Seeing this, Gu Chengming tactfully found an excuse to take his leave.
After bidding farewell to Shen Qianqiu and Guizang Gate Elder Han Che in the main hall on the main peak, Gu Chengming slipped back to Wenjian Sect. The news wasn't widely announced within the sect.
Apart from a few core leaders, ordinary disciples had no idea that this fellow disciple, now famous throughout the outside world, had returned to the mountain.
Gu Chengming was happy to enjoy the peace and quiet. Alone, he followed the familiar Mountain Path to visit a few old acquaintances.
He first went to Internal Affairs Hall and saw Elder Liu Enchuan. This elder had once looked after Gu Chengming in many ways. Seeing him safe and sound, with his cultivation greatly advanced, the elder repeatedly praised him, his words brimming with relief.
Afterward, Gu Chengming made his way to the area near Training Ground and found Jiang Lu instructing the newly admitted disciples.
A few years had passed since they last met. Jiang Lu had grown a little taller, and the youthful awkwardness had faded from his features, replaced by a measure of composure.
The Spiritual Power circulating around him was steady and robust. He had clearly already entered the Second Realm.
To be honest, for an ordinary disciple whose aptitude wasn't top-notch, breaking through to the Second Realm in just a few short years was already a remarkably swift pace of cultivation.
In past Sect Competitions, that would have been an achievement enough to shine brightly and draw the attention of numerous elders.
The moment Jiang Lu saw Gu Chengming, he froze, then broke into a delighted smile.
He hurried over, about to exchange pleasantries and, without making it too obvious, share the good news with the senior brother he had once