Staring at those few gleaming characters hovering before his eyes, Gu Chengming felt a helpless exasperation.
This Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method shouldn't be called that at all. It ought to be called the Zhouli Divine Being Righteous Heart Method.
Well, putting that aside — at least he had now thoroughly figured out the personality of this cultivation method.
What remained was to test his theories in practice and see whether his guesses held up.
With practiced ease, Gu Chengming gave his wrist the subtlest of turns, and the fish head came to rest squarely in front of Ren Wencai.
The motion was fluid and effortless, without the slightest trace of deliberateness — as if the fish head had always been destined to point in that direction.
Ren Wencai saw this, and the smile in his eyes deepened. His mouth, however, played at modest protest:
"Ah, Chengming, we're all among friends today — no need to stand on ceremony like this."
Gu Chengming did not take the opening to sit back down. Instead, he lifted his wine cup. Using the fish as a springboard, he drifted naturally into an extended analogy — the snake that cannot move without its head, the bird that cannot fly without its wings — delivered in an unhurried, conversational tone.
Throughout, he made no mention of Elder Ren's extraordinary cultivation. He spoke only of Huiyuan Gate's current atmosphere and cohesion.
He cast the fish head as an omen of great fortune, then cast Ren Wencai himself as the backbone of the entire Huiyuan Gate — the anchor that kept the whole ship steady.
His words affirmed the central authority of leadership, and in the same breath, imperceptibly tied the honour and disgrace of the whole collective to that one man.
Coming from some blundering greenhorn, the same speech would have reeked of flattery. But from a young disciple like Gu Chengming — one who had just rendered great service and whose future was boundless — it carried a weight of sincerity that landed entirely differently.
Ren Wencai's face, which normally wore an air of dignified composure, crumbled completely. He kept saying "you're too kind, too kind," but his body told a different story — his chest swelled upright, and the wine cup in his hand sat perfectly level and steady. Clearly, those words had scratched him exactly where he itched the most.
Gu Chengming saw that the moment was ripe, but rather than quit while he was ahead, he let his expression grow a shade more earnest and turned to the subject of "rites must not be abandoned, order must not fall into disarray."
He said with genuine feeling that personal effort was all well and good, but without the shelter of the sect's great tree to shield one from wind and rain, without elders to point the way, he would have been nothing but a headless fly — all strength and no direction, doomed to knock against walls at every turn. He would never have arrived at where he stood today.
Ren Wencai listened with his face glowing red, nodding again and again, loudly declaring that Chengming was sensible and courteous — a rare talent worth cultivating.
And at the same moment, a stream of the Zhouli's inner voice appeared before him — clearly, it was quite pleased with this performance.
[The Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method applauds heartily: Excellent! Proper hierarchy observed, credit rendered upward — this is the true path of the subordinate.]
[Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method Favorability +2]
It really does work exactly like I thought!
Watching this method of approach prove effective in real time, Gu Chengming felt a rather complicated mixture of emotions.
If I can crack a divine-tier cultivation method's approval mechanics this quickly, I must genuinely be a god-tier visual novel player.
With that thought tucked away, Gu Chengming wasted no time. He turned, refilled his cup from the pot, and made his way toward Liu Enchuan on the right.
Facing this elder of the Hall of Merit and Discipline — the man responsible for the sect's day-to-day operations, diligent and conscientious to a fault — Gu Chengming made no mention of how towering Elder Liu's cultivation was. Instead, he focused entirely on the endless complexity and thanklessness of the Hall of Merit and Discipline's daily work.
When Liu Enchuan reflexively waved a hand and said it was all just part of the job, Gu Chengming responded with quiet earnestness:
"The peace that others take for granted exists only because someone bears the burden in their place."
The moment those words left his mouth, the hand holding Liu Enchuan's wine cup gave a violent jolt. The man froze completely.
He had spent half his life toiling away, and had heard every manner of flattery — but not one word had ever landed quite like that, striking the precise place where he most yearned to be recognized.
Yes. Outsiders saw only Huiyuan Gate's stability. Who knew how much of the mundane, grinding pressure he had silently shouldered behind the scenes?
Gu Chengming judged the moment had come, and immediately followed with:
"This disciple has no other ambition — I simply want to grow stronger. I want to carry a heavier load for the sect and for the elders!"
Liu Enchuan was so moved his eyes grew wet, the tip of his nose faintly prickling.
And on the other side:
[The Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method is struck to the core by this scene.]
[To package personal ambition as noble selfless devotion, and to perform it so naturally, so movingly — this is the very pinnacle of "rites" in application. Excellent!]
[Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method Favorability +3]
The atmosphere inside the private room had reached a fever pitch. But Zhao Wuji, seated to one side, felt as though he were sitting on pins and needles. He turned his wine cup round and round in his hand, a whole tangle of emotions churning inside him.
He watched Gu Chengming move effortlessly between the two colleagues, sweet-talking two old foxes into losing their bearings with just a few sentences — and felt equal parts admiration and envy, mixed with a faint undercurrent of awkwardness.
After all, he was a guest here, and an elder from a different gate at that. Surely this little brat hadn't forgotten about him?
Just then, Gu Chengming raised a third cup, smiling, and turned to face him.
Zhao Wuji's heart gave a start. He instinctively straightened his back.
Gu Chengming's gaze settled on Zhao Wuji, his tone remaining respectful.
He didn't reach for the same formula as before — instead, he took a different tack entirely. He called Zhao Wuji the "benchmark of combat power" on Qingfeng Mountain, a peak that countless disciples held as an insurmountable summit in their hearts.
He spoke of Zhao Wuji's past achievements, his words filled with admiration for that solitary, unyielding spirit — the kind of man who would press forward even if ten thousand stood against him.
Finally, Gu Chengming raised his cup in salute and said that once he entered the inner sect, he would make a point of seeking guidance from his martial uncle often — hoping they could "improve together" and walk further down the path of the sword.
Zhao Wuji was no fool. He could certainly tell this was flattery.
But he had to admit — this was flattery of an exceptionally high caliber.
Fresh, elegant, and off the beaten path: it praised his strength, admired his character, and then that final "improve together" gave him all the face he could want.
Faced with such a sensible, eloquent, and brilliantly talented junior, how could Zhao Wuji possibly hold onto any discomfort?
He could only laugh helplessly, raise his cup to meet Gu Chengming's in a light clink, and say, "Of course."
The wine slid down his throat, and that faint sour feeling in Zhao Wuji's chest dissolved almost entirely, replaced by something that felt quite pleasant indeed.
It was only now that he truly understood why Ren Wencai and Liu Enchuan had been reduced to irrepressible grins by just a few words from this kid.
Because if it were him, he couldn't have kept the grin off his face either.
Setting down his cup, Zhao Wuji glanced at Gu Chengming, who had returned obediently to the lowest seat at the table, and inwardly sighed once more: this young man was not only extraordinarily gifted — his skill at reading people and navigating social situations had been refined to an art.
Such fine jade — how did it end up falling into the hands of that old fox Ren Wencai?
What a waste. A terrible, terrible waste.
[The Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method expresses the highest approval of your handling of the "guest" relationship — neither deferential nor overbearing, host and guest both fully satisfied, skillfully leveraging the situation. This may be called true mastery.]
[Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method Favorability +2]
The wine had made its rounds; the dishes had run their course.
The private room rang with laughter, all three elders flushed and glowing — clearly well satisfied. The meal, by any measure, was a triumph for both sides of the table.
The party rose from their seats and stepped out of the Yunhai Pavilion into a sky just beginning to pale.
The mountain breeze carried the cool dampness of night dew, dispersing some of the lingering wine fumes. Though Zhao Wuji had been a guest, the meal had left him in thoroughly good spirits, and the look he gave Gu Chengming was growing ever more approving.
At the moment of parting, Zhao Wuji seized on the pretext of adjusting his sleeve to fall half a step behind the others, drawing close to Gu Chengming's side. His voice carried the warmth of a senior's genuine concern:
"Chengming, the inner sect is nothing like the outer sect — the waters run deep. If you ever find things going sideways at Huiyuan Gate... ahem, if you're ever dissatisfied with anything, or feel you've been wronged, come and find your martial uncle at Qingfeng Gate any time."
But before the words had even fully left his mouth, Zhao Wuji felt a sudden chill down his spine.
He instinctively turned his head — and met Ren Wencai's gaze, which was smiling in that particular way that was not quite a smile.
"Ha ha, well... it's getting late, I just remembered there's a batch of pills on the fire back at my peak — I'll be taking my leave, yes, taking my leave."
Zhao Wuji let out a dry laugh and didn't dare linger a moment longer. Even his farewell gestures looked somewhat rushed. With a sweep of his wide sleeves, he transformed into a streak of cyan light and vanished into the vast darkness in the blink of an eye — looking for all the world like a man making his escape.
Liu Enchuan watched this and shook his head with an amused smile. He gave Gu Chengming a pat on the shoulder, exchanged a parting bow with Ren Wencai, and took his tactful leave as well.
With everyone gone, the mountain path was left with nothing but the sound of the wind brushing through the pines.
Ren Wencai was in no hurry to speak. He led Gu Chengming in an unhurried walk along the mountain path, and only stopped when they reached a spot with an open, sweeping view.
"In a couple of days, I'll take you to the inner sect."
Ren Wencai gazed at the distant silhouette of the mountains, his tone easy and warm:
"Don't put any pressure on yourself. The inner sect has its share of rules, but for you, it's nothing more than going through the motions. This so-called examination is just a formality — a look at one's disposition, nothing more. Given your performance at the Sword-Questioning Stone and the Dao-Heart Illusory Realm, if you can't pass this gate, then no one in the entire Wenjian Sect can."
Gu Chengming gave a slight nod. In his heart, though, he understood perfectly well how much maneuvering and personal guarantees lay behind those words "going through the motions."
"However..."
Ren Wencai's tone shifted. He turned to look at Gu Chengming:
"Today at the dinner, I noticed your conduct and manner of speech — you seemed... hmm, quite well-versed in a certain... style?"
Something stirred in Gu Chengming's chest. He understood the elder was referring to his way of handling the social dynamics at the table. He didn't deny it, only replied modestly:
"In my spare time, this disciple has read a few miscellaneous books and picked up a thing or two."
"That's good."
Ren Wencai gave a nod, a glint of appreciation passing through his eyes:
"The cultivation world may run on power, but knowing how to read people and navigate the world is an art in itself — and it will serve you well when you eventually venture down the mountain into the Great Qian Empire."
Gu Chengming thought to himself: isn't grinding approval with your boss basically the same game? Easy enough.
Ren Wencai paused, as if something had just come to mind, and raised a hand to tap Gu Chengming lightly:
"In that case, if you have some free time these next two days, it wouldn't hurt to go browse the Scripture Library for texts on Great Qian Confucianism and ritual propriety. No need to study them deeply — just enough to grasp the general principles and get a feel for the rhetorical style."
Gu Chengming was mildly puzzled at that.
Wenjian Sect was a sect of sword cultivators. Even if he had taken up a Confucian heart method, it was purely to stabilize his foundation and harmonize his spiritual energies.
"Elder, surely the inner sect examination doesn't test classical commentary and textual scholarship?"
"Of course not."
Ren Wencai let out a baffled laugh and waved his hand, then continued:
"It's just that the elder overseeing this particular examination... ahem, he has a personal fondness for such things in his spare time. If you can show some understanding of Confucian learning in front of him, you might find yourself on the receiving end of some unexpected benefits."
The words were vague, but a certain figure flashed instantly into Gu Chengming's mind.
Yu Wenqiu had warned him before: the one who typically presided over the inner sect examinations was the "Black-Faced God" of the Enforcement Hall — a man who delighted in finding fault where none existed.
Now, hearing Elder Ren's description, and layering it with the Confucian bedrock of the Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method — the two pieces snapped together at once.
Just as Gu Chengming was turning this over in his mind, Ren Wencai suddenly paused mid-step, as if remembering something else.
"One more thing. That Immortal-Concealing Wine-Sword Formula — since you've already accepted it, find some time when you're not busy and give it a go."
Gu Chengming's heart gave a sharp lurch.
On the day Hua Daiyi had forced that sword art into his hands, there hadn't been anyone else around. How had Elder Ren found out?
He looked up at Ren Wencai, but found the old man's expression entirely untroubled — no sign of reproach whatsoever.
"Don't let that old drunk's lack of decorum fool you. When it comes to the sword path, he has genuine insight. The Immortal-Concealing Wine-Sword Formula, ranked among fourth-realm inheritances, stands at the very top tier. It works on the principle of wine-breath nurturing sword-qi — the body appears drunk, but the mind stays clear. If you manage to cultivate it, it will greatly benefit your sword path in the days to come."
In his own mind, Ren Wencai had already worked through his calculations.
That old reprobate Hua Daiyi was reckless in his ways, but fiercely protective of those he favoured.
If he had seen fit to pass down this most treasured of his secret arts to Gu Chengming — even going so far as to shamelessly angle for the title of "half-master" — then he had truly taken a shine to this uncut gem.
Now that Gu Chengming had one foot firmly planted in the inner sect of Wenjian, his foundation was secure. Ren Wencai no longer harboured any fear of him being poached.
On the contrary — if Gu Chengming truly mastered this sword art, it would be as good as having the backing of the entire Hunyuan Sect when he went out into the world.
That old drunk might be unreliable, but if something real ever happened, the bond of this karmic favour would guarantee he wouldn't stand idly by.
It was a gift that cost nothing to give — why not take it?
Of course, none of these circuitous calculations were things Ren Wencai would ever speak aloud.
He simply gave Gu Chengming a pat on the shoulder and said with earnest weight:
"More skills never hurt. Since the opportunity has come to you, don't let it go to waste."
"This disciple understands."
Gu Chengming replied, though inwardly he felt a helpless resignation.
It wasn't that he didn't want to learn the Immortal-Concealing Wine-Sword Formula — he simply didn't meet the entry requirements yet.
But he couldn't very well say so outright, so he quietly resolved to himself: once he'd pushed his stats up high enough, he would make a proper study of that sword art.
He returned to his small courtyard. The hour was late.
Pushing open the door, the familiar surroundings allowed the tension that had been strung tight in him all day to fully unwind.
He didn't rush to rest. Instead, he sat cross-legged on the sleeping platform and began his nightly cultivation.
The several cultivation methods inside him now each kept to their own duties, running smoothly under the coordination of the Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method — requiring barely any conscious effort on his part.
If anything was worth mentioning, it was only the Hundred Bones Resonance.
Ever since breaking through the favorability threshold and unlocking "a path opened for you," it had become increasingly active — increasingly, one might even say... clingy.
All day long it would find some new reason or another to generate favorability. The meter was already pushing past a hundred and twenty.
In terms of his past visual novel experience, that was a number that should have long since overflowed the screen — the kind of value that might trigger a yandere-turns-dark storyline.
But given Hundred Bones' personality... well. It was genuinely difficult to imagine it going yandere.
The feeling of having no favorability cap was wonderful, to be sure — but it had also introduced a new problem.
Namely: he was running out of resources.
That bundle of vitality-activating herbs he'd picked up at the disciple market a while back had been completely used up a few days ago.
[Hundred Bones Resonance feels a little sorry about this.]
[It thinks to itself: you spend every day cutting corners and scrimping, saving your best dragon-blood grass just for it — and yet it burns through everything so quickly. Isn't that too wasteful? Is it holding back the Heavenly Emperor Gu's progress?]
Seeing that message, Gu Chengming couldn't help but feel a faint twinge of guilt.
He thought: I've been stringing Hundred Bones along with so-called "dragon-blood grass" for long enough. It's about time I brought in some proper body-tempering resources for actual cultivation. I can't keep feeding the kid weeds forever.
He took stock of his current assets, thought it over carefully, and ultimately decided he'd just have to swallow his pride and ask Elder Ren for help again.
After all, wasn't that jade token Elder Ren gave him earlier specifically meant for exactly this — bringing problems to the organization?
The following morning, Gu Chengming once again made his way to Ren Wencai's private residence.
Upon hearing what Gu Chengming had come for, Ren Wencai showed no trace of impatience — on the contrary, he wore the expression of a man who had been expecting exactly this.
"That body-tempering technique of yours really is something particular."
Ren Wencai stroked his beard, murmuring thoughtfully:
"To invoke the rhythm of heaven and earth and reforge the sinews and bones at the first realm — its consumption naturally runs several times that of an ordinary cultivation method. With the resources you have on hand, you were always going to find yourself stretched thin."
He asked no questions about what resources Gu Chengming had been using up until now. He simply nodded and turned to walk into the inner room.
A moment later, he came back out carrying a heavy storage pouch.
"There are some second-realm demon beast blood essences inside, along with a few vials of Bone-Forging Pills and Blood-Consolidating Powder."
Ren Wencai handed the storage pouch to Gu Chengming, his tone as casual as if he were handing over a few heads of cabbage:
"These things, for where you are right now, should be just right. They'll supplement your qi and blood without the medicinal force being so potent it damages your foundation. Take them and use them — if you run out, come back for more."
Gu Chengming took the storage pouch and gave it a quick sweep with his spiritual sense — and was immediately staggered by what was inside.
Second-realm demon beast blood essence — a full ten vials!
Bone-Forging Pills and Blood-Consolidating Powder, all top-grade, numbering at the very least several dozen vials combined!
"Elder, this..." Gu Chengming hesitated: "This is far too generous."
"It's yours, take it." Ren Wencai waved a hand:
"You're about to enter the inner sect. Don't waste time worrying about a few resources. Push your cultivation up — that's what matters."
Gu Chengming's heart swelled with gratitude. He bowed deeply once more, then took his leave.
Back in his small courtyard, Gu Chengming wasted no time pulling out the resources.
He poured a vial of second-realm demon beast blood essence into the bathing tub and added a few dissolved Bone-Forging Pills. The water, clear moments before, instantly transformed into a rich, deep crimson — radiating an astonishing heat and the fragrance of medicine.
This was the genuine article. Compared to that two-spirit-stone vitality grass, the difference was worlds apart.
Gu Chengming drew a deep breath, shed his robe, and sank into the tub.
Surely Hundred Bones would be moved to tears by this.
But the anticipated reaction never materialized.
Instead, as the medicinal energy entered his body, a somewhat peculiar line of text popped up on the system panel.
[Hundred Bones Resonance senses the surge of energy entering the body and feels a complicated mix of emotions.]
[The energy, while reasonably abundant, is so... impure. The spiritual essence it carries cannot even begin to compare to those dragon-blood grass stalks from before — like heaven and earth.]
[It works hard to absorb it, yet finds it all somehow tasteless.]
What is the meaning of this?!
Second-realm demon beast blood essence. Top-grade Blood-Consolidating Powder. And it's tasteless to you?
[Hundred Bones Resonance sighs with faint disappointment.]
[It thinks: second-realm pills really are just not up to par. Compared to that third-realm dragon-blood grass infused with the creative force of heaven and earth from before, the difference in effect is truly vast.]
[But then it reconsiders: Gu Chengming must have gone to great lengths — even gone so far as to ask favours of others — just to find these resources. How could it possibly be ungrateful?]
[Hundred Bones Resonance steels itself, forces down this rough fare, and quietly vows in its heart to grow stronger as fast as it possibly can — so that the Heavenly Emperor Gu need never be put out for a few resources again.]
Gu Chengming felt simultaneously furious and amused.
Good lord, Hundred Bones — you really were born to never eat well!
...
The following morning.
Before Gu Chengming had even had time to think about how to coax his picky little Hundred Bones into making do with the sub-par grain, an unexpected visitor arrived at his courtyard.
The figure was imposing — broad-shouldered, a sword case strapped to his back, dressed in sombre black robes that radiated killing intent. The sharply defined face wore what appeared to be a laboured attempt at friendliness, but paired with that air of "strangers keep back" that clung to his entire body, anyone who didn't know better would have assumed some rogue cultivator had come looking for a fight.
It was Lu Che — the inner-sect senior brother he had crossed paths with briefly in the Scripture Library a few days ago.
"Senior Brother Lu?"
Gu Chengming was a little surprised. He clasped his hands in greeting:
"What brings Senior Brother here?"
Seeing that Gu Chengming had opened the door, the stiff smile on Lu Che's face relaxed slightly. He hastily returned the salute:
"Junior Brother Gu, forgive the intrusion."
Lu Che said, as though it were the most natural thing in the world:
"I checked the outer sect disciple registry at the Hall of Merit and Discipline, so finding out where Junior Brother lives was simple enough."
Something stirred in Gu Chengming's chest at those words.
Checked the disciple registry?
As far as he knew, while the residential assignments of outer sect disciples weren't exactly classified, they were still internal sect archives — normally accessible only to administrative elders or the stewards responsible for such matters.
An ordinary inner sect disciple, no matter how high their cultivation, had no business being able to simply look up someone else's home address.
His mind drifted back to what Yu Wenqiu had mentioned at the Zuixian Tower that day — that Guizang Gate disciples enjoyed an unusual number of privileges.
This really did feel like accidentally straying into the imperial household.
Gu Chengming kept his expression perfectly composed and stepped aside with an inviting gesture:
"Since Senior Brother has come all this way, please do come in for some tea."
The two of them sat down at the stone table in the courtyard.
As Gu Chengming prepared the tea, he took the opportunity to study Lu Che.
The senior brother looked to be in excellent form today. That aura of killing intent was still present, but the brooding anxiousness that had hung around him a few days ago had largely lifted — replaced by a kind of clear-eyed vigour, especially in those keen, tigerish eyes, where the light had turned inward and steady. He had clearly made progress in his cultivation.
"Senior Brother, you're positively glowing today — could it be..."
Gu Chengming slid the teacup across and ventured carefully:
"You've found a compatible cultivation partner?"
At those words, Lu Che's hand, just reaching for the teacup, faltered. He shook his head with a touch of sheepishness:
"No, nothing like that."
"To be honest, after returning, I didn't rush to... well, to put Junior Brother's approach into practice."
He hadn't tried it yet? Then why such high spirits?
Lu Che seemed to read the confusion on Gu Chengming's face. He set down his teacup, his voice warm with gratitude:
"Although I haven't yet found a cultivation partner, the insights Junior Brother shared that day — especially the theory about analysing character archetypes, triggering events, and branching choices — when I went home and turned it all over carefully in my mind, I realised it contains profoundly deep sword principles!"
"Sword principles?" Gu Chengming's eye twitched.
"Indeed!"
Lu Che grew more and more animated, his hands moving of their own accord:
"Think about it, Junior Brother — in dealing with people, the art lies in anticipating the other person's thoughts, finding their vulnerabilities, and saying exactly the right thing at exactly the right moment."
"How is that any different from the sword path?"
"In combat, it's exactly the same! Anticipate the opponent's moves, see through their weaknesses, and when their old force is spent and new force not yet risen — strike that decisive blow!"
"What you called 'tsundere' — isn't that just an opponent whose exterior is fierce but whose defences are full of holes underneath? What you called 'the stoic type' — isn't that an opponent whose state of mind is calm and immovable, like a mountain in defence?"
"I applied Junior Brother's theory to the Passionate Sword Formula, attempting to treat opponents as targets to be won over — dissecting their techniques, breaking through their defensive lines. A bottleneck that had troubled me for a long time... actually started to give way!"
Well. The sword path is also a kind of gal— wait, hold on. Almost let myself get led astray there.
Gu Chengming was genuinely awed. He could only clasp his hands and say, "Senior Brother Lu's comprehension is truly remarkable!"
Hearing this, Lu Che waved his hands emphatically, his expression completely sincere:
"What comprehension of mine? It was entirely thanks to Junior Brother's guidance! Had it not been for those golden words of yours, I would still be going in circles in the same dead end — how could I have had this breakthrough today?"
"Such grace of imparting the Dao and resolving doubts — Lu Che has carved it into his heart. My purpose in coming today is twofold: first, to thank you in person; and second, to invite Junior Brother to my cave dwelling for a visit."
"To get acquainted with the place, and also... I've prepared some modest wine and would like to properly entertain Junior Brother, as a small token of my gratitude."
Gu Chengming was about to decline, but looking at Lu Che's manner — and given that he genuinely harboured some curiosity about the mysterious Guizang Gate — he thought it over briefly and nodded.
"In that case, I'll gladly impose on Senior Brother."
"Ha, not at all, not at all!"
Lu Che was overjoyed. Without further ceremony, he swept back his sleeves, and from the sword case on his back came a clear, bright ring of steel.
The sword inscribed with maiden figures — "Lianhua" — did not emerge from its case. Instead, case and all, it floated upward, transforming into a wide stream of black light that held itself steady before the two of them.
Gu Chengming didn't fuss about it. He tapped one foot lightly off the ground and drifted onto the sword case.
Lu Che let out a low shout. Sword-light erupted skyward, piercing through the cloud layer in an instant, and shot off deep into the mountains of the sect.
The area where Guizang Gate was located lay in the deepest reaches of Wenjian Sect's mountain range.
Along the way, Gu Chengming looked down at the scenery below and couldn't help but quietly marvel.
If the outer sect was a bustling marketplace — peaks alive with people coming and going, full of warmth and noise — then the inner sect areas of Qingfeng and Huiyuan were orderly towns: less lively than the outer sect, yet still alive with disciples sparring at training grounds and exchanging discourse along the mountain paths.
But Guizang Gate...
What kind of sect was this?
As far as the eye could see: soaring peaks, ancient trees reaching the sky, the occasional sacred crane drifting through swirling mists, waterfalls hanging like upturned silver rivers.
And yet, after flying for a considerable time, Gu Chengming had not spotted a single human figure.
No groups of disciples, no clamorous training grounds — not even a patrolling steward in sight.
"This place is... a bit on the large side, isn't it?"
Gu Chengming couldn't help remarking.
Lu Che, steering the sword-light ahead, smiled and explained:
"Guizang Gate has few disciples. Counting elders and stewards, we number no more than fifty in total. Yet the territory encompasses thirty-six main peaks and seventy-two spirit springs — so it tends to feel rather quiet on an ordinary day."
"But that's nice, too. Peaceful."
Fifty people. Thirty-six main peaks?!
[Hundred Bones Resonance's eyes light up.]
[It strongly recommends that when you enter the inner sect, you absolutely must choose a place like this — and preferably, conquer all thirty-six peaks while you're at it!]
Gu Chengming automatically filtered out Hundred Bones' raving.
They had been flying for roughly the time it takes an incense stick to burn when a solitary, elegant peak appeared ahead.
Unlike the other peaks with their air of towering severity, this one gave off a warm and quietly beautiful impression.
Its slopes were blanketed with pink-blossomed trees of some unknown variety. They were in full bloom — petals drifting down on the wind from every direction, as if the whole mountainside were raining pink.
And deep within that sea of blossoms, one could just make out a refined cave dwelling: upturned eaves, a classical beauty in its lines.
"We're here."
Lu Che brought the sword-light down to land on the white jade platform before the cave dwelling.
"This is my master's place of cultivation. I lodge here as his guest."
Gu Chengming touched down and steadied himself, straightening the hem of his robe that had been blown about by the wind. His gaze swept around the surroundings.
"Master!"
Lu Che called out toward the interior of the cave dwelling, his tone carrying both respect and the ease of someone returning home:
"Your disciple is back! This is the Junior Brother Gu I mentioned to you — the one who imparted those insights to me!"
Before the words had fully faded, a soft laugh drifted out from within the cave dwelling.
The laugh was warm and smooth as polished jade. Hearing it, a person couldn't help feeling a spring breeze wash over them — as if even the spiritual energy circulating through the body had eased somewhat.
Following the sound, a slender figure stepped slowly out from the depths of the flower sea.
Gu Chengming looked up instinctively — and went slightly still.
The newcomer wore white robes that outshone snow, a jade belt around his waist, a folded fan in hand, long hair pinned up casually with a wooden hairpin, a few loose strands drifting across his forehead in the breeze.
Even Gu Chengming, who considered himself well-travelled, had to admit — the man standing before him truly deserved every character of the phrase "as noble as jade, as striking as the wind."
Then he glanced at Senior Brother Lu Che standing beside him — broad, powerful, with a face that could stop a child crying at night if he smiled — and back at the ethereal figure before him.
A feeling of absurdity welled up in Gu Chengming's chest.
These two... were master and disciple?
"This disciple Gu Chengming pays respects to the Senior."
Gu Chengming snapped back to himself and quickly gave a bow.
The white-robed man stepped forward, folded his fan, and looked Gu Chengming up and down. The amusement in his eyes only deepened:
"No need for formality."
"I am Li Linfeng, Elder of Guizang Gate. I have long heard Che'er speak of you. Seeing you in person today — you are indeed handsome in bearing and remarkable in manner."
As he spoke, Li Linfeng gave a subtle nod, and there was an undisguised appreciation in his gaze.
"Many thanks for the Elder's kind words."
"It is not flattery — it is the honest truth."
Li Linfeng smiled and waved a hand, then seemed to recall something:
"By the way, I hear you are still in the outer sect? May I ask who your master is — have you been taken under any elder's wing?"
The question made his intention clear — his heart had been moved by the sight of talent.
Gu Chengming hesitated a moment, then answered honestly:
"To answer the Elder: though this disciple is still in the outer sect, I have already caught the eye of Elder Ren Wencai of Huiyuan Gate. He has graciously agreed to take me as his disciple — we are only waiting for me to pass the inner sect examination before the formal ceremony of discipleship."
"Ren Wencai?"
Hearing that name, Li Linfeng — who up to that moment had been all smiles and elegant poise — froze.
"You mean that old... ahem, Elder Ren?"
Li Linfeng pressed with one last trace of hope, as if unwilling to accept the answer.
"That's correct." Gu Chengming gave a firm nod.
"Ah..."
A long sigh escaped Li Linfeng's lips — genuine regret, genuine grief.
Such fine jade, and it had ended up under that old fox's roof?
The words he had been about to offer — a direct invitation to switch allegiances — were swallowed back down hard.
If Ren Wencai found out he'd been so blatant about trying to poach someone, the trouble it would bring was not worth contemplating.
It wasn't that Li Linfeng thought he would lose in a straight fight — by any honest reckoning the two were evenly matched — but that old snake Ren Wencai fought dirty. He'd been burned by him plenty of times in their youth, and thinking back on it now, those old scars still made him wary.
Of course, just because he couldn't do anything openly didn't mean he couldn't make a few quiet moves behind the scenes.
Li Linfeng sighed, reached into his robe, and drew out a translucent jade pendant. The pendant was a pale, delicate pink — but without a trace of vulgarity; rather, it glowed with a gentle, nourishing light, carved in the shape of a fully opened peach blossom, rendered with lifelike precision.
"We've only just met, and I don't have anything particularly impressive to give. This Spirit-Guarding Pendant is no offensive weapon, but it has the ability to nurture the soul and resist inner demons."
"It should have its uses for you. Consider it a small gift from an elder upon our first meeting."
Gu Chengming was inwardly startled. Gifting something this valuable on a first encounter?
"Elder, this..."
"Take it!"
Li Linfeng pressed the jade pendant into his hand and said with a meaningful look:
"That old miser Ren Wencai may be stingy in most things, but he's not one to let his own down when it counts. That said, the man has no shortage of enemies — if his troubles ever spill over onto you, having this on you for protection is always better than not."
Gu Chengming: "..."
So this was out of concern that Elder Ren might drag him into danger?
The three exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then Lu Che led Gu Chengming inside the cave dwelling.
The interior was spacious. The walls on all sides were hung with calligraphy and paintings. At the very centre of the cave dwelling, eight large characters had been carved in a style that was upright, forceful, and razor-sharp:
[Hold fast to righteousness, raise the mirror high — cut down evil, strike down the wicked.]
Gu Chengming blinked.
Weren't these two cultivating the Passionate Sword Formula? So why was the cave decorated with these eight characters?
Li Linfeng seemed to read the confusion and gave his folding fan a light wave, his tone calm:
"Find it strange? This is the guiding precept of our Guizang Gate. All who enter our gate must keep it in mind."
He left it at that, with no further explanation.
In his mind, Gu Chengming felt something click into place.
He recalled the placard hanging in Huiyuan Gate's Hall of Merit and Discipline, which read: [Etch the founding heart into memory; let the faithful heart never waver] — a creed of holding true to one's original self. And Daoning Gate had: [Wash away the dust, keep to simplicity; share in joy and sorrow together] — carrying with it a flavour of quietude, of standing apart from the world, of mutual reliance.
Now seeing Guizang Gate's "cut down evil, strike down the wicked," Gu Chengming privately noted: it seemed the character and precepts of each gate were indeed deeply intertwined.
After a few more exchanges of light conversation, Gu Chengming could no longer hold back his curiosity:
"Elder, I have heard that the Passionate Sword Formula is profoundly wondrous. Just now, watching Senior Brother Lu Che ride his sword, I caught what seemed like a faint conflict or tension within the sword intent — I wonder what the principles of this sword art truly are?"
Seeing Gu Chengming take the initiative to ask about his sect's supreme art, the amusement in Li Linfeng's eyes deepened.
"You have some discernment."
Li Linfeng set down his teacup, a note of pride seeping into his voice:
"The world says that sword cultivators must sever all emotion, cut all feeling — only then can they reach Lucid Sword-Heart. Yet they fail to understand: supreme detachment is not the absence of feeling. Rather, to be moved by all things is, in the end, to be moved by none."
At that, he fixed Gu Chengming with a long, meaningful look:
"Where feeling reaches, even gold and stone are split open. Should this sword art be trained to its depths — even the laws of the Heavenly Dao can be persuaded to yield."
Gu Chengming found himself blinking in astonishment.
"Well, there's little use saying more."
Li Linfeng flicked his wrist, and a slim booklet bound in green landed on the table, slid gently across to Gu Chengming:
"This is a record of some reflections on the sword path and the way of feeling that I jotted down when I was young. It's nothing particularly profound. If you're curious, take it and have a look. Different paths can still illuminate each other — it might offer something useful for your own sword art as well."
He had, naturally, tucked in a measure of ulterior motive.
He couldn't very well make a direct offer, but if this young man took an interest in the Passionate Sword Path and came to him of his own accord — surely Ren Wencai couldn't have anything to say about that?
After a little more idle talk, Gu Chengming saw that the hour was growing late and rose to take his leave.
Lu Che personally saw him out of the cave dwelling, watching until that streak of cyan light disappeared into the depths of the cloud sea before turning back.
At the entrance to the cave dwelling.
Li Linfeng stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the direction in which Gu Chengming had gone. Then he glanced at his own disciple — whose face might as well have had the words "I levelled up" written across it in large characters — and let out a long, helpless sigh.
"Master, why are you sighing?" Lu Che asked, puzzled.
Li Linfeng gave him a withering look and rapped him lightly on the forehead with his folding fan:
"I'm sighing because both of you are young men, and yet somehow that one is perceptive, sharp, and picks things up in an instant — while you, you block of wood, make fast progress in your sword art but the moment it comes to anything between men and women, you're about as responsive as a stone."
"You took what he taught you and used it to train your sword. I genuinely don't know what to do with you."
Lu Che scratched his head: "Master, as long as the sword art got stronger, isn't that what matters?"
Li Linfeng gazed skyward in wordless despair.
...
Having taken his leave of the master and disciple, Gu Chengming made no stops along the way and headed straight back to his small courtyard.
For the next two days, he made no further moves to scheme or manoeuvre. All the necessary groundwork had been laid — going further would only be overdoing it. What remained was to rest, gather his strength, and settle his mind.
He had expected that the one most excited about the approaching inner sect examination would be Hundred Bones Resonance. As it turned out, it was actually the Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method that displayed an unprecedented level of interest in the occasion.
The reason was simple enough: in the Zhouli's understanding, an examination was a grand rite of "selecting the worthy and elevating the capable" — an occasion for upholding the order of the sect and manifesting the hierarchy of high and low. Not a hair's breadth of carelessness would do.
To that end, it had even taken it upon itself to help Gu Chengming cleanse and harmonize the qi circulating through his body — intent on ensuring that come examination day, he presented the most "ritually correct" bearing possible.
In the blink of an eye, the two days passed.
Two days later. The sky was clear, the air fresh.
Wenjian Sect's main peak. The side hall of the Enforcement Hall — the Chamber of the Mirror of Inquiry.
This place served as the sect's designated venue for examining inner sect candidates. On ordinary days few ever came here, and only the sound of wind through the pines accompanied the occasional solitary call of a crane.
Today, however, the usually desolate chamber had acquired a distinct air of life.
Although the examination had been arranged for Gu Chengming alone, the occasion was far from modest in scale.
Not only had Ren Wencai arrived — Zhao Wuji of Qingfeng Gate had also come to observe. And even the rarely-seen Elder Li Linfeng of Guizang Gate had somehow caught wind of the event, folding fan in hand, smiling, citing "the scenic beauty of this spot" as he cheerfully invited himself along.
With these several senior figures seated on the spectator's platform — each with their distinct aura, yet forming a subtly balanced tableau — the tension in the room quietly ratcheted upward.
Gu Chengming stood below the platform in the robes of an outer sect disciple, hair neatly bound, headband properly set, expression calm and composed.
His gaze lifted slightly, passing over the familiar faces of the elders, and settled on the great black armchair at the centre.
Someone was seated there.
The man's face was as dark as iron, his posture as straight as a ruler, hair bound tightly atop his head with an ink-jade hairpin, not a strand out of place.
His eyes were half-closed. From his entire person radiated a suffocating, executorial aura — as if anyone who stepped within three feet of him would be pressed so low by that invisible force of law and judgement that they couldn't stand upright.
This was Kong Zheng — Head of the Wenjian Sect's Enforcement Hall.
"So this is the legendary Black-Faced God."
Gu Chengming noted inwardly.
The reputation was well-earned. If a man like this sat in an ordinary magistrate's court, no instruments of torture would be needed — just that face planted in the chair, and the accused would be confessing before anyone laid a hand on them.
As if sensing Gu Chengming's scrutiny, Kong Zheng slowly opened his eyes.
[Hundred Bones Resonance immediately senses danger!]
[It advises: Heavenly Emperor Gu, if it comes to a fight, strike below the belt first.]
This is a character assessment, not a combat assessment.
And Elder Kong is at the fourth realm. What exactly would I be striking with?
[The Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method brightens slightly.]
[It regards this person with considerable appreciation: observe the posture — straight as a pine, solid as a bell; observe the bearing — solemn and grave. This is the countenance of one who upholds the law strictly and keeps a firm rein on his own conduct.]
[It reflects: as expected, the Enforcement Hall is a place of proper order. Most satisfactory.]
Gu Chengming felt his heart settle.
From the Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method's reaction, Elder Ren's intelligence appeared to be accurate.
With this cultivation method's assistance, the character assessment should present no real difficulty.
Up on the spectator's platform, the atmosphere was subtly charged.
"Brother Kong, I'd say the time is about right, isn't it?"
Ren Wencai was lounging with his teacup, the very picture of unhurried ease — as if he hadn't a worry in the world about his disciple's examination. If anything, he sounded mildly impatient:
"It's just a formality, after all. The sooner it's done, the sooner I can bring my disciple back to get familiar with the place."
Kong Zheng's brow creased by the faintest, barely perceptible fraction.
He turned his head. That dark face remained expressionless, his voice flat and unyielding: "Junior Brother Ren, the sect's laws and codes are not child's play."
"To enter the inner sect is to entrust one's life and conduct to the sect. The examination of character is paramount above all things. What do you mean by 'formality'?"
"Even if he is supremely gifted, even if he has rendered great service — if his heart is not true, the gates of this inner sect will remain closed to him. Not one step."
Not a shred of face given — in front of everyone.
Zhao Wuji, seated to the side, thought: that iron block hasn't changed a single bit. But he was quite happy to sit back and enjoy the spectacle.
Ren Wencai showed no irritation, only sipped his tea with an easy smile:
"Fine, fine — you're incorruptible and entirely in the right. Then please proceed, Elder Kong."
He had complete and utter faith in Gu Chengming.
A boy who could cultivate the Zhouli to that degree — when Kong Zheng saw his performance in the Mirror of Inquiry, wouldn't he be struck speechless?
Kong Zheng gave a cold snort, dismissed the other elders from his attention, and rose to his feet.
"Gu Chengming."
"This disciple is present."
Gu Chengming stepped forward and bowed, his movements precise, his manner composed.
Kong Zheng surveyed him from above with unhurried severity. A long moment passed before he spoke:
"To enter my inner sect, one must first be asked of one's heart."
"Today's examination tests neither cultivation nor sword art — only your Dao."
As he spoke, he swept his wide sleeve.
The floor at the centre of the hall gave a deep, resonant tremor. A formation's light blazed to life — and then, from beneath the ground, an ancient bronze mirror slowly rose.
The mirror stood as tall as a man. Its surface was not smooth but rippled like water, unfathomably deep, with countless strange and shifting scenes flickering in and out of existence within it.
— The Mirror of Inquiry.
"This mirror is named for the Inquiry of the Heart. It reveals the truest choices hidden deepest within you."
Kong Zheng pointed at the bronze mirror, his voice impassive:
"Once you enter the mirror, you will find yourself in an illusory realm. Things will happen there — perhaps dilemmas with no good answer, perhaps despair."
"Everything you do will be driven by your truest self. It cannot be feigned. It cannot deceive."
"Remember: there is no correct answer."
"I look only at your choices — whether they accord with the Dao. Whether they honour the sword in your hand."
Gu Chengming gazed at the rippling, shimmering surface of the bronze mirror and felt something clarify in his mind.
Ren Wencai had given him a private briefing beforehand: the Mirror of Inquiry's illusions typically involved moral dilemmas.
Things like — save one brilliantly talented genius, or save a hundred ordinary people. Or — sacrifice a dear friend for the greater good of the sect, or betray the sect for the sake of that friend.
There was no absolute right or wrong. What was being examined was internal logical consistency and one's moral floor.
As long as it wasn't the sort of anti-social response where you killed everyone just to save yourself, basically anyone could pass.
Naturally, if one could choose the answer that both served the sect's interests and demonstrated compassion and principle, that would be an added bonus.
"This disciple understands." Gu Chengming answered.
"Since you understand, enter the formation."
Kong Zheng wasted no more words. He formed a seal in his hand, and a pulse of spiritual light struck into the Mirror of Inquiry.
"Hmmmm —"
The mirror let out a low, resonant hum. The ripples on its surface erupted in a sudden frenzy, and from within it poured an invisible pulling force that enveloped the entire hall.
Gu Chengming drew a slow breath, steadied himself.
As he drew closer, the radiance blazing from the copper mirror grew more and more intense.
Before him, the scenery began to twist and stretch.
The solemn hall dissolved. The silhouettes of the elders grew blurred and indistinct.
On the edge of hearing: wind. Rain. And... the clamour of a crowd.
A moment of weightlessness — and then it passed.
When he opened his eyes again, everything had changed.
Only Kong Zheng remained before him.
The Kong Zheng across from him suddenly raised a finger and pressed it against the surface of the Mirror of Inquiry from the air.
"Hmm —"
The mirror's surface shuddered. Deep within his sea of consciousness, Gu Chengming felt something lurch — as if something had been briefly drawn out of him — but in the next instant it returned to normal.
He had expected that the illusory realm would finally begin — but after waiting for quite some time, the scene before him remained completely unchanged.
Then, at the bottom of his vision, that familiar semi-transparent dialogue box slowly materialized.
[The Zhouli Heavenly Harmony Righteous Heart Method feels as if it has lived a thousand lives in an instant.]
[It says: the rites and music have been in decay for too long! I had believed the world's customs were in decline and the hearts of men grown base — little did I expect that within this Mirror of Inquiry's illusion, I would be able to revisit the glorious age of the ancient Great Qian Dynasty!]
[Sovereign and subject each in their proper place, father and son each in their proper role, ten thousand subjects restraining themselves and returning to propriety, every soul observing their proper station — and women may not sit at the head of the table.]
[It lingers in that world, reluctant to leave — this, it feels, is what the Great Dao should truly look like.]
Gu Chengming was utterly baffled.
How is it you that ended up in the illusory realm?
And from your description, the content of the illusion seems somewhat off — why are women not allowed at the head of the table again?
Your idea of a golden age seems rather alarming.
Gu Chengming thought to himself with growing unease: surely he wasn't going to fail the character assessment because of something like this?
Steeling himself, he raised his eyes — and found Elder Kong Zheng, who a moment ago had been wearing a face of cold indifference, staring at him with an expression of utter stupefaction.
As he watched, the stupefaction shifted to shock — and then, finally, into something that looked unmistakably like... awestruck reverence from a man who had found himself outclassed.
A long moment passed.
Kong Zheng drew a slow, deliberate breath. He straightened his robes and collar. His face settled into an expression of grave solemnity — and then, with both hands clasped together, left hand over right, he bowed deeply to Gu Chengming.
Please don't bow. I'm frightened.
Gu Chengming felt his hands go cold.
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