After leaving the small courtyard, Ren Wencai did not return directly to his cave dwelling.
Though he had acted composed in front of Gu Chengming, projecting an air of "I’ve got everything under control," Ren Wencai was more clear-headed than anyone else.
He knew exactly what kind of person Liu Changfeng was.
The old fellow was narrow-minded and incredibly vindictive.
On the surface, due to the relations between the two sects and the prestige of the Wenjian Sect, Liu Changfeng might not dare to strike Gu Chengming directly. But what about in the shadows?
Furthermore, what if Gu Chengming left the sect grounds?
"No, this isn't secure enough."
Ren Wencai stroked the beard on his chin, his brow furrowing slightly.
If he relied solely on his own strength, it would be fine if he watched over the boy constantly, but even a slight oversight might lead to a regret too late to mend.
He had to find an assistant, or rather... an ally who valued Gu Chengming just as much and possessed sufficient power.
After some thought, a figure surfaced in his mind.
Ren Wencai reached into his sleeve and fished out an ancient, weathered sound transmission talisman. A crooked wine gourd mark was etched onto its surface.
As a surge of spiritual energy was injected, the talisman trembled slightly, emitting a faint, ethereal glow.
...
Thousands of miles away, inside a wine cellar at the back mountain of the Hunyuan Sect.
Hua Daiyi was lying unceremoniously amidst a pile of empty wine jars, a roasted chicken in his hand, his mouth covered in grease.
"Buzz—"
The sound transmission talisman at his waist suddenly vibrated, interrupting his enjoyment.
Hua Daiyi frowned and impatiently grabbed the talisman. Scanning it with his divine sense, he sensed Ren Wencai’s aura, and his expression instantly darkened.
"This old ghost... why is he looking for me in the middle of the night? Is he here to gloat?"
At the thought that the talented seedling he had set his heart on had ultimately ended up in Ren Wencai's hands, Hua Daiyi felt that even the roasted chicken didn't taste as good anymore.
He connected the transmission irritably:
"Say what you have to say, and say it fast."
On the other end, Ren Wencai’s voice was unusually calm, even carrying a distinct hint of a smile:
"Heh, Fellow Daoist Hua, don't be so irritable. I was just thinking that something interesting happened today regarding Gu Chengming, so I came specifically to share it with you."
Hua Daiyi’s fingers paused at the mention of that name. Though his mouth was still muttering "what does it have to do with me," his ears honestly perked up.
Ren Wencai didn't keep him in suspense and gave a vivid description of everything that had occurred on the Sword-Questioning Platform today.
His eloquence was superb. Although Hua Daiyi wasn't there in person, as he listened, the scene automatically manifested in his mind.
Especially when he heard that Gu Chengming, at the First Realm, Sixth Level, had directly clashed with a bitter sword cultivator of the first Realm, Eighth Level, and even beaten him into a state where he couldn't fight back, Hua Daiyi couldn't help but slap his thigh hard, kicking up a cloud of dust.
"Hah! Good lad!"
Hua Daiyi even threw the roasted chicken aside:
"What a damn fine seedling! He has spine, he has spirit! This temperament is exactly to my taste!"
The more he listened, the more excited he became, and the more he regretted his earlier passivity.
Back then outside the small courtyard, although he had seen Gu Chengming’s extraordinary potential, he had still maintained some airs and hadn't been persistent enough.
If he had known earlier that this kid not only had astonishing talent in the sword dao but also such a promising future in body tempering, he would have camped right at the gates of the Wenjian Sect. Even if he had to tie the boy up, he would have dragged him back to the Hunyuan Sect!
"Sigh..."
What a shame. How did such a good seedling end up falling into this old geezer's lap?
Truly, the heavens have no eyes; a bright pearl has been cast into the shadows!
Hua Daiyi let out a long sigh, his tone filled with sour regret:
"Alright, alright, stop showing off to me. I know you've picked up a treasure. Now get lost and stop bothering me while I drink."
As Hua Daiyi spoke, he prepared to cut the connection. His heart felt stifled, and he desperately needed a few jars of strong wine to drown his sorrows.
"Ah, Fellow Daoist Hua, you couldn't be more wrong."
Ren Wencai’s voice came through again, carrying a meaningful chuckle:
"My reason for seeking you out this time is not to gloat."
"You should know that this boy has your 【Cangxian Wine Sword Art】 in his hands."
Hua Daiyi’s heart skipped a beat.
To poach the boy, he indeed had secretly slipped Gu Chengming a token and a sword manual.
But he had done it with extreme secrecy. Aside from the parties involved, no one should have known.
How did this old ghost find out?
Hua Daiyi felt a bit guilty and stammered, "That was just... I took a liking to him and gave him a little toy on a whim."
"On a whim?"
Ren Wencai chuckled. "Then why did I hear that during Chengming's sword practice these past few days, his sword intent had a faint, untamed scent of wine? Moreover, he seems to hold a very high opinion of you."
This was, of course, entirely fabricated by Ren Wencai.
He had no idea if Gu Chengming had practiced the 【Cangxian Wine Sword Art】.
But he knew that if he said this, Hua Daiyi would definitely take the bait.
Sure enough, upon hearing this, Hua Daiyi’s original intention to block the transmission faded instantly.
"For real?"
"Naturally."
Ren Wencai’s tone was certain:
"Think about it. If he hadn't practiced your sword art, where would an outer sect disciple get the confidence to challenge a genius from the Cloud Moon Sect? Isn't this precisely because he received the true legacy of your 'Wine Sword'?"
Hua Daiyi felt a surge of satisfaction throughout his body.
Although the logic was a bit strained, he was willing to believe it!
The boy practiced his sword art!
Doesn't that mean...
"Ahem."
"So, Fellow Daoist Hua. Although he is my disciple in name, in terms of passing on the Dao and teaching the craft... he can be considered half a disciple of yours as well."
"Think about it. If this boy becomes famous throughout the world in the future and people mention his world-shaking swordsmanship, wouldn't they also have to mention the name of Hua Daiyi?"
That phrase "half a disciple" made the smile on his face impossible to suppress. The previous jealousy and annoyance vanished instantly.
Hua Daiyi hummed twice, but his tone had clearly softened:
"Since the lad has practiced my sword art, I naturally cannot ignore him. Speak, why exactly are you looking for me this time? Stop beating around the bush."
Seeing that the timing was right, Ren Wencai finally pulled back his smile:
"You know what kind of people those Cloud Moon Sect types are."
"Although Chengming won today, he has completely offended Liu Changfeng. That old man is narrow-minded. I'm afraid he'll nurse a grudge. He might not dare to do anything openly, but he will surely strike from the shadows."
"If those Cloud Moon Sect dogs harm him and break such a good seedling, where will our faces go? And wouldn't your 【Cangxian Wine Sword Art】 legacy be cut off once again?"
"He wouldn't dare!"
Hua Daiyi jumped up from the ground. "That hypocrite Liu Changfeng! If he dares to touch a single hair on my half-disciple, I'll tear apart that broken fan of his! I'll break his hands!"
Although he usually appeared eccentric and crazed, as an elder of the Hunyuan Sect, his protective nature was legendary.
Moreover, this was a seedling he had finally taken a fancy to, one who already had the "reality of master and disciple."
"Alright, alright, I know your temperament."
Hua Daiyi took a deep breath to calm his emotions, his tone carrying a chilling ferocity:
"Since you’ve put it that way, I cannot sit by and do nothing."
"Speak. How are we striking from the shadows this time?"
The two of them had planned plenty of such things when they were young; he understood half of it the moment Ren Wencai spoke.
"Let's talk privately offline."
"Good."
Hua Daiyi wasted no words. He crushed the sound transmission talisman and transformed into a streak of light smelling of wine, vanishing instantly from the spot.
Meanwhile, at a certain desolate mountain range on the essential path between the Wenjian Sect and the Cloud Moon Sect, two sneaky figures were huddled together, pointing at a map and letting out the occasional blood-curdling, low chuckle.
And all of this was completely unknown to Liu Changfeng, who was far away at the Guest Peak busy treating his disciple’s injuries.
On the other side, after Ren Wencai left—
Gu Chengming reached out to undo the seal on the bag and probed inside with his divine sense.
Even though he prided himself on his self-control, he couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when he saw the contents.
He had to admit, Elder Ren was truly generous this time.
A full five thousand low-grade spirit stones were piled together, emitting a soft, lustrous spiritual light. For an outer sect disciple, this was undoubtedly a fortune.
In addition, there were three bottles of high-quality 【Origin Nourishing Pills】. These were the standard resources used by second realm cultivators to consolidate their foundation and advance their cultivation, and each bottle was of considerable value.
Of course, the most precious item was the sandalwood token lying quietly in the corner.
The front of the token was engraved with the words "Scripture Repository," while the back bore an ancient character for "Three," faintly exuding an aura of scholarly refinement and restrictive fluctuations.
A Level Three Access Token for the Scripture Repository.
【Hundred Bones Resonating】 was looking at the spoils spread across the table, tallying the harvest with immense satisfaction.
【It had already planned out how to spend these resources. Five thousand spirit stones for a weapon, three bottles of Origin Nourishing Pills to elevate and consolidate the realm, and the Level Three Access Token for the Scripture Repository...】
【Hundred Bones Resonating】’s dialogue box suddenly froze.
【Wait! There's a problem!】
【Alarm bells rang in Hundred Bones Resonating’s heart. It suddenly realized a serious problem: Gu Chengming had already achieved the state of "Resonance of a Hundred Bones." His physical foundation was established. If he entered the third floor of the Scripture Repository now...】
【There are quite a few high-level body-tempering techniques in there!】
【After all, although its current "Primal Emperor Art" sounded prestigious, it was still being sustained by Gu Chengming's affection. If Gu Chengming decided to let the 'smaller' head control the 'bigger' head, wouldn't it fall out of the meta?】
【Hundred Bones Resonating quickly cried out in his sea of consciousness: Emperor Gu! Wait!】
【Look, your swordsmanship is top-tier, your body-tempering technique is top-tier, and your soul even has the Qingxin Art as a supplement.】
【In its opinion, this Level Three access is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Why not exchange it for a top-tier movement technique?】
Gu Chengming found it amusing, but he still offered an explanation to dispel the concerns of 【Hundred Bones Resonating】.
"I'm currently just a step away from the First Realm, Seventh Level. Even if I don't practice intentionally, with the aid of the Huiyuan Sword Art, breaking through will happen in a day or two. It's time to prepare for the breakthrough to the second realm."
"So, I plan to exchange for a Heart Method."
In theory, only cultivation from the second realm onwards could be considered truly crossing the threshold of 【refining truth】.
The first realm still fell within the category of a martial artist, relying on tempering bones and refining a breath of innate Qi. Even without profound techniques, as long as one worked hard and practiced basic sword arts or breathing exercises, the advancement would come naturally.
But the second realm was different. Breaking through to the second realm meant constructing one's own system upon the Dao foundation.
This required a genuine Heart Method as the primary cultivation technique to coordinate the flow of spiritual energy throughout the body.
The grade of a Heart Method often determined the quality of spiritual energy, the speed of recovery, and the ceiling for future advancements.
While Heart Methods could be changed later, that often required crippling one's cultivation to restart or spending vast amounts of time realigning the meridians. It was a waste of effort and time. Since there was an opportunity, he naturally had to choose the best one from the start.
The third floor of the Scripture Repository held no shortage of high-grade techniques. If he really followed what 【Hundred Bones Resonating】 suggested and exchanged for a movement technique, he might indeed get a high-grade one on the same level as 【Flowing Cloud Following Moon】.
But the problem was that given Gu Chengming's current Agility attribute, attempting to master a movement technique that had extremely high requirements for footwork was likely harder than climbing to heaven.
The lesson from 【Flowing Light Sword Shadow】 was still fresh in his memory. If not for the special characteristics of the 【Huiyuan Sword Art】 allowing him to take a shortcut, he would probably still be staring blankly at that sword manual.
Rather than gambling on a movement technique he might not be able to learn, it was better to exchange for a high-grade Heart Method that could tangibly improve his basic attributes and be compatible with his existing system.
【Hundred Bones Resonating instantly breathed a sigh of relief. Emperor Gu is absolutely right. As the saying goes, if the foundation isn't firm, the earth will shake. Choosing a peerless Heart Method for foundation building truly reflects the style of an emperor of our generation.】
Gu Chengming shook his head helplessly, put away the token and spirit stones, and with a thought, activated the 【All Wonders Same Source Method】.
The moment he entered the Myriad Wonders Gathering, Gu Chengming saw the discussions about himself.
【Breaking all laws with a single sword! Just how deep does Senior Brother Gu hide his strength in today's battle on the Sword-Questioning Platform?】
"Are there any expert senior brothers who can analyze what that final move Senior Brother Gu used was? It looked a bit like the Cloud Moon Sect's 【Flowing Cloud Following Moon Sword】 to me?"
"What do you mean 'looked like'? It was! I heard a senior brother from the inner sect say that this is called 'using their own way against them.' That's the real way to kill someone and destroy their heart."
Looking at these posts, Gu Chengming felt a bit of satisfaction.
Who doesn't like being praised?
However, amidst the cheers, there were also some different voices.
【Does anyone know what kind of Dao companion Senior Brother Gu Chengming likes?】
—He likes someone who talks with dialogue boxes and has affection levels over their head.
Gu Chengming thought to himself.
A day later.
In the side hall of the Merit Hall, the scent of medicine permeated the air.
The room was simply furnished, with only a bronze beast-head incense burner slowly emitting clouds of soul-calming incense.
The window was half-closed, letting in a few pale rays of morning light that fell in patches by the bedside.
Liu Enchuan sat by the bed, holding a bowl of freshly brewed dark brown medicinal soup, his brow slightly furrowed.
He gently blew away the heat, and looking at the disciple on the bed whose face was the color of gold paper and whose chest was wrapped in thick white gauze, he couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
At that moment, Jiang Lu suddenly opened his eyes and subconsciously tried to sit up.
As his injuries had not fully recovered, the sudden pain made him groan. His body went limp, and he fell back onto the pillow, a layer of fine cold sweat instantly appearing on his forehead.
"Why are you moving? Think your bones aren't broken enough?" A steady but slightly reproving voice sounded in his ear.
Jiang Lu struggled to turn his head. His vision slowly focused, and he saw the elderly man sitting by the bed.
"Master?"
Seeing Liu Enchuan’s stern face, Jiang Lu felt a pang of sorrow and struggled to salute:
"This disciple has shamed Master."
"Enough, just lie still."
Liu Enchuan reached out to press his shoulder, and a gentle, mellow surge of spiritual energy flowed into his body through his palm.
"Being outmatched in skill, what's there to be ashamed of?" Liu Enchuan handed the medicine bowl to his lips:
"Your 'Fuhai' move was well-executed. If not for the realm suppression, that girl from the Cloud Moon Sect might not have won so easily. Daring to stand up at such a moment, you didn't lose the spine of our Huiyuan Gate."
Jiang Lu drank a few mouthfuls of the bitter medicine from his master’s hand, but his heart was even more bitter.
"Master... did we lose?"
He remembered that before he lost consciousness, Li Mozi had already defeated several senior brothers.
Upon hearing this, Liu Enchuan’s hand holding the medicine bowl paused slightly.
He looked at his anxious disciple, and on his originally stern face, a strange but hard-to-conceal expression of delight slowly emerged.
"Don't think too much about it. That girl from the Cloud Moon Sect was carried off on a stretcher."
"Carried off?"
Jiang Lu’s eyes widened, doubting if he had heard correctly.
"Who was it? Did a senior brother from the inner sect take action?" Jiang Lu asked urgently.
"It wasn't the inner sect." Liu Enchuan shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of emotion: "It was your Senior Brother Gu."
"Senior Brother Gu?!" Jiang Lu was completely dumbfounded.
"Master, you're not joking, are you?"
Jiang Lu stammered:
"Isn't Senior Brother Gu only at the First Realm, Sixth Level?"
"So what if he's at the First Realm, Sixth Level?"
Liu Enchuan glanced at him and said meaningfully:
"Do you know how he won?"
"How?"
"He paid back the injuries you suffered, with interest."
Jiang Lu’s mouth hung open, unable to close for a long time.
Just then, a steady set of footsteps came from outside the hall.
"Knock, knock." Two light raps.
"Elder Liu, disciple Gu Chengming has come to visit Junior Brother Jiang."
Jiang Lu subconsciously tried to look up, but it pulled on his wound, making him grimace in pain.
Liu Enchuan stood up, straightened his robes, and his face returned to its usual majesty as he said calmly: "Come in."
The door was pushed open.
Gu Chengming, dressed in green robes, walked in against the light.
Seeing Liu Enchuan there, Gu Chengming wasn't surprised. He simply performed a respectful salute:
"Greetings, Elder Liu."
Liu Enchuan looked him up and down, nodded, and as his gaze fell on the jade bottle in the boy's hand, a flash of approval crossed his eyes.
That was a high-grade healing medicine from the Rejuvenation Hall. For an outer sect disciple, its value was significant.
Liu Enchuan didn't say much in the way of pleasantries, simply pointing to Jiang Lu on the bed:
"He just woke up and finished his medicine. You fellow disciples chat. I still have some scrolls to process."
With that, he put his hands behind his back and walked slowly out of the hall.
The room fell silent once more.
Gu Chengming walked to the bedside, set down the items in his hand, and pulled up a chair to sit.
"This was rewarded by Elder Ren earlier, and some were given by the sect after winning this time."
As Gu Chengming casually tidied the bottles, he said:
"I thought since you've suffered such heavy injuries, I'd bring them over to you."
Jiang Lu was quite moved, but for a moment, his feelings were complex, and he didn't know what to say.
"Alright, don't think too much. That 'Fuhai' move of yours... if not for the large gap in realms, that single strike would have been enough to make her suffer."
"Elder Liu and Elder Ren are both praising you, saying you have spine and didn't shame our Huiyuan Gate."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"These are some insights I gained from Li Mozi's sword moves—about how to neutralize fast swords and how to utilize 'momentum' to its peak."
"You can flip through them when you have nothing to do while recovering. It should be of some help to your 'Fuhai'."
Looking at the manual that was clearly newly written, Jiang Lu was moved beyond words.
Not only had his senior brother avenged him, but he had also helped him analyze the fight and even shared his insights without reservation.
Jiang Lu struggled to sit up, but was pressed back by Gu Chengming.
"Alright, don't move around."
Gu Chengming stood up and dusted off his hands:
"Recover well. When you're better, I'll come find you again."
Jiang Lu nodded heavily:
"Don't worry, Senior Brother. I will definitely get better as soon as possible and won't let down your expectations."
Gu Chengming nodded and turned to walk out.
When he reached the door, he seemed to suddenly remember something. He stopped and, with his back to Jiang Lu, said:
"Right, as for that 【Together We Can Do It Art】..."
Jiang Lu’s heart tightened, thinking his senior brother was going to scold him for practicing such an unrefined technique.
"...Practice it more when you have the time."
Gu Chengming’s voice came through, carrying a bit of a smile:
"That thing can be quite useful sometimes."
With that, he pushed the door open and strode out.
Sunlight poured into the room, dispelling the gloom in the corners.
Looking at the swinging door, Jiang Lu tightly gripped the jade bottle and the manual, a warmth he had never felt before surging in his heart.
Outside.
Liu Enchuan hadn't gone far. He was standing under the corridor, quietly watching Gu Chengming come out.
Their eyes met.
Gu Chengming bowed: "Elder Liu."
Liu Enchuan nodded, and that usually expressionless face actually softened quite a bit at this moment.
"Go on."
He waved his hand, watching Gu Chengming’s receding back.
Pure of heart, clear about debts and gratitude—he is capable of great responsibility.
The future of my Huiyuan Gate truly seems to have found its footing.
After bidding farewell to Jiang Lu and Liu Enchuan, Gu Chengming didn't linger and turned toward Yu Wenqiu's residence.
Although Jiang Lu's injuries were stable, he still needed rest. Among the outer sect, Gu Chengming didn't have many other acquaintances who were knowledgeable about the inner workings.
After thinking it over, if he wanted to acquire a handy weapon or ask for guidance on cultivation bottlenecks, seeking out Elder Yu was his most reliable option.
After all, their "storybook friendship" was there.
When he reached the familiar bamboo forest, the array was as accommodating as ever. As soon as Gu Chengming approached, the mist dispersed on its own, revealing a serene small courtyard.
Yu Wenqiu was leaning back in a rocking chair in the courtyard, holding the fourth part of the storybook Gu Chengming had sent last time, reading with great interest.
The afternoon sun filtered through the bamboo leaves, casting mottled light and shadows that flowed across her purple skirt as the chair rocked, giving this elder a touch more lazy, mundane charm.
Hearing footsteps, Yu Wenqiu didn't look up. Her gaze remained glued to the pages, but the corners of her mouth curved up almost imperceptibly as she said casually:
"You're here?"
"Disciple Gu Chengming greets Elder Yu." Gu Chengming bowed according to protocol.
Only then did Yu Wenqiu reluctantly close the book, carefully tucking it into her sleeve before sitting up straight.
She looked Gu Chengming up and down. Her gaze lingered for a moment on his still-simple green robes, which bore no ornaments to signify his status, and a flash of admiration passed through her eyes.
Although she hadn't been present at the Sword-Questioning Platform that day, she had seen the gist of it through the "Heavenly Eye."
It had to be said that while this boy looked gentle and slow usually, when he truly fought, that ruthlessness and decisiveness were quite to her liking.
Especially that final kick; it was clean and crisp without a hint of hesitation. It was even more satisfying than the protagonists in the storybooks.
"Sit."
Yu Wenqiu pointed to the stone stool opposite her, her tone a bit closer than in previous days:
"How do you have time to come find me?"
"I have two matters I wish to consult Elder about."
"Speak."
Yu Wenqiu was in a good mood and casually poured him a cup of tea.
Gu Chengming told her the truth.
His iron sword was a common item he had scavenged from the market. It was a miracle it hadn't shattered on the spot under such intense spiritual energy infusion last time. Now, the blade was covered in fine cracks and was clearly unusable.
"First, as my cultivation has advanced, I wish to find a suitable weapon within the sect, but I am unfamiliar with the procedures. Second, I have some confusion regarding the cultivation of Heart Methods and wish for Elder's guidance."
"Buying a sword?"
Upon hearing this, Yu Wenqiu’s brow quirked. She let out a light chuckle and stood up:
"You've asked the right person for that. Come, let's go to the Cangjian Pavilion."
She wasted no words. With a wave of her sleeve and without even using a flight light, she led Gu Chengming out of the courtyard and toward the Cangjian Pavilion along the mountain path.
Along the way, Yu Wenqiu’s pace was light, and her mood seemed exceptionally pleasant.
When they arrived at the Cangjian Pavilion, the disciples on duty today saw their Deacon Elder personally leading someone. They were so startled they didn't dare to breathe and hurriedly bowed in respect.
Yu Wenqiu ignored them and led Gu Chengming straight to the internal vault on the second floor.
Stored here were all ranked Dharma artifacts. Spiritual light flickered, and the air was thick with the aura of treasures.
"Which one do you like?"
Yu Wenqiu pointed casually at the dizzying array of swords on the racks.
Gu Chengming’s gaze swept across them, finally landing on a deep blue longsword.
The blade was slender, without many complicated patterns—plain and simple. It resonated well with the intent of the Huiyuan Sword Art.
【Huiyuan Sword Art also likes this sword quite a bit, staring at it with longing eyes.】
Seeing that the Huiyuan Sword Art liked it so much, Gu Chengming spoke up:
"This one will do."
Yu Wenqiu nodded and then turned to the disciple responsible for registration, asking:
"What is the price of this sword?"
The disciple quickly opened the ledger and said respectfully:
"Reporting to Elder, this sword costs two thousand merit points. If converted to spirit stones, it is six thousand low-grade spirit stones."
Six thousand spirit stones...
【Huiyuan Sword Art immediately said it didn't like it at all and thought the sword next to it, costing only a few dozen merit points, was better.】
How did it start trying to save me money?
Gu Chengming was helpless and was just about to ask Yu Wenqiu for a loan.
She glanced at the disciple:
"Tell you what, don't record this yet."
As she spoke, she turned to Gu Chengming, a cunning smile curling at the corners of her mouth:
"Take out all your spirit stones."
Although confused, Gu Chengming followed her instruction and took out his storage pouch, pouring out five thousand spirit stones.
Yu Wenqiu glanced at them but didn't have the disciple collect them directly. Instead, she fished out her identity token as a Deacon of the Cangjian Pavilion and instructed the disciple:
"Do not put these spirit stones directly into the vault. First, go to the Foreign Affairs Hall in my name and exchange all these spirit stones for spiritual ores. Remember, look for that supervisor surnamed Wang. Tell him I sent you and have him calculate the conversion at the highest internal loss ratio for me."
The disciple was stunned, but seeing the elder’s certain expression, he didn't dare ask more and quickly nodded.
"After the exchange is done,"
Yu Wenqiu continued, her speech rapid as she was clearly well-versed in this process:
"Go to the Refinement Hall and exchange those ores for 【refined iron essence】. Finally, bring those merit points back here."
"According to sect regulations, Deacon Elders have a trade-in allowance for new Dharma artifacts every three years. You will purchase this sword for me using that trade-in discount."
"As for the price difference..."
Yu Wenqiu paused and swiped a streak of spiritual light from her own token:
"Cover it using my deacon wastage allowance for this month."
The entire series of operations was seamless and interconnected. The disciple’s brush almost slipped from his hand as he listened.
Standing to the side, Gu Chengming was even more flabbergasted.
Spirit stones for ore, ore for merit, merit with a discount, and finally, a portion of the loss covered by public funds...
Elder Yu, you are a pure institutional parasite.
A moment later, the disciple ran back drenched in sweat, holding the sword and the remaining hundred-plus spirit stones.
"Elder, it is done."
Yu Wenqiu waved her hand to dismiss the disciple, then turned to Gu Chengming with a look of triumph:
"How about that? These five thousand spirit stones not only bought a six-thousand-stone sword but also left you with a hundred extra."
【Huiyuan Sword Art felt quite pained, thinking it shouldn't have shown its liking for that sword.】
【But seeing how much you value it, it feels incredibly moved and happy.】
【Hundred Bones Resonating was shocked by Yu Wenqiu’s methods of embezzling for personal gain.】
【Emperor Gu! This heroine is beneficial to you; you must not sever your bond with her!】
Gu Chengming was indeed quite impressed: "Elder's methods are profound."
Yu Wenqiu enjoyed the praise, her chin lifting slightly:
"What does this count for? It's just some small tricks within the rules."
She let out a light hum, as if recalling something from the past:
"Back in the day, before I became an elder, I spent a lot of time researching these paths just to save on cultivation resources. Which rule of the sect do I not know clearly? As long as you don't cross the bottom line, a little flexibility is both a service to the sect and a convenience for oneself."
At this point, she suddenly realized she had let too much slip, revealing her glorious history of being a "rice weevil."
"Ahem!"
Yu Wenqiu coughed twice, forcefully cutting off her own words.
"That... old stories, not worth mentioning."
She quickly changed the subject, her gaze falling on the longsword in Gu Chengming’s hand:
"Since the sword is bought, let's talk about the Heart Method."
Gu Chengming tactfully didn't press further and followed her lead:
"Yes. During my cultivation recently, I feel quite a lot of obstruction when circulating my energy. I believe the time has come to practice a Heart Method, so I wanted to ask Elder about it."
Hearing this, Yu Wenqiu didn't rush to answer but sensed his aura before asking:
"Are you still practicing that 【Hundred Bones Resonating】?"
Gu Chengming nodded: "Indeed."
"To what extent have you practiced it?"
"It can barely be called... resonance of a hundred bones."
"Resonance of a hundred bones?"
Yu Wenqiu’s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
She naturally knew about the 【Hundred Bones Resonating】 technique—one might even say she knew it quite well.
Although the threshold for this technique was extremely low, precisely because of that, its ceiling was not very high, and the cultivation process was agonizing.
Ordinary disciples who could reach the "bone resonance" stage already possessed incredible willpower.
As for "resonance of a hundred bones," that required the long-term, painstaking effort of a water-grinding stone, impossible without several years of hard work.
But how long had this boy been practicing? A few months at most, if one counted generously?
"Your physical talent... is indeed quite unexpected."
Yu Wenqiu remarked before turning serious:
"However, since you have already reached resonance of a hundred bones, this technique has pretty much reached its end."
Gu Chengming was stunned. "What does Elder mean?"
"Change your technique."
Yu Wenqiu said bluntly: "The reason 【Hundred Bones Resonating】 is classified as an unranked body-tempering technique is that its path is cut off. The so-called 'resonance of a hundred bones' is actually the peak of this technique."
Gu Chengming frowned. "But I once saw in the manual that there are realms of 'Form and Spirit Resonance' and even 'Inducing Heaven and Earth's Rhythm into Oneself' following it..."
"Those are all lies."
Yu Wenqiu heartlessly shattered his illusion and waved her hand:
"Those were realms imagined by the senior who created this technique when his lifespan was nearing its end and his mind was unclear. Theoretically, they might be possible, but in reality, no one has ever achieved them."
"For hundreds of years, the Wenjian Sect has seen no shortage of brilliant geniuses who tried to deduce the following stages, but without exception, they all failed. The basic architecture of this technique is too crude; it simply cannot carry that level of worldly power."
She looked at Gu Chengming and advised earnestly:
"You have shown your talent and your Dao heart is firm. Even if you switch to another body-tempering technique, it would be much better than obsessing over this ethereal 'Heaven and Earth's Rhythm'."
Yu Wenqiu’s words were truly from the bottom of her heart, spoken entirely from the perspective of an elder considering Gu Chengming’s future.
Before Gu Chengming could even react to these words, a dialogue box appeared before his eyes.
【Hundred Bones Resonating was furious. Damn demonic cultivator! How dare you possess Emperor Gu’s heroine!】
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