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

Chapter 95 Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm and Innate Skill

Upon hearing the leader's words, Gu Guanqi and Zhu Jing exchanged a glance, realizing it was the same thing the bandits they had encountered in Huangshan Village had said.

Then, Gu Guanqi asked a few more questions, and the answers he received were exactly the same as those of the bearded bandit.

This group of people were also from out of town. Lei Ming took the initiative to find them, both poisoning him with Gu worms and promising them benefits after the Guanyin Sect was established, using a combination of coercion and enticement to get him to work for him.

They also kidnapped people and sent them to Dongyang Mountain in Chang County.

As for the rest, the leader knew nothing about it either.

After having exhausted all other questions, Gu Guanqi killed the leader with a single sword strike, shook the blood off the sword in the rain, and sheathed it.

Zhu Jing stepped forward and said, "It seems very likely that the kidnapped people have all been sent to Dongyang Mountain."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly, finding it reasonable.

The Guanyin sect has no real base in Qingzhou. If people are imprisoned in different places, it would require too many people and would make it easier to be exposed.

Concentrating them in one place makes them easier to guard and relocate.

Zhu Jing added, "This actually makes things easier for us. If we can find the exact location where they are being held, we can rescue everyone at once and thwart the Guanyin Cult's conspiracy."

Gu Guanqi nodded slightly: "Once the rain stops, we'll set off immediately and get to Chang County as soon as possible. There's no time to lose."

"I'll go too."

The fire phoenix suddenly spoke.

Gu Guanqi and Zhu Jing looked over.

Rainwater streamed down the Phoenix's hair and the hem of her clothes, but she didn't care at all. Her bright peach blossom eyes looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "Young master, I'll go and help you."

Zhu Jing raised an eyebrow slightly. Seeing the way Huo Fenghuang looked at Gu Guanqi, alarm bells immediately went off in her heart. She thought to herself: This woman is definitely lusting after Master Gu. Her intentions are not pure!

As the number one supporter of Gu Guanqi and Jiang Baili's "mutual salvation" relationship, she will not allow anyone to disrupt their relationship.

"Fire Maiden," Zhu Jing smiled calmly, her tone polite yet distant, "This matter concerns the internal affairs of the Qingzhou martial arts world. You are a member of the Cangzhou martial arts alliance. If you get involved, it may easily cause some unnecessary trouble."

Fire Phoenix waved her hand, her face calm: "Don't worry, Miss Zhu, our alliance leader has always taught us to uphold the righteous path and fight against the demonic path to the death, without fear of trouble!"

Zhu Jing's smile remained unchanged, but her tone became more measured: "I admire the Fire Maiden's chivalrous heart. However, the journey to Chang County is fraught with danger and unpredictability. The Fire Maiden is all alone, and fighting in foreign territory. If anything were to happen to her, we would have no way to explain it to the Cangzhou Martial Alliance."

Fire Phoenix waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Don't worry, Miss Zhu, my martial arts are quite good; I can protect myself without any problem."

Zhu Jing was about to speak.

Fire Phoenix blinked, looking completely innocent. "There's another problem. I'm unfamiliar with Qingzhou, and I don't know where to go with these two children. I also don't know if the Guanyin Sect has any other backup plans. I'm afraid it's safer for them to stay with you!"

Zhu Jing was speechless for a moment, secretly anxious. She knew that the fire phoenix was pretending to be confused, and its words implied that it wanted to follow her.

She was too embarrassed to speak too bluntly, but Fire Phoenix pretended not to understand. The key point was that now that Fire Phoenix was using the two children as an excuse, she really couldn't continue to object.

She subconsciously turned around and glanced at Jiang Baili.

Jiang Baili was sitting on a broken piece of wood inside the temple, her hands folded on her knees, her gaze fixed on a point in the void, seemingly lost in thought, completely unaware of everything happening at the temple entrance.

Zhu Jing took a deep breath and called out, "Miss Jiang, what do you think?"

Jiang Baili slowly turned her head, her eyes still somewhat vacant, as if she had just been awakened from a daze.

"Miss Jiang," Zhu Jing said, "this Phoenix Girl said she wants to go to Chang County with us. What do you think?"

Jiang Baili blinked, then stood up, dusted off her skirt, and walked towards the temple entrance.

Her gaze swept over the fire phoenix without lingering, then landed on Gu Guanqi. She spoke softly, her voice clear and calm: "If brother thinks it's okay, then it's okay. I'll listen to whatever brother says."

After saying that, she walked to Gu Guanqi's side, paused slightly, and said, "Brother, you're all wet."

As she spoke, she reached out and gently brushed the raindrops from Gu Guanqi's shoulder, her movements very light and gentle. Then, she stood on tiptoe and wiped the water from Gu Guanqi's face.

Then, she naturally took Gu Guanqi's hand, placed her palm on the back of his hand, looked up at him, and said, "I'll use my internal energy to dry you."

Gu Guanqi quickly replied, "No need, I can do it myself."

"I'll do it."

Jiang Baili held Gu Guanqi's hands in both and said, "Zhu Jing said that I need to learn to care for you, which is also the way for husband and wife to get along."

Zhu Jing: "??"

You said you knew nothing? Why do I feel like you know a lot? Is this how you declare sovereignty?

At this moment, Gu Guanqi, being led by Jiang Baili, felt the warmth of her palm and was slightly taken aback. He then gently withdrew his hand and said softly, "No need, I will use my internal energy myself."

He didn't mind Jiang Baili warming him up, but since Jiang Baili's true energy was not yet stable, he should try not to use it.

Immediately, Gu Guanqi began to circulate his internal energy, channeling his Purple Cloud True Qi throughout his body. In just a moment, wisps of white steam rose from his soaked clothes, the water vapor rising gently in the rain.

Watching this scene, the Fire Phoenix glanced back and forth between Gu Guanqi and Jiang Baili twice before bowing to them and saying, "By the way, I haven't yet asked your esteemed names!"

Gu Guanqi cupped his hands and said, "My name is Gu Guanqi, and her name is Jiang Baili."

Zhu Jing said from the side, "They are engaged."

Fire Phoenix paused slightly, then smiled and said, "Oh, just an engaged couple—" She then looked at Gu Guanqi and said, "I recently came to Qingzhou and heard that a twenty-year-old grandmaster has emerged there, known in the martial world as the Sword Immortal, also named Gu Guanqi. Could you be him?"

"It's just an empty reputation," Gu Guanqi said.

The phoenix's eyes lit up, and she said, "Then I'll definitely follow you! I can't find a safer place than by the side of a dignified sword immortal!"

Zhu Jing was not entirely in favor of the arrangement, but considering the situation of Qian Susu and her brother, there was indeed no better way to settle things at the moment.

After all, they couldn't be sure how the Guanyin Cult had arranged things. Even if this group failed, there was a good chance that a second group would come to continue the kidnapping and abduction.

Gu Guanqi nodded and said, "Alright."

After saying that, Gu Guanqi looked at the rain outside and said, "This rain doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. Let me see if I can find some firewood to start a fire."

After saying that, Gu Guanqi walked towards the small room next to the mountain god temple.

These dilapidated temples were often used by hunters to rest, so they would often leave some dry firewood or similar items inside.

"I'll look for it with you!"

The fire phoenix quickly followed.

Seeing this, Zhu Jing became extremely anxious and said to Jiang Baili, "Miss Jiang, what are you doing? Look at that Fire Phoenix, she already said that you and Master Gu are engaged, and she's still clinging to him. Don't you have any reaction?"

Jiang Baili asked, puzzled, "Should I have any reaction?"

Zhu Jing asked blankly, "Didn't you just do a very good job?"

"Just now?" Jiang Baili asked in confusion, "What did I just do?"

"That's what you just did, asserting your sovereignty!" Zhu Jing said.

Jiang Baili asked blankly, "Really? When?"

Zhu Jing: "??"

So, you're just genuinely concerned!

Zhu Jing took a deep breath and asked, "Aren't you worried?"

"What's the rush?" Jiang Baili asked.

Zhu Jing said, "It's that Fire Phoenix! Didn't you notice? She's clearly taken a liking to Hero Gu!"

"That's normal," Jiang Baili said. "My brother is skilled in martial arts and handsome, so naturally many women will like him."

Zhu Jing frowned and said, "Don't you care? What if Master Gu falls for another woman?"

"Then marry him," Jiang Baili said. "If other women like him, and he likes those women too, then we should just marry them."

Zhu Jing's eyes widened, full of confusion, and she asked, "You don't mind?"

Jiang Baili said, "I am destined to be with him, but that doesn't mean he is only destined to be with me. As far as I know, he is currently destined to be with several other women. Marriage is predestined, so why should I mind?"

Zhu Jing stared wide-eyed, speechless, deeply shocked.

"What's wrong with you?" Jiang Baili asked.

"It's nothing, I just need some peace and quiet."

Zhu Jing waved her hand and turned to walk towards the door.

"Okay, sure."

Jiang Baili nodded slightly and sat back down on the broken piece of wood.

The rain pattered down, forming streaks of white ribbons that cascaded down from the temple eaves.

Gu Guanqi indeed found some scattered pieces of firewood in the small hut next door.

He immediately began collecting them, and Fire Phoenix joined in to help, asking as they went, "Young Master Gu, what school of martial arts do you follow?"

"I belong to no sect or school; my martial arts skills come from a wandering Taoist priest," Gu Guanqi said.

"Young Master Gu is truly a genius," Fire Phoenix exclaimed, then asked, "Young Master Gu, where are you from, and who are your family members?"

Just then, a familiar electronic mechanical voice rang in Gu Guanqi's mind:

[Player has started the matchmaking event]

[Blind date potential partner detected - Phoenix]

Rating - Three Stars

[Blind Date Reward: Max Level "Thousand-Hand Buddha Palm"]

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

The Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm is the number one palm technique for group combat control among the seventy-two Shaolin arts. The palm technique is exquisite, with a thousand palms following one palm. It is a combination of illusion and reality, unpredictable and ever-changing. When exerting force, it combines hardness and softness, like the Buddha's thousand hands, casting boundless spells.

When mastered to a high level, this palm technique can transform a single palm strike into thirty-two smaller ones, leaving the enemy dazzled and unable to defend. It integrates offense and defense, allowing for both direct attacks and counter-attacks, making it an extremely practical and unique palm technique.

Gu Guanqi was slightly taken aback.

Unexpectedly, the system was able to detect matchmaking activities at this time, which means that Phoenix is ​​considering this option.

Gu Guanqi was quite surprised.

Given Jiang Baili's behavior and Zhu Jing's comments about being engaged, it's astonishing that Fire Phoenix could still have such thoughts.

"This girl's behavior is rather improper!" Gu Guanqi thought to himself.

However, since the matchmaking event had already begun, Gu Guanqi was naturally happy to acquire a powerful martial art, and immediately chatted briefly with Fire Phoenix.

But he didn't say much, and his attitude was very indifferent.

He had no prior acquaintance with Fire Phoenix and had no idea where she came from, so it was naturally difficult for him to be very interested.

After gathering enough firewood, he carried it away.

Watching Gu Guanqi's retreating figure, Fire Phoenix pouted, a fighting spirit burning in her eyes.

"Young Master Gu, wait for me!"

She called out and quickly chased after him.

Gu Guanqi carried firewood to the temple, found some dry grass, and lit it with a tinderbox.

Soon, a fire broke out, the flames flickering, and the orange-red light warmed the entire dilapidated temple, dispelling the chill brought by the rain.

It's already cold in winter, and it's even colder with the rain.

The fire had a significant effect, especially on the two children.

Come here!

-

Gu Guanqi called out. Qian Susu then timidly led her younger brother to the fire. The two children squatted by the fire, their little faces glowing red in the firelight. Qian Susu's eyes were still red, but she had stopped crying. She simply hugged her brother tightly, saying nothing. The little boy leaned against his sister's chest, his breathing gradually calming down, and he unknowingly fell asleep.

Fire Phoenix quickly sat down next to Gu Guanqi.

Zhu Jing's eyes were full of displeasure. Seeing Jiang Baili's unresponsive expression, she felt a strong sense of disappointment and frustration.

The rain continued for almost half an hour before gradually starting to subside.

Finally, just before dusk, the rain stopped.

Zhu Jing leaned against the stone statue, dozing off. Qian Susu and her brother also fell asleep while leaning against Zhu Jing. Jiang Baili was completely lost in thought the whole time. Only Huo Fenghuang sat next to Gu Guanqi, asking him all sorts of questions.

Gu Guanqi got up, walked to the door, looked around, and, confirming that the rain had stopped, called out, "Everyone, let's get ready to go!"

Immediately, the group all stood up.

Just then, the system notification sounded in Gu Guanqi's mind once again—

[Blind date event concluded]

[Reward: Max level "Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm" has been awarded]

Do you want to claim the reward?

Gu Guanqi silently recited "Receive" in his mind.

In an instant, countless Buddhist palm techniques and methods of manipulating force, both real and illusory, flooded his mind. In a flash, he mastered the Thousand Hands Tathagata Palm technique to an unparalleled level.

The Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm can transform from one palm into two, two palms into four, and in an instant, it can be divided into thirty-two palms, as if a thousand hands have appeared in the world. It is difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion, and the dense palm force can cover an area of ​​several feet.

The interplay of reality and illusion, the softness that can deflect all attacks, and the hardness that can break through defenses with a single palm strike, the Zen-like power of Buddhism hidden within the ever-changing forms, combining offense and defense.

The group walked out of the temple gate.

However, an awkward problem immediately arose.

That means they only had three horses.

When Fire Phoenix fled with Qian Susu and her brother, they didn't have horses, and the group of people in straw raincoats didn't ride horses either.

They now have six men, but only three horses.

Qian Susu and her brother could ride a horse with the adults, but the problem was with Huo Fenghuang. She wasn't familiar with Gu Guanqi and the others, so it would be awkward for her to ride a horse with them.

"How about this?"

Gu Guanqi thought for a moment and said, "Qian Susu will ride with Xiaoyuer, and Qian Yu will ride a horse with Zhu Jing—"

As soon as Gu Guanqi finished speaking, Fire Phoenix's eyes lit up, and she looked at Gu Guanqi with anticipation.

Gu Guanqi continued, "I'll give my horse to the Fire Maiden, and I'll use my lightness skill to follow you."

Fire Phoenix looked disappointed, then said with a smile, "Master Gu, how about you take advantage of me and I ride the same horse with you?"

Gu Guanqi smiled and said, "That's not necessary."

Fire Phoenix covered her mouth and chuckled, "But I was planning to wait until things were settled in Chang County before going with you, Master Gu, to the martial arts tournament at Wenjian Mountain. Master Gu can't keep relying on his lightness skill, can he? It's all small towns along the way, it won't be easy to buy horses! Come on, we're all江湖儿女 (jianghu children, meaning people of the martial world), no need to be so formal!"

Zhu Jing, standing to the side, couldn't help but roll her eyes, thinking to herself: "These abacus beads are about to hit my face."

Gu Guanqi chuckled and waved his hand.

Just then, the system notification sounded in his mind again:

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

[Enable?]

Gu Guanqi quickly muttered "Activate".

My blind date is Phoenix.

Rating - Three Stars

[Advanced Dating Reward: Innate Skill]

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

The Innate Skill is the supreme and orthodox internal skill of Taoism. This skill returns the acquired to the innate, drawing upon the original Qi of heaven and earth to temper oneself. The true Qi circulates endlessly and inexhaustibly, allowing one to reach the state of unity between heaven and man.

Its innate true qi is warm and mellow, possessing the ability to heal injuries, strengthen the body, and defeat evil forces. Its miraculous healing effects are unparalleled in the martial arts world, making it an unparalleled treasure among the top internal skills of the righteous path.

Gu Guanqi was intrigued; he hadn't expected that the Fire Phoenix's advancement reward would trigger the Innate Skill.

Gu Guanqi is now gradually realizing that the Zixia Divine Skill is not quite enough, especially when using powerful techniques like Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens, where the quality of the Zixia Divine Skill is somewhat lacking, while the Innate Skill is much better.

Moreover, the Innate Skill uses acquired energy to reverse the innate state, transforming it into innate energy. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the integration issue with internal skills of the Zixia Divine Skill level.

In addition, the reward for his advanced blind date with Jiang Baili is the Golden Scale Spirit Eel Blood Pill, which can directly increase his internal strength by twenty years. Combined with the perfected innate skill, it can directly allow him to reach a top level in the realm of internal strength.

Gu Guanqi quickly regained his composure and said to Fire Phoenix, "Fire Heroine, it's not like we can't find a single horse. Let's arrange things as I suggested for now. We'll head west and should be able to reach Fang County before dark. We'll figure out a way to buy horses then, though they might be a bit pricey."

-

-

Gu Guanqi has absolutely no need to worry about money.

The silver I just took from those men in straw raincoats is enough to buy many horses.

Fire Phoenix was filled with disappointment. Her peach blossom eyes, always deep and affectionate, yet tinged with a hint of resentment, pursed her lips and said, "Alright, if Young Master Gu ever gets tired, just let me know, and I'll give you a ride right away!"

Gu Guanqi: "————"