A Change in Attitude

The area around North Spring Mountain has been restored to its original state.

The eagle, which had been cooped up for so long, spent most of its time flying high in the sky, and every day it would catch several prey and deliver them to Gu Yuanqing.

It chirped and hopped around as if trying to claim credit.

The Monkey King would bring the largest fruit from the Mountain every one or two days.

Two wild foxes often visited Gu Yuanqing's courtyard with a litter of Little Fox.

Every morning, some birds would hop and jump in the trees in the yard, occasionally flying onto Gu Yuanqing's shoulder and gently pecking at his hair.

These creatures have become increasingly Spirituality. They live here and carry the aura of the Spirit Mountain, and they are not restricted in their movement in and out of North Spring Mountain.

According to Gu Yuanqing's estimation, the strongest creatures should already have strength approaching the True Martial Realm.

The trees in the Mountain grew increasingly lush, possessing a certain aura of Spirit Tree, and the fruits, imbued with Spiritual Qi, could barely be called Spirit Fruit.

Aunt Feng's cultivation had Origin Scholar Great Accomplishment. Even though her aptitude was ordinary, she couldn't resist drinking Spirit Water, eating vegetables and fruits imbued with Spiritual Qi, and breathing air filled with Spiritual Qi energy every day.

This treatment is not much different from that of Gu Yuanqing, who initially received the system. However, without the system's assistance, she cannot sense Spiritual Qi and can only passively accept Spiritual Qi cleansing.

Gu Yuanqing had already read through the several Secret Manuals and Cultivation Insights he had obtained from Ji Qingyun several times, and with his current level of comprehension, he already knew them inside and out.

Based on his own learning and insights, the Heavenly Dao Zen Heart Art has been slightly modified again, and the path of cultivation in the Dao Fire Realm has become increasingly clear.

He had also browsed through those few books of Divine Ability and techniques, and there were Void Great Hand Seal and Void Breaking Finger. These things clearly came from the Outer Realm and had been honed by countless Cultivator. Among them, the method of controlling True Essence really caught Gu Yuanqing's eye.

And then there's the Hun Tian Rope. This Law Treasure is clearly much more interesting than the Heaven Gate Token. In his spare time, Gu Yuanqing began to refine it according to the recorded methods, erasing the imprints left by others on the rope.

Throughout the day, he still spent the most time tempering his body and Divine Sense with Dao Fire.

With the help of Spiritual Qi, his cultivation increased day by day, and each day he could achieve in several months what an ordinary Cultivator had accomplished.

There are also enhancements like Mountain Observation, Object Control, and Heavenly Fishing; these Empowerment all change after the cultivation level Transformation compared to before.

I feel that the days are too short, there are too many things to do, and there are many things I can't take care of for the time being.

At the foot of the mountain, most of the Imperial Guard had already withdrawn, and people were flocking to North Spring Mountain to pay their respects.

Some wanted to become disciples, while others wanted to meet the masters in the Mountain. Among them were quite a few Profound Martial High Rank experts. They dared not offend the Imperial Guard, but only shouted from afar. Gu Yuanqing ignored them all.

He had thought that perhaps one day he would spread his teachings throughout the world, but certainly not now.

On this day, Xu Lianying arrived at the foot of the mountain, holding his Fly-Whisk and bowing respectfully. "Young Master Gu, this old servant has come to pay homage to the mountain as His Majesty commands."

Gu Yuanqing opened his eyes from his meditation and smiled, "Eunuch Xu, there's no need for such formalities. Please come up the mountain."

The sound carried clearly down the mountain. Xu Lianying bowed slightly again before taking a step into the Mountain.

Upon entering the true Boundary Domain of North Spring Mountain, he felt the dense Spiritual Qi around him. With each breath, he felt his True Essence increase by a wisp. Compared to this, even the secret cultivation grounds within the Imperial Palace, which used Array Formation to gather Spiritual Qi, became barren lands.

Amazed, he thought that even consuming heavenly materials and earthly treasures and Spirit Elixir herbs and elixirs would not be as effective as cultivating here for several days.

As one of the people who knew Gu Yuanqing's background best, he never imagined that Origin Scholar with mediocre cultivation could grow to a position that the Great Qian Dynasty and even the entire world had to take seriously and even look up to in just over two years.

He witnessed all the changes in the Mountain, and his heart was filled with astonishment and doubt; everything seemed unbelievable to him.

Gu Yuanqing, as always, came to the Front Mountain road to greet him.

Xu Lianying seemed flattered upon seeing this, and hurriedly stepped forward, bowing deeply in greeting.

Gu Yuanqing smiled and helped him up.

Xu Lianying then said, "His Majesty is still recovering from his serious injuries, which is why he sent this old servant here."

"His Majesty is injured?" Gu Yuanqing asked in surprise.

"That day, when Zuo Qiu attacked, His Majesty used a method to defend against the enemy, but was harmed by the backlash of the Array Formation, which is why he suffered this injury."

Gu Yuanqing pondered for a moment, then, remembering that he was Li Miaoxuan’s father, he raised his hand and summoned a ball of Spirit Water and a Jade Bottle. He put the Spirit Water into the Jade Bottle and sealed its aura inside using a technique from the Nine Nether Purgatory Scripture.

This water is different from ordinary Spirit Spring Water. It was intercepted by him using the Object Control Method. It is Spirit Water from the core source of North Spring Mountain, and the Spiritual Qi it contains is incomparable to that of ordinary Spirit Water.

Then, he picked three more fruits from beside the Spirit Pool, put them in a box that had been sent by the Imperial Family, and handed it over.

"This is a token of my appreciation; perhaps it will be of some use."

Xu Lianying was dazzled by the series of movements. The series of movements seemed effortless, but each technique opened his eyes. He had heard that Gu Yuanqing could Object Control, but this was the first time he had seen it with his own eyes. Even as Grandmaster, he could not understand the methods used.

He bowed and accepted the items with both hands. "Thank you, Young Master Gu. This old servant will personally present these two items to His Majesty."

Xu Lianying brought a lot of things this time, including a considerable number of books, as well as fine clothes that were clearly specially made, and a variety of other necessities.

Fine wines, gourmet food, Jade Stone, jewelry, various decorative items, and famous paintings and calligraphy—you name it.

Compared to the past, the items delivered this time were clearly of a different quality.

Although Gu Yuanqing was not an expert in this field, he came from the Prince's Manor and had some knowledge, so he could tell that these things were priceless.

Although he no longer cared about these mundane things, it was still nice to have them in the house.

During their casual conversation, Xu Lianying mentioned again that His Majesty wanted to send people to renovate North Spring Mountain, but Gu Yuanqing politely declined.

He stayed in the Mountain for half an hour before getting up to take his leave.

Before leaving, Gu Yuanqing said, seemingly casually, "I think General Zhang Zhuo down the mountain seems like a decent person. I feel quite at ease with him here."

Xu Lianying was taken aback for a moment, then bowed and said, "This old servant understands. I will report this matter to His Majesty."

Gu Yuanqing laughed and said, "I was just saying it casually. I have no interest in worldly affairs, and matters of the court are none of my concern."

Xu Lianying understood what Gu Yuanqing meant, smiled, and bowed, saying, "Young Master Gu is truly extraordinary; I admire your refined State of Mind! I won't disturb you any longer today. Please stay, Young Master Gu, this old servant will take his leave!"

Gu Yuanqing watched Xu Lianying's departing figure in silence. In their several encounters, Xu Lianying's attitude had changed each time, from initial friendliness to today's obsequiousness.

All these changes are due to strength. Perhaps in the near future, everyone in this world will see me in this way.

Ordinary people may feel comfortable and pleased with their high status.

However, Gu Yuanqing's cultivation progressed too quickly, so much so that every time he interacted with people he used to know, the feeling was completely different, and a sense of separation from this world arose spontaneously.

"Daoist Friend, friend on the Dao Path, no wonder I heard in my previous life that cultivators need companions, resources, and a suitable environment. The word 'companion' alone reveals its profound meaning. If one walks the Great Dao alone, there will only be endless loneliness."

After a moment, Gu Yuanqing smiled wryly again, "I'm being too sentimental today. How could a mere Dao Fire Realm Cultivator like me be qualified to talk about such things? There are still countless peaks to climb on the path of cultivation. Thinking about these things is far too early!"

He strode towards the Heaven and Earth Pool. So many days had passed; perhaps he could have a proper talk with Ji Qingyun. He hoped Ji Qingyun would be sensible!