The so-called vacation had finally come to an end.
Even though the Second Imperial Princess had shown great sincerity, not hesitating to damage her dao foundation to swear a heavy oath, Gu Chengming still couldn't bring himself to believe her 'difficult secret.'
After all, in this capital, the grass on the graves of those who trusted others too easily was already three feet high. Steeling his resolve, Gu Chengming changed into the patrol uniform that symbolized the Great Qian Night Guard and headed back to the Night Guard Division to report for duty.
As soon as he stepped through the gates of the Hidden Dragon Courtyard, before he could even greet the colleagues he hadn't seen for days, Gu Chengming keenly sensed something was off.
The crowd, who had been drinking tea and chatting, all turned their gazes toward him the moment he entered.
The emotions in those eyes were incredibly complex—shock, envy, and even a hint of oddity.
Song Qing stared at Gu Chengming for a long while before finally squeezing out a nonsensical exclamation: "Brother Gu, you're truly amazing."
Gu Chengming's heart skipped a beat, and his footsteps faltered.
Had the matter of Ji Yixi coming to find him been exposed?
It shouldn't be. That princess had sworn a Dao Oath to keep it secret, and she wore a disguise every time she visited. Aside from his own Elder Yu, who did nothing but eat and drink, no outsider had seen her. Could it be that the carriage was too flashy?
"Why do you say that, Brother Song?"
Gu Chengming asked tentatively, "I've been in seclusion resting at home these past few days. Where does this 'amazing' talk come from?"
Song Qing was stunned, his eyes widening with a 'you're still acting' expression. "You don't know? You're on the Hidden Dragon Ranking!"
"?"
A question mark appeared over Gu Chengming's head.
—What on earth is that?
Li Dujiang, who was holding a cup of wolfberry tea and still looking somewhat pale, couldn't take it anymore. He set down his cup and explained with a light cough:
"Junior Brother Gu has only recently arrived in the capital, so it's normal not to know. The Hidden Dragon Ranking is a list established by the Imperial Observatory to record young cultivators below the third realm within Great Qian who possess immense potential."
Gu Chengming suddenly understood. He vaguely remembered hearing about such a ranking mechanism in the game.
"I see. But how does the Imperial Observatory know a cultivator's potential?" Gu Chengming was somewhat puzzled. "Can the qi gazers of Great Qian see through a person's skeletal roots and aptitude from a distance?"
Li Dujiang shook his head. "Though it's called the 'Hidden Dragon' Ranking, it's actually a list of concrete battle achievements. The Imperial Observatory monitors the world; any fight between cultivators within Great Qian, as long as the commotion is large enough, will be recorded. They rank you based on your past records of slaying demons or fighting others."
With that, he pulled a jade talisman shimmering with a soft luster from his sleeve and handed it to Gu Chengming.
"This is the current ranking. See for yourself."
Gu Chengming took the talisman and sent his divine sense into it.
A light screen expanded in his Sea of Consciousness, divided into the Heaven Ranking, Earth Ranking, and Hidden Dragon Ranking. The Earth Ranking usually consisted of third realm cultivators, while the Heaven Ranking was almost entirely made up of those in the fourth realm.
Gu Chengming scanned down the list and quickly found his name at the sixty-fourth position.
【Hidden Dragon Ranking, Sixty-fourth: Gu Chengming】
【Origin: Wenjian Sect Inner Sect】
【Cultivation: Second Realm, Early Stage】
【Battle Record: On the first day in the capital, slew the third realm evil entity Nightmare Wandering Corpse. Later slew one Second Realm, Middle Stage evil Filth Corpse Demon and one third realm evil Pink Skeleton. Half a month later, slew two second realm sword cultivators at the Jubo Merchant Guild and retreated safely from a third realm rogue cultivator. On the night of the Lantern Festival, assisted the Night Guard Division in breaking a fourth realm evil cultivator's array (though the Director intervened, his contributions in breaking the array and restraining the enemy in the early stages were indispensable).】
Looking at the detailed battle records, Gu Chengming couldn't help but be a bit startled.
The Imperial Observatory's information channels were truly terrifying. Except for the part where he channeled dragon qi on the Drunk Dream Boat, everything else was almost perfectly accurate.
"Sixty-fourth..." Gu Chengming rubbed his chin.
"Junior Brother Gu, don't think it's too low."
Seeing him pensive, Li Dujiang assumed he was dissatisfied with the rank and smiled comfortingly.
"This list encompasses all the young talents from the thirteen provinces of Great Qian, including Direct Disciples of major sects and geniuses cultivated by great clans. You've only been in the world for a month, yet you've managed to break into the top hundred from obscurity, ranking sixty-fourth. This is extremely rare in the history of the Night Guard Division."
"Moreover, as long as you're on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, you've caught the eye of the court." Li Dujiang pointed to the waist token at Gu Chengming's hip. "With this record, once you've stayed in the division for a while longer, that Night Guard identity will likely be changed to a junior banner."
Song Qing also sighed with emotion. "I really envy Brother Gu. If I could get a rank on the Hidden Dragon Ranking, I could brag about it for at least ten years back at the Tianting Sect."
Gu Chengming smiled and didn't take the bait, continuing to flip through the jade talisman.
With a thought, he began to check the records of previous rankings.
Since it was based on battle achievements, many of his sect's seniors should be on the list.
Sure enough, as a sword cultivator holy land, the Wenjian Sect had a high presence on the list.
As he scrolled, Gu Chengming's gaze suddenly froze. He found an extremely familiar name at a rather low position.
【Previous Hidden Dragon Ranking, Ninety-third: Yu Wenqiu】
【Origin: Wenjian Sect】
【Battle Record: At the coast of the East Sea, with Second Realm, Middle Stage cultivation, slew one second realm, late-stage rampaging dragon-serpent.】
Gu Chengming: "..."
He looked at that solitary line of achievement and then thought of his elder, who did nothing but eat and sleep. A sense of absurdity rose in his heart.
So Elder Yu actually had a glorious past when she was young?
But no matter how he looked at it, this record seemed like the only time she had been forced to act because she was desperate.
And ninety-third place...
Gu Chengming thought that if he casually mentioned his own rank when he went back, he'd probably see another amusing expression on Elder Yu's face.
Then, he scrolled up further. In the same batch as Yu Wenqiu, a name from the Wenjian Sect sat high at the top of the list.
【Previous Hidden Dragon Ranking, First: Luo Jinyao】
【Origin: Wenjian Sect】
【Battle Record: Entered the Northern Demon Realm alone with a single sword, slaying twelve third realm great demons and countless second realm demon beasts. During the Capital Riot, with a second realm perfection body, withstood three strikes from a fourth realm evil cultivator without being defeated...】
Luo Jinyao.
In Gu Chengming's mind, the image of the senior sister Yu Wenqiu had mentioned—the one who 'carried her to victory' and 'beat up princes'—surfaced.
This was that Elder Luo?
With such a powerhouse to lean on, it was no wonder Elder Yu had lived quite comfortably back then.
Sigh, what a carry-dog.
After some small talk, everyone dispersed to handle their duties.
In the afternoon, on his way to the Merit Hall, Gu Chengming ran straight into the radiant Vice Commander Liu.
"Oh, Chengming!"
Vice Commander Liu saw him from afar, his square face beaming like a flower. He rushed up and slammed a heavy hand onto Gu Chengming's shoulder.
"Good lad! You've really made me proud!"
"You have no idea. These past few days at the meetings, Director Zhou has been praising you non-stop. She says you're meticulous, act with restraint, and are a rare talent for our Night Guard Division. Even as your recruiter, my back has been a lot straighter lately!"
Gu Chengming said modestly, "It's all thanks to the Commander's cultivation."
"Alright, no need to be polite with me."
Vice Commander Liu waved his hand, his expression suddenly turning solemn. He lowered his voice, his tone becoming grave.
"However, praise aside, there's something I must remind you."
"You've dealt with those Longevity Sect people. They're a pack of rats in the gutter, very vengeful, and their methods are sinister and ruthless."
"They suffered a massive loss on the Drunk Dream Boat this time, losing a fourth realm elder. They certainly won't let it go. Although the division is already conducting a city-wide manhunt, it's hard to guarantee there aren't any who slipped through the net."
Vice Commander Liu stared at Gu Chengming, warning him earnestly.
"You must be extremely careful during this time. If you encounter a situation you can't handle, or if something feels wrong..."
"Don't worry about face, and don't worry about 'eradicating evil.' Run immediately. Run toward the Night Guard Division, run toward places where your patrol token can't be cut off. If you face trouble, notify me through the patrol token at any time. Saving your life is the priority, understand?"
Gu Chengming felt a warmth in his heart and nodded. "I understand."
"Good that you understand."
Vice Commander Liu breathed a sigh of relief. Then, as if remembering something, he pulled a storage pouch from his robe and stuffed it into Gu Chengming's hand.
"Also, didn't you have your eye on a high-grade movement technique? I've applied for it for you. The Red Dust Phantom Step and the pills to assist its cultivation are all inside. Take them."
Gu Chengming took the storage pouch, his heart stirring. This was exactly what he lacked most right now.
"Thank you, Commander."
"Thank me for what? You earned this."
Vice Commander Liu waved him off and turned to leave. After a few steps, he looked back and added, "Oh, one more thing. Although you were on leave, it was technically medical leave due to an injury on duty. Plus, with the Director's special approval, it counts as... what was that word? Right, paid leave!"
Vice Commander Liu smiled. "It's been a full month. Remember to go to the Salary Hall to collect your pay. Don't forget; it's quite a sum of spirit stones!"
Hearing the words 'collect pay,' Gu Chengming's eyes brightened slightly.
"I'll go right away!"
Watching Gu Chengming's noticeably lighter steps, Vice Commander Liu chuckled, shook his head, and walked away with his hands behind his back.
At the Salary Hall of the Merit Hall.
As the heavy bag of spirit stones landed in his palm, the gloom Gu Chengming had felt from the recent series of setbacks finally dissipated for the most part.
The salaries of Great Qian indeed weren't watered down. Combined with the paid leave approved by Director Zhou and the significant bounties for slaying demons, his current wealth was something he hadn't even possessed as an Inner Sect disciple of the Wenjian Sect.
"Is this what it feels like to be on the government payroll?"
Gu Chengming weighed the money bag and then turned toward the adjacent Equipment Hall.
During the battle on the Drunk Dream Boat, to block that rogue cultivator's enraged strike, the Stone Cracker had taken the brunt of it. A grain-sized chip had appeared on the blade, and its spiritual resonance had been significantly damaged.
Gu Chengming first spent some merit points to have the division's blacksmith restore the Stone Cracker to its original state. Then, his gaze fell upon the dazzling array of exchange items.
With his current merit points, if he wanted to exchange for a finely crafted masterwork Dharma Sword, he would be a bit short.
But if he only wanted to complete a synergy...
"I want this one."
Gu Chengming pointed to a column in the corner of the list.
A moment later, a clerk emerged carrying a dark, heavy wooden box.
"Officer Gu, this is the Night Guard Dharma Sword you requested."
The clerk introduced it with a smile. "This sword was custom-made by the Ministry of Works for our Night Guard Division. It's a standard second-tier Dharma Sword. While the materials can't compare to those unique masterworks, it's sturdy, durable, and has excellent spiritual energy conduction. You won't feel bad if it breaks."
Gu Chengming opened the box. A longsword, entirely black and simple—even crude—in design, lay quietly inside.
There were no fancy decorations on the blade, only the words 'Night Guard' engraved near the hilt, exuding a grim, military aura.
It was indeed a mass-produced assembly-line product, but it was cheap and practical.
Gu Chengming reached out and gripped the hilt.
"Buzz—"
As his divine sense entered, the blade trembled slightly, letting out a low hum.
Though its spirituality wasn't as good as Tinglan, its sharpness not as keen as Light Splitting, and its weight not as heavy as Stone Cracker, this Night Guard sword possessed a unique steadiness.
It was at that very moment.
In the lower part of Gu Chengming's vision, the Sword Chess interface, which had been silent for a long time, suddenly flared with light.
The previously gray fourth sword slot was instantly illuminated as the Night Guard sword took its place.
【Synergy/Dharma Sword (4/4) Activated】
Lines of text appeared before Gu Chengming's eyes:
【Synergy Effect Upgraded: Riding the Wind, Beheading from a Thousand Miles. When you simultaneously equip or control four 'Dharma Sword' type weapons, the sword array advances.】
Gu Chengming was overjoyed; it had actually worked.
He performed a brief deduction in his Sea of Consciousness.
With Tinglan as the core offensive, Light Splitting for speed and flanking, Stone Cracker for heavy pressure and defense, and now this Night Guard sword to stabilize the formation.
With all four swords out, the sense of seamless harmony was far beyond what the previous Sancai Sword Array could offer. With this Four Symbols Sword Array, even without using dragon qi, he might be able to hold out for several more rounds against that rogue cultivator.
"Good sword."
Gu Chengming sheathed the sword and patted the wooden box with satisfaction.
After leaving the Merit Hall.
Perhaps because life in the Night Guard Division had been too smooth lately with his promotion and raise, the growth speed of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art's favorability had noticeably slowed down.
Gu Chengming pondered. Although he had temporarily figured out the behavior pattern of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, its source was still Director Zhou.
Since Zhou Qingmu had given him that jade slip and told him to check her past insights at the Imperial Academy, there must be some opportunity there to make this heart art advance by leaps and bounds.
Having made up his mind, Gu Chengming tucked the jade slip into his robe and headed straight for the Imperial Academy.
The Great Qian Imperial Academy was the gathering place of the literary lineage.
Vermilion gates stood towering and majestic. Unlike the Night Guard Division, there were no stone lions flanking the entrance; instead, there were two stone tablets engraved with sacred scriptures and words of wisdom.
The students coming and going were all dressed in green robes and Confucian caps, walking with a composed pace that exuded the refined air of those who believed 'all paths are inferior, only scholarship is noble.'
As soon as Gu Chengming reached the entrance, he was stopped by two guards in patrol uniforms.
"This officer, please wait."
The guards were quite polite, cupping their hands.
"The Imperial Academy is a sacred place for students' quiet study. Non-academy students or great scholars without an invitation are not permitted to enter."
Gu Chengming didn't waste words and pulled out the jade slip Zhou Qingmu had given him.
Upon seeing the jade slip, the guard swallowed hard, his voice becoming respectful yet nervous.
"Officer, please wait a moment! This matter is of great importance. I will go report to the Chancellor immediately. Please wait, I'll be right back!"
With that, he scrambled inside as if a ghost were chasing him.
Gu Chengming stood at the gate, watching the guard's frantic back, feeling somewhat puzzled. Not long after, the guard came running back, panting. No great figure followed him, but the expression on his face was even more deferential. He didn't even dare to look Gu Chengming in the eye, bowing low and making a gesture of invitation.
"Officer, this way please."
Gu Chengming stepped inside.
Along the way, every student or deacon of the Imperial Academy who saw the guard's terrified manner and caught a glimpse of the token in Gu Chengming's hand stopped in their tracks to watch him.
Gu Chengming quietly activated the Yin Yang Creation Strategy, sensing the surrounding aura. The feedback he received was quite subtle.
Most people's reactions were awe mixed with pity... Awe was understandable, but what did the pity mean?
Gu Chengming's brow twitched. While he was wondering, the guard led him through long corridors to a side hall named 'Heart Sutra Hall.'
Before leaving, the guard seemed to have held it in for a long time before finally whispering cautiously:
"Officer, forgive my meddling, but are you Director Zhou's disciple?"
Gu Chengming was stunned for a moment and said casually, "No, I'm her subordinate, serving in the Night Guard Division."
As soon as he said that, the guard let out a long, heavy sigh. "Officer, you've had it hard."
With that, he bowed deeply again and hurried away without waiting for Gu Chengming's reply.
Gu Chengming: "..."
He now knew why everyone had been looking at him with those eyes. Director Zhou's reputation in the Imperial Academy didn't seem very ideal.
With a mix of curiosity and oddity, Gu Chengming pushed open the doors of the Heart Sutra Hall.
Upon entering, the first thing that met his eyes wasn't a statue of a sage or scrolls of calligraphy, but a blade.
A giant stone saber, at least fifteen zhang long, was thrust abruptly into the center of the hall's plaza, surrounded by scattered rocks.
The blade was ancient and crude, without any fancy decorations, yet it radiated a suffocating sense of pressure.
It was slanted into the ground, the surrounding bluestone tiles cracked in every direction, as if it had been thrown down from the nine heavens.
And around that stone saber were circles of exquisite and elegant pavilions and towers.
This crude aesthetic of violence formed an incredibly strong visual clash with the surrounding refined scholarly atmosphere. It looked completely out of place, yet possessed a strange harmony.
Gu Chengming looked at the stone saber, his confusion growing. Why put such a thing in the middle of the Imperial Academy? Was it to warn students that the 'Six Arts of a Gentleman' also included martial prowess?
As he stood there watching, a young student in Confucian robes walked quickly out from the inner hall to meet him.
This person had a refined face and looked like a scholar, but when he saw Gu Chengming, his expression held a sense of understanding—as if he already knew why he was there—and a trace of subtle helplessness.
"You must be the officer from the Night Guard Division?"
The student bowed. Without asking much, he said directly, "The higher-ups have already given instructions. You are here to see the notes and records left by Director Zhou."
"Correct," Gu Chengming nodded. "Lead the way."
"Officer, please follow me."
The student led Gu Chengming around the massive stone saber and straight into the depths of the hall.
The collection of books in the Heart Sutra Hall was as vast as a sea, with rows of bookshelves reaching up to the ceiling.
But the student didn't stop in the mainstream areas marked 'Classics, History, Philosophy, and Literature.' Instead, he led Gu Chengming through many twists and turns, finally arriving at a remote bookshelf in the furthest corner of the hall, which was even a bit dusty.
"We're here."
The student pointed to the row in front of him, which was packed full of books. His expression became complicated.
Gu Chengming scanned them.
Good heavens, hundreds of books. Were they all written by Zhou Qingmu?
This Director Zhou was busy every day, yet she still had the leisure to write so many books? This level of prolific writing could almost match those great scholars whose works were as tall as themselves.
"Are these all Director Zhou's insights?" Gu Chengming casually pulled one out and asked.
The student looked at Gu Chengming, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.
He looked around to make sure no one was there, then leaned in slightly and whispered a well-intentioned warning:
"Officer, these are indeed Director Zhou's works."
"However..."
He paused, then as if afraid Gu Chengming would go astray, he couldn't help but add:
"To be honest, most of the books here are not recognized by the Chancellor or the Doctors of the Imperial Academy."
"The reason they can still be placed here, and even occupy an entire shelf, isn't because the principles in the books are profound. It's purely because..." He pointed to the giant stone saber outside the hall and smiled bitterly.
"It's because of Director Zhou's prestige in serving the country and the people... and her contributions to the Imperial Academy."
"For example, that saber outside isn't a statue. It was placed there by Director Zhou herself back then to... convince the Chancellor to agree with her viewpoint."
"..."
Gu Chengming fell silent.
Through the window, he glanced once more at the stone saber that no one had dared to pull out—or perhaps simply couldn't.
Fine, he completely understood now.
No wonder Director Zhou's reputation at the Imperial Academy was so subtle. No wonder those people looked at him with pity.
Your books are only allowed to be here because of physical intimidation?
"Thank you for the tip."
Gu Chengming felt a strange mix of emotions and thanked him.
Seeing his task complete, the student didn't want to stay. He cupped his hands and hurried away, as if being near this bookshelf would bring him bad luck.
In the corner of the hall, Gu Chengming was left alone.
He sighed and turned his gaze back to the bookshelf.
Regardless, since he was here, he had to take a look. After all, that Director's attainments in the martial path were real; perhaps there truly were some unique insights. He picked up the book he had just pulled out and flipped it over to look at the cover.
The title read—
《Zhou Rites: How to Use Your Fists to Make the Imperial Academy Recognize Your Ideals》
"..."
Gu Chengming's eyelid twitched. He silently closed the book and stuffed it back.
This title was certainly direct and to the point.
He reached for a slightly thinner one next to it, thinking this one might be more normal.
《Zhou Rites: On Why a Copper Kettle Filled with Hot Water is the Best Weapon to Beat a Female Cultivator Without Injuring Her》
"?"
Gu Chengming's hand shook, nearly dropping the book. He quickly closed it and put it down.
'In his Sea of Consciousness, the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art saw him pick it up and put it down, and it immediately grew anxious.'
'Chengming, why aren't you reading?'
Gu Chengming ignored it entirely. His gaze scanned the bookshelf and finally locked onto the thickest book placed in the most prominent position.
《General Principles of Zhou Rites》
"General principles... This should be the proper stuff, right?"
Gu Chengming thought as he took it down and flipped to the first page.
What met his eyes was a line of a preface written with such force it seemed to penetrate the paper:
【What are Zhou Rites?】
【The world believes that rites are constraints and rules. However, I believe that rites are principles.】
【The so-called Zhou Rites refers to a set of rites developed by Zhou Qingmu during her studies at the Imperial Academy, designed to make everyone peaceful and kind to others.】
【Note: These rites are widely recognized by the students of the Imperial Academy.】
"..."
Damn! No wonder the 'Zhou Rites' in the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art were so different from what he knew. It turned out the 'Zhou' in Zhou Rites really just meant Zhou Qingmu's personal rites?!
In a side hall of the Imperial Academy, the scent of medicinal herbs wafted through the air.
Though not as grand as the Heart Sutra Hall, this place was quiet and secluded. High-level isolation arrays had been set up around it, making it difficult even for the divine sense of a fourth realm cultivator to enter.
On a cloud couch inside the hall, a woman with snow-white hair, dressed in the plain robes of a medical official, sat cross-legged behind the Hehuan Sect elder Gu Chengming had met before.
Her hands were pressed against the young girl's slender back. A vibrant, pale green spiritual energy surged from her palms, flowing into the girl's body like a trickling stream.
The girl, whose face had been as pale as paper, suddenly shuddered and spat out a glob of dark, stagnant blood.
Once she spat out the blood, her tightly drawn little face finally regained a hint of color, though her aura remained weak.
The white-haired woman behind her also swayed slightly, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. Clearly, this healing process was a great drain on her as well.
After a long while, the spiritual light faded.
The white-haired woman slowly withdrew her power and let out a long breath. Looking at the petite back of the girl who was currently wiping her mouth with a handkerchief, she spoke with a hint of helplessness and reproach:
"Little-Little Senior Sister, please don't do such dangerous things again. If those Longevity Sect evildoers had been even slightly more prepared, you wouldn't have just escaped with heavy injuries."
The girl called 'Little-Little Senior Sister' paused and whipped her head around to glare at the white-haired woman.
"Call me Senior Sister Fu!"
She angrily tossed the handkerchief aside and puffed out her non-existent chest for emphasis.
"And I'm not your senior sister anymore! Since you've joined the Imperial Academy and become a medical official for Great Qian, we've gone our separate ways!"
She had always hated people calling her by her real name. After all, the name Fu Xiaoxiao lacked presence and didn't fit her status as a Hehuan Sect elder at all.
The white-haired woman—now the chief medical official of the Imperial Academy's Medical Institute—only gave a gentle smile, her eyes full of tolerance as if looking at a child throwing a tantrum. "Alright, alright, Senior Sister Fu."
She stood up, poured a cup of warm water, and handed it over, though her tone still carried a hint of complaint.
"Since we aren't on the same path, why did Senior Sister Fu have to get involved in this mess? The backlash from the restriction in your body had already reached its peak. You should have been resting at your sect, suppressing your cultivation. Was it worth risking your life against the Longevity Sect for a few strangers?"
Fu Xiaoxiao took the water cup and huffed. "What? Only you Great Qian officials are allowed to protect the common people?"
The white-haired woman sighed. Looking at her sharp-tongued but soft-hearted senior sister, she said softly, "You know that's not what I meant."
Fu Xiaoxiao took a sip of water, her voice dropping a bit. "Fine, fine, I'm not dead."
"What about that Longevity Sect evil cultivator?" the white-haired woman asked.
At the mention of her battle record, Fu Xiaoxiao instantly perked up. She slammed the cup onto the table and said, "A piece of trash who hadn't even reached the fifth realm? Naturally, he was easily slain by this seat!"
Speaking of this, she frowned with a hint of annoyance.
"If that bastard hadn't been so despicable, using the innocent people nearby as leverage and forcing me to take a hit from his sinister trick, he wouldn't have even been able to touch the corner of my clothes!"
The white-haired woman's smile deepened. She knew that although her senior sister's style was somewhat casual, she possessed a chivalrous spirit purer than even a sword cultivator's. She had received much care from this senior sister back when she was in the Hehuan Sect.
She had heard that this senior sister had been the most heartbroken when she decided to leave the Hehuan Sect, a fact that made her feel quite guilty. Thus, she could understand why the other woman acted so prickly upon seeing her.
"Yes, yes, Senior Sister Fu is divinely powerful, number one in the world." The white-haired woman praised her like she was coaxing a child, then turned serious.
"However, don't try to show off during this time. Although my Li's Infant Healing Art is miraculous, it can only barely keep your dao foundation from collapsing. Your body right now is like a porcelain vase full of cracks; it looks fine, but it's actually extremely fragile."
"If you fight someone again, even if they're only in the third realm, you'll be practically defenseless. It will be truly dangerous then."
"I know, I know."
Fu Xiaoxiao leaned back against the soft couch, finding a comfortable position to sprawl out.
"I'm not an idiot. My life is my own; don't you think I know how to cherish it?"
As she spoke, Fu Xiaoxiao suddenly remembered something and peeked into the storage pouch at her waist, her expression becoming subtle.
She had left in a hurry this time, and combined with her usual lavish spending, she realized there were only a pitiful six thousand five hundred spirit stones left in her pouch.
Her heart tightened. She counted out six thousand spirit stones, put them into a money bag embroidered with a clear heart lotus, and slapped it onto the wooden table beside the couch with a 'thwack.'
"By the way, this is the fee for the consultation and the medicine."
The white-haired woman looked at the heavy money bag, stunned for a moment, then pushed it back helplessly.
"Senior Sister, what need is there for this between us? Moreover, you were injured while saving people. In every sense, I shouldn't take your money."
Fu Xiaoxiao forcefully stuffed the money bag back into the white-haired woman's hand. "Business is business."
The white-haired woman gripped the still-warm money bag and sighed inwardly.
At this point, Fu Xiaoxiao's gaze became a bit shifty, and her voice grew smaller.
"I'll make up the missing part the next time we meet."
The white-haired woman saw her senior sister's 'dying for the sake of face' look and smiled, accepting the bag.
"Fine, I'll do as Senior Sister says."
Though she said that, she had already decided to find a chance to give these spirit stones to Yun Wan later, so she could find a way to slip them back into her senior sister's allowance.
The white-haired woman packed her medicine box. Sensing Fu Xiaoxiao's mix of awkwardness and relief, she turned and casually brought up a topic.
"By the way, Senior Sister Fu. I heard from a letter from Yun Wan a few days ago that you just passed the Yin Yang Creation Strategy to a male disciple from the Wenjian Sect?"
"Hmm?"
Fu Xiaoxiao was startled, then puzzled. "You're quite well-informed. Yun Wan told you?"
"Yun Wan was just worried about your injuries and mentioned it in passing."
The white-haired woman smiled, a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"To catch Senior Sister Fu's eye, even making you use your elder's privilege to pass on the technique—what's so special about that disciple?"
At the mention of Gu Chengming, Fu Xiaoxiao's flagging spirit perked up slightly. She recalled the conversation in that small building filled with 'barren' shadows. Although the process was a bit painful to remember, that young man's aptitude and character were truly top-notch.
"He is indeed a good sprout."
Fu Xiaoxiao gave a rare, serious evaluation. "Resilient character, neither humble nor arrogant. And his sword talent is quite high; he's already in the second realm at such a young age. Most importantly..."
She paused, not mentioning the Charm Bone, and only said vaguely, "In short, he has a rare pure yang constitution. If taught well, he will surely become a great talent in the future."
"Gu Chengming..."
The white-haired woman softly repeated the name, her mind stirring.
Before she had treated Fu Xiaoxiao, she had heard the guard at the gate mention that a young man holding Director Zhou's token had entered the Heart Sutra Hall today. His name seemed to be exactly that.
"That's quite a coincidence."
The white-haired woman chuckled, covering her mouth. She looked at Fu Xiaoxiao and said, "He is currently right here in the Imperial Academy."
As soon as those words left her mouth, Fu Xiaoxiao, who had been playing dead on the couch, sprang up like a coiled spring.
"He's in the Imperial Academy?"
She hadn't forgotten how her composure had been shattered by that kid's comment about her 'barren' figure back at the Elegant Garden, causing her to lose all her dignity.
She had that debt recorded in her little notebook!
"Where? Take me to see him, quick!"
Fu Xiaoxiao grabbed the white-haired woman's sleeve and urged her impatiently.
The white-haired woman was amused by her frantic behavior and shook her head helplessly.
"In the Heart Sutra Hall. Senior Sister, slow down, your injuries aren't fully healed yet..."
"I can't worry about that now."
She was prepared today; wouldn't she charm him to death?
On the other side.
The moment he walked out of the Heart Sutra Hall, Gu Chengming felt a bit dazed.
To put it bluntly, the core of the Zhou Rites was one sentence: 'If I don't like the look of you, I'll use this as my rite.'
Even if she flipped the table, it was in the name of 'rectifying table manners.'
Gu Chengming looked up again at the massive black stone saber in the plaza. When he arrived, it seemed out of place, but looking at it now, it felt perfectly natural. This made him start to doubt himself.
'Have I really been assimilated by Director Zhou?'
Just as he was thinking this, he ran straight into two figures.
One in white and one in red—it was the chief medical official of the Imperial Academy, Li Suizhuang, and the aggressively approaching Hehuan Sect elder, Fu Xiaoxiao.
Gu Chengming was surprised. Wasn't this the Hehuan Sect elder he had met last time? What was she doing here?
At the same time, a line of text appeared before his eyes.
【The Yin Yang Creation Strategy reminds you that although she is older, she is one of the few heroines in the Hehuan Sect who can be collected.】
'Damn, how do you even know that?'
Gu Chengming complained in his heart, trying his best to keep a straight face. He paused and cupped his hands in a bow. "Greetings..."
"Just call me Senior Sister Fu."
Fu Xiaoxiao cut him off. She stood with her hands behind her back, her chin tilted up slightly. Her red dress, which had been a bit ill-fitting before, had been modified with magic to fit her better, though her childish face still lacked any sense of authority.
She said, "Since you've cultivated our sect's Yin Yang Creation Strategy, you're practically half a disciple of the Hehuan Sect. Calling me 'Elder' is too distant."
Gu Chengming thought that she was probably several hundred years old; calling her 'Senior Sister' might actually shorten his lifespan. But seeing her 'if you don't call me that, I won't move' stance, he had no choice but to follow along.
"Senior Sister Fu."
This address made Fu Xiaoxiao beam with joy, and half of her vengeful fire instantly dissipated.
She immediately moved half a step closer, blinking her large eyes and asking with expectation:
"Then look at me again. What do you think of me now?"
Gu Chengming was stunned and asked in confusion, "What do you mean, 'how'?"
"My appearance! My looks!"
Fu Xiaoxiao stamped her foot in frustration and even did a spin on the spot, her skirt fluttering.
"Do you see any changes? Like, have I become more mature? Does it feel like I have a lingering charm? Or do I look like someone you can't take your eyes off of?"
She had specifically boosted her technique to its full power, confident that in Gu Chengming's eyes, she was currently a peerless, mature beauty who outshone everyone.
Gu Chengming studied her seriously. He glanced at the Hundred Bones Resonating, which was dizzily muttering, 'Emperor Gu, what is that pressing against my back?' and then weighed his words before speaking the truth:
"It's the same as before."
"..."
Fu Xiaoxiao's posture instantly collapsed. She deflated like a punctured balloon, visibly shrinking.
She asked, unwilling to give up, "Are you carrying some top-tier treasure that can block illusions? Or do you have a natural Heavenly Eye?"
Gu Chengming thought about his vast collection of techniques and nodded. "Hmm... I suppose so?"
"Fine..."
Fu Xiaoxiao completely lost her temper, muttering things like 'young people these days are so hard to deal with' and 'not giving a bit of face.'
The white-haired woman beside her covered her mouth and chuckled, then stepped forward and said warmly, "I am the medical official of the Imperial Academy, Li Suizhuang."
She didn't mention her relationship with Fu Xiaoxiao, only saying simply, "I heard earlier that you were in the Heart Sutra Hall and followed out of curiosity."
"So it is Senior Li," Gu Chengming returned the greeting.
Li Suizhuang's warm eyes scanned Gu Chengming. She seemed to sense something and asked curiously:
"I see that your aura seems to have threads of emotion pulling at it. Could it be that you cultivate the Passionate Sword Art?"
Gu Chengming shook his head. "This junior does not cultivate the Passionate Sword Art."
At the same time, he was curious. Even the people of Great Qian had heard of the Passionate Sword Art?
"Not the Passionate Sword Art?" A flash of surprise appeared in Li Suizhuang's eyes, followed by a shake of her head. Her tone even carried a hint of regret. "That's truly a pity."
She changed the subject. "I heard you came to see Director Zhou's heart art insights?"
"Indeed."
"That's quite a coincidence."
Li Suizhuang seemed to think of something, a meaningful smile curling her lips. She looked at the faint righteous qi on Gu Chengming's body but didn't point out exactly where the 'coincidence' lay.
Fu Xiaoxiao, however, was annoyed by the conversation and curled her lip, interjecting:
"What's there to learn from Zhou Qingmu's stuff? It's purely misleading. You'd be better off learning from me than from her."
Gu Chengming felt a subtle reaction. Seeing his unimpressed expression, Fu Xiaoxiao grew anxious.
"Don't disbelieve me! Back in my prime, I was an even match for Zhou Qingmu! If I hadn't been backstabbed later..."
At this point, she seemed to feel that this 'brave man mentioning past glory' behavior was a bit beneath her, and her current state was indeed a bit pathetic. So she sighed and waved her hand.
"Forget it, I won't talk about it."
She turned her gaze back to Gu Chengming. This time, she let out a small gasp of surprise, her eyes widening.
"Eh? Your Yin Yang Creation Strategy has already reached the initial stage?"
How many days had it been?
Ordinary disciples would take three to five months just to sense the aura, yet this kid had already condensed a yang seed? Was this the weight of the Charm Bone?
Seeing her bring up serious business, Gu Chengming stopped being polite and took the opportunity to ask, "Senior Sister Fu has a keen eye. It's just that this junior has encountered some confusion in his cultivation."
"The Yin Yang Creation Strategy emphasizes the harmony of heaven, earth, yin, and yang; it's excellent for regulating one's aura. But according to the manual, it seems that only after reaching great completion and pairing it with dual cultivation can its true power be unleashed."
Gu Chengming asked in puzzlement, "Does cultivating this art offer no means of facing an enemy other than nourishing the body? I can't just keep consuming sect resources while being a useless person who only knows how to maintain his health, right?"
"Offensive means?"
Hearing this, Fu Xiaoxiao was first stunned, then she laughed. "I thought you'd wait until after you reached the initial stage to ask this. I didn't expect you to notice so quickly."
She cleared her throat, putting on the air of a teacher to explain:
"If you treat the Yin Yang Creation Strategy as just an ordinary internal cultivation art, you're dead wrong. All the techniques of the Hehuan Sect are actually just a massive 'vault,' but to draw power from that vault to face an enemy, you need a trigger."
"In my Hehuan Sect, this trigger is called—the 'Red Dust Technique.'"
At this point, Fu Xiaoxiao's eyes suddenly lit up, as if she had thought of a fun idea.
"Perfect. Talking is no substitute for practice. I'll demonstrate it for you. Only by experiencing the taste of the Red Dust Technique firsthand can you truly learn how to use it."
She looked at Gu Chengming with eagerness.
Gu Chengming hesitated for a moment, then, thinking this was a rare learning opportunity, he nodded.
"Then I'll trouble Senior Sister Fu to demonstrate."
"Watch closely!"
Fu Xiaoxiao's expression turned solemn. She raised her right hand, pressing her fingers together like a sword.
To let Gu Chengming see clearly, she specifically slowed down the flow of her spiritual energy.
Gu Chengming activated his Wisdom Eye and clearly saw a pink spiritual energy condensing at her fingertips, which then turned into an extremely subtle ripple. Following a strange trajectory, it slowly pointed toward Gu Chengming's brow.
"Strike!" Fu Xiaoxiao cried out softly.
However.
One breath, two breaths, three breaths.
Gu Chengming stood in place, blinked, and looked perfectly normal, showing no reaction at all.
"Eh?"
Fu Xiaoxiao was puzzled. She withdrew her finger and looked at it. "Why didn't it work?"
She didn't believe it. Taking a deep breath, she channeled her spiritual energy again. This time, the movement was slightly faster, but she still maintained the rhythm of a teaching demonstration, pointing at Gu Chengming once more.
"Strike!"
It was still like a stone sinking into the sea.
Fu Xiaoxiao began to doubt her life. Just how ridiculous was this kid's soul defense?
Just as she was gritting her teeth and preparing for a third demonstration.
Gu Chengming, seeing the Huiyuan Sword Manual and the Qingxin Art suffering one after another, quickly interrupted, "There's no need for another demonstration, Senior Sister Fu."
He reached out, pressing his fingers together like a sword, and mimicked Fu Xiaoxiao's movement from just now.
"I've already learned it."
Fu Xiaoxiao thought, 'Really?' "You learned it just by watching? Do you know how the soul frequency vibrates inside? Do you know the ratio of Kan and Li Energies?"
She didn't quite believe him and said, "Try using it on me once."
Seeing that Fu Xiaoxiao was serious, Gu Chengming thought it was a good time to test it.
"Pardon the offense, Senior Sister Fu."
His gaze sharpened. He raised his hand, pressing his fingers like a sword, his movements identical to the demonstration Fu Xiaoxiao had just given. Even the trajectory of the spiritual energy flow was exactly the same.
"Buzz—"
The moment his finger pointed out, the air seemed to become thick and alluring. There was no pink light, only an invisible but incredibly domineering force of attraction that instantly enveloped Fu Xiaoxiao.
Fu Xiaoxiao had wanted to mock him, but in the next moment, she let out a muffled groan, her legs going weak as she nearly fell.
Her face turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye—from the base of her neck all the way to the top of her head. Her body trembled slightly, and wisps of white steam actually began to rise from her head.
Anyone with eyes could see she was enduring something.
A moment passed, then another, then a long while...
Finally, she suddenly looked up, her large, usually arrogant eyes now filled with a misty haze. With a fierce yet somewhat pitiful look, she stared at Gu Chengming. Trembling, she pulled a storage pouch embroidered with mandarin ducks from her robe and handed it to him with shaking hands.
"This is all my property. There are five hundred spirit stones inside."
"Take it!"
Gu Chengming was a bit confused. What did this mean?
On the other side, Fu Xiaoxiao was almost crying. "Take it, quick!"
As she spoke, Fu Xiaoxiao was doing her absolute best to hold back the words she truly wanted to say.
—'Please take it, and then give it to me once.'
Rate on N.U.
