In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 219 As expected, love can fade away.

In September, the cicadas chirped noisily.

The news that the Emei Sect had challenged the Demon Master Pang Ban to a duel at the Golden Summit was like a bucket of ice water poured into a boiling oil pan, causing the entire martial arts world of the Great Wei Kingdom to boil over.

Everyone who hears this, whether they are in a teahouse, a tavern, a prestigious family, or a bandit stronghold, will first pick their ears in disbelief.

Some people who knew the name of the Demon Master Pang Ban thought the Emei Sect had gone mad.

Those who had never heard of the Demon Master Pang Ban before, after learning about his deeds and strength, also felt that the Emei Sect had gone mad.

For a time, the topic of the Emei Sect provoking the Demon Master Pang Ban became the hottest topic in the martial arts world for the past two months.

However, there was more mockery and disdain for the Emei Sect's actions.

Da'e Back Mountain.

As autumn deepens, the bamboo forest surges like waves.

The dense, emerald-green bamboo shadows swayed in the golden sunlight, and the wind rustled through the forest, creating a series of soft, rustling sounds.

Gu Shao was nestled deep within this tranquil bamboo forest, his eyes gently closed, his aura serene and undisturbed. Only his golden-white robe fluttered in the wind, seemingly blending seamlessly with the swaying bamboo grove and the gentle mountain breeze.

A few moments.

A wind, even more turbulent than before, suddenly swept into the bamboo forest.

In an instant, the entire bamboo forest resembled an enraged giant beast, with thousands of emerald bamboos swaying violently.

The thick bamboo stalks creaked and groaned, and the withered yellow and still green bamboo leaves were mercilessly stripped from the branches by the gale, turning into a golden torrent that blotted out the sky, sweeping and spinning wildly!
Right at the center of this chaotic vortex of wind and leaves, Gu Shaoan's originally calm inner energy suddenly began to rotate!

It was not violent, but rather a more subtle and powerful force field that spread out silently.

The originally chaotic and wild wind and the falling leaves seemed to be caught by an invisible and huge net that also had a strange resilience.

The howling wind was mostly silenced, leaving only a low hum.

The wild bamboo leaves were no longer the enemy, but rather like a stream that had been tamed in an instant, being pulled by a gentle yet irresistible force.

As if paying homage to a monarch, it slowly and orderly swirled and flowed around Gu Shaoan in the space of about ten feet around him.

Sunlight filtered through layers of leaves, casting dappled, dancing light spots on Gu Shaoan's golden-white Taoist robe. He stood alone in the eye of the storm, his robes flowing like still water, while around him was a breathtaking torrent of leaves. The contrast between stillness and movement was incredibly striking.

Suddenly!

Gu Shaoan's eyes were not open, but when his internal energy reached its peak, his body moved like a rhythmic wind.

Before long, streaks of shadow had filled the clearing in the bamboo forest.

Old shadows occasionally drift away with the wind, only to be replaced by new ones in an instant.

Gu Shaoan's true form had already been concealed within his ghostly speed, making him difficult to detect.

Even more astonishing is that dozens of colorful ribbons formed from emerald green bamboo leaves slowly flow in the air above this open space.

One, two, or even more ribbons of vibrant green leaves, tightly bound together and dancing gracefully!

These colorful ribbons, composed of millions of bamboo leaves, are no longer simply encircling each other, but seem to be infused with a special spirituality.

Some flew by like a gust of wind, as fast as a shooting star, while others seemed like a babbling brook, slowly soaring through the air.

A moment later, as the internal energy within Gu Shaoan vibrated, a surge of energy suddenly erupted from his body.

The colorful ribbons that had seemed to move in an orderly fashion in mid-air were scattered by this burst of air, filling the entire area where the open space was located.

At the same time, Gu Shaoan pointed out with his right hand, fingers pointing out like a sword, the instant he stopped and reached the other side.

It is the eighth move of the Emei Sword Manual – “Startling Wind”!
The next instant, a dense, chilling tearing sound rang out in the air, and invisible wind blades seemed to appear out of thin air, mercilessly cutting and shredding the bamboo leaves that were swept into the air like flying snow.

Just as the bamboo leaves around him were shredded by these wind blades, Gu Shaoan's finger touched a bamboo leaf.

The bamboo leaves, still carrying the momentum of "falling," turned into powder silently the moment they were touched by Gu Shaoan's fingertips.

The previously noisy wind suddenly subsided as the powder scattered.

However, in the next second, a leaf swayed left and right in the air and slowly fell, almost brushing against Gu Shaoan's face, until it landed on Gu Shaoan's shoe.

Gu Shaoan slowly withdrew his hand, his gaze falling on the bamboo leaf on the shoe, and he sighed softly.

It may seem like just one leaf slipping through hundreds or thousands of bamboo leaves, but a small mistake can have far-reaching consequences.

This single bamboo leaf has halted Gu Shaoan's progress for a full two months.

"It has been five months, and we still haven't been able to get this move to the 'domain' level."

In Gu Shaoan's "Emei Sword Manual", starting from the fifth sword technique, it is already able to involve the power of heaven and earth.

It is also because of the special nature of these sword moves that, in order to master the four sword moves from Sword Five to Sword Eight in the "Emei Sword Manual" to the level of "transforming the domain with intention".

Its difficulty far exceeds that of the "Golden Top Cotton Palm".

This also meant that even though Gu Shaoan already possessed a martial art that had reached the level of "transforming the domain with intention," he still couldn't take the final step and touch upon the "transforming the domain with intention" level with these four moves.

As for Sword Nine - One Sword Across Worlds, it's as if it's been bound, making it completely difficult to improve.

Gu Shaoan knew that the martial arts he had seen so far were still far too few.

Previously, one could improve by relying on the proficiency panel or the "enlightenment" attribute and practicing behind closed doors.

However, given Gu Shaoan's current strength and martial arts skills, if he wants to advance further, he needs more martial arts experience and insights.

"It seems that once this matter is over and the Emei Sect returns to the ranks of first-class forces, it will need to undergo some serious training."

With that thought in mind, Gu Shaoan closed his eyes again.

Capital
Inside the Dragon Guardian Manor.

Shangguan Haitang stood inside the main hall, her slender fingers holding a piece of paper.

Her gaze swept over the nearly one hundred tiny characters on the note before turning to Duan Tianya and Gui Haiyidao standing opposite her.

"Are you sure this news is true?"

Seeing Shangguan Haitang's puzzled expression, Duan Tianya sighed and said, "I have verified the news. It was indeed sent back to the manor by people from Jiading Prefecture."

"In addition, other informants near the Emei Sect have also reported the same information, so it should be correct."

"Clearly courting death!" Gui Haiyi's cold, undisguised mockery suddenly rang out from the side.

If it were any other day, and Guihai Yidao had spoken like this, Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang might have been unable to resist refuting him.

But today, neither Duan Tianya nor Shangguan Haitang could refute what Guihai Yidao said.

Who is the Demon Master Pang Ban?

Even their adoptive father, the Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi, a master who has been famous for decades, wouldn't dare say he was certain of victory against the Demon Master Pang Ban, let alone ordinary people.

Even the top-tier forces in the martial arts world have to be careful when facing the Demon Master Palace and Pang Ban.

After all, the Demon Master Pang Ban is no good person.

The title of "Demon Master" was earned by Pang Ban through years of hard work and battles.

But now, the Emei Sect, a second-rate force, dares to provoke them, even threatening to set up a fighting arena in the Emei Sect and wait for Pang Ban to come.

No matter who it is, everyone will think that the Emei Sect is courting death.

Shangguan Haitang frowned and said, "Judging from past information, although Abbess Miejue is domineering, she is not a brainless person."

"She couldn't possibly not know who Pang Ban is. Why would she do something so stupid for no reason?" Shangguan Haitang instinctively felt that something was wrong.

But no matter how hard Shangguan Haitang thought about it, she couldn't come up with a reasonable explanation.

A moment later, Shangguan Haitang's brows were filled with seriousness.

"This is a bit troublesome."

at the same time.

Jiading Prefecture.

The streets were bustling with traffic and people.

Zhou Zhiruo, Yang Yan, and Mei Jiangxue walked out of a pharmacy.

Although the three were still dressed in light blue and white outfits, they all wore bamboo hats and their shoulders and above were covered by white veils.

The three of them were still carrying the medicinal herbs they had just wrapped up.

After all the medicinal herbs were packed into the bundle, Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan led the way, and the three of them turned into a relatively quiet side street and headed straight for a time-honored restaurant called "Yuelaiju".

Although this restaurant is not top-tier luxury, it has an elegant and quiet environment, authentic dishes, and reasonable prices. In addition, its secluded location makes it a popular spot for people from all walks of life to stop by or discuss business.

Three burly men were sitting at a table by the window on the second floor.

Judging from his attire, he seemed to be a guard for a long-distance escort agency or a large merchant company. He was drinking a few braised meat dishes with strong liquor, and his face was flushed and his voice was getting louder and louder.

A man with a full beard spoke up: "Have you heard? The Emei Sect is actually going to set up a arena on Mount Emei to challenge the Demon Master Pang Ban?"

"Hey! Everyone in the martial arts world knows about this now, it's all over the news!" A lean man next to him took a swig of wine and grinned so hard he almost fell over. "Has the Emei Sect gone mad? Don't they know who they're dealing with? Aren't they afraid that the Demon Master Pang Ban will actually come to Emei and slaughter the entire sect?"

The lean man scoffed, "Pshaw! I think those nuns have gone mad from practicing martial arts. Do they really think that Demon Master Pang Ban is someone their Emei Sect can mess with?"

At this moment, another man with a pointed mouth and monkey-like face spoke up: "I don't know what's going on with Pang Ban, but I've heard that on the first day of the tenth month, the Beggars' Clan, along with more than a dozen other sects including the Evil Sect, were preparing to go to the Emei Sect. It's said that the Emei Sect stole their Beggars' Clan's signature martial art, the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms, and they want the Emei Sect to return it."

The bearded man paused for a moment, then looked enlightened and said, "Oh right, I remember now. I think I heard someone say that the disciple of the Emei Sect's leader, Miejue, whose name was something like Gu Shaoan, used the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms on Bright Peak."

The sallow-faced man laughed and said, "Those beggars from the Beggars' Sect are ruthless enough. They're going to join forces with other sects to go up the mountain to collect debts on the first day of the tenth month! The Evil Sect and the Sea Sand Gang are not easy to deal with. The Emei Sect is going to have a good time. They'll get beaten up on the first day of the tenth month and die on the third."

The lean man scoffed, "So what? A bunch of women, what's the point of practicing martial arts? In my opinion, instead of staying on that mountain every day, they'd be better off finding someone to marry and have children with."

The sallow-faced man beside him seemed to have thought of something and smiled cryptically, saying, "I've heard that among the younger generation of the Emei Sect, there are two disciples who are as beautiful as celestial beings. Tell me, if the Emei Sect really disbands, what will happen to those two disciples?"

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh."

However, before the man could finish speaking, three whooshing sounds suddenly rang out from the side, leaving a scratch on the mouths of the three men, accompanied by drops of blood.

The next second, a cold voice suddenly entered the ears of the three of them.

"If you dare to gossip again, watch your tongues."

The three people who were covering their mouths turned around and looked. When they saw Zhou Zhiruo and her two companions dressed in the robes of the Emei Sect at the door, they were immediately startled and stood up in fright.

Taking in the three men's pathetic state, Yang Yan said coldly, "Pay your bill and get out!"

Upon hearing this, the three quickly took out their money, placed it on the table, and ran away.

Zhou Zhiruo and the other two walked to an empty table and sat down.

"Hmm, three bowls of plain noodles, a pot of tea, and four light side dishes. Keep the change."

Yang Yan lowered her voice and said something familiar before taking out several dozen copper coins and placing them on the table.

Seeing that Yang Yan even knew how much the meal cost, the waiter knew perfectly well that these were some regular customers.

Thinking of the three men's behavior just now, the waiter didn't dare to linger. He put away the coins, said "Please wait a moment, gentlemen," and quickly left.

After the waiter left, the three of them took off their straw hats and placed them on the table, revealing their beautiful and refined faces.

However, Yang Yan's face still held a hint of anger.

Seeing this, Zhou Zhiruo shook her head and said, "There are all sorts of people in the martial world. Why should you let gossip bother you and get angry with these people?"

Yang Yan rested her chin on her hand, her anger undiminished, and said, "I know it's not worth getting angry with these guys, but their mouths are just too foul, I really can't stand listening to them."

Mei Jiangxue, who was standing to the side, thought for a moment and asked, "Senior Sister, do you think Senior Brother really has the strength to deal with Pang Ban?"

In response to Mei Jiangxue's question, Zhou Zhiruo smiled, raised her hand and patted Mei Jiangxue's head, saying, "Don't worry! Junior brother never does anything without being sure of it. Since he took the initiative to make this request to Master, he must be confident."

Mentioning Gu Shaoan, Yang Yan's anger subsided slightly, and she echoed, "That's right, with Senior Brother around, what can Pang Ban do?"

Although both of them spoke from the heart, Zhou Zhiruo suddenly sighed as Yang Yan finished speaking.

Seeing this, Yang Yan asked, "Didn't you just advise me not to get angry with those people? Why are you unhappy now?"

Zhou Zhiruo shook her head and said, "I just suddenly feel a bit useless. Whenever something happens, I can only rely on my junior brother to step in, and we can't help at all."

Hearing this, Yang Yan's expression fell, and she said helplessly, "What can we do? Senior Brother's talent is simply unreasonable. Not to mention us, even Master and Senior Uncle can't compare."

At this point, Yang Yan said with a hint of helplessness, "When we were little, Master and Uncle-Master would at least say some nonsense like 'diligence can make up for lack of talent and catch up with senior brothers' to coax us. But now that we've all grown up, Master and Uncle-Master don't even try to coax us anymore."

"Indeed, love can fade away."

By the end, Yang Yan looked very sad.

Hearing Yang Yan's complaints, the slight gloom that had just risen in Zhou Zhiruo's heart dissipated somewhat.

After slowly exhaling a breath of stale air, Zhou Zhiruo said, "Now all we can do is try to cultivate the 'Emei Nine Yang True Scripture' to the fourth level of perfection as soon as possible."

After all, there was the Bodhi Exquisite Pill prepared by Gu Shaoan.

As long as they can cultivate the "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture" to the fourth level of perfection, they will be able to use the effect of the Bodhi Exquisite Pill to advance their internal energy cultivation to the level of Qi Condensation and Yuan Formation.

Even in terms of strength, he is still far inferior to Gu Shaoan.

But at least it can be of help when facing enemies.

Mei Jiangxue glanced at Zhou Zhiruo, then at Yang Yan.

Thinking that she herself had not yet returned to the innate state, she suddenly felt a surge of pressure.

"The noodles are here! Please be careful, sir."

Just as the three of them were lost in a faint sadness, the waiter brought over the food they had just ordered, carrying a wooden tray and calling out to the waiter.

The waiter placed the chopsticks from the wooden tray on the table, said "Please enjoy your meal, sir. The rest of the dishes will be served shortly," and then turned and quickly left.

After the waiter left, Mei Jiangxue skillfully took out a paper packet from her bosom, rubbed some medicinal powder into the noodles.

Then, as was his habit, he picked up chopsticks from the bamboo tube and distributed them to Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan.

"Don't eat it, it's poisonous!"

However, just as Mei Jiangxue sat back down and her chopsticks touched the noodles in her bowl, Zhou Zhiruo's voice, transmitted through her inner energy, suddenly reached Mei Jiangxue's ears.

Upon hearing the sound, Mei Jiangxue's hand holding the chopsticks trembled.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed discovered that the noodles in the bowl that had just been touched by the chopsticks had turned completely black.

Looking at the other noodles in the bowl, they were still as white and pure as snow.

Mei Jiangxue's gaze immediately shifted to the chopsticks in her hand.

　Sorry, my lumbar muscle strain flared up! That's why I'm writing slowly! I'll try to post the next chapter before 2 PM! You can read it tomorrow!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)