In the days after the Treasure Hall, Li Hao expected to be assigned to a standard mentor within Six Peaks. Instead, a lone elder appeared at his cave—plain robes, no insignia, no overwhelming aura.
"Name's Gu Shen," the man said, leaning against the doorway. "I don't believe in fate. I believe in results."
Li Hao's eyes sharpened. This man… felt different.
"I've been watching you," Gu Shen continued. "You don't follow the path. Good. I don't teach those who do."
Behind Li Hao, Wang Lei, Su Ling, Lin Xue—and Xu Mei—stood together.
Yes, Xu Mei had joined them.
Not as a symbol of the past, but as a cultivator who chose her own path.
Gu Shen glanced at the group. "From today, I train all of you. If you can keep up."
A faint smile appeared on Li Hao's lips.
This was the master he needed.