Elder

Biodata

Background / History

Elder Gu is the Grand Elder of the declining Washing Yan Ancient Sect. Though the sect retains the heritage of an Immortal Emperor lineage, he acknowledges that it no longer has the standing to negotiate as an equal with the Nine Sacred Demon Gate. He is described as strict, influential within the sect, and responsible for its law-enforcement teams. 4 25

He was the personal disciple of the previous sect master and, by seniority, has the strongest conventional claim to succeed as sect master. Despite this position, he has never openly competed for the post. Most of the other elders nominally support him, while Second Elder Cao Xiong openly seeks the position. 43

Personality

Elder Gu initially regards Li Qiye as an unqualified mortal whose appointment as chief disciple threatens the sect's reputation. He is cold and reluctant when dealing with Li Qiye, but follows the ancestral obligation attached to the Washing Yan Ancient Token. 1 3

Pragmatic and deeply concerned for the sect's survival, he eventually reassesses Li Qiye after the Nine Sacred Demon Gate's treatment of him. He does not claim to understand Li Qiye, but chooses to place his hopes on him as a possible means to preserve the Washing Yan Ancient Sect against the Holy Heaven Sect. 39 43 44

Authority and Influence

Grand Elder Authority

Elder Gu holds substantial institutional power within the Washing Yan Ancient Sect.

• Controls the sect's law-enforcement teams and is feared by many disciples for his strictness. 25
• Receives Li Qiye privately to discuss threats facing the sect and his role within it. 43
• Has authority to make or support decisions on rewards, cultivation access, and Li Qiye's appointment as a Dao Instructor. 5 25 44

Political Judgment

• Recognizes the Holy Heaven Sect as a greater external danger than the sect's internal disputes. 43
• Seeks an alliance through Li Qiye's proposed marriage to Li Shuangyan, despite fearing that relying on the Nine Sacred Demon Gate may create another threat. 44
• Reveals that Dong Shenglong is a king and marquis enfeoffed by the Holy Heaven Sect, making his influence within the Washing Yan Ancient Sect dangerous. 44

Story Role / Major Arcs

Li Qiye's Appointment

When Li Qiye arrives carrying Third Ghost Lord's Washing Yan Ancient Token, Elder Gu initially orders that the mortal be expelled. He changes course upon learning of the token, convenes the other elders, and verifies that Third Ghost Lord gave it willingly. 1 2

Despite Li Qiye's Mortal Physique, Mortal Life Wheel, and Mortal Fate Palace, Elder Gu ultimately announces that Li Qiye will become chief disciple after the ancestor-worship ceremony. He remains openly dissatisfied with the decision. 2 3

Nine Sacred Demon Gate Assessment

Elder Gu reluctantly accepts the Nine Sacred Demon Gate's demand to assess Li Qiye, admitting that the Washing Yan Ancient Sect lacks the power to refuse. 4

After Li Qiye returns having passed the assessment, Elder Gu questions how a disciple who has not entered Dao cultivation could defeat Xu Hui. He remains skeptical of Li Qiye's explanation but grants the promised rewards, including access to cultivation methods and a weapon choice. 24 25

Attempt to Preserve the Sect

Elder Gu privately explains that he wants Li Qiye to become a Dao Instructor, gain standing in the sect, and become a more suitable match for Li Shuangyan. He proposes the marriage alliance as a way to secure Nine Sacred Demon Gate support. 44

He confesses that his own ability is insufficient to reverse the sect's decline and hopes Li Qiye can at least preserve the sect through his connection to the Nine Sacred Demon Gate. 44

Relationships

• Li Qiye — Initially distrustful of his token-based appointment and suspicious that he may be a Nine Sacred Demon Gate spy; later places his hopes on Li Qiye to protect the sect. 1 25 43 44
• Cao Xiong — Second Elder and political rival for influence; Elder Gu considers Cao Xiong's alliance with Dong Shenglong a threat to the sect. 43 44
• Su Yonghuang — Current sect master; Elder Gu was entrusted with Su Yonghuang when the previous sect master and Supreme Elder designated Su Yonghuang to lead the sect. 45
• Li Shuangyan — Regards Li Qiye's potential marriage to the Nine Sacred Demon Gate princess as a crucial alliance for the sect's survival. 44
• Dong Shenglong — An honored guest tied to the Holy Heaven Sect; Elder Gu wants Li Qiye to use Yu He's influence against him. 44