In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 252 Irregular Menstruation, Yet Still Maintaining Masculinity
As the sound entered the main hall, all three people inside looked towards the entrance, following the direction from which it came.

Just then, they saw Zhu Wushi, Duan Tianya, and Guihai Yidao slowly step into the main hall.

Zhu Wushi smiled, still possessing that calm and dignified demeanor that inspired awe in all who saw him.

However, upon closer inspection, one can detect some differences.

His dignified and square face seemed to be shrouded in a thin layer of dust that was barely perceptible. Between his brows, his thick eyebrows were habitually furrowed, and deep within his brows was an unyielding gloom and weariness.

Clearly, Zhu Wushi has not had a good time in the past two years.

After pausing briefly on Zhu Wushi, Gu Shaoan's gaze shifted slightly, sweeping over Gui Haiyidao behind Zhu Wushi before lingering briefly on Duan Tianya.

"Father!"

As Zhu Wushi approached, Shangguan Haitang immediately bowed.

"Ok!"

Zhu Wushi responded softly, then turned his gaze back to Gu Shaoan.

"I didn't expect that Young Master Gu, despite his young age, would have such insightful views on things that he surpasses most people in the martial arts world."

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "You flatter me, Divine Marquis."

After a pause, Gu Shaoan continued, "I never expected that a simple report would alarm the Divine Marquis."

Zhu Wushi smiled and said, "If it were anyone else, it might not be worth my personal visit. But Young Hero Gu has been making waves lately, and even someone like the Demon Master Pang Ban has been defeated by him. It is a great honor for the Dragon Guard Manor for a master like Young Hero Gu to come. It would be impolite of me not to come."

Looking at Zhu Wushi, who was both approachable and dignified, Gu Shaoan had to admit that Zhu Wushi was indeed quite skilled in the art of managing people.

In addition, given the positive reputation Zhu Wushi has painstakingly cultivated over the years, it would be very easy for other, more naive, or inexperienced young talents from prestigious families to develop a liking for him.

However, Gu Shaoan was not a simple-minded person, and he was well aware of Zhu Wushi's character.

No matter how well Zhu Wushi pretended, Gu Shaoan could not possibly develop any good feelings towards him.

After exchanging a few polite words with Zhu Wushi, Gu Shaoan took the initiative to ask, "I just heard Miss Shangguan say that when any martial arts force reports, it is necessary to first verify the identity and internal strength level of the person reporting. I wonder how this should be done?"

Zhu Wushi's smile remained unchanged as he said, "I had already heard Haitang mention Young Hero Gu before. Now that Haitang has made up her mind, I naturally trust her."

"As for internal strength, how could someone who could defeat the Demon Master Pang Ban not even have reached the level of Condensing Yuan Qi into Gang?"

"I had already instructed people to begin working on the documents before I even arrived."

As he spoke, Zhu Wushi gently raised his hand.

However, at that moment, a soft, feminine voice suddenly entered the hall.

"I thought I would be fortunate enough to witness Young Hero Gu's earth-shattering sword strike that severed the arm of the Demon Master Pang Ban on Mount Emei, but I never expected the Divine Marquis to be such a disappointment."

The moment the words entered the main hall, Gu Shaoan and Zhu Wushi paused for a moment, then looked towards the entrance of the main hall.

The next instant, in the sight of Shangguan Haitang and Huang Xuemei, a purplish-red shadow swept through the air like a scorpion's tail, and in a flash it rushed into the center of the hall.

The newcomer was not particularly tall or imposing; in fact, he was rather well-proportioned and dressed in a magnificent and dazzling dark purple eunuch's robe.

It was Cao Zhengchun, the current head of the Eastern Depot in the Great Wei Dynasty.

Cao Zhengchun's face was round and even somewhat "prosperous," with fair and smooth skin, clearly well-maintained, a result of his pampered upbringing in the imperial palace.

His eyebrows were long and thin, with slightly drooping ends, which, combined with his habitually squinting, smiling eyes, gave him an air of kindness and approachability, even a hint of ingratiating flattery.

His chin wasn't smooth, and the corners of his mouth naturally turned up.

His posture appeared casual, yet he slightly bowed his back, revealing a habitual humility ingrained in him from his time in the palace, giving him an approachable and harmless impression.

But upon closer inspection, one can discern that the smile in those eyes is not genuinely gentle, but rather like a bottomless ancient well, reflecting a cold, eerie light.

What's most unsettling is the space between his eyebrows; even when he's "smiling," there seems to be an invisible "川" (river) character etched there, exuding a sinister aura.

Given his irregular menstruation yet undeniable masculinity and strength, his identity speaks for itself.

Currently in the imperial court is Cao Zhengchun, the powerful and influential head of the Eastern Depot.

Upon entering the main hall, Cao Zhengchun's smiling, narrow eyes lightly swept over the solemn and wary Shangguan Haitang, Duan Tianya, and Guihai Yidao, before settling on Gu Shaoan.

His eyes immediately lit up as if he had spotted a target, which made Cao Zhengchun's smile deepen.

"Hehehe, I have long admired Young Hero Gu's reputation. Today I finally meet you. Young Hero Gu is indeed as dignified and handsome as the rumors say!"

Gu Shaoan nodded slightly and said, "Gu Shaoan of the Emei Sect greets Chief Supervisor Cao."

Cao Zhengchun raised his hand, curling his pinky finger, and said, "Young Master Gu, you're too kind."

After responding, Cao Zhengchun did not look at Zhu Wushi, but simply smiled and took a few steps forward, saying, "Young Master Gu, the Emei Sect has defeated the Demon Master Pang Ban, and his reputation has spread far and wide. With such a talented disciple as Young Master Gu, the future prospects of the Emei Sect are probably no less than those of Wudang."

"If it's just about the promotion of the Emei Sect, why would Young Master Gu go to such lengths to trouble the busy Marquis? Just have someone inform me, and I can handle things perfectly."

Before he could finish speaking, Shangguan Haitang couldn't help but say, "This is the Dragon Guard Manor. Eunuch Cao has come uninvited and is now saying such things. Don't you think it's a bit impolite?"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun smiled and looked at Zhu Wushi, saying, "Oh? Does the Marquis think our family has acted rudely?"

Zhu Wushi smiled and said, "It is an honor for my Dragon Guard Manor that Eunuch Cao has graced it with his presence. How could it be considered impolite?"

"Tsk tsk, as expected of the Divine Marquis, he is so experienced in handling matters. I admire him."

“Miss Haitang should learn more from the Divine Marquis. After all, things are not the same as two years ago. Even your Divine Marquis cannot be too presumptuous when facing our family. If Miss Haitang continues to be so reckless, be careful not to suffer losses.”

Cao Zhengchun brushed his clothes with his hand and said, "In the end, both the Eastern Depot and the Dragon Guard Manor are doing business for the Emperor. Since the Divine Marquis is so sensible, and I am not a stingy person, let's wait until the Divine Marquis finishes his business for Young Hero Gu before we talk about our business, so as not to keep Young Hero Gu waiting too long."

After speaking, Cao Zhengchun gave Gu Shaoan a polite smile.

Seeing this, Zhu Wushi glanced at Duan Tianya.

Duan Tianya, who was behind Zhu Wushi, moved nearly half a zhang before flicking his right hand, and the scroll in his hand opened with a "whoosh".

The other scroll was held in the hand of Guihai Yidao, who was standing still. Gu Shaoan looked up and saw that the painting depicted the map of the Great Wei Kingdom.

It clearly records the locations of various prefectures and counties in the Great Wei Kingdom, as well as the locations of various forces in the martial arts world.

"After Emei is promoted, the territory it governs can be expanded from the original three prefectures to ten prefectures."

"In other words, starting with the original Jiading Prefecture, Yuzhou Prefecture and Xuzhou Prefecture, the Emei Sect can also choose the other seven prefectures in the surrounding area."

In response to Zhu Wushi's words, Gu Shaoan said, "When we came here, my master and the elders of the sect had already made a decision about the other prefectures. Therefore, my Emei sect wants to bring Jinzhou Prefecture, Jinchuan Prefecture, Jianping Prefecture, Yuzhou Prefecture, Tiannan Prefecture, Beishan Prefecture and Baoshan Prefecture into the territory of my Emei sect."

As Gu Shaoan spoke, Zhu Wushi and Shangguan Haitang also turned their attention to the map.

After Gu Shaoan finished speaking, Shangguan Haitang nodded and said, "The places that Brother Gu mentioned are all near the Emei Sect, and there are only other second-rate forces around them, not any first-rate forces."

At this moment, Zhu Wushi raised his hand and tossed a token to Duan Tianya. After the latter caught the token, he said, "Record these seven points in the document and then send it to the Ministry of Revenue. Get the matter done today. You can show this decree to him if anything happens."

Seeing Zhu Wushi's actions, Cao Zhengchun's eyes narrowed slightly.

A moment later, Cao Zhengchun suddenly clapped his hands and said, "The Divine Marquis is indeed worthy of his name; he is someone we cannot afford to underestimate."

Guihai Yidao, who hadn't uttered a word from beginning to end, couldn't help but frown and ask Cao Zhengchun, "What do you mean?"

Cao Zhengchun covered his mouth and chuckled softly.

After glancing at Guihai Yidao, he explained, "The Marquis knows perfectly well that we want to take control of the Ministry of Revenue, yet he suddenly throws the token to his subordinates to help Young Master Gu with his duties."

“If it were any other day, I might have taken this opportunity to eliminate the people in the Ministry of Revenue who belonged to the Divine Marquis.”

"But the key is what the Marquis did today. He used the pretext of helping Young Master Gu with his business to expose those people in the Ministry of Revenue."

"If I, the Grand Eunuch, take this opportunity today to find and severely punish those in the Ministry of Revenue who belong to the Marquis, it will be equivalent to making Young Hero Gu owe the Marquis a favor. At the same time, it will also make me, the Grand Eunuch, an enemy of Young Hero Gu without me even realizing it. The Marquis's scheme is truly effortless, yet so ingenious that I, the Grand Eunuch, have to admire it."

Finally, Cao Zhengchun looked at Guihai Yidao and said, "It's a pity that even following someone like Shenhou, he hasn't learned a single bit of Shenhou's strategies. Shenhou is lacking in teaching skills!"

After listening to Cao Zhengchun's words, Shangguan Haitang, Guihai Yidao, and Duan Tianya, who was holding the token, pondered for a moment and, after understanding the reasons, they all felt a chill.

Clearly, none of them expected that Zhu Wushi's seemingly casual action actually contained such a scheme.

Inside the main hall, Zhu Wushi did not refute Cao Zhengchun's words, but looked at Cao Zhengchun with a half-smile and said, "I do have this intention, but I don't know what Chief Supervisor Cao will do next?"

Seeing that Zhu ignored him and admitted it directly, Cao Zhengchun paused slightly.

A few breaths later, Cao Zhengchun's smile faded slightly.

After giving Zhu Wushi a thumbs up, Cao Zhengchun looked surprised and said, "Well! I underestimated the Divine Marquis."

"I didn't expect that the Divine Marquis already knew what we were planning to do next."

Zhu Wushi said slowly, "Eunuch Cao has been cultivating his influence for many years, and in the past two years, the Ministry of Personnel has almost been completely controlled by Eunuch Cao."

"Now that the Ministry of Personnel has fallen into the hands of Eunuch Cao, given his style of doing things, he will inevitably eliminate dissidents next. If I don't do something, how can I protect those honest and upright officials in the Ministry of Personnel?"

As Zhu ignored his words, Gu Shaoan basically understood the two's secret plot.

For a moment, Gu Shaoan became even more wary.

Gu Shaoan's previous schemes against Zhu Wushi during the rescue of Gu Santong were entirely due to Gu Shaoan's cunning and unpreparedness, giving him a significant advantage.

However, Gu Shaoan had never directly experienced Zhu Wushi's shrewdness and strategy.

But today, through Cao Zhengchun's narration, Gu Shaoan finally understood Zhu Wushi's cunning.

It would be no exaggeration to describe them as "cunning and shrewd".

The depth of his thoughts is enough to terrify anyone.

If they were to truly clash head-on, Gu Shaoan admitted that he might not be Zhu Wushi's match in terms of cunning and strategy.

A moment later, Cao Zhengchun's face regained its friendly smile.

"Very well! With the Divine Marquis as guarantor, we can let some unimportant people go. However, the Divine Marquis would be better off getting rid of those people as soon as possible."

"After all, next time, it won't be like today, where the Divine Marquis will have the opportunity to act like a fox borrowing the tiger's power."

Before Zhu Wushi could respond, Cao Zhengchun's gaze fell on Gu Shaoan.

"Young Master Gu, you've seen him. When it comes to scheming, our Divine Marquis is already a master. Being with someone like that, you might get betrayed one day. Young Master Gu, you'd better be careful!"

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Zhu Wushi's eyes, and his face unconsciously darkened.

After waving his hand and waiting for Duan Tianya, who had been waiting, to put away the scroll and leave, Zhu Wushi coldly said, "I have some private matters that I would like to discuss with Young Hero Gu. I wonder if Eunuch Cao could wait outside the hall for a moment?"

Cao Zhengchun thought for a moment, then gestured "please" to Zhu Wushi before taking a step and teleporting to the outside of the main hall as if by magic.

Seeing this, Zhu ignored the surrounding internal energy and looked at Gu Shaoan: "I have something I would like to ask Young Hero Gu. I heard from Haitang that seven years ago, I met a group of human traffickers called the 'Ghost Hand Gang' in Linhai Town?"

Gu Shaoan's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged.

"It's true."

Zhu Wushi pressed further, "As far as I know, the Emei Sect dispatched a large number of disciples to search the surrounding area for forces related to the Ghost Hand Gang after this incident. I wonder if they were able to find out if there are any other forces involved behind the Ghost Hand Gang?"

Hearing Zhu ignore the question, Gu Shaoan looked thoughtful.

After a short while, Gu Shaoan finally spoke and replied, "After dealing with the Ghost Hand Gang, I returned to the Emei Sect. The elders in the sect took care of the follow-up matters. I also inquired about the relevant matters later, but according to the elders in the sect, the Ghost Hand Gang does not seem to be an ordinary human trafficker. Even though many disciples and elders in my sect investigated to the extreme, they did not find out much relevant information."

At this point, Gu Shaoan paused before continuing, "However, when I fought with the Ghost Hand Gang members, I smelled a peculiar scent on them."

As soon as the last sentence was uttered, Zhu Wushi's eyes flashed suddenly.

"What is the taste?"

　The author won't mention a timeframe for the next chapter, but will try to get it as soon as possible!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)