness from the shy and admiring looks of the guys.

Things she hasnt had for a long time now.

While it might be a bit prideful, I dont think less of her because of it. I know in my heart that I would feel the same urge if I went through even a small bit she had. Not even taking account the increased negative treatment that lacking traditional youthful beauty has on women here.

While she does that, though, this gives me a perfect chance to work on the spirit stones and set up the room for the healing.

It is clear they built the tower to be accommodating to several events. Pressing panels on some walls reveals storage rooms filled with tables, chairs, and a number of different things to set the room up with.

Using my scan, strength, and movement techniques, I become a one-man event prep team. I also call down my three hero members; Dana, Ru Ning, Tai Ying, to assist me with this.

Previously, they were upstairs protecting Mei Lin and the group, but with Sister Nuan there and everyone under contract, its totally unnecessary.

We setup the first floor to be like an event hall, where I lay out tables for the members to pick up 1 spirit stone, one of the new talismans, and a minor concoction that should permanently boost with their cultivation speed by a small amount, after being healed.

How did I make enough of the concoction in such a small amount of time?

Funnily enough, I just diluted one of the large potions I had made and mixed it with another, along with some additional ingredients. The result was an extremely potent concoction, comprising a single drop of the volatile liquid.

Its actually extremely dangerous stuff even after that.

Not in the sense of exploding, but more in what it could do to a person without completely pure meridians. Which theyll have after Im done with them. So, Ill make sure that near the end of my healing, that theyll drink it.

I speak out to regain their attention.

Theres a brief shuffle as they all rush to form a line, while still respecting outside statuses. Even in a group like this, where Im trying to equalize things, they will probably continue to take those things into account.

I dont blame them, though. As much as I wish that what happens in this group would keep out any hierarchies that exist outside of it, I know the truth.

These social structures dont just go away because you provide incentives or disincentives to a group. It happens over time and by targeting the subconscious to be safe in certain situations, and then a variety of others.

Itll take time, but Im willing to wait.

First up, is unsurprisingly Shi Ji, the blonde-haired, red-eyed noble. Whose nose is still twitching happily as she gets closer to me.

Master James

Shiver.

Thatll take some getting used to. I liked the sound of that a little too much for comfort.

I hide my reaction, though, as she continues.

Thank you for allowing us to join your group. Ive heard a great many things about what youve been doing lately.

She gives a little bow. Emphasizing certain aspects of herself.

I give a nod, and she quickly steps forward.

Putting my hands on her shoulders, I activate the healing aura and technique to improve her.

Hmm she appears to have a Rose Man 8 spirit root.

Looks like she was going to be in the outer court if she hadnt joined me. Which isnt a bad thing.

She still would have been above average against most of the cultivators there, likely because of her body cultivation as a noble.

Either way, this should be an easy upgrade.

While ignoring the slight moans of pleasure, I end up getting her to Peony Earth 6, making her now a rare genius. Immediately after healing her, I have her drink the concoction and move on to the next tables.

The line has to keep moving, after all.