"Looks like my reputation hasn't faded one bit. See? A few rumors with no more substance than wind through an empty cave, and all my old friends are rushing to send me Communication Talismans. Ah, I truly do have friends everywhere."
Gu Wufang fell silent for real this time. He genuinely had no idea what to say.
So he changed the subject with painful abruptness. "By my reckoning, Little Martial Uncle and the others should be back soon."
Divine Venerable Cheng Wei glanced sidelong at him. "True. I wonder what local gifts Little A-Xu has brought me this time. He brings something back every time he goes out. I don't lack anything, really, but it's my little disciple's heartfelt gesture, so I can hardly refuse... Leaving already? Won't you stay a little longer?"
Gu Wufang fled even faster. If he stayed, he feared he really would try to steal Cheng Wei's disciple—though he stood no chance of succeeding.
Sect Master Gu fled in the morning. Wen Xu returned in the afternoon.
As usual, after bathing, Wen Xu went to Springless Hall to pay his respects to his master and deliver his gifts. This time, of course, he also had to confess his wrongdoing. There was no way he hadn't heard the absurd rumors from Baigu City.
Chunchou had wanted to come up and confess too, but even Sect Master Gu couldn't withstand the formations on Springless Peak, much less a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Wen Xu persuaded him to stay behind and went up alone.
"Was it your idea? One trip away, and Little A-Xu has grown bold enough to deceive even his master?"
Wen Xu knew he couldn't fool his master. "This disciple was wrong."
"You know you were wrong, but you won't change. You'd do it