The Mirror Master

As for Inner Strength, he would have to wait for the Underground Bazaar to open in three days and try his luck there.

At the moment, Lu Bai still lacked Soul Light.

He had yet to comprehend or restore the *Vajra Demon-Subduing Fist*, the Cultivation Technique from the Ancient Mirror.

The *Nine Netherworld* Cultivation Technique hadn’t been fully restored either.

Even if he obtained an Inner Power Heart Method, he would still need Soul Light to master it.

However, in the past few days in Bluestone City, he hadn’t found any Ghostly Creatures. He didn’t have a single lead.

As the County Captain, Li Tianxing ought to know something.

"Lord Li, there aren’t many Ghostly Creatures or other such evils around Bluestone County, are there?"

Lu Bai let a hint of worry show. "Back in Liuxi Town, an extremely powerful Ghostly Creature appeared. It even killed Daoist Yu of Danding Temple."

"I heard about it from Yue’er," Li Tianxing said. "It’s quite remarkable that you had the courage to kill that Ghostly Creature."

"But you can rest easy about that," Li Tianxing continued. "The creature in Liuxi Town was the result of someone practicing Ghost Cultivation."

"Under normal circumstances, these creatures don’t form easily. Even if a Ghostly Creature is born, the city’s Evil Exterminator Guards will rush to the scene to handle it as soon as they get the report. They won’t give the creature many opportunities to harm people."

"It’s no exaggeration to say that of all the Vassal States, our dynasty takes the matter of Ghostly Creatures the most seriously. We strive to eliminate them before they can grow powerful."

"I see."

Lu Bai understood.

’It seems the most convenient way to get information on Ghostly Creatures is to go through the Evil Extermination Bureau.’

’However, even if I asked Li Tianxing for help, it wouldn’t be appropriate to go to the Evil Extermination Bureau to ask about this. It would seem far too deliberate.’

’Neither Li Tianxing nor the Evil Exterminator Guards would be as easy to fool as Li Yue’er.’

’The slightest mistake could arouse their suspicion and expose the Ancient Mirror.’

’The easiest way is to become an Evil Exterminator Guard. Then I could slay Ghostly Creatures openly and legitimately!’

Lu Bai asked, "You just said, Lord Li, that the only way to get a chance to join the Evil Extermination Bureau is by studying at Bluestone Academy or Jingzhou Academy?"

Li Tianxing said, "Normally, those are the only paths. Of course, if an Upper Envoy from the Evil Extermination Bureau takes a liking to you, it’s possible to be admitted as an exception."

"However, even the most ordinary Evil Exterminator Guard must have their Cultivation at the Innate Realm."

Lu Bai was secretly astonished.

’No wonder the Evil Extermination Bureau is so special and holds such a high status. The barrier to entry is immense.’

’You need to be an Innate Martial Artist just to have a chance.’

’His Realm was still far too low. The most important thing now was to raise his Cultivation as quickly as possible.’

’An Inner Power Heart Method, Soul Light... I’m missing everything.’

’To find Ghostly Creatures, I need to join the Evil Extermination Bureau.’

’But my Cultivation isn’t high enough, so I can’t get in.’

’I want to raise my Cultivation, but I lack an Inner Power Heart Method.’

’Even if I get an Inner Power Heart Method, I still can’t find any Ghostly Creatures, so I can’t get any Soul Light. And I’d still have to find a way into the Evil Extermination Bureau...’

’It’s a vicious cycle.’

After bidding Li Tianxing farewell, Lu Bai walked home, pondering how to break out of his current dilemma.

’If I come up empty-handed at the Underground Bazaar in three days, I’ll have to settle for the next best thing and find an ordinary Inner Power Heart Method to start practicing.’

As he approached his front door, Lu Bai heard voices coming from inside.

The loudest voice belonged to Luo Ben, by the sound of it.

He was chattering excitedly about Bluestone Academy.

Lu Bai pushed the door open and entered. His eyes swept across the room, and he was a little surprised.

In addition to Luo Ben and Luo Xiao, Luo Qing and Xiaodie were there too.

Luo Ben was speaking with great animation, his words tumbling out.

Madam Lu and Uncle Fu were both smiling as they listened quietly.

"Mother, I’m home."

Lu Bai greeted everyone in the courtyard.

"Brother Xiaolu!"

Luo Ben’s eyes lit up. He hurried over, scratching his head. "I left in such a hurry earlier, I forgot to thank you."

As he spoke, Luo Ben gave Lu Bai a deep bow.

"There’s no need for that, Second Young Master."

Lu Bai moved to help him up.

"Brother Xiaolu, don’t call me ’Young Master.’ You’re embarrassing me."

Luo Ben said quickly, "Just call me Xiaoben."

Luo Xiao also stepped forward and bowed.

Luo Qing smiled faintly. "Xiaolu, you’re the one they admire most right now. They can’t handle you calling them ’Young Master’."

Lu Bai no longer insisted. He went over to Madam Lu and said, "Mother, I’m sorry. I caused trouble on my very first day at the academy..."

Madam Lu smiled, her gaze gentle. "I just heard all about it from Xiaoben and the others. Qing’er also specifically told me not to blame you, that this wasn’t your fault."

Lu Bai looked toward Luo Qing and nodded slightly.

With Luo Qing having already pleaded his case, it saved Lu Bai the trouble of explaining everything himself.

"Young Master, you’re truly incredible! A hero for justice, slaying villains... You even caught the attention of the Lord County Captain, and he stood up for you..."

Uncle Fu was very worked up. He didn’t finish his sentence, and for some reason, his eyes reddened.

’If only the master and the first young master were still here...’

"Brother Xiaolu, sit down, take a rest, have some tea."

Luo Ben quickly brought a chair for Lu Bai and handed him a cup of fragrant tea.

"Yes, yes."

Xiaodie said with a smile, "Young Master Lu is quite famous in the city now. News of that fight at Bluestone Academy has spread everywhere, and many people have even given Young Master Lu a title."

"Oh?"

Lu Bai raised an eyebrow.

’I just arrived in Bluestone City, and before I’ve even made a name for myself in the Jianghu, I already have a resounding title?’

’A title is your calling card when you roam the Jianghu.’

’Many people in the Jianghu might not know each other’s real names, but once a title is declared, the effect is completely different.’

’The announcement of certain titles can make people in the Jianghu bow their heads in respect, or make bandits and petty thieves tremble in fear. It’s entirely possible.’

"What is it?"

Lu Bai looked nonchalant. He took a sip of tea and asked, seemingly unconcerned.

"Well..."

Xiaodie blinked, hesitating for a moment.

Nearby, Luo Qing lowered his head slightly, pursing his lips as if trying to stifle a laugh.

"Black Hand Young Hero!"

It was Luo Ben who couldn’t hold it in and blurted it out.

"COUGH! COUGH!"

Lu Bai choked on the mouthful of tea he had just taken.

’What the hell is that!’

’Never mind that the title isn’t impressive... just listening to it, it doesn’t sound like I’m a good guy.’

"Brother Xiaolu, even if the title doesn’t sound great, we’re still envious."

Luo Ben said consolingly, "Even my father roamed the Jianghu for years and never earned a title. You, Brother Xiaolu, became famous in a single fight."

’So you know it sounds bad...’

Lu Bai felt a wave of helplessness.

Luo Qing coughed lightly to change the subject. "Xiaolu, we came here today because my grandfather and my father want to invite you and Madam Lu to be guests at the Luo Family estate and stay for a while."

"Grandfather is also worried. Since you beat up a Sun Family disciple, he’s concerned they might come looking for revenge and frighten Madam Lu."

"Alright."

After a moment’s thought, Lu Bai agreed.

On his way back, he had been considering this very issue, wondering whether he should hire a few guards to watch the house.

If they could move in with the Luo Family, that would naturally take care of this concern.

The three of them had only just moved to this house and didn’t have many belongings.

They quickly packed their things and left with Luo Qing and his companions.

"Brother Xiaolu, what’s your dog’s temperament like?"

Luo Ben said in a low voice, "When we first came in, I wanted to play with him, but he just stared at me. It gave me the creeps, so I didn’t dare touch him..."

Lu Bai said, "He’s very aggressive. Don’t provoke him."

Luo Ben nodded repeatedly. He snuck another glance at the Black Dog trailing behind them, gave it a fist-and-palm salute, and whispered, "My apologies, my apologies."

He wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but it seemed as if the Black Dog nodded at him.

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