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

Chapter 47: The Martial Arts Alliance Leader (9k views, please vote)

As evening fell, the last vestiges of crimson on the horizon slowly faded, and twilight surged in from all directions, enveloping the entire Medicine King Valley in a hazy, golden glow. One by one, the lights in the valley began to twinkle, like fireflies scattered across the mountains.

Gu Guanqi and An Yi finally arrived at Medicine King Valley at this time. Immediately, a disciple from the mountain gate went to inform them. When they arrived at the inner valley, Su Qingxing had already led several high-ranking members to greet them.

"Master." An Yi dismounted and quickly walked to Su Qingxing, bowing slightly.

Su Qingxing looked her up and down, and seeing that her complexion was rosy and she seemed to be in good spirits, he nodded slightly and asked, "Are you alright? I already know about what happened in Snake Mountain Town. You must have been frightened!"

"I'm not injured," An Yi said. "Although that battle was dangerous, Junior Brother Gu turned the tide, and I wasn't hurt at all."

Su Qingxing nodded slightly, turned his gaze to Gu Guanqi, and cupped his hands, saying, "Hero Gu, you've worked hard. As a member of the Yunzhou martial arts community, I thank you on behalf of all my fellow martial artists in Yunzhou for ridding our Yunzhou martial arts community of evil!"

Gu Guanqi returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "Senior Su, you are too kind. It was just a coincidence, and it was what I should do."

Su Qingxing said, "A few days ago, Tang Yu sent me a message by carrier pigeon. Hero Gu single-handedly killed Zhuque, Qinglong, Wang Qingzhi, and many assassins from the Four Extremes Hall. His martial arts skills are so profound that they can be described as unparalleled in the martial world!"

"Just a stroke of luck!" Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and asked, "Since you already know the details, I won't go into too much detail. May I ask what Medicine King Valley's plans are?"

Su Qingxing said, "The elders are already waiting in the valley, just waiting for your arrival to discuss the specifics." After saying that, Su Qingxing looked at An Yi and said, "An Yi, you come too."

"Yes, Master."

Gu Guanqi and An Yi exchanged a glance, then followed Su Qingxing deeper into the valley.

quickly,

Su Qingxing led Gu Guanqi and An Yi to a grand hall with blue bricks and gray tiles. The hall doors were open, and dim yellow light shone from inside, casting a warm glow on the floor in front of the entrance.

The three of them stepped into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit by candles. The seven elders of Medicine King Valley sat on both sides. The eldest elder, Mu Fenghua, sat on the side of the main seat. His hair and beard were all white, his face was fair, but his eyes were still clear and bright.

Upon seeing Gu Guanqi enter, the elders all stood up to greet him.

Although they were all senior figures in the martial arts world, Gu Guanqi was no ordinary young man, so they naturally wouldn't put on airs.

Gu Guanqi returned the greetings one by one.

Su Qingxing sat down in the main seat and gestured for Gu Guanqi and An Yi to take their seats. A disciple then brought in tea and left.

Su Qingxing slowly spoke: "Hero Gu, in principle, the Tingchao Sword Sect's collusion with the Four Extremes Hall to harm fellow martial artists is beyond dispute, and we should call on fellow martial artists to go and punish the Tingchao Sword Sect."

However, I received news yesterday from the prefectural government that the Tingchao Sword Sect, through some unknown connections, managed to get the prefectural government to vouch for them.

Gu Guanqi frowned and asked, "How can the government protect us? Wang Qingzhi of the Tingchao Sword Sect and the assassins from the Four Extremes Hall were killed by me in full view of everyone. Is the government going to try to distort the truth?"

Su Qingxing said, "That's not necessarily the case. However, they can use the name of the government to say that Wang Qingzhi betrayed the Tingchao Sword Sect and had already secretly pledged allegiance to the Four Extremes Palace, thus completely pinning the blame on Wang Qingzhi."

Gu Guanqi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and put it down. His tone was calm but firm: "What does that have to do with me? I'm not an official, and I don't need evidence to handle matters. I'm a member of the martial arts world, so I naturally follow the rules of the martial arts world. If I want to inquire about the Chaojian Sect, it's none of the government's business."

Su Qingxing asked, "Then, Master Gu, what kind of explanation do you want to hear from the Tide Sword Sect?"

Gu Guanqi said, "It's very simple. First, we must reveal who is behind it all, whether it's the Left Chancellor Zhang Jiexi or the Eastern Depot Supervisor Wei Tanjin."

Secondly, the Tingchao Sword Sect will be closed for thirty years. Alternatively, if they are unwilling to close their sect, then their leader should commit suicide to atone for their sins.

Su Qingxing asked, "What if they don't agree?"

"Then I will slaughter the Listening Tide Sword Sect!"

As soon as this word comes out,

Su Qingxing and the elders of Medicine King Valley were slightly surprised, as they had not expected Gu Guanqi to be so bloodthirsty.

Then, Su Qingxing looked at the elders and said, "Since Hero Gu does not accept a private settlement, then Medicine King Valley will naturally follow Hero Gu's lead and proceed according to the original plan. What do you say?"

Mu Fenghua nodded slightly and said, "Alright."

The other elders also chimed in.

Su Qingxing looked at Gu Guanqi, cupped his hands and said, "I notified the various martial arts forces that are on good terms with Medicine King Valley a couple of days ago to make preparations."

With that, she cupped her hands in a respectful gesture and said, "Master Gu, you are the key to this matter concerning the Tingchao Sword Sect. Your attitude will determine the attitude of our Medicine King Valley."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Okay."

Su Qingxing then asked, "Master Gu, do you have any plans to stay in Yunzhou permanently?"

Gu Guanqi asked in confusion, "Why does Senior Su ask that?"

Su Qingxing chuckled and said, "To be honest, Master Gu, the reason I'm going to the Tingchao Sword Sect is to hold a martial arts conference to discuss the election of a martial arts alliance leader. Originally, our Medicine King Valley supported Sect Leader Tang."

However, in the battle of Snake Mountain Town, Sect Leader Tang was seriously injured and will likely be unable to fight for some time. We are somewhat worried that the position of Alliance Leader might fall into the hands of someone with whom Medicine King Valley has a grudge.”

Gu Guanqi said, "Then this matter is truly beyond my ability to resolve. After all, I am not from Yunzhou."

Su Qingxing said, "I know, I was just asking."

Gu Guanqi laughed and said, "If I could become the leader of the martial arts alliance in Yunzhou, I would be happy to do so. However, I can't be the leader of Yunzhou, but I can consider Qingzhou."

Originally, Gu Guanqi had no interest in becoming the leader of the martial arts alliance.

However, during his trip to Snake Mountain Town, he learned about Tang Yu's past and the intensity of the power struggles within the household. This gave him a new idea.

Although Tang Yu was clumsy in fights, he was a senior figure in managing the household affairs. Gu Guanqi had no choice but to believe and heed his advice.

up to now,

He has come to a profound understanding of his own true nature.

He's an adult, he doesn't like making choices, so he wants it all and doesn't want to lose any of them.

In this case

To avoid disputes in the inner quarters,

He must heed Tang Yu's advice and establish a solid foundation. He cannot concentrate everyone in one place, as the infighting within the inner quarters is extremely dangerous.

Learning from Tang Yu's example, Gu Guanqi did not want to follow in his footsteps.

The Martial Arts Alliance is just right.

With the help of the government and various martial arts forces, he could build a tall building from scratch without having to put in much effort.

Therefore, he is now interested in becoming the leader of the martial arts alliance.

At this time,

Su Qingxing smiled slightly upon hearing Gu Guanqi's words and said, "With your reputation in Qingzhou and your martial arts skills, there will be no controversy if you were to become the leader of the martial arts alliance in Qingzhou. At that time, Medicine King Valley will definitely open a trade route to Qingzhou. Please take good care of us, Great Hero Gu!"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Just kidding, this isn't something I can decide on my own."

Although that's what they say,

But Gu Guanqi really had this idea in his heart. If he really became the leader of the martial arts alliance in Qingzhou, he would definitely establish a cooperation with Medicine King Valley.

After all, Medicine King Valley has Xue Fuling and An Yi.

Subsequently,

Gu Guanqi then had a meal with Su Qingxing and a group of elders from Medicine King Valley, where they discussed some matters related to accompanying Su Qingxing on his journey to the Listening Tide Sword Sect.

This time, Su Qingxing will personally lead the Medicine King Valley delegation, accompanied by two hundred inner disciples of the Medicine King Valley, and thirteen martial arts factions from the Medicine King Valley have also been invited. An Yi will remain in the Medicine King Valley to temporarily assume the authority of the Valley Master.

After finishing a meal,

It was completely dark by now.

Su Qingxing then asked An Yi to take Gu Guanqi to rest.

An Yi and Gu Guanqi then said their goodbyes and left.

Watching An Yi and Gu Guanqi leave, Su Qingxing suddenly chuckled and said, "Elder, it seems things are really developing in the direction we expected."

Mu Fenghua, holding a cup of tea, said, "Hmm, I just noticed something was off between Gu Guanqi and An Yi, but I don't know how to describe it."

"An Yi is deliberately avoiding suspicion, but she's being too deliberate, which makes her seem off," Su Qingxing said. "As for Gu Guanqi, well, this guy, when I first met him last year, I was deceived by his appearance. I thought he was an innocent young man, but he's actually the same kind of person as Tang Yu—a pure and simple romantic!"

Mu Fenghua said, "However, he is much better than Tang Yu in every way. Few young girls can resist him."

"However, it's good that things are this way now; even his thinking has changed. I heard from Yan Wangchuan that the Six Doors of Qingzhou had approached him before, wanting him to become the leader of the martial arts alliance, but he refused. Now he's willing."

Su Qingxing covered her mouth and chuckled, saying, "This young scumbag has met his match in the old scumbag; he's learned his lesson, and things might get unsettled at home!"

"Hahaha," Mu Fenghua laughed, "Excellent, excellent! Medicine King Valley has also boarded this ship. One man, with only a sword, single-handedly killed three grandmasters and numerous assassins, none of whom could put up a fight, and he's just a young man in his early twenties!"

Su Qingxing said, "I'll travel with him to the Tingchao Sword Sect this time. We can interact more along the way, see what he's really thinking, and then I can give him the most suitable support!"

……

As night deepened, the bright moon hung high in the sky.

Moonlight spilled onto the cobblestone path, casting a cool, silvery glow. In the distance, the mountain silhouettes appeared as dark shadows under the moonlight.

Gu Guanqi and An Yi walked side by side.

The night breeze carries the fragrance of flowers and grasses from the valley.

Gu Guanqi asked, "Senior sister, where are you planning to arrange for me to stay?"

An Yi said, "Go to that courtyard you stayed in a while ago? What's wrong? Were you not comfortable there?"

"No, it's just that it's too far away from you, Senior Sister."

An Yi felt a little flustered and said, "Junior brother, you can't think about those messy things anymore. I... we've already returned to Medicine King Valley. You're not allowed to think about those things anymore, and there can't be any other things, do you understand?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Senior Sister, what are you thinking? We already agreed that once we return to Medicine King Valley, we won't bring up the past anymore. Let bygones be bygones."

Besides, this is in Medicine King Valley, what can I do? I just want to be closer to my senior sister, is that not allowed? Does this mean my senior sister wants to cut ties with me like strangers?

An Yi's heart softened immediately. Hearing Gu Guanqi's words, she felt a pang of guilt and thought to herself:

"Was what I just said too harsh?"

"Did I hurt Junior Brother Gu's feelings? I really shouldn't have said that. Junior Brother is still young. Although he's a playboy, he's sincere towards me. It's normal for him to still have feelings for me for a while. What I just said was indeed inappropriate!"

Thinking of this,

An Yi slowly raised her head and said, "I'm sorry, junior brother, that's not what I meant. I... I'll arrange for you to stay in the courtyard next to mine!"

"it is good."

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly at An Yi, his gaze gentle and bright.

An Yi's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly turned her head, saying, "Then... let's go!"

immediately,

An Yi then led Gu Guanqi to a courtyard, which was only two or three zhang away from her own courtyard by a main road.

After seeing Gu Guanqi to the door

An Yi quickly returned, entered her courtyard, and closed the gate.

She leaned against the door, her chest heaving, her cheeks burning.

"An Yi, An Yi, you're so disappointing! Your junior brother just smiled, and you're already wavering. How embarrassing!"

She took a deep breath, suppressing her chaotic thoughts, and quickly went inside. She then lit the oil lamp, and its dim light spread throughout the room, dispelling the darkness.

"Miss, are you back?" a maid asked from outside the door.

As the young master of Medicine King Valley, she was usually very busy and naturally didn't have much free time to deal with her own life issues. Therefore, the valley specially assigned several maids and servants to take care of her.

"Um."

An Yi walked to the door and said, "Boil some water, I want to take a bath!"

"Okay, miss, please wait a moment!"

The maid immediately ran to the kitchen.

An Yi sat in the chair and began to stare blankly.

Not long after,

Several maids and servants brought in hot water and poured it into the bath tub.

An Yi dismissed the maids and servants, then closed the door, slowly took off her clothes, stepped into the bathtub, and the warm water washed over her body, enveloping her completely.

She let out a long sigh of relief, leaned against the edge of the bathtub, and closed her eyes.

The fatigue from days of travel seemed to dissipate in that moment.

But she couldn't calm her thoughts.

Gu Guanqi's face kept appearing uncontrollably in her mind: the way he looked at her with a smile, the way he lowered his head to kiss her, the way he held her in his arms in the dark.

"I can't think about it... I can't think about it..."

She shook her head vigorously to dispel the images, but they returned moments later, clearer and more vivid than before.

she knows,

This is because I am reluctant to part with it, not because I am willing to cut ties.

She opened her eyes and looked down at her reflection in the water. The water rippled slightly, and her flushed face appeared and disappeared in the water.

She raised her hand and gently touched her cheek with her fingertips; it was burning hot.

"You..." she sighed, muttering to herself, "We agreed to treat it as a dream, and forget it when we woke up. Why are you still... still so hung up on it..."

She bit her lip, then submerged herself in the water, letting the hot water cover her shoulders.

The steam rose and the water rippled, but her thoughts grew increasingly chaotic.

Just then—

"Clatter."

A very soft, faint sound came from the direction of the window.

An Yi suddenly opened her eyes, her heart skipped a beat, and she grabbed the long sword next to the bathtub with her backhand, while also grabbing her clothes.

However, the next moment, she saw a figure appear at the window, which was none other than Gu Guanqi.

An Yi's pupils suddenly contracted, and she immediately covered her chest with her hands, her cheeks turning bright red.

"Junior Brother... what are you doing?" Her voice was filled with surprise and panic, and she whispered, afraid of being overheard, "You... don't come in!"

Gu Guanqi ignored him, flipped over and jumped through the window, landing silently. He then closed the window, shutting out the moonlight.

The room was left with only dim yellow light and wispy steam.

"Junior brother, you...you get out of here! What are you doing here?" An Yi asked anxiously.

Gu Guanqi walked straight to the bathtub, looked down at An Yi curled up in the water, smiled slightly, and said, "Good senior sister, I can't sleep."

An Yi's cheeks were flushed crimson, almost as if they were about to bleed, the blush spreading from her ears down her neck, even her chest was tinged with a faint pink. She clutched her chest tightly, shrinking into the water with only her neck and head showing, and said, "You... if you can't sleep, go back and regulate your breathing, you... what are you doing here..."

Gu Guanqi leaned down slightly, looked at An Yi, and said softly, "Senior Sister, I missed you."

An Yi's breath hitched.

Looking into Gu Guanqi's clear eyes, and at that face so close to hers, a face that had been constantly on her mind, the tension in her heart seemed to snap at that moment.

"You...you're talking nonsense..." Her voice had lost its strength, so low it was almost inaudible. "Didn't we agree...that once we got back to the valley we'd...pretend nothing happened...you just said that yourself..."

"That was what I said before, not what I am now!" Gu Guanqi reached out and gently brushed aside the stray hairs on her forehead that were damp with moisture, his fingertips touching her burning forehead.

An Yi trembled all over.

She tried to dodge, but her body seemed frozen in place, unable to move. She cried out urgently, "Junior brother, how can you be so shameless?"

"Senior sister, this is the last time, I promise!"

Gu Guanqi's hand slid down An Yi's forehead and gently stroked An Yi's cheek.

An Yi's breathing became more and more rapid, her chest heaving, ripples spreading across the water's surface. She said, "You...you must be lying to me again..."

Gu Guanqi's hand moved lower and lower.

"Junior brother...you can't..." Her voice trembled with tears, "This is Medicine King Valley...we'll be discovered..."

"No, it won't happen." Gu Guanqi lowered his head, his lips close to her earlobe, his voice so low that only she could hear it. "My skills are profound; no one can get close here without my senses."

An Yi was both embarrassed and angry. She raised her hand to push Gu Guanqi's chest, but her strength was no match for Gu Guanqi's.

Gu Guanqi grasped An Yi's hand, then let go, and with his other hand reached to untie his own belt.

"What...what are you doing!" An Yi exclaimed in panic.

Gu Guanqi did not answer, but simply took off his outer robe and casually draped it over the screen.

An Yi's heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to jump out of her chest.

Then, Gu Guanqi stepped into the bathtub.

The bathtub wasn't very big to begin with, and with two people squeezed together, the space felt cramped. Hot water overflowed from the rim of the tub, splashing all over the floor.

An Yi was squeezed so that her knees were pressed against the side of the tub. Gu Guanqi pressed his body against hers, his chest against her back, and his arms wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her into his embrace.

An Yi's body stiffened abruptly.

She wanted to resist, but her body went limp against her will, and she leaned against Gu Guanqi's chest.

Gu Guanqi rested his chin on her shoulder, his lips brushing against her earlobe, and whispered, "Senior sister, let's shower together."

An Yi bit her lip and remained silent.

She slowly closed her eyes, letting Gu Guanqi do as he pleased.

this moment,

The string in her heart snapped completely.

She thought she could let it go and pretend nothing had happened.

But the moment Gu Guanqi opened the window, she knew—

She can't let it go.

"Junior brother..." Her voice was very soft as she slowly opened her eyes, her tone tinged with a resigned helplessness, "You...you just bully me..."

Gu Guanqi turned her around so that they were face to face and their eyes met.

The steaming hot water and rising mist blurred their faces.

"Doesn't my senior sister like being bullied by me?"

"I...I like it..." An Yi's cheeks flushed red as she said, "But Junior Brother...Husband, promise me, you absolutely, positively can't let Fu Ling know. As for the rest...I...I'll do whatever you say!"

"it is good."

Gu Guanqi lowered his head and kissed her lips.

An Yi closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck.

This time, she didn't refuse again, nor did she say "the last time."

The water surface rippled slightly, creating concentric circles of waves.

The candlelight flickered gently in the night breeze, casting the shadows of the two people on the wall, intertwined and indistinguishable.

Outside the window, the moonlight was like water, the night breeze was gentle, and the bamboo shadows swayed.

In the distance, the bell tower of Medicine King Valley rang the hour of Hai (9-11 PM), its deep toll echoing through the night sky.

Inside, only soft breathing and the occasional low moan could be heard, spreading through the misty steam and quickly swallowed by the night wind.

……

Medicine King Valley is not like the outside world.

Gu Guanqi didn't dare to play around like he did at the inn. He was woken up by An Yi before dawn, and after a passionate encounter, he obediently and quietly returned to the courtyard where he was assigned to stay.

After dawn,

Gu Guanqi went out to eat, and then went to visit Yan Wangchuan.

Upon arriving at the courtyard where Yan Wangchuan was recuperating, they saw Yan Wangchuan with silver needles inserted into his body, sitting in the courtyard chatting with Elder Mu Fenghua.

"Elder Yan, Grand Elder!"

Gu Guanqi walked into the courtyard and checked Yan Wangchuan's mental state. He had recovered very well and showed no signs of illness.

Yan Wangchuan said, "I just heard from Elder Mu that you came back last night, and I was thinking of going to find you later!"

Gu Guanqi sat down and smiled, "You can go out now? It seems you're recovering much faster than expected!"

Mu Fenghua said, "It was originally expected to take a month, but Yan Tongzhi has profound internal strength and can recover at least ten days ahead of schedule."

"Congratulations," Gu Guanqi said. "That means you'll be cured in a few days."

Mu Fenghua nodded and said, "About six or seven days."

Gu Guanqi said, "At that time, I should be at or on my way to the Tingchao Sword Sect. Elder Yan, will you wait for me to return to Qingzhou together, or will you go directly back to Qingzhou?"

"Either is fine," Yan Wangchuan said. "However, I just heard Elder Mu say that your mindset has changed, and you're interested in becoming the leader of the martial arts alliance?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Yes, my awareness has improved recently. Before, I only thought about my own well-being, but now I have grasped some higher-level concepts. I feel that maintaining the order of the martial arts world and protecting the safety of the people is the duty of us martial artists. As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility..."

Yan Wangchuan rolled his eyes and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, stop talking nonsense. You're not that kind of person. You clearly want to use the Martial Alliance to deal with the problems in your private life, but you're still giving me this nonsense."

Gu Guanqi: "..."

I always said that friends need to keep their distance and not know each other too well.

"However, no one cares why you became the leader of the martial arts alliance," Yan Wangchuan said. "The main reason is that the martial arts world of Qingzhou really needs you now. The government also hopes that you will become the leader, and the martial arts world also hopes that you will become the leader. As the saying goes, you have the right time, the right place, and the right people."

"Elder Yan, I'm quite curious, what exactly does this martial arts alliance leader do? And how can he command the obedience of all the sects and factions?" Gu Guanqi asked.

Yan Wangchuan chuckled and said, "Because of power. In fact, each sect has a business that it relies on for survival. For example, Medicine King Valley, whether it's selling medicine or treating illnesses, all require the approval of the imperial court."

Even establishing a sect or school of thought is not something that can be done by simply occupying a mountain; it requires approval and permission from the imperial court.

Previously, the major martial arts sects dealt directly with the government. Now, the government has delegated this power to the Martial Arts Alliance. This means that the division of trade routes and the distribution of profits among the various martial arts sects are now in the hands of the Martial Arts Alliance. Do you think the major sects will obey the orders of the Martial Arts Alliance leader?

Mu Fenghua then continued, "Of course, speaking of which, we must also mention another thing: power is granted by strength."

If the martial arts alliance itself is not strong enough, it cannot use its power even if it has it. This is why it is necessary to elect the person with the highest prestige, and in the end, it is still necessary to win the championship through martial arts.

Let me give you an example. For instance, Medicine King Valley has a trade route that, according to the Martial Alliance, should be given to another sect, or that they should pay 30% of the profits to the Martial Alliance. However, Medicine King Valley feels that they are losing out and disagrees.

At this point, the leader of the martial arts alliance must step in to mediate. In this situation, the martial arts alliance must be able to suppress Medicine King Valley; otherwise, Medicine King Valley will certainly not obey. And once someone sets this precedent, others will follow suit, and before long, the martial arts alliance will have no authority, becoming a mere figurehead. With no one paying the dues, the martial arts alliance will naturally be unable to sustain itself.

Yan Wangchuan continued, "A prestigious martial arts alliance, besides the economic power granted by the government, also possesses the power bestowed upon it by the martial arts world. With a mere declaration of maintaining martial arts order, it can intervene in all martial arts feuds, determine good and evil, convene martial arts conferences, allocate territory, and interfere with the succession of sects, among other things!"

Gu Guanqi understood.

Simply put, the leader of the martial arts alliance is the most prestigious or most powerful person in the martial arts world. They collect protection money from martial arts sects and then exercise the power of the leader, with maintaining the order of the martial arts world as their highest principle.

"The position of the martial arts alliance leader is truly high," Gu Guanqi remarked.

"Otherwise, why would everyone want to be the leader of the martial arts alliance?" Yan Wangchuan chuckled and continued, "Since you are now interested in becoming the leader, I naturally need to go back and discuss the follow-up matters with the government as soon as possible, such as the location of the leader's mansion and the initial selection of the leadership team."

With your current reputation in Qingzhou, no one is vying with you for the alliance leader position. Since you've declared it, it's practically yours. We need to finalize everything for you as soon as possible, then you can simply take office.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I'll head back to Qingzhou as soon as the matter with the Tingchao Sword Sect is settled."

"Alright," Yan Wangchuan nodded, sighing, "A martial arts alliance leader at twenty-one years old is quite a rare thing!"

"Things are still uncertain!" Gu Guanqi said.

"It's pretty close," Yan Wangchuan said.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly, then looked at Mu Fenghua and said, "Elder, could I enter the Four Symbols Cave one more time? I'm afraid it will be a long time before I can see Fuling again. I want to say goodbye to her!"

Mu Fenghua shook his head slightly and said, "Master Gu, it's not possible for now. A few days ago, we compiled the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual. After reviewing it, we found no problems and handed it over to Fuling the day before yesterday. Now is a crucial moment for her to begin her cultivation, and she should not be disturbed."

The Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual and the Heavenly Physician's Divine Manual complement each other, forming a symbiotic relationship. A peaceful state of mind is required to achieve this symbiosis. Therefore, you should wait some time before seeing Fuling. By the time you return from the Listening Tide Sword Sect, she should have mastered the basics of the Heavenly Physician's Poison Manual, and then it will have no effect whatsoever.”

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "Alright, then, what kind of test is the Grand Elder preparing for this time when entering the Four Symbols Cave?"

Mu Fenghua smiled and said, "A trip to the Tingchao Sword Sect will suffice."

"Thank you, Elder."

Mu Fenghua waved his hand and said, "Take good rest these next few days. The journey to Tingchao Sword Sect is long and tiring."

"it is good."

……

Four days have passed in the blink of an eye.

Gu Guanqi originally planned to wait for Han Caiye, but Han Caiye wrote to him on the third day after he returned to Yaowang Valley, saying that she had something to do and that Gu Guanqi did not need to wait for her anymore. She and Han Youniang were just the two of them and could travel quickly. They could meet up halfway by going in another direction.

then,

Once everything was ready at Medicine King Valley, they set off immediately.

That morning.

Medicine King Valley was bustling with activity.

Not only does Medicine King Valley itself have two hundred members, but two other sects from various Jianghu forces within the Medicine King Valley faction, which are located relatively close to each other, also came to Medicine King Valley together with their sect leaders, bringing the total number of members from the two sects to one hundred.

Eleven other sects will gradually join each other along the way.

at this time,

In An Yi's room in Medicine King Valley.

Gu Guanqi and An Yi were embracing and kissing. After a while, An Yi's face flushed, and she gently pushed Gu Guanqi away, saying softly, "Junior brother, stop playing around. We're leaving soon, and if you don't go, someone will come looking for you!"

Gu Guanqi hugged An Yi and kissed her again, saying, "Then I'm really leaving!"

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the window.

An Yi suddenly reached out and grabbed Gu Guanqi's hand, whispering, "Junior Brother... will you come back after the Tingchao Sword Sect matter is over?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "I will definitely come back to see you, Senior Sister. Otherwise, if I go back to Qingzhou, I won't be able to eat or drink, and I'll miss you day and night."

An Yi reached out and hugged Gu Guanqi, leaning against his chest, and whispered, "I know you're just trying to comfort me, but it makes me happy. My dear junior brother, my dear husband... In the future, when I'm old and my looks have faded, and I'm no longer pleasing to you, will you still try to comfort and deceive me like this?"

Gu Guanqi hugged An Yi and whispered, "Good senior sister, don't talk nonsense. I'll love and cherish you for the rest of my life. How could I not like you?"

"Um."

An Yi leaned against Gu Guanqi's chest for a while before tiptoeing up to kiss him. Then she turned her back and said, "Good junior brother, you should leave quickly and not talk to me anymore. How can I bear to watch you leave? That would be too cruel to me!"

Gu Guanqi did not speak again.

Since the day he returned to the valley and forcibly broke down An Yi's psychological defenses, they have been intimate every night for the past few days. He can feel that An Yi has given her whole heart and soul to him.

This parting is definitely something I'll miss.

Immediately,

Gu Guanqi then quietly jumped out of the window, and then lightly leaped over the courtyard wall.

As soon as they landed,

Gu Guanqi's expression changed slightly.

Because he saw Su Qingxing standing at the corner of the alley behind the courtyard, a cool breeze brushing her hair, her graceful figure under the morning sun. She was dressed in a blue dress, her arms crossed, revealing a half-smile.

Gu Guanqi felt a pang of unease.

Suddenly, I had this feeling of a young, blond guy being caught on a date by the girl's parents.

But at this moment, he had no choice but to bite the bullet, walk over, put on a smile, and say, "Senior Su, what are you doing here?"

Su Qingxing chuckled and said, "If I weren't here, how would I have had the chance to see the dignified sword immortal Gu Guanqi scaling the wall? Master Gu, are you practicing your lightness skill?"

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "Yes, Senior is indeed insightful. I just felt that my lightness skill had declined quite a bit recently, so I practiced more whenever I had free time. Just now, we stopped here!"

Su Qingxing rolled his eyes and said, "You really know how to climb the social ladder, practicing your lightness skill in someone's boudoir?"

Gu Guanqi scratched his head awkwardly.

Su Qing walked over, pointed a finger at Gu Guanqi's forehead, and said, "Hmph, you little scumbag! When I first met you in Qingyang County, I thought you were a good boy, but I was wrong!"

Gu Guanqi smiled sheepishly and said, "Senior Su..."

Su Qingxing said, "Both my eldest disciple and my youngest disciple were deceived by you, you little scumbag. You should change how you address me from now on. Calling me 'Master' is too early. Just call me Aunt Qing!"

"Okay, Aunt Qing!" Gu Guanqi immediately changed his address.

"Hmm," Su Qingxing responded, "You're good-looking, skilled in martial arts, and shameless. No wonder everyone's so infatuated with you."

Su Qingxing turned around, waved his hand, and said, "Let's go, everyone's waiting for you!"