Building 9, Wing B, First Floor

Having encountered Star Picker, Transcendent, and even those disciples not yet officially registered, Jiang Mingzhe gained a firsthand understanding of the Star Lodge Sect’s dynamics.

Fortunately, nothing troublesome arose afterward. Azhi took him to the storeroom, where he received two sets of outer garments identical to those worn by Transcendent, along with two pairs of long trousers, two pairs of leather boots, six inner shirts, personal toiletries, and a jade flute.

The disciple in charge of the storeroom, naturally unregistered, was visibly envious upon hearing that Jiang Mingzhe was personally accepted by Master Ding Chunqiu. His words were exceptionally warm and flattering.

According to this disciple, rigorous daily training inevitably led to heavy perspiration, hence the abundance of inner shirts. As for the jade flute, it was a token reserved for registered disciples. When played with internal energy, its sound was peculiar and carried far. Any Star Lodge disciple who heard it was required to gather as quickly as possible.

Jiang Mingzhe instantly understood: this jade flute was like an arrow piercing through clouds, summoning thousands of troops.

Next, they sought out the disciple managing the quarters. Azhi addressed them without a trace of a smile, coldly saying, “This is Master’s newly accepted disciple, whom Master values greatly. You may act accordingly.”

That disciple dared not neglect his duties, grinning so broadly it seemed his face might split: “It’s clear at a glance that Senior Brother is a martial prodigy. Were it not for the Second Building of the Yi series, how could such talent be matched?”

Regardless of age, unregistered disciples always addressed registered ones as senior brother.

Enjoying the privileges of registration, Jiang Mingzhe naturally became their senior brother.

“The Second Building of the Yi series?” Jiang Mingzhe looked at Azhi, who explained, “When Master founded this sect, he intended to recruit 108 disciples, divided into two divisions: Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiend, each led by a senior brother competing for supremacy. Thus, on either side of the Star Lodge’s main hall stand small buildings—108 in total. The Jia series buildings are all three stories tall, housing the Heavenly Gang, while the Yi series buildings have two stories, home to the Earth Fiend. Later, Master, focusing solely on his divine skill, revised the rules, limiting registered disciples to 36. The ‘Yi One Building’ he mentioned is the finest among the Yi series, traditionally reserved for the Earth Fiend’s senior brother.”

Azhi then flashed a faint smile at the disciple managing the quarters: “Not bad, you show some effort.”

That subtle smile, though fleeting, had a great effect. The disciple’s face flushed deeply as he exclaimed excitedly, “To serve Senior Sister and Senior Brother is a blessing cultivated over three lifetimes. Your praise, Senior Sister, is a merit accumulated by my ancestors for eight generations. Thank you, thank you!” He bowed and clasped his fists repeatedly. Were it not for the sect’s rule forbidding peers from kneeling, he would have knelt deeply several times.

He did not forget Jiang Mingzhe, retrieving two sets of keys from a cabinet and respectfully handing one bunch over.

Holding the other bunch himself, he earnestly said, “Senior Brother, Yi One Building has long been unoccupied. Though disciples clean regularly, some untidiness may remain. Please take your time exploring. I will immediately summon others to thoroughly clean inside and out. As for bedding and other necessities, no trouble for you—we will handle arrangements.”

Jiang Mingzhe nodded modestly and replied calmly, “This junior brother is attentive by nature. Given time, he will surely prosper.”

His words made the quarters’ disciple beam with joy, offering profuse thanks before dashing off.

Azhi glanced around to ensure privacy, then grinned broadly: “Big Ginger, you have quite the presence. I was worried you might be too polite and lower yourself unnecessarily, letting them underestimate you.”

Jiang Mingzhe smiled silently.

Though young, he had led teams for two or three years since becoming a squad leader. Initially, he worried about seeming arrogant and took on all tasks himself, believing this demonstrated leading by example.

Later, he realized his subordinates increasingly disregarded him, selectively handled assignments, reacted angrily to criticism, and frequently embarrassed him.

Only then did he begin to understand the saying: kindness does not command soldiers; righteousness does not handle finances. He started emulating other leaders’ authoritative styles and mastered the balance of benevolence and severity. This truly secured his position, eventually rising to director with a hundred subordinates, most older than him—yet none disrespected his authority.

His earlier exchange with the quarters’ disciple was no more than instinctive reflex.

Azhi then led Jiang Mingzhe on a tour of the compound, discreetly pointing out each registered disciple’s residence and describing their personalities and habits in detail.

By the time their circuit was complete, dusk had fallen. Azhi brought Jiang Mingzhe to Yi One Building, freshly cleaned inside and out, with all furniture replaced.

The quarters’ disciple remained, accompanied by seven or eight unregistered disciples summoned to assist, waiting at the door. Seeing Jiang Mingzhe’s satisfied expression, the disciple stepped forward: “Senior Brother, are you pleased? If anything is unsatisfactory, please command us, and we will fix it immediately.”

Jiang Mingzhe shook his head: “Those who practice martial arts should not indulge in comfort. This is already perfect. By the way, I do not know your name.”

The disciple, a plump youth with a round, fleshy face, beamed upon hearing the question: “Senior Brother, we unregistered disciples do not have Tao names, only given names. My family name is Ouyang, my given name Baoyu.”

Jiang Mingzhe smiled and shook his head: “How could that be a lowly name? ‘Treasure’ is the highest value; ‘Jade’ the hardest stone. It’s an excellent name—Ouyang Baoyu. I will remember it.”

Ouyang Baoyu grew even happier, repeatedly thanking him: “If not for your guidance, Senior Brother, I would never have realized how meaningful my name is. Thank you, thank you.”

This little fatty’s flattery was relentless. The others working alongside him eagerly looked toward Jiang Mingzhe, but Ouyang Baoyu made no introduction. Noticing Jiang Mingzhe’s gaze shift away, he promptly handed over the keys with a knowing smile: “Senior Brother, you must be tired from today’s exertions. We’ll take our leave.”

After they departed, Jiang Mingzhe surveyed the building thoroughly. The layout was simple: a spacious courtyard paved with bluestone greeted the entrance, open and generous.

Downstairs were three rooms—one for receiving guests, one for training, and one kitchen.

Upstairs were two rooms—one bedroom and another containing a medicine cabinet, bookshelves, and a long table, all currently empty.

Jiang Mingzhe surmised this upstairs room served as a study for researching poisons—a distinctive feature of the Star Lodge.

There was also a back door leading to a rear courtyard, at least half an acre in size. A latrine occupied a corner, with a well opposite. The remaining soil was likely for cultivating various poisons.

He examined the kitchen, noting the complete set of pots and pans, and asked, “Do we have to cook for ourselves?”

Azhi rolled her eyes: “Do you think otherwise? There’s a canteen, but senior brothers testing poisons often strike there. Besides, would you dare eat food cooked by others? You’ll also have to wash your own clothes for the same reason.”

She added, “I live next door. If you need anything, come find me—but don’t just barge into my courtyard. I’ve set up some hidden traps and can’t even remember all of them.”

Jiang Mingzhe laughed: “If you need me, you’re welcome to barge into my courtyard anytime. Here—two sets of keys, one for you.”

Just as he finished speaking, a sudden chill ran through him, followed by a booming laugh: “Ha ha ha ha—has Mingzhe settled in? Azhi has really done a fine job today.”

The laughter began faintly, as if from afar, but by its final note, the voice had reached the door outside.