Gal Martial Saint

Gu Chengming had actually already made up his mind.

But just then, another sect technique voiced its opinion.

[Hundred Bones Ming is ecstatic!]

[Hundred Bones Ming thinks: A body-refining sect? Going there means no shortage of body-refining resources, and this Hua Daiyi is also a high-level cultivator, worthy of being called a senior.]

[It urgently hopes you accept this opportunity!]

Gu Chengming: "..."

Seeing Gu Chengming still hesitating, Hua Daiyi thought the offer wasn't enough and added more fuel to the fire.

"If you agree, I can teach you the top-tier Body Refining Technique within Hunyuan Gate right now."

"That's far stronger than the nameless body-refining technique you're currently practicing. Your technique has some merit, but in the end, it's an unorthodox path, unfit for the grand stage."

At these words, Hundred Bones Ming, which had been frantically urging Gu Chengming to accept, instantly exploded.

[Hearing this, Hundred Bones Ming is struck as if by lightning. After a long moment of realization, it is furious.]

[Not only does it insult its low cultivation level, but it also tries to seize its opportunity, steal its treasure?!]

[This is utter humiliation, truly detestable! This old dog has earned the path to death!]

[Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—don't bully a technique for being poor! When it cultivates to greatness, it will surely slay this beast!]

[It urgently hopes you refuse this person! And it begins frantically promoting its own strengths!]

The Divine Person Hundred Bones Ming.

Ignoring the reaction of this divine technique, Gu Chengming had long since made his decision.

He cupped his hands and politely declined.

"I am honored by your esteemed regard, senior, and feel deeply flattered."

"But..."

"As a disciple of the Wenjian Sect, though my talent is dull, I dare not forget my roots. The sect has treated me well, and my masters have shown me the grace of teaching."

"Moreover, while the technique I practice is not top-tier, it suits me best. As they say, one cherishes even a worn-out broom. For now, I have no intention of switching allegiances."

"So... I can only disappoint your kind intentions."

PS: This chapter is 3,500 words. Together with the last chapter, that's 6,000 words total—three updates done.

As usual, extra updates for recommendation votes—!

Chapter 27: Chapter Twenty-Six: The So-Called Fitness Starts with a Fit Mind (Three-in-One)

Hua Daiyi clearly hadn't expected Gu Chengming to refuse so bluntly.

He froze for a moment, the wine gourd he'd just raised forgotten at his lips.

After all, this was a spot as a personal disciple of a Hunyuan Sect Elder, plus top-tier techniques and a sea of resources.

Anyone else would have been calling him "Master" by now.

But this kid actually said things like "cherishing a worn-out broom" and "daring not to forget his roots"?

At the same time, a system notification chimed in Gu Chengming's mind.

[Clear Heart Art Favorability +5]

[Current Favorability: 35/Friendly]

[It believes you understand propriety, know when to advance and retreat, and are not swayed by external gains. This is the protagonist material it envisions... ah no, the qualified host it wants.]

[Hundred Bones Ming Favorability +3]

[Current Favorability: 28/Stranger]

[Hundred Bones Ming breathes a sigh of relief, even a little touched.]

[It thinks: As expected of its Golden Finger! When it counts, it's still on its side!]

Though rejected, Hua Daiyi clearly hadn't given up.

Letting go of such a talented and principled seedling would haunt him for years.

"Kid, don't be so quick to shut the door."

Hua Daiyi chuckled, a sly glint flashing in his murky old eyes.

"I know what you're worried about. You're afraid that going to Hunyuan Sect would bury your swordsmanship talent, right?"

"But everything I said was true. Though I'm in Hunyuan Sect, my swordsmanship is no worse than those old fossils in Wenjian Sect. And I disdain underhanded tricks—if I'm taking you in, I'll give you the best."

With that, he pointed a finger into the void.

"The Hunyuan Sect's foundational technique is bound by sect rules, not to be passed to outsiders. But this sword art is my own creation, belonging to no sect. I'll teach it to you today."

"Watch closely!"

Before his words faded, a streak of Flowing Light shot from his fingertip and vanished into Gu Chengming's brow.

Gu Chengming felt a loud bang in his mind as a flood of information surged in.

A cultivation method named the Hidden Immortal Wine Sword Art was clearly imprinted within his Sea of Consciousness.

This sword art...

Gu Chengming only gave it a rough glance, and his heart trembled.

This method was no mortal sword technique; it used wine as a medium, holding the universe within a gourd, and the sword as a brush, writing carefree verses across heaven and earth—a remnant legacy of an ancient wandering immortal, fully capturing the transcendent essence of "drunken eyes see the true realm, a gourd holds endless days."

It was clearly a high-level sword art.

Before he could recover from the shock of the sword art, Hua Daiyi casually tossed him a token.

The token was pitch-black, made of some unknown material, with only a single vigorous character "Hua" carved into it, exuding an ancient and profound aura.

"Take this sword art and practice it. Once you master it, you'll naturally understand its wonders."

Hua Daiyi waved his hand, speaking with an air of indifference:

"As for this token, keep it too. If you ever get tired of the Wenjian Sect, or regret your decision, you can come find me with it anytime."

Gu Chengming looked at the token in his hand, feeling it burn in his palm.

This old man... he was forcing a sale!

He quickly cupped his hands, intending to decline:

"Senior, this... I haven't earned such a gift, this junior truly..."

"Where are all these rules coming from!"

Hua Daiyi cut him off impatiently, glaring with wide eyes:

"Old Man gives what he wants, and you learn what you want! Stop being so wishy-washy like a woman!"

"I'm off!"

With that, he didn't wait for Gu Chengming to say another word. His form flickered, and he vanished into a blur, disappearing from the spot in an instant.

Only a faint trace of wine lingered in the air, proof that what had just happened was no illusion.

After leaving the small courtyard, Hua Daiyi hummed a little tune, his mood seemingly unspoiled by the rejection.

To be honest, though Hua Daiyi was a bit surprised, he had already prepared himself for the possibility that the other party might refuse.

After all, from his earlier observations, he knew this kid was someone who understood gratitude and repayment. It was only natural that a few casual words wouldn't sway him.

But that didn't mean he was giving up.

In the world of immortal cultivation, exchanges of favors were never as simple as a single give-and-take.

This kid had accepted his sword art. Once he started cultivating it, the Karma would be tied.

The Hidden Immortal Wine Sword Art was his proud creation. As long as Gu Chengming practiced it, he would naturally carry the imprint of Hua Daiyi's lineage.

By then, he'd count as half a Disciple.

This was an open scheme.

Open and Aboveboard, yet impossible to refuse.

"Hehe, Kid, we have plenty of time ahead."

Hua Daiyi thought to himself, raising his Wine Gourd for another swig.

But just then.

His body suddenly froze, and the relaxed, carefree expression on his face instantly solidified.

The Wine Gourd hung at his lips, but the liquid inside seemed frozen, not a single drop spilling out.

The air around him grew thick and sticky. The wind stopped. The chirping of insects ceased.

The newcomer was none other than Ren Wencai.

This Great Elder of Huiyuan Gate stood in midair with his hands behind his back.

He had witnessed the entire scene—from Hua Daiyi's appearance, to being rejected by Gu Chengming, to this old man shamelessly forcing his cultivation method and token on the kid...

Ren Wencai was furious inside.

Good for you, you Wine Old Man. You usually put on a decent front, but I never expected your face to be this thick!

Failing to poach him, you still won't give up, and now you're pulling this "forced sale" act?

Giving away a cultivation method? A token?

The calculation was obvious: you wanted to cook the rice first and then claim the master-disciple title by force!

Absolutely shameless!

Ren Wencai took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to throw a punch. He forced a stiff, fake smile onto his face, looking at the trapped Hua Daiyi, and spoke slowly:

"Daoist Hua, what brings you to grace the Wenjian Sect with your presence?"

Hearing this sarcastic tone, Hua Daiyi felt a chill run down his spine, and cold sweat broke out instantly.

Trouble.

He'd been caught red-handed.

To be honest, if he'd run into Ren Wencai out in some desolate wilderness, he, Hua Daiyi, truly wouldn't have been afraid.

They'd known each other for centuries, understood each other's roots and limits.

If it came to a real fight, the outcome would be fifty-fifty.

But this was the Wenjian Sect, the other's home turf, and since he was the one poaching talent in the first place, being caught in the act now made him a bit uneasy.

Hua Daiyi's eyes were Spinning Wildly as he racked his brain for an excuse to brush things off.

Seeing that he wasn't speaking, Ren Wencai wasn't in a hurry either. He leisurely adjusted his sleeve and said to himself:

"Just now, this Old Man was in seclusion when I suddenly sensed an extremely exquisite ripple of Sword Intent nearby. I wondered which eminent expert had arrived, so I came to take a look."

"Never expected..."

He lifted his eyelids, staring at Hua Daiyi with a half-smile:

"It turns out to be Fellow Daoist Hua."

"What's the matter? Have things been rough for the Hunyuan Sect lately? Has it reached the point of a Talent Drought that requires none other than Elder Hua himself to personally come to another sect and 'seek people'?"

Hua Daiyi's old face flushed red. He gave a couple of awkward chuckles, trying to laugh it off:

"Ahem, Fellow Daoist Ren is joking. This Old Man was just... just passing through, merely passing through. I saw the scenery here was exceptionally fine, felt a momentary itch to practice, and couldn't resist waving my sword a couple of times. I never expected to disturb you, my apologies, my apologies."

"Oh? Passing through?"

Ren Wencai raised an eyebrow, his smile growing even brighter.

"If you're just passing through, then was that copy of the Hidden Immortal Wine Sword Art and the token just now a gift for my sect's Disciple?"

"Fellow Daoist Hua, the cost of your 'passing through' seems a bit too high, doesn't it?"

Hua Daiyi cursed inwardly that things had gone bad.