Due to limited time, Yan Yuchen's pace of inspection quickened.
The entire prison held a total of twenty-two spirit monsters, meaning there were twenty-two cells to clean.
Though it didn't seem like much, each cell was perilous; you never knew if a monster would attack like the big-headed one in the second cell.
Yan Yuchen remained cautious, thoroughly checking each of the twenty-two cells before picking up a broom to sweep them one by one.
Having gained insights earlier, the cleaning process was now somewhat simpler.
The big-headed monster in the second cell lay groaning on the floor, trembling in fear at Yan Yuchen's entrance, no longer daring to go berserk.
Yan Yuchen, sweeping the floor, teasingly remarked, "Look, I'm just a handyman. Want to try sucking my blood again?"
The big-headed monster, in pain, curled up and angrily cursed, "You deceitful and cunning human! You won't trick me again! Even if I believe in crap, I won't trust you!"
Amused by the metaphor, Yan Yuchen suppressed his laughter and stepped out.
While cleaning the third cell, the nine-tailed fox stared at him with cold eyes, teeth audibly grinding, seemingly eager to bite him.
In the past, all the handymen were captivated by her beauty, completely infatuated, sneaking in food and drinks for her, even contemplating stealing spiritual water for her.
Although she never took advantage of them and never let them touch her, just a few soft words were enough for them to risk their lives for her.
But this new handyman today was utterly blind!
No, he wasn't even a thing!
"So what if I'm not human? I am a noble nine-tailed fox! I, this fox fairy, am peerlessly beautiful, naturally charming. Which man in the world wouldn't desire me? Whether human or spirit monster, as long as they're male, who wouldn't be enchanted by my unparalleled beauty? Hmph!"
Leaning against the wall, the nine-tailed fox glared fiercely at Yan Yuchen cleaning the cell, harboring both hatred and anger.
Yan Yuchen didn't spare her a glance, finishing the cleaning and preparing to leave.
The nine-tailed fox maliciously sneered, "Little handyman, I finally understand; you're not even a man!"
Yan Yuchen paused, "Monster, why do you say that?"
The nine-tailed fox, infuriated at being repeatedly called a monster, retorted, "You uncultured and unappreciative dead menial worker! You must be a eunuch! Prove you're a man if you dare!"
Yan Yuchen couldn't help but laugh, casting a peculiar look at the nine-tailed fox. He said, "Monster, you're definitely not a female monster! If you dare, show me and prove you possess what a female monster has!"
The nine-tailed fox froze, visibly angered, trembling as she pointed at him. "You... you..."
Before she could finish speaking, with a loud "bang," Yan Yuchen directly closed the prison door and locked it.
Although the nine-tailed fox was originally weak, she was infuriated and jumped up from the corner, cursing loudly at the locked door.
Even though no one outside could hear her words, her chest was filled with countless rage and foul language. If she didn't curse it all out now, she feared she would be driven to death by anger.
Yan Yuchen cautiously finished cleaning all the cells, then went out to fetch water, preparing for a second round of cleaning.
Disciples he encountered on the way gave him disdainful looks.
After finally cleaning the entire prison, the sky outside had darkened.
As he walked out, a cold wind blew, and the moonlight was piercing.
A boy, around thirteen or fourteen years old, approached, holding a package. He said, "You're the new handyman, Yan Yuchen, right? I'm Xiao Yuan, also a handyman on Kunyao Peak, responsible for cleaning the garbage along that path. This is what the management office gave you. Inside are two sets of handyman uniforms, some daily necessities, and a book called 'Imperial Demon Spirit Technique,' which the steward asked me to give you."
Yan Yuchen thanked him, took the package, feeling a bit excited.
The book, " Imperial Demon Spirit Technique," should be the foundational cultivation technique of the Imperial Demon Sect. Despite being forced to become a handyman, they still provided him with an opportunity.
As long as he could comprehend spiritual energy, he could become an outer disciple.
However, his current concern wasn't whether he could successfully comprehend spiritual energy but rather how to return to his original world.
Astral projection wasn't a joke. If his parents and little sister found him lying in bed motionless, they would surely be frantic.
If they took him to the hospital, he might end up as a vegetable or treated as a corpse. That would be disastrous.
"Big Brother Yan, let's go. I'll take you to where you'll stay. The handymans' residence is quite nice, although it's a cave, it has everything inside, warm in winter and cool in summer, and no poisonous bugs or mosquitoes, just a bit crowded."
While Yan Yuchen was contemplating, the boy named Xiao Yuan patted his arm and led the way.
Yan Yuchen glanced at the guards patrolling not far away, sighed inwardly, and reluctantly followed him. The surroundings were bizarre and diverse.
There are dancing fruit trees, floating stones, and even some rotating flowers. He even saw a colorful butterfly larger than a domestic goose.
"Isn't it magical? When I first arrived, I was stunned by these sights. These are all tricks performed by the immortals; it's quite impressive," Xiao Yuan said as Yan Yuchen was captivated by the scenery.
As they approached the cave where they lived, Xiao Yuan's smile gradually faded. He looked at Yan Yuchen with some concern and said, "Yan Ge, you've just arrived, and there are many things you don't know. Let me give you a heads up."
"In the cave where we live, including the two of us, there are a total of seven people. One of them is named Yang Shan, and you must absolutely not provoke him. His real brother recently comprehended spiritual energy and became an outer disciple, so he became quite arrogant. He often bullies other handymans, and most people endure silently. Many handymans willingly become his lackeys."
Lowering his voice, Xiao Yuan continued, "Yan Ge, if he comes looking for trouble later, just endure it a bit, bear some grievances, so you won't get beaten. Understand?"
Yan Yuchen was momentarily stunned, thinking it was unlucky. No matter where you go, there are always those who prey on the weaker ones.
After a moment's thought, he asked, "As long as you comprehend spiritual energy, you can become an outer disciple? How many handymans have succeeded, roughly?"
With a bitter smile, Xiao Yuan extended one finger and said, "In the past six months, only Yang Shan's brother has skyrocketed from being a handyman to becoming an outer disciple. Without good talent and opportunities, what's the use of just having a cultivation technique? Practicing cultivation goes against the natural order. Not everyone can become someone extraordinary. We're just holding onto these techniques as fantasies; don't take it too seriously. Just do your three years of menial service honestly, and there should still be a chance to leave."
"Three years?"
Hearing this, Yan Yuchen felt a sudden chill in his heart.
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