Chapter 55 | The Galgame Martial Saint

Gu Chengming thought to himself that things had gone south.

Why was his mouth so fast?

Jiang Lu, standing to the side, was even more dumbfounded, his jaw nearly hitting the ground.

He watched as Yu Yuyao's hand, gripping the cup, trembled violently, her knuckles turning white from the force.

Suddenly, he felt his own body starting to tremble as well.

Was Senior Brother Gu being too aggressive?

The girl had come to deliver wine; even if her attitude was a bit poor, was it necessary to call her "Little Yu" and question if she knew how to pour wine?

However, Emperor Bai expressed high praise for this.

【Hundred Bones Resonating says, Emperor Gu truly has the magnanimity to tolerate others! For an ant who knows no etiquette, to merely offer a slight pointer instead of directly obliterating them is truly merciful to the extreme!】

Insulting someone is called magnanimity? Is the scale of measurement for you Emperors different from that of normal people?

He originally wanted to explain a few more words or soften the atmosphere, but the words reached his lips and he forced himself to swallow them back down.

No joke, if his mouth went out of control again and said something like "Can't you hear your brother speaking?"

Wouldn't that make things even worse?

Rather than making things worse by trying to explain, it was better to shut up and act like a master.

Yu Yuyao bit her lower lip hard. Her eyes, which usually held a hint of arrogance, were now red and filled with the mist of grievance, looking as if she had suffered a great humiliation.

She took a deep breath, her chest heaving violently, seemingly trying her best to suppress the urge to flip the table.

Ultimately, her hand still trembling, she lifted the wine jar and filled the empty bowl in front of Gu Chengming. A few drops of the liquid even spilled out because of her shaking hand.

After doing all this, she picked up her own bowl of wine and downed it in one gulp.

"Cough, cough, cough..."

The spicy liquid choked her throat, making her cough uncontrollably. Her fair cheeks instantly flushed red, and tears welled up in her eyes.

She bit her lip, seemingly forcing herself not to cry out loud. All the heroic words she had prepared, like "Even though I lost, I will win it back next time," were now completely forgotten.

Hurriedly wiping the tear stains from her face, Yu Yuyao, fearing she would truly show an ugly side if she stayed any longer, suddenly turned around and rushed out of the courtyard without looking back.

The moment she turned, her tightly maintained expression completely collapsed, and tears fell like pearls from a broken string.

She walked faster and faster, her tears flowing more and more, leaving only a pathetic silhouette for the two men.

Jiang Lu looked back and forth between the indifferent Gu Chengming and the disappearing Yu Yuyao. For a moment, he was at a loss, not knowing whether to chase after her or stay.

Only after Yu Yuyao's figure had completely vanished did Jiang Lu finally wear a bitter expression and sigh helplessly:

"Senior Brother, you've really offended Daoning Gate to the death this time."

Gu Chengming picked up the bowl of wine, swirled it gently, and asked in return:

"Had I not already offended them to the death before?"

Jiang Lu was momentarily speechless.

That seemed true.

Ever since that battle at the Training Ground, combined with the previous rumors, the relationship between the two sides was already like fire and water.

Even if he were polite today, would they treat him like a benefactor?

Before he could figure it out, he heard Gu Chengming continue:

"The path of Dao is naturally a struggle against heaven, earth, and people. If one is hesitant, timid, and has a blocked dao heart, how can one speak of achieving the Dao?"

Hearing this, Jiang Lu was stunned.

Although what Senior Brother did today was irritating, these words... why did they have such the air of a grandmaster?

Was this the mindset of the strong?

Forget it, things had already come to this; saying more was useless.

Jiang Lu sighed, and inadvertently sensing the aura faintly radiating from Gu Chengming, his pupils suddenly constricted.

"Senior Brother, you're at the First Realm, Sixth Level?!"

He remembered that during the last grand competition, Senior Brother Gu had only just broken through, right? It had only been a few days, so how could his cultivation have progressed so quickly?

This defied common sense.

Ah, no, Senior Brother Gu's sword Dao level and realm in the Wenjian Sect seemed even more contrary to common sense. So was this a late bloomer's burst? Or some other reason?

Finding no answer in his thoughts, he finally couldn't help but ask: "Senior Brother Gu, how did your cultivation progress so quickly? Is there some secret?"

Gu Chengming drained the wine in his cup and set the bowl down:

"The strong are always strong."

As he said this, he glanced at Jiang Lu:

"Little Jiang, you should also consolidate your dao heart. Don't spend all day being hesitant and worrying about gains and losses."

Jiang Lu: "..."

Senior Brother, the way you talk is so damn irritating.

But strangely, Jiang Lu felt that Gu Chengming's words did indeed make sense.

Shouldn't a true powerhouse be like Senior Brother, remaining calm no matter what situation they faced?

Could it be that Senior Brother Gu's rapid progress in realm was truly related to this mindset?

Jiang Lu's mind was a mess of thoughts, and in the end, he didn't reach a conclusion.

The two chatted for a few more moments. Seeing that it was getting late, Jiang Lu didn't stay longer and got up to take his leave.

With Jiang Lu's departure, the small courtyard returned to tranquility.

The evening breeze blew, swirling a few fallen leaves.

Gu Chengming maintained that profound sitting posture until the countdown in his mind finally hit zero.

【"Primal Emperor Art" Stage One has ended.】

The "aura of the strong" that filled his entire body receded like a tide, and Gu Chengming's back instantly slumped.

He looked up, staring at the sky speechlessly.

"Emperor Bai."

【Hundred Bones Resonating is confused, what is it, Emperor Gu?】

"If someone comes looking for trouble in the future, can you take the beating for me?"

【Hundred Bones Resonating laughs loudly, Emperor Gu should consolidate his dao heart and stop being so hesitant all day.】

Potter, you dare use my own spells against me?

【Huiyuan Sword Manual is very worried about this.】

【It urged, don't listen to its nonsense. If you really encounter such a thing, just run. Don't try to be brave.】

【Huiyuan Sword Manual seems truly worried that you'll be led astray by Hundred Bones Resonating and started nagging again.】

【Finally, after finishing its instructions, Huiyuan Sword Manual spoke, if you really encounter a situation where you can't run, it will stay with you.】

Gu Chengming felt comforted in his heart.

Mother Huiyuan is still the best.

As the saying goes, it's better to resolve an enmity than to keep it.

Thus, early the next morning, Gu Chengming took the initiative to find Jiang Lu.

He didn't hide too much, only vaguely explaining that the special cultivation art he practiced would affect his temperament during its operation.

Although Jiang Lu didn't understand what kind of art could cause such a drastic change in personality, he was tactful enough not to pry. Instead, he felt quite good about Gu Chengming taking the initiative to explain.

Having resolved the misunderstanding with Jiang Lu, Jiang Lu also happily took Gu Chengming to resolve the trouble on the other side.

Compared to the easy-going Jiang Lu, Yu Yuyao was clearly a thornier problem.

When Gu Chengming appeared outside Jingshui Pavilion, Yu Yuyao thought he had come to humiliate her at her door and almost drew her sword directly. She was clearly still brooding over yesterday's "Will the wine pour itself into the bowl?"

Fortunately, Gu Chengming's attitude was sincere this time. He patiently repeated the excuse about the cultivation art's side effects, which finally made Yu Yuyao lower her longsword.

Upon learning that it wasn't Gu Chengming's intention to humiliate her but rather a burden of his cultivation art, most of the fire in Yu Yuyao's heart dissipated.

Once she calmed down and recalled her awkward apology yesterday, she also sensed that something was amiss.

This Daoning Gate disciple, who was usually pampered and arrogant, actually showed a rare frankness after her mental knot was untied.

She solemnly expressed her unfinished apology clearly and also re-issued the challenge to Gu Chengming that she hadn't been able to say yesterday due to shame and anger.

Gu Chengming, naturally, readily agreed.

This matter was considered settled.

The next two days were rare moments of peace.

Without any psychological burden, Gu Chengming was able to fully devote himself to the integration of the first stage of the "Primal Emperor Art."

However, the tree wants to be still, but the wind won't stop.

As the waves of the grand competition settled, the discussions about Gu Chengming did not subside. After all, his cultivation realm was right there—First Realm, Sixth Level, and seventh in the entry assessment—it was inevitable that people would talk.

With rising fame naturally came the prying eyes of those with ulterior motives.

This brief tranquility was eventually broken.

In the morning, before the mountain mist had dispersed, the door to Gu Chengming's small courtyard was knocked upon again.

The visitor was a fresh face, looking quite young, wearing a washed-out Outer Sect disciple uniform with some wear and tear at the cuffs.

"Senior Brother Gu, I am Chen Qing. I apologize for the sudden visit and hope for your understanding." Chen Qing cupped his hands in greeting.

Chen Qing?

Gu Chengming was slightly taken aback; the name sounded familiar.

After a brief recollection, he remembered that this was the person who, after the grand competition, was the first to come up with the genius idea of "match-fixing and splitting the loot"—the original fifth-place finisher.

Jiang Lu had told him about this.

"So it's Junior Brother Chen."

Gu Chengming stepped aside to let him into the courtyard, thinking to himself that more and more people had been coming to his small courtyard lately.

The two sat down at the stone table in the courtyard. Chen Qing didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point:

"Senior Brother Gu, to be honest, I came today because I want to discuss a cooperation with you."

"Cooperation?" Gu Chengming calmly poured himself a cup of tea. "I'm all ears."

Chen Qing rubbed his hands and lowered his voice:

"I would like to ask Senior Brother to accept my challenge and perhaps go easy on me for a move or two."

Gu Chengming raised an eyebrow. "You want me to lose to you?"

"Ah, Senior Brother, don't put it that way. It's just a spar; victory and defeat are common in battle."

Chen Qing held up three fingers:

"As long as Senior Brother nods, I am willing to offer seventy percent of the resources I obtain afterward, keeping only thirty percent for myself."

"Look, Senior Brother, according to the sect rules, even if you lose, you can still keep fifty percent of your treatment. Adding the seventy percent I give you, you'll gain an extra twenty percent for nothing! It's a win-win deal."

Gu Chengming realized what was happening.

These lines sounded familiar; wasn't this just a version of the "match-fixing style" from before?

It was just that the split ratio was more enticing this time.

"Junior Brother Chen, you've certainly got a clever plan."

Gu Chengming set down his teacup and looked at him with a half-smile:

"But have you forgotten why the Sword-Questioning Platform was sealed a few days ago? Those disciples involved are still copying sect rules at the Cliff of Reflection."

"That was then, this is now."

Chen Qing was clearly prepared as he explained unhurriedly:

"Before, it was because the commotion was too big, which angered the elders. But we are different."

He pointed at Gu Chengming, then at himself:

"Senior Brother, although your dao heart is firm, you are only at the First Realm, Sixth Level after all."

"In the eyes of the elders, it's only natural for me to beat you. If we go for a few dozen moves and then you 'narrowly lose,' who could tell?"

Despite the words, Gu Chengming didn't actually want to agree.

Are you kidding? You guys were just punished, and I'm going to do the same thing right after? That's just asking for death.

"Junior Brother Chen, although the sect doesn't forbid private transactions between disciples, if it involves a large flow of resources, the Enforcement Hall will have records."

Gu Chengming asked in return, "If you give me seventy percent of your resources, how will you balance the books?"

Chen Qing was stunned, clearly not expecting Gu Chengming to consider this level.

"Senior Brother can rest assured on this point. I have my own ways to launder this through the Market City; it will never involve you."

Looking at Chen Qing's eager expression, Gu Chengming felt a slight stir in his heart.

This person seemed very short on money?

Logically, as the fifth place in the entry assessment, his aptitude wasn't bad, and the resources provided by the sect should be enough for daily cultivation.

Why risk being punished again just to pull this kind of stunt?

And looking at his stance, he was even willing to take only thirty percent, giving the lion's share to Gu.

Of course, Gu Chengming didn't want to investigate the reason. He simply waved his hand and refused decisively:

"Junior Brother Chen, I appreciate the offer."

"But I cannot comply with this matter."

Hearing this, Chen Qing was also somewhat helpless.

The reason he was so desperate for resources, even willing to take risks again, was that a family cultivation art he practiced had reached a critical moment.

That art was called the Withered Wood Spring Sword Art. Its power was immense, but the cultivation conditions were extremely harsh, requiring a large amount of spirit stones and pills to nourish the meridians. The resources confiscated from his previous punishment had already left him stretched thin.

If there was no more income, his years of hard cultivation might go to waste.

Sighing, Chen Qing said, "Since Senior Brother's mind is made up, I won't force it."

At this point, his tone shifted as he said solemnly:

"However, I truly am in urgent need of these resources. Since 'cooperation' is off the table, we can only follow the rules."

He looked up, his eyes burning as he stared at Gu Chengming. "Senior Brother Gu, please advise me."

Since they couldn't talk it out, they would let their skills do the talking.

Just then, a line of pop-ups appeared before Gu Chengming.

【Flowing Cloud Following Moon thinks to itself: Greedy sword cultivator, loophole-seeking sword cultivator, disgusting sword cultivator.】

Gu Chengming saw this. Although the words were vague and sounded like general insults—and even included him—how could he not know what Flowing Cloud Following Moon meant?

Wasn't this clearly wanting him to teach the other guy a lesson?

Thus, Gu Chengming readily agreed.

"Since Junior Brother Chen insists, I shall accompany you for a few moves."

Even without Flowing Cloud Following Moon, this fight probably couldn't be avoided, as the other guy clearly thought he had Gu pinned down.

This situation was actually better; he could also increase the favorability of this landmine girl.

Gu Chengming casually picked up the wooden sword he usually used for practice from the stone table and looked at Chen Qing calmly:

"Please."

The two didn't go to the sealed Sword-Questioning Platform but instead squared off directly in Gu Chengming's spacious courtyard.

Chen Qing took a deep breath and drew the sword from his back.

It was an emerald-green bamboo sword. Faint light shimmered on the blade; it was clearly no ordinary item.

"Senior Brother, excuse my offense!"

Before the words had even faded, Chen Qing's figure flashed, and he charged forward like an arrow from a bow.

With a flick of his longsword, he produced three sword flowers, stabbing toward Gu Chengming's left shoulder, right ribs, and lower body respectively.

This move was called "Three Talents Returning to Origin," an advanced technique among the Wenjian Sect's introductory sword arts. It combined feints and reality, making it extremely difficult to defend against.

Although Chen Qing was a bit mercenary, his skills were indeed solid.

The spiritual power of the first Realm, Eighth Level poured into the blade, bringing a sharp wind that sent the fallen leaves in the courtyard flying.

Facing this menacing strike, Gu Chengming didn't panic.

He didn't even use the Primal Emperor Art.

Relying solely on the Huiyuan Sword Manual he had practiced hard these past few days, he lightly flicked his wooden sword, cutting into the gaps between those three sword flowers.

"Clang!"

The sound of wood hitting metal rang out.

Chen Qing felt his wrist go numb. His sure-hit strike was actually forced aside, and his continuous offensive instantly stalled.

"Good eyes!"

Chen Qing was startled and put away his slight contempt.

It seemed that although this Senior Brother Gu's cultivation wasn't high, his basic sword techniques were terrifyingly solid.

"Again!"

Chen Qing shouted low, and his sword style changed.

This time, it was no longer flashy techniques but a bold and fierce path.

The sword light was like a waterfall, layered upon itself, as if to completely drown Gu Chengming.

Gu Chengming remained unhurried, his wooden sword parrying left and right. It looked like he was in constant danger, but in reality, he neutralized every attack by a hair's breadth.

The two went back and forth in the courtyard, exchanging dozens of moves in the blink of an eye.

Chen Qing grew more alarmed as he fought.

He had originally thought that with his cultivation being two levels higher, he could easily suppress Gu Chengming.

But the reality was that Gu Chengming's sword was like a ball of cotton. No matter how much force he used, it felt like hitting empty air, unable to cause any substantial damage.

Furthermore, as time passed, he noticed that Gu Chengming's sword style was changing.

At first, it was the balanced and peaceful basic sword manual, but gradually, a strange aura began to spread across the wooden sword.

"That's enough."

Gu Chengming thought to himself; it was time for the main course.

With a thought, he connected with the red mist that had long been restless deep in his sea of consciousness.

—Flowing Cloud Following Moon Sword Art!

On the originally plain wooden sword, a faint layer of blood-colored light suddenly appeared.

The surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment.

Chen Qing felt his hair stand on end as an unprecedented sense of crisis surged into his mind.

That sword seemed to transform into drifting clouds that filled the sky, obscuring the sunlight, obscuring his vision, and obscuring all his paths of survival.

Flowing Light Sword Shadow!

Chen Qing wanted to retreat, but he found his body seemingly locked by that terrifying sword intent, unable to move at all.

The killing intent specifically targeted at sword cultivators made Chen Qing turn pale with horror.

No way, Senior Brother, I just wanted to skim some sect benefits; you don't have to take my life, do you?!

"Vrrr—"

The sword tip stopped steadily three inches from his throat.

That terrifying blood-colored sword intent receded rapidly like a tide, as if it had never appeared.

Gu Chengming flicked his wrist, performed a sword flower, and returned the sword to his back.

He looked at Chen Qing, who was slumped on the ground, face pale and drenched in cold sweat, with a calm expression, as if the person who had almost killed a fellow disciple just now wasn't him at all.

"Junior Brother Chen, I win." Gu Chengming said indifferently.

Chen Qing gasped for air, his chest heaving violently, his eyes filled with the terror and confusion of having survived a disaster.

In that moment just now, he truly felt he was going to die.

"Se... Senior Brother..."

Chen Qing's lips trembled. He wanted to stand up but found his legs had no strength at all.

"Thank you, Senior Brother, for showing mercy."

Chen Qing gave a bitter smile. After resting on the ground for a long time, he barely managed to prop himself up. He picked up his sword and gave Gu Chengming a deep bow.

"I have learned my lesson."

After saying this, he didn't dare stay any longer. Even his "farewell" was said with a stutter as he stumbled out of the small courtyard, his silhouette looking exceptionally pathetic and desolate.

At the same time.

【Flowing Cloud Following Moon favorability +5】

This prompt appeared before his eyes. Gu Chengming thought that this was quite a large increase.

Could it be that singing songs wasn't as effective as giving someone a beating?

Thinking back to the options that appeared when he was trying to conquer Flowing Cloud Following Moon, even though favorability had increased now, he still had a bad premonition.

Could it be that accompanying the landmine girl in carving people up was the true way to conquer her?

A few more days passed without incident.

A few days later, Jiang Lu visited the small courtyard again.

This time, he was carrying two jars of "Drunken Immortal Brew" he had found at the Market City. The two sat opposite each other drinking tea as usual, with topics ranging from rumors about sect elders to recent movements of Outer Sect disciples.

However, when the topic inadvertently turned to Chen Qing, Jiang Lu casually mentioned:

"It's strange. For some reason, Chen Qing has been saying he's in seclusion these past few days, but someone saw him walking with a limp, as if he'd been given a sound thrashing."

Gu Chengming took a sip of tea and added with a smile:

"Oh, I was the one who beat him."

"Pfft—"

The wine Jiang Lu had just taken in almost sprayed out. His eyes widened, and he subconsciously repeated it, as if confirming he hadn't misheard:

"Senior Brother, you said... it was you?"

Because he knew Chen Qing's strength. At the peak of the first Realm, Eighth Level, he was considered a tough nut in this small corner of the Outer Sect, even able to hold his own against an ordinary First Realm, Ninth Level without falling behind.

And Senior Brother Gu...

Jiang Lu secretly sized up Gu Chengming.

His aura was steady, and his spiritual power was restrained.

He was indeed at the First Realm, Sixth Level.

Jiang Lu's Adam's apple bobbed with difficulty. A First Realm, Sixth Level beating a first Realm, Eighth Level?

Didn't that mean Senior Brother Gu's true combat power could already contend with First Realm, Ninth Level cultivators?

Jiang Lu knew that some people in the cultivation world could kill enemies above their level, but that was usually the privilege of Inner Sect geniuses, and at most, they could only jump one or two levels.

A ruthless person who could jump three small realms and beat the other party so badly they didn't dare leave the house for days was something he had only heard of in exaggerated storybooks.

What shocked him even more was that he had watched this Senior Brother go from the First Realm, Third Level to this point in less than a few months, breaking through like he was on a rocket.

A sense of powerlessness called "the gap" arose in his heart.

Thinking of this, a sense of urgency that was hard to describe also rose in Jiang Lu's heart.

He had originally felt that although his cultivation wasn't high, he was doing alright in the Outer Sect. But now, looking at the calm Senior Brother before him, he suddenly felt that his small achievements were so powerless in the face of absolute talent.

"It was just luck."

Gu Chengming seemed to see through his thoughts and didn't say much, only lightly setting down his teacup. The crisp clinking sound was exceptionally clear in the silent courtyard.

Jiang Lu forced a smile, but his heart was a mess of emotions.

The bellyful of gossip and interesting news he had prepared—about which senior sister had changed her Dao companion again, or which deacon had taken black money—now felt tasteless and even noisy as they reached his lips.

The two chatted for a few more moments, but the atmosphere could never return to the warmth it had at the beginning.

Jiang Lu felt like he was sitting on pins and needles and stood up to leave before long, his silhouette looking a bit hurried and lonely.

Walking out of the small courtyard, Jiang Lu wandered aimlessly along the mountain path.

"Have I been too slack?"

He looked down at his own hands.

"I have to find a way to improve my cultivation..."

Jiang Lu sighed, preparing to return to his residence.

Suddenly, from a dense forest ahead, a faint whispering sound drifted over.

"The way of mutual aid lies in helping each other..."

"When one person cultivates, everyone benefits..."

Jiang Lu's footsteps paused, and his ears twitched.

The voice sounded familiar, seemingly a few familiar faces from the Outer Sect. He subconsciously restrained his aura and quietly approached.

Through the gaps in the forest, he saw a somewhat eerie scene.

Seven or eight Outer Sect disciples were sitting in a circle, chanting something.

"This is..."

Jiang Lu's pupils constricted slightly.

He had heard of this.

Recently, a very mysterious cultivation method had been spreading widely among the low-level disciples of the sect. It was said that it didn't care about aptitude or spiritual roots. Its greatest feature was that the more people who practiced it, the stronger the spiritual resonance between them, and the faster the cultivation speed.

This sounded like a pie falling from the sky.

No need for expensive pills, no need for high aptitude; as long as there were many people, one could soar.

"Who's there?!"

Just as Jiang Lu was watching in a daze, a low shout suddenly rang out.

Jiang Lu was startled, thinking things were bad. He just wanted to turn and run, but he found that those people had already moved, surrounding him in the middle.

"So it's Senior Brother Jiang."

The leader, seeing it was Jiang Lu, relaxed his tense expression slightly and even showed a warm smile.

"Since Senior Brother Jiang is here, why not come and have a chat?"

That disciple walked forward. He didn't attack but instead very politely made a "please" gesture.

Jiang Lu knew that running away now definitely wouldn't work, so he simply walked out openly and laughed with cupped hands:

"Just passing by, purely passing by. What are you junior brothers doing?"

That disciple smiled upon hearing this and didn't hide it at all, saying:

"Senior Brother Jiang is well-informed. Haven't you heard of the 'All Wonders Same Source Method'?"

Jiang Lu gave a hollow laugh. "I've heard a bit, just a bit."

"Then what does Senior Brother think of this method?"

"Well..." Jiang Lu hesitated. "I heard it's quite miraculous, but I'm a dull person and don't like to try new things."

"Senior Brother is mistaken."

Zhao Si shook his head and took out a thin booklet from his robe. On the cover were four large characters: "All Wonders Same Source."

He held the booklet out to Jiang Lu, his tone so sincere it was impossible to refuse:

"Senior Brother Jiang, we are all Outer Sect disciples with scarce resources. If we cultivate step by step, when will we ever get ahead? When will we be like those Inner Sect geniuses, riding the wind on swords and wandering freely between heaven and earth?"

These words immediately made Jiang Lu think of Gu Chengming, and then of his First Realm, Seventh Level cultivation that had been stagnant for a long time.

"This method is specifically left for those of us with mediocre aptitude."

"With united hearts and mutual aid returning to the source, why worry about not achieving the Great Dao?"

Jiang Lu looked at the booklet, a battle raging in his mind.

After a long time.

He took a deep breath, tucked the booklet into his robe, and forced a smile at the disciple:

"Since Junior Brother is so hospitable, then I'll... take it back and study it."

The smile on that disciple's face instantly became brilliant, as if he had seen a new family member.

"Then we shall await Senior Brother Jiang's good news."

Returning to his residence, Jiang Lu closed the doors and windows tight and lit a candle.

He sat at the table, staring fixedly at that "True Explanation of All Wonders Same Source."

"I'll just take a look..."

He muttered to himself as he flipped to the first page.

The content of the book wasn't obscure; it could even be said to be easy to understand.

It detailed how to use specific spiritual power circulation routes to make one's own spiritual power resonate with others', thereby achieving an effect where "one plus one is greater than two."

The more he read, the more shocked Jiang Lu became.

"Maybe... this really is an opportunity?"

On the other side.

With Gu Chengming's day-after-day persistence, the "CG Unlock Progress" of the Primal Emperor Art finally climbed to 50%.

Now, the "Weak Emperor" state could not only be activated daily, but its duration had extended to an hour and a half.

Furthermore, this state allowed Gu Chengming to discover a new use.

When the "Weak Emperor" state was active, the effect of auxiliary cultivation for the Huiyuan Sword Manual and Hundred Bones Resonating was surprisingly good.

It wasn't that it could speed up the cultivation or anything, but rather that his confidence increased greatly when this state was active, making the cultivation feel effortless.

As the saying goes, sincerity brings results. When you believe something can definitely be done well, the effect is naturally like having divine help.

Everything was moving in a good direction.

Until this day, when Jiang Lu visited again.

"Senior Brother Gu!"

Gu Chengming opened the courtyard door to see Jiang Lu with a glowing face, looking full of spirit.

"Junior Brother Jiang, did you pick up some spirit stones?" Gu Chengming joked.

"It's better than picking up spirit stones!"

Jiang Lu walked into the courtyard and closed the door. Only then did he take out the booklet of the All Wonders Same Source Method, which had become somewhat worn from his flipping, and held it out to Gu Chengming:

"Senior Brother, look at this!"

Gu Chengming took the booklet. The cover was rough and the paper yellowed; it looked like a two-cent item from a roadside stall.

"This is?"

"This is called the All Wonders Same Source Method!"

Jiang Lu lowered his voice, his tone full of fanaticism:

"Senior Brother, this is a good thing! It doesn't care about aptitude or spiritual roots. As long as you practice this method, you can resonate with others practicing it, and your cultivation speed will double!"

"I've only practiced for a few days, and the bottleneck that troubled me for so long actually showed signs of loosening! And that feeling of spiritual interconnection is simply wonderful beyond words!"

Listening to Jiang Lu's non-stop description, Gu Chengming's brow furrowed slightly.

He remembered; wasn't this the pyramid scheme cultivation method Jiang Lu had mentioned to him before?

Although he had previously judged that since the Wenjian Sect was a righteous sect with many great experts, it shouldn't allow some heterodox stuff to run rampant under its nose.

But the description of this All Wonders Same Source Method was truly contrary to common sense.

Cultivation was about cultivating oneself; how could there be such a good thing where everyone held hands and ascended together?

And...

Gu Chengming sized up Jiang Lu and sensed carefully, yet he couldn't feel the kind of cultivation progress Jiang Lu spoke of at all.

Was the improvement too small, or was there truly no improvement at all?

"Junior Brother Jiang, where did you get this method?" Gu Chengming asked casually while flipping through the booklet.

"An Outer Sect junior brother gave it to me." Jiang Lu didn't hide it:

"Now many Outer Sect disciples are practicing this method with remarkable results. I felt this thing was truly useful, so I brought it to share with Senior Brother immediately."

Looking at Jiang Lu's sincere face, Gu Chengming sighed in his heart.

"Alright, leave this with me for now. I'll study it."

Gu Chengming calmly put away the booklet. "If it truly has miraculous effects, I won't miss out on it."

Jiang Lu was quite happy to hear this:

"Naturally!"

After sending away the overexcited Jiang Lu, Gu Chengming took the All Wonders Same Source Method back to his study.

He sat at his desk with a solemn expression.

"I have to see what on earth this thing is."

With a thought, Gu Chengming originally wanted to see if there were any problems with the description of this method.

Of course, he was just looking; he clearly didn't have the slightest intention of trying it himself.

However, the moment he finished reading the entire circulation cycle.

【Congratulations to the host: Together We Can Do It Art / All Wonders Same Source Method successfully initiated!】

【Target for conquest selected: All Wonders Same Source Method】

【Current favorability: 5 / Stranger】

Gu Chengming: "?"

His whole body froze.

Wait, I just took a look; how did I initiate it?

Is this also my talent?!

At the same time, lines of text appeared before him.

【A mass of gray mist, emerging from nowhere, instantly occupied a corner of the sea of consciousness.】

【The gray mist was thick as ink, exuding an ancient, vast, yet extremely eerie aura. Deep within that gray mist, countless threads as thin as hair could be faintly seen extending in all directions, as if connecting to an endless void.】

【And at the very center of that gray mist, a blurred yet infinitely majestic figure slowly emerged.】

【It had no specific facial features or form, looking like a collective entity formed by countless thoughts and desires.】

—Holy shit, why do you even have an entrance description!

Gu Chengming truly couldn't sit still now.

You should know that even high-level sword arts like Flowing Cloud Following Moon didn't have an entrance description.

Could he have really encountered some evil cultivation method?!

【All Wonders Same Source Method says: I am the source of all laws, the gate to all wonders.】

【Heaven and earth are heartless, treating all things as straw dogs. Yet I am merciful, opening the gate of convenience to lead all living beings back to the Great Dao.】