Waves Settle (1)

Perhaps because the invisible pressure of being alone with Yu Xiao True Person had been too intense, the moment Gu Jingzhao stepped back into his residence, Xu Yuan immediately transformed into a faint glimmer and hurriedly burrowed into the talisman hanging at his chest, clearly unwilling to expose himself before Yu Xiao True Person for even a moment longer.

"You're back." Seeing the two return, Yu Xiao True Person spoke casually.

"Mm." Gu Jingzhao answered.

Yu Xiao True Person lifted his eyes to look at him and asked, "How did it feel?"

Gu Jingzhao lowered his gaze and considered it, his tone sincere but without much emotion. "The scenery of Spirit Sword Peak is excellent, and Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters train diligently as well. Seeing them practice from before the morning dew had dispersed until the sun rose high made me feel that I've truly been rather slack."

He was telling the truth, yet he neither deliberately praised them nor showed any excitement. He merely seemed to be recounting an ordinary experience.

Listening, Yu Xiao True Person's lips curved into a faint smile. He followed up, "Since you think it's good, would you like to stay?"

Gu Jingzhao raised his eyes and asked evenly, "May I?"

"You may. But you won't be an exception. Your provisions will be the same as those of the other inner sect disciples, with no additional preferential treatment."

"Thank you, Elder," Gu Jingzhao said.

Yu Xiao True Person was not surprised by his easygoing manner and added, "There's no rush regarding taking a master. For now, you can visit the other peaks as well and learn more about them. It won't be too late to decide after you've thought it through."

"Yes, Elder." Gu Jingzhao agreed. He rose to leave, but just as he