Pearl Shines Brilliantly, Hundred Treasures Sachet

"Shangli, have the Gu Family's gifts been prepared?"

After settling down at the Wu Family's residence, Wu Ruixing asked Wu Shangli, who stood beside him.

"Elder Rui, everything has been prepared. According to the highest standards." Wu Shangli said with a smile.

The Earth Fire County, where the Wu Family was located, lay within the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family's sphere of influence. Quite a few members of the Wu Family were naturally close to the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family. In major strategic contests, the Wu Family's stance often remained aligned with that of the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family. In terms of factional affiliation, the Wu Family vaguely belonged to the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family's faction.

For this North Azure Grand Meet, Wu Ruixing had naturally come to North Azure intending to pay them a personal visit and show his respect.

Wu Ruixing nodded slightly, stroking his beard as he said, "Shangli, come with me. Lady Gu is expected to become a Grandmaster, and her standing in the Gu Family is extremely high. Since it is our first visit, do not neglect propriety. Bring more people, to show our respect."

Wu Shangli had no objection and smilingly agreed.

"Zicheng, come along as well." Wu Ruixing glanced at Wu Zicheng, who stood in a corner to the side.

Wu Zicheng froze for a moment, then immediately grew excited. He answered in a clear voice, "Yes, Grand Uncle."

Feeling the envious gazes cast his way, Wu Zicheng was thrilled and invigorated.

Among so many juniors, Grand Uncle had chosen him to accompany them. It was obvious that he was being groomed. It seemed his earlier answer had struck Grand Uncle's fancy and satisfied him. Besides, it was also inseparable from his performance in North Azure during this period.

The thought of visiting the Gu Family alongside Grand Uncle made Wu Zicheng increasingly excited.

Given Grand Uncle's stature, if he paid a personal visit, there was an extremely high chance that they would meet Finger Twining Softness Gu Hongxiu. And by following at his elder's side, he would also have an extremely high chance of making Finger Twining Softness Gu Hongxiu remember him.

With such a first impression in place, if he then performed outstandingly in the North Azure Grand Competition and achieved a good ranking, he would surely leave a deep impression on Finger Twining Softness Gu Hongxiu. In that case—

When he sought to secure the matters that followed, it would undoubtedly be like a canal opening and the water flowing through!

As for whether things would work out with the Gu Family's Little Pearl, that would depend on his own fate.

Although Wu Zicheng was extremely confident in himself, the Gu Family's Little Pearl was a treasured daughter of a great family, showered with affection and precious beyond measure. He did not have any absolute confidence of victory.

Still, matters depended on human effort. The path of martial arts had always been a struggle against heaven for one's fate. The path of human affairs was naturally the same!

Filled with fervor, Wu Zicheng followed his elders onto the carriage and headed for the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family's residence.

Unlike the Wu Family, the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family possessed formidable power, and its residence stood in North Azure's prosperous district.

"Zicheng, Lady Gu is meticulous by nature and demands extremely high standards in details. Do not neglect propriety! Also, Lady Gu most dislikes impetuous and frivolous people. If you need to respond to anything, be sure to watch your words and actions. Do not make any mistakes."

Inside the carriage, Wu Ruixing reminded Wu Zicheng of the matters requiring attention.

Though his Wu Family was not bad, before the Thunderclap Valley Gu Family, it was utterly dwarfed. If they offended Lady Gu during this visit, harm befalling an individual would be a small matter; bringing disaster upon the family would be grave indeed!

Therefore, every single matter had to be handled to the utmost perfection.

"Yes, Grand Uncle. Zicheng understands. I will engrave Grand Uncle's teachings in my heart and ponder them over and over."

Wu Zicheng lowered his head and carefully committed every one of Wu Ruixing's reminders to memory.

Finger Twining Softness Gu Hongxiu was not only the Gu Family's representative of interests in North Azure, but also an expert on the Dragon and Tiger Rankings. She was a true existence at the pinnacle of Profound Light. Meeting such a figure, he needed no one else to remind him—he had already tensed himself completely. Before matters were settled and the dust had fallen, he did not dare relax for even a moment.

Buzz—

The Spiritual Light between Chen Ping'an's brows shifted from bright to dim, drawing in its spirituality and concealing it deep within. The surging, churning true essence constantly circulating through his body gradually calmed as well.

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Jade Balance Middle Stage - Spirit Fruit Seedling

Martial Arts: Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art, Lesser Accomplishment (1013/1280); Soaring Dragon Movement Technique, Great Accomplishment (0/1600); Indestructible Vajra Divine Skill, Perfection; Dragon Elephant Overlord Body Art, Perfection; Three Points of Human Tribulation Finger, Perfection; Soul Severing Saber, Perfection

"1,013 points!" Chen Ping'an's eyes flickered as he looked at the Golden Finger Panel floating before him.

Cultivating this Supreme Divine Skill was truly incomparably difficult. Even with daily painstaking practice, the Cultivation Experience he accumulated each day was less than half of what he gained from cultivating a top-tier divine skill. And that was after his realm had improved.

"I hope this situation will improve once I reach Jade Balance Middle Stage Perfection. Otherwise, if I want to cultivate the Ten Thousand Demons Body Forging Art to Perfection later on, it may take nearly half a year!" Chen Ping'an sighed.

Compared to his previous headlong advances, his current cultivation speed had undoubtedly slowed.

But cultivation could not be rushed. Compared with those Top Grandmasters who spent decades or even centuries in bitter cultivation without yet comprehending a single Supreme Divine Skill, he needed only another half year to cultivate it to Perfection. Such progress could undoubtedly be described as godspeed.

Most crucially—

Certainty!

Every effort, every drop of heart's blood, could be reflected in real time. This immediate feedback and the satisfaction of reaping results made one's heart surge and spirit soar.

Cultivators in this world shut themselves away in bitter training, yet did not know what lay ahead. While cultivating arduously, they did not know whether they were sitting right or sitting wrong, whether they were progressing or merely marking time.

The feeling of having no feedback, no gains, and no deadline was truly agonizing.

Whether heaven-blessed geniuses or mediocre folk, all would encounter bottlenecks. At such times, they would ponder and try again and again, only to see not the slightest change. As days dragged on, despair would take root in their hearts, and some would even abandon themselves to ruin.

At the later stages of cultivation, apart from talent and aptitude, perseverance and temperament were equally crucial.

When some Great Families and prestigious sects selected promising seeds, aside from talent and aptitude, temperament and perseverance were likewise within the scope of their assessment.

Without perseverance and temperament, no matter how exceptional one's aptitude, one would ultimately be unable to walk far down the path of martial arts.

Chen Ping'an closed his eyes and focused his mind, quietly pondering.

On the path of cultivation, guard against arrogance and impatience. See one's true nature with a clear heart; seek within oneself!

Just as Chen Ping'an was pondering and regulating his breath, a voice sounded outside the door.

"My lord, Lady Gu of the Gu Family requests an audience."

Gu Hongxiu?

Chen Ping'an slowly opened his eyes, his expression as still as an ancient well.

Huang Jingyao stood respectfully outside the door. Having heard no response from his lord, he did not dare urge him and simply stood there quietly.

A moment later, Chen Ping'an's voice sounded from within the office. "Let her in."

"Yes, my lord." Huang Jingyao answered deferentially, then immediately turned and left.

In a side hall outside the office, Gu Hongxiu sat gracefully and with dignified elegance in a large chair, dressed in a flowing red gown. Beside her sat a bright-eyed, pearly-toothed girl.

"Lady Gu, my lord has agreed to receive you. Please follow me inside." Huang Jingyao entered from the side and said to Gu Hongxiu with a smile.

"My thanks for the trouble, Chief Huang." Gu Hongxiu smiled faintly as she spoke softly. She then rose to her feet and elegantly adjusted her skirts.

"Lady Gu, this way." Huang Jingyao extended a hand toward the door and welcomed her with a smile.

Gu Hongxiu's attitude was something he would not even have dared dream of half a year ago.

Who was Gu Hongxiu!? A supreme expert on the Dragon and Tiger Rankings—Finger Twining Softness Gu Hongxiu! She ranked even higher than Vajra Subduing Demon Chain Xue Kunsheng. Before an existence of this kind, let alone a minor chief like him, even Xue Kunsheng himself might not receive soft words and smiling pleasantries.

But now...

Huang Jingyao looked at the beautiful woman in red before him, her face bright with smiles, and his mind was utterly clear.

He knew exactly who had brought about all this.

Without the Town Guardian, how could there be such a situation today!? For Finger Twining Softness of the Dragon and Tiger Rankings not to bark orders at him was already the greatest respect she could give him.

Standing here, he did not represent himself, but his lord. At this very moment, facing Gu Hongxiu, Huang Jingyao only felt utterly confident—neither servile nor overbearing.

"Yu'er." Gu Hongxiu softly called to the girl beside her.

The girl raised her head at the sound, her lively eyes glinting with excitement and curiosity.

Led by Huang Jingyao, the two soon arrived outside Chen Ping'an's office. Along the way, the girl had shown a bit of curiosity toward her surroundings. Yet mindful of her aunt's reminders, she ultimately did not let it show.

"My lord, Lady Gu and Miss Gu have arrived."

Standing outside the door, Huang Jingyao respectfully announced in a low voice.

"Come in." A young yet authoritative voice came from inside.

"Yes, my lord." Huang Jingyao replied. He gently opened the office doors, then saluted Gu Hongxiu with an outstretched hand. "Lady Gu."

Gu Hongxiu gave a slight nod, gathered her skirts, and stepped into Chen Ping'an's office. The girl beside her followed closely behind.

"This humble woman, Gu Hongxiu, together with my niece Gu Jinyu, greets the Town Guardian. May Your Lordship live for a thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years!" Gu Hongxiu lightly gathered her skirts and curtsied, every movement a picture of grace.

The girl in skirts beside her followed suit, gathering her robes and bowing. Her voice was sweet and clear, like an oriole singing among the trees.

"This common girl, Gu Jinyu, greets the Town Guardian. May Your Lordship enjoy health, longevity, and blessings that endure through ten thousand generations!"

Chen Ping'an sat upright in his large chair without moving, quietly accepting their salute.

"Lady Gu, what brings you to see me this time!?" Chen Ping'an looked at the two of them and asked blandly, his tone neither warm nor cold.

"In reply to Your Lordship, the North Azure Grand Meet is truly a great undertaking that benefits all the people, the heartfelt desire of North Azure. Your Lordship has planned and labored for this matter, exhausting your every thought and working day and night. My Gu Family deeply feels Your Lordship's benevolence and has specially prepared a modest gift to express our sincerity." Gu Hongxiu dipped into a slight bow, lowering her posture to the utmost. Compared to the respect she had shown upon their first meeting in the past, she was now even more candid.

As she spoke, Gu Hongxiu glanced at the girl beside her.

The girl hurriedly took an exquisite and elegant sachet from her robes and presented it before Chen Ping'an.

"Town Guardian, this is a Hundred Treasures Sachet specially made by my Gu Family. It is exceedingly rare on the market and scarcely circulated."

With clear eyes and a slight tremble in her heart, the girl looked at the exceptionally handsome man before her and spoke softly.

Though he was clearly only a few years older than she was, standing before him felt as though she were facing the most imposing elder of her clan.

"A Hundred Treasures Sachet?" Chen Ping'an glanced at the girl.

"In reply to the Town Guardian, the Hundred Treasures Sachet contains many thousand-year treasure medicines. Worn regularly, it can not only awaken one's spiritual nature and benefit cultivation, but also detoxify poison and ward off evil."

The girl's heart trembled, but she maintained her composure as she replied.

That single glance just now had made her feel as though she had been stripped bare before him. Everything inside and out had nowhere to hide from his eyes, laid completely open.

Gu Jinyu possessed a treasure that concealed her cultivation, but it was utterly useless before him. With only one glance, he had seen through her cultivation realm.

Inner Energy Second Level, perfected!

Gu Jinyu was several years younger than he was. To attain such a cultivation realm at her age—if she continued to grow, she would be fully qualified to contend for the top ten of the New Talent Rankings, perhaps even the top five.

With Gu Jinyu's talent, she could be considered a prodigy of one side!

The Gu Family's Little Pearl truly lived up to her name.

Chen Ping'an glanced at the girl, then withdrew his gaze.

Today, his standing was entirely different. Faced with a prodigy of this kind of potential, he could pay some attention to her, but to say that he took her to heart was simply impossible.

Watching the two converse, Gu Hongxiu's smile deepened. "It is merely a modest gift. I ask that Your Lordship kindly accept it."

"Lady Gu is indeed thoughtful."

Chen Ping'an gave Gu Hongxiu a deep look. Gu Hongxiu smiled brightly, her expression gentle.

"I ask that Your Lordship kindly accept it."

Gu Hongxiu was offering the gift sincerely, and Chen Ping'an naturally had no reason to refuse.

Gu Jinyu held the Hundred Treasures Sachet in her hands, the gold-thread-embroidered hem of her dress swaying gently with her steps.

"Town Guardian."

Gu Jinyu walked up before Chen Ping'an and gently presented the Hundred Treasures Sachet.

As the girl drew close, a delicate fragrance wafted over.

Seated in his large chair, Chen Ping'an reached out and accepted it.

Just as Chen Ping'an was about to touch the Hundred Treasures Sachet, Gu Jinyu's slender, jade-white hand shifted ever so slightly. A warm, soft, slippery sensation arose at once.

Chen Ping'an paused, giving Gu Jinyu a meaningful glance.

Buzz~

The mystic light between his brows trembled, and the Hundred Treasures Sachet flew from Gu Jinyu's hand into Chen Ping'an's.

Gu Jinyu looked flustered. Her clear, bright eyes darted quickly toward Chen Ping'an, then she shyly lowered them. Her lashes quivered as she bowed her head, not daring to look at him again.

"Lady Gu, if there is nothing else, let us leave matters here for today." Chen Ping'an put away the Hundred Treasures Sachet and spoke indifferently to Gu Hongxiu.

Gu Hongxiu hesitated, unable to quite discern Chen Ping'an's meaning.

"My lord attends to countless affairs every day, so I shall not disturb you further. I take my leave." Gu Hongxiu gave a graceful bow and said with a smile.

Gu Jinyu likewise made an elegant bow and took her leave in a clear voice.

Chen Ping'an waved a hand without speaking.

As he watched the two women disappear through the office doorway, Chen Ping'an's gaze flickered.

"This Gu Family has made quite the calculation!"

Gu Hongxiu's little schemes had not been hidden deeply at all. He saw through them at a glance.

It could be called an overt scheme—nothing more than whether he was willing to accept it.

The Grand Duke cast his line; those willing took the bait!

A trace of amusement appeared on Chen Ping'an's face.

The Hundred Treasures Sachet sent by the Gu Family was exceedingly valuable, even more precious than an ordinary Exquisite Treasure Weapon.

"Not bad. I can give it to Wan Jun later." Chen Ping'an pondered for a moment, a smile appearing on his face.

It enhanced spirituality, aided cultivation, detoxified poison, and warded off evil.

To ordinary Cultivators, its many effects made it an excellent treasure for protecting one's path. To him, however, it was rather tasteless.

With his current abilities, he had long become immune to all poisons. Even certain high-grade strange poisons would find it difficult to affect him unless they reached a sufficient dose. Only those exceedingly rare heaven-and-earth poisons could threaten him.

But before such poisons, this Hundred Treasures Sachet would be nothing more than an ornament, utterly useless.

After Gu Hongxiu and Gu Jinyu left the gates of the North Azure Town Pacification Office, they boarded a luxurious carriage filled with Colorful Floss Floating and Colorful Silk Fluttering. At a loud shout from the accompanying guards, the carriage slowly began to move, leaving the North Azure Town Pacification Office.

"Yu'er, what do you think?" Inside the carriage, Gu Hongxiu gently gathered her skirts and sat upright upon a soft cushion.

Gu Jinyu sat opposite Gu Hongxiu, the gold-thread-embroidered hem of her dress trailing across the floor. The girl's features were exquisitely lovely, her complexion rosy and dewy. Clearly, she had specially dressed up for today.

Though Gu Hongxiu had not stated it outright, Gu Jinyu understood perfectly well. She had already known the purpose of this trip inside and out.

"Yu'er has no objections." Gu Jinyu's pretty face flushed faintly, fresh and radiant.

Seeing Gu Jinyu's expression, Gu Hongxiu smiled happily. "Yu'er, today was merely your first meeting. Leaving Lord Chen with an impression was enough. Since you are willing, the family will begin moving forward with the subsequent arrangements."

"I shall follow Aunt's arrangements." Gu Jinyu lowered her fair head, not daring to meet Gu Hongxiu's gaze.

Peerless among her generation, astonishingly gifted, high in rank and great in power, handsome and elegant, heroic and extraordinary.

Possessing even one of these qualities would make for an excellent match, let alone Lord Chen, a heaven-sent genius who possessed them all.

For such an upright, heroic man, even if she could not be his Principal Wife, she was willing.