He walked slowly along moss-speckled stone steps, with ancient trees towering on either side, their lush green seeming ready to flow, spiritual energy swirling through the air.
In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, he arrived at the Founder Ancestral Hall on the Back Mountain.
Vermilion walls and emerald tiles lay half-hidden among ancient pines and cypresses. Feng Ling beneath the eaves chimed softly in the wind, producing crisp, pleasing notes.
Just as Gu Hui had expected, the white-haired old man was still sweeping the ground at the entrance to the Founder Ancestral Hall.
As the broom rose and fell, spiritual energy circulated around him, subtly corresponding to the cycles of the stars. Every movement contained supreme Dao essence. What appeared to be an ordinary sweeping motion actually held the profound principles of heaven and earth.
Seeing this, Gu Hui could not help but feel warmth in his heart.
Yet with the keen perception he had gained upon reaching the Taiqing Realm,
he clearly sensed a faint, almost imperceptible restlessness within Wan Jianyi's aura.
Hearing footsteps behind him, Wan Jianyi's broom came to an immediate halt.
When he turned and looked closely, he saw clear energy swirling around Gu Hui, his bearing as deep and unfathomable as the sea.
Even with his Sixth Layer of Shangqing cultivation, he could no longer discern Gu Hui's true depth. A flash of delight passed through his eyes, though Gu Hui had already noticed it.
"I broke through."
Gu Hui spoke softly, his tone calm and unruffled.
Wan Jianyi nodded deeply upon hearing this.
Even at the Peak Shangqing, he could no longer sense the depth of his senior brother's aura. The answer was obvious.
He could not help sighing inwardly. *Senior Brother truly is a heaven-blessed genius.