In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 209 The master leads you in, but cultivation depends on yourself.

On February , the dragon looked up.

The rugged rocky skeletons and the patches of lush greenery beneath them have already been revealed among the mountains.

Although the chill lingered, the wind had quietly shifted direction. It was no longer a biting north wind, but a smooth and moist east wind, carrying a hint of rising tide from the rivers and seas, gently caressing the pine needles and bamboo groves that had just shaken off the snow.

On the silent branches, some resilient wild grasses or hardy vines have already poked out their stubborn tender green shoots at the edge covered by a thin layer of snow.

In the bamboo forest behind the mountain, Gu Shaoan stood in a clearing, his eyes slightly closed, his figure as upright as bamboo, yet without the slightest hint of sharpness.

At this moment, Gu Shaoan's palms moved like flowers and willows, or like clouds gathering and dispersing, lightly and casually wielding their brushes within a small space.

The palm wind swept across the room, without any fierce force or sharp cutting through the air, but rather a harmonious, unpredictable, and abundant aura quietly spread out.

As Gu Shaoan's palms flew, it seemed as if invisible energy was surrounding him.

Under the influence of these energies, the emerald green bamboo leaves in the bamboo forest were no longer rootless duckweed, but were gathered around Gu Shaoan by the energy around him, flowing and swirling in the air with subtle changes in his palm.

Sometimes they coalesce into a majestic and imposing blue python, twisting and turning nimbly, stirring up invisible air currents.

Sometimes it would suddenly collapse, and then quickly condense into an even more magnificent and majestic azure dragon.

With its head held high and tail swaying, the dragon stirred up the wind and clouds, and a majestic dragon aura that transcended the mortal world arose spontaneously. It was as if a trace of the spirit of a dragon rising from its slumber was summoned by this palm intent and attached to these bamboo leaves.

Within a five-zhang radius around Gu Shaoan, everything seemed to have become a special domain extended from Gu Shaoan's palm intent.

At the top of the bamboo shoots, Abbess Miejue, Juechen, Juejue, Zhou Zhiruo, and the others held their breath and watched the figure in the open space.

His eyes flickered.

Mei Jiangxue, especially, who was standing next to Abbess Wujue, looked even more surprised.

Looking at the azure dragons swimming around Gu Shaoan like living creatures, she couldn't help but turn her head to look at Abbess Wujue, who was gently supporting her arm and helping her stabilize her body.

Sensing the girl's gaze, the Abbess of Insulation's gentle and mellow true essence slightly diffused, forming an invisible aura to block out the wind noise.

"What's wrong? Is there something you don't understand?"

As Abbess Wujue spoke, Mei Jiangxue asked with a puzzled look, "I heard from Senior Sister Zhiruo and Senior Sister Yang that the essence of my Emei Golden Summit Cotton Palm lies in 'cotton' and 'hardness.' When it is cotton, it should be like the wind blowing through the pines in the valleys, leaving no trace, gentle and unparalleled. When it is hard, it should be like the cold moon hanging obliquely over the river, with an overwhelming and unstoppable force."

"But when I observe my senior brother's Golden Summit Cotton Palm, it is indeed ethereal and otherworldly, as if a celestial being in the clouds, untouched by worldly affairs, is caressing dragons and snakes. It is completely different from the Golden Summit Cotton Palm used by me and my senior sister."

In response to Mei Jiangxue's question, Abbess Juejue said, "Most martial arts in the world are divided into two levels: form and intent. The higher the level of mastery, the stronger the power. However, Shao'an's mastery of the Golden Summit Cotton Palm has already surpassed the limit of form."

"The ultimate form is the realm of 'roundness and perfection,' while the pinnacle of intention is the level of 'momentum.'"

"And Shao'an's Golden Top Cotton Palm has reached the 'domain' after 'momentum'."

“Domain?” Mei Jiangxue murmured the unfamiliar word, her doubts growing rather than diminishing.

The Abbess nodded. "That's right. Once martial arts reach this level, it can be said that one has reached a state of divine mastery, where one's qi moves at will and objects change with one's mind."

"You feel that Shaoan's every move has a kind of ethereal and otherworldly feeling because the 'Immortal Touching the Head' move in Shaoan's 'Golden Top Cotton Palm' has reached the level of 'Domain', thus promoting the changes in 'Golden Top Cotton Palm'."

"Now, his mastery of the Golden Top Cotton Palm has surpassed that of Guo Xiang, the master who created the Golden Top Cotton Palm."

"Strictly speaking, in Shao'an's hands, the Golden Top Cotton Palm had already become a new martial art."

As she spoke, the abbess looked down at Gu Shaoan in the open space below.

Looking at the azure dragon formed from bamboo leaves around Gu Shaoan, and feeling its agility and grace as if it were truly alive as it moved, even Abbess Wujue couldn't help but marvel.

Over the past few months, almost every time Gu Shaoan entered the bamboo forest, the others would also enter the bamboo forest to observe from a distance.

Through constant observation and comparison, not only Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, but also Miejue, Juechen, and Juejue have made great progress in the Golden Summit Cotton Palm.

Under Gu Shaoan's conscious guidance, the three of them have successfully entered the "smooth and perfect" level of "Golden Top Cotton Palm".

It was precisely because of the three women's improved mastery of "Golden Top Cotton Palm" that they were able to clearly feel the vast difference between their version of "Golden Top Cotton Palm" and Gu Shaoan's version of "Golden Top Cotton Palm".

"So, beyond the 'round and smooth' concept, there's a distinction between 'potential' and 'domain.' Why have I never heard of this before?"

Hearing Mei Jiangxue's murmurs, Abbess Zhuojue found it amusing.

Although the Meishan family is also a second-rate power, in terms of true foundation, it is not necessarily stronger than the Emei Sect.

Even Abbess Miejue, Juechen, and Juejue all learned about the domain of "power" through Zhang Sanfeng of the Wudang School.

How can ordinary martial artists learn about these things?
After thinking for a moment, Abbess Wujue looked at Mei Jiangxue and said, "If you encounter any problems in your cultivation that you can't figure out, remember to ask your senior sister and your master as soon as possible. Don't spend too much time studying on your own."

Upon hearing this, Mei Jiangxue looked at Abbess Juezhu with a puzzled expression and said, "But in the path of martial arts, isn't it said that the master leads you through the door, and the cultivation depends on the individual?"

Upon hearing this, Abbess Wujue looked at Mei Jiangxue strangely: "Who taught you to say that?"

Mei Jiangxue stuck out her tongue and said, "This is what I heard from the disciples of the Meishan family before."

Upon seeing this, Abbess Wujue explained, "The so-called 'the master leads you through the door, but the cultivation depends on yourself' is just a bunch of nonsense from those guys in the martial arts world who take in disciples but want to be hands-off managers."

"For a sect, the most precious thing is the inheritance within the sect."

"Inheritance includes not only the martial arts within the sect, but also the cultivation experience of various martial arts and insights into martial arts."

"These are all valuable experiences summarized by countless predecessors through their own lives and experiences."

"Why do disciples from various sects progress in cultivation far faster than independent cultivators in the martial world? It's because of their valuable experience."

“A casual remark could be something that an ordinary rogue cultivator would need to spend years or even decades to figure out.”

"Unless your strength and martial arts skills have reached a level where no one in the world can guide you anymore."

"Otherwise, the best way is to seek guidance from experienced masters in the martial arts world, rather than trying to figure things out on your own behind closed doors."

"This is why many martial artists in the martial arts world want to challenge masters everywhere after they encounter a bottleneck."

Mei Jiangxue nodded and said, "This disciple has remembered."

Seeing this, the nun withdrew her gaze and continued to look at the arena.

In the bamboo forest clearing, at this moment, as Gu Shaoan covered a five-zhang radius around him with the power of "Immortal Touching the Head," his own true essence was being consumed at an extremely terrifying rate.

It wasn't until an incense stick had burned that Gu Shaoan felt his true energy was completely depleted.

With his true essence completely depleted, amidst the falling leaves, Gu Shaoan swallowed a pill and activated his own original true essence, guiding it to cultivate according to the cultivation path of the "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture".

At the top of the bamboo shoots, Abbess Miejue, Juechen, Juejue, along with Zhou Zhiruo, Mei Jiangxue, and others, seeing that Gu Shaoan had entered a meditative state, knew it was not advisable to disturb him at this moment. They all used their lightness skills, their figures drifting silently away like a breeze passing through the bamboo sea.

However, the group had only just left the bamboo forest and had not gone far.

A figure quickly approached from the entrance to the back mountain.

Abbess Miejue and the others looked up and saw Bei Jinyi using her lightness skill to swiftly approach.

When she moved in front of the group of people, Bei Jinyi respectfully said, "Master, a couple in their fifties have come to the mountain gate. They say they are old friends of Junior Brother and have come at your invitation."

Abbess Miejue raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, her mind flashing back to what Gu Shaoan had mentioned to them when he returned to Emei.

Then, considering Pei Jinyi's description of the two people, how could she not know the identity of the visitors?

Considering Gu Santong's identity and Zhu Wushi's situation, Abbess Miejue pondered for a moment before saying, "Please invite them to the back mountain."

"Yes, Master."

Bei Jinyi responded without hesitation, turning and rushing towards the mountain gate. After Bei Jinyi left, Abbess Juechen turned to Abbess Miejue and asked, "Should we go and inform Shao'an?"

A moment later, the entrance to the back mountain appeared.

Gu Santong and Su Xin, who still looked the same as they had when they changed their appearance a few months ago, entered the back mountain.

Before long, the group arrived at the pavilion on the back hill.

As he got closer, Gu Santong seemed to take a liking to the group of people in the pavilion, his gaze sweeping over Abbess Miejue and the others.

When his gaze fell upon Zhou Zhiruo, Yang Yan, and Mei Jiangxue, Gu Santong couldn't help but mutter, "This Emei Sect is really strange. That kid is not very old, but he has already reached the Qi Condensation Realm. How come there are three such beautiful girls in the sect?"

As she muttered to herself, Bei Jinyi had already brought Gu Santong to the front of Miejue and the others.

"Master!"

After bowing, Pei Kam-yee stood to the side.

After glancing at Gu Santong and the others, Abbess Miejue said, "This humble nun, Miejue, greets Your Excellency."

Seeing that Abbess Miejue had spoken up, Gu Santong instinctively raised his hand to give a casual response.

But the next second, Su Xin's gaze fell on Gu Santong.

Remembering Su Xin's instructions to him before arriving at the Emei Sect, Gu Santong coughed lightly and then replied formally, "Gu Santong greets Master."

After Gu Santong spoke, Su Xin, who was standing to the side, also bowed.

After a brief greeting, Abbess Miejue stepped aside and ushered Gu Santong and his companions into the pavilion.

Mei Jiangxue stepped forward and handed the freshly brewed tea to Gu Santong and Su Xin.

"Senior Gu, Sister Suxin, please have some tea."

Upon hearing Mei Jiangxue's voice, Su Xin stared at Mei Jiangxue in astonishment.

"Are you Jiang Xue?"

Mei Jiangxue smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

After Su Xin and Mei Jiangxue chatted for a few moments, Gu Santong asked, "Where's that kid? How come he didn't come out even though he knew I was here? Could he be out of Emei?"

Before Mei Jiangxue could respond, a gentle voice suddenly entered the pavilion.

"I was cultivating just now and was unable to greet you from afar. I hope you will forgive me, senior."

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Santong quickly raised his head.

The next second, a figure soared into the sky above the bamboo forest like a dragon, and in just three breaths, it had already covered a distance of more than twenty feet and appeared in the pavilion.

Looking at Gu Shaoan, who was dressed in a golden and white robe and had a handsome face, she saw him in front of her.

Gu Santong pondered for a few moments, then closed his eyes, rubbed them with his hands, and opened them again.

When his gaze returned to Gu Shaoan, Gu Santong's expression immediately turned strange.

Seeing Gu Shaoan arrive, Abbess Miejue pondered for a moment and then said, "Shaoan, since you're here, please treat this distinguished guest well."

Although the real culprit behind the incident on the shore of Taihu Lake was not Gu Santong.

But some things, in the end, originated from the ancient three passages.

Given that they weren't very familiar with each other, it would be more appropriate for Gu Shaoan to entertain Gu Santong alone rather than having the rest of them there.

Gu Shaoan could roughly guess what Abbess Miejue was thinking, and then nodded slightly to indicate, "Disciple understands!"

Upon hearing this, Abbess Miejue, after exchanging a glance with Gu Santong and Su Xin, turned and left with Juechen, Juejue, and Zhou Zhiruo.

Gu Shaoan was left alone in the pavilion.

As Miejue and the others got up, Gu Santong was also pulled up by Su Xin.

Before leaving, Abbess Miejue and the others couldn't help but glance at Su Xin with some surprise, as Gu Santong seemed to be under Su Xin's control in every move.

After Abbess Miejue and the others left, Gu Santong turned to look at Gu Shaoan.

"You little rascal, you haven't disguised yourself yet, have you?"

In response to Gu Santong's question, Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "This place is the Emei Sect, and also my home. If you were to return home, would you still need to disguise yourself?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Santong stood up and circled around Gu Shaoan.

His gaze then fell on Gu Shaoan's face.

After looking at it for a moment, Gu Santong stroked his chin.

"That doesn't make sense!"

"At this age, it's already rare to see someone whose internal energy cultivation has reached the level of Qi Condensation and Yuan Formation. Even their appearance is comparable to mine when I was young."

Thinking back to Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, whose beauty surpassed even that of Su Xin, Gu Santong's eyelids twitched.

"Why does it seem like all the good things have happened to you?"

Gu Shaoan seemed to have long been accustomed to Gu Santong's childlike behavior and was not surprised.

After Gu Santong sat down, Gu Shaoan asked, "Judging from your calm and composed expressions, Senior and Miss Suxin, you must have already found Cheng Shifei. Why didn't you bring him with you today?"

Gu Santong said casually, "That brat has picked up a lot of bad habits over the years, so Su Xin and I discussed it and decided to send him to a friend of mine to temper his character."

"Otherwise, my life would probably be ruined."

Gu Shaoan laughed and said, "Your family has just been reunited, and you're already sending them away, senior?"

When this issue was brought up, Gu Santong said helplessly, "Even if we are reluctant, there is nothing we can do. Although that brat's character is still alright, he can't read a single word. If we don't take care of him now, his life will probably be ruined."

Finally, Gu Santong pointed to Su Xin beside him and said, "This was also Su Xin's consent and initiative."

"After a few years, once that kid's bad habits are corrected, I'll bring him back and personally teach him martial arts."

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "Alright!"

Spoiling a child is like killing him.

If it is known that Cheng Shifei has problems but they are not corrected in time, it will only harm Cheng Shifei.

Gu Santong and Su Xin did not do anything wrong in this respect.

After a brief reminiscing, Gu Santong looked at Gu Shaoan and said, "Kid, I didn't have the chance before when I was out there, but now that I've settled down, there's something I've been keeping to myself for a long time."

Gu Shaoan raised an eyebrow and said, "Senior, do you want to make a move?"

Gu Santong chuckled and said, "We've been sworn brothers for life, yet you still don't know your true strength. How about it? Do you dare?"

Looking at the engrossed Gu Santong in front of him, Gu Shaoan chuckled to himself.

After thinking for a moment, Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "Alright, I was just thinking of having you help me try out some moves."

(End of this chapter)