Chapter 327: Prepare in Advance!

There is a god within, moving back and forth.

Eight meridians, nine orifices, channels and collaterals interconnected.

Gu Qing slowly opened his eyes, his spirit bright and clear; after entering the Shangqing realm, his cultivation energy coalesced into a single mass, bearing the intent of Golden Core formation. His fingers flexed and extended, the Taiji Xuanqing Dao applied effortlessly, with Dafan Bannuo hidden within—both he and his counterpart had entered the Shangqing realm, propelling Gu Qing's strength once more upward, further blending his martial arts knowledge.

After ending his seclusion, Gu Qing's spirit was clear and radiant. As he stepped out of his room, he saw a figure he had not expected.

Tian Linger.

In the morning breeze, Tian Linger's slender waist moved with natural grace, clad in a red robe, lovely and radiant, standing right before Gu Qing's door—so captivating that Qi Hao's eyes went wide.

"Gu! Qing! Shi! Xiong!"

Seeing Gu Qing step out, Tian Linger boldly called out, though her cheeks flushed red.

"Tian shimei."

Gu Qing regarded Tian Linger with surprise, stepped forward, and asked her purpose.

"Our Qingyun Sect's treasures encompass all things, but Brother Gu only teaches sword techniques—what am I, who uses the Amber Crimson Ribbon, supposed to do?"

Tian Linger spoke with a mix of pout and indignation, two faint dimples on her cheeks, her eyes pleading: "Brother Gu, can you help me? The Seven Peaks Tournament is about to begin, and I want to prove myself."

Within Qingyun Sect, Daoxuan and Wan Jianyi were the peerless duo; beneath them stood Tian Buyi. Tian Buyi's cultivation surpassed Cang Song's, but he turned Dazhu Peak into a family-run operation—his disciples all treated like children, the atmosphere warm, though their fists were weak.

Before Zhang Xiaofan rose to prominence, Tian Buyi had suffered great loss of face in this regard.

"Brother Gu Qing, please~"

Tian Linger let out a soft whimper.

"Who taught you that?"

Gu Qing felt Tian Linger had changed dramatically.

"It says so in Ceng Shushu's books."

Tian Linger said matter-of-factly: "After hearing you borrowed books from Fenghui Peak, everyone rushed there. When I went, it was too late—I saw some books left behind and took them."

These books were romantic novels.

As Gu Qing listened to Tian Linger's full account, he marveled at the celebrity effect, and curiously asked what had become of Ceng Shushu after his books were taken.

"He cried."

Tian Linger spoke flatly, coldly: "Master Ceng never liked him reading frivolous books. We were just fulfilling the elder's wishes."

"..."

Gu Qing silently mourned Ceng Shushu for a second, then burst out laughing.

"Brother Gu Qing~"

Tian Linger looked at Gu Qing and asked again: "Can you help Ling'er?"

As she spoke, she blinked her eyes.

"Of course, little sister!"

Gu Qing agreed decisively: "I've just emerged from seclusion and cultivated a new 【Bing Zi Mi】. It should suit you perfectly, since you wield unconventional weapons."

Upon hearing this, Tian Linger's face lit up with a smile.

"Brother Gu."

Qi Hao had been nearby all along, watching Tian Linger laugh and chatter before Gu Qing, and hearing Gu Qing planned to transmit a secret technique—he wanted to warn him, but after this address, he saw Gu Qing's expression darken.

"Gu... Elder!"

Qi Hao corrected his title, swallowing his words entirely—he and Gu Qing now stood between a tragic, thick barrier.

"Let's go to Xiaozhu Peak."

Gu Qing took Tian Linger and soared aloft on his sword, heading for Xiaozhu Peak. In past worlds, Gu Qing had been accustomed to maintaining a harem, but in the Zhuxian world, encountering Lu Xueqi's sincere, resolute, and steadfast affection, he had to rein in his thoughts—otherwise, emotion would explode.

If he truly wished to act, he must wait until after marrying Lu Xueqi, until she could no longer bear it—only then might a harem become possible.

Until then... prepare in advance.

Bringing Tian Linger to Xiaozhu Peak, Gu Qing stood calmly before Lu Xueqi. After mutual introductions, he explained Tian Linger's purpose in visiting.

"I've just had some insights myself."

Gu Qing took Lu Xueqi's hand, gazing at her snow-white wrist, soft and delicate, then met her eyes, smiling: "I need to tell you about this."

Gu Qing was utterly honest.

Lu Xueqi, rarely, turned her gaze away, her ears reddening. She understood Gu Qing was "reporting" to her—and a sweet warmth stirred within her. When she looked at Tian Linger, she saw the girl tense, lips pressed tight, radiating nervousness—and for once, she smiled.

"Little sister Tian from Dazhu Peak?"

Lu Xueqi's voice, unusually warm, said: "You look just like Master Su."

Su Ru was from Xiaozhu Peak.

Lu Xueqi subtly implied they were family.

But to Gu Qing, Tian Linger's charm had suddenly skyrocketed.

Gu Qing stayed long on Xiaozhu Peak, then specifically paid his respects to Master Shuiyue. After his exploits became known, Master Shuiyue's warmth toward him had deepened further—she felt no surprise he was Wan Jianyi's disciple.

After dinner on Xiaozhu Peak, Gu Qing intended to escort Tian Linger back to Dazhu Peak when Wen Min volunteered herself. Gu Qing understood Wen Min wished to secretly see Song my lord, the senior brother of Dazhu Peak, so he granted her request—and took the chance to harvest a bit of good merit from her.

Qingyun Mountain, Tongtian Peak.

Gu Qing received a message from Tongtian Peak and arrived there as night fell. The usual Yun Tai was empty; the Rainbow Bridge deserted. Following Chang Jian, he met Xiao Yicai, who then reported to Daoxuan Zhenren. Finally, in a small dark room, Gu Qing met Daoxuan Zhenren.

"Gu Qing."

Daoxuan Zhenren turned, looked at Gu Qing, and said: "I've long wanted to speak with you properly."

Gu Qing grunted, standing quietly beside Daoxuan.

At this moment, Daoxuan seemed to have many words, but after much thought, he said nothing—only: "I kept you from the Seven Peaks Tournament because I have a more important task for you." He paused, listening for Gu Qing's reaction—but Gu Qing remained unchanged.

"Yicai was injured while investigating Qinglong."

Daoxuan Zhenren said: "You are strong and meticulous—you can infiltrate the Demon Cult and uncover their goals."

Daoxuan Zhenren wanted Gu Qing to become a mole.

"I don't look convincing enough."

Gu Qing declined.

"It doesn't matter."

Daoxuan Zhenren's hand glowed faintly—the candles in the room flared to life. Gu Qing's face showed surprise as he saw the room filled with scattered demon weapons and countless secret manuals.

"Qingyun Sect and the Demon Cult have clashed for ages. Among our own ranks, we've preserved some of their artifacts."

Daoxuan Zhenren looked at Gu Qing and smiled: "You may read everything here. I hope you'll give me your answer after."

Gu Qing flipped idly through the demon sect's manuals, laughing bitterly at Daoxuan's words.

Daoxuan spoke sweetly, but his real aim was to separate Gu Qing from Zhanlong Sword—after all, Gu Qing had slain many demons with it, and now he was to infiltrate the Demon Cult; he could not carry it.

"First refuse, then squeeze..."

As for the Demon Cult—the second volume of the Tian Shu still lies in the hands of the Ghost King. Gu Qing must trick it back.

(End of Chapter)