In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 96 The First of Emei, A Dilapidated Temple in the Night Rain

Zhou Zhiruo asked, puzzled, "Isn't high-quality internal energy a good thing?"

Abbess Juechen nodded and said, "Of course it's a good thing, and it's something that all martial artists dream of."

After answering Zhou Zhiruo, Abbess Juechen continued to explain: "But everything has two sides. If an ordinary martial artist achieves the unity of the three elements, as long as the purity reaches the 'usable' limit and the amount of true qi in the dantian is just enough, it may trigger the opportunity to transform into the original essence, because although the 'quality' of that true qi may not have reached its peak, the 'quantity' is sufficient."

"And Shao'an's wisp of pure true qi contains energy essence and condensation level equivalent to ten or a hundred wisps of ordinary martial artists! This means that the 'total amount' of true qi he needs to accumulate, or the amount needed to fill his dantian and qi sea to reach the 'full and overflowing' state, is dozens or even hundreds of times more than that required by ordinary martial artists of the same realm."

"Therefore, the difficulty for Junior Nephew Gu in his breakthrough lies in accumulation. As long as he continues to cultivate and accumulates his true qi, one day, when his deep and vast dantian is completely filled with his pure true qi, leaving no gaps, then it will be the time for him to achieve his goal and condense his qi into the essence."

Master Juechen's voice carried a hint of anticipation for that future scene: "This is not something that can be achieved quickly by human effort. It is a process of gradual refinement created by the heavens and earth. Precisely because it is so difficult, once it is accomplished, the true essence he condenses will be far more powerful and pure than that of the sect leader and other martial artists who have condensed their Qi into essence."

After speaking, Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo fell into deep silence, gaining a more direct and shocking understanding of Gu Shaoan's unfathomable depth and terrifying future potential.

After a moment, as if thinking of something, Yang Yan suddenly asked curiously, "Since Senior Brother Gu's true energy is of such high quality, then who is stronger, Senior Brother Gu, Sect Leader Uncle, or Master?"

This is also what Yang Yan is most curious about.

Gu Shaoan's strength and internal energy cultivation far surpassed theirs.

Over the past three years, no matter how much Yang Yan's strength improved, she always felt as if there was a chasm between her and Gu Shaoan.

Moreover, in these three years, neither of them had ever seen Gu Shaoan display his true strength.

This also made Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo very curious about Gu Shaoan's abilities.

After glancing at Yang Yan, Abbess Juechen raised her hand and tapped Yang Yan on the head.

He said irritably, "You know perfectly well what I'm asking. I think you're asking for a beating."

Upon hearing this, Yang Yan's eyes widened: "Senior Brother Gu's strength has really surpassed Master and Sect Leader Uncle?"

Not to mention Yang Yan, even Zhou Zhiruo looked surprised at this moment.

Seeing their reactions, Abbess Juechen sighed, looked up at the tall figure in the distance, and said softly, "A year ago, Shao'an's strength had already surpassed ours. In terms of strength, he can be considered the number one in our Emei Sect."

As she spoke, Abbess Juechen couldn't help but recall the scene from a year ago when the unconvinced Abbess Juejue dragged her and Miejue together to fight, but they were still no match for Gu Shaoan. Abbess Juechen couldn't help but feel a sense of amazement.

Just then, Gu Shaoan stomped his right foot, and a pebble the size of a fingernail on the ground was suddenly propelled into the air by the force of his stomp.

At the very instant the pebble was airborne, Gu Shaoan suddenly slashed out with his heavy sword. The moment the heavy sword touched the pebble, the entire pebble shattered under the terrifying force.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Still not working?"

Over the course of three years, Gu Shaoan successfully achieved a level of "effortless mastery" in his control of force.

However, a month has passed, and Gu Shaoan's progress is stuck at the current stage.

I couldn't find a way to continue my training and move from "effortless mastery" to "effortless mastery".

Although Gu Shaoan was aware of the theory of "treating light matters as heavy ones," theories are always just one direction.

It's like a door suddenly appearing at the crossroads of a broad road; if you don't open this door, you can't step onto the broad road behind it.

Gu Shaoan is currently in this stage.

However, Gu Shaoan knew that this matter could not be rushed.

Only by diligently practicing every day and waiting for a spark of inspiration to ignite one's thoughts can one find the path to "taking light tasks seriously".

With the entry for "enlightenment," as long as Gu Shaoan can find the direction of cultivation, he can rely on "enlightenment" to gradually reach the end, until he masters the skill of "making light things seem heavy."

With his thoughts settled, Gu Shaoan gathered his energy and flashed to Abbess Juechen.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, Uncle-Master."

Its speed was so fast that even Abbess Juechen could only vaguely catch a glimpse of it.

Abbess Juechen couldn't help but glance at the heavy sword in Gu Shaoan's hand.

He first sighed softly, but then his eyes held a more intriguing look.

While it's certainly awe-inspiring to see the younger generation surpass the older, the feeling is entirely different if those younger generations are created by oneself.

Abbess Juechen was also curious about how many of the older generation in the martial arts world this new wave from her Emei Sect could overthrow.

Thanks to the protection of Abbess Miejue and the elders and disciples of the Emei Sect.

In addition, under the influence of Abbess Miejue, the elders of the Emei Sect were quite fond of taking their disciples on training trips.

Just like Gu Shaoan when he first joined the sect, if he encountered bandits or human slaves, the news would reach Emei as soon as possible. At the same time, the elders would take charge of the disciples to deal with the bandits and train the disciples in the sect.

It was precisely because of this style of operation of the Emei Sect that, although the Emei Sect was not exactly able to leave its doors unlocked at night, it was still considered to be in a very good position in Jiading Prefecture, Yuzhou Prefecture, and Xuzhou Prefecture.

As the group continued their journey, no one who was tired of living joined them.

However, once they left the territory of the Emei Sect, everyone could clearly feel the change in the environment.

Especially when entering the southwest area, everyone could occasionally feel the prying eyes of some pedestrians.

But perhaps because they could sense the extraordinary nature of Miejue and the others from the swords in the hands of the Emei disciples, no fools dared to cause trouble.

Forty li from Datong Prefecture.

The night was shrouded in darkness, with no stars or moon visible in the sky, only thick, lead-gray clouds churning and surging.

Large raindrops, like broken beads, pounded heavily on the earth, stirring up misty sprays and creating a continuous, loud "pitter-patter" sound, turning the desolate official road into a muddy swamp.

The fierce wind, carrying cold, damp air, shook the solitary mountain god temple standing beside the official road like an invisible giant hand.

The broken tiles on the temple roof groaned under the weight of the wind and rain, and the leaking rainwater gathered into several thin streams that meandered across the uneven ground.

Inside the temple, several makeshift bonfires flickered stubbornly, their orange-red flames swaying in the damp, cold air, barely dispelling the deep chill and darkness, casting huge, distorted shadows on the broken walls and crumbling statues.

The Emei disciples sat in several groups, talking in hushed tones or resting with their eyes closed. Above the campfire, in an iron pot, rice porridge bubbled and steamed, emitting a comforting, warm aroma.

Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juechen, along with several elders, sat cross-legged in a relatively dry, high place, like several calm rocks, remaining motionless despite the howling wind and rain, their clothes slightly damp.

Gu Shaoan sat half a zhang away from the fire, his back pressed against the vermilion pillar that was already mottled.

He still held a medical book in his hand, his slightly pursed lips and focused expression making him look like a studious student.

The flickering firelight illuminated Gu Shaoan's handsome face, causing many female disciples of Emei to stare in a daze.

Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan sat cross-legged on either side of Gu Shaoan, cultivating their skills. The fragrance of orchids and musk emanating from them occasionally wafted into Gu Shaoan's nose.

The faint fragrance did not distract Gu Shaoan; on the contrary, the familiar scent calmed him down.

"Boom——!"

A blinding flash of lightning tore through the sky, instantly illuminating the dilapidated temple as if it were daytime! The thunder that followed seemed to explode overhead, shaking the temple violently!
"Quick! Quick! Push the car in right away, this damn weather, the rain could start any minute now."

"Be careful when checking the goods. Don't tear off the tarpaulin and get the goods wet. Otherwise, this whole trip will be a waste of time."

Just as the echoes of the thunder had not yet faded, a cacophony of voices, even more abrupt than the thunder, mixed with the neighing of vehicles and the heavy rumbling of wheels rolling over mud, suddenly broke through the clamor of the wind and rain as it drew nearer!

"boom!"

The temple's already rotten wooden door was violently smashed open, and a gust of cold wind, carrying a strong smell of earth, mud, horse sweat, and a faint, extremely subtle mixture of rust and saltpeter, instantly rushed in.

The flames of the campfire were suddenly suppressed, making a "popping" sound as it struggled, and the light and shadow inside the temple flickered violently.

A dozen or so strong men, soaked to the bone and looking like drowned rats, rushed in.

Leading the group was a burly man with a full beard. He wiped the rain from his face and his gaze swept across the temple like a hawk's. When he saw the dozens of women with swords and the several nuns with solemn expressions in the distance, his pupils contracted almost imperceptibly.

Then all eyes turned to Gu Shaoan.

It wasn't just because of Gu Shaoan's outstanding appearance and temperament, but because among these dozens of women, Gu Shaoan was the only man who stood out too much.

After taking in the situation inside the temple, the burly man with the bushy beard forced a stiff smile that mixed apology and ingratiation, clasped his hands in a fist and said loudly:

"I was unaware that there were already people in the temple. I apologize for disturbing you."

His voice was loud, trying to drown out the sound of the wind and rain, but his tone revealed an undisguised urgency.

As soon as he spoke, the men behind him immediately shoved and pushed several carts piled with heavy cargo boxes into the relatively spacious open space inside the temple.

The heavy wooden crates collided with the cart, making a dull thud.

The cargo boxes were unusually large, covered with thick waterproof tarpaulins, and tied tightly with thick hemp ropes.

However, as these carts entered the dilapidated temple, a faint sound reached Gu Shaoan's ears.

Gu Shaoan, who was looking down at his book, suddenly raised his eyes and glanced at the threshold of the temple gate.

Looking at the threshold that had been crushed by the wooden wheels, and then at the men pushing the cart, Gu Shaoan's eyes flickered, and a meaningful smile appeared in his eyes.

At the same time, Abbess Juechen, who had been sitting like a monk, and the two Emei Sect elders beside her, raised their lowered eyelids instantly!

Especially Abbess Juechen, although her expression was calm, a chill ran through the depths of her eyes.

But when she turned her head to look at Abbess Miejue, and then at Gu Shaoan who was leaning against the pillar as if still studying medical books, Abbess Miejue seemed to understand what Abbess Miejue meant.

He immediately spoke up, asking the previously scattered disciples to gather together and to give up a portion of the temple.

This prompted the burly man to thank him again.

But what she received in return was Master Juechen's silent closing of her eyes.

Seeing this, the burly man could only give an awkward smile, then turned around and joined the others in their work.

They dispersed in twos and threes, finding a drier corner near the cargo box to sit down. One by one, they took off their soaked outer garments and wrung them out vigorously, instantly filling the temple with an even stronger smell of sweat and stale water, causing some Emei disciples to unconsciously frown.

Despite these situations, the men acted as if no one was around and began turning around to take out food from their packs.

Although Gu Shaoan did not speak from beginning to end, he did devote some of his attention to these people who seemed to be merchants.

The bonfire crackled, and outside the temple, the wind and rain were dark and gloomy. Because of the presence of outsiders, the temple was less harmonious than before.

After an incense stick had burned, the wind and rain outside the temple were dark and gloomy. The thunder had temporarily ceased, leaving only the howling of the rainstorm washing over the earth and the howling of the wind blowing through the broken temple, intertwining into a chaotic symphony.

Several bonfires flickered inside the temple, casting distorted and swaying images of the dozen or so caravan men wolfing down their rations onto the mottled walls.

Suddenly, several youthful figures, damp with moisture and brimming with youthful vigor, rushed into the temple gate amidst the wind and rain!

A moment later, the dilapidated temple door was smashed open with a bang, and a boy rushed into the temple.

The boy looked to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, quite thin, soaked to the bone, his clothes clinging to him, and he looked very energetic.

But as he rushed into the temple and saw the people inside, the smile on the boy's face instantly turned into astonishment.

"Senior Brother, slow down!"

Just then, a crisp sound rang out from outside.

Immediately afterwards, a girl of about fourteen or fifteen years old and a man who looked to be in his thirties entered the temple at almost the same time.

The girl's bright red clothes were soaked through and clung to her body, making her appear even more petite and delicate. Rainwater clung to her beautiful hair and her delicate cheeks.

She stepped into the temple, looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings and the many eyes on her, and her timid eyes showed a hint of nervousness. She subconsciously gripped the hem of her clothes and turned around to say, "Father, there are already people in the temple."

Before the words were even finished, a man and a woman appeared at the temple entrance.

The man appeared to be in his thirties, with a thick beard, a handsome face, and an upright demeanor. He wore a dark blue scholar's robe that was soaked through by the rain, and his demeanor was composed and his steps were steady.

His gentle smile and warm gleam in his eyes were like a spring breeze, exuding a refined and scholarly air.

The woman exuded a heroic spirit; even with her hair dampened by the rain, the heroic air emanating from her brows was undeniable.

The moment they entered the temple, the woman stepped forward and subtly shielded the girl to her side.

On the other hand, the man glanced around and noticed the emblems on the bodies of the Emei disciples. A look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

Then, glancing at the dozen or so merchants gathered in a corner of the dilapidated temple, the man cupped his hands and said, "It's dark and rainy. My wife, disciples, and I encountered the storm on our journey and were able to take shelter in this temple. We had no intention of disturbing you all, and we hope you will forgive us."

The woman immediately clasped her hands in a gesture of greeting.

Upon hearing this, the burly man with a bushy beard from the caravan stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "We are both seeking shelter from the wind and rain, please make yourself at home."

The members of the Emei Sect, including Miejue, remained silent, and hadn't even raised their eyes since entering the dilapidated temple.

Only a group of Emei disciples remained, observing the newcomers with a hint of curiosity.

Upon seeing this, the refined-looking man clasped his hands in greeting, then led his wife and several children toward another corner of the temple.

Suddenly, Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan both turned their heads toward Gu Shaoan.

Immediately afterwards, Yang Yan said in a voice that could only be barely heard by the three of them, "Senior brother, those merchants seem to be after these people."

Gu Shaoan remained unmoved and asked with a smile, "How did you figure that out?"

Yang Yan pursed her lips, her tone still very low, "Those merchants were whispering non-stop before, but since that couple and a few others came in, they haven't said a word, they've only been exchanging glances. Anyone can see the problem."

Zhou Zhiruo nodded gently.

Seeing their reactions, Gu Shaoan chuckled inwardly.

Over the past few years, the two of them have gone down the mountain with Gu Shaoan every month on the fifteenth to provide free medical care, and they have encountered more than a thousand patients in total.

I've encountered some problems, more or less.

Gu Shaoan would also use the people and events they encountered to guide the two to think.

It now appears that it has been quite effective.

Immediately, Gu Shaoan responded softly: "Then today, I will teach you another principle. When you are out and about, unless you are sure that there are no outsiders around or you have gathered your true qi to transmit your voice, for martial artists whose internal strength has reached a certain level, your whispered conversation is no different from speaking loudly in their ears."

Although Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo have made considerable progress in their strength over the past three years, they have not yet reached the third level of the "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture," nor do they know how much a martial artist's five senses will improve after cultivation.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan were both stunned for a moment.

Then, realizing what had happened, the two immediately turned to look at the dozen or so merchants standing to the side.

Sure enough, when the two looked at the merchants, they saw that the dozen or so merchants who had seemed somewhat normal just moments before were now staring at them with cold eyes.

Upon realizing that their words had been overheard by the others, Yang Yan and Zhou Zhiruo's expressions froze.

She then turned her head slowly and looked at Gu Shaoan, who had a mocking expression on his face.

The Abbess Juechen and the Emei elders, who were watching this scene, smiled.

Even Miejue had a slight smile on her face.

However, while the atmosphere was relaxed on the Emei Sect's side, the couple who entered the dilapidated temple later, along with the dozen or so men disguised as merchants, were tense.

(End of this chapter)