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

Chapter 79 Lingbo Weibu and Jinxiu Manor

Gu Guanqi's words proved prophetic.

For several days, the "black-robed" figure in the shadows remained inactive. It was unclear whether this was because Zhao Ziqi had been captured and he was unsure of his own ability to act, or whether he had guessed that Yan Wangchuan would use a tactic to lure the snake out of its hole.

In the past few days, no one else in the Lin family has met with misfortune.

Gu Guanqi returned to his ordinary life, spending his days making medicine and refining pills at the Jinxiu Medical Clinic. However, there was one more thing than before: Yue Xiaotian, the Star-Picking Hand, would come to him every day to discuss martial arts, sometimes for several hours at a time.

Gu Guanqi gained a lot, learning many close combat techniques and coping strategies from Yue Xiaotian.

The two became quite familiar with each other.

Time flew by, and the day of Lin Youfeng and Zhou Zhiyao's engagement soon arrived!

That morning, Gu Guanqi got up early, washed up, took out the moon-white long robe that Lin Yourong had sewn for him from his bundle, and put it on.

The clothes fit him perfectly, as if they were tailor-made for him. The fabric was the finest brocade, smooth to the touch. The whole garment was neither too flashy nor too elegant, making him appear even more refined and otherworldly.

Lin Yourong was waiting for him in the lobby of the inn.

The moment Gu Guanqi stepped out, Lin Yourong's eyes lit up. She quickly went over, gently smoothed out the wrinkles in Gu Guanqi's clothes, and whispered, "So beautiful!"

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Let's go."

"Um."

Lin Yourong looked up at Gu Guanqi and said, "Guanqi, are you really sure you want to go?"

Gu Guanqi asked in confusion, "Why do you ask that?"

Lin Yourong said, "Today is the day of Feng's engagement, and almost all the elders of the Lin family clan will be here. My grandparents, my parents, and all the uncles, aunts, cousins—almost everyone will be here."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly and said, "I know."

Lin Yourong tilted her head to look at him, her eyes filled with a hint of nervousness and anticipation, and said, "I may not have explained myself very clearly. What I mean is that today's engagement banquet is not open to the public. Everyone who comes is a member of our Lin family. Grandpa invited you to take this opportunity to meet you."

Gu Guanqi lowered his head slightly and met Lin Yourong's gaze.

But Lin Yourong's eyes were very bright, like a pool of clear spring water reflecting his figure.

Gu Guanqi was silent for a moment, then smiled slightly and said softly, "I know."

Lin Yourong's lips curled up slightly, a faint smile on her face. She reached out and took Gu Guanqi's arm, saying, "Let's go then. I'll take you to see the little garden I planted myself!"

Just then, the system's electronic voice rang in Gu Guanqi's mind: "[Blind date activity completed]"

[Reward: "Lingbo Weibu" (a martial arts technique), already issued]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi understood that this was Lin Yourong's wish; the two had moved beyond the blind date stage and entered the next stage.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi silently recited "Receive" in his mind.

In an instant, a profound and mysterious understanding of lightness skill surged into his mind like a tide. The hexagrams of the sixty-four hexagrams of the Book of Changes appeared one by one in his mind. Each hexagram corresponds to a footwork technique, and the footwork techniques are interconnected and linked together, like a finely woven net that contains the ultimate truths of the universe.

He seemed to see a person walking on the snow, the footprints varying in depth but following a certain pattern; he also seemed to see a person stepping on the water, the water calm, the figure like smoke and mist.

Those profound footwork, body techniques, and principles of lightness skill were deeply engraved in his soul like a brand. In the blink of an eye, he had perfected the Lingbo Weibu (Light Steps on Waves).

In that instant, the Lingbo Weibu technique reached its pinnacle.

The carriage traveled north, passing through several main streets before turning onto a wide bluestone avenue. Two rows of ginkgo trees lined both sides of the road, their golden leaves hanging heavy in late autumn.

At the end of the avenue stood a magnificent manor.

The courtyard is surrounded by blue brick walls and black-tiled eaves. The main gate consists of two tall, vermilion-lacquered doors with copper studs. Above the gate hangs a huge plaque with the four characters "Jinxiu Mountain Villa" inscribed on it.

The entrance to the manor was unusually lively today, with a constant stream of carriages and people coming and going. Although no outsiders were invited to the engagement banquet, the Lin clan was large, and there were many people from all branches and houses gathered together.

Gu Guanqi and Lin Yourong walked side by side into the gate of the mountain villa.

Passing through the front yard and around the screen wall, one comes into view a very large courtyard. Dozens of round tables are set up in the courtyard, covered with large red tables.

The table was laden with fruits, snacks, teapots, and teacups. Guests gathered in twos and threes, some exchanging pleasantries and reminiscing, others conversing in hushed tones, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Lin Yourong led Gu Guanqi through the courtyard. Along the way, people kept greeting her and asking about Gu Guanqi, and Lin Yourong introduced them one by one.

It was obvious that everyone in the Lin family knew about the relationship between Gu Guanqi and Lin Yourong, and they all deliberately came over to greet Gu Guanqi.

Along the way, at least twenty people came to meet me.

Soon, Lin Yourong led Gu Guanqi into the inner courtyard.

As soon as he entered, three people came over. The middle-aged couple in front were Lin Yourong's parents, Lin Yuanshan and Fang Yulan, and the person behind them was Lin Yourong's younger brother, Lin Youcai, who greeted Gu Guanqi with a grin.

But today, he didn't dare call him "brother-in-law".

Lin Yourong's parents are both people who seem to have very gentle personalities.

Lin Yourong stepped forward and bowed slightly: "Father, Mother, this is Young Master Gu Guanqi, my friend."

Gu Guanqi stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Junior Gu Guanqi greets Uncle Lin and Aunt Lin."

Lin Yuanshan returned the greeting with a slight bow and said with a smile, "My esteemed name, Hero Gu, is renowned far and wide. Please, have a seat!"

Fang Yulan smiled, her gaze sweeping over Gu Guanqi, a look of satisfaction in her eyes. She said softly, "I've heard You Rong mention you and have always wanted to meet you. Today I'm so glad to finally meet you. Come, sit down and have some tea. Don't be shy, make yourself at home!"

"Thank you, Uncle and Aunt!" Gu Guanqi bowed.

Then, a maid brought tea, which Gu Guanqi accepted, thanked her, and sat down next to Lin Yourong.

Lin Yuanshan was a gentle man, speaking slowly and deliberately. He chatted with Gu Guanqi, and since they were both from the martial arts world, they naturally talked about their experiences there. Fang Yulan didn't say much, only occasionally interjecting a word or two, but her gaze remained gently fixed on Gu Guanqi, and she would glance at Lin Yourong from time to time, a faint smile playing on her lips.

One after another, many more elders from the Lin family came over to take a look under various pretexts, and the number of people gathered grew larger and larger.

Lin Yourong always introduced Gu Guanqi in a very open and generous manner.

Before long, a steward quickly returned and reported a few words to Lin Yuanshan.

Lin Yuanshan turned to Gu Guanqi and smiled, "Nephew Gu, You Rong's grandfather heard you're here and wants to meet you. Is that convenient for you?"

Gu Guanqi was also very curious about this legendary master.

Few people in the martial arts world of Qingzhou would be unaware that the seven masters of the Three Venerables and Four Sects are seven towering mountains that have stood in the martial arts world of Qingzhou for many years.

Lin Yourong's grandfather, Lin Huaiyuan, was one of the Four Great Masters, known as the Mighty Finger.

In the Lin family, besides Lin Yourong, the only person who could pique Gu Guanqi's interest was this grandmaster.

Gu Guanqi immediately stood up, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you for leading the way, Uncle."

Lin Yuanshan smiled and waved, then walked out first. Gu Guanqi followed behind him, and Lin Yourong also stood up and walked beside Gu Guanqi. Lin Youcai glanced at them and then followed as well.

The four of them passed through several moon gates, walked along a bluestone path, and arrived at the back garden.

An elderly man with white hair was sitting in a recliner under a plum tree.

He was about eighty years old, thin, with white hair and beard, and his face was covered with wrinkles, but his eyes were extremely clear, without the slightest trace of turbidity.

This person is none other than Hercules Finger Lin Huaiyuan.

Lin Yuanshan stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, "Father, the person has arrived."

Lin Huaiyuan's gaze fell on Gu Guanqi, scrutinizing him from head to toe, a smile gradually appearing in his clear eyes. He raised his hand, beckoning, his tone gentle and casual: "Come, come, young man, come and chat with this old man."

Gu Guanqi stepped forward, stood in front of Lin Huaiyuan, and bowed, saying, "Junior Gu Guanqi greets Old Master Lin."

Lin Huaiyuan stroked his white beard and said with a smile, "Don't be so polite, have a seat."

As he spoke, he pointed to a stone bench under the plum tree.

Gu Guanqi sat down as instructed, while Lin Yuanshan cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Father, I'll go outside and greet the guests."

Lin Huaiyuan waved his hand.

Lin Yuanshan nodded to Gu Guanqi again and then left.

Lin Yourong poured tea for Lin Huaiyuan and Gu Guanqi, then sat down to the side. Lin Youcai pursed his lips and poured himself a cup.

Lin Huaiyuan picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Gu Guanqi, I like you, young man. Some time ago, I heard that you killed the Holy Son and Holy Daughter of the Heavenly Demon Sect. I thought you must be an arrogant person."

After all, you're so young, and you seem to act without any scruples. However, these past few days since you came to Tianping County, I've discovered how incredibly simple and honest you are. Even with your current fame and renown, you spend your days at the clinic making medicine. If it were anyone else, they would surely be roaming the martial world, enjoying the adoration of the world. Your character is truly rare!

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Grandpa, it's not that I'm bad-natured, it's just that everyone's ideals and pursuits are different. Although I am a person of the martial arts world, I don't actually like fighting and killing. I prefer to live a peaceful life."

"No wonder you have such cultivation at such a young age. Your realm has already returned to simplicity," Lin Huaiyuan said. "I only came to understand your realm when I was forty-eight years old, after breaking through to become a grandmaster."

"You flatter me, sir," Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and asked, "May I ask what the Grandmaster realm is?"

""

Lin Huaiyuan chuckled and said, "With your mindset and talent, it won't be long before you become a grandmaster, and it will happen naturally."

If you insist on asking specifically what a grandmaster is, then anyone who can fight is a grandmaster. For example, I was hailed as a grandmaster after defeating dozens of top masters renowned throughout Qingzhou. Take, for instance, the Crimson Flame Divine Swordsman of the Sword Inquiry Sect; his path was even simpler. He became a grandmaster after just one fight. He practiced swordsmanship on the mountain for over thirty years, and after descending, he defeated a long-established grandmaster, so naturally, he became a grandmaster.

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly; this was indeed the most direct definition of a grandmaster in the martial arts world.

"Could you be more specific?" Lin Yourong asked.

Lin Huaiyuan frowned and said, "To be more specific, it's about understanding martial arts. Grandmasters are those who have forged their own path in their respective fields, no longer limited to the martial arts they've learned. They have their own understanding of martial arts, which is to act in accordance with the natural flow."

Go with the flow!

Wind is momentum, water is momentum, every movement is momentum, the operation of all things in heaven and earth is momentum—that's roughly the idea. However, don't mythologize grandmasters. Grandmasters are just people; they're just people with a title, not ordinary martial artists. Who's stronger and who's weaker can only be determined through combat!

Lin Yourong seemed to be deep in thought.

Gu Guanqi smiled slightly and said, "Grandpa's words are concise and to the point; I've learned a lot!"

"It's just repeating the same old thing!"

Lin Huaiyuan waved his hand and asked, "Do you know how to play chess?"

"I know a little."

"You Rong, go and get my chess set."

Lin Yourong immediately stood up. Just then, a woman entered the courtyard. It was Lin Youfeng. Today, she was wearing a red dress and heavy makeup, looking radiant.

She walked straight over, called out "Grandpa," bowed slightly to Gu Guanqi, then looked at Lin Yourong and said, "Sister, I have something I want to tell you. Could you come with me for a moment?"

Lin Yourong was slightly taken aback, hesitated for a moment, then nodded and said, "I'll go get the chess set for Grandpa first—"

"No need," Lin Huaiyuan waved his hand and said, "You two sisters can go and talk if you have something to say. As for my chess set, I'll just let Youcai, that rascal, go get it."

Lin Youcai quickly replied, "I'll go, I'll go!"

Then he got up and ran into the house.

Seeing this, Lin Yourong left with Lin Youfeng.

Soon, Lin Youcai came out carrying a chess box and said, "Lin Youfeng and my sister don't get along very well. Lin Youfeng is always thinkinglessly provoking my sister. I hope she doesn't think she's all that now and is going to cause trouble for my sister again?"

Gu Guanqi chuckled and said, "Are you worried about your sister?"

"No," Lin Youcai said, "I'm afraid my sister might accidentally hurt Lin Youfeng if she doesn't stop herself. They're getting engaged soon, it would be so awkward!"

"Don't worry," Lin Huaiyuan said with a smile, "Youfeng is a bit naive, but not really stupid. She can tell what's important and what's not."

Lin Youcai curled his lip and said, "Isn't she stupid? Of all the people to compare herself to, she has to compare herself to my sister. In the two generations of our Lin family, who can compare to my sister?"

Lin Huaiyuan smiled and said, "It's just a little bickering between sisters. Alright, don't worry about it. Come on, Gu Guanqi, let's play chess!"

On the other side, Lin Yourong followed Lin Youfeng out of the courtyard and into a long corridor.

Lin Youfeng stopped, slowly turned around, and then twirled in front of Lin Yourong, asking, "Sister, do I look pretty today?"

Lin Yourong smiled slightly and said, "You look beautiful, more beautiful than anyone else, only slightly less beautiful than on your wedding day."

Lin Youfeng didn't smile. Instead, she sighed and said, "I'm definitely not as pretty as you, sister. I've never been. I'm not as smart or talented as you either."

Sister, from childhood to adulthood you have always been like a bright pearl, while I am just a dull pebble. I try so hard to catch up with you, but all I ever do is end up looking like a ridiculous dog instead of a tiger.

Lin Yourong quickly said, "Youfeng, don't say that—"

"Oh dear, sister, I won't do anything stupid today," Lin Youfeng smiled and said, "Actually, I know I'm not as good as you in any way, but I didn't really want to compete with you. The main reason I did so many seemingly stupid things is—"

Lin Youfeng smiled slightly and said, "The main reason is to attract your attention. Otherwise, there are too many girls of similar age in the Lin family, and I won't be special in your eyes at all."

"Um?"

Lin Yourong was slightly taken aback, somewhat surprised.

Lin Youfeng chuckled and said, "That's how it is, sister. From childhood to adulthood, you've always seemed to radiate light. I want to get close to you, but you never notice me."

Lin Yourong asked, puzzled, "Then why did you say it today?"

Lin Youfeng said, "Because I'm getting engaged. Zhou Zhiyao, well, he's a guy with impure intentions. I admit he's more than good enough for me, and I'm the one who's climbing the social ladder. Before Gu Guanqi appeared, I once thought he was the perfect match for you."

Sister, what I want to say is that I know Zhou Zhiyao has ulterior motives. He couldn't win you over, so he immediately got engaged to me, all to use my status to gradually erode the Lin family's fortune. There will definitely be a struggle between you and him!

So, I need to make things clear today. We sisters were just having some normal playful bickering, so please don't let it turn us into real enemies. As Zhou Zhiyao's wife after I married him, I also have obligations, and I can't betray him.

However, I will not offer him any help. Sister, when you fight with him, don't have any reservations about me. He doesn't love me, and I don't love him. I'm with him only because our parents agree, and everyone in our second branch of the family agrees except for me. It's that simple.

After saying that, Lin Youfeng suddenly hugged Lin Yourong and whispered, "Sister, if Zhou Zhiyao has done anything to hurt the Lin family or you, please don't blame me. I will always just be that silly little sister in your eyes!"

Lin Yourong slowly reached out and hugged Lin Youfeng, gently patting her back, and said, "Even if you didn't say anything today, I wouldn't blame you if something really happened later. Although you annoy me to no end and always scare you, I've always known that you've never really done anything to hurt me. I've always known that."

Lin Youfeng smiled and said, "Sister, will you feel strange if I don't bother you anymore?"

"Won't."

"Why?" Lin Youfeng asked.

"Because I'm getting married too."

Sunlight filtered through the cracks in the tiles of the plum-lined corridor, falling on their shoulders and hair, casting a gentle glow on their embrace. Lin Yourong's lips curled slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips. Lin Youfeng pouted.

Just then, a maidservant hurried over from the other end of the corridor, calling out, "Young Miss, Miss Youfeng, the Zhou family has arrived!"

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