Brothel Manager 2 :Path of DUAL CULTIVATION

Mo Han entered the Academy Hall, his steps calm and steady, though his eyes sharpened like blades beneath his plain expression.

Behind the long desk, the same old lady with a plum face—her cheeks powdered heavily, lips painted dark red—lifted her gaze. Recognition flickered across her eyes, followed by scorn.

"So it's you again." She sniffed loudly, setting aside a jade slip. "What now? Weren't you already given enough chances? Or did you return to waste my time again?"

Without reacting to her tone, Mo Han placed the folded warning letter on the table between them. His voice remained polite but firm. "This was sent to my residence. I am here to resolve the issue."

The woman unfolded the parchment, skimmed through it, and clicked her tongue. "Tch… such trouble already, and you haven't even stepped into proper classes. What arrogance…"

Her eyes narrowed, and she gave him a scorning look before pointing lazily toward the left corridor. "Go there. Find Elder Tin. He deals with new disciples like you who think the world revolves around them. Don't waste more of my time."

Mo Han clasped his hands together in a respectful bow. "Thank you."

The old lady sneered, muttering under her breath as he walked away. "Golden Heir or not, let's see how long you last."

Mo Han followed the left corridor, where torches burned faintly with spirit fire. The quiet hallway opened into a smaller chamber, where a middle-aged man sat cross-legged behind a square wooden table stacked with rolls of parchment and brushes. His beard was short, his hair tied simply, and his eyes gleamed with tired patience, unlike the hostility of the administration lady.

As Mo Han approached, the man looked up. "You must be Mo Han. Sit." His voice was calm, not hostile, though his expression was curious.

Mo Han bowed slightly and sat opposite him. He handed over the parchment. "Elder, I received this warning letter yesterday. I came here to clarify the situation and know what activities I am required to take."

Elder Tin unrolled the parchment and skimmed its contents. He sighed softly, then set it down. "You are still new. Perhaps you don't know the rules yet. As a disciple of the Eternal Night Mansion, you must register for at least two activity divisions. Healing, weapon forging, talisman crafting, alchemy, or combat… choose at least two, and attend their schedules. Otherwise, the sect considers you idle and sends warnings."

Mo Han bowed his head lightly. "I understand, Elder. May I ask… among these, which are considered the better divisions?"

A faint smile tugged Elder Tin's lips. He leaned back, folding his arms. "Better? That depends entirely on you. Every division is good if you have the interest. If you choose blindly, you'll only waste time. Tell me—what do you seek? Wealth? Power? Prestige? Or simply survival?"

Mo Han tilted his head, his voice calm. "If one aims for benefits—real benefits—what would you recommend?"

Elder Tin tapped his fingers on the wooden table, thoughtful. "Most new disciples rush toward the combat division. They think strength alone will make them rise. But combat alone consumes spirit stones, treasures, and resources without giving you anything back." He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "If you want wealth and steady standing, choose Healing or Weapon Forging. Healing is always in demand—broken bones, shattered meridians, poisoned veins—someone always pays well for treatment. As for Weapon Forging… disciples crave better swords and spears as much as they crave cultivation pills. If you excel in either, spirit stones will flood to you."

Mo Han's eyes gleamed faintly with thought. "Then, Elder… I will take Healing and Weapon Forging."

Elder Tin blinked, leaning forward. "Both?"

"Yes." Mo Han's answer was steady.

Elder Tin frowned, rubbing his beard. "That is a heavy burden. These two divisions demand long hours of practice. Healing requires deep understanding of anatomy, meridian flows, and rare herbs. Forging requires endurance, focus, and steady control of flame. Even one division can consume a disciple's entire schedule. Are you sure you want both?"

Mo Han inclined his head slightly. "I am sure. I have the knowledge, Elder. I only need the structure and resources to apply it."

For a moment, silence filled the chamber as Elder Tin studied his expression. Finally, he exhaled deeply. "Very well. If you insist, I won't stop you. But remember, overconfidence has broken more disciples than failure ever did."

He rummaged through the drawers of his desk and brought out two small bronze tokens, each engraved with glowing inscriptions. He placed them on the table between them. "These are your division tokens. One for Healing, one for Weapon Forging. With these, you can access the halls, classes, and resources. But mark my words, Mo Han…" Elder Tin leaned forward, lowering his voice into a warning whisper. "Be cautious in the Healing Division."

Mo Han's eyes sharpened slightly. "Why?"

Elder Tin glanced toward the door, then back at him. His voice dropped to a murmur. "Because it is overseen by Elder Park. And that woman… seems to have taken issue with you. I don't know why, but I can feel her mood. If you join Healing classes, act humble. Avoid standing out. Her displeasure can cost you dearly."

Mo Han bowed deeply, his eyes calm. "I will remember your words. Thank you for your guidance, Elder Tin."

Elder Tin nodded. "Good. And don't forget—no one will come knocking at your door to drag you to classes. The schedules are posted weekly in the division halls. It is your responsibility to attend on time. Fail again, and another warning will not be so lenient."

Mo Han stood, picking up the two tokens and slipping them into his sleeve. "I understand."

Elder Tin gave a faint smile. "You're polite. That is good. I hope you will survive the politics of this sect."

Mo Han clasped his hands respectfully and turned to leave.

As he stepped out of the chamber, his mind lingered on Elder Tin's words. Elder Park… the same woman who sent the administration to reject the disciples of the Pink Blossom Tree. It must be her hand behind that farce as well. She is the one playing games in the shadows.

The corridor opened into the bright courtyard. Sunlight shimmered across the tiled floors, disciples passing by with chatter and whispers. Mo Han looked down at the bronze Healing Division token in his palm.

"Whatever her schemes may be…" he muttered softly, his tone steady. "…we will know everything in time."

He turned without hesitation and walked straight toward the Healing Division halls. He would see the schedule himself—he had no intention of receiving another warning letter.

-Tq