Chapter 65 | The Galgame Martial Saint

“Cough—”

Gu Chengming, who was currently sipping tea, was immediately choked by the liquid.

So your so-called "Zhou Rites" refers to those damn feudal ritual systems?

He had originally thought the so-called "Rites" and "Order" of this mental art referred to the laws of the universe, or at the very least, general moral standards like "respecting elders and honoring teachers."

In the end...

What do you mean by 'women cannot sit at the dining table'?

“What’s wrong?”

Across from him, Yu Wenqiu was startled by the sudden commotion.

She had just picked up a translucent piece of fish and hadn't yet had time to bring it to her mouth when she saw Gu Chengming coughing while frantically dabbing at the tea stains on his robe with a handkerchief. She teased him:

“You haven't even had any wine, so how are you already drunk?”

“I apologize for the oversight, Elder. My mind wandered for a moment,” Gu Chengming hastily improvised an excuse.

“Wandered?”

Yu Wenqiu arched an eyebrow but didn't press further.

She picked up the fish again, placed it in her mouth, and after chewing carefully, squinted her eyes in satisfaction:

“Can your mind really wander when there’s such delicious food?”

“Alright, alright. Stop overthinking and focus on enjoying this feast.”

Gu Chengming suppressed his inner turmoil. Just as he was about to respond, his vision blurred, and the familiar semi-transparent frame popped up once more.

【Wisdom Eye activated.】

Three options materialized clearly before his eyes:

【Option 1: Slam the table, stand up, and order Elder Yu to immediately get away from the main seat and go squat in a corner to eat.】

【Option 2: Attempt a high-intensity debate with the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art to argue 'Why Elder Yu is allowed to sit at the main seat.'】

【Option 3: Keep your head down and eat.】

Looking at these three options, Gu Chengming couldn't help but palm his forehead.

Is a system prompt really necessary for this kind of situation?

Meanwhile, the nagging of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art echoed in his mind.

【Heaven and Earth have an order; Yin and Yang are distinct. Yang is the master, Yin is the subordinate; Man is the Heaven, Woman is the Earth. This is the great principle of the universe, the eternal social code!】

【Even if this woman has profound cultivation, she still belongs to the category of Yin. How can she usurper the Yang position? This is not merely an issue of seating; this is a violation of the natural order! If it is not corrected, how can one rectify the heart? How can one be sincere?】

Gu Chengming felt a headache coming on, but his expression remained calm.

While eating, he used his divine sense to transmit a debate within his mind.

“Ritual is reason; order is virtue. The height of one's status should not be judged merely by the surface appearance of Yin and Yang, but rather by the inner benevolence and virtue. Don't you agree, senior?”

【That statement is not without logic. However, the distinction between Yin and Yang is a fixed law...】

Ignoring the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art's rebuttal, Gu Chengming immediately asked:

“In your opinion, Master, what is 'Benevolence' and 'Virtue'?”

As expected, the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was interrupted and replied:

【He who treats all things with kindness possesses Benevolence; he who distinguishes right from wrong and follows the Heavenly Dao possesses Virtue.】

Seeing the art fall into his trap, Gu Chengming pressed his advantage:

“Precisely. You only see her external form as a woman, but you forget the essence of her identity and conduct.”

“First, she is a Deacon Elder of our Wenjian Sect. As a disciple of the sect, she is naturally my teacher. In the world of cultivation, the accomplished come first, and a teacher is like a father. Since she holds the status of a father figure, what is wrong with her sitting in the main seat?”

“Second, let us discuss Benevolence.”

Without waiting for a response, Gu Chengming continued:

“As my elder, Elder Yu has repeatedly supported me, bestowed pills upon me, and ensured my safety. Are these deep favors and great kindnesses not the manifestation of 'Benevolence'? If I were to drive an elder from the table just over a seating arrangement, would I not be an ungrateful scoundrel?”

“Third, and most importantly, let us discuss Virtue, or rather, the debt of gratitude for recognizing talent. Master, do you know how I managed to find the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art?”

【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art hesitated: Naturally, you found it in the Scripture Repository...】

“Wrong!”

Gu Chengming shook his head, shifting his mental tone:

“The scriptures in the repository are as vast as a sea. How many thousands of profound methods have gathered dust there? Although your intent is lofty, you huddled in a dark corner for decades. Did anyone ever show interest in you?”

“It was Elder Yu!”

“It was she who, among ten thousand volumes, possessed the wisdom to recognize your extraordinary nature. She defied all objections and recommended you to me. She told me that only this 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 could unify the myriad energies in my body and help me attain the Dao.”

“For such a teacher of great kindness, great virtue, great benevolence, and great justice, should she be stripped of her right to sit at the table simply because she is a woman?”

Gu Chengming’s argument advanced step by step, using the most vital Confucian concepts of gratitude and righteousness to strike directly at the Zhou Rites' weakness.

Within his sea of consciousness, there was dead silence.

The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art remained still for a long time, seemingly weighing Gu Chengming’s words.

Meanwhile, in the outside world.

Yu Wenqiu was eating happily. She picked up a piece of steamed jade bamboo shoots and put it in her mouth. It was crisp and refreshing, prompting her to praise:

“This bamboo is quite good—so tender.”

Finally, after a long silence.

【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art let out a long sigh.】

【It has no choice but to admit that your words have merit.】

【Rites, while having fixed forms, must also change with the times and be adapted to circumstances.】

【Since this woman has the merit of teaching you the Dao and the virtue of giving me a new life, she is not merely a woman, but a teacher worthy of respect.】

【Before the Great Righteousness, minor distinctions between men and women can be temporarily set aside.】

【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art has recognized your insight on 'Benevolence' and 'Virtue'.】

【Favorability +3】

【Current Favorability: 8/Stranger】

Then, four shimmering golden characters slowly materialized in Gu Chengming’s sea of consciousness, carrying a solemn weight of deliberation and permission:

【ALLOWED AT TABLE】

Dammit! Did those four words really need special effects?

Even though he had found a stable route for progression, why didn't he feel happy about it?

While Gu Chengming was dazed, staring at his teacup with wandering eyes, Yu Wenqiu across from him misunderstood his silence.

This usually lazy and casual elder now quietly set down her chopsticks, guiltily glancing at the "braised red-scaled fish" on the table, which was already nearly half-eaten.

—Why does little Gu seem so distracted?

Yu Wenqiu muttered to herself.

She looked down at the mountain of fish bones in front of her, then looked at Gu Chengming’s almost untouched bowl and chopsticks. Her cheeks felt slightly warm.

—Is it because I’m eating too much?

Even though she had long since reached inedia, the spiritual food at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion was indeed well-made. Combined with her good mood today, she had accidentally overindulged a little.

To lose her composure like this in front of a junior made even someone as unconstrained as her feel a bit embarrassed.

“Cough.”

Yu Wenqiu cleared her throat, quickly retracting her gluttonous appearance and assuming her dignified elder stance.

She straightened her back, adjusted her slightly messy sleeves, and then used the serving chopsticks to pick out the fattest piece of fish belly meat, placing it into Gu Chengming’s bowl.

“Don't just sit there in a daze. This Red-Scaled Fish gets fishy once it turns cold. Eat it while it’s hot.”

Gu Chengming snapped back to reality. Seeing the extra fish in his bowl, he focused his mind and smiled:

“Thank you, Elder.”

The two chatted about the sect's recent affairs while eating, and the atmosphere gradually became relaxed and pleasant.

“Speaking of which, the sect has been quite peaceful lately.”

Yu Wenqiu rested her chin on one hand and said, “Perhaps it's because the Outer Sect hasn't produced a genius in so long, and now that one has finally appeared, those elders are finally breathing a sigh of relief.”

Hearing this, Gu Chengming’s interest was piqued, and he took the opportunity to ask:

“Even though I’ve been in the sect for a few years, I’ve always been stuck in the Outer Sect. I still know very little about many of the sect’s internal affairs—for instance, Guizang Gate...”

“I heard it is our Wenjian Sect's number one branch, yet even after being here so long, I rarely see disciples from Guizang Gate walking around. I wonder why that is?”

Hearing the words “Guizang Gate,” Yu Wenqiu’s hand holding the wine cup paused slightly.

“Guizang Gate, huh...”

Yu Wenqiu set down her wine cup and sighed:

“Since you asked, I’ll tell you. In any case, these things aren't much of a secret in the Inner Sect; you’ll find out sooner or later.”

“Just as you said, Guizang Gate is undeniably the number one gate of Wenjian Sect. This 'number one' status wasn't built on numerical strength, but on raw combat power carved out through battle.”

She extended a finger and lightly drew a circle on the table:

“Our Wenjian Sect oversees various branches like Daoning, Huiyuan, Qingfeng, and Xijian, with tens of thousands of disciples. But the number of people in Guizang Gate, at full count, does not exceed fifty.”

The top gate of the massive Wenjian Sect had fewer than fifty people?

“Incredible, isn’t it?”

Yu Wenqiu smiled at his shocked expression. “Furthermore, disciples within Guizang Gate have many privileges. Their main characteristic is being utterly favored...”

“To give you the simplest example, you know that our Wenjian Sect, and even various major sects in Jiuzhou, have connections with the Daonian Dynasty, right?”

Gu Chengming nodded. He had read about this in the 《Records of Daqian Miscellaneous Affairs》.

“Inner Sect disciples of major sects, once they reach a certain level of cultivation, often have to go down the mountain for worldly trials. The primary destination for these trials is the Daqian Dynasty.”

As she spoke, Yu Wenqiu explained:

“This is both a tacit understanding between the sects and the dynasty, and an exchange of interests. Sects send disciples to serve as officials, slay demons, and maintain peace, while using the dynasty’s Dragon Qi and resources to temper themselves. In return, the dynasty uses the sect’s strength to stabilize its rule and deter threats.”

“But disciples of Guizang Gate don't need to do that.”

“Within the sect, Guizang Gate’s resource allocation is also the highest. Even a newly entered disciple receives treatment comparable to the core true disciples of other branches.”

After hearing this, a tune started playing in Gu Chengming’s head—

—Accidentally wandering into the Imperial family~

“So...”

Yu Wenqiu concluded earnestly, “There are basically no normal people in Guizang Gate. If you encounter them in the future, stay as far away as possible. Don't ever try to reason with them.”

Gu Chengming understood, then suddenly realized he still didn't know which branch Elder Yu belonged to. He asked casually:

“Speaking of which, Elder Yu, which gate are you under?”

The moment the question was asked, the air in the private room seemed to freeze.

Yu Wenqiu’s hand, which was picking up food, froze mid-air.

She hemmed and hawed for a long time, her eyes darting around. Finally, she simply put down her chopsticks and took a large gulp of wine to cover her reaction, before mumbling three words:

“...Guizang Gate.”

“...”

Gu Chengming looked at Yu Wenqiu’s lazy and casual sitting posture, looked at the half-visible storybook peeking out of her sleeve, then recalled her earlier evaluation of Guizang Gate. His feelings became quite complicated.

Elder Yu, your image doesn't seem to fit the 'sword-obsessed' image of the Guizang Gate you just described.

Seeing Gu Chengming’s expression, Yu Wenqiu decided to stop caring about her image.

She sighed and spread her hands helplessly. “You can't blame me... actually, I was originally from Daoning Gate.”

“Daoning Gate?” Gu Chengming was even more surprised.

Yu Wenqiu nodded, a hint of memory flashing in her eyes:

“Back then, I also entered the Dao through spells and was selected for Daoning Gate. But... as you know, in a place like Daoning Gate, there are many female cultivators, the rules are tedious, and the atmosphere is far too oppressive. The elders there love to preach and will punish you by making you copy the sect rules at the drop of a hat.”

She curled her lip. “What I hate most in my life is trouble, and I can't stand those hollow, superficial rules. I stayed there for three years and almost suffocated to death.”

“What happened then?” Gu Chengming pressed.

Yu Wenqiu chuckled, her tone carrying a bit of pride:

“Later, I discovered that while Guizang Gate had few people and many rules, it had one great advantage: as long as you are strong enough, nobody cares about what you do.”

“So I switched to the way of the sword. During one of the Sect Disciple Grand Examinations, I beat up an Inner Sect disciple from Guizang Gate.”

Gu Chengming: “...”

What a unique way to switch jobs.

“Then I was scouted by the Grand Elder of Guizang Gate, who insisted on poaching me from Daoning Gate.”

Yu Wenqiu shrugged. “After going to Guizang Gate, although the fellow disciples there were indeed a bit boring, it was peaceful! Nobody cares what time I wake up, nobody cares what books I read. As long as I pass the monthly assessment, I can waste the rest of my time however I please.”

“Over time... cough, I became what I am today.”

Gu Chengming’s perception of Elder Yu underwent a massive change.

To switch from an art cultivator to a sword cultivator just to be lazy, and to even defeat a true disciple—this talent was indeed undeniable.

Having chatted this far, the food and wine were nearly finished.

Yu Wenqiu seemed to feel she had spoken too much today. She dialed back her casual demeanor and said seriously:

“Alright, enough idle chatter. Let’s talk business.”

She looked at Gu Chengming, her gaze growing more serious:

“Now that you’ve chosen your mental art and reached the first Realm, Eighth Level, your foundation is stable. Speaking of which... it’s about time to prepare for the Inner Sect Assessment.”

“Inner Sect Assessment?”

Gu Chengming was slightly taken aback.

He remembered Ren Wencai mentioning this before, but he had always had a doubt in his heart.

“Elder, I recall the sect has a rule that anyone entering the Inner Sect must have reached the second realm.”

“Although I have fortunately reached the first Realm, Eighth Level, there is still quite a distance to the second realm. Is it not a bit premature to take the assessment now?”

Yu Wenqiu waved her hand and explained:

“This so-called Inner Sect Assessment isn't meant to measure talent or strength, but rather to see how your character is.”

“Inner Sect disciples are the future pillars of Wenjian Sect and the foundation of the sect’s legacy. Therefore, before entering the Inner Sect, one must pass the 'Heart-Questioning' trial. As long as your background is clean and you hold no ill will toward the sect, this assessment is just a formality, a mere ceremony.”

“You have a good character, and with Senior Brother Ren vouching for you, this assessment should be a sure thing for you.”

“However...”

She paused and added another sentence:

“Even though it’s just a formality, don't let your guard down. The one presiding over the assessment is often that 'Black-faced God' from the Enforcement Hall. That fellow loves to nitpick. When the time comes, be cautious in your words and actions; don't give anyone a reason to find fault with you.”

Gu Chengming understood.

So it was essentially like a "background check"... As long as he wasn't a spy for a demonic sect or had committed some heinous crime, this stage was basically free points.

“Thank you for the guidance, Elder. I understand.”

Yu Wenqiu nodded. The business was settled, and the meal was over. Logically, it was time to part ways.

Yet she didn't seem in a hurry to stand up. Instead, she sat there, her fingers unconsciously rubbing her sleeve, a hint of hesitation appearing on her face.

Gu Chengming found it strange. “Elder? Is there something else you require?”

“That...”

Yu Wenqiu’s eyes wandered. She cleared her throat and, as if having made a decision, slowly pulled a thick bundle from her sleeve.

The bundle was wrapped in blue cloth, square in shape, and judging by its thickness, it contained at least several hundred pages of paper.

“This is for you.”

“This is?”

What was this? It was so thick.

“I felt it was inappropriate to keep receiving your storybooks without giving anything back.”

Yu Wenqiu spoke very quickly:

“As the saying goes, it is impolite not to reciprocate. In my spare time, I’ve also brainstormed some stories. Most of them are based on your book, serving as... well, extensions and supplements.”

“Anyway, I wrote them out of boredom, and it would be a waste to throw them away, so take them. Consider it a return gift.”

After saying this, she looked as if a heavy burden had been lifted and let out a long sigh of relief.

Gu Chengming took it. What met his eyes were stacks of neat Xuan paper, densely covered in elegant, small-character calligraphy.

His own storybook only consisted of about two hundred thousand words at most. This elder had actually written hundreds of thousands of words of fanfiction? How much time had that taken?

She probably spent all her slacking time at work writing this, didn't she?

Gu Chengming suddenly felt a bit moved.

“Elder Yu...”

Gu Chengming looked up, staring at Yu Wenqiu with a sincere gaze: “This gift is far too precious.”

Seeing that he wasn't mocking her and was instead very solemn, the shame in Yu Wenqiu’s heart dissipated significantly.

She huffed lightly and waved her hand with feigned nonchalance:

“Don't worry about whether it’s precious or not. It’s just something written on a whim. Take it back and read it as you wish. If you think it’s bad, using it to start a fire is fine too.”

“How could I!”

Gu Chengming tucked the manuscript into his robes.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they parted at the entrance of the restaurant.

On the way home, Gu Chengming couldn't contain his curiosity. While walking, he pulled out the stack of manuscripts and quickly browsed through them by the light of the roadside lanterns.

These hundreds of thousands of words were almost entirely centered around the Master character. Not only did Yu Wenqiu fill in all the details Gu Chengming had left blank, but she even created several entirely new romance sub-routes herself.

Gu Chengming nodded in satisfaction.

He thought to himself that Elder Yu seemed to really love the Master character.

After bidding farewell to Yu Wenqiu, Gu Chengming returned to his small courtyard under the cover of night.

As soon as he entered, the slight scent of wine he had picked up at the Cangjian Pavilion was dispersed by the evening breeze.

He closed the courtyard door and safely stowed the thick bundle of fanfiction manuscripts deep within his storage pouch. Only then did he breathe a sigh of relief and pour himself a cup of cold tea.

Although the personality of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was different from what he had imagined, as a mental art, it was indeed incredibly compatible with him.

And while it held quite a prejudice against female cultivators, it was actually very tolerant of other cultivation techniques, rarely expressing its own opinions.

Even when it did express an opinion, it was usually positive.

For example...

【The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art sighs with emotion. This Huiyuan Sword Manual possesses the three obediences and four virtues; it is truly a top-tier technique for you.】

Gu Chengming’s vision went dark when he saw that line.

What kind of 'three obediences and four virtues' does a cultivation technique have?!

But on second thought, given the personality of the 《Huiyuan Sword Manual》, it actually did fit the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art's standard of a "good woman."

The next morning, before the dawn mist had dispersed.

“Knock, knock.”

Gu Chengming, who was currently meditating in the courtyard, heard the familiar sound of knocking. He stood up and pulled open the courtyard door.

Standing outside was Jiang Lu, whom he hadn't seen in a long time.

“Senior Brother Gu.”

Upon seeing Gu Chengming, a sincere smile appeared on Jiang Lu’s face, and he gave a respectful bow:

“Junior Brother has come to visit. I hope I haven't interrupted your cultivation?”

“Not at all. Please, come in.”

Gu Chengming stepped aside to let him into the courtyard. His gaze swept over Jiang Lu, and he couldn't help but feel surprised:

“It seems you’ve found a blessing in disguise. Not only have your injuries healed, but your cultivation seems to have advanced significantly?”

Jiang Lu didn't try to hide it and admitted openly:

“Thanks to you, Senior Brother. During the days I was recovering, I repeatedly studied the notes you gave me. Perhaps because my body couldn't move, my mind was clearer than usual.”

The two sat down by the stone table. Jiang Lu took the tea handed to him by Gu Chengming, his tone filled with gratitude:

“After my injuries healed, the bottleneck of the First Realm, Seventh Level actually loosened on its own. I went into seclusion yesterday to make a push and fortunately broke through to the first Realm, Eighth Level.”

Among Outer Sect disciples, the first Realm, Eighth Level was already top-tier strength.

His aptitude wasn't considered elite, so reaching this step at his age was indeed not easy.

Gu Chengming offered his sincere congratulations.

Hearing this, Jiang Lu scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed, but then his expression turned serious as he spoke earnestly:

“Senior Brother, I now have at least a bit of power to protect myself. I know your talent is extraordinary, and my meager level of cultivation might not be of much help, but if there are any errands or chores in the future, please don't hesitate to command me. I will have no complaints.”

These were words from the bottom of his heart.

At the moment of his breakthrough, he didn't feel much of a sense of "finally catching up to Senior Brother." Instead, he became even more deeply aware of the gap between himself and Gu Chengming.

Gu Chengming could defeat Li Mozi of the first Realm, Eighth Level while only at the First Realm, Sixth Level. What kind of talent was that?

Even though he had reached the eighth level, if he were to face the Li Mozi of that day, he likely still wouldn't be her match.

He only wanted to tell Gu Chengming that he hadn't fallen too far behind and was still a useful person.

Looking at Jiang Lu’s sincere eyes, Gu Chengming felt a warmth in his heart.

“Since you’ve said so, Junior Brother, I won't be polite with you in the future,” Gu Chengming joked.

“Please, don't ever be polite!”

Jiang Lu laughed, and then seemed to remember something.

“By the way, Senior Brother, that day you...”

Jiang Lu’s words stopped halfway. His sentence got stuck.

Because he had felt the unintentional fluctuation of cultivation level emanating from Gu Chengming—

first Realm, Eighth Level?!

How much time had passed? Half a month?

Jiang Lu sighed.

He had originally harbored a bit of youthful competitiveness, thinking that by using this setback to achieve a breakthrough, he might be able to slightly shorten the distance he looked up to.

Even if he could only see Gu Chengming’s back, it would be a great encouragement.

However, reality was often crueler than imagination. Only at this moment did he realize that his so-called progress was like a firefly before the moon or a speck of dust before a mountain when compared to the other’s talent.

That kind of gap wasn't something that could be smoothed over by a single coincidental breakthrough.

However, this bitterness also faded quickly.

Since he couldn't catch up, he would stop trying.

After letting go of that unrealistic obsession, Jiang Lu actually felt his whole body lighten.

Gu Chengming saw all of this but said nothing, silently refilling the other’s tea.

The two chatted for a while longer.

Although Jiang Lu had taken a blow, he quickly adjusted his mindset and began to ask Gu Chengming about some of the finer points of cultivation at the first Realm, Eighth Level.

Gu Chengming didn't hold back. Combining the coordinating concepts of the 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》, he gave Jiang Lu many sound suggestions.

It wasn't until the sun began to dip toward the west that Jiang Lu stood up to take his leave, still wanting to hear more.

A few days later.

In the depths of the clouds behind Huiyuan Gate.

Several days had passed since the mental art had been initiated. Originally, the various forces within his body weren't in conflict, but they tended to act independently. Now, under the coordination of this Confucian mental art, they were like officials in an imperial court, each performing their own duties, making his first Realm, Eighth Level cultivation increasingly harmonious and profound.

Since he had entered the gate and achieved significant results, it was only right and proper that he go report his success to the person who had guided him.

However, this time, Gu Chengming knew that the nature of this visit to Ren Wencai was entirely different from the day he invited Yu Wenqiu to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

Elder Yu was naturally casual, and that meal was more like a private dinner between friends; being informal was fine. But Ren Wencai was a Grand Elder of a branch and had shown him kindness in protection and cultivation. This "Teacher Appreciation Banquet" had to be solemn and sophisticated, conducted openly.

Gu Chengming specifically changed into a brand-new sect Daoist robe, tied his hair neatly, and hung the Tinglan Sword at his waist.

He first went to the Merit Hall to invite Elder Liu Enchuan, and together they headed to the Main Peak to visit Ren Wencai.

Originally, Gu Chengming only planned to invite these two, as they were essentially his own people.

But when he explained his intention outside Ren Wencai’s cave dwelling, the Grand Elder stroked his beard and smiled:

“Since it’s a celebration and an expression of gratitude to your teacher, won't it be too quiet with so few people?”

Having said that, Ren Wencai sent out a sound transmission talisman. Not long after, a green streak of light landed in front of the courtyard.

The newcomer had a lean, refined face and a calm expression. It was Elder Zhao Wuji of the Qingfeng Gate.

Gu Chengming’s heart stirred, and he instantly understood Elder Ren’s intention.

He wasn't afraid of it being too quiet; he clearly wanted to find a heavyweight audience to "show off" a bit.

And upon his arrival, Zhao Wuji was secretly gritting his teeth, wishing he could leave immediately.

Dammit, didn't this old scoundrel say in the talisman that he was inviting me for some newly arrived spiritual tea?

The banquet was held at the "Sea of Clouds Pavilion," a place where the sect hosted distinguished guests.

This place couldn't be opened simply with spirit stones; one needed the status of an elder to book a table. Although Gu Chengming was the host, he was essentially borrowing Ren Wencai’s prestige.

Inside the private room, cloud patterns swirled, and outside the window was a rolling sea of clouds and emerald mountains—the scenery was exceptional.

After several rounds of drinks and several courses of food, the atmosphere gradually became lively.

Ren Wencai set down his wine cup and cast a seemingly casual glance at Gu Chengming, then looked at Zhao Wuji with a beaming smile:

“Junior Brother Zhao, what do you think of my disc—cough, what do you think of Chengming’s complexion these past few days?”

Hearing this, Zhao Wuji’s gaze fell upon Gu Chengming.

He naturally saw at a glance that Gu Chengming’s internal aura was restrained, and within the flow of spiritual energy, there was an undertone of balanced, upright rhythm. Clearly, his foundation had solidified further.

“His aura is long and his spirit is full.”

Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, giving an objective evaluation:

“To have such a foundation at the first Realm, Eighth Level is truly rare.”

“Indeed it is.” The smile on Ren Wencai’s face grew even wider. He pointed at Gu Chengming, his tone carrying a hint of boasting:

“This child has a stubborn streak. A few days ago, he insisted that the Qi-absorption method he was practicing was too shallow and wanted to find a profound mental art in the Scripture Repository. I originally advised him not to reach beyond his grasp, but who knew he would actually find that 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 on his own?”

“Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art?”

Liu Enchuan, who was nearby, was startled and said in surprise:

“You mean that mental art derived from the Daqian Confucians that is obscure and extremely difficult to initiate?”

“The very one.”

Ren Wencai nodded, but his gaze kept drifting toward Zhao Wuji:

“I also told him that this method is hard to practice, requiring one to read through Confucian classics and grasp the meaning of ritual and order. Who would have thought...”

At this point, Ren Wencai deliberately paused and picked up his teacup to moisten his throat.

Even though Zhao Wuji knew this old fellow was just teasing him, he couldn't help but ask:

“And then?”

“He actually initiated it within just a few days.”

Ren Wencai set down his teacup and sighed. Although he sighed, the pride at the corners of his eyes and brows was impossible to hide:

“Such comprehension is something I’ve only seen once in my life. I remember back then, several senior brothers in the Inner Sect also tried this method, and which of them didn't study hard for months before even touching the threshold? This child, Chengming, has certainly given me a surprise.”

Zhao Wuji’s hand gripping the wine cup tightened slightly.

Initiated in a few days?

He inwardly drew in a breath. He had also heard of that mental art; while it wasn't a top-tier method, its requirements for character and comprehension were extremely high.

To be able to initiate it in such a short time, and judging by Gu Chengming’s current state, he had clearly already grasped its essence—this kind of talent...

He looked at Gu Chengming, and the sour feeling in his heart simply wouldn't go down.

How did such a fine piece of jade end up in the hands of this old fox, Ren Wencai?

“Indeed... extraordinarily talented.”

Zhao Wuji took a deep breath, maintained his poise as an elder, and squeezed out a smile:

“Senior Brother Ren has a keen eye for talent. Huiyuan Gate has a successor; it is truly a cause for celebration.”

“Hahaha, indeed, let us celebrate together!” Ren Wencai laughed loudly and raised his cup. “Come, let’s drain this cup.”

Zhao Wuji raised his cup in response and drained it in one go. He only felt that this spiritual wine, which was usually mellow, tasted a bit astringent today.

At this moment, a maid happened to bring out a final, signature dish—steamed spirit-helmet red carp.

This red carp lived in the depths of the sect's spiritual pond, born from the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Its meat was delicious and contained pure spiritual energy.

The fish was about two feet long, served on a massive white jade platter. Its body was carved with delicate patterns and drizzled with a rich sauce. It was steaming hot and fragrantly aromatic.