You Are the True Master of Rites!

Hmm...

It had been a while since a bonding event appeared.

To be honest, Gu Chengming really couldn’t imagine what kind of bonding event the Qingxin Art would have.

Given the nature of the Qingxin Art, would it be some kind of major event that fit its penchant for trolling?

Well, even a galgame master couldn't perfectly master every bonding event for every different personality.

Because there had been too many sudden incidents lately, Gu Chengming hadn't had the time to practice a few basic sword arts suited for him.

First, there was the Pink Skeleton at the Elegant Garden, then the major robbery case at the merchant guild; every single incident reeked of something sinister.

In such a turbulent situation, he had to plan his cultivation path more cautiously.

After all, once he started practicing a new basic sword art, the Huiyuan Sword Manual in his Sea of Consciousness would inevitably enter a state of 'fusion inference.'

In this state, the manual wouldn't just lose its ability to cultivate on its own; even Sword Chess and bonding events might be affected. If he were in the safe environment of the sect, it wouldn't matter, but now he was in the capital of the Great Qian, where undercurrents surged...

After much consideration, Gu Chengming decided to play it safe.

He would wait at least until the murky waters of the capital settled a bit before making further plans.

Speaking of the murky waters of the capital...

Gu Chengming looked up toward the Imperial City, his brow furrowed slightly.

Half a month had passed.

The battle at the Jubo Merchant Guild, in both scale and nature, was extremely egregious.

A second realm rogue cultivator killing in the streets, a third realm expert openly laying an array—it even involved the Red Apricot Sword Manor and the Ministry of Rites.

At the time, it had caused quite a stir in the capital, with talk of it heard in every street and alley.

Yet, only half a month later, it was as if someone behind the scenes had suppressed the matter; almost no one discussed it anymore.

Even those censors who usually loved to chase shadows and stir up trouble remained silent about the affair.

While Gu Chengming was lost in thought, the Night Guard Token at his waist suddenly vibrated. It was a message from Vice Commander Liu.

"Come to the office immediately. An important guest wants to see you."

Night Guard Division, Vice Commander's Office.

Vice Commander Liu was pacing back and forth.

When he saw Gu Chengming enter, he finally sighed in relief. He stepped forward quickly, grabbed Gu Chengming’s sleeve, and pulled him inside.

"You're finally here."

"Commander, what's happened?" Gu Chengming asked, puzzled by his behavior.

"The one inside..."

Vice Commander Liu pointed toward the closed carved wooden door of the inner hall, his expression hard to describe. "It's the Second Imperial Princess, Ji Yixi. She specifically asked to see you."

Ji Yixi, the Second Imperial Princess of Great Qian.

Gu Chengming’s expression turned subtle at the mention of her name.

He knew of Ji Yixi, but not from rumors in the capital; rather, from the player forums.

Though Gu Chengming rarely searched for plot-related information, it was hard to completely avoid spoilers in a community, especially concerning someone like Princess Ji Yixi.

She was an extremely important character in the game, often referred to by many players as their 'Wife Xixi' while they wailed in grief.

The number of explored branch endings for her was countless, but without exception, they all seemed to end in her death.

Of course, since he hadn't actively searched for it, Gu Chengming's knowledge of Princess Ji Yixi was limited to snippets of text and some memes.

All he knew was that she carried imperial secrets and practiced a very powerful technique called the Great Record.

Naturally, that piece of information also came from a meme of Ji Yixi saying, 'You are not allowed to practice the Great Record.'

"Go in. Don't keep Her Highness waiting."

Vice Commander Liu patted his shoulder, giving him a look that said 'good luck, and watch your mouth,' before tactfully retreating.

The room was unlit, and the light was dim.

The window was half-open, and the light falling through it landed exactly on a red sandalwood chair by the window.

A woman sat there. She wore simple green palace attire, her hair tied up plainly with a high-quality but unassuming jade hairpin. Hearing the door open, she didn't turn around immediately, maintaining her original posture.

Gu Chengming stepped forward and said, "Gu Chengming, Night Guard of the Night Guard Division. I wonder why Your Highness has summoned me?"

After a long silence, Ji Yixi finally seemed to react and turned her head.

"I have seen your dossier."

"One month in office, two third realm evils slain, several second realm ones. Meticulous mind, high ability."

Gu Chengming’s expression remained unchanged. "Your Highness overpraises me. I merely acted according to the law."

A flash of confusion seemed to cross Ji Yixi’s eyes, but it vanished instantly.

She didn't dwell on it and stated her purpose directly:

"The Night Guard Division is at the center of the storm. Would you be willing to come to the Demon-Slaying Bureau?"

"I have reserved a position for a Chiliarch there for you."

A Chiliarch—that was a position one could only reach if they were at least in the late stage of the second realm and had significant merits.

If anyone else heard this, they would likely be ecstatic. This was a literal promotion across multiple ranks, and he would have an Imperial Princess backing him.

But Gu Chengming was only slightly startled, then shook his head.

"Thank you for your favor, Your Highness. However, I am quite content in the Night Guard Division; my colleagues are harmonious and my superiors are considerate. Furthermore, I have just arrived in Great Qian and my foundation is not yet stable; it is truly not suitable for me to change positions frequently."

"Moreover, I am a disciple of the Wenjian Sect. If I become too deeply involved in the court, it might be difficult to explain to my sect."

She simply nodded, as if she had long expected this result—or rather, as if she didn't care about the result at all.

"I see."

She gave a short reply, and then the topic shifted abruptly without any transition:

"In a few days, it will be the Lantern Festival."

Gu Chengming: "...?"

Wasn't this leap a bit too large? One second they were talking about court factions, the next they were chatting about a holiday?

Ji Yixi ignored his confusion. She took a gold-leafed invitation from her sleeve, placed it gently on the table, and pushed it over.

"The Hehuan Sect’s 'Drunk Dream Boat' is holding a banquet on the Qinzhun River."

"Go see it."

Gu Chengming’s eyes fell on the invitation. It emitted a faint scent of rouge, and the cover depicted a painted boat traveling through mist and a sea of flowers.

Wasn't this the place Elder Yu had been dreaming of, to the point of inventing undercover experiences just to brag about it?

"Your Highness, this is..."

"I just think you might like it."

Ji Yixi stood up and spoke. "There might be something you need there."

After saying those cryptic words, she didn't speak further, nor did she even look at Gu Chengming again, walking straight out the door.

It wasn't until her figure had completely vanished from the office entrance and the guards had withdrawn that the oppressive atmosphere in the room slowly dissipated.

Having sent off this grand figure...

Vice Commander Liu, who had been waiting outside, quickly slipped back in.

He first peeked around to confirm Ji Yixi was far away, then closed the door and looked at Gu Chengming with a nervous face.

"Well? What did Her Highness say to you?"

Gu Chengming picked up the gold-leafed invitation from the table and told the truth: "Her Highness asked if I wanted to be a Chiliarch at the Demon-Slaying Bureau."

Vice Commander Liu turned pale with shock. "And you agreed?"

"I refused." Gu Chengming smiled. "I'm doing fine in the Night Guard Division. Why would I go to the Demon-Slaying Bureau?"

Upon hearing this, Vice Commander Liu’s tense shoulders instantly slumped, and he let out a long breath.

"Good lad, you're smart."

He plopped down in a chair, grabbed a cup of cold tea, and downed it to calm his nerves. Then, his expression turned serious:

"Don't be fooled by how the Second Imperial Princess usually keeps a low profile; no one in this capital dares to look down on her."

"Even in a place like the Demon-Slaying Bureau, which is full of factions, she has her place. To be blunt, in this Night Guard Division, besides our Director Zhou who can completely ignore her, anyone else would have to bow their head slightly in her presence."

"Since she personally came to find you, it means you've caught her eye... Be extremely careful in your actions from now on."

Gu Chengming toyed with the invitation in his hand, lost in thought.

Meanwhile.

A plain-looking carriage without any imperial markings was slowly traveling along the bluestone road back to the inner court.

Inside the carriage.

Ji Yixi sat quietly, an ancient-looking bronze mirror placed before her.

The mirror was not polished very brightly, only reflecting a blurry outline. She looked at the mirror with somewhat hollow eyes, as if staring through the layer of mottled rust at some other place.

The carriage was deathly silent; even the sound of breathing was barely audible.

After a long time, Ji Yixi opened her mouth slightly and whispered a very low question to the mirror, or perhaps to an audience that didn't exist in the air.

There was no response.

Only the rumbling of the wheels over the stone slabs.

But Ji Yixi didn't seem to mind. She maintained that posture as if listening to some noisy whispers—the voices of countless 'hers.'

They drifted and sank in different tributaries. A moment later...

Countless negative answers gathered from those distant tributaries.

All the 'reflections' were shaking their heads.

Ji Yixi blinked her somewhat dry eyes.

"...As expected."

She murmured softly, her voice carrying a trace of slight emotion for the first time:

"None of them have seen him. Where did he come from?"

The small courtyard in Jishan Neighborhood was always exceptionally quiet at night.

The moon hung over the willow branches, and the wind shook the shadows of the osmanthus trees.

When Gu Chengming pushed open the courtyard gate, he saw, as expected, a purple figure curled up on the Flowing Light Cloud Swing.

Yu Wenqiu wasn't reading storybooks today. She was holding a plate of sugar-steamed crispy milk curd newly bought from the East Market, lazily feeding the orange cat that had become familiar with them. The woman and the cat moved in sync, both appearing extremely lethargic.

Hearing the door, Yu Wenqiu’s ears twitched, but she didn't turn around, only mumbling indistinctly:

"Back? Why so late today?"

Her tone was familiar and natural, completely lacking the air of an elder from the sect; she seemed more like the head of the household who had managed this home for a long time—though the only things she managed were eating and drinking.

Gu Chengming closed the gate behind him. Instead of going to the kitchen, he walked straight to the swing and took out the still-warm gold-leafed invitation from his sleeve, casually placing it on the low table next to Yu Wenqiu.

Yu Wenqiu glanced at it. With the help of the dim stone lamp in the courtyard, she saw the elegant small characters on the invitation—

【The Drunk Dream Boat invites you for the Lantern Festival.】

Yu Wenqiu sat up with a start.

"A courtesan banquet invitation for the Lantern Festival?"

She looked up suddenly, her eyes shining as she stared at Gu Chengming, her face screaming 'take me with you, take me with you.'

However, after her gaze circled Gu Chengming’s empty sleeves and hands, her soaring enthusiasm was instantly doused with cold water.

"Just one?"

"Yeah, just one."

Gu Chengming recounted the meeting with Ji Yixi today.

"Ah..."

Yu Wenqiu let out a long sigh and slumped back onto the swing chair like a wet noodle.

She hugged the orange cat, her chin resting on the cat's head as she grumbled, "Why couldn't she give one more?"

Seeing her like this, Gu Chengming found it funny and couldn't help teasing:

"Elder, I recall you saying that to investigate a case, you once went deep undercover on that flower boat for days and had seen all sorts of grand scenes. A mere courtesan banquet shouldn't be worth your time."

Yu Wenqiu was choked by his words. Feeling a bit guilty, her eyes darted around:

"That... you know, so many years have passed."

"Revisiting old haunts is also a form of mental cultivation."

Gu Chengming set the invitation aside and comforted her:

"Since you want to go so badly, Elder, I'll bring back more of their pastries for you then."

With that, the atmosphere relaxed a bit.

Gu Chengming seemed to think of something and suddenly asked, "By the way, Elder, you are well-read and experienced. Have you ever heard of a technique called the Great Record?"

If it was an exceptionally powerful technique, Elder Yu should know about it.

Perhaps she could also help deduce how and why Ji Yixi had noticed him.

Upon hearing those three words, Yu Wenqiu, who was stroking the orange cat, didn't pause her hand at all.

"The Great Record?"

Yu Wenqiu blinked, her brow furrowed slightly, and she eventually shook her head.

Gu Chengming was puzzled. Yu Wenqiu’s reaction didn't seem fake; she truly didn't know.

This was very interesting.

A technique famous enough in the game to serve as a core setting was something even Yu Wenqiu, an elder of the Wenjian Sect, had never heard of.

Was this technique so secretive that even the Wenjian Sect wasn't qualified to know about it?

Seeing this, Gu Chengming stopped asking but kept it in mind.

The next afternoon.

Gu Chengming had just returned from checking in at the Night Guard Division. As he reached the alley entrance, he saw a woman dressed in a plain long skirt, looking like a maidservant, waiting nearby.

She was the personal maid of Manager Yun from the Elegant Garden. Seeing Gu Chengming, the maid hurried forward to bow, her movements so respectful that not a single fault could be found. Then, she presented a letter with both hands.

"Young Master Gu, my manager said that thanks to your brave intervention last time, the reputation of the Elegant Garden was preserved. This kindness is something we will never forget. As the Lantern Festival is approaching, the manager has specially reserved a ticket for the Drunk Dream Boat for you. The seat is excellent; we hope you won't refuse it."

Gu Chengming took the letter and opened it. Inside was indeed a gold-leafed invitation identical to the one Ji Yixi had given him.

However, in the corner of this invitation, there was an additional small plum blossom mark, clearly indicating a VIP seat from the Elegant Garden.

Gu Chengming put away the invitation, feeling a sense of irony. Now he could take Elder Yu with him.

Should he say his luck was good, or Elder Yu's?

Holding the extra invitation, Gu Chengming originally wanted to hide it and tease his elder who had been craving it for so long.

But then he thought, if he didn't say it now and only brought it out on the day of the Lantern Festival, he would probably be nagged by that elder for half a year.

Thus, after dinner, when Gu Chengming casually placed the second invitation in front of Yu Wenqiu, the latter directly cheered, holding the invitation as if she couldn't bear to let go.

【The Hundred Bones Resonating watches this scene and deeply agrees.】

【It feels that as the Emperor on an inspection tour, how could there be no attendants following? Although this Little Yu is usually lazy, she is barely qualified to act as a sword-holding maid on such a grand occasion.】

Gu Chengming found this quite amusing.

Ever since Emperor Bai had been evaluated by Yu Wenqiu as having 'insufficient stamina,' it had held a grudge against Little Yu, demoting her from a 'confidante' directly to an 'evil cultivator possession.' Now that she had finally moved up a bit, she was still just a 'sword-holding maid.'

From that perspective, Emperor Bai was quite petty.

But on second thought, it was quite normal.

How could the protagonist of a fantasy novel not hold a grudge?

Regarding the origins of the Lantern Festival, many versions circulated among the folk of Great Qian.

According to the Records of Daqian Miscellaneous Affairs and the ancient texts of the Imperial Observatory, at the founding of Great Qian, the Gates of Hell were turbulent, and the barrier between the worlds of Yin and Yang became blurred. Every fifteenth day of the first lunar month, countless masterless wandering souls would roam the human world, making it impossible for the people to sleep.

The Founding Emperor held the Son of Heaven’s Sword, severing the Yin energy, and decreed that all people should light lamps on this night. Using the brilliant Yang fire to guide the souls back and the warmth of ten thousand household lights to dispel the extreme cold of early spring.

Over time, this day, which originally carried a sense of sacrifice and exorcism, evolved into the Lantern Festival.

At nightfall, the east wind blows open a thousand flowering trees, and showers stars like rain.

Countless Kongming lanterns slowly rose into the sky, merging with the river of stars above. Both sides of the streets were hung with all kinds of lanterns. Revolving lanterns showed scenes of iron horses and golden spears, rabbit lanterns trailed long tassels, and children ran through the crowd playing with lanterns. The shouts of street vendors and the sound of gongs and drums from the stages gave a sense of a peaceful and prosperous age.

Gu Chengming and Yu Wenqiu mingled in the bustling crowd, following the flow toward the banks of the Qinzhun River.

Elder Yu was clearly dressed up today, wearing an elegant moon-white skirt with a brocade feathered cloak over it. Her hair was tied high with only a simple ancient jade hairpin, making her look even more refined and ethereal—though the skewer of candied haws she had just bought completely ruined the vibe.

"Xiao Gu, look at that lamp!"

"Oh, the osmanthus sugar lotus root from this shop smells so good! We must buy some when we come back!"

Passing through the busy main street, the view suddenly opened up. Countless painted boats were slowly cruising on the river, brightly lit, with the sound of music never ceasing.

And in the very center of these boats, a giant vessel like a floating palace was quietly anchored in the middle of the river.

That was the Drunk Dream Boat.

It was five stories high, built entirely of precious agarwood, with carved beams and painted rafters, reaching the peak of luxury. Faint mist swirled around the hull, a special array effect from the Hehuan Sect.

Yu Wenqiu tilted her head back, forgetting to chew the candied haw in her mouth. "This Hehuan Sect is really rich..."

Gu Chengming deeply agreed.

The two reached the pier and showed their gold-leafed invitations.

As soon as they entered the hall, Yu Wenqiu’s eyes went straight.

But this time she wasn't looking at beauties, but at the long tables on both sides of the hall, which were filled with a dazzling array of delicacies.

"That..."

Yu Wenqiu turned her head and cleared her throat at Gu Chengming:

"Xiao Gu, look, there are too many people on this boat. If we stick together, it will be too eye-catching and not conducive to our observation of the enemy."

"This Elder has decided to go deep behind enemy lines to investigate over there. You may move around freely here."

With that, she didn't even wait for Gu Chengming to respond, slipping away like her feet were oiled toward the corner piled with food. In the blink of an eye, she merged into the crowd of guests tasting the delicacies.

Gu Chengming looked at his elder, who had already started working on a plate of roasted goose, and shook his head helplessly.

Oh well, since the Drunk Dream Boat was protected by a grand array and had experts from the Hehuan Sect stationed there, nothing much should go wrong.

"Brother Gu!"

A voice came from the side.

Gu Chengming followed the sound and saw Song Qing, in his Azure Cloud Daoist robe, waving at him excitedly from a table nearby.

Seated around Song Qing were several young men in various fine silks. Judging by their air and dress, they were likely scions of aristocratic families in the capital or top disciples of sects.

Gu Chengming smiled and walked over slowly.

"Brother Song, I hope you have been well."

"Haha, I knew Brother Gu wouldn't miss such a lively occasion!"

Song Qing stood up with great enthusiasm, pulled Gu Chengming over, and introduced him to his companions:

"Everyone, this is the one I often tell you about—the brilliant disciple of the Wenjian Sect, a Night Guard of the Night Guard Division, who broke the robbery plot at the Jubo Merchant Guild single-handedly, Brother Gu Chengming!"

"Oh? Is this the young hero Gu who slew the rogue cultivators?"

A young man in fine clothes holding a folding fan brightened up and hurriedly stood to bow:

"I have long heard your great name! I am from the Tiance Mansion..."

"I am..."

For a moment, the group, which had been somewhat reserved, all stood up to exchange pleasantries.

Gu Chengming handled it with ease and quickly became acquainted with the group.

After they were seated, Song Qing personally poured a cup of wine for Gu Chengming and said, "Brother Gu might not know, but today is not just for the Lantern Festival; it is also the Hehuan Sect’s triennial Flower Goddess Ceremony."

"The Hehuan Sect branches everywhere select their most outstanding disciple every three years and crown them as the courtesan queen."

Just as he was speaking, another voice came.

"Young Master Gu, Young Master Song."

Gu Chengming turned. It was Manager Yun Wan from the Elegant Garden.

Yun Wan walked up to Gu Chengming, gave a graceful bow, and spoke with a hint of closeness:

"After our last meeting, I was worried the Young Master would be too busy with official duties to grace us with his presence."

"Since Manager Yun invited me so warmly, how could I not come?" Gu Chengming replied politely.

Yun Wan smiled, then took two cups of amber-colored spirit wine from a tray held by her maid and handed them to the two:

"This is the Drunk Dream Boat’s special 'Floating Life Dream.' It's brewed from thirty-six types of spirit flowers and buried under a spirit spring for three years. Would the two Young Masters like to try some?"

Gu Chengming took the cup and took a small sip. The liquid entered his throat, not harsh, but carrying a long-lasting floral fragrance.

Immediately after, a warm current spread through his limbs and bones, giving him a slight, dream-like buzz.

"Good wine," Gu Chengming praised.

Yun Wan covered her mouth and giggled. "When the Flower Goddess Ceremony begins later, I hope the two Young Masters will show much support. If you take a fancy to any lady, just tell me, and I will make the arrangements."

After saying that and exchanging a few more words, she went to greet others.

Before long, the lights in the cabin suddenly dimmed.

The originally noisy hall gradually fell silent at that moment.

Then, amid swirling mist, twelve girls in various colorful silk dresses, like fairies walking out of a painting, held palace lanterns, fans, and flower baskets, dancing gracefully to the music.

The guests below watched with enchantment. Many young cultivators with weaker resolve began to look dazed. As Song Qing said, the dance steps secretly followed the principles of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, and the music had the effect of regulating spirit qi.

The performance lasted for about half an hour.

By the time the music ended and the Flower Goddesses withdrew, the atmosphere remained heated. Everyone either gathered to discuss the performance or sat in small groups drinking and reciting poetry. Gu Chengming felt a bit stuffy, so he said goodbye to Song Qing and walked out onto the deck alone.

The wind outside was a bit cool, blowing against his face with a hint of dampness.

The river was still brightly lit. Countless lotus lanterns slowly floated downstream with the current, carrying people's beautiful wishes.

Gu Chengming leaned on the railing, took a deep breath of cold air, and cleared his head, which had been a bit buzzed from the 'Floating Life Dream.'

There were quite a few people on the deck, mostly guests coming out for air.

In a corner, he saw his Elder Yu.

She was sitting on a bench, holding a skewer of candied haws in her left hand and a plate of pastries she had snatched from somewhere in her right, with a pot of wine in front of her.

Gu Chengming smiled and didn't go over to disturb her fun.

He withdrew his gaze and was about to turn back when he caught a faint but familiar aura.

【Wisdom Eye】 activated.

Gu Chengming’s pupils shrank slightly.

At the staircase on the other side of the deck, an unremarkable-looking man dressed as a servant in green clothes was bowing his head and hurrying downstairs.

Although the man deliberately concealed his aura and even used some secret method to change his body shape and appearance, the aura of Yin within him that hadn't completely dissipated was incredibly clear.

—It was like that third realm rogue cultivator.

Gu Chengming’s brow furrowed slightly as he watched the rogue cultivator blend into the crowd and disappear.

The night wind was cool, making the lanterns on the deck sway.

Since that third realm rogue cultivator could appear openly on this Drunk Dream Boat and even had the leisure to change into a servant's outfit to walk around the cabin, it meant he definitely had an invitation.

It wasn't yet clear how many people on this boat were that third realm rogue cultivator or people from the faction behind him.

Once that rogue cultivator noticed something was wrong, it would inevitably alert the enemy...

"I have to find a way to flush this person out."

Gu Chengming lightly tapped the hilt of his sword, wondering if he should inform Elder Yu.

Just then, a dialogue box appeared before him.

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" perceives your confusion and reminds you: Rites are the Dao of Heaven; rules are the square and circle. As long as one is within this order, all things have their place, and all matters have their sequence.】

【It can use ritual geomancy to see the big picture from small details.】

Gu Chengming suddenly realized. Oh, right.

He had mostly been using the passive effects of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art and almost forgot its active ability.

One of the reasons this art was considered a superior heart method was precisely because it possessed an extremely comprehensive ability—the so-called ordering of heaven and earth through ritual, which was somewhat like an 'array.'

As long as a set of order belonging to 'rites' was established on this Drunk Dream Boat, then anyone who didn't fit this order or had malicious intent to destroy it would be as obvious as a black spot on white paper.

"How do I do it?" Gu Chengming asked in his heart.

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" immediately perked up and began to talk incessantly.】

【It states: This is a Great Rite and requires extreme rigor.】

【First, one must place Nine Tripods and Eight Gui in the center of the banquet to symbolize the majesty of the Son of Heaven or the power of the feudal lords; the number of tripods and gui must not be slightly off. Second, seats must be precisely arranged according to the Five Elements; East governs life, West governs killing, South governs light, and North governs darkness.】

【Furthermore, the musical instruments must be arranged below the steps, corresponding the five notes—Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, and Yu—to the five directions. The musicians' positions must secretly align with the Twenty-Eight Mansions; not a single bit can be out of order.】

【Finally, a person of high prestige must stand in the main seat of the hall holding a Jade Scepter that controls the array. The grade of the tableware and wine vessels used must match their status. During the banquet, the placement of all food tables and the movement of wine vessels must be driven by specialized chefs and ritual stewards.】

【When the greetings, ascending, and descending between host and guest all match the rhythm without a single violation, then the rite is complete. At that time, the order of heaven and earth will be in your grasp, and all ghosts and demons will naturally be revealed.】

"..."

Nine Tripods and Eight Gui? Instruments below the steps? Even aligning with the constellations?

Setting aside where he would get these ritual vessels, even if he did, making such a big scene on the Hehuan Sect’s flower boat would have already tipped off the rogue cultivator.

Gu Chengming asked if there was a simpler way.

The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" also found it difficult. After thinking for a long time, it listed several options like the 'Village Drinking Rite' or the 'Rite of Scholars Meeting.'

But without exception, they all required extremely tedious preparation. Not only did they require everyone present to cooperate with the ritual, but even the number of steps taken and the angle of a bow had strict requirements.

Gu Chengming sighed, thinking maybe he should just ask Elder Yu.

At that moment, he suddenly thought of something and asked tentatively in his mind:

"Isn't the core of so-called ritual just having an order of superior and inferior, where everyone keeps their place?"

"If women are not allowed at the table, would that count as a kind of rite?"

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" was stunned by these words.】

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" stammered. Although it really wanted to shout 'Yes,' it felt that as an orthodox heart method, it shouldn't be so... so blunt.】

【Moreover, it was also confused. On this Drunk Dream Boat, in the territory of the Hehuan Sect, how were you going to achieve the feat of 'not letting women at the table'?】

Seeing this, Gu Chengming felt confident.

First floor hall, back room.

Leveraging the authority of the Night Guard Division, Gu Chengming asked the busy Yun Wan for the guest seating chart under the pretext of checking for hidden dangers.

The information of the many sect women and socialites on the chart was quickly memorized by him. After achieving his goal of gathering intelligence using his status as cover, Gu Chengming dismissed Yun Wan with a few words.

At this moment, the passage from the back room to the main banquet hall was temporarily empty. Most of the maids were busy in the front hall, while the guests were still on the deck or the second floor looking at lanterns. The banquet hall was empty, with only neatly arranged tables and chairs.

Gu Chengming didn't hesitate. Following the memory in his mind, he identified the seats originally assigned to female cultivators.

"Hmm... the chairs for the female disciples of the Cloud Moon Sect, take them."

"The chair for the daughter of the Minister of Rites... take it."

"The Hehuan Sect’s own Inner Sect deacon, take that too."

In just a few dozen breaths.

The originally neatly arranged and fully seated banquet hall suddenly became uneven.

Looking across, wherever a guest was marked as 'Female' on the list, the spot was now bare, without even a cushion left.

After finishing all this, Gu Chengming stood in the center of the hall and clapped his hands with satisfaction.

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" is quite shocked.】

【It never imagined that 'rites' could be maintained this way. No need for Nine Tripods and Eight Gui, no need for bells and drums; just take away the chairs, and one can eliminate all possibilities of breaking the rules from the source!】

【The "Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art" gives you a deep bow, prostrating itself in admiration.】

Immediately after, the text turned into giant gold characters.

【You are the true Master of Rites!】

At the same time, in Gu Chengming’s vision, the original cabin transformed into countless intersecting lines.

Every seat, every table, every lamp became a point. Most guests' auras were gray and white, or pink with a bit of wine color.

But in a private box in a corner of the second floor, an aura reeking of thick blood was quite obvious.

Found him...