In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 437 Even before me, he could only lie down.
The April sunshine was noticeably warmer, and the mountain winds felt less biting.

Since Huang Xuemei arrived at the Emei Sect, the only difference for the entire sect is that the sky above Mount Emei is sometimes filled with the faint sound of a zither. Combined with the faint sandalwood fragrance on the mountain, this gives the already quiet and famous mountain an indescribable "gentleness".

The music did not overpower the main subject.

It usually starts before the morning fog dissipates, or stops when the evening bells are about to ring.

It wasn't loud, but the tone was extremely pure, like a mountain spring flowing gently on a stone, unhurried and calm, with a steady and measured feel.

At first, some disciples thought that a senior sister had just learned to play the zither and was entertaining herself in the garden when she was in high spirits. But after listening for a while, they gradually realized that something was wrong. There was no frivolous showing off of skills in the sound, nor any deliberate sorrow or joy. It was as if it gently smoothed out people's emotions and put them in a "just right" position.

The Emei School is founded on swordsmanship. Every day, they practice swordsmanship and breathing exercises in their morning classes, and they must avoid being impatient or restless.

But ever since the sound of the zither began to echo in the mountains, many disciples unconsciously slowed down a bit. Their sword strikes were still fast, but their finishing moves were more stable, their footwork was still agile, and their breathing was more even.

In the open space in the front yard of Da'e West Garden, as Huang Xuemei placed her fingers on the strings and smoothed out the trembling, Gu Shaoan happened to walk out from the main house at the back.

After handing the cup to Huang Xuemei, Gu Shaoan glanced at Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, who were also studying the sheet music, and then smiled at Huang Xuemei, saying, "Playing the 'Qingxin Pushan Qu' with martial arts like 'Tianlong Bayin' has allowed your 'Tianlong Bayin' to smoothly enter the level of moving from form to meaning, which is an unexpected delight."

Hearing what Gu Shaoan said, Huang Xuemei also had a faint smile on her face: "Yes! The matter of fate is the most unpredictable. I just took a musical score from your room and after playing it a few times, it actually helped me break through the 'Tianlong Eight Sounds' that I had not been able to improve for years."

Finally, Huang Xuemei looked at Gu Shaoan and said, "Speaking of which, I always feel that I have exceptionally good luck whenever I'm with you."

Upon hearing this, Gu Shaoan thought about it and realized that it was indeed true.

When Gu Shaoan first met Huang Xuemei, he treated her and also drew away the pursuers who were originally searching for her.

When he met Huang Xuemei for the second time, he ended up helping her out of danger, not only thwarting Mr. Six Fingers' plan, but also allowing Huang Xuemei to gain nearly two hundred years of internal energy.

The third time, he helped her find her younger brother who had been missing for many years, and then he also eliminated the Round Moon Gate.

This time, Huang Xuemei's "Tianlong Bayin" has been further improved.

Thinking it over, Gu Shaoan said, "I've only ever heard of someone bringing good fortune to their husband, but this is the first time I've heard of someone bringing good fortune to their wife."

Upon hearing the words "lucky wife," Huang Xuemei smiled, gently lowered her head, and brought the cup to her lips, a blush spreading behind her ears.

However, the next moment, as the contents of the glass slid down her throat, and she felt a slight surge of the alcohol carrying a refreshing medicinal aroma, Huang Xuemei felt a little suspicious and looked down.

But what was in the cup was not tea at all, but clearly a bright green medicinal wine.

"what is this?"

Gu Shaoan said softly, "The way of cultivation lies in the balance of tension and relaxation. You usually cultivate too much, and you don't have enough time to nourish your meridians. As a result, if this continues for a while, your meridians will inevitably be affected."

"The sound of the zither also corresponds to the five elements of the human body: heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys. The 'Tianlong Eight Sounds' is a unique skill among sound-based martial arts."

"With the combination of these two factors, and your lack of attention to nurturing your body, you were injured during your last overexertion during cultivation."

“After your physical strength was improved, the injuries to your internal organs and meridians were only temporarily suppressed by the medicine, not completely cured. That’s why I prepared these medicinal wines after you returned to the Emei Sect.”

"It contains a medicine made from cardamom combined with other herbs that promote blood circulation and relieve pain. After taking it, the medicine will gradually nourish your meridians over three days, repairing all the hidden injuries in your internal organs and meridians."

In Huang Xuemei's perception, Gu Shaoan's voice was very soft and gentle.

Coupled with his unhurried and gentle tone, Gu Shaoan's voice felt like a warm spring breeze to her ears, making them feel slightly itchy and her heart tender.

After the medicinal wine was completely absorbed into her abdomen, its effects began to circulate throughout her body, giving her a languid feeling, like basking in the winter sun, which was very satisfying.

Although her wine glass was empty, Huang Xuemei did not put it down. Instead, she gently twirled the glass with her fingertips and casually asked, "How is your research on the sound-based techniques of the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms going?"

In response to Huang Xuemei's question, Gu Shaoan shook his head and said, "There is no time to study it yet."

For Gu Shaoan right now, the most important thing is naturally to condense the essence, energy, and spirit within his body into a flower.

Secondly, there is the cultivation of one's own "Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill".

These two alone take up almost eight or nine tenths of Gu Shaoan's daily cultivation time.

The chess and sword techniques that Gu Shaoan demonstrated to Zhang Sanfeng were things he had studied in his spare time.

This also means that even though Gongzi Yu sent Huang Yaoshi's masterpiece "The Song of the Azure Sea Tide" to Emei last year, Gu Shaoan has not been able to find the time to study it.

"If you need any help in this regard, please let me know."

"Will do!"

After responding to Huang Xuemei, Gu Shaoan sighed softly, and a wisp of gentle energy landed on Yang Yan's head, who was about to place her hand on the strings of the Heavenly Demon Harp.

As Yang Yan clutched her head in pain, Gu Shaoan's voice rang out.

"You're trying to play the Heavenly Demon Harp without having mastered the 'Eight Sounds of Heavenly Dragon'? Are you trying to force yourself to endure hardship?"

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan speak, Zhou Zhiruo, who was also standing next to the Heavenly Demon Harp and hadn't yet had a chance to reach out, immediately turned around and looked at Gu Shaoan with a smile.

Seeing this, Huang Xuemei's lips curled into a slight smile.

Those who are observant can see a lot in any detail.

For example, in the West Garden these days, Huang Xuemei saw not only the characteristics of the two women, but also the shadow of Gu Shaoan in Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo.

The fact that the two could still maintain a certain level of romance after marriage was enough for Huang Xuemei to know that the man she had entrusted her life to was very caring.

After playing around with the others for a while, Gu Shaoan prepared to go to the nearby woods to continue his daily cultivation.

However, before Gu Shaoan could set off, Abbess Wujue suddenly arrived.

"Shao'an, a guest has arrived."

Upon hearing the voice, Huang Xuemei's smile, which had been lingering on her brow, vanished instantly.

Do you need me to come with you?

Gu Shaoan shook his head and said, "No need. In a little while, I might have to take action. After all, he is the ruler of this court. If more people see him in such a predicament, it will only make him more embarrassed."

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Shaoan took a step forward, leaving behind several afterimages that lingered in the air and slowly dissipated.

Before long, Gu Shaoan arrived at the main hall on the golden summit of the front mountain.

Zhu Houzhao was still dressed as Gu Shaoan had seen him before: a loose white robe, a mask covering his face, and sitting on a chair in the main hall, he held two white jade beads in his hands, his posture somewhat relaxed and casual. Behind him, besides the veiled woman, was Cao Zhengchun in plain clothes.

Perhaps because they knew Zhu Houzhao's identity, apart from Zhu Houzhao and the other two, only Abbess Juechen was present in the hall.

"Thank you for your trouble, Senior Uncle!"

After entering the main hall, Gu Shaoan first bowed to Abbess Juechen.

After waving her hand in acknowledgment, Abbess Juechen said, "Since he is your friend, you should entertain him yourself! Remember to be courteous."

Gu Shaoan replied with a smile, "This disciple understands!"

Seeing this, Abbess Juechen turned her head and nodded to Zhu Houzhao and the others before leaving the main hall.

After Gu Shaoan sat down opposite him, Zhu Houzhao glanced at Gu Shaoan's left hand and said casually, "This is the first time I've seen Young Master Gu not holding the Heaven-Slaying Sword!"

Gu Shaoan said calmly, "The Emei Sect is my sect. Within this sect, I naturally do not need to carry the Heaven-Slaying Sword in my hand at all times."

Zhu Houzhao chuckled inwardly.

However, that was just a casual question.

In Zhu Houzhao's eyes, it made no difference whether Gu Shaoan had the Heaven-Slaying Sword or not.

Gu Shaoan took in Zhu Houzhao's expression and shook his head inwardly.

Gu Shaoan could clearly sense that Zhu Houzhao was more confident than before.

Or rather, it already has a hint of arrogance about it.

As for the reason, it is likely due to his own advancement to the Celestial Realm and the smooth progress of his previous trip to Wudang.

Gu Shaoan sighed inwardly at this.

Having grown up in the royal family, Zhu Houzhao was probably extremely proficient in the ways of emperors and the art of winning people's hearts.

However, when it comes to martial arts, Zhu Houzhao's current strength, and even his cultivation at the Celestial Realm, are nothing more than the result of forcing growth.

Their understanding of martial arts was far too ordinary.

So ordinary that they actually thought that once they entered the realm of celestial beings, they could rest easy.

Gu Shaoan had neither the obligation nor the interest to correct Zhu Houzhao's problems.

After briefly organizing his thoughts, Gu Shaoan said directly, "If I'm not mistaken, Shaolin, like Wudang, is also prepared to close its gates at your request, isn't that right?"

Zhu Houzhao said casually, "It seems that Young Master Gu had a long chat with Master Zhang on Wudang Mountain. Perfect, I'd like to hear how much Young Master Gu and Master Zhang can guess about what will happen next."

Gu Shaoan calmly said, "It's not much. It's just that after the Azure Dragon Society kills some first-rate forces that are unwilling to submit to establish its authority, it will take advantage of the Azure Dragon Society to bring the Jianghu of the Great Wei Kingdom back into the hands of the imperial court. Then, it will send people to the Great Yuan Kingdom to cut off the martial arts path of the Great Yuan Kingdom in advance."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Houzhao couldn't help but applaud.

"As expected of Young Master Gu, he revealed all my plans in just a few words."

Finally, Zhu Houzhao, who had stopped clapping, slowly asked, "So, what did Young Master Gu mean when he arranged for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to send a message about a deal with me?"

In response to Zhu Houzhao's question, Gu Shaoan calmly replied, "From targeting Zhu Wushi, to using Zhang Zhenren and me to kill Meng Chixing, Pang Ban, and Bai Xiaosheng on Wudang Mountain, to later controlling the Jianghu of the Great Wei Kingdom with the Qinglong Society, and a series of plans targeting the Great Yuan Kingdom, weren't all driven by Bai Xiaosheng behind the scenes?"

Zhu Houzhao suddenly stopped playing with the jade beads in his hand.

What are you trying to say?

Gu Shaoan calmly said, "Bai Xiaosheng is a person sent by the Great Sui Kingdom to the Great Wei Kingdom. His real purpose is not to help the Great Wei Kingdom, but to arrange for the Great Wei Kingdom and the Great Yuan Kingdom to fight each other, so that both sides will be exhausted, and finally the Great Sui Kingdom can take the opportunity to annex the Great Wei Kingdom and the Great Yuan Kingdom."

After pondering for a few moments, Zhu Houzhao asked, "Where did the information come from?"

"Unexpected gains".

Hearing Gu Shaoan's reply, Zhu Houzhao narrowed his eyes slightly.

Gu Shaoan continued, "Once Your Excellency really arranges for experts to go to the Great Yuan Kingdom, and the imperial court's Celestial Realm experts lead their men to eliminate all the martial arts forces in the Great Yuan Kingdom and sever the martial arts path, and then fight against the Great Yuan Kingdom's Eighth Master Ba and Si Hanfei, two Celestial Realm experts, if another force suddenly appears, they will wipe out all the Celestial Realm experts of the Great Yuan Kingdom and the Great Wei Kingdom."

"At that time, the Yuan Dynasty and the Wei Dynasty will no longer have any experts at the Celestial Realm."

"After that, Bai Xiaosheng will return to the Great Wei Kingdom to secretly take charge of the Azure Dragon Society. When the Great Sui Kingdom annexes the Great Yuan Kingdom, with Bai Xiaosheng's inside help, the Great Wei Kingdom will be like a fish on a chopping board."

Gu Shaoan's voice wasn't loud, but every word he uttered made the woman behind Zhu Houzhao, whose face was veiled by snow, and Cao Zhengchun's expressions become more serious.

The two white jade beads in Zhu Houzhao's hand paused for a moment, then slowly began to spin again.

He didn't immediately get angry, nor did he immediately refute. Instead, he seemed to have heard something quite interesting. His gaze behind the mask lingered on Gu Shaoan's face for a moment, then he smiled softly. The laughter wasn't loud, but it carried a relaxed and confident air unique to those in a superior position.

"Young Master Gu's deduction was indeed brilliant."

As he spoke, the jade beads between his fingers struck each other, producing a crisp "tap-tap" sound.

A few breaths later, Zhu Houzhao's voice rang out again.

"However, there is one thing that Young Master Gu is unaware of."

Under Gu Shaoan's gaze, Zhu Houzhao calmly said, "I have always known that Bai Xiaosheng is a Sui person."

Cao Zhengchun slightly raised his eyelids, his expression unchanged.

Gu Shaoan frowned slightly, seemingly somewhat surprised by the news.

Gu Shaoan spoke up: "Since that's the case, are you still willing to negotiate with a tiger for its skin?"

Zhu Houzhao tilted his head slightly; the mask concealed his expression, but it couldn't hide his nonchalant arrogance.

"To seek help from a tiger?"

He chuckled lightly, as if he had heard an inappropriate word, and then spoke softly.

"I am the true dragon, the Son of Heaven of the Great Wei Kingdom. Let alone whether Bai Xiaosheng is a tiger or not, even if he is, he can only lie down in front of me."

(End of this chapter)