Hidden Moth-Chapter 577 - 329: Always Seeming Harsh, Anxious at Heart (3)

Liu Jingze took out his phone to pay the bill and then left, but before he did, he recommended someone with divine thought, that person being Zong Zheng, the Sect Law Hall Elder and the current Sect Leader of Qi Observation Sect.

Half a month ago, He Kao had just met Zong Zheng, at that time it was to receive the Pure Yang Pill.

Zong Zheng is known as Master Zong, not only because he was a teacher at school, but also as a mocking reference to his old-fashioned scholarly demeanor. He also has a nickname called Second Elder, and often gives the impression of being a good-natured elder.

However, Zong Zheng's prestige is very high. Other Elders are elusive like dragons, but Elder Zong always sits in command at the Sect Law Hall.

In the old days, Zong Zheng was the principal of Fengwei Middle School, following school reform, when the high school and middle school were split, he became the middle school's principal, then went on to be an elementary school's principal, with his teaching targets getting younger and younger.

After stepping down as elementary school principal, Zong Zheng served as the mayor of Phoenix Tail Town, retiring from this post, and then surprisingly was elected as Cai Ping Village's village head. It seems even his official posts could get smaller.

Actually, it's not fitting to say this, because a village head doesn't belong to the civil service system and has no official position. Zong Zheng has been re-elected as village head for many terms, but this year, he might have to retire.

Because the new regulations state that newly elected village party secretary or village head should generally be no older than sixty years old, and Zong Zheng has long surpassed that age.

Master Zong gives a lecture once every year, usually around Dragon Boat Festival, that is, around mid-May in the Gregorian Calendar, held at the Sect Law Hall.

Nowadays, not many people like to listen, because he doesn't talk about technique cultivation, but rather on traditional philosophies. Even if younger disciples attend, it's mainly out of respect for the elderly, specially going to support the event.

With He Kao's identity as an "independent cultivator," he originally couldn't attend, not even able to hear about it... That's right, He Kao's public identity remains as an independent cultivator.

The actual situation is different, aside from a few elders, He Kao also got acquainted with several stewards, any of whom could be casually called to gain entry to listen to lectures... Young people being modest and eager to learn, Elder Zong certainly won't refuse.

It's said that the topic Elder Zong will lecture on this time is "The Three Theories of Confucianism."

No wonder they call him Master Zong, just listen to this topic, reaching back two thousand years!

Eastern Country's traditional Confucianism has a few representative stages: the pre-Qin era's Confucianism, post-Han era's Confucian classics, Song dynasty's Neo-Confucianism, and the mainstream Ming dynasty's Confucianism of the Heart.

Now it's the era of artificial intelligence, yet Master Zong wants to talk about pre-Qin Confucianism, something long decayed, who would want to listen? But Liu Jingze suggested He Kao to attend.

Liu Jingze hinted to He Kao that he might gain insight into a path to break illusions, but it was merely one kind of reference, whether it suits him, no one could guarantee.

Master Zong's lecture is in a week's time, on Saturday. He Kao has booked the high-speed train ticket, for safety he plans to depart ahead, leaving Friday afternoon, hence needing half a day off.

This time there's no need to look for Old Qian, President Gao directly approved half a day off for him.

Gao Xue'e has finished training at the headquarters and returned to Qi Yuan, promoted to vice-president of the branch company, overseeing the newly reorganized digital life project group, including three departments.

Actually, He Kao is only a programmer without any position, not even a team leader, so for him to take leave doesn't need approval from such a high-level leader, department supervisor Xiaopang nodding would suffice.

However, on the night Gao Xue'e returned to Qi Yuan, He Kao verbally mentioned needing to leave early next weekend, so Gao Xue'e casually approved his leave, this came as an indirect way to connect to higher authority.

This time, Gao Xue'e attended an advanced talent training program organized by the group's headquarters, lasting about two and a half months, conveniently avoiding Xiao Yuan's recent various disturbances.

Now Gao Xue'e already has a Tier Two Cultivation, by ordinary human standards, her body is in perfect health condition, and she always wears Xue Guanghan, by cultivating this way, she has the additional wonder of Ice Skin Jade Bone.

The group training, with social eating and drinking, connections and networking are inevitable, Gao Xue'e being a very charming beauty certainly attracts attention, many have wanted to ask her out for meals or shopping.

But aside from group activities, Gao Xue'e declined all other invitations, continuing to cultivate beyond training. Besides the Fundamental Technique of Insect Concealment Skill, her focus lately is on Stealth Skill and Breath Concealment Technique.

This is the Hidden Moth Sect's signature techniques, as an "assassin," first things first are to avoid people noticing you, not get defended against, her external conditions obviously don't quite meet requirements.

Not being defended against is possible, but the possibility of not being noticed is rather small. He Kao's intent in advising her to focus on cultivating Stealth and Breath Concealment is for her to avoid exposing her magic cultivation.

He Kao regards Gao Xue'e as a Secret Transmission of the Hidden Moth Sect.

Secret Transmission holds varied meanings, one of which is to maintain the lineage in case the sect is destroyed, but if the sect is intact, one's identity need not be revealed, even they themselves might not know.

During the training period, He Kao made time to "visit" her a few times, now with her promotion and return, naturally there is a need for guidance. Such personal affairs need not be elaborated on...

Gao Xue'e has changed significantly, not only in skin beauty but more importantly in attitude and temperament.

Once as a supervisor, she seemed strict even harsh towards employees, but keen observers saw it was truly an emotional issue, a typical modern workplace anxiety.

Modern white-collars merely sell labor and don't own production resources, not knowing when they might be optimized out by the market, hence someone like Gao Xue'e, supposedly middle level, is filled with anxiety over future uncertainty.

But after surviving that life-and-death ordeal, she rather let go of many things. Especially encountering techniques and having succeeded in cultivation, her fundamental nature started becoming calm and confident.

For instance, during training she refused many invitations to meals, someone hinted this might negatively affect her promotion to branch vice-president.

If it were the past Gao Xue'e she might feel anxious, worry about gaining or losing, but now she doesn't care at all, truly she is indifferent, a promotion is of course good, even without this vice-president role she wouldn't mind.

Of course, this is private conversation between Gao Xue'e and He Kao, possibly it's just to coquettishly chat.

Short separations bring unique joy, after guiding and testing cultivation, near dawn, He Kao appeared in Nanhua City's park. Nearby is a Zen Forest, Erji had just arrived there a few days ago.

He Kao still appeared in the guise of Feng Zilong, shortly after someone walked out from the grove, it was Erji, now in casual clothes. He Kao didn't plan to wait any longer, he intended to lead him back to the sect today.

Meditation comprehension is another thing, but first actions need to be taken.

**