Qin Ruqing was about to check the system message to see if it was her last chance to draw lots.

Normally, she wouldn’t operate the system outside, but today was special—she had been saving up her ten consecutive draws for too long and was quite excited.

Before she could focus on opening the message, she heard a shout from behind.

“Elder Qin.”

Qin Ruqing snapped out of her thoughts and saw the scribe, feeling puzzled.

Wasn’t the meeting over?

Even in her excitement, she wouldn’t forget her surroundings.

Now was the time for the various families to leave after the meeting, and those probing her for cooperation had already dispersed, allowing her a brief moment to check the system.

Despite her confusion, Qin Ruqing respectfully greeted the scribe.

Although the position was under the Bureau Director, just the ability to control the Heavenly Book, a powerful artifact, showed the scribe’s importance, not inferior to that of the Bureau’s Director.

Ancestor had once explained to her that the scribe was usually trusted by the Director, spending over a decade by their side until the Director was transferred, at which point the scribe would take over.

In other words, this was the second-in-command capable of assuming the leadership position at any time.

The scribe from Xi Ling had a dignified appearance and liked clever and courteous youngsters like Qin Ruqing.

Seeing her greet him, his demeanor softened slightly as he said, “The Director has a few words to discuss with you. Come see him before you leave.”

Qin Ruqing sighed and followed the scribe.

They headed towards the Director’s office, which was some distance from the meeting hall.

On the way, the scribe asked about her plans.

Qin Ruqing replied, “I plan to obtain four spot in Small Floating Island’ Secret Realm. After coming out of the secret realm, I will return to Nan Ling.”

Glancing at her, the scribe asked, “You really don’t intend to stay in Xi Ling? The Director holds you in high regard. If you’re willing to stay, the Celestial Bureau can easily secure you four spots.”

Qin Ruqing smiled, “I appreciate the Director’s and your kind offer, but I’m ultimately a member of the Qin family and can’t leave them. As for the Floating Sky Island, I’ve already worked out a solution.”

She had previously asked the Yang family for two spots, leaving the remaining two spots to be negotiated from the Tang family.

“Very well,” the scribe nodded, respecting her decision and said no more.

Arriving at the Director’s office, when no one was watching, he adopted a relaxed and lazy posture.

Seeing Qin Ruqing, he smirked and beckoned her closer, asking straight away, “Today, everything went as you planned. So, are you willing to stay in Xi Ling?”

Qin Ruqing couldn’t help but chuckle.

The Director was really persistent, despite her numerous refusals before.

As usual, she prepared to respond with her standard refusal, but before she could speak, Fifth Lingyu, seeing her open her mouth, already knew what she was about to say and waved his hand dismissively, “Enough.”

Qin Ruqing fell silent.

Seeing her reaction, Fifth Lingyu felt a bit frustrated and continued, “Hey, I covered for your Qin family, saying it was at the request of our Celestial Bureau that they produced those items. Otherwise, with so many useful items for Xi Ling cultivators, others might speculate about your motives. Isn’t that worth loosening up a bit? It’s just representing Xi Ling at the Hundred Clans Assembly”

Qin Ruqing responded firmly, “Didn’t I already explain to the Chief why I created so many items useful to Xi Ling? It was to help a friend return to their family, a condition for cooperation with my Qin family.

Whether my words are true or false, shouldn’t the Celestial Bureau have already investigated if the Qin family harbored ill intentions toward Xi Ling? If there were any issues, why would they allow me to sign in the Heavenly Book?”

As she finished, Qin Ruqing blinked, sensing the Chief might be displeased with her straightforward approach.

Playfully, she added, “And Director, don’t make it sound like you’re losing out. The Qin family gave a generous discount on the detox pills this time.

If not for your influence, wouldn’t the Qin family have auctioned them at a higher price? This cooperation is clearly a win-win. Don’t act like I’m the one benefitting unfairly!”

Pausing for effect, she intentionally displayed the jade pendant she had received earlier, subtly flattering the Director.

This was a tactful compliment, implying the importance of Qin family’s cooperation with the Celestial Bureau, highlighted by the gift.

Fifth Lingyu chuckled upon hearing this and applauded, “Well said!”

Qin Ruqing then shifted gears and cautiously asked, “I wonder how much power this little jade pendant can unleash. Could I use it a few times to assert authority?”

Rubbing his chin, Fifth Lingyu didn’t confirm but replied, “It depends on my mood.”

Qin Ruqing nodded, understanding that she could use it when circumstances permitted.

Despite the Director giving her the jade pendant earlier, it implied a tacit agreement.

After all, investments weren’t just about the item itself but also the power it could wield.

However, Qin Ruqing remained cautious about its usage.

If she flaunted it and the Director didn’t acknowledge it, it would only cause trouble for herself.

Thus, her probing question earlier aimed to secure this understanding.

With the assurance she sought, Qin Ruqing finally took her leave.

Riding her flying sword, sparks flew as Qin Ruqing hurried back to her inn where she briefed her sisters briefly before heading upstairs to her room.

“System, open the interface!”

Seeing the words appear on the white interface, Qin Ruqing held her breath.

【Becoming an official cooperating family with the Xi Ling Celestial Goods Bureau rewards one lottery chance.】

“Finally, System, you’re doing something reliable for once!”

Excitedly pacing in her room, Qin Ruqing nearly shouted but restrained herself. “System, we agreed earlier that ten consecutive draws guarantee something good!”

The system replied blankly, “We discussed increasing the odds, didn’t we?”

Qin Ruqing protested, “No, you clearly promised a guarantee!”

Disappointed with the slim odds, she insisted the system change its tune.

The system attempted to retrieve past chat records

Qin Ruqing interrupted the system as it began to search for old records. “No need to look back. Let’s talk about something new.”

“New?” The system sensed trouble ahead.

“You used to improve when you met Cheng Yiming, knowing how to activate effects on your own. Now, why can’t you figure out how to boost performance?”

Qin Ruqing tried to reason with it, attempting to influence it logically. “Your performance depends on me, right? I need gold to get stronger. So, when I get gold, your performance improves. Can your processor handle this logic?”

But it seemed the system couldn’t adapt. Its interface started glitching again.

Qin Ruqing tapped its external monitor. “Hey, why are you acting like an old system? Always glitching!”

“Look at you, outdated interface and those glitches. You’ve improved in intelligence slightly, but is your department too poor to update you, or are you just not valued?” Qin Ruqing emphasized.

The system stayed silent. Updating was expensive, and in human terms, it had no money.

“So, improving performance is more important for you. Don’t you want a better appearance?” Qin Ruqing pressed on.

After a moment, the system displayed a line: 【Ten consecutive draws now guarantee a 100% chance of obtaining a legendary gold item.】

A guaranteed result meant it would definitely happen. “Well done, little System, you’re catching on.”

Despite the guaranteed result, Qin Ruqing didn’t start drawing immediately.

Having one gold item was good, but with ten draws, she hoped for even better.

She first went to the rooftop to absorb essence from day and night, a real thing in the cultivation world, not just mysticism.

After absorbing the essence, she returned to her sisters and asked a strange question.

“Hey, sisters, how’s your luck?” she asked.

Liu Wei touched Qin Ruqing’s hair, curious. “Why is Xiao Wu asking this?”

“Just curious!” Qin Ruqing shrugged.

Unfortunately, Xiao Cheng wasn’t there; otherwise, his insight could have revealed something.

As for herself, Xiao Cheng often said she was shielded by fate and couldn’t foresee things.

Liu Wei pondered for a moment. “Luck and fortune are subjective. There’s no standard measure.”

Qin Ruqing persisted, “Have you ever found spirit stones or won gambling? What’s the luckiest and unluckiest thing that happened to you?”

As Qin Ruqing continued to pester Liu Wei about luck, Qi Rong and Tang Zifeng joined them.

After a pause, Liu Wei responded, “I haven’t found spirit stones and never gamble in casinos. Oh, but during our clan celebration, I remember gambling with you and Xiao Wu once, but we never won.”

She couldn’t recall the luckiest or unluckiest events clearly.

Qin Ruqing felt disappointed. Liu Wei had never won gambling.

Judging from her demeanor, maybe her luck wasn’t as good as Qin Ruqing’s.

Turning to Qi Rong, Qin Ruqing asked, “What about you, Qirong?”

Qin Ruqing’s eyes lit up as Qi Rong shared his experiences: “I’ve found a bag of spirit stones once, and I usually win at gambling. The luckiest thing was when my sister unexpectedly discovered my devouring ability. As for the unluckiest, I don’t recall anything specific…”

Qin Ruqing hugged Qirong exuberantly, grateful. Qirong was slightly bewildered by being called “Good brother.”

Next, Qin Ruqing turned to Tang Zifeng, who understood her question from her bright eyes.

Tang Zifeng replied earnestly, “If only my luck had been better, I wouldn’t have been expelled from home.”

Realizing Tang Zifeng’s poor luck, Qin Ruqing stepped back.

She bid them goodnight and went upstairs to try her luck in the draw.

“System, our success or failure rests on this. Don’t mess up today!” she exclaimed.

“Start the ten draws—go!”

Nervously, Qin Ruqing closed her eyes during the draw.

After what felt like an eternity, the system alerted her, “Host, it’s done. The results are out.”

She hesitated to open her eyes. “Did I get any gold?”

The system replied, “Yes. You can open your eyes. You shouldn’t be disappointed.”

Qin Ruqing opened her eyes.

The next moment, she covered her mouth in disbelief.

“Oh my god! It’s really a double jackpot!” she exclaimed.

She saw two large golden spheres and two purple ones amidst a few gray ones.

“Two gold, two purple—it’s a big win!” Qin Ruqing jumped with joy in her room before calming down to inspect the prizes.

The first gold item: Concealed Chest Badge – Able to hide aura and cultivation level, undetectable by cultivators below Nascent Soul stage. Additional skills: Intimidation, Fascination. Upgradable.

Intimidation: Releases an aura of terror when worn, causing psychological intimidation to opponents.

Fascination: Enhances the wearer’s beauty by 100% when worn, as perceived by others.

Qin Ruqing was thrilled.

The Concealed Chest Badge was exactly what she needed.

It would conceal her powerful aura, a concern she had with her innate perfection which could attract unwanted attention from powerful cultivators.

The badge’s abilities were incredibly useful.

Qin Ruqing immediately began planning how to use them effectively.

Fully satisfied with the first gold item, Qin Ruqing eagerly anticipated checking out the second gold item.

Qin Ruqing moved on to examine the second gold item.

Heavenly Fire Seed

A seed of the heavenly and earthly spirit fire, requiring absorption and refining. Effects unknown.

Hmm, the description is short.

Qin Ruqing felt that this Heavenly Fire Seed might be even more impressive than the Concealed Chest Badge.

Heavenly and earthly spirit fire—what level of treasure was this?

If the system could directly give her Heavenly and earthly spirit fire, Qin Ruqing would have called it a day.

Unfortunately, it seemed to be just a blind-box seed, as it hadn’t been refined yet, and its effects were unknown as stated by the system.

Hmm, a blind box! How unpredictable.

Qin Ruqing set aside the blind-box seed for now and looked at the two purple items.

Thunder Spirit Fire Seed: Advanced refining material.

Light Spirit Dust: Advanced refining material.

Oh, two purple items turned out to be refining materials? Qin Ruqing hadn’t heard of them before.

But purple items were valuable, just below gold in rarity.

These two items would definitely come in handy.

Qin Ruqing planned to ask Tang Zifeng about their properties later, to see if they could be used for crafting her main artifact.

After checking the purple items, Qin Ruqing glanced at the remaining gray ones—just spirit stones.

Well, spirit stones were still useful. Getting a double jackpot made Qin Ruqing very satisfied.

She then turned her attention back to the Heavenly Fire Seed.

It would likely take considerable effort to refine it. It wasn’t something she could do easily.

Thinking it over, Qin Ruqing took out a white jade pendant.

Is it too late to send a message to the Director now?

But she really wanted to know.

Seeing how the Director was, a night owl, it shouldn’t disturb him, right?

After hesitating for a moment, Qin Ruqing sent a message.

“Director, I’ve obtained a very powerful Heavenly Fire Seed, but I’m not sure how to refine it. With your knowledge, you should know, right?”

The white jade pendant flashed, then returned to calm.

Qin Ruqing waited for a response.

When nothing came after a while, she thought maybe he was asleep.

As she lay down, already feeling drowsy, the white jade pendant by her pillow suddenly lit up:

“Why are you asking this? How powerful is this fire seed and what level is it?” The voice sounded a bit hoarse, possibly just awakened.

Without waiting for her to respond, the voice continued, “To refine the Heavenly Fire Seed, you’ll need to find an extremely hot place. The higher the seed’s level, the more demanding its environmental requirements. There’s a magma pool in Small Floating Island that should meet the requirements for refining any type of fire seed.”

“Alright, don’t bother me anymore.” With that, the contact was abruptly cut off from the other end.