Chapter 12

In the bedroom.

“Sorry for troubling you.”

Ji Yan leaned weakly against the bedside, speaking apologetically, his tone gentle, eyes like flowing water, full of sincerity.

Gu Changqing decided to listen for now.

He knew that this man was only smooth-talking; even if the situation repeated, Ji Yan would make the same choices.

“How are you feeling?”

“Manageable.”

Ji Yan paused, then tactfully handed over a storage pouch, earnestly saying, “I heard that grandfather accidentally damaged the cave dwelling, causing you to be reprimanded by the Enforcement Hall. This is a small token of my gratitude; please don’t disdain it.”

Gu Changqing raised an eyebrow. “You’re trying to bribe me with spirit stones.”

“Not at all.” Ji Yan spoke softly, “I know my junior brother’s character is noble and he dislikes trouble. Because of me, you were dragged into this mess. A mere pouch of spirit stones hardly conveys my apology. As your senior brother, I have nothing else but this to express my feelings. Please don’t refuse, or I won’t have peace of mind.”

His words were truly well put.

Refusing would feel rude.

No wonder he managed to calm Gu Xing’an.

Gu Changqing adjusted the pouch; it was quite hefty—ten thousand spirit stones. It was indeed sincere.

Ji Yan smiled, already rehearsing how to explain his actions.

Yet Gu Changqing asked no questions.

He was not like Gu Xing’an, who would be swayed by sweet talk. Rather than hearing lies, it was better to verify directly with the Taixu Treasure Mirror.

Besides, he already knew Ji Yan’s purpose: to lift the seal on his dantian.

Gu Changqing smiled faintly. “Rest well. In a few days, head to the Northern City.”

“Alright.”

Ji Yan responded gently.

His eyes held a hint of surprise, feeling the passage was too smooth—no furious outburst or interrogation as he had imagined.

Could it really be a straightforward transaction?

If so, that would be wonderful.

Ji Yan relaxed, a warm smile on his lips. “I’ll follow your advice.”

Those tender words sounded like a couple in harmony… nonsense.

Gu Changqing glanced at him, tossing a jade bottle his way. “Here, take good care of yourself. This is the Vitality Nourishing Pill left for you by Master Ji.”

Ji Yan’s smile did not fade as he watched him leave the bedroom.

…

Back in the main hall.

Gu Changqing casually set up an anti-disturbance formation, eager to start analyzing the Plum Blossom Yi Dao.

He activated the Taixu Treasure Mirror.

Information surfaced in his mind.

[Plum Blossom Yi Dao, secret technique, composed of seven layers. This technique can divine auspiciousness and misfortune, observe fortune, but practicing it may cause some degree of backlash. The heavenly secrets are unfathomable. This technique is extremely difficult to master. Following the methods below will ease success. Modifying the technique as instructed will minimize backlash. Remember, without reaching the ultimate mastery of this technique, do not attempt divination or observation exceeding three realms above your own, as there is a chance of being sensed by others.]

Gu Changqing smiled subtly.

The Taixu Treasure Mirror was as reliable as ever.

Under its analysis, the profound secret technique became clear and easy to understand.

Every symbol seemed imprinted on his mind.

It allowed him to grasp and learn better.

The only regret was that without ultimate mastery, he couldn’t detect those beyond three realms above him.

Still, being able to reduce backlash to the minimum was satisfying.

He calmed his mind.

Closing his eyes, Gu Changqing entered a cultivation state.

An extremely profound aura circulated within him.

Time.

Years.

Endless principles, seemingly true yet false.

Invisible, intangible, slowly dissipating into the void.

Then, nine-colored light surrounded him—black, gray, white, green, blue, cyan, red, purple, gold.

These represented nine kinds of fortune.

Time passed unknowingly.

The nine-colored light faded, all absorbed into his body.

“Pfft!”

Gu Changqing broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead, suddenly spat a mouthful of fresh blood, his whole body drained of energy, becoming weak and bloodless.

“Finally entered the gateway.”

He slowly opened his eyes and swallowed a Vitality Nourishing Pill to restore his vitality.

He thought quietly,

“No wonder the Taixu Treasure Mirror said Plum Blossom Yi Dao is extremely difficult to enter. Even with modifications, learning this heavenly secret technique still requires trials.”

“This trial is the qualification for learning. Fortunately, it’s only once.”

“Now I’ve got my certificate.”

“However, the backlash is indeed severe. Plum Blossom Yi Dao is difficult; the Lesser Celestial Technique will probably be deadly.”

“Good thing I’m a life-loving coward.”

Gu Changqing felt relieved.

He also began to understand why heavenly secret practitioners were so rare—each trial was so harsh, the backlash could be fatal.

He was thankful.

Luckily, he had the Taixu Treasure Mirror to modify the technique, minimizing the backlash.

Moreover, after passing the entry test, practicing Plum Blossom Yi Dao would no longer be hindered by heavenly secrets. The only caution was to act within one’s limits, avoiding divination beyond one’s range.

Gu Changqing was confident he wouldn’t tempt fate.

Learning heavenly secret techniques was to avoid trouble, seek fortune, and avert misfortune—not to bring about problems.

Settling his thoughts, Gu Changqing reined in his spirit and activated the Qingmu Longevity Art to begin healing.

The rich power of Qingmu, full of vibrant life, circulated repeatedly within him, rapidly restoring his damaged vitality.

Time trickled by.

…

Two days later.

Gu Changqing had just dispelled the formation.

“You’re awake,” Ji Yan greeted with a smile full of warmth.

Yet his slightly narrowed eyes gave a hint of anger.

Gu Changqing nodded, “Made some progress.”

He hadn’t expected the cultivation to take two days.

But for cultivators in seclusion, longer times were normal.

“Heh!”

Ji Yan’s smile softened, but he bit his lip and said, “Can you tell me about the sect rumor that Senior Brother Gu was heartbroken and devastated, pitiful and sorrowful, and that Senior Brother Ji is a troublemaker? What’s that about?”

Gu Changqing glanced at him. “You know?”

“I even know you took thirty thousand spirit stones from someone.”

Gu Changqing pondered briefly, then tested, “You’re offended?”

“Yeah, I’m offended.”

Ji Yan glared fiercely at him, no trace of gentleness in his brow and eyes. Of all people to take spirit stones from, it had to be from Bing Ning’s benefactor. It irritated him to no end.

Gu Changqing smiled lightly, finding his anger somewhat genuine.

“Why save her spirit stones? If there’s a grudge, shouldn’t you spend her money?”

“But…” Ji Yan frowned slightly.

Gu Changqing said, “Thirty thousand spirit stones will hurt her for a while. Isn’t revenge about making her suffer?”

“Fair enough.”

Ji Yan thought carefully and agreed. If you don’t accept an enemy’s benefits, wouldn’t that be sparing her spirit stones?

But…

“Explain the sect rumors.”

He had only been unconscious for two days.

Upon waking, he was branded a troublemaker.

Originally, he thought the sect leader would cover for him for the sake of appearances, but unexpectedly…

He became the villain, and Gu Changqing became the pitiable one.

They said he was heartbroken and devastated; many who saw him crying had ill intentions.

How had he not noticed this man’s sorrow?

Gu Changqing shrugged. “Just rumors, nothing to take seriously.”

Ji Yan glared furiously.

Gu Changqing continued, “There’s word outside the sect that you severed your meridians in dissatisfaction with the marriage. I didn’t believe it either. Besides, wasn’t this your own doing?”

“Hmph!”

Ji Yan snorted coldly, immediately falling silent—he was in the wrong.

If not for his severe injuries, these troubles wouldn’t have arisen.

Gu Changqing laughed. It was good he could reason with him. Thinking of the Plum Blossom Yi Dao he just learned, he channeled his spiritual power to his eyes, preparing to observe Ji Yan’s fortune.

Blue.

Blue tinged with gray, gray tinged with black.

What did that mean?

A reborn person only had blue fortune? Impossible.

Gu Changqing rubbed his eyes; he wasn’t mistaken.

Assessment complete.

This man’s luck was poor—just a magnet for misfortune.

Gray and black symbolized calamities.

Gu Changqing was not surprised. With such a broken body, Ji Yan was indeed beset by troubles.

“What are you looking at?”

Ji Yan frowned.

Gu Changqing smiled. “Nothing. I was just thinking. By the way, we’ll leave in a few days. At this time, we should appear weak to our enemies. These trivial slanders are not worth worrying about. Better focus on the future.”

Ji Yan forced a smile, not genuinely amused. He wasn’t the one being slandered.

However…

He seemed accustomed to all kinds of defamation. Ever since his spiritual root was destroyed, he faced nothing but rumors.

Ji Yan sighed softly.

His expression grew lonely and desolate.

A faint loneliness surrounded him, evoking sympathy.

Even Gu Changqing couldn’t help but wonder if he had been too harsh, but he hadn’t slandered—only stated facts and revealed Ji Yan’s pitiable situation.

Yes!

He was right.

Now was the time to show weakness publicly, to dispel the limelight previously displayed.

Gu Changqing’s heart was resolute; he quickly withdrew the faint pity he felt.

After all, it was no big deal.

As long as Ji Yan could let it go, these harmless rumors were nothing to mind.

And as it turned out,

Ji Yan’s mental fortitude was strong.

After his disappointment faded, he sneered, “You’re now wealthy beyond measure, known throughout the sect. Have you thought through how to handle this?”

Gu Changqing frowned. “No need to handle anything. We’ll leave in a few days.”

“Hmm.”

Ji Yan hesitated a moment, then asked, “Do… you have a grudge with Bing Ning?”

Gu Changqing shook his head. No grudge, but he did with her sycophants.

“Then why…” Ji Yan began to speak of recent events.

His and Gu Changqing’s wealth was known at Little Spring Peak.

Initially, it was a small-scale rumor, but somehow it spread until everyone knew.

Gu Changqing smiled, not bothered by it. No matter their schemes, he wouldn’t engage.

He knew Bing Ning was unwilling.

The fortune girl’s mind was narrow; she’d be angry if he didn’t compensate her thirty thousand spirit stones.

But Bing Ning wouldn’t dare take action against him.

The fortune girl was careful, only using leverage.

Those spreading rumors about his vast wealth were definitely her two sycophants. Bing Ning was always kind and innocent.

“Kind.”

“Innocent.”

Gu Changqing almost laughed. Such words in the cultivation world.

He admitted he didn’t understand sycophants’ minds.

But he genuinely thought Bing Ning was a jinx. Anyone close to her would gradually fade into obscurity.

Those who disliked or had enmity with her would inexplicably start having bad luck, dragged into various troubles.

So it was best to keep a distance.

Luckily, he would leave soon. Otherwise, he’d have to avoid Bing Ning like the plague. The fortune girl was truly ominous.