Old Bai, Don't I Know You Best?

Once all the procedures were completed, the sun had already reached its zenith.

Yu Wenqiu stood on the steps of the Merit Hall, her gaze lingering on the brand-new waist token hanging from Gu Chengming’s belt. She let out a sigh of relief.

She tapped her right index finger gently against her left palm and looked at Gu Chengming. "Xiao Gu, now that you've officially joined, you have the protection of an official status... However, regarding what happened last night, I still can't put my mind at ease."

She paused, her tone losing some of its usual casualness. "That evil spirit appeared strangely and vanished just as oddly. A third realm Nightmare Wandering Corpse is not something an ordinary rogue cultivator or practitioner of the wicked paths could refine. The opponent was clearly prepared and knew our movements perfectly."

"Though this capital is suppressed by Imperial Dragon Qi and appears peaceful, undercurrents are surging. Furthermore..."

"I don't feel like this was simply targeting a new inner sect disciple like you. It feels more like someone is testing the bottom line of our Wenjian Sect here in the capital."

Gu Chengming nodded slightly, agreeing with her assessment. "The Elder is absolutely right. In your opinion, what should we do now?"

"I'm going to investigate the source."

Yu Wenqiu took a deep breath, as if she had made a firm decision. "The Wenjian Sect has operated in Daqian for many years, and we naturally have permanent deacons in the capital. We've just arrived and are completely in the dark; I must touch base with them first and ask what the current 'wind' is like in this city."

"If our sect has unknowingly offended someone, it’s better to be prepared early. We can't let people bully us to our faces while we still don't know who the mastermind is."

At this point, she looked at Gu Chengming and instructed, "Since you've joined the Night Guard, follow their rules. The interior of the Night Guard Division is relatively clean, and with Vice commander Liu looking after you, there shouldn't be any major trouble... I'll be back soon. If there’s an emergency, use the sect’s secret method to send a message."

Gu Chengming understood. "Please go ahead, Elder. I will act with caution on my end."

After seeing off Yu Wenqiu, Gu Chengming followed Vice commander Liu to the Night Guard’s station.

According to the structure of the Night Guard Division, the Night Guard did not operate alone but in 'squads' for daily patrols and missions.

This system was designed for mutual support to increase survival rates and to allow members to complement each other's strengths when dealing with various bizarre and ever-changing evil spirits.

After all, every profession had its specialty.

sword cultivators were unmatched in killing power, but if they encountered spirits that required ritual altars or those proficient in illusions and poisons, they would inevitably find themselves stretched thin.

In such cases, having teammates proficient in spells, arrays, or body tempering would often lead to twice the result with half the effort.

As for inner sect disciples from major sects who came down the mountain for experience, the Night Guard Division usually grouped them into the same squad.

Firstly, these 'favored children of heaven' were proud and might not look kindly upon colleagues from ordinary martial backgrounds. Secondly, this group had many methods and strong trump cards; sticking together made it less likely for accidents to occur.

Thus, Gu Chengming had a rough idea of what kind of team he would be assigned to.

Vice commander Liu led Gu Chengming through several courtyards until they arrived at a side hall named the "Hidden Dragon Courtyard."

"We're here."

With that, he patted Gu Chengming on the shoulder, showing no intention of entering.

Gu Chengming straightened his clothes and pushed open the door to the side hall.

Creak—

The door hinges turned with a soft sound.

The hall was well-lit and elegantly furnished. Several high-backed chairs were arranged neatly, and in the center was a massive map of the capital.

At this moment, there were already four people inside—three men and one woman.

As Gu Chengming entered, four pairs of eyes snapped toward him.

These gazes were either scrutinizing, curious, or cold.

Gu Chengming remained composed, stepped inside, and cupped his hands in a polite but firm salute. "Gu Chengming of the Wenjian Sect. I have just arrived; it is a pleasure to meet my colleagues."

After a brief silence, a hearty laugh broke the quiet.

"Haha, a fellow Daoist from the Wenjian Sect? I've heard much about you!"

The speaker was a young man leaning against the window. He wore a Daoist robe with flowing cloud patterns and a string of warm-colored jade talismans at his waist. He didn't carry a sword but was instead playing with a spinning, fiery-red treasure pearl.

He was handsome with sharp features, and his every movement carried an air of uninhibited elegance.

He stood up straight, walked over to Gu Chengming, and returned the salute. Though his movements weren't strictly formal, they carried a sense of sincere warmth. "I am Song Qing, an inner disciple of the Tianting Sect. I heard a master from the Wenjian Sect was coming today, but I didn't expect you to be so young."

Tianting Sect?

Gu Chengming’s heart stirred slightly.

The Tianting Sect was a prestigious sect in the Jiuzhou Continent. If the Wenjian Sect was a holy land for sword cultivators, then the Tianting Sect was one of the leaders for art cultivators. It was said their sect was built above the clouds, and they excelled at controlling wind and lightning, with their mastery of the five elements being transcendent.

Furthermore, the Tianting Sect was famously... wealthy.

Looking at this Senior Brother Song Qing, his Daoist robe was woven from the finest "Flowing Cloud Brocade," resistant to both water and fire. The jade talismans at his waist were all glowing with spiritual light, clearly life-saving treasures. Even the pearl he was playing with emitted faint fluctuations of fire spiritual energy; it was likely a high-grade second realm treasure.

"So it is Fellow Daoist Song," Gu Chengming said politely. "The Tianting Sect’s arts are profound and famous throughout Jiuzhou. I have long admired them from afar."

"Ah, you're too kind," Song Qing laughed, clearly having a naturally friendly personality. "What 'famous throughout Jiuzhou'? We just rely on having many talismans and throwing them from far away. When it comes to real killing power, we still have to look to you sword cultivators."

At that moment, a slightly constrained voice came from the corner.

"Um... I am An Shan, an inner disciple of the Hunyuan Sect."

The speaker was a burly man sitting in the shadows of the corner. He was extremely massive, his muscles bulging and straining against his specially-made Night Guard uniform. If he stood up, he would likely be over two meters tall.

However, he was currently huddled in his chair, his hands rubbing his knees nervously.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Gu."

An Shan kept his head down, his voice deep and muffled, seemingly afraid to look Gu Chengming in the eye.

Hunyuan Sect?

Gu Chengming was slightly taken aback. Was this the sect where Senior Hua Daiyi came from?

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist An Shan."

Just as Gu Chengming was observing An Shan, a slightly suppressed cough came from the head seat.

"Cough, cough..."

The sound was weak, as if the person lacked lung capacity.

Gu Chengming turned his head and saw a pale, thin young man sitting in the main seat. He wore a slightly oversized uniform and held a cup of steaming goji berry tea, occasionally using a handkerchief to cover his mouth as he coughed.

His frail appearance made it seem as if a gust of wind could knock him over, making one worry if he would faint in the next second.

Yet, this seemingly terminally ill youth sat firmly in the seat representing the junior banner position.

When Song Qing and An Shan heard his coughing, they both instinctively straightened their expressions.

The youth set down his teacup, lifted his eyelids, and spoke slowly in a soft voice. "I am the junior banner of this squad, Li Dujiang, an inner disciple of the Hunyuan Sect."

"Welcome to the team."

Another Hunyuan Sect disciple?

Gu Chengming was truly surprised this time. That sect full of body cultivators—where even a passing dog would get slapped twice—actually produced such a... disciple who looked even more frail than himself back when his constitution was only at two points?

Or was this Senior Brother Li practicing some profound method of 'breaking through and then rebuilding' or 'returning to simplicity'?

"Greetings, Senior Brother Li."

Gu Chengming suppressed his surprise. To be the junior banner of a squad filled with inner disciples from major sects, one could not be a simple character. This Li Dujiang appeared weak, but he must have practiced some special technique.

Li Dujiang nodded and said no more, taking another sip of his tea as if speaking a few more words would exhaust all his energy.

Finally, Gu Chengming’s gaze landed on the only woman in the room.

She had been standing by the window with her back to the group, seemingly looking at the scenery outside. She was small in stature, wearing a practical outfit for action, with her long hair tied high, making her look quite capable.

Sensing Gu Chengming’s gaze, she slowly turned around.

It was a rather delicate face, but her brow carried an unmistakable sharpness. She did not return the salute like the others but instead used a look that was almost scrutinizing—even tinged with hostility—to look Gu Chengming up and down.

That look was like she was staring at an enemy who had stolen her family’s belongings.

The woman gave a cold snort, her chin lifting slightly. "Feng Ya, of the Yunyue Sect."

As soon as she spoke, the atmosphere in the hall instantly froze.

Gu Chengming realized the situation. No wonder he had felt a faint, hostile gaze since he stepped through the door. It was a disciple of the Yunyue Sect.

Months ago, he had soundly thrashed Li Mozi on the Sword-Questioning Platform, not only winning the match but also trampling on the Yunyue Sect’s reputation. Although the Yunyue Sect had started the trouble, in the eyes of their disciples, Gu Chengming was undoubtedly the culprit who had brought them shame.

Who would have thought that enemies would meet on such a narrow path, ending up together in Daqian’s Night Guard Division?

Gu Chengming’s expression remained unchanged. He neither grew angry at her hostility nor backed down because she was a woman. He simply acknowledged her with a nod.

This attitude caused the sarcastic remarks Feng Ya had prepared to get stuck in her throat.

"You..."

"Cough, cough."

From the head seat, Li Dujiang gave another timely cough.

"Once you enter the Night Guard Division, you are comrades," his voice was still weak. "Do not bring personal grudges into official business."

Upon hearing this, Feng Ya’s expression shifted. Eventually, she gave Gu Chengming a hateful glare and turned away, refusing to speak further.

Gu Chengming shook his head inwardly. The personnel arrangements of the Night Guard Division were truly audacious. Putting inner disciples from blood-feud sects like the Wenjian Sect and Yunyue Sect in the same squad—weren't they afraid of an international incident if something went wrong?

Wait...

Gu Chengming suddenly recalled what Elder Yu had told him at noon. If someone in the capital was indeed targeting the Wenjian Sect, then this arrangement might not be a careless mistake, but a deliberate setup.

As the sun set, the thick, black walls of the Night Guard Division were gilded with a border of dark gold light. The first meeting in the Hidden Dragon Courtyard ended in a subtle atmosphere.

Li Dujiang was still holding his seemingly bottomless cup of goji berry tea, coughing occasionally. His sickly appearance made people feel bad about even speaking loudly to him. An Shan huddled in the corner, trying his best to minimize his presence.

As for Senior Sister Feng Ya of the Yunyue Sect, she couldn't help herself before leaving. She paused slightly as she passed by Gu Chengming.

She turned her head, her sharp eyes showing no warmth from their shared comradeship. Instead, the long-suppressed, piercing scrutiny grew even stronger.

"Junior Brother Gu."

Feng Ya’s voice was soft, carrying a chilling coldness. "While Junior Sister Li Mozi was recovering at the sect, she often mentioned the great name of Senior Brother Gu of the Wenjian Sect. She said she benefited greatly from that battle."

Gu Chengming’s expression didn't flicker.

Staring at Gu Chengming’s calm, emotionless face, Feng Ya grew even angrier. She had originally thought that during this descent for experience, if she had the chance to meet someone from the Wenjian Sect at the Jiuzhou Grand Competition or elsewhere, she would definitely seek justice for her junior sister.

Even if she couldn't truly do anything to them, she at least wanted to suppress them in the Dao of the Sword to reclaim the Yunyue Sect’s face.

But who could have guessed that they would not only be training in the same place but be assigned to the same squad? How could she possibly show him a good face?

"I hope Junior Brother Gu’s sword is truly as sharp as the rumors say. Don't find yourself needing help from the sect of us 'defeated opponents' at a critical moment."

With that, she said no more, flicked her sleeves, and turned to leave.

Before Gu Chengming could react...

【Hundred Bones Resonating falls into deep thought, then realizes everything, and finally is overjoyed.】

【Emperor Gu, I know this plot. This is called 'beating the young one brings out the old one'—】

【Once you slay this woman, the next plot point will be you storming the Yunyue Sect and exterminating their entire lineage.】

Flowing Cloud Following Moon, who hadn't spoken for a long time, suddenly popped up as well.

【Flowing Cloud Following Moon thinks this plot is quite good.】

Gu Chengming was thoughtful.

Leaving the Night Guard Division, Gu Chengming walked along the broad Zhuque Street toward the Listening to Rain Pavilion.

It was dusk, and the streets of the capital were still bustling. The cries of vendors, the rumbling of carriages, and the music from the wine houses intertwined into a thick atmosphere of the mortal world.

Gu Chengming walked through the crowd, planning his next steps, when he suddenly felt someone behind him. It wasn't a sneaky tailing, but a blatant, almost overly familiar following.

He stopped, turned around, and looked helplessly at the youth in the blue cloud Daoist robe playing with the red pearl.

"Brother Song."

Gu Chengming cupped his hands. "Duty is over. I wonder why Brother Song is following me? Do you have some advice?"

"Oh, advice? You're being too formal."

Seeing he was discovered, Song Qing didn't feel the slightest bit of embarrassment. Instead, he laughed and hurried over, acting as if they were old friends of many years. "I was just thinking, since it's our first meeting and we're comrades, we should get closer. Plus, you've just arrived and surely aren't familiar with the capital. I've been here half a month longer than you, so I can be your guide. How about... we find a place for a few drinks?"

Gu Chengming looked at this elite of the Tianting Sect, feeling a bit puzzled. This Song Qing was far too familiar.

"Brother Song is too kind," Gu Chengming politely declined. "It's just that it's late, and my sect elder is waiting at the inn..."

"Don't be so quick to refuse."

Seeing Gu Chengming was about to leave, Song Qing spoke his true intention. It turned out he didn't get along with the other members of the Night Guard squad. The two from the Hunyuan Sect—one was too constrained, the other too cold; spending time with them was awkward. The one from the Yunyue Sect was even worse—too arrogant, and Yunyue disciples were known for being vengeful and difficult to deal with.

He said he had thought this trip to Daqian would be quite dull until he met a 'kindred spirit' like Brother Gu.

However...

"Kindred spirit?"

Gu Chengming keenly caught the term and raised an eyebrow, asking in confusion, "What does Senior Brother Song mean by that?"

Song Qing blinked, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "You know, the kind... uh, who has many Dao partners?"

"..."

Dammit, why is it this reason again?

Previously in the Scripture Repository, Senior Brother Lu Che had said something about him having a "great face" and "looking like a rogue who has seen it all."

Now in Daqian, this Senior Brother Song of the Tianting Sect was using the same line. Where exactly did he look like someone with many Dao partners? Was it because of his twenty-five points in Charisma?

Gu Chengming felt helpless, but his expression remained unchanged. Instead, he followed the lead and asked back, "Does Senior Brother Song have many Dao partners?"

Song Qing scratched his head awkwardly, his gaze shifting as he gave a dry cough. "Cough... well, Dao partners... not exactly."

"Not exactly?" Gu Chengming raised an eyebrow.

"Uh, to be precise, I don't have any officially established Dao partners," Song Qing explained sheepishly, his voice dropping. "But... as for 'intimate confidantes,' I do have a few."

At this point, he seemed to regain some confidence and puffed out his chest. "They are all Junior Sisters from the Hehuan Sect. They are understanding, gentle, and know a man’s heart best."

Damn, so you're an orgy enthusiast, Gu Chengming complained internally, though he didn't show it.

But seeing Gu Chengming’s subtle expression, Song Qing knew what he was thinking and quickly waved his hands in explanation. "It's not what you think. My relationship with those confidantes is purely physical."

That is EXACTLY what I think!!

Gu Chengming was speechless.

However, regarding the Hehuan Sect, he was indeed a bit curious. After all, when he played this game, he was aiming for the galgame aspect, and his stats and everything were designed to make it easier to switch to Hehuan Sect techniques later.

But game settings and the real world often differed. In his impression, while the Hehuan Sect was a 'fanservice' sect in the game, in traditional cultivation novel settings, such sects focused on dual cultivation and 'harvesting' were usually classified as 'evil cultivators' or 'demonic sects.'

Harvesting Yang to supplement Yin, harvesting Yin to supplement Yang, harming others to benefit oneself, treating people as cauldrons... none of these labels seemed to fit a righteous sect.

Yet, seeing Song Qing’s open manner—and the fact that he could have several confidantes in a place as strictly regulated as Daqian—the status of the Hehuan Sect seemed to be less 'shady' than he had imagined.

"Senior Brother Song," Gu Chengming slowed his pace, acting like a humble student. "I have practiced in the mountains since childhood and know little of the world’s sect gossip. I have heard that the Hehuan Sect’s methods are those of dual cultivation and harvesting. Such techniques seem to be frowned upon by the world. Why does it seem so commonplace in your words?"

"Frowned upon?"

Song Qing blinked, then laughed. "In our Jiuzhou cultivation world, the Hehuan Sect is a bona fide righteous sect, recognized by the Immortal Alliance and protected by the laws of Daqian!"

"Righteous? Legal?" Gu Chengming was surprised.

"Naturally," Song Qing explained. "A long time ago, there were indeed some wicked people who forcibly kidnapped mortals or low-level cultivators to use as cauldrons, harvesting them to death. Those were the true evil cultivators, hated by all."

"However, since the Hehuan Sect was established, things changed."

"The founding ancestor of the Hehuan Sect was an extraordinary woman of great talent. With immense willpower and wisdom, she collected all the evil harvesting techniques in the world. She then refined them, removing the methods that harmed one's foundation or were heavenly atrocities, and established extremely strict sect rules."

"Any Hehuan Sect disciple engaging in dual cultivation must obtain the other party's consent; it must be mutual."

As Gu Chengming listened, he began to understand. Dual cultivation and harvesting were 'shortcuts,' and the world never lacked people wanting to take shortcuts.

Before the Hehuan Sect was founded, those practicing such arts were indeed called evil cultivators and hunted down. After the Hehuan Sect was established, they held all such techniques in a tight grip. These manuals rarely circulated outside, causing the number of traditional evil cultivators to plummet.

Furthermore, joining the Hehuan Sect required high mental fortitude. Nowadays, those practicing harvesting techniques were all law-abiding citizens with excellent character.

"Moreover, the Hehuan Sect has many industries in this capital," Song Qing said, as if remembering something. "Brothels and music houses—cough, I mean, elegant gardens and lute houses—many have the Hehuan Sect behind them. The ladies there are mostly outer disciples or rogue cultivators attached to the sect."

"If Junior Brother Gu is interested, I can take you to see for yourself?"

Gu Chengming walked side-by-side with Song Qing. Hearing this Tianting Sect elite praise the Hehuan Sect’s techniques so highly, he did feel a spark of interest. Of course, this interest didn't stem from worldly desires, but from a player’s instinct to investigate rare mechanical systems. In the game back then, the Hehuan Sect system was indeed the most suitable for playing a galgame.

Song Qing was about to strike while the iron was hot and set the schedule for listening to music when a sudden, urgent vibration came from both of their waists.

Hum—

A cryptic spiritual fluctuation emitted from their waist tokens, accompanied by a slight heat.

Gu Chengming’s expression shifted. He looked down and saw the surface of the token engraved with the words "Night Guard" flashing with a faint, rhythmic blood-red light.

Almost at the same time, Song Qing’s face changed. He quickly pressed down on his own flashing token and looked toward a certain direction deep in the street corner.

"It's a warning from the Patrol Order," Song Qing said quickly, his voice grave. "Within a three-mile radius, an evil spirit of the second realm or higher has appeared to cause trouble. Its baleful aura is extremely heavy, and it has already triggered the capital’s monitoring array."

He glanced at Gu Chengming, a flash of hesitation in his eyes, which then turned to resolve. "Brother Gu, though you've just joined, once this warning is out, any Night Guard in the vicinity has the duty to protect the land. Will you come with me, or..."

Gu Chengming didn't hesitate for a second. "Senior Brother Song, please lead the way."

"Good!"

Song Qing praised him and wasted no more words. With a flash of spiritual light beneath his feet, he leaped onto the rooftops and sped away.

Gu Chengming followed closely behind. In just a few breaths, they crossed two long streets and arrived at the edge of a market area called "Willow Lane."

This was originally a residential area for commoners, but it was now shrouded in a thick, ink-like black mist. The mist wasn't ordinary smoke; it was condensed from extremely dense resentment and yin-baleful energy. It churned relentlessly under the twilight sun, seemingly breathing out the surrounding vitality like a living thing.

Even from a distance, one could hear shrill cries coming from the mist, along with a tooth-aching sound of chewing.

"Middle stage of the second realm?"

Song Qing stopped on a nearby eave, staring at the black mist with a furrowed brow. "No! This baleful aura feels like a dried corpse curse. This spirit has likely already consumed a lot of blood essence..."

Gu Chengming stood beside him, not speaking rashly. He focused his vision and quietly activated his Wisdom Eye.

In his vision, deep within the churning black mist, he could faintly see a hunched, black-furred spirit crouching over a body that hadn't yet gone cold, feasting frantically. The spirit was surrounded by dark red blood lines, and with every breath, it spat out a stream of grey, decaying air, polluting the surrounding spiritual energy.

As the two observed, a sharp cry suddenly rang out from the roof on the other side. Immediately after, a cold, snow-like sword light pierced the air, slashing fiercely at the black mist.

Boom!

The sword light entered the mist, causing a violent surge. The black mist seemed to be burned, letting out a piercing shriek as it scattered slightly, revealing the true form of the spirit within.

At the same time, a figure in moon-white action gear descended from the sky, landing on a high wall. It was Feng Ya of the Yunyue Sect.

She held a slender soft sword, her face cold as frost, her spiritual energy surging. She had clearly also received the warning and rushed over.

At this moment, Feng Ya also noticed the movement over here. She turned her head, her gaze sweeping over Song Qing before fixing on Gu Chengming. Her originally cold eyes instantly darkened, and her delicate face flashed with undisguised disgust and bad luck.

"Truly, enemies meet on a narrow path."

Feng Ya gave a cold snort, her soft sword trembling with a humming sound. "You haven't even reached the second realm, yet you dare to join this commotion? Aren't you afraid this baleful aura will shock your soul and ruin your Dao foundation?"

Gu Chengming smiled. "Some second realms seem more afraid than me at the first realm."

Feng Ya was furious. Seeing this, Song Qing quickly stepped in to mediate. "We should focus on joining forces to slay the demon first. This spirit looks troublesome and won't be easy to deal with."

"Troublesome?"

Feng Ya glanced at the re-forming black mist, a flash of wariness in her eyes, but her words remained sharp. "A mere second realm evil spirit is nothing to worry about. As long as idle people don't interfere and drag me down, it’s fine."

Despite her words, she didn't charge in immediately. Instead, she stood on the wall, clutching several spiritual talismans, staring solemnly at the black mist as if weighing her options. Song Qing did the same.

Gu Chengming stood to the side, watching these two "second realm experts" put on a big show without actually moving, feeling quite puzzled.

Logically, with Feng Ya and Song Qing’s cultivation, if they joined forces and used the treasures bestowed by their sects, they should be able to suppress a middle-stage second realm spirit even if they couldn't kill it instantly. Why were they acting as if they were facing a great enemy, appearing so hesitant?

As if seeing Gu Chengming’s confusion, Song Qing lowered his voice to explain, "Brother Gu, this spirit is called a Filth Corpse Demon. If one rashly charges in for close combat, once tainted by that filthy air, at best your spiritual energy flow will be disrupted and your meridians damaged; at worst, your dao heart will be clouded, and it might even leave behind difficult-to-remove inner demon seeds."

Gu Chengming realized—they were being overly protective of their own bodies.

It wasn't surprising; if they could slowly grind it down with long-range spells, that would be best. But this spirit had clearly developed intelligence; it stayed deep in the black mist, using the complex residential terrain and the few civilians who hadn't escaped as cover. This made Song Qing’s spells ineffective, as he was afraid of hitting the innocent.

The situation was at a stalemate.

Inside the black mist, the spirit also seemed to realize what the cultivators outside were worried about. It let out bursts of hair-raising, eerie laughter. Instead of fleeing, it became even more brazen, releasing black mist to completely swallow several surrounding houses.

Shrill cries came from the mist, heart-wrenching to hear.

Feng Ya’s grip on her sword tightened, her face looking ugly, but looking at that thick, almost liquid-like filth, she couldn't bring herself to step forward. Although she knew the longer they waited, the worse it would get, she didn't want to take the risk.

Song Qing was also anxious, his treasure pearl raised and lowered several times, sweat beads forming on his forehead. He cursed under his breath, "If only we could lure it out."

However, before he could finish his sentence, the Tinglan Sword unsheathed.

Clang—

Without any hesitation, Gu Chengming charged straight into the black mist that everyone else was avoiding like the plague!

"Are you crazy?!"

Song Qing was shocked and reached out to grab him, but caught only air.

Feng Ya was also momentarily stunned.

Inside the black mist, vision was almost completely obscured. The thick, fishy stench was pervasive, like countless slimy tentacles trying desperately to crawl into Gu Chengming’s nose, mouth, and pores.

At the same time, bursts of noisy, poisonous whispers rang out in his mind.

However, just as the whispers began to amplify...

【Qingxin Art frowns. Where is this?】

—Sorry, Xiao Qing. I'll have to trouble you for a moment. I'll get you out soon.

Realizing that the Qingxin Art had entered a state of protecting its master, Gu Chengming’s mind suddenly became clear. The originally piercing shrieks now seemed as insignificant as the buzzing of a mosquito. The black hairs trying to drill into his body were like snow meeting fire; the moment they touched the faint clear light on his skin, they made a "sizzling" sound and retreated in terror.

Not only that, the Minghui Lamp hanging at his waist suddenly lit up at this moment. Although it wasn't being driven by spiritual energy and couldn't fully display the power of a second realm Dharma tool, the evil-warding power within the wick spontaneously formed a thin curtain of light upon sensing the dense evil energy.

Though the curtain was thin, it was exceptionally tough, firmly blocking the black mist that tried to corrode his body three inches away.

"Found you."

Gu Chengming instantly locked onto the corpse demon crouching on the ground with a look of utter shock. The spirit clearly hadn't expected someone to dare charge in without any protection—and at such an incredible speed.

It wanted to move, but Gu Chengming’s sword was faster than its reaction.

【Sword Intent (Entanglement): Activated.】

The sword light was like silk, silently wrapping around the spirit’s neck. The spirit felt its body stiffen; the power it wanted to unleash was mysteriously interrupted, and the filthy spiritual energy in its body became sluggish as if stuck in a swamp.

Puchi!

The Tinglan Sword was without any flourish. Borrowing the force of the entanglement, it swept through.

An ugly head covered in black fur rolled to the ground. Black blood sprayed, and the black mist, losing its source of support, instantly began to dissipate.

The entire process was as smooth as flowing water, happening in the blink of an eye.

Outside the black mist, Song Qing was anxiously forming a hand seal, about to charge in to save him. Just then, the thick black mist, like smoke blown by the wind, rapidly faded.

Moonlight once again fell into the alleyway. The scene revealed caused the expressions of the two people outside to freeze instantly.

There was no gore as they had imagined, nor the desperate escape they had expected.

Gu Chengming, in his green robes, was still as neat as new, without a single wrinkle. He held his sword in one hand, the tip pointing diagonally at the ground, a single drop of black blood sliding slowly down the blade.

At his feet, the middle-stage second realm corpse demon that had made them so wary lay decapitated, dead as could be.

Around them, the commoners who had been crying were somewhat shaken but otherwise unharmed. They were now slumped on the ground, looking at the sword-wielding youth with eyes full of the relief of survivors.

"This... how is this possible?!" Feng Ya’s eyes widened.

Song Qing was also in a daze. He looked at Gu Chengming, then at the corpse on the ground, and finally swallowed hard. He gave a thumbs-up and, after a long silence, managed to squeeze out: "Brother Gu... you are a true warrior."

Gu Chengming sheathed his sword and turned around. At the same time...

【Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art looks at the fallen evil and then at the rescued commoners. A warm current surges in its heart.】

【It says: Though tens of thousands oppose me, I shall go. Facing filth without retreating, risking oneself to save the people. This is the courage of the benevolent and the responsibility of a gentleman.】

【Disregarding personal honor or loss, seeking only peace for the land. This is true righteousness!】

【Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art is incomparably satisfied with your character.】

【Affection +5】

【Current Affection: 48/Friendly】

Gu Chengming’s heart stirred. In this situation, can I maybe fool Old Bai a bit?

Thinking this, he muttered in a voice only he could hear, "Fortunately, those two consumed most of this beast's energy earlier. If not for that, I wouldn't have been able to close in so smoothly and kill it in one strike."

After speaking, Gu Chengming looked up at the two of them. He paused. "The situation was urgent just now, and I didn't have time to discuss before acting. Since I delivered the final blow, according to the Night Guard Division's rules, the primary credit for this kill... I'm afraid it belongs to me."

Feng Ya opened her mouth to argue but found she had nothing to say. She could only swallow her anger, give a cold snort, and look away, feeling incredibly stifled.

Song Qing was more easygoing. Hearing this, he laughed and waved his hand, "What are you saying, Brother Gu! If not for you today, who knows how long we would have been stuck? This credit should be yours. If anyone dares to object, I, Song Qing, will be the first to disagree!"

And at the same time, another pop-up appeared before his eyes.

【Hundred Bones Resonating looks at this scene as if struck by lightning, suddenly realizing everything.】

【It looks at the two supporting characters who had higher cultivation than Emperor Gu but could only stare blankly, then looks at Gu Chengming, who is unharmed and took all the credit.】

【Isn't this the classic scene from a storybook where people hunt for treasure in a secret realm?】

【Two groups of people fight to the death for a treasure, using every scheme possible, only for the passing protagonist to effortlessly pick up the spoils!】

【As expected of Emperor Gu! Not only is he brave and strategic, daring to step forward in a crisis, but he also possesses such heaven-defying great luck!】

【This is 'the snipe and the clam fight, and the fisherman gets the catch'! Exactly right!】

【Hundred Bones Resonating Affection +10】

【Current Affection: 175/∞ (Never Abandon in Life or Death)】

Sigh, Old Bai, don't I know you best? Gu Chengming thought to himself.