In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 251 Court Affairs, Court Affairs Concluded, Jianghu Affairs Resolved

Normally, when a martial artist's true energy undergoes significant changes, there are only two possibilities.

Firstly, when a martial artist's true essence accumulates to a certain level, quantitative change leads to qualitative change.

Secondly, it is because the martial artist has made a breakthrough in their internal cultivation techniques, which causes the true essence within their body to undergo a transformation.

But now Huang Xuemei has neither of those qualities, yet the true energy within her body is even more vigorous than it was a month ago.

That doesn't make sense.

After a moment's thought, Gu Shaoan asked, "Miss Huang, did you feel anything unusual when you circulated your true energy?"

Huang Xuemei gently shook her head and said, "Everything is as usual."

"Could it be that the internal energy cultivation method of the Heavenly Dragon Sect is so special?"

Although he had doubts, Huang Xuemei herself said that everything was normal, so Gu Shaoan could only suppress his doubts.

He then said, "The changes in your true essence are somewhat abnormal. If you encounter any problems during your cultivation, please let me know immediately."

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Huang Xuemei felt a slight ripple in her heart, then gently turned around and hummed in agreement.

After a pause, Huang Xuemei thought of Sun Baifa from earlier and couldn't help but ask, "Was that old man just now the famous Tianji Laoren in the martial arts world?"

Gu Shaoan was not surprised that Huang Xuemei could guess Sun Baifa's identity.

Martial artists who can condense their vital energy into a powerful aura are already rare.

Not to mention he's skilled in stick fighting, especially at his age.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of the experts within the Great Wei would easily guess Sun Baifa's identity.

"I met Senior Sun many years ago when I was out in the world. It is purely coincidental that we met today. However, Senior Sun's situation is a bit complicated. Many experts on the Weapon Ranking are searching for Senior Sun's whereabouts. I hope Miss Huang can keep this a secret."

Upon hearing this, Huang Xuemei nodded in agreement almost without hesitation.

The two then used their lightness skills to quickly return to the city.

On the thirteenth day of the first lunar month, the remnants of winter were not yet over, and the first signs of

In the capital city, at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The building was warm and cozy, filled with the aroma of alcohol and the clamor of voices, making this famous building in the capital city exceptionally hot.

At a table against the wall in the lobby, several martial arts practitioners in tight-fitting clothes were quite drunk, and their voices had become a little louder.

"Who would have thought that the dignified Demon Master Pang Ban, who had been living in seclusion in the Demon Master's Palace for twenty years, would suffer a crushing defeat upon his return to the martial world, being defeated by a rising star and even losing an arm."

The people at the next table chimed in, "Yeah! I thought the people from the Emei Sect were tired of living when I heard that a second-rate force like the Emei Sect dared to set up a challenge. I never expected that they would produce such a peerless genius. He's only in his early twenties, yet he has such terrifying strength."

"Damn it, comparing people is truly devastating. We brothers have wasted half our lives and still can't even achieve the Reverse Innate Realm, while that Gu Shaoan is only in his early twenties and has already reached the level of Condensing Yuan and Forming Gang."

"Sigh~ How can we compare to such a prodigy? A Nascent Soul cultivator in his early twenties! With such a prodigy as a disciple of the Emei Sect, I'm afraid no one will dare to provoke him in the future."

The voices of the group were not quiet and were quite noticeable in the somewhat noisy lobby.

In a corner by the window, Gu Shaoan and Huang Xuemei sat side by side.

As the sound reached his ears, Gu Shaoan remained calm.

It was as if the people were not talking about him at that moment.

Just then, a figure quietly entered the restaurant.

After scanning the lobby, the visitor's gaze finally settled on the table where Gu Shaoan was sitting.

Just as the newcomer stepped toward their table, Gu Shaoan and Huang Xuemei paused slightly, their chopsticks clasped in their hands, and they both looked up.

When his gaze fell on Shangguan Haitang who was approaching, Gu Shaoan put down his chopsticks, stood up, and smiled.

At the same time, Shangguan Haitang's gaze finally focused entirely on Gu Shaoan's face.

The boy's features from several years ago completely overlapped with Gu Shaoan's appearance in my sight now.

This caused Shangguan Haitang's eyes to ripple with a bright light, like a lake surface rippled by a stone thrown in.

As Shangguan Haitang approached, Gu Shaoan and Huang Xuemei stood up one after the other.

"Miss Shangguan."

Faced with Gu Shaoan's initiative in greeting her, Shangguan Haitang smiled and nodded, then looked at Huang Xuemei.

Gu Shaoan introduced, "This is a friend of mine, Huang Xuemei, Miss Huang."

Shangguan Haitang glanced at the violin case next to Huang Xuemei and then gave Huang Xuemei a polite smile.

Huang Xuemei nodded slightly.

After taking her seat at Gu Shaoan's invitation, Shangguan Haitang looked at Gu Shaoan opposite her and smiled, "It's been several years since we last met. Brother Gu, your demeanor is even more impressive than before, and your strength is truly astonishing."

Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "Miss Shangguan is too kind. Several years ago, when the Bright Peak ended, I was grateful for your reminder. I should have come to express my gratitude, but then the Demon Master Palace incident happened, and I had to secretly return to Emei to devote myself to seclusion."

As he spoke, Gu Shaoan poured Shangguan Haitang a glass of wine.

Shangguan Haitang smiled and said, "With Brother Gu's strength, even without Haitang's reminder, you would have been able to turn danger into safety on Bright Peak. It's just a small matter, Brother Gu doesn't need to worry about it."

Gu Shaoan shook his head and said, "One thing at a time. I am grateful for Miss Shangguan's kindness in reminding me at that time, regardless of whether it was useful or not."

With that, Gu Shaoan picked up his wine glass, gestured gently to Shangguan Haitang, and then drank it all in one gulp.

Although Shangguan Haitang did not seek anything in return, Gu Shaoan's attitude at this moment made her vaguely see the shadow of the boy from Linhai Town a few years ago.

After drinking her own wine, Shangguan Haitang asked, "Brother Gu, you traveled all the way from Emei to the capital just to thank me for something that happened a few years ago?"

Gu Shaoan replied, "That's one of the purposes. In addition, there's the issue of the Emei Sect's promotion, which needs to be reported to the imperial court."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang slapped her forehead and said, "That's right, Haitang forgot for a moment that Brother Gu has already reached the Condensing Yuan and Forming Gang realm. With a disciple as talented as Brother Gu, the Emei Sect is certainly qualified for a promotion."

Then, as if she had thought of something, Shangguan Haitang smiled and said, "Haitang happens to have some connections with the Dragon Guard Manor. If Brother Gu trusts Haitang, then Haitang can contact the Dragon Guard Manor regarding the reporting matter?"

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Miss Shangguan."

Hearing Gu Shaoan's calm response, Shangguan Haitang seemed to have discerned something and asked, "It seems that Brother Gu is not at all surprised by Haitang's relationship with the Dragon Guard Manor."

Gu Shaoan smiled and replied, "The three secret agents under Iron-Blooded Marquis Zhu Wushi, namely the Heaven and Earth Mystery, have been gaining more and more fame over the years."

"Given Miss Shangguan's ability to mobilize the government a few years ago, how could I not guess that Miss Shangguan from Linhai Town a few years ago was the number one secret agent of the Xuan class in the Dragon Guard Manor?"

Shangguan Haitang said softly, "Back then, when I had just returned from my studies, I wasn't yet a renowned detective. I didn't mean to hide it." Gu Shaoan nodded slightly, "I understand."

After a brief reminiscing, Shangguan Haitang glanced at the food on the table and asked, "My godfather is currently at the Dragon Guard Manor. If it's convenient for you, Brother Gu, why don't we set off now?"

Hearing Shangguan Haitang's words, Gu Shaoan seemed to have thought of something, and then nodded in acknowledgment.

After summoning the waiter and leaving behind a two-tael silver coin, the three of them got up and left the restaurant, heading towards the outskirts of the city.

After walking for a while, Huang Xuemei's voice, transmitted through her true essence, quietly rang in Gu Shaoan's ears.

"Her steps were somewhat hurried."

Knowing Huang Xuemei's concerns, Gu Shaoan responded with a burst of internal energy, "Perhaps it's to prevent the Eastern Depot from taking advantage of her!"

"The Eastern Depot?" Huang Xuemei glanced at Gu Shaoan, a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Gu Shaoan responded, "Currently, the imperial court's agencies for dealing with the Jianghu forces are the Eastern Depot and the Dragon Guard Manor. Over the years, the Eastern Depot and the Dragon Guard Manor have been constantly fighting each other, both recruiting experts to strengthen their power."

Hearing this, Huang Xuemei understood what Gu Shaoan meant.

"You mean she's worried the Eastern Depot will try to poach you? You've already reached the Condensing Yuan Qi Realm; the Eastern Depot wouldn't be so naive as to think they can recruit you, would they?"

Gu Shaoan calmly transmitted his voice, saying, "Cao Zhengchun is meticulous and wouldn't have such a far-fetched idea. But even top-tier experts are human, and humans have desires. If we propose some mutually beneficial deals to reach a cooperation agreement, I think we can persuade many people."

Upon hearing this, Huang Xuemei's face showed a look of realization.

Before long, led by Shangguan Haitang, the group left through the city gate of the capital.

They did not encounter any members of the Eastern Depot along the way.

Gu Shaoan couldn't help but shake his head inwardly: "Indeed, when it comes to intelligence, the Eastern Depot is still far behind!"

This time, Gu Shaoan and Huang Xuemei did not disguise themselves or hide their identities, so when they entered the capital at noon, Gu Shaoan already sensed that there were some spies watching them in the dark along the way.

But so far, no one from the Eastern Depot has shown up.

This means that these informants did not originate from the Eastern Depot.

After leaving the city, Shangguan Haitang's previously somewhat solemn expression immediately eased considerably.

Before long, led by Shangguan Haitang, Gu Shaoan and Huang Xuemei saw the Hulong Manor located in the distance.

Nearly two years later, revisiting the place, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but feel a special emotion in his eyes.

As he got closer, Gu Shaoan let out a soft "hmm" in his heart.

The reason was that, in Gu Shaoan's sight, the forest where he had secretly poisoned two years ago had vanished without a trace, leaving only an empty expanse of land.

"So, he was so angry afterward that he cleared out the entire forest?"

Thinking of this, Gu Shaoan chuckled to himself, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

A short while later, led by Shangguan Haitang, the two entered the main hall of the Dragon Guard Manor.

After entering the main hall, Shangguan Haitang said slowly, "Please wait a moment, Brother Gu. Once my godfather comes to go through the formalities and confirms that Brother Gu's internal strength has reached the level of Condensing Yuan and Forming Gang, we can handle the follow-up matters. If things go quickly, we can finish everything by tomorrow."

Since he had nothing better to do, Gu Shaoan asked, "May I ask, Miss Shangguan, what are the procedures for reporting the promotion of a martial arts force?"

Shangguan Haitang did not hide anything and said frankly: "Actually, the reporting of Jianghu forces is very simple. First, we need to confirm the identity of the people who come to report, so as to prevent someone from deceiving the court by asking other experts to pretend to be people from their own sects."

"The second step is to check the internal strength level of the person who came to report."

"Once these two points are met, all that's needed next is to keep the documents, and then have the sects and forces that come to report select the scope of their influence after their status is promoted."

"Afterwards, we will report the documents to the Ministry of Revenue, and then the Ministry of Revenue will issue documents to the tax bureaus of those prefectures that are responsible for managing taxation."

After hearing the process, Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "It's not too troublesome."

Shangguan Haitang said, "The martial arts world is different from the imperial court. The Eastern Depot and the Dragon Guard Manor are only used for supervision and cannot arbitrarily interfere with the promotion of martial arts sects."

"Cao Zhengchun has always been ruthless in his actions. Over the years, the Eastern Depot has planted many people in the Ministry of Revenue, who will manipulate documents and have some Jianghu forces do things in secret."

"Brother Gu has already reached the realm of Condensing Yuan Qi and has even defeated a vicious person like the Demon Master Pang Ban. If Cao Zhengchun finds out that Brother Gu is going to the capital to handle the matter of the Emei Sect's promotion, he might try to force Brother Gu to cooperate by manipulating the documents."

"That's why I was in such a hurry to leave with Brother Gu and Miss Huang when we were leaving the city."

Gu Shaoan replied, "I understand, Miss Shangguan need not worry about it."

At this moment, servants from the Dragon Guard Manor entered the main hall to serve tea.

After Gu Shaoan took a sip of tea, Huang Xuemei felt relieved enough to enjoy her tea.

At this moment, Shangguan Haitang spoke up: "In these turbulent times, although the boundaries between the imperial court and the martial arts world still exist, their influence on each other is deepening day by day."

"Cao Zhengchun and the Eastern Depot are ambitious and ruthless. Over the years, Cao Zhengchun's power has grown stronger and stronger, and my Dragon Guard Manor is feeling the strain of being unable to support him alone. If this continues, it will inevitably lead to great trouble, and in the end, it will not only disrupt the imperial court, but also the hard-won order of the martial arts world."

She paused slightly, her expression becoming more solemn as she said, "The Dragon Guard Manor takes it upon itself to monitor the world and protect the nation. Brother Gu is highly skilled and comes from a prestigious sect like Emei. If the Dragon Guard Manor can have Brother Gu's assistance, it will surely be able to suppress the Eastern Depot, ensuring peace and stability for both the court and the martial arts world of the Great Wei Kingdom."

"What do you think, Brother Gu?"

Just as Shangguan Haitang finished speaking, Gu Shaoan seemed to sense something, glanced at the entrance of the main hall out of the corner of his eye, and then subtly withdrew his attention.

After a moment's thought, he shook his head.

"The conflict between the Dragon Guard Manor and the Eastern Depot is ultimately a struggle within the imperial court, not a struggle within the martial arts world."

"Court matters are settled in the court, and matters of the martial world are settled in the martial world."

"Only by each going its own way can things last."

"I am still inexperienced and lack strength. I was lucky to escape Pang Ban's fate. Now, all I care about is the development of my Emei Sect and the pursuit of martial arts. I have no intention of getting involved in court disputes. I hope Miss Haitang can understand."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang sighed inwardly.

Previously, when Gu Shaoan was condensing his Qi into Yuan, Shangguan Haitang believed that there was still a chance to recruit Gu Shaoan into the Dragon Guard Manor and make him one of her own.

However, after Gu Shaoan reached the Qi Condensation Realm and defeated the Demon Master Pang Ban, Shangguan Haitang realized that it was almost impossible to get Gu Shaoan to join the Dragon Guard Manor.

Hearing Gu Shaoan's tactful refusal, Shangguan Haitang was not particularly surprised.

"Each going its own way is the only way to last. That's a good saying."

Just then, a deep voice suddenly rang out from outside the main hall.

　The plot seems to be having some issues, so I'll only be updating once today! I'll make up for the missed updates with three chapters tomorrow and the day after!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)