In Emei, start by obtaining golden attributes.

Chapter 103 Nuns All Over the Mountain

Upon returning to Datong Prefecture, Gu Shaoan, along with Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juechen, immediately went back to the inn to process what they had learned from their previous encounter with Sun Baifa.

Compared to Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juechen, Gu Shaoan gained more today.

In particular, Sun Baifa's later advice to him on "treating light matters as heavy ones" pointed Gu Shaoan in the right direction for his future cultivation.

The three of them were so diligent that Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan were also influenced and returned to their rooms to cultivate.

Datong Prefecture is near the Hengshan Sect.

There were already Hengshan Sect disciples stationed in Datong Prefecture.

If Emei had only sent a few scattered individuals this time, perhaps nothing would have happened.

However, the news that dozens of Emei disciples had entered Datong Prefecture at the same time quickly spread to the Hengshan Sect.

In the evening, an elder from the Hengshan Sect stationed in Datong Prefecture came to visit.

The next day.

The wheels rolled along the official road and finally arrived at the foot of Mount Heng in the afternoon.

Unlike the precipitousness of Mount Hua and the grandeur of Mount Tai, Mount Heng has a more ancient and rustic charm. Its peaks rise like dark eyebrows, with ancient temples and monasteries appearing and disappearing among them. The fragrance of sandalwood mixed with the fresh air of the mountains and forests permeates the air, making people feel calm and peaceful.

As the carriage entered the mountain road, Hengshan disciples responsible for guiding the procession were already waiting at the mountain gate.

Having received the news, the Hengshan Sect was clearly prepared.

As the Emei Sect group arrived at the vicinity of the famous Hanging Temple halfway up the mountain, the ancestral home of the Hengshan Sect's main branch, they saw hundreds of Hengshan Sect disciples dressed in monks' robes standing in front of the mountain gate.

The clear and resonant sound of the bell emanated from the Zhenyuan Temple on the mountaintop, harmonizing with the deep drumbeats, echoing through the valley in a solemn and dignified manner.

However, this is a ritual that the Hengshan Sect only uses when welcoming extremely distinguished guests.

Looking at the Hengshan Sect disciples in front of the mountain gate, Yang Yan, who had lifted the curtain in the carriage, couldn't help but ask in astonishment, "Why are there so many people?"

Gu Shaoan glanced at the Hengshan Sect disciples in front of the mountain gate and said softly, "The Hengshan Sect invited Master and my Emei Sect to attend the ceremony this time. They have other requests, so it's normal for them to take it more seriously."

Immediately, Gu Shaoan used his true qi to transmit his voice and explained the reasons behind it to the two of them.

Upon learning that the Hengshan Sect's invitation to the Emei Sect to attend the ceremony was partly intended to intimidate the Songshan Sect, the two understood why the Hengshan Sect was making such a grand show of it.

At the same time, Gu Shaoan's explanation and the reliance that Hengshan Sect displayed in its treatment of Emei Sect today made the two women feel a little proud of themselves as Emei disciples.

This is why all sects in the martial arts world strive to climb higher and higher.

The benefits of a sect's influence, strength, and status in the martial arts world are immense.

It can affect everything from the sect's profits to the disciples' cohesion and sense of belonging.

The attitude of others will be completely different when a disciple of the Wudang Sect introduces himself as a disciple of the Wudang Sect versus a disciple of a low-level sect.

It's human nature to belittle the weak and praise the strong.

On the bluestone platform in front of the mountain gate, the three famous "Three Masters of Hengshan"—Master Dingxian, the head of the Hengshan Sect, and Masters Dingjing and Dingyi—were all present.

Behind them, Hengshan disciples, dressed in gray and white robes, stood in neat rows, hands clasped together, their faces calm yet solemn.

Looking around, although the number of people was not particularly large, there was a serene and tranquil atmosphere befitting a Buddhist sanctuary.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Abbess Miejue stepped down first, followed closely by Gu Shaoan and the others.

After that, led by Miejue, followed by Abbess Juechen and other Emei disciples such as Gu Shaoan, they headed towards the mountain gate under the guidance of the Hengshan Sect elders who were originally stationed in Datong Prefecture.

As the group moved forward, all the disciples of the Hengshan Sect raised their eyes to see who it was that the Hengshan Sect would welcome with such utmost respect.

However, when everyone raised their eyes and swept them over Abbess Miejue and the others, and their gazes fell on Gu Shaoan, the Hengshan Sect disciples' eyes lit up.

It's important to know that the Hengshan School is different from the Emei School.

The entire Hengshan Sect, from newly initiated disciples to elders, consisted entirely of nuns; the mountain was filled with nuns.

Gu Shaoan himself is already outstanding in appearance and temperament, not to mention that he also has the attribute of "favored by the nun".

The combined effect is self-evident.

Almost the instant Miejue and the others approached, everyone's eyes lit up the moment they saw Gu Shaoan.

When the older Hengshan Sect disciples or elders saw Gu Shaoan, they could only secretly admire him, feeling that Gu Shaoan, who was behind Miejue, had an outstanding appearance and temperament, which naturally made them feel good about him.

The younger Hengshan disciples, upon seeing Gu Shaoan, found it difficult to look away from him for a moment.

Feeling the gazes focused on him, even though he was already prepared, Gu Shaoan's eyelids still twitched involuntarily.

A moment later, as Abbess Miejue and the others approached a little closer, several elders of the Hengshan Sect, led by Abbess Dingjing, took the initiative to greet them.

Upon approaching, Abbess Dingjing bowed to Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juequan, saying, "Amitabha. I didn't expect Sect Leader Miejue to come in person; please forgive my lack of proper welcome."

Abbess Miejue returned the greeting: "Sect Leader Dingjing, you flatter me. Emei and Hengshan have always had a good relationship. In addition, given my relationship with Junior Sister Dingxian, Hengshan sincerely invited me. How could I refuse?"

Her voice was gentle, dignified yet polite, which eased the anxiety of Abbess Dingjing, who was worried about rumors circulating in the martial arts world.

Her gaze then shifted slightly to Gu Shaoan, and Abbess Dingjing said, "I never expected that there would be such an outstanding disciple in the Emei Sect. Your sect is truly blessed."

Hearing what Abbess Dingjing said, Abbess Miejue smiled slightly and said, "This is a disciple that I took in four years ago."

As she spoke, Abbess Miejue turned her head and said, "Shao'an, come and meet some of the elders of the Hengshan Sect."

Upon hearing Abbess Miejue's voice, Gu Shaoan stepped forward and performed the Emei salute, saying, "Gu Shaoan, a disciple of the Emei Sect, greets all seniors."

His voice was clear and humble, with a gentle warmth that was like a spring breeze.

The Hengshan Sect members, including Abbess Dingjing and Abbess Dingxian, found the sight increasingly pleasing and agreeable, and unconsciously nodded with smiles, their attitudes becoming even more amiable.

Master Dingjing's gaze swept subtly over Zhou Zhiruo and Yang Yan, who were standing behind Master Miejue and Master Juechen respectively.

Looking at the two women, both with remarkable temperament and appearance, and then turning her gaze back to Gu Shaoan, Abbess Dingjing couldn't help but sigh in her heart that Emei was indeed a great sect. Even its disciples looked quite extraordinary, unlike ordinary people.

However, when Abbess Dingjing looked at Gu Shaoan, her gaze couldn't help but linger for a moment on the heavy sword that Gu Shaoan was carrying on his back.

Then his gaze shifted to Gu Shaoan, and a strange light flashed in his eyes as he looked at the composed Gu Shaoan.

After withdrawing her gaze, Abbess Dingjing nodded to Abbess Miejue and said, "The mountains are serene and the scenery is different from that of Emei. Abbess Miejue, and all of you, please follow me inside. We have traveled a long way and need to settle down and rest for a while."

Subsequently, under the personal guidance of Abbess Dingjing and other elders of Hengshan Sect, the group embarked on the mountain path leading to the core area of ​​Hengshan Sect.

Although it was the height of summer, the mountain path of the Hengshan Sect was not hot.

Ancient trees reach for the sky, their branches and leaves lush, filtering out most of the sunlight, leaving only dappled highlights on the bluestone-paved mountain path.

The mountain breeze swept through the forest, carrying the unique freshness of the grass and trees, as well as the faint scent of sandalwood wafting from the distant Buddhist temple, washing away all the dust of the journey.

As far as the eye can see, the upturned eaves and corners are hidden among the layers of green mountains. The Hanging Temple is built against the cliff, which adds to the ethereal atmosphere. Occasionally, the distant sound of bells or clear chimes can be heard, which further highlights the tranquility and remoteness of the mountains.

The group's attention was more focused on the surrounding scenery, and they strolled along, chatting and laughing.

Several nuns from Hengshan, including Dingjing, were discussing Buddhist principles, recent events in the martial arts world, and the arrangements for the upcoming ceremony with Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juejue.

The Emei disciples saw the scenery as they climbed the mountain, occasionally whispering to each other, but it was not noisy.

This performance drew nods of approval from the surrounding Hengshan Sect disciples and elders.

However, while climbing the mountain, when Abbess Dingjing occasionally looked back at the group behind her, her gaze would occasionally sweep over Gu Shaoan's feet.

When she saw that Gu Shaoan's steady steps on the bluestone steps did not make the slightest sound of heavy footsteps, the surprise in Master Dingjing's eyes increased rather than decreased.

Abbess Miejue noticed Abbess Dingjing's reaction but said nothing, only her smile deepened.

The not-too-long mountain path was traversed amidst the diverse thoughts of the group. Under the personal guidance of Abbess Dingjing, the Emei Sect members were settled in a secluded and elegant courtyard in the back mountains of the Hengshan Sect.

Surrounded by pine and cypress trees, with birds singing and flowers blooming, the courtyard is spacious and clean. Several rows of elegant houses are built against the mountain, and opening the windows allows you to overlook the sea of ​​clouds and pine waves of most of Hengshan Mountain. It is obviously a residence used to entertain extremely important guests.

"You have all come a long way and must be tired. Please rest here for a while and have some vegetarian food and tea. If you need anything, just let the disciples outside the courtyard know. If you have some free time, you can also visit some of the scenic spots in the mountains."

Master Dingjing made very thoughtful arrangements.

Abbess Miejue returned the greeting with her palms together: "Thank you for your trouble, Sect Leader Dingjing."

Master Dingjing said with a smile, "Sect Leader Miejue has come from afar because Junior Sister Dingxian has succeeded as sect leader. Our Hengshan Sect is very grateful. If we have not treated her well, I will feel uneasy."

"Dingxian, you keep Master Miejue company."

After speaking, Abbess Dingjing bowed to Abbess Juechen and the other elders, nodded to Gu Shaoan and the others, and then left.

Meanwhile, Abbess Miejue and Abbess Dingxian walked to one side, seemingly to catch up.

As the elders began arranging accommodations for the disciples, Gu Shaoan also chose a room.

However, just as Gu Shaoan put his luggage on the table, Yang Yan pulled Zhou Zhiruo in and ran in, wanting to take Gu Shaoan for a stroll around the Hengshan Sect area.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan gently patted Yang Yan's head.

"It would be impolite to wander around the mountain so soon after you've just arrived and settled in. The succession ceremony is in five days. Today, focus on your cultivation. I will accompany you to explore the surrounding area after you have finished your studies and cultivation tomorrow."

Upon hearing Gu Shaoan's words, Yang Yan immediately gave a deflated "Oh."

Seeing Yang Yan completely subdued by Gu Shaoan, Zhou Zhiruo couldn't help but chuckle, which angered Yang Yan, who then pounced on Zhou Zhiruo and started playfully fighting.

A moment later, the two women did not return to their own rooms, but instead sat cross-legged and began to cultivate with Gu Shaoan.

Therefore, Gu Shaoan shook his head and could only give up the idea of ​​closing the door.

The two girls have now reached marriageable age, which would be considered marriageable age in an ordinary family.

If she were in Emei, sharing a room with Gu Shaoan for cultivation, even Abbess Miejue and Abbess Juechen wouldn't say anything.

But this is not Emei, but Hengshan Sect.

If the three of them were to remain in the same room with the door closed, it would inevitably attract criticism and affect the reputation of the three of them and the Emei Sect.

Gu Shaoan could only close the door and walk alone to the outside of the courtyard, where he chose a quiet open space.

Several natural rocks are half-buried among the trees, creating a serene atmosphere. A gentle mountain breeze rustles through the pine needles, further emphasizing the tranquility of the place.

It has been more than two months since I left the Emei Sect.

Thanks to the effect of the "Multitasking" attribute, as long as Gu Shaoan is not practicing martial arts, he can maintain the internal energy in his body according to the circulation route of the "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture" even when eating, drinking, or walking.

With the addition of the internal energy in Gu Shaoan's body and the nourishment of his meridians by the Cold Soul Pearl, Gu Shaoan hardly needs to worry about the burden that internal energy cultivation will place on his meridians.

This allows Gu Shaoan to now spend nearly six hours a day cultivating his internal energy.

With the added benefit of the "Yi Jin Duan Gu Pian" (a martial arts manual), one day of cultivation is equivalent to five days of cultivation for other martial artists whose physical constitution has reached the "excellent" level.

In just over two months, another hidden meridian in Gu Shaoan's body has been opened.

At this rate, it will take at most six months for Gu Shaoan to reach the minor completion stage of the sixth level of the "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture," causing his total true energy to surge once again.

Moreover, Gu Shaoan had a premonition.

Once his "Emei Nine Yang True Scripture" reaches the sixth level of perfection, or enters the seventh level, it is very likely that his true qi will be able to meet the requirements of condensing qi into primordial essence.

After a short while, he glanced around, and as his internal energy circulated along a special route, his figure rose up as lightly as a kite, breaking off a branch from a tree.

As his feet touched the ground, his inner energy swept over the area, and the leaves on the branches fluttered down to the ground. At the same time, Gu Shaoan closed his eyes and recalled what Sun Baifa had said yesterday, his own thoughts beginning to churn.

A moment later, as true energy began to circulate in his meridians, the sword moves of the "Willow Catkin Sword Technique" began to be executed using the tree branch in his hand.

Throughout the process, Gu Shaoan focused his mind on his own body, using the flow of true qi and sword techniques to perceive his own strength and power.

And he tried to restrain and concentrate these forces and strengths, channeling them into the branch in his hand.

"click"

However, just as Gu Shaoan channeled the little bit of power he had just gathered into the branch in his hand, the branch exploded and turned into a pile of wood chips.

At the same time, a force suddenly spread through Gu Shaoan's arm, causing him to instantly feel a slight soreness in his right arm.

This was clearly caused by the overflow of energy after the previous attempt to restrain it failed.

The heavy sword training over the past three years has greatly improved Gu Shaoan's strength and made his arms and bones even stronger, far surpassing those of ordinary people.

Otherwise, Gu Shaoan would not be able to wield that hundred-pound sword so easily.

Even so, Gu Shaoan could still feel discomfort in his arm at this moment.

If it were anyone else, the muscles and tendons in their arm would already be damaged, and they would need at least several days of nourishment with their inner energy.

This also made Gu Shaoan understand why Sun Baifa said that after cultivating, he would need to meditate and regulate his breathing every time.

However, although the true energy in Gu Shaoan's body was not extremely strong or yang, it was still remarkably effective in healing injuries.

In addition, Gu Shaoan's true energy is so pure that it is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

As Gu Shaoan circulated his true energy once, the discomfort in his arm was quickly soothed.

Faced with this expected situation, Gu Shaoan remained calm. He leaped up and broke off another tree branch, using it as a substitute for a longsword. He unleashed a flurry of sword moves while continuously trying to capture and concentrate his power within his trajectory.

Ten breaths later, the branch burst open again.

Gradually, dozens of broken tree branches appeared around Gu Shaoan.

The dormant "Enlightenment" effect has been triggered again.

Like an ancient well tossed with a stone, it suddenly rippled with incredibly strong waves, and an extremely refreshing feeling immediately emerged from within Gu Shaoan, calming his mind and making his brain much clearer.

At that moment, Gu Shaoan felt that when he swung the sword within his body, the speed of the true qi circulation within his body suddenly slowed down several times. As his muscles stretched and his tendons and bones moved, the originally vague power began to become clear.

Just then, Gu Shaoan flicked his wrist, his arm muscles tensed like a bowstring, and the withered branch he used as a longsword suddenly thrust out at a bluish-black pebble half-buried in the soil in front of him.

This thrust was not a move from the "Sunset Sword Technique" or the "Willow Catkins Sword Technique," but simply a straight thrust.

But just before the branch in his hand touched the surface of the pebbles, it broke again, scattering wood chips and shavings everywhere.

However, at the very instant the withered branch shattered, a loud "bang" suddenly came from the dark blue pebble that had just been pierced by the branch.

Like the dull thud of a heavy object striking a rock, a perfectly clear dent suddenly appeared.

The dent was small, only the size of a fingertip, but the edges showed radial cracks as if it had been smashed by a huge force.

Seeing this, Gu Shaoan's eyes flashed.

This time, Gu Shaoan's attempt failed again, but in some respects, it was a success.

The obvious pits and cracks on the pebble proved that Gu Shaoan's seemingly casual touch had successfully unleashed the power he had been restraining.

Although it is still a long way from "treating light matters as heavy matters".

But the current outcome shows that the theory Sun Bai gave to Gu Shaoan was correct.

With the path laid out, for Gu Shaoan, the next step was to walk along that path step by step.

(End of this chapter)