In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 511 The Transaction, The Nine Palaces Bewildering Array
Almost at the same instant that Gu Shaoan's gaze swept over her, the old woman hidden in the pavilion felt a chill run down her spine.

Even though there was a veil between them, the old woman could still clearly feel the gaze calmly watching him from behind it.

Sensing Gu Shaoan's gaze, the old woman almost instinctively activated her own internal energy.

But the next moment, Gu Shaoan withdrew his gaze and focused it back on Shang Xiufang on the pavilion.

The old woman finally breathed a sigh of relief the moment Gu Shaoan looked away.

At the same time, I was startled to find that my back was soaked in cold sweat.

Immediately afterwards, Shang Xiufang, who was standing by the pavilion, suddenly heard the old woman's voice.

"Xiufang, that man on the deck is not strong enough. I may not be a match for him. Be careful."

The moment the words reached her ears, Shang Xiufang's expression remained unchanged, but her true energy slowly circulated within her body, and she also secretly transmitted her voice, saying, "Granny Zhou has already reached the realm of Condensing Yuan and Forming Gang, even you are not confident?"

The old woman replied, "Just now I only sensed the woman's presence, but I didn't sense the presence of the other person at all. I couldn't detect any other person's presence or movement from beginning to end."

"Moreover, when I appeared just now, he looked over immediately, which is enough to show that the man's strength is no less than mine. I'm afraid he has ill intentions."

After a moment's thought, Shang Xiufang replied, "Xiufang understands, I will handle it carefully."

After saying this, Shang Xiufang smiled and said, "I was unaware of your presence and have failed to greet you properly."

Gu Shaoan replied, "There are too many people on the shore. I came uninvited, and I hope Pavilion Master Shang will not take offense."

His tone was gentle and calm, giving people a feeling of warmth and comfort.

Although the two did not reveal their true faces, Shang Xiufang did not sense any killing intent from Gu Shaoan and Mei Jiangxue.

Furthermore, after the two boarded the ship, they did not force their way into the pavilion, but instead stood on this deck.

In just a moment, Shang Xiufang could tell that the two people who had suddenly boarded the ship did not have any hostile intentions.

Immediately, Shang Xiufang said to a woman who looked to be in her forties beside her, "Aunt Zhou, would you please prepare a table of food and drinks?"

Hearing Shang Xiufang's words, the woman next to her, who also had the surname Zhou, nodded, glanced at the two figures on the deck without leaving a trace, and then turned and left.

After Shang Xiufang waved her hand, the people who had gathered on the boat and in the pavilion dispersed one after another.

Immediately afterwards, Shang Xiufang turned slightly to Gu Shaoan and Mei Jiangxue and said, "Please, both of you."

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan didn't waste any words. He took Mei Jiangxue and rode the wind, landing lightly beside Shang Xiufang and Mei Jiangxue like white feathers.

Even though Gu Shaoan was less than three steps away from Shang Xiufang, Shang Xiufang could clearly feel the fluctuations of true essence within Mei Jiangxue's body, but she could not sense any fluctuations of true essence or qi essence from Gu Shaoan.

In Shang Xiufang's view, this is something that can be done.

Or perhaps the man in front of her possessed a level of internal strength far superior to hers.

Or perhaps this man practiced a special technique to conceal his breath.

Given that Zhou Shuxian, whose skills are among the top-tier experts, could be so cautious, Shang Xiufang felt that the former was more likely.

Just as the two moved to Shang Xiufang's side, Mei Jiangxue, who was standing nearby, suddenly realized that Shang Xiufang, who had just been alone, was now accompanied by an old woman.

This scene surprised Mei Jiangxue slightly, and she then habitually looked at Gu Shaoan beside her.

Seeing that Gu Shaoan made no response, Mei Jiangxue withdrew her gaze.

Then, led by Shang Xiufang, Gu Shaoan and Mei Jiangxue stepped into the room in front of them.

Before long, several women, led by the middle-aged woman who also shared the surname Zhou, carried food and drinks into the house.

Only after everyone else had left and the door was closed did Shang Xiufang raise her eyes.

"Now that you two distinguished guests have entered the cabinet, why should you continue to conceal yourselves?"

His tone was gentle, like a soft breeze, making it very pleasant to listen to.

In response to Shang Xiufang's words, Gu Shaoan did not say much, but slowly took off the bamboo hat he was wearing.

Seeing this, Mei Jiangxue then took off her straw hat as well.

Without the hats and veils to conceal their faces, the two women's appearances were revealed to Shang Xiufang and the old woman.

Both Shang Xiufang and the old woman beside her were somewhat astonished when they saw the two people who were both exceptionally beautiful and had outstanding temperament.

The old woman, in particular, seemed surprised that the person who could bring her such a sense of oppression was a young man of similar age to Shang Xiufang.

Immediately afterwards, as if she had thought of something, Shang Xiufang lowered her gaze slightly to look at the Yitian Sword held in Gu Shaoan's left hand.

His gaze swept over the gold and white scabbard, finally settling on the hilt.

When Shang Xiufang noticed that the dense patterns converged to form the two characters "Yitian", her eyes flashed.

Looking at Gu Shaoan again, Shang Xiufang said, "No wonder you have such an air and appearance. So you are the young master of the Emei Sect of the Great Wei Kingdom, Gu Shaoan. Xiufang is sorry for not being respectful."

Shang Xiufang's subtle movements just now naturally did not escape the notice of the three people present. After learning Gu Shaoan's identity from Shang Xiufang, the old woman immediately looked at the Yitian Sword in his hand and suddenly realized something.

Gu Shaoan nodded and said, "I didn't expect Miss Shang to know my name."

Shang Xiufang smiled and said, "Since the incident with Pang Ban, the name of Young Master Gu has spread throughout the Great Sui Kingdom. When the Great Wei Kingdom's court announced the matter of the One Line Sky, the story of Young Master Gu killing three experts at the Celestial Realm by himself was known even in the Great Sui Kingdom."

As expected of someone who has traveled all over the country and made a great name for himself in the Sui Dynasty, his speech and manners are indeed impeccable.

Now that his identity was clear, Gu Shaoan didn't bother with formalities with Shang Xiufang and said directly, "I've come uninvited today to make a deal with Miss Shang."

Shang Xiufang was stunned for a moment upon hearing this.

She was from the Great Sui Kingdom, while the young master Gu was from the Great Wei Kingdom. Although Shang Xiufang knew the name Gu Shaoan, the two had never had any interaction before. Upon learning of Gu Shaoan's purpose, Shang Xiufang naturally felt a bit more puzzled.

She then said softly, "I wonder what kind of deal Young Master Gu wishes to make with me?"

Gu Shaoan said frankly, "I know that many years ago, Miss Shang accidentally obtained a special topographical map made of sheepskin. It just so happens that I need this topographical map, so I have taken the liberty of coming here today to ask for the topographical map in Miss Shang's possession."

Upon hearing these words, Shang Xiufang's body stiffened slightly for a moment.

Forcing herself to calm down, Shang Xiufang said, "To be honest, Young Master Gu, over the years I have traveled all over the country and bought quite a few things as I please, as well as gifts from others. Among them are some topographical maps with quite a history. May I ask which topographical map you are referring to, Young Master Gu?"

Gu Shaoan chuckled inwardly at Shang Xiufang's words.

Shang Xiufang may appear gentle, but she actually has a very clever mind.

In terms of intelligence, she even surpasses Zhou Zhiruo, Yang Yan, and Mei Jiangxue.

Gu Shaoan didn't believe that Shang Xiufang didn't know what map he was referring to; she was just pretending not to know.

Then, Gu Shaoan slowly said, "What I want is a topographical map of Yang Gong's treasure vault."

Lu Miaozi was a remarkable person of his time. His expertise in mechanisms, formations, civil engineering, astrology, and miscellaneous studies was unparalleled.

The Yang Gong Treasure Vault he designed was no ordinary place.
As far as Gu Shaoan knew, the exquisite nature of this treasure trove far exceeded the imagination of ordinary people.

Its entrance is hidden, and the method of opening it is complicated; these are merely the first hurdles.

What truly deters people is the Nine Palaces Bewildering Array personally set up by Lu Miaozi in Kunena.

This formation is not an ordinary trap that can be broken by brute force, but a vast and intricate maze-like illusion constructed using the principles of Qimen Dunjia, Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, combined with the terrain structure of the treasure vault itself.

The passageways inside the warehouse are crisscrossed and interconnected, yet they also subtly correspond to the changes in the celestial constellations. One wrong step could lead to an endless cycle or trigger a deadly trap.

More importantly, the entire treasure vault's structure and formation are seamlessly integrated; affecting one part affects the whole. If the proper methods are not followed, attempting to forcefully break through the walls or passages will trigger a chain reaction, causing the entire treasure vault's structure to collapse and be completely buried underground. At that point, not only will everything within the treasure vault be destroyed, but any intruder will also be buried alive.

Furthermore, Lu Miaozi set up a real and a fake treasure vault within Yang Gong's treasure vault to confuse those who entered.

Although Gu Shaoan was not afraid of the traps and mechanisms within, finding the correct path and the core item in that vast maze without damaging the treasure vault's structure would still require a great deal of time and effort, even for him.

In order to arrive in time, before the news of Yang Gong's Treasure Vault was accidentally leaked and attracted the four major clans to gather, they secretly took away the Evil Emperor's Relic inside and destroyed the altar. The map of Yang Gong's Treasure Vault in Shang Xiufang's hands is of utmost importance.

This is why, before leaving the Great Wei Kingdom, Gu Shaoan first sought out Sun Baifa to learn about Shang Xiufang's movements through the Sun family's intelligence network.

Naturally, the issue wouldn't just be about secrecy.

Upon hearing the words "Yang Gong's Treasure Trove," both Shang Xiufang and the old woman beside her changed their expressions.

These four words carried immense weight in the hearts of people from all factions within the Sui Dynasty, a weight akin to the crushing weight of Mount Tai.

That was a tremendous treasure and source of power left to future generations by Lu Miaozi, the greatest craftsman in the world, who poured his heart and soul into it.

It not only contains the legendary "Evil Emperor's Relic," but also a huge amount of treasure left by Yang Su that can influence the world's格局 (geju, a concept encompassing overall situation, overall structure, and overall situation).

Shang Xiufang was overwhelmed with emotion. She did indeed possess such a map made of special sheepskin, which she had obtained by sheer chance many years ago.

However, Shang Xiufang was a pacifist and hated fighting and killing.

He also knew that once the news of Yang Gong's treasure map was released, it would cause a sensation throughout the land.

Therefore, she regarded this item as one of her greatest secrets, keeping it hidden in the most secret place, known only to the old woman beside her.

Shang Xiufang wondered how this young master of the Emei Sect from the Great Wei Kingdom, who had come from afar, knew her secret.
After a few breaths, Shang Xiufang spoke up: "Young Master Gu is joking. How could I possibly possess such a valuable item as the map of Yang Gong's treasure vault?"

As if he had anticipated Shang Xiufang's reaction, Gu Shaoan said calmly, "Since I have taken the initiative to come to your door, there must be a reason. As for whether there is or not, both Miss Shang and I know the truth."

After a pause, Gu Shaoan changed the subject, speaking somewhat casually: "Moreover, in my opinion, if someone were truly unaware of the matter, upon hearing the words 'Yang Gong Treasure Vault Topographic Map,' their first reaction should be surprise at the existence of such an item, rather than immediately denying it upon learning of it. What do you think, Miss Shang?"

Shang Xiufang's heart skipped a beat, and when she looked at Gu Shaoan, she couldn't help but feel a little more wary.

The old woman on the side couldn't help but be alarmed by Gu Shaoan's composure and keen observation skills.

If it were someone of Gu Shaoan's age, full of youthful vigor, his mind would have been in turmoil simply from sitting with Shang Xiufang.

But the composure Gu Shaoan displayed at this moment was completely unlike what one would expect from someone his age.

(End of this chapter)