Troublemaker’s Guide to Immortality

"Elder Ming, please guide me." Yun Jin bowed respectfully before beginning to recite the Foundation Establishment stage cultivation method deduced by the system.

Those watching from the outside were stunned. Though they couldn't hear the specifics, the sight of Yun Jin's flawless performance and Elder Ming's approving gaze was infuriating.

Zhao Wuji's face darkened further. He knew Elder Ming's temperament. A wild, unruly person like Yun Jin should never have made a good impression on him.

Ye Danxia, obedient and sweet, should have been the ideal disciple in Elder Ming's eyes.

Yet!

This Yun Jin, just like her senior brother Yue Zhao, had mastered the art of deception!

Zhao Wuji itched to rush forward and expose her: "Don't be fooled! This girl is nothing like this!"

But knowing Elder Ming, he'd likely dismiss such warnings as petty jealousy.

So Zhao Wuji could only grind his teeth and endure.

Just wait.

Yun Jin's true nature would surface. He refused to believe she could keep up this act forever.

And right now—

She'd dared claim she'd evolved the Mystic Codex to Foundation Establishment!

Elder Ming despised boastful individuals. Surely, he'd see through her soon.

Zhao Wuji stared intently, awaiting Elder Ming's outburst.

Yun Jin began reciting methodically.

At first, Elder Ming listened casually.

"Hmm. The opening seems sound. This girl might indeed have some talent."

As she continued, his interest grew.

"This… is rather intriguing?"

Then—

"Ah!"

Elder Ming slapped his thigh.

"This adjustment here—sheer brilliance!"

He straightened, listening with rapt attention, unwilling to miss a single word.

The outsiders, unable to hear, grew restless.

What was Yun Jin saying?!

Had she actually evolved the cultivation method?!

Impossible!

Soon, Yun Jin finished and stepped back deferentially, her eyes brimming with trust and anticipation.

"Elder Ming, I could only deduce this much. I'm sure there are still many errors in the method. Please, guide me."

Seeing her so humble, Elder Ming broke into a smile.

"Excellent, excellent! Not only was her talent astounding, but her humility was equally remarkable!"

His favorability soared.

"Since you've asked, I'll point out a few mistakes. This method of yours has several remarkable and inventive ideas, but there are some errors in the foundational parts. That's due to a lack of solid fundamentals. You should come visit more often, and I'll help guide you on cultivation methods." Elder Ming said kindly.

Yun Jin looked genuinely moved. "Thank you, Elder Ming."

Of course, the "errors" had been intentional.

Take notes, everyone.

When dealing with superiors, leaving no room for criticism denies them a sense of contribution.

By showing competence while still leaving room for correction, you make them feel accomplished. That's the real strategy in a workplace.

Whether Elder Ming liked her or not was unclear, but he certainly looked very satisfied right now. He carefully pointed out several basic flaws, and his expression toward Yun Jin grew more and more approving.

If Lin Ya hadn't already claimed her as a disciple, Elder Ming might have tried to take her for himself.

"That covers the essentials." Elder Ming's throat was dry from speaking.

Yun Jin promptly produced tea from her storage pouch.

Elder Ming's satisfaction deepened.

What a thoughtful girl!

How he wished to mentor her properly!

"Xiao Jin," he called her more affectionately now, "you have an extraordinary talent for creating cultivation methods. I've done a fair bit of research in this field too. If you don't mind, come by often. I'll teach you what I know, little by little."

Tears welled in Yun Jin's eyes. "Elder Ming, your kindness moves me."

Elder Ming was equally touched.

Such a pure-hearted child!

One sentence, and she's overwhelmed with gratitude!

Outside, the crowd was agonizing.

What was happening?!

Why was Yun Jin crying?! Scolded?

But Elder Ming looked so pleased!

"How is Yun Jin's method?" Zhao Wuji couldn't resist asking Lin Ya.

Lin Ya rolled his eyes. "Do I look like I know?"

Zhao Wuji didn't buy it.

He suspected their earlier "performance" at the ceremony had been a coordinated farce!

"How could a master not know his disciple's achievements?! Lin Ya… perhaps I've underestimated you all these years. Your scheming runs deeper than I imagined."

"There are still other disciples waiting, so I won't speak further for now," Elder Ming said. "When it's time to choose manuals, you don't need to go upstairs. Just stay by my side, and I'll fetch whatever you want."

"Elder Ming, I'd like a few sword technique manuals," Yun Jin said quickly.

Elder Ming didn't find that strange—Lin Ya was a sword genius, after all.

He nodded. "Alright. I'll personally find you a few good ones."

"Thank you, Elder Ming. Also, although the Foundation Establishment part of this method was my own deduction, the technique itself originally came from the sect. I'd like to submit it to the archive, so other disciples can benefit from it as well."

"You silly child." Elder Ming was touched by her generosity.

Even though the method only worked for cultivators with all five spiritual roots—and had a high comprehension requirement, making it nearly useless for most—the spirit behind the gesture mattered more than practicality.

"This method has great research value. If you're willing to share it, the sect won't let you suffer a loss. I'll award you 1,000 contribution points."

One thousand points.

Yun Jin was overjoyed.

This was a fat windfall.

On the surface, though, she looked embarrassed. "I… I don't deserve so much. Elder Ming, it was only thanks to your help that the method could be improved."

Elder Ming laughed heartily. "It's fine. Just come keep me company now and then."

"I'll be here every day, as long as Elder Ming won't find me a bother," Yun Jin said, looking up with such a sincere expression that Elder Ming felt warm inside.

When the sound barrier finally came down, Yun Jin was standing obediently beside Elder Ming, looking every bit the favored disciple.

"Elder Ming, about my disciple's method…" Lin Ya asked a bit nervously.

"You've taken in a great disciple," Elder Ming said with a smile. "Yun Jin's method already meets the standard of a high-grade Yellow-rank technique. I've added it to the archive for 1,000 contribution points. From now on, any disciple with five spiritual roots can study it."

"It was only thanks to Elder Ming's guidance," Yun Jin said respectfully.

"I only pointed out a few basics. Most of it was your own work."

"But everyone knows, the basics are the most important part. I'll never forget your kindness, Elder Ming," Yun Jin replied with deep gratitude.

"You flatter me," Elder Ming said, beaming.

The crowd: "..."

Could she stop acting?!

Those who'd seen her true self were getting whiplash!