Putting the intimacy between the two aside for the moment, the lingering ambiance finally dissipated.
About an hour later, Gu Chengming left the room of the Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love, feeling refreshed and without the slightest hint of fatigue.
He turned his gaze to the bottom of his vision, where a brand-new, glowing entry was suspended.
【CG / Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love (Completed)】
【The Huiyuan Sword Manual is no longer restricted by grade, breaking the theoretical limit of a basic sword art. Its power will grow infinitely alongside the host's comprehension of the dao of the sword and favorability level.】
【The favorability cap for the Huiyuan Sword Manual has been unlocked, breaking the conventional "maximum value" limit. Every point of overflowing favorability will be proportionally converted into the sword art's own sharpness and resilience.】
【Note: As long as you still love it, it remains the strongest sword art in this world.】
Gu Chengming looked at the annotation and nodded with satisfaction.
There were thousands of cultivation methods in the world, all divided by grades; even the top-tier arts had an end to their progression and a bottleneck.
Yet now, this most basic Huiyuan Sword Manual, which didn't even stand out among common techniques, had completely broken free from its shackles due to this bond of "love."
Well, it could be considered the second cultivation method after Old Bai to have an unlimited favorability cap, right?
With this thought, Gu Chengming turned his attention back to the 【Laboratory of Love】.
With the CG of the 【Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love】 unlocked, the room for the Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love was now fully open.
At the same time, two closed new doors manifested out of thin air at the end of the previously empty corridor.
Both doors were shrouded in thick gray mist, making the patterns on them unclear and their auras imperceptible, save for a primitive copper lock hanging in the center of each leaf.
"These are probably the rooms for the Qingxin Art and the Hundred Bones Resonating," Gu Chengming mused.
The opening mechanism of the Laboratory of Love was clearly not random, but closely related to the progress of unlocking "special bonds."
Only when his favorability with a certain cultivation method reached the maximum, or after a bond was unlocked, would a room manifest here.
As for why the mist-covered doors remained locked, it wasn't clear yet; perhaps certain conditions still needed to be met to unlock them?
However, after this experience, Gu Chengming had completely figured out the nature of this 【Laboratory of Love】.
Though the name was quite misleading, wasn't this essentially a CG gallery?
It was just that the CGs here had to be unlocked by himself...
Furthermore, the CG appreciation here was isolated; once entering a specific gallery room, such as the one for the Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love, the perception of the outside world and other cultivation methods would be automatically blocked.
Gu Chengming glanced at the room he just left with lingering interest, then willed himself to exit.
As his vision blurred for a moment, the familiar bustle flooded back into his mind, and the connections to various cultivation methods that had been blocked began to link up one after another.
The first to respond was, naturally, the protagonist of the recent events.
【The Huiyuan Sword Manual is currently in an extremely subtle state】
It seemed it hadn't fully recovered from that hour-long "soul blending" just now.
【It looks at you dizzily, its gaze hiding a hint of attachment after getting a taste of the marrow】
【Even though you tossed and turned it in that room, practicing "sword moves" for over two hours—from the opening stance to the closing form, with every inch of sword intent being meticulously caressed by you—the feeling of being so happy it almost fainted still makes it impossible to resist being greedy when it thinks back on it now】
【But it doesn't feel tired; instead, it feels truly satisfied】
【However... it also understands the principle that too much of a good thing can be bad. Just as the dao of the sword emphasizes the balance between tension and relaxation, it would be heartbroken if it wore you out】
Gu Chengming felt the mixture of dependence and consideration coming from it, and his heart warmed.
This was more like it.
Compared to the previous little pushover that was always worried about gains and losses and felt it wasn't perfect enough, the current Huiyuan Sword Manual, while still a bit naive, was clearly much more confident.
Moreover, although the Huiyuan Sword Manual didn't say it, when facing the inquiring gazes of other cultivation methods, it unconsciously puffed out its non-existent chest. Though its aura was soft and sweet, it exuded the pride of a main wife.
It was a sense of superiority that said, "Chengming and I have a little secret that none of you know about."
On the other side, everything that happened inside the Laboratory of Love was a complete blank for the other cultivation methods outside.
In their perception, Gu Chengming and the Huiyuan Sword Manual had simply "gone offline" at the same time for an hour; as for where they went and what they did, they had no idea.
【Hundred Bones Resonating asked curiously: So, did you win the fight?】
Seeing this reaction, Gu Chengming thought it was just like the Hundred Bones Resonating to only be curious about the outcome of a battle.
He smiled and said he had naturally won.
【Upon hearing this, the Hundred Bones Resonating immediately cheered: Good! As expected of Emperor Gu! Even when facing such a powerful enemy, you can still suppress them!】
【Hundred Bones Resonating favorability +2】
Looking at the Hundred Bones Resonating, which had somehow gained favorability again, Gu Chengming was momentarily speechless.
However, not all cultivation methods were as easy to fool as the Hundred Bones Resonating.
【The Qingxin Art did not make a fuss like the Hundred Bones Resonating; it just floated there quietly, its personified purple eyes narrowing slightly as its gaze swept back and forth between Gu Chengming and the mass of pink bubbles that was the Huiyuan Sword Manual】
As a cultivation method specializing in the state of mind, its ability to capture emotions far exceeded that of an average person.
【Though it has no concrete evidence, it still sensed that someone was "eating on the side," and subsequently gave you a deep, resentful, and complex look】
After completely exiting the Laboratory of Love.
Gu Chengming opened his eyes to find the wind and snow outside still as they were.
The sky was now near dusk, with the setting sun like blood, dyeing the accumulated snow in the courtyard a shade of crimson.
He got up from the couch and pushed the door open, walking under the old plum tree. With a flip of his palm, the Quexie sword was already in his hand.
Gu Chengming did not mobilize much true essence; he simply thrust out a casual sword strike.
Where the blade pointed, the dancing snowflakes automatically parted to both sides, forming a vacuum tunnel several zhang long.
This single strike consumed less than ten percent of his usual true essence, yet it was several times stronger than before.
【The Huiyuan Sword Manual let out a proud little hum in the Sea of Consciousness】
【At this moment, even in the Sea of Consciousness, it can't help but want to snuggle against you, reminiscing about the feeling of facing an enemy together with you】
Gu Chengming felt amused.
Now little Huiyuan had become a stat monster as well.
...
Time was like sand between fingers.
Since the day he unlocked the CG of the 【Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love】, Gu Chengming's life had completely settled down.
As time passed, the Myriad Wonders Gathering had completely spread across the northern border.
Even the troops inside Falling Snow Pass had developed the habit of using their divine sense to scan the real-time updates on the Myriad Wonders Gathering while on patrol.
【The wind and snow in the direction of Eagle Sorrow Ravine are heavy today. A fellow daoist said they saw a few lost snow wolves; brothers, be careful when you go there.】
【Old Zhang at the East Market received a batch of high-quality warm jade today; the price is fair.】
Information that used to take days or even months to spread could now be shared with just a thought.
Inside the side hall of the Northern Mansion, the All Wonders Same Source Method was wallowing in satisfaction.
【What's the difference between it and Gu Chengming being the underground emperors of the northern border right now?】
【You claim the title of emperor, and so do I!】
Gu Chengming was happy to see this.
Of course, his own cultivation did not slacken.
The victory at Falling Snow Pass and the subsequent series of purging operations had accumulated a terrifying amount of merit for Gu Chengming.
After confirming there would be no more battles in the short term, he exchanged all of this merit for cultivation resources.
Peak-grade qi gathering pills, cold marrow liquid for body forging, soul nourishing incense for tempering divine sense...
With the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art organizing his meridians, the Hundred Bones Resonating providing a powerful physical foundation, and the now-transformed Huiyuan Sword Manual of Love providing extreme optimization for spiritual energy circulation, Gu Chengming's cultivation speed was truly explosive.
Until one late night, a clear sword chime rang out from the side courtyard.
The surrounding spiritual energy of heaven and earth seemed to receive a summons, frantically gathering toward that small room.
A moment later, a deep and condensed aura surged into the sky, then quickly retracted and returned to calm.
Inside the room, Gu Chengming slowly opened his eyes.
——Second Realm, Eighth Level.
Feeling the surging true essence within his body, Gu Chengming clenched his fist.
However, the flute of departure always sounds when one is most settled.
Three days later, a vermilion transfer order stamped with the seal of the Night Guard Division's main office arrived at Falling Snow Pass along with a flying boat from the capital.
The demon threat in the northern border had been quelled, and the remnants of the Wanjin Pavilion had been cleared. As the greatest contributor to this campaign, Gu Chengming was to set out immediately and return to the capital with the army.
...
The day of departure was a rare day when the warm sun rose over Falling Snow Pass.
There was no wind or snow filling the sky, only a mighty gale that made the banners atop the city walls snap loudly.
Luo Jinyao did not wear her usual plain white sword robe today; instead, she had changed into a light blue dress, appearing less like a sharp sword immortal and more like a gentle woman.
She held the familiar food box and stood in the pavilion like an ordinary older sister from next door, seeing off a younger brother about to travel far.
"Once you leave, I don't know when we'll meet again."
Luo Jinyao handed the food box to Yu Wenqiu, but her gaze fell on Gu Chengming: "In just a few short months, you grew from a newcomer to the northern border into the 'Falling Snow Pass Murder Demon' who can stand on his own. To be honest, even I am a bit jealous of such progress."
Gu Chengming rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Senior, you overpraise me. That title is really..."
"A title is just an external thing; what matters is what you do."
Luo Jinyao interrupted him, her expression becoming serious. "You have a straightforward nature. Though you have methods, you are ultimately not smooth enough. Think more when you encounter problems, but don't wrong yourself either."
Hearing this, Gu Chengming wondered what kind of image he had in Senior Luo's mind for her to give an evaluation like "straightforward nature."
Yu Wenqiu, standing aside, heard this and thought: Does even Senior Sister have the right to call someone else straightforward?
Clearly unaware of their thoughts, Luo Jinyao paused and said warmly: "If you truly run into an insurmountable obstacle or suffer some grievance, just come find me."
Gu Chengming was moved and performed a solemn salute. "I will keep your teachings in mind, Senior."
Beside them, Yu Wenqiu's eyes were already brimming with tears.
Clutching the food box filled with northern border specialty snacks, she gripped Luo Jinyao's sleeve tightly. "Senior Sister, I can't bear to leave you. I want to eat your cooking every day..."
Luo Jinyao sighed helplessly. "You're already so grown; it's not like we're being separated by death. Once my guard duty here is over, I will return to the sect to see you."
The few of them smiled at each other, and the sorrow of departure was lightened considerably.
After bidding farewell to Luo Jinyao, Gu Chengming turned and walked toward the nearby flying boat.
By the pier, a figure had been waiting for a long time.
Nuo Tao was not chirping away as usual today; she stood with her hands behind her back and her head lowered, unconsciously kicking at the snow on the ground until the flat surface was full of pits.
Hearing footsteps, she suddenly looked up. A flash of panic crossed her lively large eyes before she forced herself to stay calm.
"Gu, you're leaving?"
"Yes, the transfer order is down; I have to go."
Gu Chengming stopped and looked at the girl who could be considered to have shared "trials and tribulations" with him in the northern border. He smiled and asked, "What are your plans next, Miss Nuo? Will you stay in the northern border to train, or return to the Myriad Thief Sect?"
"Who knows? I'll just go wherever the road takes me."
Nuo Tao shrugged, her gaze shifting away, not daring to meet Gu Chengming's eyes. "Anyway, the northern border is so big; there are still many secret realms I haven't dug into yet."
Speaking of which, she seemed to remember something and pulled a uniquely shaped jade slip from her bosom, stuffing it into Gu Chengming's hand.
"Take this."
"What is it?"
"This is a 'Dragon-Seeking Token' exclusively crafted by yours truly!"
Nuo Tao raised her chin and explained somewhat awkwardly, "Even though you're a sword cultivator who doesn't understand any methods for exploring mysteries, your luck is actually pretty good."
"In case... I'm saying in case, if I discover some particularly dangerous or difficult secret realm in the future that I can't handle alone..."
She bit her lip, her voice suddenly becoming much quieter. "I'll contact you through this token. You have to come help me."
She said all of this in one breath, her cheeks flushed red from holding her breath and from shyness.
Gu Chengming looked at her "obvious excuse" and saw through it as clearly as a bright mirror.
With the methods of the Myriad Thief Sect, what kind of help could she not find?
Not to mention, her legendary master, Daoist Don't Know, was still protecting her.
The so-called "need for a helper" was merely a clumsy excuse for a young girl who wanted to meet again in the future.
After all, the world was vast; if there were no bonds, this parting might mean never meeting again.
Gu Chengming gripped the jade slip, which still carried the girl's warmth. He did not expose Nuo Tao's little thoughts, but simply gave a gentle smile and nodded solemnly.
"Alright, I'll definitely come to be your manual laborer when the time comes, Miss Nuo."
Hearing these words, Nuo Tao's previously tense little face instantly relaxed, and the brilliance in her eyes was more dazzling than the sunlight on the snow.
"Hmph, at least you know what's good for you!"
She gave a haughty hum, then turned her back and waved her hand forcefully, her voice carrying a light, cheerful tremor:
"Go on, go on! Next time we meet, I'll definitely be a great third realm expert, and I'll protect you then!"
Gu Chengming smiled and stayed no longer, turning to board the flying boat.
As the roar of the array sounded, the massive flying boat slowly rose into the air, breaking through the clouds and sailing toward the southern horizon.
Nuo Tao kept her back to the flying boat until the roaring sound completely disappeared into the wind, only then did she slowly turn around.
Looking at the empty horizon, the girl sniffled her frost-reddened nose and muttered in a small voice:
"Idiot... who wants you to be a manual laborer?"
...
Aboard the flying boat, the sea of clouds churned.
As the altitude increased, Falling Snow Pass below gradually shrank into a black dot, while the demon territory further north was a vast expanse of white.
With the demon territory quieting down, this bitter land of cold finally welcomed a peace it hadn't seen in nearly a hundred years.
Many years later, when those aging rogue cultivators sat around the fireplace boasting to their juniors about their past experiences, they could never avoid that name.
The young man who always carried a sword and a gentle smile, yet could kill an evil cultivator with one punch and slay a demon king with one strike.
...
On the deck, the wind whistled.
Gu Chengming leaned against the railing, looking at the landscape retreating behind him like a scroll, feeling a myriad of emotions in his heart.
This trip to the northern border had only lasted a few short months, but for him, it had already left behind a considerable number of bonds.
The so-called Red Dust Technique required entering the mortal world; Gu Chengming now had a deeper understanding of this sentence.
The red dust aura he had accumulated during these months in the northern border was perhaps more than what he would have gained in several years of bitter cultivation.
"What are you thinking about? You're so lost in thought."
Yu Wenqiu, wrapped in her thick white fox fur, moved over slowly like a large cat.
She sat down on the reclining chair beside Gu Chengming and casually handed over a piece of dried meat.
"Want a taste? Senior Sister Luo made this herself."
Gu Chengming took the meat and chewed it, the familiar salty and savory flavor spreading across his tongue.
"Thinking about some things in Falling Snow Pass," Gu Chengming said unclearly. "Also thinking about the people and things I encountered along the way."
"What's there to think about?" Yu Wenqiu curled her lip and stuffed a pastry into her mouth. "People always have to move forward; the world has more than just this one scenery."
Speaking of this, she turned her head and looked at Gu Chengming, her beautiful peach blossom eyes filled with a mischievous smile:
"Besides, you're a big celebrity now, third on the Hidden Dragon Ranking. Who knows how many fairies from famous sects will want to catch a glimpse of your style when you get back? What? Not looking forward to it?"
When she said this, Yu Wenqiu naturally added a hint of testing.
Gu Chengming shook his head helplessly. "With the title of 'Murder Demon' hanging over my head, which sect's fairy would dare come find me?"
"Hmph, then they just don't know quality!" Yu Wenqiu snorted.
The flying boat pierced through the clouds and mist, trailing a long golden line in the afterglow of the setting sun.
Behind them, the vast northern border eventually became a page in a story.
The wind and snow fade, and the long journey home continues.
(End of Volume 3)
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