In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 162 Is this coming for me? (Bonus chapter for the third update to support the Alliance Leader, Yong Su)

Perhaps because she rarely shows her true face to outsiders, Xiao Zhao seemed a little uneasy at this moment.

Yang Yan nodded and said, "No wonder you need to disguise yourself. If you didn't have such an appearance, who knows how many people would covet you."

A woman with beauty, whether she has a prestigious family background or strong abilities, is an ace up her sleeve. But if she only has beauty, it's a bad hand, bringing nothing but trouble.

After having Xiao Zhao sit opposite him, Gu Shaoan asked, "Now that the shackles have been removed from your body, what are your plans?"

Xiao Zhao gently shook her head and said, "I was all alone and helpless when I was away, so I disguised myself and entered the Ming Cult to become Miss Yang's maid. Now that the Ming Cult is gone, I don't know where I can go."

Gu Shaoan chuckled inwardly as he observed Xiao Zhao's reaction.

If Gu Shaoan didn't know Xiao Zhao's true identity and her reasons for being in the Ming Cult, he might actually have believed Xiao Zhao's performance.

It can be described as "completely without any trace of acting".

It's no wonder that even a seasoned veteran like Yang Xiao couldn't discover Xiao Zhao's true intentions.

However, judging from Xiao Zhao's current reaction, she clearly believes that the Ming Cult's forbidden area has been occupied by the Emei Sect, and that the "Great Shift of the Universe" has fallen into the hands of the Emei Sect, which is why she is thinking of joining the Emei Sect.

Gu Shaoan did not expose this.

"The matter of the Ming Cult will take a few more days to be resolved. After that, you can go down the mountain to meet up with your senior sister Juejue and the others. If you wish, you can then join the Emei Sect."

With tears in her eyes, Xiao Zhao rose and bowed to Gu Shaoan, saying, "Xiao Zhao thanks you, young master."

Gu Shaoan waved his hand, instructing Yang Yan to take Xiao Zhao to settle in the other disciples' quarters first.

After the two left, Zhou Zhiruo looked at Gu Shaoan and said, "Miss Xiao Zhao is beautiful, and being in a place like the Ming Cult, which is full of all sorts of people, it is understandable that she would disguise herself. But for no reason, her hands and feet were bound by chains by the Ming Cult. I'm afraid it's not that simple. Junior Brother, how could you let it go so easily?"

Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "There's no need to ask so many questions. I know her identity."

"Junior brother knows this person?" Zhou Zhiruo looked at Gu Shaoan in surprise.

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "She is Dai Qisi's daughter."

Zhou Zhiruo's surprise only increased: "Dai Qisi? That Golden Flower Granny? How come she came to the Ming Cult as a maid?"

Gu Shaoan picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and said, "I guess they're here for 'The Great Shift of Heaven and Earth'!"

Zhou Zhiruo frowned and said, "But her mother, Dai Qisi, was the former Purple-Robed Dragon King of the Ming Cult. In recent years, she has been known as the Golden Flower Granny and has a notorious reputation. With such a relationship, I'm afraid Master will not agree to her joining the Emei Sect."

Gu Shaoan said slowly, "I know, so I'm taking her back to the Emei Sect for now. When Dai Qisi brings Xie Xun over, I'll mention it to Master. If Master doesn't agree, I'll have Dai Qisi take her away with her."

It is precisely because they are a prestigious and righteous sect that the Emei Sect, from Abbess Miejue to Gu Shaoan and others, has to protect its members.

Dai Qisi's identity and the evil deeds she has committed over the years make it extremely difficult for Xiao Zhao, as Dai Qisi's daughter, to join the Emei Sect.

Gu Shaoan was also aware of this.

Zhou Zhiruo looked at Gu Shaoan, wanting to ask him how he knew Xiao Zhao's identity.

After thinking it over, Zhou Zhiruo decided to suppress the question.

It took half a month for the six major sects to jointly loot all the valuables of the Ming Cult, as well as the martial arts manuals and treasured medicines. They then moved them to the foot of the mountain and loaded them onto their respective sects' carriages according to the pre-arranged distribution method.

After the six major sects had a small gathering in Luyang Prefecture for one night, they dispersed.

However, on the way back, Gu Shaoan, Zhou Zhiruo, Yang Yan, and Miejue boarded a carriage bound for the Wudang Sect.

A simple post station located fifty miles outside Wanzhou Prefecture, beside the official road.

The Wudang and Emei caravans took a short break here, where the people and horses drank water and were fed, and everyone took the opportunity to stretch their muscles and bones.

Carrying a host of spoils, it naturally took Song Yuanqiao and his group even longer to return to Wudang.

After three months, the group finally approached the territory of the Wudang Sect.

In another half month, we will arrive at Wudang.

The sunlight slanted slightly, illuminating dozens of simply decorated carriages and horses tethered to wooden stakes, the air filled with the scents of grass, dust, and horses.

Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi, Abbess Miejue, Mo Shenggu and others gathered under the eaves of the post station to rest, while Zhang Wuji stood quietly under an old locust tree not far away, closing his eyes to regulate his breathing.

With the Black Jade Broken-Healing Ointment and the nourishment from the Nine Yang Divine Skill, Zhang Wuji's lumbar spine problem had long since returned to normal.

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan each held a bowl of tea and sat not far from the carriage, their silvery laughter occasionally audible.

Just then, Zhang Wuji, who had been practicing his martial arts under the tree, slowly stopped and exhaled a long breath. The white vapor lingered in the cool air for a moment. He opened his eyes, and his gaze instinctively fell on the silent carriage.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhang Wuji slowly walked towards the pavilion where Abbess Miejue and the others were. As he passed the carriage, his gaze involuntarily fell on the tightly closed curtains once again.

After a moment, Zhang Wuji couldn't help but ask, "May I ask, Master, why have we hardly seen Young Master Gu get out of the carriage to rest along the way?"

After glancing at Zhang Wuji, Abbess Miejue snorted coldly in her heart.

Clearly, Abbess Miejue still didn't have much affection for Zhang Wuji at this point.

However, in front of Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Songxi and other Wudang people, and considering Zhang Wuji's status, Abbess Miejue still gave him some face and coldly replied, "Shao'an is usually like this, he spends almost all his time on cultivation."

Upon hearing this, the Wudang elders and accompanying Wudang disciples were all taken aback.

Song Yuanqiao stroked his beard and sighed, his eyes revealing undisguised admiration: "Even amidst the arduous journey, he remained focused on cultivation. Such dedication and diligence—no wonder Junior Nephew Gu possesses such remarkable strength at such a young age. Truly admirable!"

Not only Song Yuanqiao, but even Zhang Songxi and the other members of Wudang looked at the carriage where Gu Shaoan was with admiration in their eyes.

Everyone has been young.

Who doesn't know that "the way of martial arts is through diligence"?

But how many people ask themselves if they could have had the perseverance and diligence of Gu Shaoan when they were young, and patiently endured hardship to cultivate themselves?
However, upon hearing Song Yuanqiao's words, Abbess Miejue's face showed a complex expression, and she sighed softly.

"Although the Ming Cult has been destroyed, this time it has brought to light the behemoth that is the Demon Master's Palace. Pang Ban, as a master of the same generation as Zhang Zhenren, is infamous. Shao'an killed Pang Ban's personal disciple because of the six major sects. How could Pang Ban let it go? With such a powerful enemy hanging over our heads, let alone him, even I and my fellow nuns dare not be careless?"

The mere mention of the name "Pang Ban" caused even grandmasters like Song Yuanqiao and Zhang Songxi to become serious.

The oppressive feeling brought by this name is like the millennia-old ice and snow on the mountains of the Western Regions, chilling to the bone.

“The nun’s concerns are very valid.”

Song Yuanqiao said in a deep voice, his tone resolute: "Just as the nun said, this time Junior Nephew Gu took action entirely because of our six major sects. Not to mention the other sects, Emei and Wudang are of the same blood and have a deep friendship! Wudang will remember Shao'an's kindness in helping Wuji."

"If the Demon Master Palace truly disregards its status and intends to bully the weak and oppress the strong, Master, please write a letter to Wudang. I, Song, will surely bring the entire Wudang to protect my nephew Gu with all my might."

“My master would never sit idly by and watch his disciples and even the chivalrous young people of the martial arts world suffer such a calamity.” Zhang Songxi solemnly replied, “What you say, senior brother, is also what I, Songxi, feel. If there is any trouble, Wudang will not shirk its duty and will not hesitate to step up.”

This resounding promise finally eased the tension and icy expression on Abbess Miejue's face.

She nodded slightly to Song Yuanqiao and said in a deep voice, "With these words from Hero Song and Hero Zhang, this humble nun will thank Wudang for their noble sentiments on behalf of Shao'an."

Her gaze fell once more on Gu Shaoan's carriage, a hint of worry in her eyes: "But that Pang Ban possesses astonishing demonic skills. He has been in seclusion in the Demon Master's Palace for over a decade, and we don't know what level his strength has reached. If he truly disregards his reputation and intends to attack Shaoan, this humble nun may have no choice but to advise Shaoan to avoid his sharp edge and seek refuge at Wudang. I only hope that your esteemed sect will not close its doors to guests."

“What do you mean by that, Master?” Song Yuanqiao said solemnly, “The gates of Wudang Mountain are always open to Nephew Gu. It is Wudang’s good fortune to have such a young talent visit us and even to have him discuss the Dao with the Demon Master.”

With such a clear promise of protection from Wudang, Abbess Miejue felt a great weight lifted from her heart, and her tense expression relaxed somewhat.

At this moment, Abbess Miejue seemed to have discovered something and suddenly looked in the direction of the locust tree to the side.

They discovered that Zhang Wuji had actually sat cross-legged again and begun his cultivation.

This diligent and hardworking attitude bears a striking resemblance to Gu Shaoan, who remains unseen inside the carriage.

Abbess Miejue's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly. For the first time, a genuine hint of appreciation flashed across her usually stern and harsh gaze as she looked at Zhang Wuji.

"That is truly commendable."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Songxi's face showed a complex expression. He gave a wry smile and whispered to Abbess Miejue, "Since Wuji learned of the strength that Junior Nephew Gu displayed on Bright Peak and was saved by Junior Nephew Gu's skillful hand, he now regards Junior Nephew Gu as a target to be caught up with. He has not dared to relax for a moment along the way, for fear of falling behind."

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Abbess Miejue was stunned.

His sharp gaze swept between Zhang Songxi and Zhang Wuji, who was meditating with his eyes closed in the distance. His voice rose slightly in astonishment, filled with disbelief, "Aren't you going to try to persuade him?"

Given Zhang Wuji's current strength, if Abbess Miejue were to go all out, he wouldn't even be able to withstand a single palm strike from her.

Given Abbess Miejue's current strength, if Gu Shaoan were to make a move, Abbess Miejue would be unable to withstand even a single palm strike from him.

Although it may seem that the only difference between the two is the Abbess Miejue, in reality, the gap between them is as huge as an insurmountable chasm.

In Abbess Miejue's eyes, this was nothing short of a pipe dream.

Zhang Songxi's wry smile deepened: "I tried to persuade him, but young people are impetuous and have their own aspirations; how can words easily sway them? Besides..."

He paused, looking at Zhang Wuji's young and resolute profile, and continued, "Having such a goal ahead may not be a bad thing; at least for Wuji now, it is beneficial and harmless."

Abbess Miejue remained silent.

She gazed at Zhang Wuji, who was focused on his cultivation under the locust tree, then glanced at Song Qingshu, who had walked far away and was talking to several Wudang disciples about something, and finally nodded.

"That's true. At least the improvement in strength brought about by the effort is ultimately one's own."

Just as the group was talking, two boys who looked to be about eleven or twelve years old suddenly ran out of the post station.

Each of them was also carrying a string of firecrackers.

After glancing at the teenagers and the firecrackers in their hands, Abbess Miejue and Song Yuanqiao were somewhat dazed.

Before we knew it, the end of the year was approaching.

Before long, as the two boys lit the first string of firecrackers, the sound of firecrackers crackling echoed all around.

However, as soon as the firecrackers went off, someone from the inn's staff rushed to the door.

"Hey! Whose kid is this? Aren't you going to keep an eye on him? There are guests outside! How can you set off firecrackers here?"

Upon hearing the sound, one of the two children lit the remaining string of firecrackers and then ran away into the distance.

This prompted the waiter to put his hands on his hips and shout loudly.

This scene made Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan burst into laughter.

However, just as everyone was feeling sentimental about the approaching New Year because of the sudden sound of firecrackers, a cold wind blew by and lifted the curtain inside the carriage.

The moment the cold wind blew into the carriage, Gu Shaoan, who was cultivating, suddenly froze and opened his eyes.

The next second, Gu Shaoan spoke as he circulated his true energy: "Something's wrong! Someone has poisoned us. Hold your breath."

As he spoke, Gu Shaoan gripped the Yitian Sword and instantly leaped out of the carriage. The moment he burst out, he lightly touched the horse's body with his toes and quickly reached the roof of the carriage.

The moment his gaze swept around, it locked onto the two strings of firecrackers on the ground, still emitting smoke.

At the same time, the moment they heard Gu Shaoan's voice, Abbess Miejue, Yang Yan, Zhou Zhiruo and the others all tensed up and held their breath.

As he stood up, he flashed in front of the two strings of firecrackers, struck out with his palm, and the wind from his palm sent the firecrackers, which were still emitting poisonous smoke, flying away.

Similarly, Song Yuanqiao and the others who had almost been attacked on Bright Peak also held their breath immediately.

One by one, they stood up, their expressions extremely solemn.

Just as everyone was on high alert, a thick cloud of smoke suddenly drifted from the dense forest behind the post station.

Seemingly sensing something was wrong, Song Yuanqiao and the others quickly turned around.

When they saw the thick smoke that resembled a dense fog, Song Yuanqiao and the others' expressions changed drastically.

"Wudang disciples, form the sword formation."

As soon as he finished speaking, all the Wudang disciples drew their swords and spread out in specific positions, standing close together.

Miejue, Song Yuanqiao, and the others stepped forward, and together with Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, they looked around warily.

Standing on the carriage, Gu Shaoan also pushed his internal energy to its limit the moment the smoke enveloped the surroundings.

The next second, a sharp whooshing sound suddenly entered Gu Shaoan's ears.

Upon hearing the sound, Gu Shaoan's expression hardened, and he lightly touched the ground with his toes, covering a distance of ten feet.

At the same time, a cold glint flashed through the thick smoke.

As his body hovered in the air, Gu Shaoan narrowed his eyes.

"This is... coming for me?"

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(End of this chapter)