12: Chapter 12 The True Colors of Lao Liu

He flicked a finger, tossing the spirit fruit to the Little Black Bird on his shoulder. "Your Aptitude is Heaven-Grade, right?"

Shen Jinghong nodded, "Yes."

Gu Changge twitched his lips, his tone carrying a hint of self-mockery.

"But look at me, my Cultivation is only at the Early Stage Core Formation Realm, and my Cultivation experience is still shallow. If I take you as my Disciple, wouldn't I be hindering your future?"

These words were half-true, half-false.

With his ability, even cultivating a Great Emperor Realm expert would be effortless, but he was too lazy to put in the effort.

However, using "low Cultivation" as an excuse was perfectly suitable.

Shen Jinghong was stunned; she had never thought it would be this reason.

In her impression, a Peak Master who could guard such a rich Spiritual Qi treasure trove, no matter how poor his Cultivation, should at least be in the Purple Mansion Realm. How could he only be in the Core Formation Realm?

At the time, some people had gossiped that Martial Uncle Gu was only in the Core Formation Realm, but she hadn't believed it then.

Yet, Gu Changge's tone was calm, and there were no ripples in his eyes, so he didn't seem to be lying.

"But... but you are the Peak Master..."

She still found it hard to believe.

"Can't a Peak Master have low Cultivation?"

Gu Changge raised an eyebrow.

"I only joined the Sect ten years ago, similar in age to you. It was just a stroke of Opportunity that I inherited Zizhu Peak. If you don't believe me, go ask the Sect Master; he knows my background best."

He wasn't lying with these words; Xuan Yangzi indeed knew about his "Core Formation Realm" Cultivation—as for his true Cultivation, let Xuan Yangzi guess boldly.

Shen Jinghong frowned, half-believing, half-doubting in her Heart-Nature.

If Junior Martial Uncle Gu truly only had a Core Formation Realm Cultivation, then the "pity" the Sect Master spoke of, did it really just refer to missing out on the Spiritual Qi of Zizhu Peak?

"Disciple understands."

Shen Jinghong put away her doubts and cupped her hands towards Gu Changge.

"Thank you, Junior Martial Uncle, for clarifying. The Medicinal Pill has been delivered, Disciple will take her leave."

As she turned to leave, she couldn't help but look back at Xiao Ruobai, only to see the young man still bowing his head, as if the conversation just now had nothing to do with him.

But for some reason, she always felt that within that seemingly frail figure, there was an unexplainable tranquility hidden.

Only after her figure disappeared into the depths of the bamboo forest did Xiao Ruobai raise his head, his lips curving upwards uncontrollably.

He looked at Gu Changge, a hint of smugness in his eyes, secretly muttering to himself.

Master just said he was in the Early Stage Core Formation Realm, but he clearly told me secretly two days ago that he was actually in the Middle Stage Core Formation Realm.

This secret, only I know. Others surely wouldn't guess it, right?

Revered Master truly dotes on me the most, even telling me such things.

The more he thought about it, the more delighted he felt, almost laughing out loud, so he quickly lowered his head and pretended to cough.

Gu Changge could see through his little thoughts, reaching out to flick him on the forehead: "What are you grinning about?"

Xiao Ruobai covered his forehead, chuckling twice: "Nothing, Master, I just feel... you're right."

The Little Black Bird chirped beside them, tilting its head to look at Xiao Ruobai, as if saying, "What's this kid so happy about?"

Gu Changge grabbed its wing: "If you chirp again, I'll pluck your feathers to make a duster."

The Little Black Bird immediately shrank its neck, feigning obedience.

Xiao Ruobai watched this scene, even more amused in his Heart-Nature.

Master only tells him his true Realm; this feeling of being specially treated made him happier than any treasure.

"Still standing there, what for?"

Gu Changge kicked him.

"Hurry up and Cultivate."

Xiao Ruobai complied and left.

On the other side, Shen Jinghong returned to Qingyun Peak and quickly walked into Xuan Yangzi's study.

At this moment, Xuan Yangzi was sitting at his desk, perusing scrolls. Seeing her enter, he looked up and smiled, "You're back? Any gains from your trip to Zizhu Peak?"

Shen Jinghong bowed inpresent: "Master, the Medicinal Pill has been delivered to Junior Martial Uncle Gu."

She paused, still unable to resist asking, "But the Spiritual Qi on Zizhu Peak is so dense. If Junior Martial Uncle Gu is only in the Core Formation Realm, can he guard Zizhu Peak?"

Xuan Yangzi put down the scrolls, his fingertips gently tapping the table, his gaze profound.

"Do you know Junior Brother Gu's background? He was taken in by Daoist Zizhu ten years ago and Cultivated on Zizhu Peak. Later, when Daoist Zizhu went wandering, he passed Zizhu Peak to him."

He sighed: "Daoist Zizhu has shown great kindness to our Azure Profound Sect. If he hadn't intervened back then, I might not be standing before you now. Therefore, it's our duty to look after Zizhu Peak now."

Shen Jinghong realized: "So that's it... But why is the Spiritual Qi on Zizhu Peak so dense?"

"This is what makes it intriguing."

Xuan Yangzi's gaze lifted slightly, a hint of inquiry flashing in his eyes.

"When Daoist Zizhu was here, the Spiritual Qi on the Peak, though superior to other places, was far from what it is now. After he left, the Spiritual Qi suddenly surged several times, and within it, a wisp of mysterious DaoYun was intertwined, greatly beneficial to Cultivation."

He picked up a teacup and took a shallow sip, continuing: "According to my deduction, this might be a contingency plan Daoist Zizhu set up for Junior Brother Gu, to help him steadily advance through the nourishment of spiritual charm."

When his gaze turned to Shen Jinghong, Xuan Yangzi's eyes held a few more points of certainty.

"Your Junior Martial Uncle Gu is not yet twenty, and he has Cultivated in such a spiritual land for ten years. How could he still be lingering in the Core Formation Realm?"

"In my opinion, he might have already touched the threshold of the Purple Mansion Realm."

At this point, Xuan Yangzi's eyes revealed a gleam of wisdom, as if he had seen through everything.

Shen Jinghong's pupils contracted slightly: "Then why did he say he was in the Core Formation Realm?"

"It's just that his Heart-Nature is indifferent, and he dislikes showing off. Perhaps he doesn't want to attract too much attention, or perhaps he has other considerations."

Xuan Yangzi shook his head, "Moreover, Daoist Zizhu left behind many treasures back then. Anything he valued must be extraordinary."

He said earnestly: "Jinghong, Junior Brother Gu appears lazy, but he is actually deeply hidden. In the future, you should visit Zizhu Peak more often. Even just being exposed to some of the Spiritual Qi there will greatly benefit your Jinghong Sword Body."

With that, Xuan Yangzi reopened the scrolls, a knowing look on his face, secretly thinking that his deduction must be correct.

As wise as he was, he had long seen through Gu Changge's little scheme.

Yet, he didn't know that all of this was just what Gu Changge wanted him to see.

Xuan Yangzi still thought he had seen through the "second layer" and was pleased with himself.

In fact, Gu Changge was already on the third layer—no, he had already ascended to the heavens.

If Gu Changge, who had long since reached the Great Emperor Realm, were to notice these thoughts, he would probably only offer a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Xuan Yangzi suddenly looked up at Shen Jinghong, his expression becoming serious.

"Jinghong, the path of Cultivation is fraught with hidden dangers. A towering tree in the forest will surely be toppled by the wind. You are exceptionally gifted, possessing the Jinghong Sword Body, so you must learn to conceal your strengths and never be overly ostentatious, lest you invite unnecessary trouble.

Just like your Junior Martial Uncle Gu, with such talent, yet he only reveals a portion of his Cultivation. This is great wisdom."

Shen Jinghong nodded seriously: "Disciple understands. Thank you, Master, for your teachings."