In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 115 All the malice was directed at him alone.

It was at this moment that Gu Shaoan slightly adjusted his palm strike, and the speed of his internal energy circulation suddenly increased.

In an instant, Gu Shaoan seemed to be enveloped in an invisible yet real aura.

His posture remained upright, but he suddenly possessed an air of looking down upon the world and transcending worldly affairs.

The palm strike produced no swift wind or sharp whistling sound.

But under the palm strike, Dongfang Bai felt the surrounding air suddenly become viscous like mud, and an invisible pressure surged from all directions.

Even more terrifying, at that moment, Dongfang Bai felt as if his aura had been locked down.

In this change of feeling, Dongfang Bai's pupils instantly shrank to the size of pinpoints, and an unprecedented sense of crisis poured over him like ice water from head to toe.

In a moment of alertness, Dongfang Bai pushed his true energy to its limit. With a sway of his body, three figures, whose speed was indistinguishable to the naked eye, split off from his original position almost simultaneously.

One palm struck directly at Gu Shaoan's hand, which pressed down like the sky collapsing, while two others shot out at high speed in completely opposite directions, to the left and right.

At the same time, the hand that was pressing down in the air paused slightly and pressed against the afterimage in front of it. The powerful true essence and palm force gathered in the palm erupted like a dormant volcano.

"Bang!!" A dull, drum-like sound rang out, and the afterimage in front of Gu Shaoan was blasted away like ripples on water.

However, the core of the palm strike was not completely neutralized. The powerful and heavy force split in two, shattering the other afterimage before heading towards Dongfang Bai's true form.

Sensing something was wrong, Dongfang Bai raised his palm and struck out. He immediately felt a surge of powerful true energy and strength flowing through his palm, forcing him to turn around and slam his palm into the ground.

As the stone slabs on the ground developed pits about an inch deep and spiderweb-like cracks spread out, Dongfang Bai used this palm strike to dissipate all the force. His body glided along the ground like a ghost for two zhang before suddenly leaping into the air and landing on the broken wall.

He was breathing slightly heavily, and the rise and fall of his chest was significantly greater than before.

If anyone could see his fingertips hanging inside his sleeve, they would surely notice that Dongfang Bai's hand, which was holding the embroidery needle, was trembling slightly.

His exquisitely drawn eyes gazed intently at Gu Shaoan, his gaze seemingly filled with shock and apprehension, but mostly with admiration and recognition.

That is the recognition of the opponent's strength after a fierce battle between masters.

Seemingly sensing the change in Dongfang Bai's aura, Gu Shaoan, who had landed on his feet, slowly sheathed his sword and stood up, with the Chengxin Sword hanging at his side, its tip touching the ground.

However, after several exchanges, Gu Shaoan's breathing became somewhat disordered.

But his eyes were incredibly bright.

"It seems that I'll have to start learning the Nine Shadows of the Spiral when I get back this time."

After a few breaths, Dongfang Bai, who had calmed his physical discomfort with his true energy, slowly spoke: "The Emei martial arts are indeed well-deserved of their reputation."

"For someone so young, to possess such strength is truly astonishing."

Dongfang Bai's voice regained its unique magnetism, but it lost some of its previous arrogance and effeminacy, instead gaining a more spirited and robust quality.

Gu Shaoan sheathed his sword with fluid and graceful movements, and looked calmly at Dongfang Bai: "Senior's movements and moves are as fast as ghosts and extremely unpredictable, which has broadened my horizons."

The way the two addressed each other even changed slightly at this moment.

In the world of men and women, face is something you earn yourself.

For true masters, only strength determines a person's worth.

Hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Dongfang Bai smiled and said, "I feel like we've known each other forever. How about we go somewhere else to have a few drinks and exchange martial arts insights?"

As he spoke, Dongfang Bai's expression was relaxed, and his demeanor showed a hint of nonchalance and curiosity.

Compared to the previous feminine and eerie feeling, it was completely different.

However, Gu Shaoan gently shook his head in response to Dongfang Bai's suggestion.

"I appreciate your kind offer, senior."

Upon seeing Gu Shaoan's refusal, Dongfang Bai was taken aback at first, then his expression suddenly turned cold as if he had thought of something.

Even his tone became colder afterward.

"I thought that Brother Gu would be different from others, not so quick to attack and kill anyone from our Demonic Sect. I didn't expect him to be like this. He truly is a righteous sect. Heh~"

In the end, the soft laugh he let out was full of disdain.

In response, Gu Shaoan simply looked at Dongfang Bai and said directly, "Judging from your words, senior, it seems that you have some reservations about my actions. In that case, I would like to ask you a question."

"If the senior comes from a prestigious and righteous sect, the elders in the sect are all righteous masters who punish evil and promote good. They usually treat the senior with great care and attention, and even regard the senior as the future successor of the sect."

"If one day, when you descend the mountain to roam the martial world, will you suddenly decide to become sworn brothers with a demonic sect, thus tarnishing your sect's reputation and chilling the hearts of your elders?"

Dongfang Bai frowned slightly and subconsciously opened his mouth, but the words caught in his throat and he fell silent.

As the leader of the Sun Moon Sect, Dongfang Bai was naturally not one of those ignorant people in the martial arts world.

Nature knows that public opinion can be a powerful force.

For reputable families, reputation is of utmost importance.

The impact on a sect would be unimaginable if word got out that a disciple of a prestigious sect was on him becoming sworn brothers with a demonic cult member.

If what Gu Shaoan said is true, not to mention himself, even the elders in his sect care for him a lot. For someone he doesn't even know well from the demonic path, even he wouldn't disregard the reputation of his sect and his elders.

Seeing Dongfang Bai remain silent, Gu Shaoan chuckled and said, "The distinction between good and evil may be blurred. Our Emei Sect acts based on actions, not intentions. If someone is killed along with their entire family and comes to us for help, our Emei Sect will lend a hand."

"But good and evil have been opposed since ancient times. I think the Eastern Leader knows better than I do about the actions of the Sun Moon Cult. Most of the people in the sect are wicked and do all sorts of evil."

"The Sun Moon Sect and my Emei Sect have no prior grudges or dealings, and my Emei Sect will not use the name of punishing evil and promoting good to cause trouble."

"But there are differences in closeness and distance. For me, the reputation of my sect and the elders within the sect should take precedence. My actions and considerations should naturally be weighed carefully."

"Making friends is not allowed if the identities are not right, the rules of the sect will not allow it, and fellow martial arts practitioners will also have objections."

"A kind word warms the heart for three winter months, while a harsh word chills the heart for six summer months. If one knowingly does something wrong, tarnishing the reputation of the sect and bringing shame upon the master, in the eyes of this junior, that is truly failing the master's kindness and disgracing one's fellow disciples."

"Therefore, if senior wishes to spar or even have a fight, as long as it does not affect the reputation of my Emei Sect, this junior will gladly agree."

"But if we're talking about making friends, unless you're willing to give up your position as the leader of the Sun Moon Sect, or you can get the Sun Moon Sect to turn over a new leaf, then the difference in our status and positions means that our friendship can only go as far as sparring. Any more than that would be going too far."

Gu Shaoan's voice was soft and even somewhat composed.

Dongfang Bai could also clearly understand from Gu Shaoan's words that Gu Shaoan was not pedantic.

On the contrary, Gu Shaoan was able to clearly distinguish between good and evil, and right and wrong. For this reason alone, Dongfang Bai should think highly of Gu Shaoan.

Gu Shaoan's subsequent remarks left Dongfang Bai speechless.

Even putting himself in Gu Shaoan's shoes, Dongfang Bai had to admit that Gu Shaoan was right.

After a long silence, Dongfang Bai finally spoke again: "That's right, there is a difference between good and evil. Young Master Gu's words are something I can't find any reason to refute. I just didn't expect that Young Master Gu, at such a young age, could see things so clearly. It is a blessing for the Emei Sect to have a disciple like Young Master Gu."

Gu Shaoan clasped his hands in response and said, "Senior, you flatter me."

Before Dongfang Bai could speak, Gu Shaoan said again, "It's getting late. Now that things are settled, I can't stay any longer. Farewell."

After speaking, Gu Shaoan leaped to Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan's side, pulled out the heavy sword from the ground, put it back on his back, and fastened it with a leather belt. Gu Shaoan subconsciously glanced at Sang San Niang and Qu Yang to the side before turning his head and saying, "Let's go!"

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan nodded slightly, then followed behind Gu Shaoan.

However, just as Gu Shaoan was about to step out of the dilapidated house, Dongfang Bai's voice suddenly rang out again.

"If I have the opportunity in a few years, I will ask Young Hero Gu for more advice."

As the voice rang out, Gu Shaoan did not stop walking, but his voice slowly echoed throughout the dilapidated house.

"I will wait for that day in Emei."

After saying that, Gu Shaoan led Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan out the door, their figures disappearing from the sight of Dongfang Bai and the other two.

At this moment, Qu Yang, who had walked to Dongfang Bai's side, glanced at the traces left by Dongfang Bai and Gu Shaoan when they fought and couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "I didn't expect that young man would have such terrifying strength at such a young age, and that he could fight the sect leader to a standstill."

Hearing this, Dongfang Bai also looked at the area riddled with holes and couldn't help but sigh, "Yes! I didn't expect that kid to be so strong. If we all went all out, even I wouldn't dare say I could defeat him." Sang Sanniang looked at Dongfang Bai in surprise: "Does the sect leader mean that the kid was holding back just now?"

Sang San Niang was not surprised that Dongfang Bai held back.

After all, Sang San Niang had personally witnessed Dongfang Bai's strength and knew just how fast Dongfang Bai's movement speed could be when he went all out.

Dongfang Bai nodded and said, "When we fought him before, he was too calm. His confident demeanor was definitely not an act. He must have had a backup plan."

Qu Yang looked surprised and said, "I had heard that Abbess Miejue of the Emei Sect was very powerful, but I thought it was nothing special. I didn't expect that her disciples could have such terrifying strength. So how strong must Abbess Miejue, as her master, be?"

Hearing what Qu Yang said, not only Sang San Niang, but even Dongfang Bai's expression became somewhat solemn.

In Dongfang Bai's original plan, after eliminating the Five Mountains Sword Sect, the Sun Moon Divine Sect would continue to expand to the surrounding areas.

The future plans also include the Emei Sect, which is considered a second-tier force.

But now it seems that this plan needs to be changed.

This is something the current Sun Moon Cult cannot afford to provoke.

At this moment, seemingly sensing that Dongfang Bai's expression was somewhat solemn, Sang San Niang changed the subject and said, "However, that kid really doesn't know what's good for him. The sect leader wanted to befriend that kid, which was a great honor for him. Yet he dared to refuse and even said those inexplicable things."

Just as she finished speaking, Sang San Niang noticed Dongfang Bai's sudden cold gaze and was immediately startled.

To this, Dongfang Bai snorted coldly: "Do you think that if your identities were different from his, you would knowingly drink and make merry with me after knowing my identity?"

"This"

After putting herself in the other person's shoes, Sang San Niang ultimately said nothing, only that she would say, "Of course, I am willing."

It's not that I don't want to, but that I don't dare.

Having served Dongfang Bai for many years, Sang San Niang knew that what Dongfang Bai disliked most was saying things against his conscience.

Moreover, this kind of lie is so easily exposed.

Exporting it would only make Dongfang Bai even more displeased.

They are demonic figures of the demonic sect, not fools.

If given a choice, who wouldn't want to be like Gu Shaoan, with a good master, caring elders, and a bright future?

Why should we abandon all this beauty for a complete stranger, or someone we've just met?

Seeing Sang San Niang's reaction, Dongfang Bai let out a soft snort.

"So, don't talk like someone who doesn't know what's going on."

Finally, Dongfang Bai suddenly gave a self-deprecating laugh.

"I never imagined that one day I would be lectured by a mere kid."

Despite his words, Dongfang Bai showed no sign of dissatisfaction after being lectured.

It wasn't just that Gu Shaoan's words left him speechless, but also that Gu Shaoan's strength made Dongfang Bai feel that Gu Shaoan's status and position gave him the right to say those words in front of him.

Turning around, the resentment she felt from Gu Shaoan's previous rejection had completely vanished.

Instead, there was a sense of melancholy and envy.

Dongfang Bai didn't know what it was about Gu Shaoan that made this lingering envy in his heart.

Are we envious of Gu Shaoan's talent and ability at such a young age? Or are we envious of his privileged position in a prestigious sect like Emei, where he receives excellent and proper guidance and is surrounded by happiness? Or are we envious of his maturity and integrity at such a young age, yet remaining worldly-wise and upholding his principles?

Or perhaps, it's everywhere.

After a long while, Dongfang Bai suddenly let out a long sigh.

What should have been a casual outburst instead left Dongfang Bai feeling utterly exhausted and helpless.

Looking up at the sky, when his gaze fell on the bright moon, and thinking about his current situation, Dongfang Bai suddenly felt a kind of malice from the world.

It was as if all the malice was directed at him alone.

the other side.

After leaving the abandoned area filled with the aftershocks of battle and invisible pressure, Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo, who had been on edge the whole time, finally breathed a long sigh of relief and completely relaxed.

Although they had never fought Dongfang Bai before, the aura emanating from him still made them unconsciously nervous.

The two felt that even the aura of Abbess Miejue was not as terrifying as that of Dongfang Bai.

After relaxing, Yang Yan looked at Gu Shaoan curiously and said, "Senior brother, why do I feel that Dongfang Bai's strength is even stronger than Zuo Lengchan's?"

Zhou Zhiruo nodded in agreement.

Gu Shaoan thought for a moment and said, "You are right. Dongfang Bai's strength is indeed far superior to Zuo Lengchan's. If Zuo Lengchan were to face Dongfang Bai, he might only be able to last ten moves at most."

"Ok?"

Hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Zhou Zhiruo couldn't help but ask in confusion, "If Dongfang Bai is so strong, shouldn't the Five Mountains Sword Sect have been eliminated by the Sun Moon Divine Sect long ago? How have they managed to hold on until now?"

It's no wonder Zhou Zhiruo would ask that question.

After all, given the strength that Dongfang Bai has shown today, he could probably slaughter all the experts in the Five Mountains Sword Sect by himself. How can the Five Mountains Sword Sect possibly contend with the Sun Moon Divine Sect?

Gu Shaoan said casually, "Perhaps there are other matters within the Sun Moon Sect, or perhaps his own cultivation is at a crucial juncture, so he has no time to attend to the Five Mountains Sword Sect!"

Although it was somewhat perfunctory, what Gu Shaoan said was the only explanation for why Dongfang Bai, despite his strength, had not attacked the Five Mountains Sword Sect.

At this moment, Yang Yan looked at Gu Shaoan and said, "I just didn't expect that the leader of the Sun Moon Sect would be rendered speechless by you afterwards."

In response to Yang Yan's words, Gu Shaoan said calmly, "Because what I just said was the truth."

After thinking for a moment, Gu Shaoan looked at Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo and asked, "I ask you, what would happen if I accepted Dongfang Bai's invitation today?"

Zhou Zhiruo thought for a moment and said, "Although the Sun Moon Sect has a bad reputation, it should be fine if we're just not close friends, right?"

Although Yang Yan didn't say anything, her reaction was clearly the same as Zhou Zhiruo's.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan shook his head, knowing that the two of them were thinking too simply.

He then explained, "If I had accepted Dongfang Bai's invitation to have a drink and chat, it would have been fine as long as no one else knew. But if this matter were to spread, it would surely cause a huge uproar."

"If someone harbors ill intentions, they can easily label me as 'colluding with the evil cult,' and a torrent of condemnation will follow."

“Not only will my personal reputation be ruined, but the century-old reputation of my Emei Sect will also be tarnished. The first to be affected will be my master and my seniors, such as Uncle Juechen. When the sect’s reputation is damaged, how will my master and Uncle Juechen face their fellow practitioners in the martial world? How will we Emei disciples be able to hold our heads high when we walk in the martial world?”

Hearing what Gu Shaoan said, Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan's expressions gradually became serious.

Yang Yan couldn't help but exclaim, "How could that guy be so malicious?"

Gu Shaoan replied, "It's not that he's malicious; it's just that he hasn't thought about those things."

"In the martial arts world, it is not uncommon for masters to appreciate each other after a battle. It is perfectly normal for them to drink and chat and exchange martial arts experiences after a moment of passion or a sudden impulse. But everything depends on the circumstances."

"As the leader of the Sun Moon Sect, how could Dongfang Bai not be so shrewd and insightful? How could he not understand the uproar that would be caused in the martial world if a disciple of the Emei Sect, a direct disciple of Abbess Miejue, were to openly associate with him, the 'leader of the demonic sect,' and drink and make merry with him?"

"But he didn't need to consider any of this, and he didn't even think about it at all."

"Because even if something happens in the future, the blades of those rumors will not fall on him, the Sun Moon Cult will still be a demonic cult, and he will not be the one condemned by everyone."

“In his eyes, these things were insignificant compared to what he found ‘interesting’ and ‘appreciative’. At the moment he extended the invitation, all he was thinking about was his own desire to befriend me.”

"But we are different. As disciples of a prestigious and upright sect, we enjoy the benefits of our sect and the care of our elders, but we also have to bear some responsibilities."

"Acting on impulse is not boldness; doing whatever one pleases is not sincerity."

"So in the future, when you go out and encounter disciples of those demonic sects or evil factions, you can decide whether to take action based on the situation. But no matter what, you must not forget your identity and position as a disciple of the prestigious Emei sect because of momentary impulse. Do not let momentary pride and arrogance cloud your judgment."

　This chapter took a long time to write. I spent almost an entire afternoon working on the last three thousand words, constantly deleting and revising them. My main goal was to clearly establish the protagonist's moral compass and understanding of right and wrong! I hope you all enjoy it!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)