In the Palace of Absolute Beginning’s merit hall, an elderly, weary-looking Daoist with a pair of eyebrows so long that they were drooping to his chest was casting his perception into the jade throne below the floor. There, he was processing an ocean of merit-related tasks.

Most of the verifications, recording, and distribution of merits were handled automatically by the merit hall itself. However, major transactions—those involving Heaven Merits or higher—were overseen by designated Truemen, who either conducted post-transaction audits or pre-transaction reviews. If the Truemen could not reach a decision, then the responsibility would fall onto a rotating True Lord.

Just then, an elderly Daoist with his hands clasped behind his back walked up to his colleague. He too looked worn and frail, his ultimate end not far away at all. He said, “I’ve come to relieve you, Senior Brother. Have there been any unusual events this month?”

The long-browed Daoist withdrew his perception and let out a sigh. “The fighting in the north has grown fiercer. Both merits and Heaven Merits have increased significantly in quantities, and exchanges have been happening far more frequently than usual. Unfortunately, many of our sect fellows and juniors have also fallen in battle. It is truly lamentable.

“But you were asking about unusual events, and one had just occurred. Wei Yuan, a disciple of the Skyblue Hall, just requested a permit to teach the six universal cultivation methods of Body-tempering. He is willing to pay three thousand Heaven Merits for it.”

The newcomer exclaimed...