Stared at by many cultivators with disdainful looks, even Gu Yao found it hard to bear. Fortunately, Master Meng soon appeared. People quickly retracted their gazes, turning their attention to Master Meng. Many big shots came forward to greet him.
Master Meng nodded in acknowledgment, his attitude not particularly warm. However, such a reaction satisfied the various influential figures. Many people followed Master Meng, and Gu Yan was among them. When others looked over, Gu Yan instinctively straightened his chest.
"That guy is really inside. This is considered unlucky," Tian Feirong commented upon seeing Gu Yan. "Senior Zhou, who are the others?"
The chubby guy took a glance but quickly averted his gaze, looking submissive.
Senior Zhou quietly introduced, "The one walking beside Master Meng is the previously sensational Hu Gu Master. Unexpectedly, the commotion was so significant. However, he didn't find the second-generation prodigy, nor did he get the disciple he wanted."
Gu Yao glanced over. The middle-aged cultivator in blue robes appeared refined, with a hint of melancholy between his brows. It must be admitted that he had a good appearance, and the arrogance in his demeanor couldn't be completely concealed.
"There are several envoys from the City Lord's Mansion, all powerful cultivators. I've only seen two of them, but I've heard about the others."
"I heard that someone from the Gu family who came with you holds the Changxian Gate token. Presumably, it's the young cultivator in luxurious attire." Although the Changxian Gate token didn't cause much commotion in the City Lord's Mansion, these people had heard about it. Senior Zhou, due to his connection with Gu Yao and Tian Feirong, knew more than others. He observed that Gu Yao showed no regrets, looking like a bystander. Senior Zhou couldn't help but admire Gu Yao's temperament; not everyone could give up so much for the freedom to leave the Gu family.
Unexpectedly, Gu Yao's junior brother appeared mild-mannered but turned out to be quite decisive.
"Then there are those two young men and women, probably highly talented cultivators brought by Master Meng. They might have entered the Changxian Gate together."
Gu Yao could tell that the young man and woman were around twelve or thirteen years old, with shallow cultivation. However, they seemed unwilling to stand together with Gu Yan. They occasionally exchanged words, appearing very spirited.
"Huh? That girl has the Xuan Yin constitution."
Suddenly a voice echoed in Gu Yao's mind. He thought Xuchén wasn't interested, but it turned out he was silently observing.
Recalling the descriptions of the Xuan Yin constitution from the books, Gu Yao wondered if this girl knew her future destiny, considering she was exceptionally suitable for cultivation. Does she realize she's perfect for becoming a cauldron?
Xuchén shook his head, saying it depends on what kind of sect this so-called Changxian Gate is. The Xuan Yin constitution naturally progresses rapidly in cultivation.
Gu Yao couldn't answer. He knew nothing about Changxian Gate except that it was a major sect. Seeing how they treated Xuan Yin constitution individuals, sending them to the sect, he assumed the other young man's talent was likely on par with the Xuan Yin girl. Compared to these two, Gu Yan seemed like an ordinary chicken among swans.
Gu Yao couldn't help but feel fortunate he didn't impulsively enter the Changxian Gate himself.
After exchanging greetings, Master Meng walked to the center of the square, where the teleportation array was located. Manipulating the array, a magnificent teleportation array appeared. Gu Yao, standing in the crowd, tiptoed to get a better view. Teleportation arrays were like divine artifacts to him; if the Star Alliance had such arrays, life would be much more convenient.
These arrays might be similar to artificial wormholes, allowing long-distance spatial teleportation. Unlike artificial wormholes that required specific spatial coordinates, these arrays could be set up anywhere and were exceptionally stable as long as the formation wasn't disrupted.
"They're here!"
As the voice fell, the teleportation array underwent a noticeable change. After a dazzling display of light, it formed a protective shield. This indicated that the other side was in the process of teleporting. The shield prevented anyone from standing inside and protected the ongoing teleportation.
As soon as the protective shield was established, three figures appeared within. On top of the teleportation array, the shield trembled for a moment, then transformed into countless light dots, vanishing in the air.
Master Meng's previously indifferent expression changed to one of respect. He walked over, greeting the leading young cultivator, "So, Brother Yan is the one taking on the task this time. Meng Wei pays his respects; Brother Yan, you've had a difficult journey."
With this statement, the expressions of the cultivators became even more respectful. Master Meng addressing the other as "Brother Yan" implied that he was also a Golden Core cultivator! Moreover, he appeared so young, indicating that his cultivation wasn't that old. Unless he consumed pills like the Age-Defying Pill, maintaining such youth was impossible. Only those who built their foundation and formed their core early could retain their youthful appearance.
Even the two Foundation Establishment cultivators behind him, young and arrogant as they were, couldn't match the profound aura emanating from the leading figures. They scanned the surroundings disdainfully but withdrew their gazes after a sweep, showing a touch of disdain.
"No need to be polite, Brother Meng. Disperse, there's no need to gather here," Brother Yan replied coldly, his expression unwelcoming. It was evident he disliked being observed by so many people; he especially disliked the onlookers. Master Meng hurriedly said, "Brother, please give us some guidance. Later, I'll ask Brother Yan to take a short rest in the mansion." Then he turned to the cultivators present and said, "Gentlemen, you can disperse. If there's anything, I'll inform you separately."
"City Lord Meng, no need for courtesy. We'll take our leave."
Seeing that Brother Yan wasn't pleased, who would dare stay? A wave of his hand, and these cultivators could be turned into ashes. Trying to establish a relationship wasn't that easy. So, one by one, the cultivators took their leave, accompanied by their disciples and followers.
Gu Yan, who had faced multiple setbacks, felt extremely excited at this moment. Seeing the fear of Changxian Gate in others, those elders with their high noses, when facing the seniors of Changxian Gate, they obediently followed orders. He was entering such a sect!
"Brother Yan, please, and the two nephews, please!" Master Meng led the way.
Brother Yan nodded coldly, following Master Meng to the lodging.
Instructor Fang took his students and left the City Lord's Mansion. He had thought of broadening their horizons, but at this moment, he felt a bit embarrassed. This wasn't expanding horizons; it was more like undermining his students. He wasn't an unscrupulous person, glancing at Brother Yan, the Golden Core cultivator. While he admired him, he realized City Lord Meng was nearing the end of his path, whereas Brother Yan had a bright future. It wasn't just about reaching the Golden Core stage; there was a lot more beyond that. To be seen in such high regard by City Lord Meng suggested a significant position in Changxian Gate.
Next to him, a cold snort came from Elder Gan of Qianxue Sect. However, this time, Instructor Fang only glanced at him and looked away, not even desiring to engage in verbal sparring.
Instructor Fang released a flying tool. Unlike when they arrived, he now spoke with emphasis, "See, this is reality. Even on Tianlin Continent, no matter how noble the City Lord is or how powerful the North Star Sect is, they still have to bow before Changxian Gate. Others won't necessarily spare you a glance. They act this way because Tianlin Continent has thin spiritual energy and limited resources. Even if you are outstanding, there's no future here unless you enter Changxian Gate."
Such realities left Instructor Fang feeling powerless. He looked at Gu Yao and said seriously, "Perhaps, Gu Yao, one day, you will regret giving up the Changxian Gate token. Even being an outer disciple of Changxian Gate is more glorious than being an inner disciple of North Star Sect, and it holds infinite possibilities."
Regret? Gu Yao only knew that he didn't
regret it now. If he didn't give up, he wouldn't even be able to leave Yuan Yang Town. A person must be alive to envision a future; otherwise, what future is there to talk about?
Gu Yao smiled. His current situation being known to the academy wasn't surprising; after all, these were open facts. He asked, "Is there no other way to leave Tianlin Continent except through teleportation and the guidance of Changxian Gate? Can't we explore other options?"
Instructor Fang looked serious and said, "There are, but each path is filled with endless dangers. Tianlin Continent is surrounded by boundless seas, and maritime conditions are the most unpredictable. Those who enter the sea face a life-and-death struggle, and there's a good chance they won't return."
Senior Jiang and Senior Zhou also wore rare expressions of seriousness. Despite successfully building the foundation here, their hopes of forming a golden core were slim.
"Elder Fang, who are those two young people accompanying the City Lord?" Senior Zhou regained his composure and asked.
Instructor Fang shifted the topic, saying, "They are excellent talents recruited by the City Lord's Mansion from various places. One is said to have a single-element fire spirit root, and the other, while supposedly a dual spirit root, possesses a special constitution no less inferior to the single spirit root. Such talents make various sects envious. However, rather than keeping them here, it's better to send them to Changxian Gate."
Gu Yao thought that the girl's Xuan Yin constitution must be unknown to outsiders.
Instructor Fang left Gu Yao and the others midway and continued on his way. Gu Yao and his group were not in the mood to continue wandering and returned to the inn.
The chubby guy went out for a while, and no one paid much attention.
In the City Lord's Mansion, a guard suddenly approached Master Hu, "Master Hu, someone specified that they want to deliver a letter directly into Master Hu's hands..."