"I am aware of this matter. If he merely aims to recruit Yunlan Sect, then cooperate as needed. However, if he intends to destroy Yunlan Sect, send a message to me, and handle the rest as you see fit."
After a moment of contemplation in the cave, Yunshan's hoarse voice echoed.
"Master, this person harbors ambitions to dominate the world. If our Yunlan Sect collaborates with him, I fear it may lead us into an irretrievable abyss!" Yun Yun expressed her concerns.
The principle of Yunlan Sect has always been to avoid entanglements with worldly affairs, but Gu Changqing's ambitions are vast, with aspirations to unify the Northwest Continent. Yun Yun worries that accepting Gu Changqing's overtures could attract insurmountable enemies to Yunlan Sect.
"Yun'er, opportunities and risks coexist. If this person truly unifies the Northwest Continent, it may present an opportunity for Yunlan Sect. It's time we considered making some changes," Yunshan replied, his tone calm yet resolute.
The collaboration with the Soul Hall left Yunshan feeling unsettled. If Gu Changqing truly could unify the Northwest Continent, it might serve as a fallback for Yunlan Sect. After all, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran were unaware of the Soul Hall's dealings. If they joined the Wan Gu Changqing Mansion, Gu Changqing would likely intervene to protect Yunlan Sect should the Soul Hall decide to act against them.
"Understood, Master."
Outside the cave, Yun Yun paused briefly, then nodded in agreement.
In the imperial capital, Gu Changqing did not rush to ascend Yunlan Sect but instead focused on refining medicines to enhance the strength of all members within the Wan Gu Changqing Mansion.
Simultaneously, he arranged for all the alchemists affiliated with Gu Changqing Mansion's Alchemy Hall to observe alchemy practices and learn new techniques to improve their skills.
Notably, Gu He also remained, joining Gu Changqing Mansion as a guest elder.
A guest elder is someone who holds a title but is not required to perform many duties or be accountable to the mansion. Their role is to choose whether or not to participate when the mansion requires their assistance.
However, Gu He's situation was different; Gu Changqing assigned him a task to teach all the promising alchemists at the Alchemy Hall who had not yet reached their full potential. He was to compile teaching materials and guide all alchemists with lower ranks than his.
It was undeniably a demanding role, yet refusal was not an option; otherwise, he wouldn't be able to observe Gu Changqing's alchemy techniques or learn from his methods.
Determined to improve his alchemical skills, Gu He tirelessly dedicated himself to the Alchemy Hall.
Gu Changqing also involved Ao Tuo and Fu Lan Ke in the construction of the Alchemy Hall. Having received Gu Changqing's guidance over half a year ago, they had broken through to become Fifth-Grade Alchemists, making them significant figures in the Jia Ma Empire.
Gu Changqing instructed them to travel to various cities to scout for children with the potential to become alchemists, nurturing them from a young age.
Alongside them were Xue Mei and Lin Fei; Gu Changqing intended to train them as the future right and left arms of the Alchemy Hall.
Of course, this period was not without its intimate moments between Gu Changqing and the two girls.
One day, the two emerged shyly from Gu Changqing's bed, their faces flushed, limping slightly as they set off to complete the tasks he had assigned.
Gu Changqing also fulfilled his promise by giving the Soul Sea Seed Pill to Princess Yaoyue. However, he made a request that embarrassed her greatly: to become Gu Changqing's little girlfriend.
Betting means accepting the stakes, and so, Princess Yaoyue agreed to be Gu Changqing's little girlfriend.
As a result, Gu Changqing now had a multitude of little girlfriends.
He did not rush to cultivate with Princess Yaoyue but instead encouraged her to refine the Soul Sea Seed Pill and enhance her abilities.
The Mitel Family joined the Secret Hall, the Nalan Family entered the Law Hall, and the Mu Family allied with the Battle Hall.
Gu Changqing intervened to resolve Nalan Jie's health issues.
As a result, many factions in the Jia Ma Empire were effectively under Gu Changqing's control.
On this day, Gu Changqing sent an invitation to visit Yunlan Sect.
Before Gu Changqing arrived, everyone at Yunlan Sect prepared eagerly for his arrival.
Boom———
"How does Mount Tai compare? The green of Qi and Lu is yet to fade.
The clock of creation rings with brilliance, separating yin and yang, dawn and dusk.
Layers of clouds surge, and the returning birds fly in sight.
One should strive to reach the peak, surveying all mountains as small."
"Hahaha, Sect Leader Yun Yun, how have you been?"
From the sky came a booming, cheerful laugh, and amidst the rolling clouds, a tall and dignified figure appeared, standing atop a colorful cloud. His imposing presence resembled that of a deity.
"I have long heard that the mansion master is both scholarly and martial, exceptionally talented. Today's meeting truly lives up to the reputation."
"Thank you for your kind thoughts, Master Gu. Our sect has been well. Please, take a seat!"
Yun Yun, seated in the central hall atop the mountain, wore a flowing blue sect leader robe over a fitted, plain dress, perfectly showcasing her voluptuous and graceful figure. The slit of her dress subtly revealed her long, smooth legs.
Such a sight was undeniably enchanting, exuding an unparalleled elegance and beauty.
Yun Yun rose from her seat, offering a serene smile and a gentle gesture, inviting him in a soft tone.
Beside Yun Yun stood an exceptionally beautiful girl with a noble aura—without a doubt, it was Nalan Yanran.
At this moment, Nalan Yanran's gaze was fixed intently on her boyfriend, her delicate form trembling slightly, her tranquil expression betraying her emotional turmoil.
Gu Changqing nodded at her, then smiled as he took a seat on the high platform, guided by Yun Yun.
"My unannounced visit comes without any precious gifts. Offering pills, techniques, or martial arts feels too mundane. If Sect Leader Yun Yun doesn't mind, I would like to perform a piece for you," Gu Changqing said with a gentle smile, suddenly producing a glossy five-stringed guqin. He lightly strummed the strings, the sound soaring melodiously, as he turned to the seated Yun Yun with an elegant demeanor.
"Oh?"
Yun Yun's eyes brightened. As someone raised to be the successor of Yunlan Sect, she cultivated her skills but also had her hobbies.
While she wasn't an expert in music, she appreciated it. In her spare time, she would play the guqin and paint to find peace.
If Gu Changqing had only brought martial techniques or pills, she might have been pleased, but not necessarily thrilled.
Now, the prospect of him playing a piece genuinely piqued her interest.
"Since Master Gu has such a refined interest, I shall not be rude."
"Please, Master Gu!"
Yun Yun smiled gently, sitting up straight, her captivating gaze fixed on Gu Changqing, her eyes reflecting a hint of anticipation.
"I shall present a humble performance!"
Gu Changqing positioned the guqin in front of him, his expression shifting instantly. In an instant, he transformed from an overbearing nobleman into a graceful figure radiating scholarly elegance.