Starting with a blind date with a female constable, you acquire the Nine Swords of Dugu.

Chapter 46: The Flaming Blade and the One-Finger Divine Skill (7k)

Gu Guanqi asked, "So, there are still zombies in the martial arts world?"

"Of course there are." Han Caiye nodded slightly and said as she walked downstairs, "I participated in the battle that destroyed the Corpse Refining Sect back then, so I know quite a bit about it. Back then, we found a lot of documents in the Corpse Refining Sect, which confirms that there are many other forces outside the Corpse Refining Sect that also know the art of corpse refining."

Besides, even many core disciples of the Corpse Refining Sect from back then escaped, and they might be secretly practicing corpse refining techniques in secret!

Gu Guanqi asked curiously, "Then, Senior Han, have you ever seen a zombie?"

"Yes, I have," Han Caiye said. "Back when I destroyed the Corpse Refining Sect, I personally fought against the zombies."

"Are zombies really invulnerable to swords and bullets?" Gu Guanqi asked.

Han Caiye nodded slightly and said, "It is quite tough, but not as strong as the legends say. It's actually similar to someone who has cultivated a body-strengthening technique. It's just that zombies are dead, so they're not easy to kill. It's similar to the puppets in the mechanical gate..."

While chatting,

The group went back downstairs and sat down again.

Gu Guanqi asked, "Senior Han, in all your years of traveling the martial world, have you ever seen a zombie born from a feng shui burial site?"

Han Caiye chuckled, "Master Gu, why are you so curious about zombies?"

Gu Guanqi said, "I grew up listening to these legends, so naturally I'm very curious about things like zombies and ghosts."

Han Caiye shook her head and said, "I've never seen a zombie that's naturally formed, but it's said that this kind of zombie is different from the zombies that are refined, and it has a strong growth potential."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "I really want to see for myself."

Han Caiye said, "I can't show you a zombie, but if you're interested, you can come to my house when you have time. I'll show you how I turn corpses into zombies."

Gu Guanqi asked doubtfully, "Is this something outsiders can see?"

Han Caiye chuckled and said, "If Master Gu is willing to learn, I can teach you the art of corpse driving. However, there are conditions."

Gu Guanqi asked, "What are the conditions?"

Han Caiye said with a chuckle, "I am eighty-two years old today. My husband has been dead for almost thirty years. My husband's family has many children and grandchildren. As for my maternal family, I only have two nephews. A few years ago, we had a falling out because of my younger sister-in-law and stopped having contact."

So, I don't really have many ties. The only thing I can't let go of is my poor granddaughter. She has a unique appearance and is timid and cowardly. Although I teach her martial arts, she never dares to fight anyone. She doesn't dare to fight back if anyone bullies her.

With her looks, she'll never marry into a good family, and if she does, she'll definitely be bullied. If I'm not around, she'll probably be tormented to death in a few years.

Therefore, even at my age, I've been out in the world these past few years, hoping to accumulate more wealth for her. But given her personality, she certainly won't be able to hold onto it, so I must find her a powerful backer.

As she spoke, she picked up a piece of meat for Han Youniang, looked at Gu Guanqi with a smile, and continued, "So, if you, Master Gu, are willing to protect my granddaughter, not to mention the corpse-driving technique, I also have a rare and precious material called Ice Soul, which I can give you."

Wearing this item can strengthen the foundation and condense the Qi for those who cultivate Yin-type techniques, making their cultivation twice as effective. Even for those who do not cultivate Yin-type techniques, long-term wear can cleanse the marrow and improve the meridians.

Furthermore, this item can prolong life in cases of severe injury, and if one dies, wearing it can preserve the body from decay. When used on weapons, it can imbue them with powerful icy energy.

Besides the corpse-driving technique and the Ice Soul, I have also accumulated quite a bit of wealth over the years. I will keep only enough for my granddaughter's living needs, and give the rest to her as a gift!

Gu Guanqi and the disciples of Medicine King Valley looked at each other in bewilderment.

An Yi asked suspiciously, "Senior Han, is this the dowry you're preparing for Miss Han?"

Han Caiye chuckled and said, "That's one way to understand it. However, I don't plan to let her get married. With her personality, she's destined to suffer no matter which family she marries into."

Therefore, as long as she has enough money, she will obediently stay at home and live a simple, ordinary life, with someone to protect her and prevent anyone from bullying her.

With a playful smile on her face, she said, "Of course, if Master Gu is willing to give my granddaughter a try and we can reach an agreement, then I would be happy to marry her off to Master Gu."

Gu Guanqi asked in confusion, "Why?"

Han Caiye chuckled, "Because I've known Tang Yu for many years. I met that kid when he was seventeen or eighteen, and I know him very well. He has a good eye; he told me that Master Gu is very similar to him!"

"What do you mean?" Gu Guanqi was a little confused.

Han Caiye glanced at Gu Guanqi and then at An Yi, saying nothing more than, "Those things aren't important. What's important is, is Master Gu interested in the Corpse-Driving Technique and the Ice Soul Technique?"

Gu Guanqi was very puzzled.

I don't understand at all why Han Caiye trusts him so much after only meeting him today.

"Senior, aren't you trusting me too much?" Gu Guanqi said.

Han Caiye chuckled, "Who wouldn't believe in the Sword Immortal Gu Guanqi?"

Gu Guanqi understood that Han Caiye's motivation wasn't the title of "Sword Immortal." He smiled and said, "My opinion isn't really important. It's up to Miss Han to consider. What if she can change her personality in the future?"

Everyone involuntarily looked at Han Youniang.

Han Youniang, who was eating with her head down, slowly raised her head, her eyes filled with fear. She leaned closer to Han Caiye and whispered, "Master Gu... Master Gu, I... I eat very little, I'm easy to feed, and I don't cost much!"

Gu Guanqi: "..."

Just then, he was about to speak,

A system notification sounded in my mind:

[Player has started the matchmaking event]

[Detected blind date candidate – Han Youniang]

Rating – Three Stars

[Blind Date Reward: Max Level Flame Blade]

The matchmaking event has begun. Players are encouraged to complete it. Rewards will be distributed after the event concludes.

……

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback.

I never expected that a blind date activity would be detected.

The level isn't low either; it's actually three stars.

This girl has no reputation in the martial arts world, so the system's evaluation mainly relies on her appearance and martial arts skills, just like Jiang Baili back then. She had no reputation, but she could still be rated three stars.

In fact, Jiang Baili's martial arts skills were indeed very high.

Now, Han Youniang also has three stars, which means that although this girl looks weak and cowardly, she is actually quite skilled in martial arts.

This reward is quite good.

The Flaming Blade, originating from "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," is a unique martial art of Kumārajīva. Although called a blade technique, it is actually a palm technique. It involves concentrating internal energy at the edge of the palm and projecting it outward to injure others with an ethereal, illusory force that resembles flames.

The attack is silent and stealthy, with a fierce and powerful palm strike that targets the meridians and heart meridians. Those struck suffer excruciating pain as their meridians are burned, and their internal energy becomes disordered and dissipates.

It is an extremely domineering martial art.

……

Gu Guanqi regained his composure and looked at Han Youniang. She had already lowered her head and was eating her meal in a very small way, as if afraid of attracting attention.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly, just about to speak, when he suddenly noticed An Yi's gaze, which was full of resentment.

Seeing Gu Guanqi looking over,

An Yi immediately lowered her head and pretended to eat.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and immediately said, "Senior Han, the corpse-driving technique and the Ice Soul were just jokes. However, I have met you today and am deeply impressed by your public-spiritedness. If anyone ever bullies Miss Han in the future, I, Gu Guanqi, will absolutely not stand idly by!"

Han Caiye cupped her hands and said, "To hear such words from Hero Gu, I am truly relieved!"

Gu Guanqi said, "Let's eat, let's eat. If we don't eat now, the food will get cold."

"please!"

……

After finishing a meal,

It was completely dark by then.

The group stopped chatting and went upstairs to rest.

Han Caiye first took an oil lamp to check on the corpses in the room. After confirming that there was nothing wrong, she went to the next room.

Han Youniang followed closely behind Han Caiye like a shadow, without saying a word.

After closing the door, Han Caiye complained, "You brat, your grandma just risked all her pride to find you a good backer, and you didn't say a word."

Han Youniang lowered her head and whispered, "Grandma, I...I just spoke..."

Han Caiye rolled her eyes and said, "You call that talking? What did you say? 'Easy to raise, doesn't cost money.' Are you trying to make Gu Guanqi laugh to death?"

Han Youniang lowered her head and said, "Grandma, you...don't you want me anymore?"

Han Caiye sighed, her whole body softened, and she gently patted Han Youniang, saying, "Girl, it's not that Grandma doesn't want you anymore, it's just that Grandma is old and doesn't have many years left to live."

But you're still young, only eighteen this year. You can't just die because Grandma dies, can you? But with your personality, no one will protect you. How can Grandma rest in peace after she dies?

Han Youniang whispered, "No, it can't be."

"Gu Guanqi isn't actually a good match," Han Caiye said, "but he's very suitable for you. A couple of days ago, Tang Yu wrote to me specifically about Gu Guanqi."

He said Gu Guanqi was a lot like him, although the guy was just trying to make himself look good. But they really were similar in personality; both were womanizers. These kinds of people aren't faithful, but like Tang Yu, they're fickle, yet they're genuinely sincere with every woman.

Han Youniang slightly raised her head and said, "I... don't quite understand!"

Han Caiye said, "You were born with white hair and red eyes, so you won't be able to marry into a good family. Even if you are lucky enough to marry, you will suffer for the rest of your life. Whenever there is any misfortune in the family, they will think it is caused by your bad luck. So, you definitely cannot marry."

If you don't marry, even if I use my corpse-driving technique and the Ice Soul, there's no guarantee that they'll protect you for life. They might even try to take away the family fortune I left you.

Therefore, you have to find someone who doesn't care about your family's wealth at all. And Gu Guanqi is perfect for that. He definitely doesn't care about your family's wealth. Even if you don't marry him, I'll pass on my inheritance to him. Whether he needs it or not, we'll still have a bond.

If you don't marry him, he can't blame you for any misfortunes he may encounter in the future. You won't waste your time and you'll have someone to protect you. With his reputation and abilities, as long as you're his person, no one will dare to bully you.

And he's a womanizer, just like Tang Yu, he's sincere with every woman. Once you two develop feelings for each other, he'll always remember you and think of you. And since he's young, he can completely protect you for the rest of your life. So, do you understand?

"Yes, I understand." Han Youniang nodded.

Han Caiye said, "Otherwise, why do you think I would go out of my way to buy Gu Guanqi's portrait? But I have to say, that kid is really handsome, but he's also really a womanizer. Look at that young master of Medicine King Valley, the way he looks at him is practically melting."

"Yes." Han Youniang nodded.

Han Caiye added, "Go ahead and spend the money, otherwise you won't have a chance to seek his protection. However, eyes don't lie. The way he looked at you just now, there was absolutely no disgust in his eyes."

"Um."

Han Caiye said, "Let's go to the martial arts tournament together in a while. Try to talk to him as much as possible."

"Um."

"Hmm...all you do is hmm," Han Caiye said angrily, "You never say anything else all day. Okay, that's enough, let's go to sleep, we have to travel tomorrow!"

"oh."

……

at the same time.

Shortly after entering the room, Gu Guanqi suddenly heard a system notification in his mind:

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level "Flame Blade" has been issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

……

"receive"

in an instant,

A surge of profound martial arts insights suddenly flooded into Gu Guanqi's mind. The profound secrets of the Flaming Blade palm technique, the method of condensing internal energy into fire force, and the secrets of burning meridians from a distance were all instantly imprinted in his heart without the slightest hesitation, directly reaching the realm of perfection.

Gu Guanqi's innate true energy stirred slightly, flowing along the newly established meridian method. An invisible heat wave faintly emanated from his palm, not an open flame, but carrying a domineering, scorching heat that could burn tendons and erode meridians. Without deliberate activation, a faint, intense energy swirled around his fingertips. This was the origin of the Flame Blade, condensing internal force into an invisible blade of energy, striking with fire from a distance and injuring opponents.

……

Gu Guanqi withdrew his true energy.

then,

He walked to the door, gently opened it and went out, then closed it behind him before going to the next room.

He placed his hand on the door, released a burst of true energy, and instantly removed the latch from the inside. He then pushed the door open and entered.

Inside the room, an oil lamp was lit, casting a dim, yellowish light.

An Yi was sitting on a stool drying her hair. She had just returned from taking a shower in the bathroom in the backyard of the inn.

Startled by the sudden opening of the door, An Yi quickly looked over and saw Gu Guanqi. A wave of panic washed over her, and she hurriedly stood up, saying, "Junior Brother, you... what brings you here?"

Gu Guanqi didn't say anything, and closed the door behind him.

Then he quickly walked over and hugged An Yi, picked her up and carried her to the bed.

"No, no, junior brother..."

An Yi quickly said, "No, junior brother, we agreed on that last night in Snake Mountain Town. We can't do this again!"

Gu Guanqi naturally didn't take An Yi's words to heart. For him, there was only a next time, not a last time.

It's just that during these past few days of traveling, he either camped in the wild or stayed in private homes, so he didn't have a chance to be alone with An Yi.

"Junior brother... um..."

An Yi struggled, but before she could finish speaking, Gu Guanqi kissed her on the lips.

She quickly turned her face away, struggling to say, "Junior brother, no, you can't do this..."

Gu Guanqi put An Yi on the bed and kissed her.

As they kissed,

An Yi's body went limp, and she no longer had the strength to struggle.

She felt her body burning and couldn't help but respond.

Then she thought to herself: Oh well, we'll be at Medicine King Valley tomorrow, and there won't be another chance like this... I'll just let him be tonight!

Thinking of this,

An Yi reached out and gently hugged Gu Guanqi.

Gu Guanqi leaned close to An Yi's ear and whispered something.

An Yi's cheeks flushed red instantly, and she quickly said, "No, Master... Husband, no, that's too embarrassing, I can't do it..."

"Good senior sister!"

Gu Guanqi said in a low voice, "Today, Elder Han offered such a valuable dowry, and I refused it because I was afraid it would upset you. Now, are you going to refuse my small request too? Isn't it getting too boring to always be in the same position?"

"I……"

An Yi's cheeks flushed red as she thought to herself: Since this is the last time anyway, I might as well... I might as well give in to him!

Then she whispered, "I...I'll try...but you have to promise me, this will be the last time!"

"Okay," Gu Guanqi replied.

An Yi whispered, "Then, turn off the light first..."

Gu Guanqi casually unleashed a palm strike with the force of Bai Hong.

In an instant, a gust of wind shot out, and the oil lamp went out immediately.

then,

In the darkness came the rustling sound of clothes being undressed.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

As dawn broke and the morning mist had not yet dissipated, a thin layer of dampness clung to the cobblestone path outside the inn.

The disciples of Medicine King Valley got up early. Some were stretching in the courtyard, some were packing their belongings, and some were already sitting in the main hall drinking tea and talking quietly.

After An Yi finished dressing, she looked at Gu Guanqi, who was still lying on the bed, and said in a low voice, "Junior brother, I'll go downstairs first. Don't come out yet. Wait until there's no one in the hallway before you go out."

Gu Guanqi leaned against the headboard, shook his head slightly, and said, "No, I want to go out now." As he spoke, he made a move to get up and get out of bed.

"No, you can't!"

An Yi quickly sat down and pressed Gu Guanqi down, her voice pleading, "Junior brother, I did everything you asked of me last night, you can't... you can't do this, please... be good, okay?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled softly without saying a word.

An Yi slowly leaned down and kissed Gu Guanqi on the lips, saying, "Junior brother, will you be good? You..."

Gu Guanqi hugged An Yi and flipped her over, pinning her beneath him, and placed his hand on An Yi's waist.

"Junior brother, you can't!" An Yi quickly grabbed Gu Guanqi's hand and said, "The junior brothers and sisters are already up. If I don't go down, they'll definitely get suspicious. If they find out later, I... how am I supposed to face them in the future? Junior brother..."

Talking,

An Yi's voice was already trembling with sobs, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Gu Guanqi knew he couldn't tease her any longer, so he leaned down and kissed An Yi, saying, "Senior sister, what are you thinking about? I just saw that you had some dust on you, so I was just patting it off for you."

As he spoke, he gently patted An Yi's waist and then released her.

An Yi quickly sat up, looked at Gu Guanqi, and said coquettishly, "You...you just take advantage of my feelings for you and bully me all you want. I...I deserve to be bullied by you!"

"Good senior sister." Gu Guanqi put his arm around An Yi's shoulder and whispered, "How could I bear to bully you? I can't live without you!"

An Yi's heart tightened instantly, and she whispered, "With...with your words, I...I'm satisfied!"

As he spoke,

She turned her head and gently kissed Gu Guanqi, then slowly stood up and said, "Hurry up and get dressed. We'll go downstairs at a suitable time later. After we finish eating, we should go back to Medicine King Valley. Today..."

An Yi sighed softly and said, "We should be able to get there before dark today!"

After saying that, An Yi didn't say anything more. She walked to the door, took a deep breath, straightened her collar, slung her bag over her shoulder, opened the door and went out, then quickly closed the door behind her. Afterward, she walked along the corridor with a calm expression, her steps steady and unhurried.

Two disciples of Medicine King Valley who were packing their luggage greeted An Yi immediately, saying, "Good morning, Senior Sister."

"Good morning." An Yi nodded slightly, her tone calm. "Go downstairs for breakfast once you're ready, and let's leave early afterward."

"Yes."

The two disciples responded.

After An Yi came downstairs, a disciple whispered, "Hey, have you noticed that Senior Sister An seems to have become much gentler lately? She used to hardly smile, and although she still smiles less now, her tone of voice is much gentler."

Another person said, "She's not only gentler, she seems even prettier! Her skin looks better!"

"..."

An Yi, who had just reached the corner of the stairs, overheard the conversation between the two disciples. Her cheeks immediately burned, and she hurriedly went downstairs. However, upon seeing several disciples of Medicine King Valley in the main hall, she immediately turned back around the corner, took several deep breaths, and calmed herself down before slowly descending the stairs.

……

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea,

Gu Guanqi sensed that no one was upstairs before pushing open the door and slowly descending the stairs.

In the main hall, the disciples of Medicine King Valley were already seated at two tables, preparing to have breakfast.

An Yi was sitting at a table near the back. When she saw Gu Guanqi come down, her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she casually looked away.

"Master Gu, you've finally come down. We were all about to go and call you," said a disciple of Medicine King Valley.

Gu Guanqi said, "I cultivated for a little longer last night and went to bed late, so I slept in a little longer just now."

After all,

Gu Guanqi then looked at Han Caiye and Han Youniang and asked, "Senior Han, Miss Han, did you rest well last night?"

Han Caiye nodded and said, "I have been traveling the world for many years and am used to eating and sleeping in the open, let alone in this inn. Of course I can rest well here."

Han Youniang simply lowered her head and said in a low voice, "Okay."

Soon, the waiter brought the food.

Everyone then began to eat breakfast.

The meal was finished quickly.

An Yi went to pay the bill, settling the bills for Han Caiye and Han Youniang together.

Han Caiye tried to decline, but couldn't refuse.

Subsequently,

The group then left the inn.

At the entrance of the inn, several horses had already been led out of the stable by the waiter and tied to the hitching posts in front of the door, their manes fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

Han Caiye led the four men in straw raincoats out of the inn, with Han Youniang following behind, head down, walking very carefully and quietly.

Just outside the inn, there's a fork in the road.

Han Caiye and Han Youniang were heading in a different direction than Gu Guanqi and the others.

Han Caiye led the four men in straw raincoats to stand at the crossroads.

Gu Guanqi and An Yi stepped forward.

"Senior Han, farewell." Gu Guanqi said, bowing.

"Take care on your journey, Senior Han," An Yi said, bowing slightly.

Han Caiye smiled and cupped her hands in greeting, her gaze lingering on each of the two men for a moment before finally settling on Gu Guanqi's face. She said, "Hero Gu, I'll take my leave first. Once these corpses are delivered, I'll come to Medicine King Valley to meet you."

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "This junior awaits your arrival."

Han Caiye nodded slightly, turned to look at Han Youniang behind her, and said, "Youniang, why don't you say goodbye to Hero Gu and Young Master An?"

Han Youniang peeked out from behind Han Caiye.

She kept her head down, her white hair falling down, obscuring most of her face.

"Goodbye, Young Master An." Her voice was as light as a wisp of smoke, as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

An Yi smiled slightly and said softly, "Goodbye, Miss Han."

Han Youniang then turned to Gu Guanqi, lowering her head even further.

"Master Gu...see you at Medicine King Valley! Let's go to the martial arts tournament together!"

Her voice was even softer than before, almost as if it would be carried away by the morning breeze.

Just then, that familiar electronic voice rang in Gu Guanqi's mind—

[A blind date invitation has been detected; advanced blind date event can be started]

[Enable?]

Gu Guanqi silently recited "Activate" in his mind.

A system voice came through:

[Blind Date Partner - Han Youniang]

Rating – Three Stars

[Advanced Dating Reward: One-Finger Divine Skill]

The Advanced Dating Event has begun. Players are encouraged to complete it diligently. Rewards will be distributed after the event concludes.

……

The finger technique, a signature technique of the Dali Duan royal family, is divided into nine ranks, with the first rank being the highest. It is a martial art that combines profound pure Yang internal energy with the finger technique.

By concentrating pure Yang internal energy at the fingertips, one can accurately strike acupoints and seal meridians at close range, deflect force and break attacks, or release finger force from a distance to injure others.

Its finger techniques are elegant and steady, full of righteous energy, and are specifically designed to break through evil martial arts. Furthermore, it can use finger strength to heal injuries, clear meridians, strengthen the body, and prolong life, integrating offense, defense, and medicine.