The next day, Tang Feiyan called Chu Xiaotian over and said, "I'm returning to Frost Leaf Valley today, and you need to appear before me in three days.
This is your attendant's token; notify me when you arrive."
She left immediately after speaking, not giving Chu Xiaotian a chance to explain.
Frost Leaf Valley was over a thousand li from Tang Family Fortress, and he still had to return to Xianxia City to retrieve his luggage; how could he possibly make it in time?
Thinking of this, he quickly requested a fast horse from the Tang Family Fortress and galloped straight to Xianxia City to collect his luggage.
He didn't have much luggage, just a few silver notes and a few changes of clothes.
After some thought, he also brought the ancient cauldron with him.
He put on his sword, changed horses, and rode straight to Frost Leaf Valley.
In three days, Chu Xiaotian rode at full speed, finally arriving at Frost Leaf Valley, having changed four horses.
Fortunately, he was an escort by trade; few people could endure such continuous travel without rest.
After handing over his token, Chu Xiaotian dozed off in front of the Frost Leaf Valley gate.
Soon after, Tang Feiyan came out, led him into the mountain gate, and took him to a Mortal dwelling.
Pointing to a room, she said, "This room used to be Tang Ba's; you'll live here from now on.
I'll come find you in a few days to assign you tasks."
Chu Xiaotian was not polite and said, "Young Miss, I changed four horses on the way here; can you reimburse me?"
"Yes, go back to Tang Family Fortress for reimbursement," Tang Feiyan said before flying away.
Chu Xiaotian quickly shouted, but she had already flown far away; the flying speed of a Late Stage Qi Refining cultivator was faster than his horse.
He cursed loudly, "She didn't even say how much the pay is; does she want to use me for free?"
Forget it, I'll ask next time; first, I'll go in and get a good night's sleep.
Just as he was sleeping soundly, someone knocked on the door from outside.
Chu Xiaotian was an escort, so his alertness was very high; he immediately got up, wondering, "Did Tang Feiyan come back so soon?"
He opened the door and saw an unfamiliar old man.
The old man was also puzzled and asked, "Where's Tang Laoba?"
Chu Xiaotian replied, "He's been transferred back; this place will be my responsibility from now on."
This made the old man stunned, and Chu Xiaotian immediately felt his answer was inappropriate.
He had thought he was the Chief Escort of the Chu River Escort Agency.
He immediately politely said, "May I ask why you are looking for Tang Laoba?"
It turned out that this old man was looking for Tang Laoba to drink.
His surname was Chen, and he usually liked to drink, so people called him Old Chenjiu.
Since it was about drinking, it didn't matter who he drank with, and the two started drinking quickly.
Chu Xiaotian took the opportunity to inquire about the situation.
It turned out that only Inner Sect Disciples in Frost Leaf Valley could have attendants.
This old man was also an attendant of an Inner Sect Disciple.
The status of these attendants was not low; many Outer Sect Disciples and Utility Disciples tried to curry favor with them.
Because behind them were Inner Sect Disciples, the future power holders of the School.
The old man had been there for a long time and knew a lot about the School's ins and outs.
Once he started drinking, he poured out everything, finally getting completely drunk.
The next day, the old man took Chu Xiaotian on a tour of the School, telling him where he could and could not go.
Chu Xiaotian began to ponder.
Since the status of Inner Sect Disciples was noble, why not make good use of it?
He had known how to leverage power since he was a child, and he had often used the Chu Family's name before.
He walked along, greeting everyone, wishing he could write "Inner Sect Disciple's Attendant" in large characters on himself.
After a few days, he had probably become familiar with many faces.
This day, Chu Xiaotian was practicing the Gale Wind Art; he still had to go to the School to "show his face" later.
A Utility Disciple walked over and greeted him from a distance, "Tian Ge, practicing your sword art!"
Chu Xiaotian didn't know him, but he recognized the clothes he was wearing; he was a Utility Disciple.
So he put away his sword and said, "I have nothing to do! May I ask what you need from me, brother?"
Since the person called him Tian Ge, there was an eighty to ninety percent chance he was seeking his help, or more accurately, Tang Feiyan's help.
The Disciple cupped his fists and said, "I am Gu Junshan.
I wonder if Tian Ge could help me introduce myself to Senior Sister Tang; I wish to become her follower."
Chu Xiaotian laughed heartily, "No problem, no problem."
Gu Junshan was overjoyed and quickly handed over a Spirit Stone: "Thank you, Tian Ge!"
Chu Xiaotian took the Spirit Stone, put it in his pocket, and patted his chest, saying, "Leave this matter to me.
Senior Sister Tang will come to find me soon; I'll notify you immediately then."
This Gu Junshan was not foolish; waiting for his notification, who knew how many years it would take.
He said, "I also have nothing to do.
Why don't I accompany Tian Ge for a stroll these next few days?"
Chu Xiaotian understood his thoughts, but he also didn't know when Tang Feiyan would come.
So he said, "Then I'll trouble you, brother!"
Since you're lingering and not leaving, I'll slowly practice my sword.
As for that Spirit Stone, once it's in my, Chu Xiaotian's, pocket, there's no reason for it to come out again.
This Gu Junshan was lucky; Tang Feiyan arrived in less than an hour.
Chu Xiaotian quickly ran over and said, "Young Miss, this brother wishes to see you."
After speaking, he stepped aside; he had already conveyed the message anyway.
The two chatted for a few sentences, and Gu Junshan left, not knowing the outcome.
Tang Feiyan walked over, threw a few books at him, and said, "You can't read Jade Slips, so these are handwritten copies.
Don't Cultivate that wind-element Cultivation Technique of yours; Cultivate this one."
Chu Xiaotian was bewildered by her words, but he still took the books from Tang Feiyan.
He saw "Gale Wind Art" written on them in delicate, elegant small characters.
He guessed it was some kind of martial arts Secret Manual; he'd look at it later.
First, he needed to discuss his pay: "Young Miss, how is my pay calculated?"
"Isn't this enough for your pay?" Tang Feiyan said, pointing to the books.
"Ah?"
"Ah what? Are you familiar with the School's rules now?" Tang Feiyan asked.
Chu Xiaotian nodded, "Somewhat familiar."
"Help me gather a small faction within the School.
Tang Ba couldn't do this kind of thing.
You are also a Family Disciple; as for why, you should understand," Tang Feiyan said, staring at Chu Xiaotian.
"I understand, but what's in it for me?"
"If there are parts of Cultivation you don't understand, I can give you guidance, and any benefits you receive are yours," Tang Feiyan stated her price.
Pah, with your shoddy fighting skills, you're going to guide me?
However, the benefits I receive are my own; that's enough.
Tang Feiyan continued, "Disciples like the one just now don't count; they're a waste of time."
Chu Xiaotian immediately explained, "Young Miss, those Outer Sect Disciples who are slightly outstanding have all become followers of other Inner Sect Disciples.
Why don't we first build up the numbers, and then consider the quality?"
Seeing Tang Feiyan thinking, Chu Xiaotian continued, "It's better than you being all alone now, right?
What they seek is nothing more than occasional guidance and some good assignments; for you, it's just a matter of lifting a finger."
"With more people, there will be more momentum; then, when new Disciples join the School, we can choose the best among them..."
Tang Feiyan felt that Chu Xiaotian's words made a lot of sense and nodded, "Alright, let's go with what you said for now."
She was somewhat satisfied in her heart; this Chu Xiaotian was indeed worthy of being Xianxia City's local expert.
He had only been here for a few days but already understood a lot about Frost Leaf Valley; this was indeed much better than Tang Ba.