Chapter 42

"Master Gu, Miss Su has arrived, and she has brought an elder with her."

Outside, Zhang Xiaohai knocked on the door and said.

Gu Yang responded, "I'll be right there."

If Su Qingzhi had brought someone, it must be someone from the Qingxuan Sect. Since he was staying here temporarily, he naturally needed to get along well with them, which would make things easier for him.

He had already learned quite a bit about the Qingxuan Sect from Ling Ling.

Decades ago, a female Taoist priest came to Pingjun City and founded the Qingxuan Residence. This Taoist priest was a Third Rank expert, said to have come from the Taoist Sect.

The original purpose of founding the Qingxuan Residence was to provide shelter for destitute women. Any woman who came to the Qingxuan Residence could receive protection. Later, the Taoist priest also taught these women martial arts.

As the number of people increased, a sect naturally formed, becoming the Qingxuan Sect, a sect composed entirely of women.

After the Taoist priest passed away, the Qingxuan Sect no longer had any notable experts. The successor, the Sect Leader, only had Fifth Rank strength.

The original purpose had changed. To maintain the expenses of the sect, they took in many wealthy women as disciples.

However, even a dead tiger retains its might. The Qingxuan Sect was considered a branch of the Taoist Sect and posed no threat to other forces in Pingjun City, so no one dared to touch them.

Gu Yang put away the incomplete saber manual, got dressed, and went to meet Su Qingzhi and the people from the Qingxuan Sect, taking Ling Ling with him.

"I am the Venerable Jingyu, the current Sect Leader of the Qingxuan Sect. I greet Master Gu."

The one who came was a middle-aged Taoist priest, who looked kind and gentle, with no trace of a martial artist's sharpness. She bowed deeply, "Thanks to Master Gu's protection, Qingzhi was able to safely reach Pingjun City."

Gu Yang didn't expect her to be so humble. No matter how thick-skinned he was, he felt a bit embarrassed and modestly said, "It was nothing, Sect Leader, you don't need to be so formal."

He had, after all, been paid.

Actually, Venerable Jingyu had heard from Su Qingzhi that he was a Third Rank expert, which was why she had such an attitude.

Venerable Jingyu continued, "I hope Master Gu can keep Qingzhi's identity a secret. She will use the name Qingqing and stay in the sect. Only I know her true identity."

"Of course," Gu Yang said, "However, I need to see her every two days, um, to help her with her illness. Is that convenient?"

Su Qingzhi, who had been standing beside them with her head lowered, blushed slightly, looking a bit embarrassed.

Venerable Jingyu nodded seriously, "Qingzhi has already told me about this. However, it's inconvenient for her to come and go. I will have to trouble Master Gu to make the extra effort and come to the Qingxuan Sect to treat her."

"Alright."

...

After Venerable Jingyu and Su Qingzhi finished their business, they left.

Gu Yang didn't mention the matter of making money. It wasn't urgent. He planned to wait until they met a few more times and got to know each other better before bringing up the idea of collaborating to make money.

He skipped breakfast and returned to his room. Taking advantage of his good state, he planned to use the remaining two simulation attempts to try and break through to the Fourth Rank in one go.

[At the age of 22, you took Ling Ling to Yuzhou City. On the way, you saved Jiao Shumo and obtained a treasure map. However, Cao Yiyi discovered you, leading to a conflict.]

[After returning to Pingjun City, you focused on cultivation.]

[Three years later, one night, while you were cultivating, you sensed danger approaching. Your heart moved, and you naturally broke through to the Fourth Rank. Shortly after, a mysterious expert appeared.]

[You and Ling Ling fought together but were still no match for him. In a critical moment, Ling Ling used a forbidden technique, killing the expert but suffering severe injuries. She didn't have time to say a word before she passed away.]

[You endured your grief and rushed to the Qingxuan Sect, only to see Su Qingzhi stab herself in the chest. In a fit of anger, you killed all the assassins.]

[After burying them, you went to the capital and joined the Tianxin Martial Hall, dedicating yourself to the cultivation of the saber path, vowing to avenge them.]

[One month later, Guo Taiping challenged you. Cheng Tianxin was defeated and died of severe injuries that night.]

[That night, a mysterious person broke in, trying to kidnap Cheng Qingyu. You discovered them and saved Cheng Qingyu.]

[Cheng Qingyu succeeded as the Hall Master. Over the next two years, the Tianxin Martial Hall barely managed to survive. One day, the Empress Dowager issued an edict, forcing Cheng Qingyu to marry the Crown Prince. She dared not defy the edict and passed the Hall Master position to her second senior brother.]

[Afterward, you traveled around, and wherever you went, many noble families treated you as a distinguished guest. You remained alone, avoiding any trouble.]

[Five years later, you encountered Cao Yiyi, who recognized you. She had her subordinates attack you, but you defeated her with three saber strikes and left triumphantly.]

[Six months later, Cao Yiyi found you again, this time bringing a Third Rank expert. You were no match for him, and he was forced to use his full strength, killing you on the spot. You died at the age of 33.]

Finally, Fourth Rank!

Gu Yang was extremely excited.

It was so difficult.

It took him 14 simulations, enduring countless hardships, to finally break through.

Moreover, this time he didn't break through just before dying; he lived for another seven or eight years afterward.

[Simulation complete. You can retain one of the following:]

[1. Martial realm at the age of 33.]

[2. Martial experience at the age of 33.]

[3. Life wisdom at the age of 33.]

There was no need to think. He chose the first one.

A powerful aura erupted within him, like a raging fire, as his true qi surged. The originally pure true qi became exceptionally violent.

Gu Yang felt his meridians about to burst. The intense pain made him feel a surge of violent emotions, wanting to destroy everything around him.

...

"This is—"

Outside, Ling Ling was eating when she suddenly sensed a violent aura. Her face changed, and she stood up abruptly. In a flash, she disappeared from her spot.

Zhang Xiaohai, who was nearby, was stunned. He had no idea that Ling Ling knew martial arts.

Ling Ling burst into the room and saw Gu Yang sitting on the bed, feeling the astonishing heat emanating from him. She couldn't help but draw a sharp breath.

He had actually broken through to the Fourth Rank!

How was this possible?

Her mind was reeling.

According to her original judgment, with his talent, it would take at least ten years to break through to the Fourth Rank.

The sudden surge in his strength the other night had already shocked her, and now he had broken through to the Fourth Rank.

How did he do it?

"Trouble!"

Ling Ling quickly realized something was wrong. Gu Yang's cultivation had advanced too quickly, and his true qi had turned into the violent Red Sun True Qi, showing signs of losing control.

The Red Sun Technique was an evil cultivation method. After reaching the Fourth Rank, there was a risk of going astray. If it went out of control, he would be burned to death by the violent true qi.

Without hesitation, she turned and left.

At this moment, only one person could save him.

Su Qingzhi!

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