In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 208 There will always be times when you feel that your life has been worthwhile.

Lunar New Year's eve.

It is auspicious for marriage, but inauspicious for burial.

The continuous mountain ranges are all covered with a thick, jade-like coat, layer upon layer, rising straight to the sky.

The heavy snow fell like a boundless white veil cascading down from the heavens, enveloping the sky, mountains, and ancient trees, leaving only a hazy, indistinct expanse as far as the eye could see.

The ethereal clouds and swirling snowflakes mingled and rolled, swirling and entwining around the majestic and precipitous peaks such as the Golden Summit, Thousand Buddha Summit, and Ten Thousand Buddha Summit, like a vast blank canvas painted by an immortal.

On the cliff, the ancient pines and bamboos, gnarled and verdant, were bent under the weight of the snow, yet still stubbornly stretched out specks of ink.

As the heavy snow falls, the usually solemn Mount Emei, besides being covered in white, also has a touch of festive red.

The disciples on the mountain had almost all changed into new clothes, and the sound of firecrackers could be heard from time to time from Da'e Mountain to Si'e Mountain.

Even on the back mountain of Mount Da'e, several courtyards have been decorated with couplets.

Extinction and Dustless sat in the pavilion, with black and white chess pieces on the table in the middle, besides the stove where tea was being brewed.

Yang Yan, Zhou Zhiruo, and Bei Jinyi were decorating the back mountain, some carrying red lanterns and others carrying red ribbons.

Zhao Jingxuan and Gu Shaoan stood in front of a table and wrote the character "福" (fortune/blessing).

A short while later, after Gu Shaoan finished writing another "福" (Fu, meaning good fortune) character, he handed it to Bei Jinyi, who was waiting nearby.

At this moment, Bei Jinyi, who had just received the red paper, suddenly spoke up: "I saw Junior Sister Mei go to the edge of the cliff alone earlier. She seemed a little downcast. Perhaps she misses her family. Junior Brother, you should go and see her! After all, Junior Sister Mei always listens to you the most."

Zhao Jingxuan, who was standing to the side, suddenly spoke up: "I will write the couplets and paper for the rest."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Senior Sister and Third Senior Sister."

Pei Jinyi responded gently, "There's no need for such formalities among family members."

Since Abbess Miejue returned to the Emei Sect five years ago with the Nine Yin Manual and the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, Miejue and the elders Juechen, Juejue, and others have devoted all their attention to cultivation.

The responsibility for all the ordinary matters, big and small, of the Emei Sect fell to Zhao Jingxuan and Bei Jinyi.

Over the years, Bei Jinyi and Zhao Jingxuan now have more fine lines around their eyes compared to when Gu Shaoan first entered Emei.

Although Bei Jinyi still gave off a gentle and approachable vibe, this was only when she was facing Gu Shaoan and his group in the back mountains of Mount Da'e.

Even when facing other disciples, Bei Jinyi exudes a certain sharpness.

Not to mention Zhao Jingxuan.

Aside from her appearance, she gave off the same feeling as Abbess Miejue when Gu Shaoan first joined the Emei Sect.

Her behavior and way of dealing with people are almost no different from Abbess Miejue's when she was young.

His gaze fell on the two of them, and Gu Shaoan suddenly sighed, "These past few years have been tough on Senior Sister and Fourth Senior Sister."

Hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Bei Jinyi was stunned, seemingly not understanding what Gu Shaoan meant.

Even Zhao Jingxuan's hand holding the brush paused for a moment.

The next second, Zhao Jingxuan, having regained her senses, focused her gaze back on the couplet in front of her.

"If we're talking about merits, we should be the ones thanking you."

Upon hearing this, Bei Jinyi nodded gently and looked at Gu Shaoan with a warm expression, saying, "My senior sister and I usually only handle trivial matters within the sect. Even other elders, junior sister Zhiruo, and junior sister Yan'er can handle these matters for us."

"As for Junior Brother, he's already able to protect the Emei Sect from the wind and rain."

It seems that he felt the topic he brought up was a bit heavy and not suitable for today's Lunar New Year's Eve.

Gu Shaoan smiled and changed the subject, saying, "When I returned to the mountain earlier, I brewed several jars of medicinal wine. I'll have a few more drinks with my senior sister and third senior sister tonight."

Zhao Jingxuan's brush moved with great force, and she made an "hmm" sound from her nose.

Bei Jinyi smiled and said, "Then I'll have to try the wine that Junior Brother brews."

After chatting and laughing for a few minutes, Gu Shaoan took a step forward and his figure disappeared into the courtyard in an instant.

In response, Bei Jinyi couldn't help but exclaim, "Junior Brother's strength is becoming increasingly profound."

Zhao Jingxuan said calmly, "That's a good thing."

Upon hearing this, Bei Jinyi was taken aback for a moment, then sincerely replied, "Yes! It's definitely a good thing to have a junior brother in Emei."

In the distance, Abbess Juechen, who was playing chess in the pavilion, had a gentle smile on her lips.

“Jingxuan is becoming more and more like you, Senior Sister.”

Abbess Miejue shook her head and said, "This child is better than I was when I was young. At least he is not trapped by hatred in his heart."

Abbess Juechen smiled and said, "Hasn't the sect leader also stepped forward now?"

Abbess Miejue raised her eyes slightly, paused for a moment, and then chuckled, "That's right. Although it wasn't easy, we still made it through."

Upon hearing Abbess Miejue's words, Abbess Juechen's smile deepened.

He turned his head and glanced around the back mountain, his tone tinged with a hint of melancholy and sigh, "I really hope that the days to come can be like this."

Abbess Miejue didn't speak, but she placed the chess pieces on the board with slightly louder voices.

At the same time, Abbess Miejue's voice, though not heavy, rang out slowly, filled with anticipation and determination.

"Will!"

On the edge of the cliff.

The cold wind is biting.

If the wind in other parts of the back mountain is just howling, then...

The biting wind from the cliff edge swept fiercely into the back mountain from the open space in front, carrying a chilling cold.

The cold wind made Mei Jiangxue's light blue and white outfit and fur coat whistle loudly.

Looking at the snow-covered mountains in the distance, Mei Jiangxue couldn't help but recall the New Year's Eve she had spent in the Meishan family.

Memories that I didn't pay much attention to in the past are becoming increasingly clear for some reason.

"It's cold and snowy, aren't you wearing enough?"

Just then, Gu Shaoan's gentle voice suddenly rang out.
Upon hearing the sound, Mei Jiangxue quickly turned her head to look.

Gu Shaoan slowly approached from behind.

The surrounding mountain winds also made Gu Shaoan's clothes rustle loudly.

However, Gu Shaoan's steps were light and leisurely, and the fluffy snow under his feet did not drop any lower than the ground.

"Senior Brother"

Upon seeing Gu Shaoan, Mei Jiangxue's expression softened instantly.

When he reached Mei Jiangxue, he raised his hand and handed her a bottle of elixir.

Mei Jiangxue was not wary of Gu Shaoan at all.

This trust might have originated when she personally beheaded the members of the Four Seas Hall and the Giant Sword Sect with the Heaven-Slaying Sword. Or perhaps it originated when Gu Shaoan comforted her by the campfire on that dark night.

After instinctively taking the pills from Gu Shaoan, Mei Jiangxue asked curiously, "What's in here?"

Gu Shaoan replied softly, "The Meridian Nourishing Pill has the effect of nourishing the meridians to prevent hidden injuries."

Mei Jiangxue tilted her head and said, "I haven't heard Senior Sister Zhiruo and Senior Sister Yang mention it before."

Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "I only made this after my medical skills improved. You have just entered the Emei Nine Yang True Scripture and have not yet converted all your internal energy into Nine Yang internal energy. Your meridians are under too much strain during your daily practice."

Upon hearing this, Mei Jiangxue knew perfectly well that the elixir had been specially made for her by Gu Shaoan.

"Thank you, senior brother."

Gu Shaoan said softly, "Just don't blame me from now on."

Mei Jiangxue asked, puzzled, "Why would Senior Brother say that?"

Gu Shaoan laughed and said, "I am the young master of the Emei Sect. You should improve your strength as soon as possible so that I can use you as a beast of burden and help you carry forward the Emei Sect."

Upon hearing this, Mei Jiangxue was taken aback for a moment before replying, "Jiangxue is now a disciple of the Emei Sect, and it is naturally Jiangxue's responsibility to glorify Emei in the future."

Seeing Mei Jiangxue's serious expression, Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "Then you'd better work hard."

Although Mei Jiangxue was quite talented, she started learning late.

He is now fourteen years old, and the progress of opening up the eight extraordinary meridians in his body is less than one-third.

Even with the Bodhi Exquisite Pill, it would still take at least six or seven years to reach the Post-Innate Realm.

Even compared to Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, the gap is not small.

Mei Jiangxue nodded emphatically and said, "I will."

Seeing Mei Jiangxue's resolute expression, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but reach out and pat her head.

That's why many people in the martial arts world become devoted to someone after their families are destroyed.

They are indeed easy to coax.

In the evening, Bei Jinyi and Zhou Zhiruo had carefully hung dozens of lanterns around the pavilion on the back mountain. The warm glow tinged the swirling snowflakes with a warm hue and illuminated the inside and outside of the pavilion as bright as day, dispelling the cold and desolation of the mountain peak in the twelfth lunar month.

Inside the pavilion, Abbess Miejue took a sip of hot tea, first asking Zhao Jingxuan and Bei Jinyi a few questions about the sect affairs they had been handling recently, and then looked at Gu Shaoan.

Are you planning to go down the mountain next?

Gu Shaoan shook his head: "In the time to come, I will stay on the mountain and strive to get the 'Emei Nine Yang True Scripture' to the seventh level of perfection as soon as possible."

Abbess Miejue's eyes showed approval: "That's very good."

“Master Zhang once said that with your current skill foundation, once you enter the stage of Condensing Yuan and Forming Gang, relying on the power of the Sword Nine in the Emei Sword Scripture, as long as your Dao Heart Demon Seed Great Method has not reached the state of perfection, you will never dare to easily take it head-on.”

"As your teacher, I have never doubted your talent and comprehension. With this year of quiet cultivation, a breakthrough should not be difficult."

She paused, her voice steady and resolute, "If you encounter a bottleneck, there's no need to force it. At worst, you can go to the Wudang Sect."

Gu Shaoan chuckled upon hearing this, his eyes filled with composure for the future and gratitude for his master's care: "Master, rest assured! Gu Santong will arrive at Emei soon. Even if something unexpected happens then, I don't think there will be any problems."

Abbess Miejue nodded in acknowledgment and said no more.

As night deepened, the snowfall lessened.

In one corner of the pavilion, a small red clay stove is burning brightly.

Zhou Zhiruo and Mei Jiangxue gathered around another small charcoal stove, where the meat skewers on the stove sizzled and emitted a fragrant aroma.

While skillfully flipping the meat skewers, Zhou Zhiruo patiently explained to Mei Jiangxue beside her the importance of controlling the heat and the timing of brushing on the sauce.

The firelight made their faces slightly red.

Mei Jiangxue opened her eyes wide, nodding from time to time, and somewhat awkwardly grilled meat skewers according to Zhou Zhiruo's teaching, with a curious smile on her face.

The gloom of that afternoon by the cliff has long since dissipated, merging into this warm and cozy atmosphere.

The gloom in my heart was gradually soothed by the influence of the people around me.

Yang Yan, having drunk a few extra cups of the warm medicinal wine, now had a flushed face and was squatting motionless beside the stove, eager to try it out.

The wind and snow were blocked by the eaves of the pavilion, the fire in the stove was warm, laughter and chatter filled the air, and the aroma of wine and roasted meat mingled and permeated the snow-covered mountaintop pavilion.

Just then, from the direction of the distant mountain road, several clusters of brilliant fireworks suddenly broke through the snow curtain and bloomed in the deep night sky, instantly illuminating the night sky of Emei Mountain and making the white snowflakes colorful, which also attracted the attention of others on the back mountain.

The colorful lights of the fireworks illuminated the faces of the people in the back hills.

After glancing at the faces of the people around him, Gu Shaoan looked up at the blooming fireworks amidst the falling snowflakes, and the smile on his lips lingered.

Everyone has desires in life.

For Gu Shaoan, fame and fortune were too much trouble.

For Gu Shaoan now, selfishness is too much.

I cannot do what Guo Jingming did a hundred years ago, serving the country and its people.

Gu Shaoan's goal now is very simple.

Those who uphold their vows will enjoy the peace they are capable of enjoying.

Once the first two conditions are met, it's not too late to talk about dressing up in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse, and then aiming for the pinnacle of martial arts.

If a man cannot even protect what he cares about, what use is it if he gains invincible strength?
It was also while Gu Shaoan was being dragged by Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo to set off fireworks that Abbess Juechen transmitted her voice to Abbess Miejue, saying, "Senior Sister, didn't you say that you had persuaded Master Zhang to secretly stay at Emei after the two-year term expires to guard against any accidents? Why didn't you tell Shaoan about this?"

After glancing at Gu Shaoan, Abbess Miejue replied, "This is also what I agreed upon with Master Zhang. The matter of Pang Ban is indeed dangerous, but crisis always involves both danger and opportunity."

"A strong person is strong not only because of their talent, but also because of their belief and invincible mindset. If Shaoan can solve Pang Ban's problem on his own, it will be more beneficial to Shaoan's mindset and his future martial arts path will be smoother. Master Zhang can only be considered as an insurance policy."

"Moreover, you are aware of the situation of the Wudang Sect. If he could stay out of it, that would be the best outcome."

Parents who love their children plan far ahead for their children.

Are teachers any different?
From the moment she decided to go to the Wudang Sect with Gu Shaoan, Abbess Miejue had already made up her mind.

Even if it means giving up the self-esteem and face that they once tried so hard to protect, they are willing to do it.

After understanding why Miejue didn't bring up the matter, Abbess Juechen couldn't help but sigh, "Senior Sister, you are so thoughtful. It's no wonder that Shao'an always thinks of Emei and you, Senior Sister, in everything he does."

Abbess Miejue laughed and said, "You mean Shao'an doesn't think about you usually? Didn't he bring back a personal disciple for Juejue this time?"

The nun replied frankly, "Shao'an is indeed impeccable in every way."

As they spoke, the three of them shifted their gaze to the outside of the pavilion, fixing it on Gu Shaoan and the others.

Nine out of ten times when life is unsatisfactory.

But there will always be times when you feel that your life has been worthwhile.

In the eyes of Extinction, Dustless, and Insulation at this moment.

As far as the eye can see, this mountain, this scenery, and these people are enough to comfort them after a lifetime of wasted time.

　This chapter serves as a brief summary of the previous plot points. I've been writing it since last night, revising and editing it countless times! Although it's just a casual chapter, I hope you're satisfied!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)