Ding dong~~~
A melodious sound of the guqin drifted slowly from the summit of Yun Lan Mountain.
The music seemed to possess a life of its own, visibly rippling across the peak.
As the enchanting notes resonated throughout the realm, fluffy white clouds floated down from the heavens, billowing gracefully in response to this harmonious sound of nature.
Countless colorful butterflies fluttered their wings, dancing around Gu Changqing and the summit of Yun Lan Mountain, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
The solemn and majestic palace, before one knew it, was also filled with birds. They gently flapped their wings, as if in tune with the guqin's melody that pervaded the mountain's peak.
Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran, along with others, unknowingly closed their eyes, lost in the wonderful world created by the music.
In the plaza below, numerous elders of Yun Lan Sect and over a thousand disciples were taking deep breaths, their breathing calm and synchronized, completely immersed in the music.
Their cultivation techniques began to operate automatically, drawing in the energy from the surroundings.
Time passed quietly, and the summit of Yun Lan Mountain transformed into a scene of vibrant energy, completely different from before.
Bang!
Suddenly, with the last note of the guqin fading away, Yun Yun and Nalan Yanran opened their eyes in unison.
Bang bang bang———
Bang bang bang———
At the same time, the sound of energy breaking through resonated from the peak of Yun Lan Mountain.
Then, Gu Changqing and the others heard the excited shouts of the over a thousand disciples below.
"I've broken through!"
"I have too!"
"Hahaha, I've reached the Five Star Dou Disciple!"
"I've broken through to Dou Master!"
"Hahaha, the bottleneck that had troubled me for over ten years has shattered just like that!"
"I've also surpassed the barrier of Seven Star Dou Master!"
"…"
Yun Yun and the others were stunned, unable to believe that just a single performance from Gu Changqing had allowed nearly every disciple of Yun Lan Sect to achieve breakthroughs.
They instinctively circulated their inner energy, and their hearts surged with astonishment.
Yun Yun sprang to her feet, exclaiming in surprise, "What kind of music is this? It even improved my Three Star Dou Emperor strength!"
"What a wonderful tune! What a masterpiece! Young Master Gu, no, Lord Gu, truly is a genius among men! This guqin piece has even loosened the bottleneck for this old man, a Five Star Dou King. With some closed-door training, I can certainly become a Six Star Dou King!"
"Lord Gu, please accept my bow!"
At this moment, the Grand Elder of Yun Lan Sect, Yun Ling, opened his eyes, his gaze filled with joy. He stood up and bowed deeply toward Gu Changqing.
"Lord Gu, please accept our bows!"
"Lord Gu, please accept our bows!"
"…"
The other elders of Yun Lan Sect also rose, respectfully bowing in Gu Changqing's direction.
Not only did this melody enhance their strength, but it also deepened their understanding of their own cultivation methods. Even if they did not break through today, they could continue to improve their power for a long time to come.
At this moment, the Yun Lan Sect had not yet turned to darkness and still retained its righteous style. Gu Changqing's act of 'passing on knowledge' was an immense favor, naturally earning their sincere admiration.
"This melody is called 'Fu Yao,' created during a moment of boredom. It signifies 'the great roc rising with the wind, soaring ninety thousand miles,' implying a spirit of flying high. It seems I haven't sent this gift in vain. I wonder if Sect Master Yun is satisfied?"
Gu Changqing smiled gently, softly explaining to the crowd, and then turned to the enchanting Yun Yun, who was gazing at him with sparkling eyes, asking warmly.
"Fu Yao is truly a wonderful name!"
Yun Yun's eyes lit up as she praised.
"Lord Gu, your talent is extraordinary. This 'Fu Yao' can indeed be called a timeless masterpiece. On behalf of all the elders and over a thousand disciples of Yun Lan Sect, I express our gratitude for this gift. I feel unworthy of such an honor."
With this statement, Yun Yun conveyed both her satisfaction with Gu Changqing's gift and her modesty regarding its extraordinary nature. She left a little room for future requests, since she had already expressed feeling unworthy.
"'A beauty unmatched, captivating the eye, a face that could topple kingdoms, stunning like a celestial being.'
"This piece is a fitting tribute to Sect Master Yun!"
"Moreover, since I hold the position of the guest elder of Yun Lan Sect, performing for all of you is only right. Or perhaps, the promised title of guest elder by Sect Master Yun six months ago no longer stands? In that case, I have indeed been somewhat presumptuous."
Gu Changqing raised his eyes to gaze at Yun Yun across from him, lavishly praising her before saying with a playful smile that held deeper meaning.
"What? Lord Gu is still the guest elder of Yun Lan Sect?!"
"That's fantastic! Why didn't Sect Master Yun mention this sooner?"
"Turns out Lord Gu is also a part of our Yun Lan Sect!"
"…"
Before Yun Yun could collect her thoughts, the numerous elders and disciples of Yun Lan Sect erupted in joyous discussion.
Yun Yun's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shot a discreet glare at Gu Changqing, feeling a mix of embarrassment and indignation.
How could he praise her as 'a beauty unmatched, captivating the eye'? Just moments ago, she had been impressed by his 'Fu Yao,' and now it turned out he was a lecher!
However, despite her frustration, a hint of delight crept into her heart, knowing that not everyone could earn the title of 'a beauty unmatched,' which meant Gu Changqing was a charming rogue with a silver tongue.
Nalan Yanran also shot Gu Changqing a disapproving look. This shameless wolf had not even spoken to her yet, and he was already busy complimenting her teacher. What a blatant flirt!
"My sect's promise of the guest elder position naturally stands. But now that Lord Gu is the leader of the Eternal Evergreen Mansion, a position of such high status, I wonder if you would still care for this insignificant guest elder title?"
Yun Yun deliberately emphasized 'insignificant' to convey to Gu Changqing that even if he accepted the title of guest elder, he could not interfere in the internal affairs of Yun Lan Sect.
"Haha, I've always acted according to my heart. With an open mind, one can courageously advance. Power is merely at my fingertips."
"Today, I come for two reasons: first, to visit Sect Master Yun and assume the position of guest elder and to invite Sect Master Yun to my Eternal Evergreen Mansion as the head of the Forbidden Hall. What do you think, Sect Master Yun?"
The Forbidden Hall is akin to the royal guard in some kingdoms, serving as an elite force.
Its primary responsibilities include guarding Gu Changqing and the headquarters of Eternal Evergreen Mansion ensuring Gu Changqing's safety, conveying his will, maintaining order, monitoring the various halls, capturing traitors, and more.
Essentially, it serves as Gu Changqing's personal guard, tasked with executing various confidential missions.