164: Chapter 164 This is no reward, it's clearly a knife.

Three days later.

The song "Good Fortune" that had been playing on loop inside the sickroom finally stopped.

Gu Yan pushed open the door, and the sunlight was somewhat blinding. He raised his hand to shield his eyes, and the moment he stepped over the threshold, his originally rosy complexion instantly switched to the pallor of someone who had just recovered from a major illness.

Elder Su Ming leaned against a pillar in the corridor, still holding that wine gourd in his hand. Seeing Gu Yan come out, he squeezed a gloating smile onto his old face.

"Have you heard?"

Elder Su Ming lowered his voice, but could not hide the glee in his tone: "That Little Sword God Ye Gucheng from Wan Jian Peak was fished out of the Formation by his Master in the middle of last night in this... cough cough, completely naked state."

Gu Yan straightened his brand-new Elder's robe, his expression indifferent: "That is his good luck. If it had been half an hour later, the 'corrosive liquid' in the Formation would have activated, and he likely wouldn't even have a layer of skin left."

"You kid, you're ruthless enough."

Elder Su Ming gave a thumbs up: "Now the entire Sect is spreading rumors that although Qingyun Peak is a treasure land, it is also a dangerous place. The vengeful spirits of the Lin Family have not dispersed, and even a True Disciple has to lose a layer of skin upon entering. The few families that were originally eyeing that piece of fat meat have all shrunk their necks now."

"That is the effect I wanted."

Gu Yan stepped forward, his robes brushing across the ground: "Let's go, the Sect Master is still waiting for me. The play is over, it's time to collect the reward."

...

Yunlan Sect main peak, Taiji Hall.

This towering hall, symbolizing the highest power of the Sect, had an atmosphere so solemn it was somewhat oppressive at this moment. Hundreds of whale oil eternal lamps, as thick as a child's arm, illuminated the hall as bright as day.

Gu Yan followed behind Elder Su Ming and stepped into the hall.

The sides were filled with Inner Sect Elders and Peak Masters, hundreds of gazes falling upon him simultaneously. There was curiosity, jealousy, and also fear.

At the front of the hall, Sect Master Ye Guyun sat high upon the cloud platform. And to his lower left stood a young man in white with an ashen face.

Little Sword God Ye Gucheng.

This Little Sword God Ye Gucheng, who usually looked down on everyone, now had floating Qi, sunken eye sockets, and although he had changed into a brand-new snow-white Daoist robe, the sense of weakness permeating from his bones could not be hidden no matter what.

He stared fixedly at Gu Yan, who was walking in, his knuckles white from gripping his sword; if the occasion hadn't been inappropriate, he probably would have already drawn his sword to kill.

Gu Yan looked straight ahead, directly ignoring his murderous gaze, walked to the center of the hall, and bowed in salute.

"Disciple Gu Yan pays respects to the Sect Master."

Before he could finish the bow, he was lifted up by a gentle force.

"No need for formalities."

Sect Master Ye Guyun's voice echoed within the hall: "You are injured, there is no need for formalities."

He swept his gaze around, his majestic eyes suppressing all the whispers in the hall.

"In this incident at Fallen Demon Valley, the Lin Family colluded with the Demonic Path, attempting to blood sacrifice their fellow Sect members, a crime that cannot be pardoned. Fortunately, Gu Yan and his Dao Companion Jiang Wanrou ventured deep into the tiger's den, fighting to bring back the Blood River Formation Flag, exposing the conspiracy and saving the Sect from fire and water."

"Such a great merit deserves a reward."

An Executive Elder walked out holding a tray, on which lay a purple-gold token and a scroll radiating spiritual light.

"Effective immediately, Gu Yan is conferred as an 'Honorary Elder' of the Law Enforcement Hall, enjoying the treatment of an Inner Sect Elder, exempt from summons and orders."

"Additionally, the former Lin Family territory, 'Qingyun Peak,' is bestowed upon Gu Yan as a private Daoist site, to forever guard the Spiritual Vein."

Boom.

A commotion broke out in the hall.

Honorary Elder!

That was a position of real power. Although there were no specific duties, the status was transcendent; except for the Sect Master and the Grand Elder, no one could command him. Not to mention that Qingyun Peak, it was a treasure land for Cultivation possessing a fourth-rank Spiritual Vein!

"I object!"

A sharp shout interrupted everyone's discussion.

Little Sword God Ye Gucheng took a step forward, looking directly at Sect Master Ye Guyun: "Sect Master! Qingyun Peak is an important location of the Sect, how can it be easily bestowed upon a Guest Elder of a different surname? Moreover..."

He turned his head to look at Gu Yan, his eyes venomous: "This person's origin is unknown, and his methods are ruthless. Although Lin Canghai was guilty, he died in an unclear manner. Who knows if this kid secretly struck a black hand to seize treasure?"

The hall instantly fell silent.

Everyone looked at Gu Yan.

Gu Yan did not defend himself, nor did he even glance at Little Sword God Ye Gucheng.

He merely clutched his chest, coughed violently a few times, then pulled a blood-stained handkerchief from his sleeve (which was left over from wiping his hands after eating spiritual fruit yesterday) and wiped the corners of his mouth.

"Cough cough... Senior Brother Ye is right."

Gu Yan's voice was weak, carrying a touch of desolation: "I am merely a Loose Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Stage, how could I be a match for a Golden Core Elder? If it weren't for Jiang Wanrou protecting me with her life, if it weren't for Lin Canghai suffering from Qi Deviation himself... this remnant body of mine would likely have already rotted in Fallen Demon Valley."

"As for Qingyun Peak..."

Gu Yan sighed, toying with the purple-gold token in his hand: "If Senior Brother Ye wants it, just take it. In any case, it is filled with Evil Qi, and my body might not necessarily be able to suppress it."

"You—"

Little Sword God Ye Gucheng was choked with anger. He had just wanted to say "Who says I can't suppress it," when the terrifying image of being stripped naked in the Formation two days ago and being chased by corrosive liquid flashed through his mind instantly.

That damn place, the Formation was full of traps, it was simply not a place for humans to stay!

"Enough."

Sect Master Ye Guyun frowned slightly, glanced at his nephew, and his eyes carried a bit of disappointment: "Ye Gucheng, losing is losing, do not lose your composure in front of everyone."

"Gu Yan not only brought back the Formation Flag but also handed over half of the Lin Family's assets to the public treasury. This loyalty can be witnessed by the sun and moon."

"This matter is settled, do not speak of it again."

Sect Master Ye Guyun made the final decision.

Little Sword God Ye Gucheng's face flushed red, and in the end, he could only hatefully flick his sleeves and retreat. When passing by Gu Yan, he gritted his teeth and said in a voice only the two of them could hear:

"Gu Yan, this matter is not over. Qingyun Peak is a hot potato, be careful not to burn your hands off."

Gu Yan looked up and revealed a gentle, harmless smile at him.

"Many thanks for Senior Brother's concern. I have thick skin, I'm not afraid of being burned."

...

Half an hour later.

At the foot of Qingyun Peak.

The archway that originally belonged to the Lin Family had already been demolished and replaced with a brand-new stone tablet, upon which two large, flowing characters were carved— "Gu Mansion".

At this moment, quite a few people were gathered at the foot of the mountain.

Seven or eight well-dressed middle-aged Cultivators were surrounding the intersection, carrying various gift boxes in their hands, their faces filled with ingratiating smiles. Most of them were Clan Chiefs of small families that relied on the original Lin Family; now that the Lin Family had fallen, they were anxious to come and pay respects to the new boss.

"Elder Gu has returned!"

Seeing Gu Yan and Elder Su Ming descend from the clouds, this group of people swarmed up in a flock.

"Congratulations to Elder Gu on your promotion! This is a small token of the Zhao Family's sincerity, one thousand-year-old spiritual ginseng..."

"The Qian Family is willing to offer ten thousand Spirit Stones, only asking for Elder Gu to show some face..."

Gu Yan stopped his steps, looking at this group of fence-sitters who were still helping the Lin Family wave flags and shout a few days ago.

He did not take those gift boxes, only standing with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping across their faces one by one.

"I remember, three days ago when the Law Enforcement Hall raided the Lin Family, you all were also crowding at the door like this, wanting to go in and get a share, right?"

Gu Yan's voice was not loud, but it made the noisy crowd instantly fall silent.

That Clan Head Zhao, who was holding the spiritual ginseng, had his smile freeze on his face, cold sweat sliding down his forehead: "Elder... Elder Gu is joking, we were just going to help at that time..."

"Scram."

Gu Yan spat out one word.

"What?" Clan Head Zhao was stunned.

Hum—!

The entire Qingyun Peak suddenly vibrated.

A red light barrier rose from the foot of the mountain, enveloping the entire peak within it. Above the light barrier, the vague phantoms of four ferocious giant beasts could be seen wandering; that was the upgraded Four Symbols Heaven-Locking Array.

"I do not want to say it a second time."

Gu Yan raised his hand and pointed to the boundary line outside the mountain gate: "Within ten breaths, anyone still within my line of sight, don't even think about mixing in the Yunlan Sect in the future."

"Gu Yan! Don't be ungrateful!"

Clan Head Zhao was furious from embarrassment: "We kindly came to congratulate you, you..."

Bang!

Before he finished speaking, a red thunderbolt struck down from the Formation.

Clan Head Zhao let out a miserable scream, the gift box in his hand exploded into powder, and his whole body was struck black, his hair standing on end, twitching on the ground while emitting black smoke.

"Five breaths remaining."

Gu Yan didn't even glance at him, stepping into the mountain gate.

Whoosh.

The remaining people were scared to the point of Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, dropping the gifts in their hands, dragging the Clan Head Zhao from the ground, and scrambling away into the distance.

Elder Su Ming stood to the side, looking at the mountain gate that had instantly become quiet, and shook his head.

"You just took office and already offended so many people, I'm afraid life won't be peaceful in the future."

"Peace is fought for, not begged for."

Gu Yan stood on the stone steps, looking at the spirit peak shrouded in clouds and mist before him, and took a deep breath.

Dense Spiritual Qi rushed towards his face, even a few degrees purer than Yao Wang Peak.

"From today on, this place is named Gu."

Gu Yan turned around and cupped his hands at Elder Su Ming: "Thank you, Elder Su Ming, for the escort all the way here. Next, I need to go into seclusion for a few days, if Little Sword God Ye Gucheng comes again..."

He paused, a cold light flashing in his eyes:

"Tell him, I don't mind helping him take another 'medicinal bath'."