Gu Chengming realized that his techniques were evolving their insights quite frequently.
When others cultivated techniques, they either ground away for decades without progress or required the assistance of heavenly treasures to barely break through.
Yet, when he cultivated, he didn't even need to use his own brain.
The Hundred Bones Resonating had comprehended the 【Primal Emperor Art】, the Huiyuan Sword Art helped him practice automatically, and now, the All Wonders Same Source Method had joined the fray.
If this trend continued, Gu Chengming suspected that in future duels, he would only need to shout, "Come forth, Eternal God of War!" and his techniques would take human form to beat up his enemies for him.
Well, this was a good thing.
After all, from a worldly perspective, the advancement of techniques meant an increase in strength, and increased strength meant more influence and survival space in the cultivation world.
From a personal perspective, raising affection points was simple, making it perfect for a Gal Master to relieve stress during the idle time between conquering high-difficulty characters.
But the Hundred Bones Resonating wasn't very happy about it.
【The Hundred Bones Resonating thought to itself that it was almost bluffed by that newcomer; fortunately, Emperor Gu didn't notice, otherwise it would have been a massive loss of face】
—I actually didn't want to notice.
Gu Chengming felt a bit helpless.
Meanwhile, at the Wenjian Sect Main Peak.
The sky was bright, and the clouds were light under a gentle breeze.
Ren Wencai's state of mind today was as clear and comfortable as the mountain wind.
Since taking Gu Chengming under his wing, he felt that everything was proceeding smoothly; even his long-stagnant realm bottleneck actually showed faint signs of loosening.
Today was the day for the various peaks to discuss matters. The Sect Leader had traveled away and not yet returned, and many senior elders were in secluded meditation, so the responsibility of presiding over the overall situation fell to the External Affairs Elder of the peak, his Senior Brother, Zhou Qi.
Ren Wencai walked with composed steps, ascending the stairs and entering the doors of the Assembly Hall.
Although the hall was spacious, it currently exuded an unusually subtle atmosphere.
To the left of the main seat, Senior Brother Zhou Qi sat upright, while on the guest seat to the right sat an elderly man dressed in a moon-white robe.
This man had hair and a beard as white as snow, and he gently fanned himself with a folding fan painted with ink bamboo. He looked like an immortal, quite refined and elegant.
However, while this refined old man was currently chatting and laughing, that smile didn't reach his eyes. Although his words were directed at Zhou Qi, his gaze swept across the surroundings from time to time.
Ren Wencai's eyes narrowed slightly as he understood the situation.
The Cloud Moon Sect and the Wenjian Sect were both sword-cultivating sects. While they maintained a façade of harmony, the undercurrents beneath the surface had never ceased.
The Wenjian Sect primarily focused on "one sword breaks all laws," as powerful as a thunderbolt, while the Cloud Moon Sect advocated "entering the Dao through rhythm, controlling the sword with music," emphasizing agility and variety.
The two sects' ideologies were incompatible, and competing with each other had long since become the norm.
Particularly this Liu Changfeng, who always liked to vie for superiority in terms of rhetoric and pomp. This visit was likely with ill intent.
"Is this not Junior Brother Ren?"
Liu Changfeng's perception was sharp; he gently snapped his fan shut and turned his head with a smile piling up on his face:
"We haven't met in years, yet Junior Brother Ren's bearing is even more impressive than before. It seems that although the affairs of the Huiyuan Gate are complicated, they are indeed the best for tempering one's character."
These words sounded like a greeting, but in reality, they alluded to Ren Wencai not having entered the core circle for many years and still handling the trivialities of the Huiyuan Gate.
Ren Wencai's expression remained unchanged as he gave a faint cupped-hand salute and said with a smile:
"Senior Brother Liu's elegance is also just as it was in the past. Why are you not enjoying the shade at the Cloud Moon Sect, but instead coming to my Wenjian Sect?"
"The heart seeks movement after long stillness, that is all."
Liu Changfeng chuckled, not taking offense. He merely turned his body slightly, revealing a young girl standing quietly behind him.
The girl was about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in plain cyan clothes with an ancient sword on her back. Her eyes were cold and her expression indifferent. Though she didn't speak, she carried a unique aura specific to sword cultivators. This was a sword intent that could only be nurtured by someone single-mindedly devoted to the sword path.
Ren Wencai's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and he made a quick assessment.
first realm, Eighth Level.
Furthermore, this aura was actually quite similar to the bitter cultivation path of the Wenjian Sect.
"Allow me to introduce her to everyone."
Liu Changfeng stroked his beard and smiled, his tone carrying a hint of reserved pride:
"This is the last disciple I recently took in, Li Mozi. This child has a stubborn personality and doesn't like the path of my Cloud Moon Sect. She insists on delving into some bitter sword cultivation, and even I am helpless against her."
"Mozi, greet your senior uncles and aunts."
Li Mozi took a step forward. She didn't perform any elaborate etiquette, merely bowing with her sword held in her arms.
Her movements were crisp, and her voice was cold:
"Junior Li Mozi greets the seniors."
Zhou Qi nodded slightly, his gaze deep as he slowly spoke, "Jianxin Tongming, untainted by a speck of dust. Senior Brother Liu has taken a fine disciple."
"Senior Brother Zhou overpraises her."
Liu Changfeng waved his hand, then changed the subject and sighed:
"It's just that this child works behind closed doors; in the end, it's hard for her to achieve great things. Our Cloud Moon Sect is, after all, known for its musical rhythms. When it comes to pure sword-path slaughter, your noble sect still holds the leadership.
I brought her here this time because I wanted her to broaden her horizons and learn what a true great sword sect looks like."
As he spoke, his gaze shifted, looking at Ren Wencai with a half-smile:
"I heard that your noble sect's Outer Sect has seen many talents emerge in recent years. I wonder if we could find a disciple of similar cultivation to give Mozi a few pointers? It would also serve to humble this girl's arrogance, lest she becomes a frog in a well within our own sect."
The dagger was finally revealed.
Ren Wencai sneered inwardly.
Calling it "giving pointers" was clearly using the name of a duel to carry out suppression.
Bringing a first realm, Eighth Level genius sword cultivator to challenge the Wenjian Sect's Outer Sect?
Although there were many Outer Sect disciples, most hovered around the Sixth or Seventh Level of the first realm; reaching the Eighth Level was already being among the best.
As for the Ninth Level, most were older disciples who had stayed behind for various reasons. Their spirit had long been lost, and facing such a sharp and surging genius, they would likely lose heart before the battle even began.
If they sent an Inner Sect disciple, winning would be seen as the big bullying the small—a hollow victory. Losing would be a complete loss of face.
This Liu Changfeng had calculated his moves quite precisely.
"Senior Brother Liu must be joking."
Ren Wencai picked up his teacup and took a small sip, his tone neither hurried nor slow:
"A duel between the two sects is naturally a fine thing. But since this child has just entered the sect, she should prioritize stabilizing her foundation. Competing for dominance too early might disturb her dao heart."
"Ah, Junior Brother Ren's words are incorrect."
Liu Changfeng gently shook his fan, looking as though he were speaking with heartfelt concern:
"The path of a sword cultivator is meant to be advanced through combat. Moreover, she is currently at a bottleneck and precisely needs a battle between equals to sharpen her blade. Your sect is a vast and grand institution; surely you cannot even find a suitable sparring partner?"
Words had reached this point; to retreat further would be to show weakness.
The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat stagnant for a moment.
The expressions of several elders grew somber; they had all clearly seen through Liu Changfeng's intentions.
At this moment, Zhou Qi, sitting in the main seat, finally spoke.
"Since Senior Brother Liu has such an interest, my Wenjian Sect shall naturally oblige."
His voice was flat as his gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Ren Wencai:
"Junior Brother Ren, you are in charge of Outer Sect affairs. This matter shall be left for you to arrange. One month from now, on the Sword-Questioning Platform, let the disciples of our two sects have a duel, stopping when the point is made."
What is the meaning of this, Senior Brother Zhou?
Isn't this clearly setting me up to take the fall?
Ren Wencai felt troubled. For a moment, he wasn't even sure when he had offended this Senior Brother Zhou.
He glanced at Liu Changfeng's confident appearance, then at the expressionless Li Mozi, and his mind began to race.
Ordinary disciples definitely wouldn't do.
But if we're talking about a variable...
An image of a certain figure appeared in Ren Wencai's mind.
If that person could make another breakthrough within a month...
Ren Wencai's expression steeled. He put down his teacup and smiled slightly at Liu Changfeng, though there was no hint of a smile in his eyes:
"Since Senior Brother has ordered it, and Senior Brother Liu has this intention, then I shall accept."
Liu Changfeng didn't seem to care about the deeper meaning in his words and continued to smile as warmly as a spring breeze:
"Then this old man shall wait and see. Haha, Mozi, come, follow your master to see the cloud sea of the Wenjian Sect. Though there is no music to accompany it, it has its own magnificent atmosphere."
After saying that, he took Li Mozi and rose to take his leave, his steps leisurely as if victory were already in his grasp.
Watching the backs of the old and young pair as they departed, Ren Wencai kept his face impassive, but in his heart, he spat a mouthful of disdain.
Once little Gu shows his power in the later stages, I'll take him to your door and have him step on the heads of your Cloud Moon Sect disciples!
"That's quite a bit of good luck."
On the other side, Zhou Qi whispered to himself. Perhaps worried that Ren Wencai would harbor resentment, he added a word of consolation:
"Winning and losing are common occurrences in battle. As long as the character of the Wenjian Sect remains unbroken, others won't be able to say anything."
Ren Wencai turned around. How could he not know what Senior Brother Zhou meant? He let out a sigh:
"Senior Brother sure threw a 'nice' job my way."
"A sword's edge comes from sharpening, after all."
I'll sharpen your grandmother!
Leaving the Assembly Hall, the mountain wind rushed at him, carrying the mist of the clouds.
The mountain terrain of the Wenjian Sect was steep and rugged. Between the surging clouds, there was indeed an aura different from that of the Cloud Moon Sect.
Liu Changfeng gently shook his folding fan. He seemed to be admiring the scenery, but his peripheral vision remained fixed on the young girl beside him.
The two walked along the mountain path for a while. When there was no one around, Li Mozi suddenly stopped her steps.
She gazed at several Wenjian Sect Outer Sect disciples practicing in the distance, her elegant brows furrowing slightly.
"Master."
She spoke, calling out with a hint of confusion:
"This disciple does not understand why a one-month period had to be set. If it's a duel, it could be settled today; why waste time here?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Changfeng closed his fan and asked with great interest:
"Oh? It seems you feel that in this Wenjian Sect Outer Sect, there is no one left who is a match for you for even a single bout?"
Li Mozi retracted her gaze and said calmly:
"As I walked along the way just now, the Outer Sect disciples I saw had floating steps and chaotic breathing. Although a few seemed to have decent foundations, their sword hearts are unsettled, and their eyes lack the pure intent of seeking the Dao. Such people, even if they practice for another month, will only add a bit of brute force. In the pursuit of the sword path, they make no progress."
She paused, her palm gently stroking the hilt of the ancient sword on her back:
"I do not believe that in this Wenjian Sect Outer Sect, there could be anyone capable of taking my sword."
Liu Changfeng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
"Mozi, heroes under heaven are as numerous as the fish in a river. You must never look down on the people of the world."
Liu Changfeng gave his habitual admonition, but his tone was not severe:
"The Wenjian Sect has deep roots after all. Perhaps there is some pearl hidden in the dust that neither you nor I have discovered?"
"If a pearl is hidden in the dust, then it is because it chose to degrade itself."
Li Mozi lifted her chin slightly:
"Even if such a person truly exists, one month is not enough time to catch up to my footsteps.
The strong are strong, and the weak are weak. The sword path allows for no luck."
After saying that, she spoke no more.
Liu Changfeng looked at her back, which was as straight as a pine tree, and the words of caution that had reached his lips were swallowed back down.
This girl's edge was indeed a bit too sharp.
But....
Liu Changfeng pondered secretly in his heart.
The lineage of Bitter Sword Cultivation cultivates a single breath and fights for a single chance.
So-called sword intent is often tempered within this kind of arrogance that looks down on everything, an edge that says, 'Though thousands oppose me, I shall go forth.'
If he forcibly suppressed her edge now and taught her about humility and hiding one's light, it might instead blunt her sharpness, causing her sword heart to be clouded with dust and making her hesitant.
If she could carry this invincible momentum and suppress the Wenjian Sect Outer Sect in one go, this sharpness would transform into a true 'Force.'
With each victory, the sharpness would grow. If she remained undefeated, this sharpness would eventually transform into her sword intent.
"So be it."
Liu Changfeng reopened his folding fan and said leisurely:
"Since you have such confidence, then I shall say no more. For this month, you shall stay on this guest peak and nurture your sword well. When the time comes, let this Wenjian Sect see what a true sword cultivator is."
Li Mozi nodded slightly, her gaze looking toward the surging sea of clouds in the distance.
"This disciple shall certainly not fail the mission."
After learning that the so-called 《All Wonders Same Source Method》 was not some evil art and having already honestly entered seclusion to comprehend it, Gu Chengming temporarily pushed the matter to the back of his mind.
In the following days, the small courtyard became a bit livelier than usual.
Besides Jiang Lu, Ren Wencai had also become a frequent visitor lately.
Perhaps because the previous excuse about "imitating storybooks to cultivate the 《Hundred Bones Resonating》" was self-consistent but actually a bit ridiculous, every time Ren Wencai came, his eyes carried a hint of scrutiny, as if he were trying to find some sign of qi deviation on Gu Chengming.
Gu Chengming felt his skin crawl under the gaze and could only brace himself to pretend everything was normal, while secretly grumbling in his heart.
Elder, if you keep looking at me like that, I'm going to be driven crazy by you even if I'm not insane.
Fortunately, after several observations and confirming that Gu Chengming's mind was clear, his logic sound, and even his cultivation was steadily improving, Ren Wencai finally felt at ease.
One day, Ren Wencai visited again, but he didn't just leave after a few pleasantries as usual. Instead, he sat down composedly and began to chat with Gu Chengming.
"Chengming, has your cultivation been going smoothly lately?"
"Thanks to the Elder's blessing, everything is going smoothly," Gu Chengming replied.
Ren Wencai nodded and was silent for a moment before slowly speaking:
"A matter of some significance has occurred in the cultivation world recently. I wonder if you have heard of it?"
Gu Chengming shook his head: "This disciple spends his days in closed-door cultivation and knows very little about outside affairs."
"The Cloud Moon Sect has recently produced a remarkable talent."
Ren Wencai sighed, his tone carrying a hint of complexity:
"It's a disciple following the path of Bitter Sword Cultivation. Not long after joining, their sword intent has already begun to take shape. Those old fogies at the Cloud Moon Sect haven't stopped showing off about it lately.
The so-called Bitter Sword Cultivation emphasizes using the body as a sword, tempering one's character, not relying on external objects, and seeking only to break all laws with a single sword.
While this path has an extremely high ceiling, the process is incredibly tedious and difficult, and it depends heavily on talent.
A slight lack of caution leads to a wasted life of mediocrity.
Of course, Gu Chengming didn't know that in Ren Wencai's eyes, he himself was also following this path.
"Reasonably speaking, our Wenjian Sect is the one that built its fortune on Bitter Sword Cultivation."
Ren Wencai picked up his teacup and took a light sip:
"Back then, that Life-Defying Calamity-Slaying True Monarch was the representative of Bitter Sword Cultivation. With one stroke of enlightenment, he broke through three realms in succession to become a Great Cultivator. The brilliance of that sword is still talked about with relish in the cultivation world today."
"After that, our Wenjian Sect also produced many good prospects for Bitter Sword Cultivation.
Only, unfortunately...."
Ren Wencai shook his head, a flash of regret in his eyes:
"This path is simply too difficult and relies too much on talent. Coupled with the fact that the spiritual energy of heaven and earth is not what it used to be and people's hearts are restless, disciples willing to settle down and practice in this almost self-limiting way are becoming fewer and fewer."
Having said this, he glanced at Gu Chengming and opened his mouth, but in the end, he changed his words:
"This Cloud Moon Sect, after all, started as a sect of rhythm cultivators."
Speaking of this, Ren Wencai put down his teacup:
"Even though they have now become a sword-cultivating sect, they still love to pursue those elegant things in their bones. Now that they have finally produced a Bitter sword cultivator, they want to announce it to the whole world, as if only they were worthy of possessing such a genius."
He didn't say it explicitly, but Gu Chengming understood.
So you guys are just salty, aren't you?
You feel that a sect started by musicians doesn't deserve such a bitter cultivation prospect and you're jealous of their good luck?
Of course, Gu Chengming definitely couldn't say such things to his face, so he could only nod silently, making an expression that said "the Elder is right."
"If it were only that, it would be fine."
Ren Wencai sighed, his brows furrowed tightly:
"But this Cloud Moon Sect knows no restraint. They actually want to have an entry-level disciple competition with my Wenjian Sect."
"A competition?" Gu Chengming was startled.
"Exactly," Ren Wencai said in a heavy voice:
"That female disciple is currently at the first realm, Eighth Level, and follows the path of Bitter Sword Cultivation. Her combat strength far exceeds those of the same rank. It is truly difficult to find an opponent for her below the second realm. Even if we send a disciple at the Ninth Level of the first realm to defeat her, it wouldn't be honorable; instead, we'd be accused of the big bullying the small."
"Unless...."
Ren Wencai looked at Gu Chengming with burning eyes:
"Unless it is a disciple whose realm is similar to hers, or even lower, but whose sword art attainment can suppress hers who wins. Only then can we shut the mouths of those old fogies at the Cloud Moon Sect and leave them speechless."
Gu Chengming felt a chill in his heart.
So you're hinting at me, aren't you?
In the entire Wenjian Sect Outer Sect, who else besides him fit the two conditions of "similar or lower realm" and "extremely high sword art attainment"?
【Upon hearing this, the Hundred Bones Resonating laughed heartily: Emperor Gu! I didn't expect that in this life, the scene of slaying all the geniuses under heaven would have to be played out once again!】
Gu Chengming's lip twitched slightly.
Emperor Bai, I haven't even agreed yet; how did it become "slaying geniuses"?
Furthermore, according to Ren Wencai's description, a first realm, Eighth Level Bitter sword cultivator's strength was likely already approaching the Ninth Level peak, or perhaps even stronger.
Although he had the support of the 《Huiyuan Sword Art》 and Flowing Light Sword Shadow and believed his swordplay was second to none, this First Realm, Sixth Level cultivation was truly a fatal flaw.
Fighting someone like Chen Qing at the Eighth Level was one thing, but facing a real genius like this would truly be precarious.
It wasn't to say he would definitely lose, but rather that he wasn't guaranteed to win.
At the very least, he would have to raise his cultivation to the Seventh Level of the first realm before he could be certain of a steady victory.
"I understand the Elder's meaning."
Gu Chengming pulled back his thoughts and cupped his hands:
"This disciple will surely practice diligently and strive for an early breakthrough. When the time comes, if the sect has need of me, this disciple is willing to contribute."
He spoke these words quite conservatively, neither committing himself fully nor being blindly arrogant.
Upon hearing this, a flash of gratification appeared in Ren Wencai's eyes.
Originally, he was just treating a dead horse as if it were alive.
After all, although Gu Chengming also followed the path of Bitter Sword Cultivation, the time for this late-blooming strength was still a bit delayed.
In his view, if Gu Chengming could reach the Eighth Level of the first realm, perhaps he could truly compete with that genius from the Cloud Moon Sect.
But now, Gu Chengming had only just broken through to the sixth level of the first realm, and the Cloud Moon Sect's challenge would likely arrive in a month or two.
Whether he could even break through to the Seventh Level by then was another story. Even if he did, it would still be a Seventh Level fighting an Eighth Level, and the chances of losing were still very high.
However, if Gu Chengming could truly break through and demonstrate extraordinary sword art attainment in the duel, even if he lost in the end, it wouldn't be too embarrassing.
At the very least, it would prove that the Wenjian Sect was not without people, but simply that they had started a bit later.
This was the purpose of Ren Wencai's visit today—to give Gu Chengming a heads-up and provide a "safety net" for the sect.
Losing isn't shameful; what's shameful is not even having someone who dares to accept the challenge.
"It is very good that you have this heart."
Ren Wencai nodded and said no more. After chatting a few more words about things to note in cultivation, he rose to take his leave.
After seeing off Ren Wencai, Gu Chengming stood in the courtyard, watching the drifting clouds at the horizon, his mind silently pondering.
A period of one or two months to break through from the sixth level to the Seventh Level might be a significant challenge for others, but for him, it was not impossible.
It might even be a natural breakthrough once Emperor Bai's CG was unlocked.
It was just that the pressure involved was indeed very real.
Just as he was thinking this.
【Flowing Cloud Following Moon was silent for a moment, appearing as if it wanted to say something, but in the end, it did not speak.】
When Gu Chengming saw this prompt, he immediately became amused.
You popping up and not saying anything is clearly a reminder.
Flowing Cloud Following Moon's meaning was most likely that it also wanted him to teach those people from the Cloud Moon Sect a lesson.
So now it seemed the temporary main quest had become quite clear?
Everything has an order of priority, and every field has its specialization.
For Gu Chengming, although he had accepted the upcoming duel with the Cloud Moon Sect, if he were truly asked to act like a real Bitter sword cultivator, polishing sword intent and circulating qi day and night, the efficiency would be far too dismal.
After all, the talent of this body was right there.
If he relied entirely on himself, he estimated his speed would be about one level per year.
Compared to bitter cultivation, it was obviously faster to increase his strength by conquering his techniques.
After learning that Gu Chengming had accepted that duel, the Huiyuan Sword Art was naturally the one most worried of all.
【The Huiyuan Sword Art is somewhat worried; it naturally hopes that you can avoid this meaningless struggle and cultivate peacefully and steadily.】
【But after realizing that this matter is set in stone and cannot be changed, it says no more and begins to cultivate for you day and night.】
【Huiyuan Sword Art: Currently cultivating automatically for you】
【Current Efficiency: 80%】
Since the hidden injuries in Gu Chengming's body had completely healed, the automatic cultivation efficiency of the 《Huiyuan Sword Art》 had surged from the original fifty percent to eighty percent.
This eighty percent was not eighty percent of Gu Chengming's meager talent, but eighty percent of the operating efficiency of the 《Huiyuan Sword Art》 as an orthodox sword cultivation technique in its prime state.
And his primary purpose for practicing the sword now was no longer cultivation.
Or rather, from the very beginning, his primary purpose for practicing the sword was to conquer the Huiyuan Sword Art.
Practicing now was just a formality, mainly to maintain the relationship between him and the 《Huiyuan Sword Art》.
What? You're asking why he still needs to build the relationship when affection is already at the max?
Brother, do you not play the After Story when you finish a galgame?
However, even so, seeing the 《Huiyuan Sword Art》 in a state of nearly ceaseless operation, even helping him organize his meridians and condense sword intent while he slept, Gu Chengming couldn't help but feel some concern.
Although he wasn't sure if techniques needed rest, Gu Chengming still said:
"It's fine to take a rest occasionally."
【The Huiyuan Sword Art is deeply moved to see you care for it; silly, it doesn't get tired】
【Compared to this day-and-night cultivation, it is clearly more worried that you will be injured in the upcoming duel.】
【The disciple from the Cloud Moon Sect is coming with ill intent; it must make you stronger so that it can keep you safe.】
Since it put it that way, it should be fine, right?
Gu Chengming felt a bit more at ease and stopped dwelling on the matter, shifting his focus back to the unlocking of Emperor Bai's CG and the storybook.
A few days later, Gu Chengming finally finished the fourth part of the storybook.
As the final word was written, that familiar system notification sounded once more—
【Clear Heart Art Affection +3】
【Current Affection: 70/Like】
Seeing this affection level that had already entered the "Like" stage, Gu Chengming nodded with satisfaction.
Packing up the manuscript, Gu Chengming set off for Yu Wenqiu's residence.
After all, this "storybook" was written under the guise of relieving Elder Yu's boredom. If he waited too long to deliver it, he was afraid the Elder would throw another tantrum.
Yu Wenqiu's residence was as quiet and elegant as ever, shaded by bamboo groves.
However, when Gu Chengming saw the Elder, he keenly sensed a hint of something being off.
Yu Wenqiu was wearing a light purple gown today, leaning languidly on a soft couch. When she saw Gu Chengming enter, she didn't show the expression Gu Chengming was familiar with. Instead, she merely gave him a cold glance, her tone carrying a hint of inexplicable sarcasm:
"Little Gu is quite obedient to the Elder's words, isn't he?"
What Elder's words?
Gu Chengming's heart skipped a beat, and his expression became somewhat strange.
Why did these words sound so familiar?
...She was talking about the words Ren Wencai used previously to warn him to have less contact with Yu Wenqiu?
But the problem was, how did Yu Wenqiu know?
When Ren Wencai said those words to him that day, there were no others around.
Could Ren Wencai have said something to her?
Old geezer, surely not?
"What is the Elder's meaning? This disciple is dull and doesn't quite understand," Gu Chengming asked tentatively.
Yu Wenqiu snorted coldly, appearing to realize that her words just now were a bit unbecoming for her status as an Elder. But the words were out, and what's done is done.
She actually felt a bit aggrieved in her heart. She had clearly been paying attention to this kid and had even helped him block a lot of trouble, yet this fellow was so good that after hearing one sentence from that old fogey Ren Wencai, he really didn't come for several days.
Seeing the situation, Yu Wenqiu simply stopped pretending. She sat up straight and said annoyedly:
"I saw it through the Heavenly Eye."
Heavenly Eye?!
Gu Chengming was shocked in his heart, almost failing to maintain his expression, thinking to himself that you surely didn't also check my illegal transfers.
Seeing Gu Chengming's expression of shock mixed with a bit of a guilty conscience, Yu Wenqiu explained faintly:
"The Heavenly Eye is an investigative technique and divine ability. As long as I wish, most places within this sect cannot escape my eyes."
So that was it.
Knowing that this Heavenly Eye was an investigative technique rather than something else, Gu Chengming breathed a sigh of relief.
However, now that he knew the reason, the rest was easy to handle.
"Elder, please understand, this disciple has truly not been intentionally avoiding you."
"First, the cultivation of the 《Hundred Bones Resonating》 is quite difficult, and this disciple needs to spend a large amount of time comprehending it, so I was truly stretched thin; second, that disciple assessment matter from a few days ago also gave me quite a headache; third, this storybook reached a critical point, and this disciple was afraid that writing it poorly would offend the Elder's eyes, so I revised it repeatedly, which caused the delay."
"If this caused a misunderstanding with the Elder, then it truly is this disciple's fault."
After hearing this, the nameless fire in Yu Wenqiu's heart dissipated slightly.
She also realized that she seemed to be making a mountain out of a molehill. She was just a bit unhappy and a bit worried that Gu Chengming had truly listened to Ren Wencai's words and would not come to see her again.
But on second thought, an Outer Sect disciple has to both cultivate and write books; being a bit busy was only normal.
As an Elder, actually getting angry at a disciple over such a small matter would be a laughingstock if it got out.
Yu Wenqiu waved her hand and picked up the manuscript again. Though her tone was still a bit tsundere, it had clearly softened:
"Since it was for the sake of cultivation, then never mind. This storybook is well-written; you may go."
When he left Yu Wenqiu's place, the sun was already setting behind the mountains.
Gu Chengming walked down the stone steps of the mountain, thinking to himself that although this Elder Yu usually looked languid and casual, her "Heavenly Eye" method was truly something one had to guard against.
"It seems I must be more careful in my actions from now on."
Gu Chengming thought that the methods in the cultivation world were truly unavoidable. He might have to be more reserved when conquering techniques in the future so that no one could see anything amiss.
When he returned to the small courtyard, night had already fallen.
He pushed open the door, lit the candle, and just as Gu Chengming was about to sit cross-legged, the long-awaited prompt arrived.
【All Wonders Same Source Method: Myriad Wonders Gathering (CG Not Unlocked)】
【Current Unlock Progress: 0%】
Rate on N.U.
