Chapter 100

But remembering the strength of his own clan's patriarch, he instantly snapped back to attention.

The leader of the Jiang family disciples steadied his composure and said solemnly: "The patriarch's decree: for these days, our Jiang family will receive no visitors. Please return for now."

Gu Xingjian raised an eyebrow and said casually: "You're a young man who shows neither arrogance nor fear before me—your courage is considerable. But I've come not to cultivate ties with your Jiang family. I'm here for one reason only: to duel your patriarch with swords."

At these words, everyone froze in shock.

For in these days, many had come bearing gifts, hoping to climb the mountain and forge connections.

But no one had ever dared come seeking a sword duel with one of their own patriarch's kin.

"May I ask your name, sir?"

The leader of the Jiang family disciples, his gaze flickering, immediately asked.

Since this man had heard of their patriarch's deeds yet still dared to come for a duel,

it clearly meant he had great confidence—likely a powerful cultivator of the Ocean Realm!

Gu Xingjian's expression turned icy as he murmured: "Gu Xingjian."

With the utterance of that name, the three exchanged stunned glances, disbelief flooding their minds.

Gu Xingjian? Wasn't that the legendary Gu Jianzong?

Because he roamed freely, wandering the world without restraint, countless tales of him had been adapted by storytellers and spread far and wide.

So they naturally knew what this name truly meant.

Then—

Realizing the gravity of the matter and that no carelessness could be allowed, the leader of the Jiang family disciples immediately bowed and said: "If it is truly the Gu Jianzong before us, allow me to inform the patriarch first. Please wait a moment..."

"Hmm."

Gu Xingjian gave a soft reply, unbothered.

After all, he hadn't come seeking trouble—only to engage in a pure sword duel with Jiang Daoxuan.

Waiting a little while was no great matter.

Immediately after, as the leader of the Jiang family disciples departed,

only the two remaining Jiang family disciples and Gu Xingjian remained in place.

Thinking of all the tales surrounding Gu Xingjian, the two lowered their heads silently, their hearts tight with tension.

They dared not speak a single word, fearing they might say something wrong and offend him.

Under these circumstances, the atmosphere grew heavy and suffocating.

Gu Xingjian paid no mind to any of it, simply closing his eyes calmly, awaiting the coming duel.