Chapter 72

At the age of twenty-two, you achieved the strength of the Third Rank and climbed to the seventh place on the Qianlong List. In Pingjun City, you defeated three Second Rank experts with a single strike, spreading your name across the land and earning you the title of the First of the Third Rank.

After entrusting Su Qingzhi and Xu Ruomei to Ling Ling, you left alone and went to live in seclusion by the sea at the southernmost point of the Great Zhou, hiding your identity and name, and diligently practicing your martial arts.

Three years later, a group of people burst into your home, attacking you without a word. You killed several of them, shocking them, and then left.

After that, people kept coming to hunt you down. It turned out that the mountain where you were in seclusion had a cultivation technique left by a powerful expert. Now that the treasure was gone, they suspected that you had inherited it.

A month later, a First Rank expert came after you. Knowing you couldn't escape, you used your ultimate move and died, at the age of twenty-five.

Gu Yang once again felt the deep malice from the will of the world.

He had chosen a random place to live in seclusion, and it turned out to be where a powerful expert had left a legacy.

For that legacy, even a First Rank expert had taken action.

It seemed that this path was indeed unfeasible. Even if he reached the Third Rank now, with strength comparable to a Second Rank, he would still face disaster in a few years.

[Simulation ended. You can retain one of the following.]

[1. Martial realm at the age of twenty-five.]

[2. Martial experience at the age of twenty-five.]

[3. Life wisdom at the age of twenty-five.]

Gu Yang naturally chose the first one. His "Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens" could only be advanced through such accumulation.

Three years of hard practice had only slightly increased his strength.

It had to be said that his progress in cultivation was much slower without Su Qingzhi by his side.

He also realized the preciousness of the Ice Skin and Jade Bones.

"It seems I need to change my approach."

Gu Yang thought for a moment and decided to find a patron.

The Tianxin Martial Hall was no longer an option, but there were still many forces in the Great Zhou.

"Tomorrow, I'll ask Xu Ruomei for more information and then make a decision."

Gu Yang thought to himself.

Each simulation opportunity was precious and couldn't be used for trial and error. He needed to first figure out which force was more reliable.

...

In the middle of the night, Gu Yang let Zhang Xiaohai go to sleep and took over the night watch.

The night passed without incident. When the sky began to lighten, Xu Ruomei woke up.

Gu Yang asked directly, "If I want to join a force, which one do you think is more reliable?"

Xu Ruomei thought for a moment and said, "The Great Zhou Imperial Court."

This answer was somewhat unexpected for Gu Yang, who asked, "Why?"

"The strongest forces in the world, besides the four most mysterious holy lands, are the six major sects, the nine great families, and the Great Zhou Imperial Court."

"The six major sects generally don't accept disciples who start late. Even if they do, they won't treat you as one of their own. As for the nine great families, joining them would ruin your future. The only place that can accept you is the Great Zhou Imperial Court."

"Don't underestimate the Great Zhou. Besides the four mysterious holy lands, the strongest force in the world is the Great Zhou Imperial Court. Eighteen years ago, there was a powerful Wu family in the world, but they were eradicated by the imperial court in one night. Since then, the ten great families have become nine."

Gu Yang was moved by this. Indeed, the Great Zhou Imperial Court was the master of the country, capable of suppressing all the major and minor forces within the country. Its strength must be greater than any other.

This could be a backup plan.

But it could only be a backup. He had already experienced the cold-heartedness of these officials, who could easily betray their subordinates. They were no better than the people from the great families.

He asked, "Who in the Great Zhou Imperial Court is worth serving?"

Xu Ruomei shook her head. "The factions within the Great Zhou Imperial Court are complex, and my knowledge is limited. If I had to name the most famous, there are three: Prince Luo, Duke Zhen, and King Jinghai."

Gu Yang noted these three names, planning to try to contact them in the future.

Next, he asked Xu Ruomei about the six major sects and the nine great families, gaining a basic understanding of the major forces in the Great Zhou.

After breakfast, the five of them continued their journey.

Gu Yang deliberately avoided Yuzhou and headed south toward Wanzhou.

They took desolate, uninhabited paths, but they had Zhang Xiaohai and Zhixing, who were not yet at the rank, and Xu Ruomei, who had lost her cultivation. They left many traces along the way, making it easy for skilled trackers to follow them.

Unconsciously, another day passed.

After nightfall, Gu Yang sat by the fire and continued his simulation.

[... You brought Su Qingzhi to seek refuge at the Prince Luo's mansion, but were rejected.]

[You then went to the capital, hoping to join Duke Zhen's household, but Duke Zhen's heir took a fancy to Su Qingzhi. You were framed and pursued by the guards of Duke Zhen's mansion. You and Su Qingzhi narrowly escaped the capital after a series of dangers.]

[On your way to Dongzhou, you were caught by a First Rank expert from the Lin family and died in battle at the age of twenty-three.]

Gu Yang looked at the outcome of this simulation and wasn't too disappointed. He had been mentally prepared.

Without connections, it wasn't easy to seek refuge with these powerful figures.

Especially not with Su Qingzhi by his side. Beauty often brings trouble, and the more beautiful the woman, the more trouble she brings.

It seemed that seeking refuge with King Jinghai would likely end the same way.

[Simulation ended. You can retain one of the following.]

[1. Martial realm at the age of twenty-three.]

[2. Martial experience at the age of twenty-three.]

[3. Life wisdom at the age of twenty-three.]

Gu Yang chose the first one.

Even a small gain is still a gain.

Then, he started a new simulation, this time choosing Plan B.

[... You left Pingjun City with Su Qingzhi and Xu Ruomei. Half a month later, a First Rank expert caught up with you. At a critical moment, Chu Xiyue arrived, acting aggressively and forcing the First Rank expert to retreat temporarily.]

[Afterward, Chu Xiyue challenged you. You accepted and used all your strength, winning one move after fifty. You agreed to fight again in a month.]

[From then on, Chu Xiyue followed you. On the journey, the two of you discussed martial arts and verified each other's techniques. Gradually, you developed feelings for each other.]

[A month later, you fought again. After eighty moves, Chu Xiyue used a desperate sword technique. Unwilling to hurt her, you were severely injured by her sword.]

[After that, Chu Xiyue stayed by your side day and night, helping you recover. From then on, you spent your days together, under the flowers and the moon...]