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

Chapter 214 Seven-Star Tathagata Palm

Leng Lingxi was startled. She hadn't expected Gu Guanqi to say something like that, and she was completely taken aback.

She raised her head slightly and saw the gentle smile on Gu Guanqi's face, and her heart skipped a beat for no reason.

"What—what does he mean by that?"

"Could it be that he has those kinds of feelings for me? That can't be right. We're from different generations, and he's so young. He's never short of young, beautiful, and outstanding girls around him. How could he possibly have those kinds of feelings for me?"

"But—but—you never know. Although I'm old, I look no different from a twenty-year-old girl. I'm also a recognized beauty in the martial arts world. Besides, I've been famous in the martial arts world for many years. Maybe he grew up listening to my stories and has special feelings for me."

"He's so young, at the age when he should be pursuing happiness, and he's also a very romantic person—what should I do? If he really has those kinds of feelings for me, how should I tell him? Would it hurt him if I directly told him that I wanted to introduce him to my apprentice?"

'

Gu Guanqi saw Leng Lingxi staring at him blankly, and he was a little suspicious. He wondered if he had touched on something that Leng Lingxi was afraid of.

After all, Leng Lingxi is beautiful, skilled in martial arts, of high status, and famous. She was once the most beautiful woman in the martial arts world and certainly had no shortage of suitors. Yet she has never married, which may be due to some unknown secrets in her love life.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and asked, "Sect Leader Leng, did what I just said offend you? If so, I apologize in advance."

I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that you brought up this topic, and I was thinking that since you, Sect Leader Leng, are also unmarried, it aligns with my path of cultivation as a romantic, so I just mentioned it casually.

Looking at Gu Guanqi's completely honest face, Leng Lingxi thought to herself, "Was it just a casual remark?"

She quickly regained her composure and said, "I'm sorry, Alliance Leader Gu. I suddenly remembered something and was a little distracted for a moment, which caused you to misunderstand."

"Oh, I was worried that I had broken some taboo," Gu Guanqi said.

However, after what just happened, Gu Guanqi couldn't bring up the blind date again.

But he really wanted to go on a blind date with Leng Lingxi. It wasn't because she was pretty, but because Leng Lingxi's martial arts skills, status, and influence were probably the best among women in the world. If he could go on a blind date with her, the reward would be very generous.

Leng Lingxi slowly put down the book in her hand, looked at Gu Guanqi, and said, "If I can help Alliance Leader Gu cultivate, then I can. However, I have heard that the Dao of Passion guides the mind with the stirring of the heart, and I—I am too far from Alliance Leader Gu in age, I am afraid it will be difficult for me to stir Alliance Leader Gu's heart."

Gu Guanqi said, "The so-called 'heartbeat' is just an opportunity. I only came to understand this path because of blind dates. If you encounter an opportunity to be moved in this path, you will improve your cultivation. It is an emotional fluctuation and has nothing to do with age or status. The main thing is whether you can find a spiritual resonance."

Leng Lingxi nodded slightly and said, "Although I don't quite understand it, it's normal that I can't understand it because Alliance Leader Gu can create such an unprecedented Great Dao."

After saying that, Leng Lingxi pondered for a moment and said, "If it can help Alliance Leader Gu, I'm willing to do anything. Alliance Leader Gu, when do you think it's appropriate for us to go on a blind date?"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Then there's no time like the present, let's do it now."

Leng Lingxi asked in surprise, "Is this all you need?"

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "The blind date was an opportunity, an opportunity for me to have a clear understanding of my thoughts."

Leng Lingxi nodded slightly and said, "But, I—I've never been on a blind date before, I don't know what I should do?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Let me briefly introduce myself and talk about my requirements for a partner."

Leng Lingxi nodded slightly, thought for a while, and said, "I don't think I've ever seriously considered my requirements for a partner, because when I was young I focused all my attention on cultivating the Misty Immortal Technique."

At that moment, the system's voice suddenly rang in Gu Guanqi's mind:

[Player has started the matchmaking event]

[Detected blind date candidate - Leng Lingxi]

[Rating - Seven Stars]

[Blind Date Reward: Max Level "Buddha's Palm" Skill]

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

The Tathagata Palm, the supreme martial art of Buddhism, consists of ten forms, each containing the true essence of Buddhist teachings. It can subdue demons and monsters and ward off natural disasters. The tenth form, Tathagata Nirvana, symbolizes the ultimate state of "attaining enlightenment through death."

This martial art is extremely powerful and yang, based on the pure yang internal energy of the Buddhist sect. Its palm strikes are vast and domineering, and it has a strong ability to restrain yin and evil energy.

The tenth form has transcended the realm of martial arts, entering the ultimate state of perfect enlightenment through martial arts and the union of body and mind with Buddha.

This state of being allows one to see through life and death, let go of attachments, and attain great compassion and enlightenment. Only when the heart is free from resentment and hindrance can the palm force and the Buddhist mindset be unified, naturally giving rise to this move. It has transcended the concept of martial arts and given birth to the perfect and flawless power of Buddhism.

This martial art involves the appearance of Buddhist golden seals and the spontaneous generation of Sanskrit chants when the user makes a move. In particular, the last move transcends the concept of fighting an enemy and instead focuses on purification, capable of cleansing the world of demons and evil spirits.

Soon, Gu Guanqi received information about the Tathagata Palm martial art in his mind.

This martial art is very strong, but the first nine forms are only slightly stronger. Even the ninth form, Ten Thousand Buddhas Paying Homage to the Ancestor, is only at the same level as One Sword Separating the World, and cannot compare to the thirteenth form, Heaven and Earth Living Together, of the Fire Dance Whirlwind Sword Technique.

However, the final stage, Nirvana, transcends all limits. This state emphasizes great compassion and enlightenment, seeing through life and death, and then achieving the state of uniting with the Buddha.

This realm is related to the cultivator himself.

Everyone's level of spiritual cultivation is different, and the higher the level of spiritual cultivation, the more immeasurable the Buddhist concepts that one can comprehend.

Gu Guanqi understood that the reason why the Tathagata Palm could be rated as a seven-star technique was mainly because of its self-comprehension of the tenth move, Tathagata Nirvana, which had a very high upper limit.

Gu Guanqi quickly regained his composure.

Leng Lingxi continued, "When I was young, the Tianshan Sect was facing a shortage of successors. It was surrounded by powerful enemies from the outside and was not united internally. My master was also getting old. We urgently needed a successor who could deter powerful enemies from the outside and suppress dissent from the inside."

At that time, in the entire Tianshan Sect, besides me, there was no one else who could cultivate the Immortal Phantom Technique. Naturally, I became the hope of the Tianshan Sect, so I didn't consider personal matters and focused solely on cultivation.

Later, after I had achieved a certain level of cultivation and dealt with the internal and external troubles of the Tianshan Sect, I had grown old. Those of my age who were suitable for me were either married or had no intention of getting married. In addition, as the leader of the Tianshan Sect, I could not just marry anyone, so I gave up the idea of ​​getting married.

So, if you were to ask me what my criteria for choosing a partner are, I honestly couldn't think of anything. Therefore, if I'm destined for love, it seems I can't really offer any specific requirements. I have everything I need, and I don't need anything from my partner.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "It's all about letting things take their course!"

"Hmm," Leng Lingxi said, "It all depends on fate. There are actually some misunderstandings about me in the martial arts world. Because I am the only female leader among the eight major sects, people say that I am domineering and self-centered."

Actually, I don't really have those kinds of thoughts. Managing a sect is different from managing a family. As the sect leader, I need to have enough authority to manage the sect. As for the family, it's perfectly fine for the man to be the breadwinner and the woman to manage the household!

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Sect Leader Leng's thinking is quite traditional."

Leng Lingxi said, "I don't lack anything. Of course, I'm just saying that. I don't have any thoughts about the Cheng family anymore. After all, I'm already so old. Besides, I don't know how many more years I'll be the sect leader, so I don't have much time to think about these things."

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "Sect Leader Leng is burdened with the affairs of the Tianshan Sect and is very busy. He really doesn't have much energy to spare for personal matters. However, fate is a mysterious thing, and no one can control it."

Leng Lingxi glanced at Gu Guanqi, then slightly shifted her gaze, and said, "Of course, if we are truly destined to be together, I won't rule it out."

After saying that, Leng Lingxi pondered for a while and then said, "Alliance Leader Gu, I admit that I can't help you much, but we have many female disciples in the Tianshan Sect, including some extraordinary women like my disciple Xue Wuqing who are famous throughout the martial arts world."

If you have time, you are welcome to visit my Tianshan Sect. I will arrange for my disciples to assist you in your cultivation. Don't worry, your talent and appearance will not cause them any trouble; there are many people willing to help you.

Gu Guanqi quickly cupped his hands and said, "Then thank you very much, Sect Leader Leng. However, I do think it would be beneficial to have more contact with Sect Leader Leng!"

Leng Lingxi's heart suddenly tightened, and she thought to herself, "What does he mean? Could it be that he's fallen for me?"

"No way—he doesn't seem to be reacting at all?"

"No, his amorous nature makes his reactions to being moved very direct. Could it be that I just didn't notice, but he actually sensed an improvement in his cultivation after our blind date?"

"That must be it, otherwise, he wouldn't have said that. What if he really falls for me?"

Will he be angry if I tell him I just wanted a favor?

59

,

Gu Guanqi noticed that Leng Lingxi seemed to be lost in thought again.

He frowned slightly, thinking to himself, "Could there really be some taboo? I've gotten distracted before when we were talking about similar topics, and now it's happening again."

"Alliance Leader Gu," Leng Lingxi said, "It's fine for us to have more contact in the future, but—but let me tell you first, I actually have ulterior motives in wanting the Tianshan Sect to help you with your cultivation."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "Please speak."

Leng Lingxi said, "When my grandmaster was alive, he predicted that the Tianshan Sect would face a calamity, and a powerful enemy would destroy our sect's thousand-year foundation. The approximate time of the prediction is within these few years."

Therefore, after witnessing your passionate cultivation, I conceived a plan to help you cultivate and gain your favor in return. If one day the Tianshan Sect truly faces a crisis of annihilation, I hope to receive your assistance.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

Leng Lingxi quickly added, "Of course, we won't ask Alliance Leader Gu to risk your life for the Tianshan Sect. This favor isn't worth such a sacrifice. We only hope you can lend a hand within your capabilities. Until then, please feel free to ask if the Tianshan Sect can help you."

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "For the time being, there's nothing that I need the Tianshan Sect's help with. Right now, Sect Leader Leng and I have started our blind date, and I hope we can take it seriously."

Leng Lingxi quickly replied, "Of course, but I've been away for quite a while now. Once the matter of the Crimson Demon King at the Heavenly Dao Sect is resolved, I must immediately return to the Heavenly Mountain Sect. When Alliance Leader Gu has some free time, please visit the Heavenly Mountain Sect. I'll personally take you to see the snow scenery of Heavenly Mountain then."

At this moment, the system notification sounded again: [A blind date invitation has been detected. Advanced blind date activity can be started.]

[Enable?]

Gu Guanqi silently chanted in his heart: "Activate."

The next moment, a new notification sound appeared in my mind: [Blind Date Partner - Leng Lingxi]

[Rating: Seven Stars]

[Advanced Dating Reward: Max Level "Innate Body-Breaking Formless Sword Qi"]

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

The Innate Body-Breaking Formless Sword Qi comes from the "Who is the Hero" series. It is one of the three great martial arts skills in the martial arts world. It was created by Yan Kuangtu based on the Innate Formless Divine Skill and combined with his own martial arts philosophy. Later, it was improved by Guan Qi and reached its peak. It is the ultimate realm of the Innate Sword Manual.

It mainly consists of three core realms.

The first level, the Necromancer's Sword, possesses a jet-black aura, imbued with the resentment and ferocity of death. Its power originates from the necromantic energy of the slain creatures; the more lives taken, the more formidable the sword's energy accumulates.

The second layer, the Sword of Nature, transforms death into life, its sword energy shifting from malevolent to inexhaustible. No longer reliant on the energy of the dead, it can absorb the vitality of plants and the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to power its sword energy, making it even more powerful. Moreover, its sword energy is harmonious and enduring, without the risk of depletion.

The third level, the invisible sword, represents the highest realm and is the true meaning of breaking through the body without form. The sword energy is colorless, odorless, formless, and imageless, merging into the void, arising from thought and bursting forth from the void. It can directly penetrate all protective qi and internal martial arts techniques, injuring people invisibly; at its peak, it can break through spatial constraints, transcending the scope of worldly martial arts.

Upon seeing the Innate Body-Breaking Formless Sword Qi martial art, Gu Guanqi felt a surge of interest.

This martial art has already involved the existence of rules.

The final, invisible sword can break through spatial constraints and completely ignore the limitations of conventional domains.

Truly, the sky stretches for thousands of miles, and the sword sweeps across mountains and rivers!

He was a swordsman himself—

This martial art has almost reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure.

Looking at Leng Lingxi again, he felt as if she were radiating light. He quickly said, "Alright, it's settled then. I'll definitely visit the Tianshan Sect when I have time!"

Leng Lingxi's heart skipped a beat; she sensed that Gu Guanqi was clearly quite eager at that moment.

"It seems he's really fallen for me!"

"We're too far apart in age; it's impossible for us to be together. Otherwise, if word got out, he'd be ridiculed. He can control himself, can he?"

"Being attracted is being attracted, and love is love. Right now, he's just attracted, only for the sake of cultivation; it shouldn't develop into love. I'm so much older than him, he definitely wouldn't really consider that!"

Suppressing her emotions, Leng Lingxi calmly said, "I will be waiting for Alliance Leader Gu at the Tianshan Sect."

Just then, a system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind:

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level "Buddha's Palm" skill, already issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi did not collect it immediately.

Because the Tathagata Palm technique combines palm technique and internal energy, it is not advisable to receive it immediately.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure and was about to speak when he suddenly heard heavy footsteps outside the door. Immediately afterward, a burly figure appeared in the doorway, almost blocking the entire entrance. It was none other than Li Wentian, the leader of the Shenji Sect.

"Hey, Sect Leader Leng, Alliance Leader Gu, you're both here!"

Leng Lingxi nodded slightly in response.

Gu Guanqi then cupped his hands and said, "Sect Leader Li, aren't you going to watch Daoist Su Qingzi and Daoist Xu's debate over there?"

Li Wentian scratched his head and said, "I'm not afraid to tell you, but I've never liked studying since I was a child. I only learned to read and write when I was young in order to learn martial arts. So, I'm not very cultured, and I've suffered a lot because of it, but I just can't seem to get into it."

The debate between Master Xu and Master Su Qingzi over there was so incomprehensible to me that I almost fell asleep. If it were a fight or a contest involving weapons, I'd be fine, but this is something for cultured people like me to avoid.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Then you should also read books here."

Li Wentian said, "I just listened to what Sect Leader Leng and the others said and then offered some suggestions. In reality, even though I had the book in my hand, I didn't read it carefully."

As they spoke, Li Wentian sat down next to Gu Guanqi and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, Sect Leader Leng, do you have any good ideas for dealing with the Crimson Sky Demon King?"

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "Not for now. We can only wait until tomorrow when we go to the Demon Suppression Well and personally experience the power of the Crimson Heaven Demon King before we discuss it further."

"That's true," Li Wentian nodded, paused for a moment, and then said, "Alliance Leader Gu, some time ago, our sect received a letter from the Yunzhou Mechanism Sect, saying that you were preparing to forge a weapon, and it is said that the material was a dragon that you killed in Qizhou."

Gu Guanqi said, "That's true. I have a good relationship with the Mechanical Gate, and I'm especially close to Tang Batian, the fourth son of the Mechanical Gate Master. He said he knows some weapon-forging masters in your sect and can ask them to forge weapons for me."

Li Wentian waved his hand and said readily, "Why bother inviting anyone else? When do you have time? Come to our Shenji Sect and we can discuss a suitable weapon. I'll personally forge it for you. I'm not bragging, but you definitely won't find a better weapon refiner than me in the Shenji Sect."

Gu Guanqi quickly replied, "To have Sect Leader Li lend a hand is naturally something I'd be more than happy to do!"

"No problem," Li Wentian said, patting his chest. "Leave this to me. Whenever you come to me, I'll forge the weapon for you."

Gu Guanqi asked, "Then what conditions are needed to ask Sect Leader Li to take action? I'd like to prepare in advance."

"Why bring this up?" Li Wentian said. "I've wanted to get to know you for a long time, but I've never had the chance. Let's not talk about conditions; let's just be friends. To be honest, my Shenji Sect has actually received quite a few benefits from you, Alliance Leader Gu!"

"What do you mean?" Gu Guanqi asked, puzzled.

Li Wentian said, "The Mechanical Gate is of the same lineage as our Divine Mechanism Gate. Now that the Mechanical Gate is under your command, we, the Divine Mechanism Gate, have developed a lot of business in the three prefectures of Qingyun and Hong through this relationship."

In the past, among these three prefectures, only Yunzhou allowed our Shenji Sect to do some business. We couldn't even get involved in Qingzhou or Hongzhou, especially Hongzhou, which we didn't even dare to pass through. Now, thanks to Alliance Leader Gu's patronage, the Shenji Sect has made a lot of money!

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

The states are quite xenophobic, especially Hongzhou, which is home to the world's top sects. It is even less likely that a force of the same level will be allowed to intervene.

Now that Qingyun, Hong, and the three states are interconnected, while they are mutually restraining each other, the martial arts alliances of the three states rely on each other because they share the same leader. Various forces are intertwined, which has attracted many outside forces to do business.

As his reputation grew, the top sects and families in other states became wary of him, and they behaved more properly when doing business in Qingyun, Hong, and other states, without any uncontrollable incidents.

The Shenji Sect is a typical example. Through the Shenji Sect, they have indeed expanded their business to the three prefectures of Qingyun and Hong, while the three prefectures of Qingyun and Hong have in turn sent a lot of local industries to Chu Prefecture, where the Shenji Sect is located.

Overall, it can be considered a mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "It's all about win-win cooperation. Shenji Sect has an excellent reputation in the martial arts world. The martial arts alliances of Qingyun, Hong, and Sanzhou are all very reassured and happy to cooperate with Shenji Sect."

Li Wentian quickly replied, "The Shenji Sect also trusts Alliance Leader Gu's reputation. When doing business with the martial arts alliances of Qingyun, Hong, and Sanzhou, we basically don't even accept deposits."

"Mutual trust is essential for long-term cooperation!"

Li Wentian was a rather talkative person, and the atmosphere was very harmonious when he chatted with Gu Guanqi.

However, after Li Wentian arrived, Leng Lingxi basically stopped talking until Gu Guanqi and Li Wentian started discussing the Crimson Heaven Demon King, at which point she began to speak.

As evening approached, a young Taoist priest came to invite them to dinner.

The three then left the side hall.

""

At mealtime, the same group of people as yesterday were present, except for one more person, Su Qingzi.

After dinner, it was already late, so everyone started to return to their lodgings.

Xu Zhiwei escorted Gu Guanqi back to the courtyard.

Dusk had fallen, and visibility was somewhat dim.

Xu Zhiwei untied the wine gourd from her waist, took a sip of wine, and said, "I've been arguing with Su Qingzi all day, my voice is almost hoarse!"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "I didn't ask that either. Who won and who lost?"

Xu Zhi smiled and said, "He's bound to lose. If he could win, why would he bother with the risky tactic of using the Golden Core to trap the Crimson Heaven Demon King and thus probe the path ahead?"

As she spoke, Xu Zhiwei patted Gu Guanqi on the shoulder and said proudly, "I am born with a Daoist physique. I can understand any Daoist text at a glance, learn it after reading it once, and comprehend it after enlightenment. In debates, I have no equal. Su Qingzi also knows that as long as I am here, he cannot defeat the Heavenly Dao Sect."

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly. Xu Zhiwei wasn't exaggerating. Earlier that day, in the main hall, Su Qingzi had indeed admitted that Zhang Daoji was too old and that with Xu Zhiwei emerging from the Heavenly Dao Sect, he had no chance of winning.

"My only regret right now is that I haven't yet found my own path," Xu Zhiwei said. "I don't know if I'll ever have that opportunity. I really envy you; you've created your own path at such a young age."

Gu Guanqi shook his head and said, "Actually, you are much stronger than me. My path relies on external forces."

"Whose path doesn't rely on external forces?" Xu Zhiwei said. "Some borrow the power of heaven and earth, some borrow fortune, some borrow destiny, and so on. They all rely on external forces."

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly. His external force was different from the others; it was a genuine external force.

"The path to greatness depends on opportunity and fate," Gu Guanqi said.

"That's true," Xu Zhiwei said. "However, it doesn't matter. I'm not that old, I can wait. Besides, I haven't reached the end of my martial arts journey yet, so I'm not in a hurry."

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "With your mindset, it's only a matter of time before you find your own path."

"I love hearing that," Xu Zhiwei said with a smile as she hung up the wine gourd. "Come on, let's go to my house first. I had my disciple who went down the mountain to buy some meat during the day. I'll cook it for you."

"Then thank you very much, Daoist Xu," Gu Guanqi said, cupping his hands in thanks.

"Don't mention it," Xu Zhiwei said. "We're on a blind date, and I promised to make your heart flutter and help you cultivate. Of course I have to treat you well and show you my virtuous side. But don't fall so deeply in love with me that you refuse to leave the mountain. I'm afraid your many female admirers will set the entire Taiwang Mountain on fire."

Gu Guanqi: "————"

"Let's go, let's go," Xu Zhiwei said, "I'm going to cook for you."

Gu Guanqi followed Xu Zhiwei, and as they walked, he said, "Today, Sect Leader Leng mentioned something. The Crimson Demon King was originally divided into three, but now the Heavenly Dao Sect only seals one of them, and the other two have disappeared without a trace. What was the Heavenly Dao Sect's reasoning behind this?"

Xu Zhiwei said, "That's not a big problem. As long as we can deal with the guy in the Demon Suppression Well, the remaining two won't be that much of a threat."

Although the Crimson Demon King was originally divided into three, his main foundation was the Dharma Robe; as for the sword and the jade hairpin, their potential was limited. Otherwise, forty years later, the world would have been in chaos long ago.

"Once we eliminate the part inside the Demon-Suppressing Well, the other two parts will lose their foundation. If they dare to show themselves, my senior brother and I can handle them without causing too much trouble."

"If that's the case, then it's alright," Gu Guanqi said.

Xu Zhiwei said, "The spirit body of the Crimson Heaven Demon King is magical, but its essence is the same as that of ordinary cultivators. Its foundation lies in the dantian. If one loses the dantian, even someone who cultivates external martial arts will have their combat power greatly reduced."

Although the Crimson Sky Demon King is immortal and can even split into multiple demonic seeds, he only has one will. Once the main will within the Demon-Suppressing Well is extinguished, the demonic seeds outside will gradually lose consciousness. Therefore, that sword and that jade hairpin will ultimately be nothing more than two demonic weapons containing immense power.

Gu Guanqi nodded.

The two chatted as they arrived at Xu Zhiwei's residence.

Xu Zhiwei lived in a very ordinary courtyard.

To Gu Guanqi's surprise, the courtyard was very clean and everything was neatly arranged, which seemed somewhat out of place with Xu Zhiwei's carefree and easygoing nature.

"Have some tea here first," Xu Zhiwei said, leading Gu Guanqi into the room. She pointed to the table and then to the bookshelf next to it. "Those books are all kinds of miscellaneous books. See if there's anything that interests you. You can browse through them to pass the time. I'll be cooking for a while."

"it is good."

Gu Guanqi nodded in agreement.

Xu Zhiwei then went into the kitchen to cook.

Watching Xu Zhiwei busy in the kitchen, Gu Guanqi smiled slightly.

These past two days, I've gotten to know Xu Zhiwei better and discovered that this famously carefree and unrestrained Taoist Master Su Chen, although he loves to drink, has a high alcohol tolerance and doesn't get drunk and act crazy. With his carefree and unconventional personality, he's actually quite a good person to settle down with.

Xu Zhiwei cooks often, and her kitchen is fully equipped with all kinds of tools and seasonings. She is also very skilled at cooking, and she is very organized even when she is busy.

Before long, the food was served.

Xu Zhiwei rolled up her sleeves, handed the chopsticks to Gu Guanqi, and said, "Try it and see if it suits your taste. If it doesn't, I'll make it for you again."

Gu Guanqi took the chopsticks and looked at Xu Zhiwei.

Xu Zhiwei gave him a contradictory feeling; on one hand, she was a very free-spirited woman from the martial arts world, and on the other hand, she seemed like an ordinary, pragmatic farm woman—both illusory and real.

"What's wrong?" Xu Zhiwei asked, puzzled. "Is there something dirty on my face?"

"No," Gu Guanqi said, "it just feels a bit unreal that the famous Taoist Master Su Chen is wandering around in the kitchen."

"That's normal," Xu Zhiwei said. "At first, I thought you were the kind of cold, ethereal immortal who could only be admired from afar. But after getting to know you, I found that you are just like an ordinary person, not so unapproachable."

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "That's true. Rumors are full of imagination, and they're definitely different from real life."

"Um."

Gu Guanqi glanced at the table; there was only one bowl of rice. He asked疑惑地问道, "Aren't you going to eat?"

Xu Zhiwei chuckled and said, "I don't want to eat. I already ate my fill over there. Although I don't abstain from meat, I'm used to eating vegetarian food and I can eat my fill."

Gu Guanqi said, "This was made especially for me. I feel so bad about that."

"It's alright," Xu Zhiwei said, "as long as you like it."

Gu Guanqi didn't stand on ceremony and started eating.

Xu Zhiwei sat opposite Gu Guanqi, quietly looking at him with a smile on her face, and slowly asked, "Gu Guanqi, may I ask you a question?"

"Ask away," Gu Guanqi said.

"If—and I mean if," Xu Zhiwei said, "if I had met you before you comprehended the Dao of Affection, and then we had gotten to know and fall in love, was it possible that I could have changed the course of your life, and you wouldn't have comprehended the Dao of Affection?"

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback.

He didn't know how to answer that question.

All he could say was that the more he entered the world of martial arts and the more he learned, the more he realized that beneath the magnificent surface of this world lay unpredictable and treacherous nature.

He became increasingly insecure and placed greater emphasis on the pursuit of martial arts.

"Alright," Xu Zhiwei said softly, "If you can't answer it, don't overthink it. It's an impossible guess to begin with, so naturally there won't be an answer."

"Um."

Gu Guanqi nodded and continued eating.

Before long, the meal was finished.

Xu Zhiwei saw Gu Guanqi to the door, and Gu Guanqi asked Xu Zhiwei to stay, then returned to his residence alone.

He had already walked through the Taoist temple once during the day, so he knew the way.

Upon returning to his room, he immediately summoned the system and silently recited "claim".