Chapter 303: So You

In the Qingyun Sect, the Longshou Peak had many disciples, and since Cang Song controlled disciplinary punishments, his influence was the strongest.

When Gu Qing arrived at Longshou Peak, he saw temples everywhere, groups of disciples, rare flowers and exotic herbs, spirit deer and immortal cranes—undoubtedly a true cultivation sect. After descending into the mountains, Yin Yi immediately arranged a small courtyard for him, with a plaque reading "Yi Fifty-Three" hanging out front.

"On Longshou Peak, all small courtyards are numbered. Since you joined late, you'll have to stay here for now."

Yin Yi introduced to Gu Qing: "Each small courtyard usually houses two or three disciples; newcomers are assigned later in sequence. Our Longshou Peak is thriving, unlike Dashu Peak, which is entirely different."

Among the seven peaks of the Qingyun Sect, Longshou Peak had the most disciples and the strongest influence, while Dashu Peak had the fewest—almost like a husband-and-wife operation—because the peak leaders were at odds, and their disciples often schemed against each other.

"Good enough."

Gu Qing was quite satisfied with all of this.

Generally, to join the Qingyun Sect, one either had to pass the "Qingyun Trial" for the peak leaders to select disciples, or be personally taken in by a peak leader. But the Qingyun Sect was extremely strict in choosing disciples; since Gu Qing came with existing cultivation, he would never earn their trust. So among all the peaks, he deliberately chose Longshou Peak to blend in under Cang Song—so long as he could learn the Taiji Xuanqing Dao, that was enough.

In cultivation, Gu Qing had already reached the "Demon Immortal" stage described in the Demon Seed Scripture: yin and yang merged, all arts returning to one source, his power concentrated entirely within his mind, allowing him to evade Cang Song's inspection. In the Tang Dynasty world, without access to the Divine Warrior Scroll, Gu Qing had hit the ceiling of his progress—but entering this Zhuxian world opened up a vast new realm of possibilities.

In combat power, based on his observations of Cang Song's battle with Puzhi and the two flying daggers, Gu Qing knew he was no match for either Cang Song or Puzhi. As for the other Qingyun disciples, he had never fought them and didn't know their strength.

Near noon, Gu Qing received an order from Cang Song; Yin Yi came again to fetch him.

"The events in Caomiao Village were too bizarre. Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan were involved, and the Sect Master feared they'd be silenced, so he brought them inside Qingyun's walls."

Yin Yi smiled and said: "In the Yuqing Hall, our peak leader fiercely argued and secured Lin Jingyu's admission. As for Zhang Xiaofan, whose talent was mediocre, the Sect Master sent him to Dashu Peak."

Lin Jingyu and Zhang Xiaofan had different talents; Cang Song taking Lin Jingyu meant Longshou Peak had won another decisive victory over Dashu Peak.

Gu Qing smiled and went to the Mingdao Hall on Longshou Peak to meet Cang Song.

Cang Song dismissed the disciples with a wave, fixed his gaze on Gu Qing, and asked: "Who are you?"

Last night, Cang Song had worn black robes, ridden black smoke, used demonic techniques, and indeed revealed Taiji Xuanqing Dao. But thousands practiced Taiji Xuanqing Dao across the land; Gu Qing had directly accused Cang Song, leaving him deeply troubled.

"I am merely a seeker of the Dao."

Gu Qing spoke sincerely: "I joined Longshou Peak solely to learn Taiji Xuanqing Dao. Nothing more."

Gu Qing spoke plainly.

Among today's prominent sects, the orthodox included the Qingyun Sect, Tianyin Temple, and Fenxiang Valley; the demonic included the Ghost King Sect, Hehuan Sect, Changsheng Hall, and Wandu Gate. Of all these, Gu Qing directly chose the Qingyun Sect.

For the Taiji Xuanqing Dao.

"I oversee Qingyun's disciplinary punishments. Disciples like you, I can imprison at will."

Cang Song spoke calmly.

But Gu Qing remained unperturbed: "Let's avoid mutual threats. If you let me train peacefully on Longshou Peak, I'll call you Master—and perhaps give you some unexpected rewards…"

Cang Song sneered; he didn't believe Gu Qing had any such rewards.

"What if those rewards concern Wan Jianyi?"

Gu Qing asked calmly.

The moment "Wan Jianyi" was spoken, Cang Song's killing intent surged; Taiji Xuanqing Dao swirled around him, enveloping Gu Qing entirely. He spoke slowly, each word deliberate: "What… did… you… say?"

Wan Jianyi was Cang Song's Achilles' heel.

Under this crushing pressure, Gu Qing did not activate the Golden Immortal Body Art; he continued: "Teach me Taiji Xuanqing Dao, and I'll tell you what happened to Wan Jianyi."

Cang Song had wanted to rebel against Qingyun, kill the Sect Master Daoxuan, all because of Wan Jianyi. Gu Qing knew exactly how to manipulate him.

Cang Song's brow twitched: "Though your strength is notable, you're not true orthodox cultivation. To learn orthodox methods, one must come with pure intent. But Taiji Xuanqing Dao is our sect's most sacred art—cannot be passed on. Your origins are unclear…"

Cang Song was stalling, trying to raise the price.

"I can give you two pieces of information."

Gu Qing held up two fingers, staring at Cang Song: "First, Wan Jianyi is not dead—he's in hiding. Second, the Zhanlong Sword is here—with you."

Boom!

Cang Song's body trembled violently; his face twisted in shock as he stared blankly at Gu Qing.

For a hundred years, Wan Jianyi had been an unhealable wound in Cang Song's heart. To suddenly learn Wan Jianyi still lived filled him with joy—but also confusion. As for the Zhanlong Sword…

Cang Song's gaze drifted, then fixed on Gu Qing. In that moment, he understood everything.

Why could Gu Qing instantly recognize him?

Why had Gu Qing chosen to join Longshou Peak?

Why did Gu Qing know about the Zhanlong Sword?

Behind all this… was Master Wan!

Gu Qing was sent by Wan Jianyi!

"For over a century, Cang Song has done many wrong things out of his inner hatred."

Cang Song murmured, tears streaming down his face. He patted Gu Qing's shoulder, voice choked: "Master Wan saw it all. He couldn't bear it anymore… he couldn't bear it anymore… hahaha…"

Cang Song wept and laughed.

Gu Qing stayed silent, letting Cang Song piece it all together. When Cang Song had sorted every thread, he sat upright in the hall, gazing at Gu Qing with delight: "Gu Qing, you're born with a celestial body—every sect in this world wants you. But your mastery of supreme arts creates distance. Now… since Master Wan trusts you, everything is resolved!"

Cang Song had laid his burdens to rest. He now only wished to nurture Gu Qing well, to earn Wan Jianyi's forgiveness, and reunite with Master Wan.

"I'll teach you the secret methods of Taiji Xuanqing Dao right now."

Cang Song, usually stern, now smiled warmly: "I'll devote all my effort to your cultivation. But don't let your celestial body make you arrogant. A cultivator must always remain humble."

Gu Qing smiled and bowed as his disciple—everything was settled.

(End of Chapter)