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

Chapter 234 Dragon God Skill and the Book of Forgetfulness

At this moment, Yuwen Yan was also looking at Gu Guanqi.

After a long time, when she saw Gu Guanqi again, the image of the battle in the imperial city involuntarily surfaced in her mind.

At that moment, she thought she was going to die, but at that critical moment, Gu Guanqi descended from the sky like an immortal, protected her in his arms, and then killed the powerful enemy with invincible power and unparalleled style.

She doesn't remember what she was thinking at that moment. Now, she sees Gu Guanqi again.

She felt dazed, as if she had returned to that day, and seemed to recall the myriad thoughts that had been running through her mind at that moment.

She recalled her past, when she was still the carefree young lady of the Yuwen family. Gifted with extraordinary talent, her cultivation progressed rapidly. She had countless times fantasized about roaming the martial world, and countless times imagined meeting a like-minded young swordsman while doing so. They would ride together, drink together, and uphold justice together.

She had long forgotten the image of the young swordsman she had imagined in her mind when she was young, and she had also forgotten that she was once a girl who longed for the martial arts world.

But on that day, when Gu Guanqi descended from the sky and held her in his arms, she remembered it again.

Debonair, energetic, proud and unrestrained, dressed in white, wielding a long sword, chivalrous and courageous, I will go even if there are thousands of people against me!

As she watched Gu Guanqi's retreating figure on the battlefield, her mind was racing. The vague image from her childhood memories, long buried, suddenly overlapped with Gu Guanqi's in that instant.

She felt ashamed because she dared not admit, nor was she willing to admit, that her heartstrings had been plucked at that moment.

Fortunately, she never saw Gu Guanqi again after that day.

However, she could still learn about Gu Guanqi's whereabouts from Zhao Qingci from time to time. When she learned that Zhao Qingci had also failed to see Gu Guanqi again, her first reaction was actually to breathe a sigh of relief.

She didn't know why she felt relieved, but that was her mindset at the time.

However, she never expected that after several months, when she saw Gu Guanqi again, she would once again recall the non-existent white-clad young swordsman she had imagined in her mind during her teenage years, and it was still Gu Guanqi's appearance.

"Greetings, Empress Dowager!"

Gu Guanqi spoke, his cool voice pulling Yuwen Yan back from her daze.

Yuwen Yan looked at Gu Guanqi, at his handsome and flawless face, and couldn't help but sigh: "Regardless of gender, age, or social status, everyone always likes to look at good-looking people."

However, Gu Guanqi was excessively beautiful, always seeming distant, just like the non-existent person I had imagined back then—someone I could only look up to but never reach!

Yuwen Yan couldn't help but smile slightly. She was both amused that after all these years, even as Empress Dowager, she still hadn't forgotten her naive thoughts from her youth, and amused that someone who had seen many storms could still lose herself in the sight of a single person.

"Alliance Leader Gu, please have a seat," Yuwen Yan gestured for Gu Guanqi to sit down, then asked, "May I ask what brings you here?"

At this moment, Zhao Qingci stepped forward and poured Gu Guanqi a cup of tea, then sat down next to him.

"Thank you, Princess!"

Gu Guanqi accepted the tea, thanked her, and said to Yuwen Yan, "I've come here because I have some matters I'd like to discuss with the Empress Dowager privately. Is that convenient?"

Yuwen Yan was slightly taken aback, then said, "Of course it's possible." After saying that, she waved her hand, dismissing all the palace maids.

Gu Guanqi then looked at Zhao Qingci beside him and smiled slightly, "I must ask the Princess to also excuse herself."

Zhao Qingci asked in surprise, "I have to leave too?"

Gu Guanqi said, "This matter is of great importance, and to some extent, it involves the foundation of the nation. It is indeed inconvenient for the Princess to listen to it."

Yuwen Yan said, "Qingci, you may leave now!"

"Yes."

Zhao Qingci slowly rose, bowed to Yuwen Yan, and then slowly retreated, but her eyes were full of resentment as she looked at Gu Guanqi.

Yuwen Yan noticed Zhao Qingci's gaze and sighed inwardly. Her daughter was outstanding and capable, and as a princess, there were few men in the world who were not worthy of her.

But the person in her eyes was Gu Guanqi, this peerless man, a man whom no woman in the world was worthy of!

After a while, Zhao Qingci went out, and Yuwen Yan then looked at Gu Guanqi and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, what brings you here? Please speak freely."

Gu Guanqi took a sip of tea, then slowly put it down, looked at Yuwen Yan, and said, "I would like to ask the Empress Dowager to arrange a blind date with me!"

Yuwen Yan was slightly taken aback, then angrily said, "Gu Guanqi, how dare you! You—you dare to humiliate me like this!"

The moment the words left her lips, Yuwen Yan's delicate and beautiful face flushed red with anger.

She was so angry at Gu Guanqi's absurd and shocking words that her heart was in turmoil.

She is the Empress Dowager, the mother of the nation, yet Gu Guanqi is so frivolous and disrespectful!

Those usually cool, dignified, and imposing phoenix eyes were now filled with a thin layer of anger. Her chest rose and fell slightly with her rapid breathing. Pointing at Gu Guanqi, she said, "Do you know what nonsense you're spouting?"

Gu Guanqi quickly said, "Your Majesty, please calm down and let me explain. I had absolutely no intention of offending you!"

After all, it was Gu Guanqi who offended her.

Yuwen Yan finally suppressed her anger and said, "You had better explain yourself clearly, otherwise, even if you are a peerless martial artist, even if it costs me my life, I will not tolerate you!"

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I just came from Liangzhou. I used all my lightness skills to the limit, and I was afraid I wouldn't make it in time. Today, Liangzhou was invaded by the Xianbei army, but it was temporarily stopped by the Leng Sect Leader of Tianshan Sect, who prevented a disaster. This news will reach the capital soon."

Yuwen Yan asked in confusion, "Then—what does this have to do with your rudeness?"

Gu Guanqi explained: "The essence of this matter is that someone colluded with the Xianbei to work together from the inside and outside, and that person has a very high level of cultivation and also possesses extremely strange and powerful abilities."

Now, that person has gone to the Xianbei royal court, assisting the Xianbei king as a deity. To put it another way, given that person's strength, there is absolutely no one in the court who can rival him.

If that man hadn't died, all the Xianbei tribes would have been unified. As for Liangzhou now, I don't know if the Empress Dowager knows the situation there. Starving people are everywhere, nine out of ten houses are empty, and the court hasn't paid the army for many years. If the Xianbei launch a large-scale invasion, Liangzhou won't be able to hold them off, and the country's gates will inevitably be forced open.

Given the current situation of our Qian Kingdom, if something happens in Liangzhou, other covetous foreign tribes will surely take the opportunity to move south. At that time, without Liangzhou as a shield, what will the Great Qian Kingdom face? The Empress Dowager should be able to understand.

Moreover, how many ambitious individuals within our Qian Kingdom will seize this opportunity to rebel? When that happens, internal and external troubles will erupt simultaneously. Whether the Great Qian Dynasty has the ability to suppress them, the Empress Dowager should know better than I do!

Yuwen Yan's expression darkened slightly, and she said, "How dare the Xianbei invade my Great Qian?"

"Empress Dowager," Gu Guanqi said, "Are you really not clear about the situation on the border of the Great Qian Dynasty? In recent years, have the Xianbei, Xiongnu, Jie, Di, Qiang, Tan Yue and others not burned, killed and looted less on the border?"

If they were afraid of the Great Qian, how could they dare to do that? They just need an opportunity. Moreover, the Xianbei have already started the war this time. If it weren't for Master Leng's timely arrival, Tiesan Pass would have already fallen!

"This—" Yuwen Yan frowned and said, "Then—you came to find me? What do you want?"

Gu Guanqi said, "I really can't do anything about the internal problems of the Great Qian Dynasty. I can only hope that His Majesty can turn the tide. All I can do is try to buy as much time as possible. Therefore, I plan to make a trip to the Xianbei."

Since the Xianbei want to invade, I'll kill their king and cause them internal strife. However, the Xianbei are no small tribe; they are quite powerful, and now they have that extremely powerful evil cultivator helping them. I'm not very confident.

Therefore, before I go, I want to improve my cultivation as soon as possible. The Empress Dowager should have heard that I cultivate the Amorous Path, which I created myself, using the arranged marriage as an opportunity to achieve a breakthrough. That's why I dare to ask the Empress Dowager for my help!

Yuwen Yan looked at Gu Guanqi and exclaimed in surprise, "You're planning to assassinate the Xianbei king all by yourself? You—isn't that a crazy idea?"

Gu Guanqi said, "The Great Qian Dynasty cannot support a large-scale campaign beyond the Great Wall right now. The Xianbei are a nomadic people, and if our Qian army goes to the grasslands, it will be difficult for them to be a match for the Xianbei. Besides me going to carry out the decapitation operation to buy time, does the Empress Dowager have any other options?"

"This—" Yuwen Yan was speechless.

She was silent for a while, somewhat conflicted, and said, "But—but—how can I help you? I've heard of your romantic ways, using blind dates as an opportunity to temper your heart."

"Leaving aside my status as Empress Dowager, at my age, I'm past my prime. Even if I were to arrange a marriage with you, how could I possibly move your heart? Well, how about this: I'll quickly select some beautiful young ladies from the families of high-ranking officials for you, or I'll have Qingci—"

Gu Guanqi shook his head slightly and said, "If it were possible to find someone just anywhere, why would I bother the Empress Dowager?"

"But how can I help you—"

"You can."

Gu Guanqi looked at Yuwen Yan very seriously, his tone resolute.

Yuwen Yan paused for a moment, then looked at Gu Guanqi.

Suddenly, something occurred to her, and her heart skipped a beat. She felt her cheeks flush slightly and thought to herself, "He's so certain that I can help him, could it be—could it be—that he's already fallen for me?"

"Could it be that his cold attitude towards celadon is because of me?"

"Yes, he was initially on a blind date with Qingci, but after that day when he came to the palace to see me, he stopped contacting Qingci. We all thought Mingrui had offended him, but he—could it really be because he saw me? This—this—this kid is too presumptuous, he actually dared to—"

Yuwen Yan looked at Gu Guanqi, the scene of the battle of the imperial city flashing through her mind, along with the image of the young swordsman in white from her memories. She thought to herself, "However—we can't blame him—at his age, he's naturally at the most romantic and amorous age. Although we're not the same age, he hasn't done anything offensive before, and he probably didn't intend to bring this up. This time, he was forced into it to protect our Great Qian Dynasty, so we really can't blame him!"

Thinking of this, Yuwen Yan let out a slight sigh and said, "Since that's the case, then I won't pursue your offense. However, this matter—is really inappropriate. I would like to help you, but I truly cannot!"

Gu Guanqi said, "Your Majesty, just follow the procedures of a blind date; you don't need to do anything else."

Yuwen Yan sighed slightly, thinking to herself, "It seems that what I guessed was true. He has already fallen for me, but he has been worried about my status and has kept it to himself. So now, all I need to do is create this opportunity, and I don't even need to do anything else to win him over."

However, these prodigies, Jun Ziyou, Ye Wudi, Gu Guanqi—each and every one of them has a more bizarre cultivation method than the last!

"Hmph, fine, he was forced into this situation, otherwise he wouldn't have done it. At least he knows his manners, and—at least he has good judgment. I won't hold his offense against him!"

Immediately, Yuwen Yan said, "Very well, you are truly devoted to the Great Qian Dynasty. In that case, I will lend you a hand. Let us—"

Yuwen Yan found the words "blind date" extremely embarrassing to utter. For the Empress Dowager of a nation to go on a blind date, even if it was just a formality, felt incredibly immoral to her.

"Let's just go on a blind date. But I don't need to go into detail about my personal situation. You also need to understand that this is just a formality. You shouldn't think about things you shouldn't think about." Looking at the seriousness and expectation in Gu Guanqi's eyes, her heart softened for some reason. She said, "You have a bright future ahead of you. You should pursue becoming the best in the world, pursuing the supreme path!"

Hearing Yuwen Yan's words, Gu Guanqi wondered if the Empress Dowager was overthinking things, but he didn't bother to argue and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Empress Dowager!"

Yuwen Yan continued, "Then let me state my conditions. I've helped you with your cultivation today, so you should remember this favor, right? I don't have many demands, I only ask that if anything changes in the future, you protect Qingci and Mingrui to the best of your ability. Do you agree?"

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

[Player has started the matchmaking event]

[Detected blind date candidate – Yuwen Yan]

[Rating - Seven Stars]

[Blind Date Reward: Max Level Dragon God Skill]

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

Dragon God Skill, originating from "Water Moon Cave Heaven", is a family secret technique of the Dragon Clan. Practitioners can transform into a divine dragon and gain many of the dragon's abilities, such as flying through the air, summoning wind and rain, being indestructible, and summoning lightning.

Gu Guanqi was overjoyed. His trip to find Yuwen Yan had not been in vain; it turned out to be the Dragon God Skill.

This martial art has transcended the transformation of ordinary martial arts, which relies on the simulation of true qi. The Dragon God Skill can truly transform a human into a dragon.

The Dragon God Skill allows one to fly through the air, transforming into a real dragon to attack enemies. This skill can also be used to expel poison, heal wounds, and seize objects.

It protects the body, is versatile and powerful, and possesses almost supernatural abilities such as summoning wind and rain.

It has completely transcended the level of martial arts and can be described as supernatural powers and magic.

With the Dragon God Technique, he really had no worries about going to the Xianbei.

Gu Guanqi regained his composure and said, "Okay, but I have a condition. I'm not worried about the Eldest Princess, but Prince Duan must not act foolishly and must behave himself. If he insists on doing something reckless, I will not protect him."

"Mingrui—" Yuwen Yan opened her mouth, wanting to say something in defense of Zhao Mingrui, but when she thought of what Zhao Mingrui had done before, the words of defense stuck in her throat. After hesitating for a moment, she said, "I will remind him!"

"Hmm." Gu Guanqi nodded and asked, "Does the Empress Dowager have any other requests?"

Yuwen Yan shook her head slightly and said, "No, you came to me for help in order to protect the Great Qian Dynasty. It is only right that I provide you with assistance within my power, and there is no reason for you to make any other requests."

"Then thank you very much, Your Majesty!" Gu Guanqi said.

"Um."

Yuwen Yan nodded slightly, then looked at Gu Guanqi, unsure of what to say.

As the Empress Dowager, a powerful figure who once held sway over half the court, she was naturally very outgoing. But today's situation was far too unusual; the Empress Dowager, in fact, was going on a blind date with someone. She really didn't know what to say.

Gu Guanqi didn't know what else to say. He wasn't really familiar with Yuwen Yan, and besides, he didn't really have any other intentions about this blind date. He didn't know what to say to Yuwen Yan.

The two remained silent for a while. Yuwen Yan felt increasingly uncomfortable, so she stood up and said, "It's almost time for dinner. Alliance Leader Gu, why don't you dine with me?"

"Alright," Gu Guanqi said, "I should eat too."

Immediately, Yuwen Yan led Gu Guanqi out of the warm pavilion.

As soon as I got outside, I saw Zhao Qingci still waiting.

Yuwen Yan's heart tightened immediately, and she quickly whispered to Gu Guanqi, "Alliance Leader Gu, at this moment, you must not let anyone else know. No one is allowed."

Gu Guanqi said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I understand."

Yuwen Yan finally felt relieved.

At this moment, Zhao Qingci ran over and asked, "Mother, Alliance Leader Gu, have you finished discussing your matters?"

Yuwen Yan nodded slightly and said, "That's about enough. I think it's time for dinner, so I'd like to invite Alliance Leader Gu to dine with us."

Zhao Qingci's eyes lit up, and she quickly replied, "Great! I was planning to eat before leaving the palace too!"

"Let's do it together!"

Yuwen Yan said something and strode forward.

Zhao Qingci deliberately lagged behind Gu Guanqi, walking alongside him. She tilted her head slightly to look at Gu Guanqi and asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, how have you been lately?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "It's alright."

"Aren't you going to ask me how I've been lately?" Zhao Qingci said.

Gu Guanqi said, "Your Highness is a princess, so naturally it's very good. There's no need to ask."

"That's a very perfunctory answer," Zhao Qingci said, walking up to Gu Guanqi with her hands behind her back, then turning around to face him.

Looking at Gu Guanqi, he spoke as he walked backwards, "How long do you plan to stay in the capital this time?"

"I'll be leaving in a bit," Gu Guanqi said.

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Yan, who was walking ahead, was slightly taken aback. She thought to herself, "Is he already attracted to me enough, and just needs this one opportunity? Why is he in such a hurry to leave?"

That's for the best. If he really stayed, he would need to spend too much time alone with me, which would put me in a difficult position!

Zhao Qingci looked somewhat disappointed and said, "So rushed?"

"Yes," Gu Guanqi said, "I have important matters to attend to. The main reason I came here is to inform the Empress Dowager of some things."

"Is that so?" Zhao Qingci turned around again, her arms crossed behind her back. She tilted her head to look at Gu Guanqi and asked, "Then—when will you come to the capital next time?"

"I don't know," Gu Guanqi said.

Zhao Qingci pouted and said, "I've had some questions about my cultivation lately, and I was thinking of asking you for advice if you have time!"

Gu Guanqi said, "There are many experts in the capital, such as the Imperial Preceptor Pei Guanxuan, the Eastern Depot Supervisor Wei Tanjin, or the Grand Tutor..."

Afterwards, they will all be among the world's top masters, and they can also give you guidance.

Zhao Qingci: "————"

Yuwen Yan, walking ahead, sighed inwardly, thinking, "Why does this little guy have such feelings for me—if only he had those feelings for Qingci! Sigh—"

Before long, the group arrived at a grand hall where a banquet had been prepared, and they sat down to eat.

With Zhao Qingci around, Yuwen Yan no longer felt the awkwardness of being alone with Gu Guanqi, and chatting with Gu Guanqi became much more natural.

Zhao Qingci was in high spirits and kept trying to find topics to chat with Gu Guanqi.

The meal went smoothly.

By the time the meal was finished, it was almost dark.

Yuwen Yan then directly dismissed him, saying, "Alliance Leader Gu, it is getting late, and Changchun Palace is not in a position to entertain outside men."

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. It is indeed time for me to leave."

Zhao Qingci quickly said, "Alliance Leader Gu, I have a carriage. Would you like to come out of the palace with me?"

"Okay." Gu Guanqi nodded in agreement.

"However," Zhao Qingci asked again, "it's almost dark now, aren't you going to rest for the night and leave tomorrow?"

Gu Guanqi said, "Day and night make no difference to me."

"All right!"

Zhao Qingci was quite disappointed.

"Qingci," Yuwen Yan suddenly said, "You go out first. I have a few words to say to Alliance Leader Gu in private."

"Okay," Zhao Qingci looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Then I'll wait for you outside."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly.

After Zhao Qingci left, Yuwen Yan walked up to Gu Guanqi and said slowly, "Alliance Leader Gu, you should also be able to see that Qingci..."

She does have feelings for you in that way. If we're meant to be, you might consider contacting Qingci.

You're still so young. Some things might just be a passing fancy, because of your status, because of a certain action, or some other reason. But you can't dwell on those things too much. What's needed is compatibility and fate. Do you understand what I mean?

Gu Guanqi didn't quite understand Yuwen Yan's meaning, but she still nodded slightly and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Empress Dowager!"

"Good that you understand," Yuwen Yan took out a token from her sleeve and handed it to Gu Guanqi, saying, "You have the Emperor's Golden Token, which allows you to freely enter and leave the palace. This token of mine will give you more freedom to come to Changchun Palace."

"I can't help you with your situation; it's up to you. If I can truly help you cultivate and improve your cultivation level, you can visit Changchun Palace more often next time you come to the capital. We can have meals together and chat."

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 - Yuwen Yan]

[Rating - Seven Stars]

[Advanced Dating Reward: Max Level "The Book of Oblivion"]

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

The Book of Oblivion, like the Innate Body-Breaking Formless Sword Qi, comes from the "Who is the Hero" series. It is the foremost of the three great martial arts skills in the martial arts world, encompassing a wide range of topics.

This martial art does not emphasize internal strength or techniques, but focuses on the state of mind and enlightenment. It emphasizes having feelings, forgetting feelings, and having high feelings, but it does not mean severing the seven emotions. Rather, it means transcending the ego, integrating one's own will into the universe, and using the power of the universe to fight enemies. Everything in the universe can be used as a weapon.

Reaching the pinnacle allows one to merge with the universe, their own life force becoming one with the heavens and earth. The Heavenly Will Technique is the ultimate killing move, capable of drawing upon the immense power of heaven and earth to destroy enemies, and deflecting attacks that are virtually impossible to withstand. With every gesture, one can summon wind and thunder, move mountains and sever rivers, possessing abilities akin to those of a celestial being.

There are fifteen postures, fifteen methods, and a total of fifteen secrets. Thus, one can fully utilize any stone, object, cedar, or tile, whether it is going to heaven or earth.

It can create new moves with the music, and it can generate endless possibilities with the imagery of paintings.

In short, innovation is a constant source of new ideas and a lifeblood of creativity.

The fifteen postures correspond to Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, Teacher, Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth, Sun, Moon, and so on.

Wind, clouds, and the will of Heaven.

The ultimate and strongest move is the one that will lead to a state where the will of Heaven cannot be defied!

Gu Guanqi regained his composure, cupped his hands to Yuwen Yan, and said, "Thank you, Empress Dowager."

"Um."

Yuwen Yan nodded slightly, then handed the token to Gu Guanqi, saying, "Alright, Qingci is still waiting for you outside. You should go now!"

"Goodbye!"

Gu Guanqi didn't say anything more and turned to leave.

As Yuwen Yan watched Gu Guanqi's retreating figure, a memory suddenly flashed through her mind: during the battle of the imperial city, Gu Guanqi had shielded her in his arms and gently laid her down. Afterwards, just like today, he left behind a calm and serene figure.

However, on that day, Gu Guanqi faced a formidable enemy, a vast army, but today, after revealing his feelings, he leaves, facing the twilight, not knowing when they will meet again!

"How could I think that way?"

Yuwen Yan was startled, thinking to herself, "What am I thinking? How could I possibly expect him to come see me? I—"

Upon thinking of this, Yuwen Yan felt a tightness in her heart. She dared not look at Gu Guanqi's back anymore and quickly turned around and went into the inner room.

As soon as she entered the room, she saw the dressing mirror by the bed. She walked over without thinking, quietly gazing at her still stunningly beautiful face in the mirror, and murmured, "How much longer can I stay young?"

At the same time, as Gu Guanqi was walking out of Changchun Palace, a system notification sounded in his mind:

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level Dragon God Skill, already issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

This Dragon God Technique includes both combat and cultivation methods, and it will take some time to integrate and digest it. Moreover, he was worried about a problem: how high would the max-level Dragon God Technique raise his cultivation level? Would it reach the so-called immortal realm? Would it attract that mysterious Heavenly Gate?

Therefore, he has not claimed it yet.

As soon as I stepped out of the palace gate, I saw Zhao Qingci standing next to a carriage.

Gu Guanqi immediately walked over, cupped her hands, and said, "Your Highness."

"Let's go, I'll escort you out of the palace!"

Zhao Qingci invited Gu Guanqi to get into the carriage.

Afterwards, the two rode together in a carriage to the outskirts of the imperial city.

Throughout the journey, Zhao Qingci kept finding different topics to chat with Gu Guanqi.

However, it is not far from Changchun Palace to the gate of the imperial city.

Before long, the carriage arrived outside the imperial city. The guard in charge of driving the carriage reined in the reins and shouted, "Your Highness, we're leaving the city."

Zhao Qingci, who was in high spirits, was as if doused with a bucket of cold water. Still looking at Gu Guanqi with some expectation, she asked, "Alliance Leader Gu, are you really not planning to rest in the capital for one night and set off again tomorrow?"

"No, I'm quite busy." Gu Guanqi immediately stood up and got out of the carriage, then cupped her hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, farewell!"

Zhao Qingci lifted the carriage curtain and said softly, "Then take care!"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly, then turned and left.

Soon, Gu Guanqi's figure disappeared around the corner.

Zhao Qingci sighed softly, then suddenly looked at the guard driving the carriage and said angrily, "Can't you drive a little slower? Why are you rushing? Are you on your way to the imperial examination?"

"Huh?" The guard looked bewildered.

"Hmph," Zhao Qingci said as she got into the carriage, "Let's go back to the manor, hurry!"

"what?"

The guard scratched his head, looking bewildered.

After leaving the imperial city, Gu Guanqi did not immediately leave the city, but quickly went to the back mountain of the Imperial Academy.

This back hill was where the instructors and headmasters of the Imperial Academy lived; there were small courtyards or houses and buildings everywhere.

Gu Guanqi went straight to Wen Shuyi's courtyard and gently knocked on the door.

Soon, Wen Shuyi's gentle voice came from inside: "Who is it?"

"Shuyi, it's me, Gu Guanqi."

Then, hurried footsteps echoed in the courtyard. Wen Shuyi opened the door, a smile spreading across her face, and exclaimed with delight, "Guanqi, you're back?"

"Yes," Gu Guanqi said, "I just got back."

Wen Shuyi quickly said, "Come in quickly—"

But then she suddenly realized that it was already dark, and inviting Gu Guanqi like this seemed a bit inappropriate. However, she was also reluctant to let Gu Guanqi leave so they could meet again tomorrow, so she asked, "You—coming to see me so late, is there something important you need to do?"

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and asked, "Shuyi, I heard the Imperial Preceptor Pei say before that the entire Imperial Academy is actually a grand formation that can avoid even cause and effect, and also avoid all kinds of probing supernatural powers. Is that true?"

"Yes." Wen Shuyi asked anxiously, "What happened to you? Did you encounter some powerful enemy? I'll go find Master right away—"

Gu Guanqi waved his hand and said, "I need to break through, but I can't predict what level I'll reach after this breakthrough. I'm worried that the people from Tianmen will come to ambush me."

"Then come in quickly!"

Wen Shuyi immediately pulled Gu Guanqi by the hand and led him into the courtyard, saying, "I'll activate the talisman array right away, and with the Imperial Academy's grand array, we shouldn't be detected. Don't worry, as long as I'm here, I will definitely not let anyone hurt you, I—"

She raised her head slightly, looked at Gu Guanqi, and said, "I will protect you!"

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