That formal bow not only failed to make him feel honored but instead filled him with a sense of dread, as if to say, 'Wait, have I gone too far off the rails?'
Although Gu Chengming hadn’t said a word, Kong Zheng’s attitude alone allowed him to roughly guess what had transpired.
While Gu Chengming’s mind raced, Kong Zheng straightened up and swept his wide sleeve, causing the surrounding illusion to recede like a tide.
“Buzz—”
A slight dizziness hit him. When Gu Chengming opened his eyes again, he was back in the main hall of the Bright Mirror Platform.
Before the Heart-Questioning Mirror.
Ren Wencai was leaning forward slightly, forgetting even to set down the teacup in his hand as his gaze darted back and forth between his disciple and Kong Zheng.
Seeing that Kong Zheng hadn't spoken since coming out, his expression so heavy it looked like water could drip from it, Ren Wencai’s heart suddenly sank.
'This is bad.'
Ren Wencai sensed something was wrong.
Old Black-face was usually strict, but if he met a promising talent, he would usually offer a comment or two. To be this silent... could it be that Chengming had stepped out of line in the illusion and offended this old stick-in-the-mud?
Zhao Wuji and Li Linfeng exchanged glances, equally bewildered.
Amidst this suffocating silence, a line of text suddenly popped into Gu Chengming's mind.
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》thinks it’s quite a pity.】
【It says that if it had been the one in that illusion, it would have shown that Elder Kong the true meaning of tyranny.】
'What are you even regretting?!' Gu Chengming thought back fiercely.
If he had let that decisive, "eternity-crushing" personality of Emperor Bai inside—triggering some "using this body as fuel to re-forge heaven and earth" drama within the Heart-Questioning Mirror—this side hall would have probably turned into an execution ground today.
It was at this moment that there was movement on the stage.
Kong Zheng slowly opened his eyes, stood up, and picked up the brush from the desk.
He dipped it deep in ink and moved with dragon-like fluid strokes.
Everyone’s eyes instantly focused on that pristine white xuan paper.
Swish, swish.
Two strokes fell, forceful enough to penetrate the paper, each hook as sharp as iron.
——Top Grade (A+)
“Cough, cough—”
Ren Wencai, who had just taken a sip of spiritual tea, nearly choked. He didn’t even bother wiping the tea from his beard as his eyes widened in shock.
Zhao Wuji, beside him, was stunned, and even Elder Li Linfeng from Guizang Gate froze his hand mid-fan, his expression turning incredibly strange.
In the thousands of years since the Wenjian Sect's founding, throughout the many heads of the Enforcement Hall, Kong Zheng was legendary for being the most pedantic and strict, a man who couldn't tolerate a single grain of sand in his eye.
By his standards, if someone's heart had no major issues but possessed slight flaws, they got a C. A resolute heart barely earned a B. As for an A—that was reserved for those of truly superlative character.
“Elder Kong...”
Ren Wencai swallowed hard and asked tentatively, “Is this evaluation... perhaps a bit too high?”
Even though he was protective of his own, a "Top Grade" was so high it made his skin crawl. Was this old fogey trying to flatter his disciple to death?
Confronted with their doubts, Kong Zheng remained oblivious. He set down the brush and gently pushed the paper inscribed with "Top Grade."
The moment the paper came to a rest...
“Buzz—”
The Heart-Questioning Mirror, silent for so long, suddenly emitted a clear, vibrant hum...
As far as the mirror was concerned, Gu Chengming’s character was indeed worthy of that grade!
The surrounding elders were now completely losing their composure.
'Did this kid save the Heavenly Dao inside that mirror? On what basis does he deserve a Top Grade evaluation?'
Gu Chengming was also struggling to stay composed.
Who knew that the energy of the 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 would be so potent?
【《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》is indifferent, perhaps even a little gratified.】
【It sighs, remarking that within this Wenjian Sect, not everyone is a moral degenerate after all; there are still teachable materials to be found.】
Gu Chengming sighed in his heart.
On the platform, Kong Zheng paid no mind to the others' reactions. He gave a slight nod, appearing as if he had anticipated this result all along.
Then, with a flick of his wrist, an jet-black waist token made of a mysterious, neither metal nor jade material appeared in his palm.
The front was engraved with the words "Wenjian," while the back featured a drawn sword radiating a faint, sharp sword intent.
“Gu Chengming.”
Kong Zheng's voice was still stiff, yet it carried an almost imperceptible hint of warmth. “This is the Inner Sect disciple waist token. Once your cultivation officially breaks into the second realm, go to the Sect Affairs Hall to light your soul lamp. Then, you will be considered a true Inner Sect disciple of our Wenjian Sect.”
With a flick of his finger, the token turned into a streak of light, landing steadily in Gu Chengming’s hand.
“Thank you, Elder.”
Gu Chengming received it with both hands and bowed respectfully.
Suddenly, he heard a voice via secret transmission.
“Young friend... Gu.”
Kong Zheng’s voice rang in Gu Chengming’s Sea of Consciousness, tinged with a bit of hesitation and expectation.
“That world you manifested in the illusion... the order of 'ruler as ruler, minister as minister, father as father, son as son,' that Great Dao where 'all things rest in their proper place'... this old man was deeply moved.”
“When you are free in the future... please allow this old man to visit your home to seek your guidance.”
“...”
Gu Chengming’s hand holding the token gave a violent shudder. However, looking at the man's expectant gaze, he could only grit his teeth and nod.
Seeing this, a flash of joy crossed Kong Zheng’s eyes, which he quickly concealed. Regaining his original stern appearance, he waved his hand.
“Very well. You may leave.”
Gu Chengming hurriedly retreated to Ren Wencai’s side.
Ren Wencai glanced at Kong Zheng and then at his own disciple. Although his heart was full of doubts, this clearly wasn't the place for a long talk.
“Since the assessment is over, let us depart.”
Ren Wencai clasped his hands toward his colleagues. “My thanks for your witness today. On another day, I shall host a feast at the Sea of Clouds Pavilion. We shall not stop until we are drunk.”
With that, he swept his wide sleeve, wrapping Gu Chengming in a streak of light, and they vanished from the Bright Mirror Platform in an instant.
The light pierced through the sea of clouds, speeding toward the Huiyuan Gate.
Ren Wencai didn't say a word along the way.
It wasn't until they landed at the familiar back mountain courtyard that Ren Wencai looked at him with a strange expression. Finally unable to help himself, he asked:
“Chengming, what on earth did you do in that illusion?”
'I don’t know! The one who entered the illusion wasn’t me!'
But obviously, he couldn't say that.
Gu Chengming weighed his words carefully. “After entering the mirror, I felt a daze as if I were in a primordial chaos. My only thought was to maintain my heart’s intent, follow the rites and laws, and ensure all things were in order...”
“I simply followed that feeling to construct what was in my heart. I didn’t do anything world-shaking.”
Ren Wencai looked pensive.
He recalled Gu Chengming’s earlier words about the order of rites and thought of the Confucian art he had recently mastered.
“It seems it was because of that 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 of yours.”
Ren Wencai rationalized it for himself and nodded, his expression softening slightly. “Kong Zheng practices a path of sword cultivation that blends Legalism and Confucianism; he is obsessed with rules. I suspect your innate sense of ‘rectified heart’ resonated with his Dao.”
“Never mind. Regardless of the process, the result is good.” Ren Wencai patted Gu Chengming on the shoulder and smiled. “Since Elder Kong regards you so highly, this is your fortune.”
“In the future... well, if you’re ever idle, feel free to take a few Confucian texts and visit the Enforcement Hall more often.”
“Old Black-face has a foul temper and is famously stingy, but he possesses many treasures. Since he has recognized your ‘Dao,’ he surely won't be miserly with a disciple like you.”
“If you can coax a protective treasure or two from him, or insights regarding the cultivation of law, it will be of great benefit to you.”
Listening to his master’s earnest teaching on how to “fleece the elder,” Gu Chengming could only offer a forced smile and nod in agreement.
The thought of Kong Zheng’s “visiting your home to seek your guidance” flashed through his mind, making him feel a bit nervous.
'A visit from me to him is unlikely, but me hosting him is entirely possible.'
Of course, he kept these thoughts to himself.
“Alright, go back and have a good rest,” Ren Wencai waved him off, chuckling. “I need to go and... cough, properly communicate today's insights with those old geezers.”
After such a display, if he didn't strike while the iron was hot and do some bragging, wouldn't it be like walking in fine silks through the dark of night?
Watching Ren Wencai’s excited departure, Gu Chengming shook his head.
He touched the warm Inner Sect token in his robe, feeling that the road ahead was long and difficult. At the very least, he was finally in the Inner Sect.
As dusk settled on the mountains and the evening chill seeped into the simple cottage,
Gu Chengming returned to his courtyard, feeling as light as a feather. He brewed himself a pot of spiritual tea named “Cloudmist Draught,” which Elder Zhao had forced upon him before they left.
As the tea fragrance curled and he prepared to soothe his throat, a rhythmic knocking came from the courtyard gate.
Knock, knock.
Two soft sounds.
He stood up to open the gate. Standing outside was... a bit of a stranger.
A woman stood there, dressed in moon-white casual clothes, her long hair pinned up simply with a wooden hairpin. She was idly tapping a folding fan against her palm, looking somewhat bored.
“Elder Yu?”
Yu Wenqiu entered the yard as if it were her own. She walked straight to the stone table, sat down, and poured herself a cup of tea. After taking a slow sip, she spoke leisurely:
“I heard Kong Zheng personally presided over the assessment today?”
Gu Chengming sat down as well and nodded. “Yes, it was Elder Kong.”
“That old fossil is the most difficult person on a normal day. He’d pick a bone out of an egg if he could.” Yu Wenqiu rested her chin on one hand and asked with a smile, “So? Weren’t you terrified by that black face of his?”
Gu Chengming thought that today’s situation had indeed been quite terrifying in its own way.
“Thanks to you, I'm alright. While Elder Kong is strict, he is reasonable and did not make things too hard for me.”
“You’re alright?” Yu Wenqiu arched an eyebrow, clearly surprised by that answer, but her purpose for coming tonight lay elsewhere.
Seeing that Gu Chengming was back in one piece and looking relaxed, the Inner Sect status was surely in the bag.
Since the official business was settled, it was time for "private business."
Yu Wenqiu set down the teacup and leaned forward slightly. Her usual laziness diminished, replaced by a spark of “anticipation” flickering in her beautiful eyes.
She cleared her throat and asked, seemingly casually, “Ahem... So, that storybook I gave you a few days ago. Have you read it?”
Gu Chengming understood perfectly.
Coming over in the middle of the night under the guise of caring about his assessment was just a front. She was here for a progress report and reviews.
Gu Chengming felt a urge to laugh, but he kept his expression perfectly professional.
“Naturally, I have read it.”
He spoke seriously, “Your writing is exceptional, Elder. After reading it, the experience lingered in my mind. For the past two days, I have even neglected my cultivation because my head was full of the plot.”
“Cut the flattery,” Yu Wenqiu hummed softly, though her lips curved upward. This stroke to her ego was clearly effective.
“I’ve read your storybook too. The conception is exquisite, with foreshadowing hidden like a snake in the grass. While my modest contributions were written as sequels to your story, I always felt something was... off.”
At this, she frowned with a bit of distress. “Specifically, the scene where the ‘Master’ braves the demon den alone to save her disciple. I clearly used so much ink describing her internal thoughts, flashbacks, and monologues... but when I finished, even I felt it was a bit too lukewarm. It lacked that visceral feeling that makes your scalp tingle.”
Hearing this, Gu Chengming recalled those tens of thousands of words of "fanfiction."
Admittedly, Elder Yu was a master at describing delicate emotional interactions—specifically that faint ambiguity between master and disciple, as well as the heartwarming details of daily life.
But that was the problem.
It was too sweet. So sweet it lacked stakes.
After a moment of thought, Gu Chengming explained that what truly burns into a person's soul is usually not smooth success, but the sting of joy and sorrow, separation and reunion.
For example, if the Master usually resides high above the clouds, untainted by the dust of the world, she should not remain perfectly composed in times of peril.
As Gu Chengming spoke, a picture naturally formed in Yu Wenqiu’s mind.
—A broken sword, residual blood, and the casual line, "I am fine."
Yu Wenqiu shuddered. She thought to herself, 'This little Gu is too wicked!'
“Now that you put it that way, I do have some new inspiration. That original scene where the Master and disciple confess their feelings under the moon—can that be changed too?”
“For instance, the Master is actually mortally poisoned and doesn’t have much time left, but to keep her disciple from worrying, she pretends everything is fine, sewing his clothes even while she coughs up blood?”
Gu Chengming gave a forced laugh.
'Elder Yu, isn't your ability to infer from a single point a bit too powerful?'
“Ahem... it doesn't need to be that extreme.” Gu Chengming hurried to reel her back. “There is an art to balancing tension and relief.”
Using this topic, the two of them eagerly discussed more ideas.
For a time, the small courtyard was filled with a joyful, if somewhat morbid, atmosphere of academic research.
By the time the moon was high in the sky, they had gone through two pots of tea.
Only then did Yu Wenqiu reluctantly wrap up the conversation.
In this massive Wenjian Sect, there was only one person who could accompany her in discussing these “unproductive” matters so compatibly.
“Alright, it’s getting late. If we keep talking, the sun will be up.”
Yu Wenqiu stood up, stretched, and smoothed her skirt. She asked as if in passing, “By the way, now that you’ve passed the assessment, have you decided on an apprenticeship?”
“The Inner Sect is different from the Outer Sect. Without a master to guide you, many resources and secret realms will be hard to access. With your talent on display, I’m sure many elders have their eyes on you.”
She paused briefly, her gaze wandering ever so slightly, and added, “Of course, while we have our internal divisions in the Wenjian Sect, we mostly care about fate. If you haven't made up your mind, don't rush. Look around, pick carefully...”
Beneath the surface of her words, there was a faint, unspoken invitation.
However, Gu Chengming didn't hesitate and replied with a clasp of his hands, “I am grateful for your concern, Elder, but I have already made my choice. Elder Ren Wencai has shown me kindness and has protected me throughout this journey. In my heart, I already regard him as my master.”
“On the day I officially enter the Inner Sect, I will perform the formal apprenticeship ceremony for Elder Ren.”
Upon hearing the name Ren Wencai, Yu Wenqiu’s expression became incredibly complicated.
It was a mix of "I knew it," "what a waste," and "it's hard to describe."
She opened her mouth, seeming to want to say something. “Elder Ren, huh...”
“Well... that’s good.”
Gu Chengming thought to himself, 'Why does everyone react this way when Master Ren is mentioned?'
Wait, actually, everyone had the same reaction when Elder Yu was mentioned too.
Then, Yu Wenqiu added, “Senior Brother Ren... while he usually seems a bit unreliable, acts quite eccentrically, has provoked too many enemies, and his reputation abroad is just a tiny bit bad...”
Gu Chengming’s eyelid twitched.
'Elder, aren't there too many qualifiers here? This sounds like more than a "tiny bit" of an issue.'
“...But toward his disciples, he is truly beyond reproach.” Yu Wenqiu sighed, her tone turning more serious. “In this Wenjian Sect, if we talk about being protective or generous to disciples, I fear no one can claim first place if Senior Brother Ren admits to being second.”
“Choosing him as your master won't stifle your growth.”
“I remember many years ago, Senior Brother Ren had another disciple... what was his name? Yuan something? At that time, he—”
Halfway through, Yu Wenqiu’s voice cut off abruptly.
She seemed to realize something. Her brow furrowed, and she closed her mouth.
Gu Chengming was listening intently. Seeing her stop, he asked curiously, “Elder, what is it?”
Yu Wenqiu glanced at him, hesitating for a moment, weighing whether she should tell this old story.
Finally, she sighed and waved a hand. “Forget it, this isn't exactly a secret among the older generation, so there's no harm in telling you.”
“This was decades ago. Back then, Senior Brother Ren wasn't as... cough, ‘cautious’ as he is now. He spotted a disciple named Yuan in the Outer Sect and saw him as an uncut jade. Before the boy even entered the Inner Sect, he took him under his wing, teaching him personally and treating him as his own son.”
“The treatment was even better than what typical true disciples got. Any resource went straight to that disciple first.”
Yu Wenqiu shook her head with a hint of sorrow. “Regrettably, you can draw a tiger's skin but not its bones; you can know a face but not a heart.”
“That disciple's character... was quite malicious. As for what specifically happened, because it involved a sect scandal, it was suppressed. Outsiders don't know the details. All we know is that the master and disciple completely broke ties, and it was a mess.”
“That disciple eventually left Huiyuan Gate and went out for trial. The matter remained a joke for Huiyuan Gate for a long time. Since then, Senior Brother Ren became disheartened and never took another disciple. He spent his days refining pills and handling miscellaneous foreign affairs, wasting away until now.”
Saying this, she looked at Gu Chengming. “So, his choosing you this time is indeed your fortune, and a sign that he’s finally moving on.”
Hearing this, things finally clicked for Gu Chengming.
No wonder Elder Ren looked after him so well—even using his private resources—yet never officially took him as a disciple, even waiting for a verbal commitment until after the “Inner Sect assessment.”
He had been once bitten, twice shy.
He feared history would repeat itself. He feared that Gu Chengming would also be a person of bad character, which was why he had to wait for a definitive answer from the “Heart-Questioning Mirror” before daring to take that real step.
'So that was the reason?'
With this insight into the past, Gu Chengming’s lingering confusion vanished entirely.
With the story finished, Yu Wenqiu seemed tired as well.
She slowly stood up and stretched lazily. The movement wasn't exactly elder-like in its dignity, but it held a natural ease. She smoothed her slightly messy sleeves and glanced at Gu Chengming’s thoughtful face.
“Don't feel pressured. Senior Brother Ren might look sharp, but he is sentimental at heart. As long as you don't...”
Halfway through, she felt she was becoming a nag and stopped. Without waiting for a response, she tapped her toe against the ground.
“Never mind. No more talk. I'm going back to catch up on my sleep.”
Her voice floated back as she walked away, followed by a faint yawn. “Next time there's a feast from Drunken Immortal Pavilion, remember to call me.”
The next morning, the dawn light was faint.
The bamboo grove still held traces of un-dispersed cold mist, and the occasional crisp chirp of a bird broke the silence.
Gu Chengming pushed open his door and sat at the stone table in the courtyard.
He brewed a pot of hot tea. As the tea fragrance drifted on the morning breeze, he leisurely pulled the blue-skinned booklet gifted by Li Linfeng and the stack of handwritten insights that Lu Che prized so much from his robes.
While Yu Wenqiu’s words about Ren Wencai had touched him, he didn't dwell on it for long.
The road of cultivation was long. The events of the past were his elders’ burdens to bear. Since he had decided to enter Huiyuan Gate, he only needed to walk his own path well.
At this moment, he was far more interested in this strange art called the 《Passionate Sword Art》.
Gu Chengming opened the blue booklet.
Li Linfeng truly deserved his title as a Guizang Gate elder. Though the booklet was thin, the sword principles between the lines were profoundly deep.
Different from the mainstream “one sword breaks all” style of Wenjian Sect or the sound-based sword style of Cloud Moon Sect, the 《Passionate Sword Art》 focused on the word "tether."
Tether the heart to a person; tether the emotion to the sword.
“Emotions arise, their source unknown. Where the sword arrives, the heart follows.” Gu Chengming tapped his finger lightly on the table, carefully digesting the opening principles.
According to Li Linfeng, a practitioner of this sword art must first enter the secular world and find a person or object that makes their heart flutter, using them as the anchor for their sword dao.
One uses threads of emotion to nourish the sword intent. The deeper the emotion, the heavier the intent, and the faster and sharper the sword.
This was exactly why Lu Che carried those "Itasha swords" decorated with anime girls and even tried to break his bottleneck by romancing real-world female cultivators.
If it were anyone else—even someone as talented as Lu Che—mastering this sword art would likely require decades of tumbling through the mortal world, experiencing love, hate, and obsession to achieve even minor success.
After all, human hearts were fickle. Emotion was the hardest mystery to solve; a single misstep could cloud one's dao heart and lead to Qi Deviation.
But Gu Chengming was different.
His emotions didn't need to be placed upon ephemeral mortal travelers or some unknown senior or junior sister.
Instead, his potential subjects had visible affinity bars, dialogue boxes for conversation, options during major turning points, and distinct personalities... all while sharing a life-and-death bond with him: his cultivation techniques.
For him, could there be any more attractive subjects than entities that manifested via dialogue boxes?
'Apply the concepts of this 《Passionate Sword Art》 to my progress with these techniques...'
That bold idea in Gu Chengming's mind became clearer and clearer.
Since this sword art required bonds and deep affection, what deeper bond existed than a system-verified “death-do-us-not-part” relationship?
If he used these techniques as Dao companions and system affinity levels as threads of emotion to practice this 《Passionate Sword Art》, wouldn't it be a match made in heaven?
Just as he was lost in these thoughts—
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》suddenly falls into deep thought.】
【It stares at the essentials of the 《Passionate Sword Art》. It thinks to itself that while this art is a bit sappy, on second thought, isn’t “affection reaching depths without resentment” exactly the sincere devotion it feels for the Great Emperor Gu?】
【If the goal is to enter the Dao through emotion, is its bond with Great Emperor Gu not enough to qualify it to practice this petty sword art?】
Gu Chengming froze, nearly spitting out the tea he had just sipped.
'Old Bai, you’re being serious??'
He was originally just thinking to himself and didn’t expect a reaction from his techniques.
After all, the 《Passionate Sword Art》 was a high-level spirit-based sword art, worlds apart from the simple and brutal body-refinement path of 《Hundred Bones Resonating》.
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》muses that while the world says body cultivators are crude and lack romance, little do they know that protection is the most profound confession!】
【Since the Great Emperor Gu feels this art is feasible, then it shall try! It will use this to prove its Dao and help you reach the peak once more!】
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》has entered an insight state.】
'Holy crap, could Old Bai actually be a genius?'
Gu Chengming held his breath, full of expectation.
A moment later, a new dialogue box popped up.
It looked like the monologue before a high-tier gacha pull.
【What is love?】
【Emotion is force! Spare the rod, spoil the child!】
【BREAK!】
Immediately after, that originally spirited prompt box turned dark.
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》insight failed.】
'Okay, that's the Old Bai I know.'
Gu Chengming sighed, rubbing his forehead.
【《Hundred Bones Resonating》is a bit dazed, followed by a sudden burst of rage.】
【It curses this sword art as nothing but melodramatic whining! It claims that emotional threads—things that only make a person indecisive—simply don't belong in the Supreme Hegemonic Body of the Great Emperor Gu!】
Immediately after, it pretended to be very busy, though with what, it was unclear.
Gu Chengming shook his head, set down his teacup, and prepared to shelf this 《Passionate Sword Art》 for a while.
Perhaps later, if he encountered a different opportunity or successfully bonded with a more emotional new technique, he could try again.
However, just as he was about to close the booklet, at the moment that thought arose—
Unlike 《Hundred Bones Resonating》’s loud and flashy entry:
【《Huiyuan Sword Manual》has been quietly watching from the side, witnessing 《Hundred Bones Resonating》’s attempt, as well as your expectations and disappointment.】
【It didn't want to fight for anything. But when it saw the words “Tether the heart to a person; tether the emotion to the sword,” it couldn't help but be stunned.】
【If there truly is a force in this world born from companionship, from being inseparable, from that steady flow of mutual dependence merged into one’s very blood and bones...】
【Then besides it, who else is more qualified to interpret this emotion?】
【It doesn't understand romance or the vast dust of the mortal world.】
【《Huiyuan Sword Manual》simply does not want to disappoint you.】
【《Huiyuan Sword Manual》has entered an insight state.】
'Crap, Mother Huiyuan, you too?'
And this time, the situation seemed different.
It felt like a true state of insight had been entered.
Seeing this, Gu Chengming felt both surprised and conflicted.
He didn't know exactly what this Passionate Sword Art would do; if the sword intent corrupted the 《Huiyuan Sword Manual》, what then?
At that moment, the 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 seemed to sense Gu Chengming's concerns.
【《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》suddenly speaks: It is not obscene or wicked; it is the "Justice" of following the path of the Cosmos. Good.】
'If you say it’s fine, then it must be.'
With that thought, Gu Chengming gradually relaxed.
The following days were quite peaceful.
Every day, besides his routine breathing and cultivation, he went to the Scripture Repository to read some texts regarding the Daqian system of rites, preparing for Kong Zheng’s future visit.
《Huiyuan Sword Manual》 was no longer diligently circulating Qi as usual. Instead, it went quiet, transforming into a sphere of soft white light hovering above his Qi Sea.
Occasionally, one or two faint, slightly frivolous traces of energy tried to mix in, but they were immediately refined by the alert 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 nearby. Once they were made neutral and harmonious, they were absorbed by the 《Huiyuan Sword Manual》.
This was an unexpected surprise.
With 《Zhou Rites》 standing guard, Gu Chengming wasn't worried that the style of 《Huiyuan Sword Manual》 would be corrupted.
On the morning of the third day—
Just as dawn was breaking, a clear, sharp sword ring suddenly exploded in the depths of Gu Chengming's Sea of Consciousness.
【Huiyuan Sword Manual successfully gained insight.】
【CG Unlocked: All Laws One Heart (Sword Dao Chapter)】
【Huiyuan Sword Manual CG/All Laws One Heart (Sword Dao Chapter): Based on the “Ten Thousand Streams to the Source” trait of the Passionate Sword Art and under the coordination of the rites within the 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》, your previously scattered Sword Dao insights are manifested as modular Law Units that can be freely combined.】
【Effect (Special): Unlocks the “Sword Chess” interface. Every sword art the Host masters and every sword intent the Host comprehends will be converted into units possessing specific “Attributes” and “Synergies.” The Host can place units onto the board before or during combat. When specific combinations exist on the board, “Synergy Resonance” will be triggered, granting the Host additional spiritual energy bonuses, special forms, or rule-level suppression.】
As the notification sound faded, Gu Chengming's vision changed abruptly.
The originally simple interface—containing only dialogue boxes and affinity bars—seemed to have its corner peeled away by an invisible hand.
Countless points of light converged and reorganized.
Soon after, a new interface manifested on his retina.
Gu Chengming looked closer, and his entire body froze in place.
A chess board?
No, more accurately, it was an interface made of pale blue spiritual light that resembled a "formation diagram."
At the bottom of the interface was a long bar: the “Reserve Bench.”
And on that bench sat several icons that Gu Chengming was incredibly familiar with. They weren't concrete items, but manifested "concepts."
【Flowing Cloud Following Moon (Cloud)】【Flowing Cloud Following Moon (Moon)】【Basic Sword Moves (Mortal)】【Sword Intent: Entangle】
Above these icons was that massive hexagonal “board.”
Currently, the board was completely empty, with only a core slot in the center glowing with the name “Sword Lord.”
【Currently Active Synergies: None】
'—Holy crap, is this even a galgame anymore?!'
Rate on N.U.
