Flower-Appreciation Gathering (8)

After suffering setback after setback, Gu Xiaoyue had learned to be smarter. He had specifically asked the gatekeeping disciples about them. Lin Mumu had a pure heart, like an uncut jade untouched by the world, and was easy to approach.

Armed with this information, Gu Xiaoyue carefully dressed himself before walking toward Lin Mumu, who was admiring flowers beside the herb garden.

"Junior Sister Lin." Deliberately keeping a distance of three steps, Gu Xiaoyue took a brocade box from his sleeve and said with a beaming smile, "This is Jade Beauty Paste specially made by Medicine King Valley. It..."

"Thank you for your kindness, Senior Brother Gu." The moment Lin Mumu saw him, displeasure appeared on her face. She instinctively took half a step back and said bluntly, "I have no use for such things."

Lin Mumu was indeed somewhat innocent, but she remembered all the things Shen Yuxi had mentioned in his inner thoughts about Gu Xiaoyue. She had become somewhat wary of him and did not wish to get too close.

Gu Xiaoyue's smile stiffened slightly, but soon returned to normal. "Junior Sister is naturally beautiful and naturally has no need for such external things. Still, this ointment is truly rare. There is no harm in accepting it, Junior Sister. Consider it a small token of my regard."

"No need. I prefer natural beauty. Or could it be—" Tilting her head, Lin Mumu deliberately puffed out her cheeks and pretended to be angry. "Deep down, Senior Brother Gu thinks my looks are unbearable to behold, so you deliberately brought this to humiliate me?"

"How could that be! Junior Sister has misunderstood me..." Gu Xiaoyue hurriedly explained.

"Hmph! It had better not be!" After finding a roundabout way to give Gu Xiaoyue some grief, Lin Mumu turned away and left on her own. The instant she turned around, she secretly stuck out her tongue in high spirits.

She looked furious, and as a man, Gu Xiaoyue could hardly stubbornly pester a young lady. Left with no alternative, he could only abandon this target.

Quadra Kill!

Wen Jian, however, was extremely easy to bait. It was obvious at a glance that he was fascinated by every variety of spiritual plant, medicinal herb, and healing technique in Medicine King Valley. Gu Xiaoyue only needed to make a slight opening and toss out a few related topics, and Wen Jian would drift over without a second thought like a bee drawn to nectar.

He was still young, pure-minded, and had no scheming heart. He was simply the perfect person to draw information from.

Gu Xiaoyue prescribed the right medicine for the ailment and once again arranged a "chance encounter." Then, as if by accident, he spoke of Medicine King Valley's rare spiritual plants and medicinal herbs, or discussed certain unique healing arts. Wen Jian was indeed deeply captivated and soon grew much closer to Gu Xiaoyue.

Gu Xiaoyue was not stingy either, leading Wen Jian to the Scripture Pavilion. It was a busy time, and there was no one else inside. The place was so quiet that only the occasional sound of the youth across from him turning pages could be heard.

Gu Xiaoyue fixed his hawk-like gaze tightly upon the youth opposite him, who had his head lowered as he absorbed knowledge. Pretending to speak casually, he struck precisely the right tone, full of admiration and curiosity. "Junior Brother Wen is so studious that I am ashamed of myself. A great sect like the Profound Heaven Sect must have no shortage of medical classics, surely?"

As he spoke, he tilted his head slightly and revealed a humble smile, attempting to make Wen Jian lower his guard.

Before his words had even faded, the youth's formerly relaxed posture suddenly straightened. A glimmer lit his amber eyes. "Learning has no end. Every sect has its own strengths, and all have something worth learning from."

Before Gu Xiaoyue could delve deeper into the subject, the soft snap of a folding fan opening and closing suddenly sounded beside his ear. By the time he reacted, a folding fan had already struck his shoulder with a smack, making his entire body stiffen in fright.

"Found you, found you. I was wondering how you vanished in the blink of an eye. So you were here having such a delightful conversation with Junior Brother Gu." Lin Huaixu's voice carried its usual lighthearted teasing, sounding especially clear within the quiet Scripture Pavilion.

Gu Xiaoyue stiffly turned his head and met those smiling peach-blossom eyes.

As Lin Huaixu spoke with his head tilted, he suddenly lowered his voice. Warm breath brushed past Gu Xiaoyue's ear. "Though my Ninth Junior Brother is obedient and adorable, you cannot openly abduct him like this, can you? Two lone men together—what a poor influence that would be, wouldn't you say?"

The moment he appeared, he acted extraordinarily familiar, boldly joining their conversation as though they had been old friends who had known each other for years and could speak of anything, without the slightest hint of awkwardness.

"Junior Brother Lin, you jest!" Junior Brother? This brat... Anger surged through Gu Xiaoyue's heart, and his face flushed red as he instinctively took half a step back. A trace of ruthlessness flashed through his eyes, but he concealed it very well.

Yet Lin Huaixu had no intention of letting him off so easily. He stretched out a long arm and hooked it around Gu Xiaoyue's shoulder like an iron pincer, turning them in a circle so that their backs faced Wen Jian. Immediately after, the folding fan in his hand swiftly blocked Gu Xiaoyue's face from the side, forming an invisible barrier that firmly trapped him between his arms.

Before Gu Xiaoyue could question him, Lin Huaixu waggled his brows and deliberately put on a mysterious expression as he whispered, "Tell me honestly, have you taken a fancy to my Junior Brother?"

!!!

Gu Xiaoyue's pupils contracted sharply, his face full of astonishment.

Yet Lin Huaixu acted as though he had not seen Gu Xiaoyue's reaction and continued teasing him. "Don't be shy. If you like him, just say it openly. You could even try pursuing him. Then we would become family upon family—"

Who likes your Junior Brother?! Who the hell wants to become family upon family with you?! Pah! We have never even become family! Has he already taken Yueyao as his sister-in-law? What an arrogant Profound Heaven Sect! Anger surged through Gu Xiaoyue's heart like rising tides, yet he could not vent it. He could only curse silently within.

Lin Huaixu's barbed words wrapped in cotton infuriated Gu Xiaoyue until smoke nearly came out of his seven orifices. Yet everything he said sounded like a joke, leaving Gu Xiaoyue unable to find any fault or make a scene.

In just a few short sentences, Gu Xiaoyue's carefully planned direction for the conversation had been completely led astray, never to be pulled back.

After this exchange, Gu Xiaoyue had not only gained nothing, but had instead inadvertently revealed quite a bit of Medicine King Valley's intelligence under the other party's intentional or unintentional guidance.

Though they were all insignificant trivialities, they were enough to leave him thoroughly annoyed. His painstakingly managed plan had been so easily disrupted, and he had even fallen into the disadvantage. How could he not be enraged?

Penta Kill!!

Gu Xiaoyue left in a fury not long afterward.

"I can hear you." Wen Jian did not even raise his head, his gaze still firmly fixed on the medical book in his hands. He paid no attention whatsoever to Gu Xiaoyue's departing figure and merely spoke those few words flatly.

"Oh dear, oh dear..." Lin Huaixu hurriedly covered half his face with his folding fan, his eyes darting away with obvious guilt.

Wen Jian finally raised his head, his gaze sharp as he looked straight at Lin Huaixu. "Fifth Senior Brother, do you take me for a fool?"

Lin Huaixu blinked, trying to muddle through. "Do I?"

"You just think I would be fooled." Wen Jian hit the nail on the head, his tone carrying obvious displeasure, like a kitten whose tail had been stepped on.

Lin Huaixu hurriedly defended himself, his face piled with ingratiating smiles. "I didn't, I wouldn't, wasn't I just worried about you? Our Little Ninth is so pure and adorable. I was afraid you would be tricked and suffer a loss."

"Hmph, it had better be so." Wen Jian gave a soft snort, barely accepting Lin Huaixu's explanation before returning his attention to the medical book.

The days quietly passed amid such open and hidden struggles and fruitless efforts. The time before the Flower-Appreciation Gathering was, on the surface, spent in relative calm.

At last, the Flower-Appreciation Gathering officially began.

The sky was slightly overcast that day, yet not gloomy. Disciples from the various sects traveled in groups of three or five, or in pairs, proceeding in orderly fashion toward the main venue under the guidance of Medicine King Valley disciples.

The Profound Heaven Sect disciples were still led by Gu Xiaoyue. Before long, an exquisitely crafted stone gate appeared ahead of them.

The stone gate had been carved from a single piece of spirit stone, its patterns fine and its texture warm. Strange runes filled both sides, emitting a faint glow that was soft yet bright, especially eye-catching in the pale morning light.

Gu Xiaoyue slowly stopped beside the stone gate, turned around, and addressed the Profound Heaven Sect disciples with perfectly measured enthusiasm. "Honored guests, beyond this gate lies the main venue for this Flower-Appreciation Gathering. Please enter with me."

After speaking, he stepped slightly aside and made a welcoming gesture.

Everyone followed Gu Xiaoyue through the stone gate. In an instant, the view before them opened wide. An endless sea of flowers abruptly filled their vision, blooms of every color swaying gently in the breeze like magnificent rosy clouds spilling from the horizon into the mortal world, competing in splendor without yielding to one another.

The entire sea of flowers resembled a flowing, brilliant ocean, beautiful enough to seize the soul.

At the sight of such a picturesque scene, Lin Mumu could not help crying out in delighted surprise. "Wow, it's so beautiful!"

Her eyes instantly lit up. The slight dissatisfaction she had felt earlier at seeing Gu Xiaoyue was now like wisps of smoke, blown by the breeze over the flower sea straight beyond the nine heavens.

At the very center of the flower sea stood a high platform rising from the ground. It was built from jade-white stone, its body carved with exquisite floral patterns, the lines smooth and lifelike.

Around the platform stood one exquisite stone table and stool after another. They were equally ingenious in design, their surfaces naturally patterned like rolling clouds, stretching mountains, and flowing rivers, displaying both nature's uncanny craftsmanship and the artisans' superb skill.

By then, quite a few cultivators from other sects were already seated there. Some chatted about heaven and earth, while others raised their cups and laughed. Their cheerful voices echoed through the sea of flowers like crisp musical notes.

Gu Yinchen, the Valley Master of Medicine King Valley, stood beside the seat of honor on the high platform. He wore a plain robe that was simple without lacking elegance, with only an exquisite ornament at his waist lending him a touch of understated luxury.

The smile on his face was somewhat stiff, and his gaze remained as fierce as ever. Perhaps he had completely given up struggling and simply left his eldest disciple, Gu Xiaoyue, to entertain the guests.

True Person Yu Qing sat in the guest seat nearest the seat of honor. His expression was calm, his gaze peaceful, and his demeanor steady and restrained.

In response to the Valley Master's enthusiastic greeting and the eager or polite conversations of the other guests, he occasionally gave a reply. His words were concise yet appropriate, neither servile nor overbearing, perfectly measured.

He displayed neither lofty arrogance that made him difficult to approach, nor excessive warmth and intimacy. He always maintained the solemnity and self-possession expected of the head of a great sect.

Seeing the disciples arrive, he turned his head slightly, swept his gentle gaze over them, and gave a light nod.

After a round of lively greetings, everyone took their seats.

Just then, a young woman slowly stepped out from the crowd. She wore a pale violet gown, its skirt like clouds at the edge of the sky as it swayed gently with her steps. Beautiful and gentle in temperament, she approached Gu Yinchen with graceful steps, light as a dancing butterfly.

Gu Yinchen finally revealed a smile from the bottom of his heart. Full of fatherly affection, he introduced her to everyone. "This is my daughter, Gu Yueyao." His words could not conceal his pride as a father.

Gu Yueyao gave a slight curtsy, her posture supremely elegant, and greeted all those present. Her crimson lips parted lightly. "Welcome, everyone, who has come from afar. Your presence brings glory to Medicine King Valley. I hope you will enjoy yourselves here today and fully appreciate the beauty of these flourishing blooms."

Hearing this, the guests immediately offered lavish praise.

"I have long heard that Miss Yueyao possesses both talent and beauty. Seeing her today, her reputation is indeed well deserved."

"Yes, yes. Miss Yueyao's elegance makes every flower in this garden pale in comparison."

A white-haired yet vigorous elder nodded in praise. "Valley Master Gu has taught her well. Miss Yueyao has not only inherited Medicine King Valley's extraordinary healing arts, but her humble and gentle temperament is even rarer. She is certain to achieve great things in the future."

Faced with the tide of polite praise from everyone, Gu Yueyao remained calm, a faint smile resting on her lips. She was neither discourteous nor overly familiar, maintaining just the right degree of distance.

She knew clearly that most of these words were merely formal pleasantries. On an occasion like this, everyone was simply following social convention and exchanging compliments.

She dipped her head slightly and replied softly, "You flatter me. Yueyao is merely an ordinary woman, and there are still many shortcomings in the healing arts I have learned. I hope the seniors and fellow cultivators will offer me much guidance."

After the compliments, amid everyone's eager anticipation, Gu Yinchen straightened his body. He stood tall, his plain robe fluttering lightly in the breeze. His gaze was sharp and piercing, naturally carrying the imposing authority of a Valley Master without needing anger.

Then Gu Yinchen gathered his essence, energy, and spirit into one, channeling his qi into his dantian before announcing in a powerful voice that rang like a great bell, "Today, Medicine King Valley's Flower-Appreciation Gathering officially begins! May all our honored guests speak freely of friendship and return with abundant gains!"

His voice echoed through the air, instantly igniting the lively atmosphere.

The first part was for the guests to admire the flowers freely. Beside every seat stood a Medicine King Valley disciple in orderly fashion. They wore uniform robes, their blue-violet sleeves embroidered with delicate herb patterns that displayed Medicine King Valley's distinctive emblem.

Should any guest be in high spirits and wish to stroll through the sea of flowers, a Medicine King Valley disciple would respectfully lead the way, guiding them among the blooms. Those who preferred to enjoy a leisurely time could also remain seated at ease, savoring the delicacies and fine wines meticulously prepared by Medicine King Valley without issue.

Some guests lost themselves in the spiritual fruits and fine wines prepared by Medicine King Valley. From time to time, they spoke softly with their companions, sharing recent amusing tales from the cultivation world.

Another group of guests, led by Medicine King Valley disciples, wholeheartedly admired the spiritual flowers in the sea of blooms. This flower sea was even more expansive than it had appeared from afar, and the valley disciples had carefully tended it. Different varieties of flowers had been cleverly planted in separate spiritual fields, which were arranged into specific shapes, lively and brimming with vitality.

These carefully designed patterns interwove with one another in pleasing layers, a delight to behold.

True Person Yu Qing remained firmly seated in his original place, his posture unmoving as a mountain. Chu Shihan and Shen Yuxi likewise did not move an inch, calmly drinking tea and eating pastries.

Lin Huaixu had not forgotten his proper business. He still needed to keep an eye on his Second Senior Brother, so naturally, wherever his Second Senior Brother was, he was there as well. He also put on the air of an expert, though his mouth did not rest as he chatted with nearby cultivators.

Over the past two days in Medicine King Valley, Wen Jian had seen more than enough flowers. Though those colorful blossoms were certainly beautiful, for someone obsessed with healing arts and medicinal principles, discussing matters with Medicine King Valley's healer cultivators was the true delight.

At the moment, he sat with several Medicine King Valley healer cultivators, passionately discussing the properties of various medicinal materials and methods of alchemy.

"If a small amount of Crimson Spirit Grass is added during alchemy, it will certainly raise the purity of the pill's spiritual qi," said one Medicine King Valley healer cultivator.

Wen Jian shook his head. "That is true, but Crimson Spirit Grass has an overly fierce nature. The slightest carelessness will cause the pill furnace to explode."

"Could Shattered Heavenly Star be used to balance its medicinal properties?" asked another Medicine King Valley disciple.

"But..."

Everyone spoke in turn, each voicing their own opinion as their discussion of alchemy grew increasingly profound.

Lin Mumu, however, was full of interest. Her heart was pure by nature, and she had no resistance to such a riotously blooming view. Seeing that she wished to go, Ye Jingxuan volunteered to accompany her.

The two strolled along paths through the flower sea, maintaining a distance from the guiding Medicine King Valley disciple that was neither too close nor too far.

Compared to outsiders, Lin Mumu and Ye Jingxuan were clearly much more familiar with each other. Whenever they encountered flowers or plants she did not recognize, she naturally preferred asking her Junior Brother. As a top student, Ye Jingxuan was truly difficult to stump unless it was an exceptionally rare treasure.

After the tour, Lin Mumu had gained quite a lot as well.