Bai Pu didn’t eliminate this group of Awakened from the Ma Bang as Misheng had anticipated, but instead recruited them.

Fortunately, Misheng was captured together with the Awakened from the Ma Bang, so the Ma Bang members didn’t know it was Misheng who deliberately led them here, though Ma the Third vaguely sensed something was amiss.

Now, Misheng had gained "Bai Yujing’s" favor, reaching a neutral level, but also accumulated some troubles.

Ma the Third and others demanded Misheng return the money—they had each paid Misheng six thousand Spiritual Points.

Misheng naturally denied it, believing he had fulfilled the agreement—taking their money to lead the Ma Bang members to find clues about Prince Kang’s disappearance.

It’s not Misheng’s fault that the Awakened from the Ma Bang were too weak to capture the State Preceptor, was it?

Besides, due to a blessing in disguise, they shifted allegiance from the soon-to-collapse camp of Prince Kang to the camp of Duke Zhao Si, avoiding heavy penalties for main quest failure, and could continue exploring the Celestial Hero World!

Either way, he shouldn’t have to return the Spiritual Points.

However, with the Ma Bang having numbers and Ma the Third’s suspicions of Misheng, they left a harsh warning, telling Misheng and Ye Zi to be careful as there would be times when Natives couldn’t keep watch.

The two felt uneasy and resolved to cling closely to the State Preceptor.

...

The enthronement ceremony of the Twenty-Eighth Prince Zhao Si was held in the ruined Imperial Palace in Bianjing.

The renowned minister Li Gang assumed the role of Prime Minister, while the esteemed Daoist Bai Yujing became the State Preceptor; various civil officials and military generals were promoted and rewarded, thus establishing a new small court.

Civil and military officials from all over came to Bianjing to pay respects to the new Emperor.

Military leaders from the Zhe and Zhong families were ordered to lead Border Armies into Bianjing for protection. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Suggestions to move south were rejected by Li Gang and Bai Pu.

This was because when nearly all high-ranking officials of the Northern Song Court were captured, Li Gang, being the most senior and respected remaining official in Bianjing, was able to suppress voices calling for retreat since the Emperor was too young to make decisions.

If it were Prince Kang Zhao Gou assuming the throne, he would definitely flee south at all costs, abandoning vast territories in Hebei.

The major issues were initially settled.

In the State Preceptor’s Mansion, Bai Pu and Qin sat opposite each other discussing the matter concerning the Youyan Guest.

"Goodness, it’s a relief you came," Qin said with some lingering fear, "I’m no match for the Youyan Guest."

"This is the resistance in changing the world’s fate, but after slaying the Youyan Guest, the rewards are substantial."

Bai Pu took out the Supreme Profound Sword, Supreme Profound Scripture, and the Jadeite Ring.

"These three items are a martial arts treasure in the Celestial Hero World. Unfortunately, you and I can’t take them out of this world; you can only choose a Native to inherit them, which can create a First-class Expert. If talented, achieving higher ranks is not impossible."

Qin accepted the items and after pondering, said, "Dior, it just so happens you gave me these things... Actually, I want to develop someone."

"Who?"

"Empress Ningfu, Princess Zhao Chuanzhu."

Qin said, "This princess was originally very ordinary, but she is a key figure in rebuilding the Northern Song after its fall, and now she tends to the emperor and supervises national affairs as the eldest sister, undoubtedly drawing special attention from the World Waymark."

Bai Pu nodded, silently praising Qin’s wisdom, insight surpassing many Awakened.

However, Bai Pu still said, "When developing Zhao Chuanzhu, ensure to ask her willingness."

Qin smiled, "If she were an original Imperial Princess, she wouldn’t agree. But after the fall of the Northern Song and the conquest of Bianjing City, when she narrowly escaped violation by Jin Soldiers, her previous thoughts have significantly changed, realizing that imperial identity and prestige are illusory; power is what’s real.

"Back at Yu Wang Mountain, after welcoming you, Zhao Chuanzhu asked me if she could follow in my footsteps and join your school..."

Bai Pu smiled, "How did you respond?"

Constrained by the Natives’ World Mystery obstruction, it was difficult for Qin to directly convey the world’s truth to Zhao Chuanzhu.

"I told her that joining your school indeed grants powerful strength and support from the sect. However, life, death, honor, and shame are deeply bound to the sect and there can be no betrayal," Qin explained.

This served as a popularized explanation of the "Source Lord’s Descent Meeting."

"Did she agree?"

"She agreed without any hesitation," Qin said.

"Alright. In that case, give her a drop of Pure Blood," Bai Pu agreed.

In each world, Bai Pu could have up to five Slaves—whether converted by the Source Blood Apostle or by Bai Pu himself. So, for Qin to develop a new member, Bai Pu’s consent was needed.

"After developing Zhao Chuanzhu as a new member, matters in the Celestial Hero World can be entrusted to her. You can directly communicate any subsequent missions to her for completion," Qin said with a smile, "I just so happen to be free to explore other Mid-level Spirit Realms and gain Legend Points for you."

...

Two days later, at the Source Lord’s Descent Meeting.

Zhao Chuanzhu, feeling both bewildered and curious, looked at this miraculous Consciousness Space.

Even though her guide—Lady Qin had already informed her in advance about the Source Lord’s Descent Meeting and the world’s truths, the shocking news still left Zhao Chuanzhu overwhelmed.

At this point, her worldview was still being reconstructed.

"There are countless worlds, and the Great Song I come from... is just one among infinite worlds?"

"Immortal Master Yujing is a mighty being traveling through various realms? Are these all his disciples?"

After uncovering the World Mystery, Zhao Chuanzhu’s mindset quietly shifted.

Seeing Bai Pu seated at the head, she felt a complex mix of emotions.

"Master, I have followed your instructions and developed Empress Ningfu as a new member of the organization. Her potential is indeed remarkable, and after receiving the Pure Blood infusion, she now has the preliminary attributes of a Level 4 Enhanced Elite Template."

Pausing for a moment, Qin continued, "And this isn’t her full potential. The Supreme Profound Scripture you bestowed can also be cultivated by her, a Native of the Celestial Hero World. In time, advancing to Leader and Enhanced Leader will be natural progressions."

Zhao Chuanzhu, born of the Royal Family, adeptly rose to bow and express gratitude:

"Thank you... Master for bestowing the Supreme Profound Scripture and Supreme Profound Sword."

"Hmm, concerning the Supreme Profound Sword, use it carefully. This is a Demon Sword, possessing power far beyond your current level. As for the Jadeite Ring, quietly investigate its origin, starting with the Youyan Guest’s background. Therein likely lies a major secret of the Celestial Hero World."

"Yes," Zhao Chuanzhu understood that unraveling the major secrets of the Spirit Realm Plane was one of Immortal Master Yujing’s major goals, aiding the master’s ascendancy.

At this point, Zhao Chuanzhu deeply felt the meaning behind Qin’s words about "life, death, honor, and disgrace being deeply tied to the sect." However, she did not reject this notion.