Well, the night passed without incident.

At least, that was how it appeared on the surface.

When Gu Chengming woke up, the sea of clouds outside the window was tinged with a faint golden edge.

【Qingxin Art is quite surprised. Chengming’s willpower is becoming more impressive; you could actually rest in a situation like last night.】

【Hundred Bones Resonating snorted: Naturally! Is Emperor Gu the kind of person easily led astray by beauty?】

Gu Chengming smiled helplessly and stood up to straighten his clothes. It was a set of ordinary rogue cultivator attire Li Suizhuang had specially prepared for him. The fabric wasn’t sophisticated, but it was sturdy and durable, with the cuffs even showing some artificial wear and tear.

The commotion last night hadn’t been small, but Li Suizhuang hadn’t come to knock on Gu Chengming’s door at any point. This indicated she at least maintained a final shred of reason, working hard to suppress the influence of the technique’s loss of control.

From this perspective, although the chief physician carried the risk of losing control, she was still a qualified colleague.

As Gu Chengming was thinking this, light footsteps suddenly came from behind him.

“Senior Banner Gu woke up early.” The voice was quite gentle.

Gu Chengming turned around.

Li Suizhuang was walking out of the cabin carrying a food box. Her moon-white long skirt fluttered gently in the morning breeze, and her white hair was loosely held by a plain silver hairpin. A few stray strands fell by her cheeks, making her gentle face appear even softer.

Unlike yesterday, her complexion looked much better today, and she seemed radiant. It was as if the heart-pounding noises from last night had never happened.

“Good morning, Chief Physician Li.” Gu Chengming cupped his hands in greeting, his gaze steady.

Since he had decided not to mention it, he would treat it as if nothing had occurred.

After all, the two of them still had to delve deep into the Hehuan Sect together. If things became awkward over such a matter, it would instead hinder their official business.

Li Suizhuang seemed to sense his attitude as she placed the food box on the stone table on the deck. She lifted the lid, revealing several delicate breakfast items and a pot of steaming spirit tea.

“The conditions on the boat are simple, so we’ll have to make do with this.”

As she arranged the bowls and chopsticks, she said softly, “If Senior Banner Gu doesn’t mind, please join me.”

“Thank you, Chief Physician Li.” Gu Chengming sat across from her and took a bite of a pastry.

The pastry melted in his mouth with a faint scent of osmanthus; clearly, a lot of thought had gone into it.

The two of them sat opposite each other, eating breakfast in silence.

The atmosphere was quiet but not overly awkward. Only when their eyes occasionally met would Li Suizhuang subconsciously look away, her earlobes tingeing with a barely perceptible blush.

This appearance formed an interesting contrast with her usual gentle and dignified temperament.

“Senior Banner Gu, we should reach the Hehuan Sect’s territory in about half a day. Before that, I want to tell you about the situation there so you can be mentally prepared.”

Gu Chengming set down his teacup and said seriously, “Please go ahead, Chief Physician Li.”

Li Suizhuang pondered for a moment before slowly saying, “The Hehuan Sect was established over a thousand years ago. Although its reputation isn’t prominent in the outside world, its foundation is actually deep, not inferior to any major sect. They have dozens of Fourth Realm cultivators and several Fifth Realm elders who have been in seclusion for many years.”

Gu Chengming was somewhat surprised; this was even more impressive than he had imagined.

In his impression, the Hehuan Sect seemed to have always been a sect focused on practicing the Red Dust Technique. Although their methods were unique, their overall strength shouldn’t have been as sharp as the Wenjian Sect’s.

“The outside world has many misunderstandings about the Hehuan Sect.”

“In reality, the Hehuan Sect’s technique system is very complete. From the introductory Red Dust Technique to the high-level Great Dao of Yin and Yang, and even the Dao Thrones they can occupy, every step has a clear path to follow.”

After hesitating for a moment, Li Suizhuang finally voiced the reminder she had in mind:

“So, after arriving at the Hehuan Sect, remember, Senior Banner Gu, do not be fearless just because Director Zhou is backing you. This is not Daqian, after all. If certain things happen… Director Zhou won’t be able to help in time.”

“Proceed with caution in everything.”

Gu Chengming grew thoughtful and eventually thanked her for the reminder.

Seeing this, Li Suizhuang smiled and shook her head, no longer continuing the heavy topic. Instead, she said, “In another half day, we’ll see the Hehuan Sect’s territory.”

—The Hehuan Sect was actually closer to the capital than he had expected.

This flying boat was heading south. Although the current territory was outside the capital region, it still belonged to the heartland of Daqian, where the bustle of human life was very strong.

Gu Chengming walked to the railing and looked down.

Where the clouds were thin, he could vaguely see the water systems and official roads below…

Mortal world immersion…?

Gu Chengming thought again of that small Senior Sister Fu.

“Speaking of which, Chief Physician Li, your relationship with Senior Sister Fu seems to be more than just being from the same sect?”

Li Suizhuang’s eyes flashed with a trace of nostalgia upon hearing this.

“She was my senior sister at the Hehuan Sect and the person who treated me best.” She said softly, “Back then, my talent was mediocre, and I was often bullied in the sect. It was Senior Sister Fu who protected me all the way. Later, when I left the Hehuan Sect, she said things about us being on different paths, but whenever I had difficulties, she was always the first to appear.”

Li Suizhuang glanced at him, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Senior Banner Gu and Senior Sister Fu are quite compatible. I heard that when you first met her, you even commented that her figure was meager?”

Gu Chengming was a bit embarrassed. Although he did think so in his heart, he still said, “That was a misunderstanding, right?”

“A misunderstanding?” Li Suizhuang hid a smile with her hand. “Senior Sister Fu has a little notebook where she records everything. When we get to the Hehuan Sect, you should be careful, Senior Banner Gu. Don’t let her catch an opportunity for revenge.”

Once the conversation opened up, the previous awkward atmosphere gradually dissipated.

Gu Chengming struck while the iron was hot and asked a few more questions about the Hehuan Sect. Li Suizhuang answered them one by one, her tone becoming much more relaxed than before.

As they chatted, Gu Chengming suddenly remembered something.

“By the way, Chief Physician Li.” He looked at the woman beside him with curiosity in his eyes. “I’ve always been a bit puzzled. With your accomplishments in medical theory, why did you choose to stay at the Imperial Academy as a physician?”

He had actually wanted to ask this question for a long time.

Li Suizhuang’s medical skills were so exquisite that he had already witnessed them during the disguise process. That method of perfectly adjusting bones, flesh, and energy was definitely not something an ordinary medical cultivator could do.

With her skills, she would certainly be a core disciple level figure within the Hehuan Sect.

Why would such a talent run to the Daqian Imperial Academy to be a physician?

Although the status of the chief physician was not low, compared to a Hehuan Sect elder, it was still quite different.

Li Suizhuang’s smile stiffened slightly at the question.

She fell silent for a moment and sighed softly.

“Lord Gu, you may not know, but my staying at the Imperial Academy was not entirely of my own accord.” Her voice grew low, as if recalling distant events.

“Back then, I reached a deal with the Master.”

“The Master helped me complete something… that was extremely important to me. In exchange, I must remain at the Imperial Academy as a physician for a period of sixty years.”

“Once that period is over, I will naturally return to the Hehuan Sect.”

The Master.

Gu Chengming’s brows twitched slightly at those words.

He was not unfamiliar with this title.

While at the Imperial Academy, he had vaguely heard of this person’s existence.

Just as the Imperial Observatory had a Director and the Night Guard Division had a Director, the true controller of the Imperial Academy was not the Chancellors on the surface, but this figure known as “the Master.”

However, Gu Chengming had stayed in the capital for so long and had never seen the Master’s true face. All he knew were scattered bits and pieces of rumors.

For instance, Zhou Qingmu was once a student of the Master.

For instance, when Daqian was founded, the Master had single-handedly suppressed three rebellions for the Founding Grand-Patriarch.

For instance, during the demon race’s southern invasion a century ago, it was the Master who personally acted, slaying a Sixth Realm demon king at the border to preserve Daqian’s northern defensive line.

But beyond that, there was no more information.

Gu Chengming’s heart stirred, and just as he was about to ask further, he heard Li Suizhuang speak:

“Lord Gu seems very interested in the Master?”

“Just a bit curious.” Gu Chengming said candidly, “I’ve been in the capital for so long but have never seen the Master’s true appearance.”

“The Master has always lived in seclusion and doesn’t involve himself in worldly affairs.” Li Suizhuang shook her head slightly. “I haven’t had many interactions with him either.”

Gu Chengming nodded thoughtfully.

Before they knew it, the sun had risen overhead, and the flying boat gradually lowered its altitude.

The originally vast and boundless sea of clouds became thin, replaced by lush mountain forests and winding rivers.

And amidst those forests, smoke could be seen rising from cooking fires, indicating quite a few human settlements.

“We’re almost there.” Li Suizhuang stood up and pointed below. “That is the town built dependent on the Hehuan Sect.”

Gu Chengming looked in the direction she pointed.

Amidst the green mountains and clear waters, a town of considerable size was situated.

The town’s layout was unique. It wasn’t as square and regular as a typical city, but instead spread out naturally along the terrain, exuding a sense of casual elegance.

What surprised Gu Chengming even more was that a faint glow enveloped the sky above the town.

“A fourth-tier array.”

Li Suizhuang seemed to see his confusion and explained softly, “Although this is a mortal town, many rogue cultivators actually live here, as well as some outer sect disciples of the Hehuan Sect… To protect their safety, the sect has placed a defensive array here.”

Gu Chengming had seen similar mortal towns dependent on major sects within the Wenjian Sect, where most people truly had no cultivation at all. Their lifestyle and system were basically based on the Wenjian Sect’s framework.

But the one before him was different… at least on the surface, the Hehuan Sect seemed to value this town quite highly.

Li Suizhuang seemed to read his thoughts and explained, “The Hehuan Sect practices the Red Dust Technique, which requires a large amount of red dust aura to assist in cultivation. And where does red dust aura come from? Naturally, it comes from the joys, sorrows, partings, and reunions of the common people.”

“Therefore, the successive sect masters of the Hehuan Sect have all placed great importance on the construction of the surrounding towns. This is not only a place for outer sect disciples to train but also an important source for the sect to collect red dust aura.”

Gu Chengming understood; no wonder the Hehuan Sect would set up such a large-scale array here.

However, such an undertaking was not something an ordinary sect could achieve.

“We’ll stay in the town first.” Li Suizhuang withdrew her gaze and turned toward the cabin. “Before formally entering the Hehuan Sect, we’ll scout for the latest news. After all, the sect has been closed for a long time, and the information circulating outside may not be accurate.”

“Alright.” Gu Chengming nodded in agreement.

Li Suizhuang’s consideration was indeed thorough.

Entering a sect with an unclear situation was no different from walking into a trap. It was better to stop in the town first to gather information and understand the actual internal situation of the Hehuan Sect before making plans.

More importantly—

Gu Chengming looked up at the flickering pink aura above the town.

That was the color of red dust aura.

Here, perhaps he could more intuitively sense how severe the impact of the Hehuan Sect’s technique loss of control truly was.

The flying boat slowly descended, finally docking at a dedicated pier outside the town.

Gu Chengming and Li Suizhuang walked off the boat side-by-side.

People were coming and going on the pier. There were rogue cultivators in grand attire, traveling merchants with packs on their backs, and even several disciples wearing Hehuan Sect uniforms maintaining order.

How should he describe it?

If the Daqian capital was a dignified and reserved young lady of a noble house, then this place was like a courtesan.

The signs on the roadside taverns and tea houses all had names like Ecstasy Pavilion, Drunk Spring Breeze, and Gentle Land.

The passing female cultivators were also quite daring in their dress, lightly wrapped in thin silk that left much to the imagination. As they walked, their lotus steps were light and their waists swayed, making people’s hearts race.

Even more absurd were the pill shops.

Gu Chengming only took a casual glance at a window and saw things like Vitality Restoration Pills, Iron Body Powder, and Spirit-Seducing Ointments. The prices weren’t cheap either, starting at a minimum of fifty spirit stones. Was this highway robbery?

And the dharma artifact shops were even more exaggerated, filled with uniquely shaped artifacts.

【Hundred Bones Resonating was furious: This place is truly wicked. How can there be only this kind of trash? Can these even kill anyone?】

Gu Chengming thought to himself, ‘Is it possible these aren’t meant for fighting, Emperor Bai?’

In the following hours, he and Li Suizhuang acted separately, agreeing to meet at a tea house in the city.

He was responsible for gathering information, while Li Suizhuang went to visit some old acquaintances to see if she could learn about the internal situation of the sect from them.

After that, Gu Chengming discovered a few very interesting things.

First, the red dust aura in Huanxi Town was indeed excessively dense.

Second, the rogue cultivators in the town had complex attitudes toward the Hehuan Sect.

Gu Chengming pretended to be drunk in a tavern and managed to get a lot of information from several rogue cultivators.

Supposedly, the Hehuan Sect had suddenly closed its gates a month ago, cutting off all contact with the outside world. Something major seemed to have happened within the sect, as several elders hadn’t appeared for a long time. A few days ago, someone saw strange celestial phenomena above the Hehuan Sect’s mountain gate, with yin and yang energies intertwining as if something was about to break through a seal.

Third, and the point that concerned Gu Chengming the most.

He saw Li Suizhuang’s figure in a dharma artifact shop in the city.

At the time, he happened to be passing by the shop and caught a glimpse of a familiar plain white figure standing at the counter, seemingly commissioning something.

Gu Chengming originally wanted to go up and say hello, but for some reason, his steps stopped as if guided by fate.

He hid around the corner and watched Li Suizhuang take out a handful of spirit stones. The female shopkeeper quickly finished an artifact of the corresponding specifications and, from her lip movements, appeared to be smilingly asking who it was commissioned for.

Li Suizhuang didn’t answer but quickly tucked the item into her sleeve.

After realizing what had happened, Gu Chengming immediately turned and left, pretending he hadn’t seen anything.

Some things were better left unprobed.

…

At dusk, the two met at the tea house.

Li Suizhuang’s expression was as usual, her gentle smile still on her face as if nothing had happened.

She shared the information she had gathered with Gu Chengming, speaking clearly and with thorough analysis, showing no signs of anything unusual.

Gu Chengming also shared his findings. After exchanging information, both agreed they should enter the Hehuan Sect as soon as possible.

“In that case, let’s set out tonight.” Li Suizhuang stood up and smoothed her sleeves. “If we travel through the night, we can reach the mountain gate by tomorrow morning.”

Gu Chengming nodded in agreement.

He noticed that when Li Suizhuang straightened her sleeves, her movements were a bit deliberate, as if she were confirming whether a certain item in her sleeve was still there.

But he said nothing.

…

Late at night.

The flying boat was suspended in the mountains less than a hundred miles from the Hehuan Sect’s mountain gate, waiting for dawn to enter the sect.

Gu Chengming lay on the hard wooden bed in the cabin with his arms behind his head, unable to sleep.

Even though the soundproofing array was turned up to its maximum, the sounds from next door still clearly reached his ears.

If last night was just about suppression, tonight’s sounds seemed somewhat unrestrained.

“Creak—creak—”

It was the sound of the wooden bedstead groaning under a rhythmic, intense physical struggle.

Accompanying the creaking was the muffled sound of something striking the cabin wall, one after another. The force was so great that the hanging painting on Gu Chengming’s side vibrated slightly.

【Hundred Bones Resonating wondered: Body tempering this late at night?】

Gu Chengming stared at the ceiling in silence.

‘Just don’t drag me into the body tempering with you.’

…

The next morning, the flying boat arrived at the foot of Hongchen Mountain.

Gu Chengming stood by the railing and looked from afar. He saw a majestic peak towering amidst the clouds. The mountain range stretched and undulated, with several palaces and pavilions vaguely visible among them. Their upturned eaves and carved beams gleamed with a faint golden light under the morning sun.

But the most eye-catching thing was the yin and yang energy surrounding the entire peak.

The black and white air currents were like two swimming dragons, one on the left and one on the right, enveloping the entire Hongchen Mountain.

That was the Hehuan Sect’s protective array—the Yin Yang Twin Fish Array.

It was said that this array was set up by the Hehuan Sect’s founding ancestor using that primordial artifact, the Yin Yang Fish, as the array eye. It could withstand a Sixth Realm cultivator.

“Chief Physician Li, how should we proceed next?” Gu Chengming asked in a low voice.

“I sent a message to the sect in advance, informing them of our purpose.”

Li Suizhuang nodded slightly. “After we enter the mountain, you just need to follow behind me. Speak less and observe more.”

She paused and added, “By the way, from now on, you are the medical apprentice I brought from the Imperial Academy. Your surname is Gu, and your given name is An. Remember, do not reveal any information related to the Night Guard.”

“Understood.”

Gu Chengming nodded and accepted it.

Gu An. This alias was indeed simple and easy to remember.

The flying boat slowly descended and stopped on a platform at the foot of the mountain.

As soon as the two got off the boat, several figures came forward from the mountain gate to meet them.

Leading them was a middle-aged female cultivator in a pink palace dress. She was strikingly beautiful with a curvaceous figure, carrying the mature charm unique to women of her age.

Behind her were four young female disciples, each with outstanding looks and extraordinary temperaments.

“Junior Sister Li!”

The middle-aged female cultivator wore a smile from afar, stepping forward quickly to grasp Li Suizhuang’s hand.

“You’re finally back! We haven’t seen each other for years, yet you’re as elegant as ever, Junior Sister!”

Li Suizhuang smiled slightly, letting the other woman hold her hand. “Senior Sister Yun, you’re too kind.”

Senior Sister Yun?

Gu Chengming silently noted the name as he stood to the side, observing the scene.

This Senior Sister Yun seemed to have a good relationship with Li Suizhuang, her speech being quite warm. However, Gu Chengming felt her smile was somewhat forced, and deep within her eyes was a barely perceptible trace of scrutiny.

“And this is?”

Senior Sister Yun’s gaze soon landed on Gu Chengming, filled with curiosity.

“This is a medical apprentice I brought from the Imperial Academy, surnamed Gu. You can just call him Little Gu.” Li Suizhuang introduced him plainly. “Since I’ve returned to the sect, I need him to help me.”

“Oh? A medical apprentice from the Imperial Academy?”

Senior Sister Yun looked Gu Chengming up and down. Her gaze lingered on his plain face for a moment before she lost interest.

“Since he’s someone brought by Junior Sister Li, then there’s naturally no problem.” She nodded with a smile. “Come, come, let’s go up the mountain first. The Sect Master and several elders are waiting to see you.”

The group walked up the stone steps along the mountain.

Gu Chengming walked at the back, silently observing everything around him.

The scenery of Hongchen Mountain was truly beautiful.

There were waterfalls and springs among the mountains, and the air was filled with a faint floral scent that made one feel refreshed.

After walking for about an hour, the group finally reached the summit.

“Junior Sister Li, the Sect Master is waiting for you in the back hall. You go ahead.” Senior Sister Yun stopped in front of the hall. “As for your apprentice, I’ll have someone take him to the guest room to settle in.”

“Thank you, Senior Sister Yun.” Li Suizhuang nodded in thanks and turned to glance at Gu Chengming. “Go rest first. I’ll come find you after I’ve finished my report.”

Gu Chengming respectfully replied, “Yes, Chief Physician Li.”

His posture was very low, perfectly resembling how an apprentice should behave.

Li Suizhuang nodded with satisfaction and followed Senior Sister Yun into the main hall.

Gu Chengming was led by a young female disciple toward the guest rooms.

This female disciple appeared to be in her early twenties, with delicate features. She wore a light purple palace dress with a jade pendant in the shape of a Hehuan flower at her waist.

As she walked, she occasionally looked back at Gu Chengming, her gaze filled with curiosity.

“You were brought from the Imperial Academy by Martial Aunt Li?” she finally couldn’t help but ask.

“Yes.” Gu Chengming nodded. “I am Chief Physician Li’s apprentice.”

“An apprentice, I see.”

The female disciple nodded thoughtfully, her gaze scanning Gu Chengming. She seemed to want to say something but ultimately held back.

The two of them passed through several pavilions and arrived at a quiet courtyard.

“This is the guest room.” The female disciple pointed at the courtyard. “If you need anything, Senior, you can inform the maidservants at the door at any time.”

“Thank you.”

Gu Chengming thanked her and stepped into the courtyard.

The courtyard wasn’t large but was quite elegantly decorated. There was an old laurel tree in the center with a stone table and stools underneath. In the corner, there was a small pond where several koi fish swam leisurely.

He walked around the courtyard to ensure nothing was unusual before pushing open the room door and entering.

The furnishings in the room were simple: a bed, a desk, and a chair. Several landscape paintings hung on the walls, making it look quite clean.

Gu Chengming sat on the edge of the bed and began to organize the information he had gathered today.

The situation of the Hehuan Sect was indeed not optimistic.

Of the disciples he had seen along the way, eight out of ten were affected by the imbalance of the Yin Yang Fish.

And while that Senior Sister Yun was outwardly warm, her every word and action felt deliberate; she was clearly wary of their purpose.

Most importantly, from the previous conversation, he learned that the Hehuan Sect Master and several elders had been in seclusion lately, trying to suppress the riot of the Yin Yang Fish.

But from the current situation, their efforts had yielded little result.

…

After settling Gu Chengming in that remote courtyard called “Jingsi Courtyard,” the young woman in the palace dress turned back.

As one of the outstanding members of the current Hehuan Sect generation, her steps were light, and her skirt fluttered briskly with her movements.

Among the younger generation of the Hehuan Sect, Su Xiaoshao was an outlier.

She did not practice charm arts or cultivation through harvesting. She reached the Second Realm at sixteen and the Third Realm at twenty. She was publicly recognized within the sect as the most promising candidate to occupy the “extreme yin” position in the Yin Yang Twin Fish Array.

Li Suizhuang had now come out of the main hall and was standing by the white marble railing, looking at the distant sea of clouds.

Su Xiaoshao stepped forward quickly and saluted.

“Martial Aunt, he’s settled.”

Li Suizhuang nodded slightly and turned to leave.

Su Xiaoshao had no intention of retreating. She followed at Li Suizhuang’s side, slowing her pace slightly and looking at Li Suizhuang’s face.

“Martial Aunt.”

“What is it?”

“That Gu An… what exactly is his background?” Su Xiaoshao’s question was direct.

Li Suizhuang’s expression remained unchanged, her steps steady. “Didn’t I say it in front of the hall? An apprentice from the Imperial Academy. I intend to cultivate him, so I brought him along to gain experience.”

Su Xiaoshao pursed her lips, clearly unsatisfied with this answer.

“Just an apprentice?” She tilted her head, recalling the young man’s appearance.

His looks were ordinary, and there were no fluctuations of spiritual energy around him. He even looked a bit dull, yet for some reason, he was particularly attractive to her.

Seeing her so interested in Gu Chengming, Li Suizhuang couldn’t help but feel a bit worried, so she spoke playfully to test her:

“Why? Are you interested in him?”

To her surprise, Su Xiaoshao blinked and actually nodded candidly.

“Yes.”

She answered straightforwardly, without a hint of a young girl’s shyness.

Li Suizhuang’s fingers inside her sleeve twitched slightly.

Oh no.

As she was thinking about how to change the subject, a cold sneer suddenly came from nearby.

“You’re actually interested in that kind of character?”

The voice was cold and clear, carrying unconcealed mockery. “You’re truly a disgrace to our Hehuan Sect.”

Li Suizhuang and Su Xiaoshao looked toward the source of the voice simultaneously.

At the end of the corridor, a woman in a deep green dress walked slowly. Her face was beautiful, and her features were somewhat similar to Su Xiaoshao’s, but her temperament was entirely different.

The newcomer was named Su Qiuzhi.

Unlike Su Xiaoshao, who had been famous since youth and advanced rapidly, Su Qiuzhi was almost invisible during her first twenty years in the Hehuan Sect.

Her talent was dull, her cultivation slow, and she lived for years in the shadow of her cousin Su Xiaoshao.

It wasn’t until three years ago, after narrowly escaping a secret realm, that her cultivation began to advance in leaps and bounds. In just a few years, she broke through two realms in succession, rushing into the ranks of core disciples with the foundation she had accumulated.

Su Qiuzhi walked up and first saluted Li Suizhuang, then glanced sideways at Su Xiaoshao.

“An apprentice, and he doesn’t look young either.” Su Qiuzhi said indifferently. “His blood and qi are declining, and his foundation is fixed. I wouldn’t even want such a person as a cultivation partner. Your taste is truly deteriorating.”

Li Suizhuang felt a bit strange. Had she made Gu Chengming’s disguise look too old?

Su Xiaoshao raised her eyebrows, provoked by this blunt remark.

“What the hell do you know!”

“Hmph.”

Su Qiuzhi let out a cold laugh, her gaze sweeping toward the direction of Jingsi Courtyard. “Is that all you’ve got? Don’t blame me if you get an upset stomach from being so desperate.”

After saying that, she ignored Su Xiaoshao and turned to leave, her back appearing cold and arrogant.

“You!”

Su Xiaoshao shook her fist at her back, then turned to Li Suizhuang and said huffily, “Martial Aunt, look at her! She’s always so sarcastic. I don’t know who owes her spirit stones.”

Li Suizhuang rubbed her brow.

…

Hongchen Mountain was enveloped by the massive Yin Yang Twin Fish Array. No stars could be seen in the night sky, only the faint shimmer of the shifting array’s light.

Jingsi Courtyard was silent, with only the occasional sound of insects.

Gu Chengming sat cross-legged on the bed, his eyes half-closed.

The information he had gathered during the day kept swirling in his mind. The situation of the Hehuan Sect was even more complex than he had expected.

The Yin Yang Fish imbalance, the Sect Master in seclusion, the elders’ failed suppression… all signs indicated that this thousand-year-old major sect was at a very dangerous tipping point.

Gu Chengming opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the flickering yin and yang energy outside the window.

The black and white air currents intertwined, like two dragons chasing each other in the night sky.

That was the external manifestation of the Yin Yang Twin Fish Array and the concrete embodiment of the Hehuan Sect’s foundation.

Perhaps he could use the Yin Yang Creation Strategy to sense the condition of the yin and yang energy and the Yin Yang Fish here?

With this thought, Gu Chengming began to circulate the Yin Yang Creation Strategy. The moment the technique started, a mysterious sensation spread from the center of his brow.

It was a very peculiar experience.

He felt as if he had turned into a swimming fish, traveling through an infinite sea of yin and yang. Black and white, yin and yang, life and death, motion and stillness—all opposing yet unified concepts became clear in his perception.

Soon, he saw the Yin Yang Fish.

It was a mass of yin and yang energy so vast it was hard to imagine, situated deep within Hongchen Mountain. The black and white energies were constantly circulating around it, but Gu Chengming keenly sensed something abnormal.

As Gu Chengming was about to delve deeper into the sensing, trying to find the root of the imbalance, that massive mass of yin and yang energy seemed to sense his prying and poured back along his connection.

No, it wasn’t yin and yang energy.

It was red dust aura!

Gu Chengming wanted to stop the technique, but he found that the Yin Yang Creation Strategy was completely out of his control.

Gu Chengming gritted his teeth, fully circulating the Qingxin Art to suppress those stray thoughts.

Fortunately, his willpower was indeed extraordinary. With the assistance of the Qingxin Art, although the red dust aura was surging, it could never truly shake his original heart.

But the problem was that this red dust aura showed no signs of dissipating.

At the same time, the Yin Yang Twin Fish Array enveloping the entire Hongchen Mountain actually took the initiative to shield Jingsi Courtyard.

The moment the technique stopped circulating, the force attracting the red dust aura also vanished.

However, the red dust aura that had already gathered in Jingsi Courtyard did not dissipate. Instead, after losing its guidance, it began to drift everywhere.

…

The night was as dark as ink.

Hongchen Mountain was enveloped by the massive Yin Yang Twin Fish Array. No stars could be seen in the night sky, only the faint shimmer of the shifting array’s light.

Jingsi Courtyard was silent, with only the occasional sound of insects.

Outside the courtyard wall, a dark figure landed soundlessly.

Su Xiaoshao had changed into a set of night-traveling clothes, tightly wrapping her lithe figure.

She held her breath, her movements as light as a lynx. With a light tap of her toe on the roof tiles, she slid into the courtyard.

After being provoked by Su Qiuzhi during the day, the more she thought about it, the more annoyed she became. On a sudden whim, she had come alone to “get acquainted.”

The young woman stayed close to the wall, creeping toward the room where Gu Chengming was located.

Just as she approached the window, Su Xiaoshao’s footsteps suddenly stopped.

Someone was there.

And right in front of her, beneath the windowsill.

The person hadn’t noticed the movement behind her; she was almost pressed against the window frame, her body trembling slightly in the shadows.

Suppressing panting drifted into Su Xiaoshao’s ears.

The sound was quite painful, yet it was mixed with a certain sweet resonance, as if she were desperately enduring some desire that was about to erupt.

With the help of the faint array light, Su Xiaoshao saw the back of the figure.

A deep green skirt, a cold and arrogant temperament.

Su Xiaoshao was stunned for a moment, a question mark appearing in her mind.

Isn’t this the cousin who was just mocking her during the day for “being desperate” and having “low standards”?

‘Dammit, Su Qiuzhi, I knew you wanted to steal him from me!’

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep