In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 425: Didn't he still have to lean against the wall to get out?

Early March.

The charcoal fire in the imperial study was burning brightly, but the agarwood was burning very faintly, leaving only a wisp of faint fragrance between the beams and pillars.

The chill of spring lingered outside the window, and the intermittent dripping of water from the eaves only served to emphasize the stillness inside.

Dressed in a loose yet dignified bright yellow casual robe, Zhu Houzhao was bent over his desk reviewing memorials, his brushstrokes flowing like dragons and snakes, the vermilion seal at the end of his signature still wet.

The memorials piled on the desk were divided into three stacks according to their importance and urgency: salt tax, waterway management, and border town military pay. Each one was like a knife, cutting without drawing blood, but grinding away at one's mind and spirit.

Even though Zhu Houzhao is now a martial artist at the Celestial Realm, when reviewing these memorials, he still couldn't help but feel a bit tired. He leaned back slightly and tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, as if trying to refresh himself.

Just then, hurried but restrained footsteps sounded outside the door.

Cao Zhengchun strode in, carrying a letter. His steps were small, but he walked very fast. When he reached the table, he bowed and stopped, holding the letter in both hands, above his eyebrows.

"His Majesty."

Zhu Houzhao didn't even lift his eyelids, the tip of his pen still hovering above the memorial, his voice lazy as if asking casually: "Read it."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun quickly pulled out the papers from the letter.

His gaze swept over the neat, tiny characters on the paper, and a look of astonishment first appeared on his face.

That astonishment wasn't feigned; even his usual effeminate smile froze for a moment.

He immediately lowered his voice and began to read the contents of the letter.

"On the second day of the second month, Gu Shaoan rushed to Emperor's Peak to challenge Cihang Jingzhai to a sword duel, crippling eighteen ordinary Cihang Jingzhai disciples and elders. He then made a fierce move, using his fingers as a sword, severely injuring Cihang Jingzhai's Ningyuan Chenggang elder, Lü Qingluo, with a single finger strike. Subsequently, he struck again against Yan Jing'an and Lü Qingluo's combined forces, severely injuring both of them with a single finger strike, and then crippling Lü Qingluo's dantian."

As each word fell, the burning sandalwood incense in the imperial study seemed to pause for a moment.

The pen that Zhu Houzhao was holding also hovered in the air.

A drop of ink, about to fall but not yet, lingers on the tip of the brush, like a black nail driven into the silence.

His gaze finally lifted from the memorial and landed on the slip of paper in Cao Zhengchun's hand. His eyes were not fierce, but a sudden chill ran through them.

"With a single finger, he could defeat Yan Jing'an and Lü Qingluo, both of whom were at the Qi Condensation stage."

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Houzhao looked up at Cao Zhengchun and asked, "Can you do it?"

Cao Zhengchun lowered his head and whispered, "Cihang Jingzhai's martial arts are unique. Whether in the Great Wei Kingdom or the Great Sui Kingdom, their martial arts are unparalleled. I have heard of the great name of the Cihang Sword Manual. Even if I were to face either Yan Jing'an or Lü Qingluo, I would not dare to say that I am confident of victory. Let alone someone like this young master Gu, who defeated both of them with a single finger without even using a sword."

Zhu Houzhao gently put down the pen, the pen resting on the pen holder with a very soft "tap".

"First, he defeated Lang Fanyun of the Angry Dragon Gang and Li Xunhuan of Little Li Flying Dagger by fighting two opponents at once. Now, he has defeated Yan Jing'an and Lü Qingluo by defeating them with just one finger. The strength of this young sect leader Gu is truly beyond our expectations!"

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun seemed to have thought of something and said softly, "Your Majesty, Tu Baichuan, the Imperial Envoy, has been missing for a long time. It just so happens that when the Wudang Sect went there last year, Imperial Envoy Tu also met that Young Master Gu. I noticed that Imperial Envoy Tu's eyes at that time seemed a bit off."

"You believe that Tu Baichuan was killed by Gu Shaoan?"

Cao Zhengchun lowered his hunched body even further: "This idea just popped into my head suddenly. After all, this young master Gu's strength is extraordinary. If Tu Gongfeng really encounters misfortune, Gu Shaoan is one of the people in the Great Wei who are capable of defeating Tu Gongfeng."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Houzhao gently shook his head and said, "You have not stepped into the Celestial Realm, so you will never understand how big the gap is between the Celestial Realm and the Condensing Yuan Formation Realm."

"Although Tu Baichuan only entered the Celestial Realm by combining the three elements of the Lesser Three Harmonies, he is proficient in the Three Blades of the Avici Road. Even if Gu Shaoan has a high talent, he is still only at the level of Condensing Yuan into Gang. He cannot even control the power of heaven and earth, so how can he kill Tu Baichuan?"

Finally, Zhu Houzhao glanced at Cao Zhengchun and continued, "Moreover, when he was still in the Wudang Sect, Master Tu had already returned to the capital. The timing and route don't match up at all."

Upon hearing this, Cao Zhengchun sighed softly, knowing that Zhu Houzhao was telling the truth.

There were also spies from the Azure Dragon Society and the imperial court within the Wudang Sect, and they knew exactly when Gu Shaoan left Wudang.

Unless Tu Baichuan is so bored as to deliberately come back to ambush and kill Gu Shaoan, Gu Shaoan and Tu Baichuan will never meet.

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Houzhao said, "It's probably impossible for the Wudang Sect to do it either. Even if Zhang Sanfeng has reached the level above the Celestial Realm, he wouldn't dare to take action against the people of the imperial court. In the Great Wei Kingdom, besides Wudang and the imperial court, there are only the Shaolin Sect among the Celestial Realm experts."

"Tu Baichuan has a grudge against Shaolin in the past. Let's see if those bald monks did it in secret."

Cao Zhengchun quickly agreed: "This old servant has noted it down, and will begin immediately shortly."

Then, Zhu Houzhao glanced at the paper in Cao Zhengchun's hand, and a look of disdain suddenly appeared on his face.

"The women of Cihang Jingzhai are truly ruthless, resorting to any means necessary, even using poison. But these foolish women don't realize that Gu Shaoan's medical skills are far beyond the reach of ordinary poisons."

Zhu Houzhao's tone remained casual, but there was a hint of sharpness in that casualness.

Cao Zhengchun asked in a low voice, "The last incident with the Wudang Sect was already a signal from His Majesty to Cihang Jingzhai, but now Cihang Jingzhai still dares to plot against Young Master Gu. Should this old servant arrange for someone to warn them?"

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Houzhao shook his head and said, "The matter has been settled, there's no need to worry about it. Let's hurry up and arrange things for the Azure Dragon Society. Once the Fifteen Shaolin Temples announce the closure of their mountain, we can begin."

"According to the order."

After speaking, Cao Zhengchun maintained his bowed posture and retreated step by step until he reached the door of the Imperial Study before turning around and leaving.

Meanwhile, at noon, Gu Shaoan finally stepped into the territory of Jiading Prefecture.

Returning to Jiading Prefecture after several months, Gu Shaoan discovered that the official road outside the city had been re-rammed, and many parts of the city wall had been repaired.

Moreover, even during the day, there were already more vendors outside the city gates, and people were lingering in front of these vendors' stalls from time to time.

Compared to a decade or so ago, Jiading Prefecture has become more prosperous and stable under the influence and governance of the Emei Sect.

Originally, there were other martial artists around the Emei Sect, but thanks to the Emei Sect's improved status and prestige, there are now very few martial artists causing trouble within the Emei Sect's territory.

Even if martial artists cause trouble, the Emei disciples in each of their respective camps will take action as soon as they learn of the situation.

In addition, the Emei Sect will distribute porridge and medicine to each of its various locations at irregular intervals, according to the sect's requirements and the specific circumstances of each location.

Its reputation has been built up over the past century.

As disciples of a prestigious and righteous sect, they cannot act as freely as the demonic sects when they are out in the world, and sometimes they are even constrained.

But everything has its own consequences.

There are physical and mental pleasures in breaking the rules, and there are benefits in following the rules.

The benefits of a reputable and righteous sect growing in prestige and strength are also very obvious.

One of them is cohesion.

Each disciple in the sect can also take pride in the sect.

At the same time, a reputable and well-established sect that abides by the rules and whose prestige is growing day by day is far more likely to attract the common people and merchants than a demonic sect that does not abide by the rules and whose ferocity is growing.

Previously, due to the Baisha Gang incident, many people were secretly observing. However, after the Baisha Gang leader personally led people to the Emei Sect to apologize for the previous conflict before the Lunar New Year last year, those who were still observing suddenly understood the situation.

As the year-end approached, many merchants and artisans, along with their families, flocked to the various prefectures and cities within the Emei Sect's sphere of influence.

The number was even greater in Jiading Prefecture, which was adjacent to the Emei Sect.

With the people living in peace and prosperity, and commerce flourishing, the tax revenue that the Emei Sect can collect each year also increases accordingly.

With the current situation of the ten prefectures under the jurisdiction of the Emei Sect, even if it recruits more disciples in the future, the tax revenue from these ten prefectures alone will be enough to keep the Emei Sect running smoothly.

After strolling around Jiading Prefecture, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but show a satisfied expression as he looked at the even more prosperous and thriving city.

Judging by the time, Huang Xuemei should be setting off from Dongyang Prefecture for Emei in the next few days.

However, Huang Xuemei will be bringing the supplies found in the Round Moon Gate, as well as Cheng Shifei and Fan Sanshan, instead of traveling light like Gu Shaoan. It will take her about two or three months to reach Emei.

Therefore, after eating something simple, Gu Shaoan returned directly to the Emei Sect and headed straight for the back mountain.

In the courtyard of Abbess Miejue on the back mountain.

Facing the gazes of Extinction, Dustless, and Insulation, Gu Shaoan recounted everything except for the matter concerning Bai Xiaosheng.

Including the matter with Huang Xuemei.

Upon learning of what Cihang Jingzhai had done, Abbess Juejue's face darkened.

"When I heard you tell me about the dirty things Cihang Jingzhai did behind the scenes, I already felt that Qin Mengyao was no good. I didn't expect that she would dare to drug you in secret this time. She deserves to die."

As she spoke, Abbess Insulation said with slight dissatisfaction, "You child are too soft-hearted. In my opinion, you should have just crippled Yan Jing'an as well, and that would have been the end of it."

As soon as she finished speaking, Abbess Juechen patted Abbess Zhujue on the shoulder.

"What nonsense are you talking about? Cihang Jingzhai is a first-rate force, after all. Although its way of doing things seems rather extreme to us and not very upright, it still has a good reputation in the martial arts world."

"We can believe Shao'an about the drugging, but can others in the martial arts world believe him? There are no witnesses and no physical evidence. Now that Qin Mengyao is dead, it's somewhat plausible that Shao'an would directly confront them and cripple some disciples of Cihang Jingzhai, as well as an elder who had reached the Qi Condensation stage."

“But if we directly abolish Yan Jing’an, the head of Cihang Jingzhai, the nature of the matter will change.”

Abbess Miejue nodded and said, "Juechen is right. The difference between the domineering and the demonic path is only one word, and they are separated by a fine line. It is not wrong to be unforgiving when you are in the right, but if you go too far, you will turn the right into the wrong, and it will also have some impact on Shaoan's reputation."

"Shaoan, you handled this matter very well. What makes me even more gratified is that even though your strength has improved, you are still able to think things through before acting, rather than acting rashly out of passion."

Gu Shaoan smiled and said, "It's all thanks to Master and my two senior uncles for their excellent teaching."

After thinking for a moment, Abbess Miejue asked, "What do you intend to do about that Miss Huang?"

Meeting the gazes of the three, Gu Shaoan said, "This disciple is not a heartless or fickle person. Although Miss Huang and I had some mutual affection before, we kept it at a distance. Now that we have consummated our marriage by chance, this disciple will naturally take responsibility for her."

As if they had anticipated Gu Shaoan's answer, the three of them were not surprised.

After listening to Gu Shaoan's words, none of the three spoke.

I have an impression of Huang Xuemei, whether it's extinction, dust, or insulation.

After all, when the Emei Sect hosted a banquet for people from all directions and the Beggars' Sect launched an attack, Huang Xuemei was able to stand in front of Abbess Miejue and the others without hesitation, which left a deep impression on the three of them.

And I also felt a natural fondness for her.

In terms of appearance, strength, and even status, he is undoubtedly a top choice in the entire martial arts world.

Even Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan are somewhat inferior to Huang Xuemei in terms of talent and strength.

Furthermore, the Heavenly Dragon Sect itself is not a demonic force, and it is now entirely under Huang Xuemei's control.

For the Emei Sect, having Huang Xuemei and Gu Shaoan together would be equivalent to gaining another master of the Qi Condensation Realm and an ally from the Tianlong Sect. It would be entirely beneficial to the Emei Sect, and Abbess Miejue, Juechen, and Juezhu would naturally not object.

After thinking for a moment, Abbess Miejue asked, "You know what you're doing. Since it concerns your feelings, I can't say too much. Besides, I trust your judgment. Once this Miss Huang arrives at the Emei Sect, we can talk to her first. If there are no problems, we can set a wedding date."

At this point, Abbess Miejue changed the subject, asking, "What are you going to say to Zhiruo and Yan'er?"

When Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan were mentioned, Gu Shaoan's face showed a hint of helplessness.

"I have no choice but to tell the truth."

Seeing Gu Shaoan's expression, the three women unconsciously smiled.

Gu Shaoan is usually calm and composed, and he is always methodical and confident in dealing with any situation.

It's rare to see someone looking so helpless like this over the past decade or so, so it's naturally quite amusing at this moment.

Seeing the reactions of his three elders, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but chuckle.

After chatting with the three of them for a while, Gu Shaoan got up and headed towards the villa to the west.

The next day.

At noon, after lunch, after pointing out some problems in the two women's martial arts that day, Gu Shaoan did not rush to practice. Instead, he walked to the pavilion next to him, first gazing at the distant clouds for a while, and then turned his attention to Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan.

Gu Shaoan, Zhou Zhiruo, and Yang Yan were childhood sweethearts.

The three of them knew each other inside and out, as well as each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Moreover, Huang Xuemei's incident was an accident in itself.

Therefore, Gu Shaoan knew that after telling the two women about the matter, they would not take it too seriously.

However, things went so smoothly that even Gu Shaoan was somewhat surprised.

Neither of the two women showed any displeasure towards Huang Xuemei.

Gu Shaoan originally thought the matter was over, until last night.

Thinking it over, Gu Shaoan held the teacup in his right hand and unconsciously rubbed his waist with his left, deciding to increase the time he spent practicing the "Invincible Vajra Divine Skill" by one hour every day.

Otherwise, what good would it do to be a master of the Celestial Realm?

Every morning, don't I still have to lean against the wall to get out?

After a short while, Gu Shaoan pointed out some minor issues with the two women's swordsmanship, he suddenly sensed a strange movement of the power of heaven and earth.

"That direction, east of the bamboo forest?"

(End of this chapter)