Gu Chengming didn't know that at this very moment, "three" elders were fretting over his disciple assessment.
He was currently in a rather subtle state.
To be honest, as a veteran galgame player, this was his first time encountering a situation where his past experience was completely inapplicable.
In previous games, the capture targets were either tsundere, yandere, or kuudere. As long as he figured out their personality, the rest was just a matter of systematically raising their affection.
But this "Hundred Bones Resonating"... it was truly quite divine.
Alas, it was only because the niche game developers of his previous life weren't strong enough, otherwise, why would he be so conflicted?
However, he had at least figured out one rule now: it seemed that as long as his talent was strong enough, or he spent enough money, the affection would rapidly increase.
Gu Chengming operated his cultivation method while pondering the logic in his mind.
Just as Gu Chengming was still battling wits with this divine cultivation method,
on the other side, the old man with the wine gourd who had been secretly observing Gu Chengming could finally no longer hold back.
Originally, he had only regarded Gu Chengming as a rare talent in swordsmanship.
He had initially shaken his head repeatedly when Gu Chengming began cultivating body-refining techniques.
"Not doing proper work, not doing proper work."
The old man with the wine gourd muttered in his heart while drinking wine.
As an elder of the Hunyuan Sect, he was intimately familiar with body-refining techniques.
In his opinion, Gu Chengming's physique and vitality made his talent in body refining simply dreadful.
Compared to his astonishing genius in swordsmanship, it was like heaven and earth.
"Sword dao geniuses always have a few quirks."
The old man with the wine gourd comforted himself.
Just like himself, as an elder of the Hunyuan Sect, he was obsessed with swordsmanship, which had also drawn much criticism initially.
Geniuses were always willful; this didn't affect the bigger picture.
However...
As time passed, Hua Daiyi's expression gradually shifted from "disdainful" to "incredulous," finally settling on "seeing a ghost."
This kid's progress in body-refining techniques... wasn't it a bit too fast?
He was clearly just a novice a few days ago, so how had he become proficient in the blink of an eye?
The familiarity with qi and blood circulation, the rhythmic sensation of muscles and bones resonating, even gave him an illusion—
—this kid was actually also a body-refining genius?
What did it mean that the sword dao genius I found was also a body-refining genius?
Seeing that the Wenjian Sect seemed to be about to approach Gu Chengming, the old man with the wine gourd finally couldn't sit still.
After days of observation, he had basically figured out Gu Chengming's background.
His temperament was steady, neither arrogant nor impatient; he knew how to repay kindness, and his talent was beyond words, with both sword and body cultivation progressing simultaneously.
If he waited any longer for such a talent, he might suddenly rise to prominence any day now.
By then, when those old fellows from the Wenjian Sect reacted, they would surely protect him like a cub, and it would be difficult for him to make a move.
"No, I can't wait any longer."
The old man with the wine gourd decisively abandoned his plan to take him as a disciple just before the disciple assessment.
There's no time like the present, right now!
The old man with the wine gourd casually set up two shielding arrays, isolating the aura inside and outside the small courtyard, then his figure flickered and disappeared into the treetops.
...........................................................
In the courtyard.
Gu Chengming was practicing his sword.
Suddenly, his sword paused slightly.
It was a strange feeling. Like a smooth picture suddenly dropping a frame, or a noisy world suddenly being muted.
The wind stopped, the birdsong disappeared, and even the movement of dust in the air seemed to freeze.
This was the keen intuition brought by "Jianxin Tongming."
The surrounding environment had changed.
Before Gu Chengming could react, a figure appeared out of thin air before him.
It was an old man wearing a tattered bamboo hat, coarse patched linen clothes, and an dark red wine gourd hanging from his waist.
The old man held a chicken leg, gnawing on it while smiling at him.
"Little fellow, your sword practice is quite good."
Gu Chengming was startled, quickly sheathed his sword, retreated two steps, and watched the other party warily.
To be able to infiltrate here silently and set up a barrier that even he couldn't detect, this old man was definitely a master!
"Junior Gu Chengming greets senior," Gu Chengming bowed respectfully, adopting a humble posture. "May I ask why senior has graced my humble abode?"
The old man with the wine gourd chuckled, casually tossed aside the chicken bone, wiped the grease from his mouth, and put on the air of an otherworldly expert.
"This old man does not change his name, nor does he change his seat. I am Hua Daiyi, the Wine Sword Immortal!"
After speaking, he clasped his hands behind his back, slightly raised his chin, waiting for Gu Chengming to show a shocked expression of "bowing in reverence" or "so it's you, venerable elder."
After all, although his reputation in the cultivation world was mixed, the title "Wine Sword Immortal" was quite renowned.
However...
One second passed.
Two seconds passed.
Gu Chengming blinked, his face showing nothing but bewilderment.
"Um... senior, please forgive me. Junior's knowledge is shallow, I have never heard of senior's great name."
"..."
Hua Daiyi's smile froze.
At this moment, it was as if a desolate autumn wind swept fallen leaves between the two of them.
"You... haven't heard?" Hua Daiyi asked, unwilling to give up.
Gu Chengming shook his head honestly.
Hua Daiyi felt as if he had been punched hard in the chest, greatly disheartened.
These young people nowadays... truly getting worse with each generation, they don't even recognize an important figure like this old man.
After a moment, he took a deep breath, waved his hand, and feigned nonchalance:
"Never mind, never mind. It's just an empty reputation, like passing clouds. If you haven't heard, then you haven't heard."
Saying this, he picked up the wine gourd from his waist and took two big gulps, as if to swallow his frustration.
"Since you haven't heard of this old man's name, then it's perfect. I'll let you witness this old man's methods."
Before his words finished, Hua Daiyi casually plucked a falling leaf.
He gently waved it.
There were no spiritual energy fluctuations, nor any earth-shattering sounds.
But in Gu Chengming's vision, the entire world seemed to be torn apart at that instant!
An invisible chasm stretched across heaven and earth, as if splitting the world in two.
It was a sword intent of extreme purity, without any hint of worldly smoke, yet so overbearing it was suffocating.
Gu Chengming was startled, his hairs standing on end—that was the fear of life's instinct.
Before he could recover, Hua Daiyi waved his hand again.
The terrifying chasm instantly vanished, and heaven and earth returned to their original state, as if everything just now had been an illusion.
Only Gu Chengming's frantically warning "Jianxin Tongming" reminded him of the reality of that scene.
"How was it?"
Hua Daiyi looked at him with a smile, a hint of pride in his eyes.
Gu Chengming took a deep breath and bowed again.
"Senior's realm is profound, and your sword intent is divine. Junior is utterly impressed!"
Undoubtedly, that move just now was definitely not ordinary swordsmanship.
Such effortless, world-altering methods could only be achieved by a great cultivator of at least the third realm... no, even the Fourth or fifth realm!
This seemingly scruffy old man before him was a true powerhouse!
Seeing Gu Chengming finally show a look of reverence, Hua Daiyi nodded with great satisfaction.
This was the correct way to open things.
"Since you know this old man's abilities, I won't beat around the bush."
Hua Daiyi cleared his throat and introduced himself.
"This old man is an elder of the Hunyuan Sect. You must have heard of the Hunyuan Sect, right? A sect as famous as the Wenjian Sect, primarily cultivating body-refining techniques, achieving physical sainthood, impervious to all magic."
"However..."
He changed his tone:
"Although this old man is in the Hunyuan Sect, I happen to be skilled in swordsmanship. Within the Hunyuan Sect, this old man's sword dao attainment can also rank among the top three."
Speaking of this, his gaze fixed on Gu Chengming, and he extended an olive branch:
"Kid, I see you have extraordinary bones; you're a good seedling for practicing swords. How about it, are you interested in joining my lineage and becoming my personal disciple?"
"This..."
Gu Chengming was stunned.
To be honest, this was a great temptation.
A powerhouse of at least the fourth realm actively taking disciples, and from the Hunyuan Sect, which was as famous as the Wenjian Sect.
If he just nodded and agreed, he would not only receive guidance from a renowned master but also gain the massive resource support of the Hunyuan Sect.
Spirit stones, pills, magic treasures—wouldn't he have as many as he wanted?
And looking at this old man, his family fortune must be extremely rich.
Just a few crumbs from his fingers would be enough for him to live a lifetime.
But...
Gu Chengming hesitated.
Firstly, leaving a sect and changing allegiances was a big deal in the cultivation world; it might even require abolishing his original cultivation methods.
Although he wasn't doing great in the Wenjian Sect, it was still a reputable sect, and he owed Yu Wenqiu a favor.
More importantly...
The attitude of his several "harem" members.
【The Qingxin Art's attitude is quite subtle.】
【Although it is a troublemaker, it clearly dislikes those who are indecisive and forget kindness for profit.】
【The Huiyuan Sword Art's attitude is relatively gentle. It believes you can go anywhere as long as you can become better. But if possible, it hopes you can stay in the Wenjian Sect. After all, this is its home, and where you met.】
Gu Chengming actually already had a preference.
However, at this moment, another cultivation method also expressed its opinion.
【Hundred Bones Resonating is ecstatic!】
【Hundred Bones Resonating thinks: A body-refining sect? After going there, there will probably be no shortage of body-refining resources, and this Hua Daiyi is also a high-level cultivator, an elder-level master.】
【It urgently wants you to accept this opportunity!】
Gu Chengming: "..."
Seeing Gu Chengming still hesitating, Hua Daiyi thought the stakes weren't high enough, so he added more fuel to the fire.
"If you agree, I can immediately impart to you the top body-refining technique within the Hunyuan Sect."
"That would be much stronger than this unknown body-refining technique you are currently cultivating. Although your technique has some merit, it is ultimately an unconventional path, unworthy of grand stages."
Upon hearing this, "Hundred Bones Resonating," which had been frantically urging Gu Chengming to agree, instantly exploded.
【Upon hearing these words, Hundred Bones Resonating was struck by lightning. After a long pause, it became extremely furious.】
【Not only did he insult its shallow cultivation, but he also tried to steal its opportunity and snatch its treasure?!】
【This is a great humiliation, truly detestable! This old dog has a death wish!】
【Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; do not bully a poor cultivation method! Once it cultivates to great success, it will surely kill this villain!】
【It urgently wants you to refuse this person! And begins frantically promoting its own advantages!】
Divine Hundred Bones Resonating.
Ignoring the reaction of this divine cultivation method, Gu Chengming had actually made his decision long ago.
He cupped his hands and politely refused the other party.
"Thank you for your kindness, senior. Junior is flattered."
"But..."
"As a disciple of the Wenjian Sect, although junior's aptitude is dull, I dare not forget my roots. The sect has treated me well, and my teachers have shown me the grace of instruction."
"Moreover, although the cultivation method junior practices is not top-tier, it is the most compatible with junior. As the saying goes, one cherishes their own broom, and junior currently has no plans to change allegiances."
"Therefore... I can only disappoint senior's good intentions."
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