Chu Yun returned to the courtyard and was greeted by a guest.

This guest was both expected and unexpected.

It was the man in black who had stood out during the selection competition.

Chu Yun had long expected him to come, but she didn't expect him to come so quickly.

The man stood respectfully at the doorway, waiting patiently. When he saw Chu Yun enter the courtyard, a smile spread across his face. "Miss Wen, you're back!"

Chu Yun remained expressionless and nodded slightly.

The man felt somewhat embarrassed when he realized that Chu Yun had no intention of chatting or getting acquainted with him.

"Miss Wen, my name is Gu Silang. I have come here with the intention of making your acquaintance. I wonder if I could have the honor of entering your house for a chat?" The man introduced himself with a sincere expression.

After a brief pause, just when Gu Silang thought Chu Yun would reject him, Chu Yun's voice suddenly rang in his ears.

"Sir, please come in."

Gu Silang was overjoyed and hurriedly followed Chu Yun's footsteps.

Once inside, the two sat facing each other.

“Young Master Gu, I don’t want to waste time, so please get straight to the point.” Chu Yun got straight to the point.

Gu Silang was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Miss Wen is straightforward. If I were to beat around the bush, how could I be considered a gentleman?"

“I was born in the Valley of Holy Physicians at a young age, but I do not like medicine. Instead, I am extremely fascinated by martial arts. Now that I have left the valley, I have made up my mind to stay in Xiao Yue Manor and improve my martial arts. I see that you are very skilled, so I would like to make a deal with you.”

"A deal?" Chu Yun asked rhetorically.

“Indeed, in a month, the second round of the martial arts tournament will be held. Participants will be paired up for the assessment. I hope that you, young lady, can team up with me. This will increase my chances of advancing to the final round and make a deeper impression on the young master and elders of Xiaoyue Manor. It will also make it easier for me to gain a foothold and a place in Xiaoyue Manor in the future.” Gu Silang laid out his thoughts frankly and openly.

"We've only met a few times, we're just strangers passing by. Do you trust me? Aren't you afraid I'll sabotage you during the competition?" Chu Yun said coldly.

“Young lady, your eyes are clear, you are not a wicked person. As for the short time we have known each other, we will both be disciples of Xiaoyue Manor in the future, and we will have a month to get to know each other. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet, so we can naturally get to know each other better.” Gu Silang curled his lips and then said word by word, “Besides, I trust my own judgment.”

Chu Yun stared at Gu Silang for a while, neither immediately rejecting nor readily agreeing, "Let me think about this matter."

"No rush, young lady, you can consider it carefully. I will await your good news." Gu Silang expressed his understanding.

*

After Gu Silang left, he did not return to his own courtyard, nor did he practice martial arts. Instead, he wandered around the manor, turning and twisting, and climbed over a courtyard wall before disappearing without a trace.

The place he secretly slipped into was Xiao Qi'an's courtyard.

After dodging groups of servants, Gu Silang sneaked into the inner room.

Xiao Qi'an lay on his side on the bed, while Xiao Lin whispered to him beside him.

"Who's there?" Sensing someone enter, Xiao Lin's eyes flashed with a fierce light, and he flicked out the folding fan in his hand.

The folding fan was unfolded, revealing steel blades along its ribs, gleaming with a chilling light.

"It's me!" the newcomer exclaimed, catching the folding fan that Xiao Lin threw with his bare hands. He smiled brightly, "Seventh Brother Xiao, it's been many years. Your skills have improved quite a bit."

Clad in black robes and with ink-black hair, he exuded confidence and charm. His features seemed vaguely familiar, but what truly confirmed Xiao Lin's identity was the phrase "Seventh Brother Xiao" that came from his mouth.

Memories flooded back, and Xiao Lin's lips twitched violently. "Gu the Crybaby, after all these years, you're still as elusive and annoying as ever."

"Seventh Brother Xiao, I don't like what you're saying. I traveled all the way to Xiaoyue City to help you, and instead of being grateful, you say I'm annoying. I think you're the most annoying person in the world," Gu Silang retorted.

"You little rascal..." Xiao Lin raised his voice.

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Qi'an interrupted him, "Ah Lin, don't be rude."

Gu Silang didn't care about Xiao Lin at this moment, and didn't even glance at him. He respectfully said to Xiao Qi'an, "Brother Xiao, it's been a long time."

“Yes, the last time I saw you was seven years ago. You’ve grown up and taller now,” Xiao Qi’an said softly, his tone a mix of nostalgia and regret.

Without getting too caught up in his memories, Xiao Qi'an quickly came to his senses. "Huaizhi has already told me the purpose of your trip. Thank you for coming. Just stay at Xiaoyue Manor for the time being."

“Brother Xiao, you’re too kind. There’s no need for thanks between us,” Gu Silang quickly said.

"Wait, what kind of riddle are you two talking about? I don't understand." Xiao Lin interrupted, completely confused, his eyes darting between Xiao Qi'an and Gu Silang.

Xiao Qi'an chuckled, "Didn't you think I was too lenient with Xiao Changfeng? Si Lang is the distinguished guest I invited to deal with Xiao Changfeng."

Gu Silang smiled as he looked at Xiao Lin.

"What?" Xiao Lin was shocked. "Him? Gu the Crybaby? Brother, you're not kidding me, are you?"

"Seventh Brother Xiao, what do you mean? Are you looking down on me? Don't forget, your fan is still in my hand. If you don't want this fan anymore, just say so." Gu Silang widened his eyes, raised his voice, and held the fan high in his hand.

"Hey, Gu the Crybaby, you dare threaten me? You think I'm afraid of you? If you've got the guts, give me back my fan, and let's have a fair fight." Xiao Lin roared like a hedgehog with its feathers standing on end.

"Xiao Lin!" Xiao Qi'an scolded.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Lin dared not act rashly again. He stood there, stammering, "Brother..."

Gu Silang put away his fan. "Brother Xiao, please don't be offended. Old Master Xiao and I...Ah Lin were just joking around. Please don't be angry."

Gu Silang is very open and dares to say anything in front of Xiao Lin, but in front of Xiao Qi'an, he is just as obedient as a rabbit, just like Xiao Lin.

Although Xiao Qi'an was only three years older than Gu Silang, Gu Silang was very afraid of him.

Xiao Qi'an and his brother Gu Huaizhi are two people Gu Silang would never dare to be disrespectful in front of.

“Ah Lin, Si Lang has been diligently practicing for the past seven years, and his martial arts have greatly improved. Among the younger generation of martial artists, there are few who can compare to him. Even you are no match for him. Si Lang is willing to come to Xiao Yue Manor to help us win the championship of the martial arts tournament. For this alone, he is our benefactor. How can you be so disrespectful to him!” Xiao Qi’an said coldly.

Xiao Lin couldn't believe it. "But during the selection that day, I observed that his internal strength was mediocre, not like that of a master."

During the selection at the foot of the mountain, Gu Huaizhi did show some quick wit and performed admirably, but his internal strength was not high, which is why Xiao Lin did not pay too much attention to him.

Seven years have passed, and Gu Silang has grown taller and more handsome than before. He is also less prone to crying than he was when he was a child. Therefore, Xiao Lin did not recognize Gu Silang.

Even though he recognized him, Xiao Lin didn't think Gu Silang was better than him.

But now, Xiao Qi'an is saying that Gu Silang is even more capable than him, which Xiao Lin finds absurd.

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