Chapter 4: The Seven Star Maze

You old bastard! Can't you say something first? You don't even know the order; you need to untie the rope binding my hands first!" The young man clumsily got up from the muddy ground, tilting his neck, sobbing, his head hitting the ground first, twisted, it hurts so much.

Hua Qian Gu shook her head as she walked and said, "No need, it's just a small effort."

Those... Gongling, Gonghua, Gongyu, Gongyu... What else was there? Anyway, these represent the status levels of cultivators, and they are further divided into several colors. Generally, they are worn at the waist, much like official titles. The type, color, and quantity all signify the cultivator's status, magical power, and the elemental affiliation, among other things. I can't recall the rest... In any case, with so many Maoshan Taoists, given your qualifications, you wouldn't even be able to wear a bell if you entered, and who knows which Taoist they would randomly assign you to as a disciple!

Hua Qian Gu became angry upon hearing this, turned around, and walked away, hmpf, whether you are human or ghost, it doesn't matter, you won't be able to catch me hanging from the tree.

Hua Qian Gu slowly walked over, circling around his inverted body again and again

Daring not to approach, I merely stood at a distance, observing what this ghost intended to do. I reassured my heart, which was pounding fiercely; compared to previous encounters, this one at least appeared relatively normal and not terrifying. What if, like Lin Suiyi, it was a kind ghost in need of help?

Ah! Do not!

The young man looked at the hard bun and truly had no desire to eat it, yet his stomach was growling with hunger. He had no choice but to brace himself and take it, opening his mouth to bite into it

Don't go! Quickly put me down!

What is wrong with you

I am from the Invincible Taibai Sect, my master is the sect leader, and I am the deputy sect leader. Would you like to join and become my disciple? The young man gently persuaded the only disciple before him

Hua Qian Gu took the scythe and struck the rope with a single blow

I? '' The young man scratched his head and thought for a moment. It seemed that the master was a distinguished person specially invited by the emperor, with no sect or school. If we were to discuss lineage, shouldn't he be affiliated with the Taibai lineage? Hmph, it would be better to establish one myself!

Hua Qian Gu found his face, which was filled with rage and turned upside down, to be quite amusing, and couldn't help but reach out to poke his face.

What business is it of yours? Do not ask any more questions

Ah! That is too precious, I do not want it, I will return it to you! She thought it was just like the talismans sold in front of the temple, which only cost a few coins and have been blessed.

Finished, finished, it is broken, broken. He was a generation's pride, yet unexpectedly met his demise at the hands of a mere village youth from m. hetushu. comcom! He Dong! Father Emperor! You must help me take revenge!

Hua Qian Gu quickly jumped down from the tree again

I said, you little brat, why are you hesitating and stammering like a coward! If you don't come over here, I will annihilate your entire clan!

Oh no! The young man fell to the ground, groaning.

The young man was seething with anger yet felt powerless as he cursed inwardly: "What are you still doing? Hurry up and let me down!"

"Wow, what an impressive magical skill! It can even manipulate the officials and soldiers at will! Thank you, Brother Lang! Hahaha!" Hua Qian Gu took the hook jade pendant that Xuan Yuan Lang had removed and hung it around her neck, placing it inside her clothing along with the Tianshui drop. This person may have a sharp tongue, but he has a good heart, and he even gave me a gift! However, why does everyone love to give pendants these days?

I still have thirty taels of silver on me! I am not a beggar!

Oh, that's right

"Trust? It's a small matter. Beg me, beg me, if you beg me, I will give it to you!"

Do not mention it, my master and I are currently busy subduing demons and eliminating monsters! It is all my fault for being careless, allowing that turtle spirit to escape here, and I impulsively fell for its trick. Otherwise, hum, it would never have been able to capture me! Rest assured, my master is very powerful and will find this place soon! When that time comes, he will write for you!

I am talking about a letter of recommendation, a letter of recommendation! You fool! In this world where demons roam and wolves are rampant, who wouldn't want to possess a skill? Do you think one can simply cultivate or seek a master at will? Having money alone is not enough! A letter of recommendation is also required!

The young man said with a sullen expression: "Hmph, don't you doubt it. My master, Huanxi Tian, is well-known in the realm of Luohé Dong. Who doesn't know him? If he writes you a letter of recommendation, entering Maoshan will be a piece of cake. I guarantee you will be directly accepted as a disciple under Daoist Qingxu and will wear the palace bell right away"

Cut it out, we have plenty of these things at home, so don't be so wishy-washy. By the way, where are we headed? I feel like we've returned to under the tree again. Look, this broken rope is still here

Please help me untie the rope in my hands

Hello! Who are you? Let me tell you, you filthy bastard, stop pretending to be mysterious. If you have the guts, go ahead and kill me. Otherwise, I'll expose your true self and make soup out of you.

"Are you ready to go to Maoshan to become a disciple?" The young man was taken aback, squinting his eyes as he looked at her m.hetushu.com.com

Because she was facing away, Hua Qian Gu could not see the person's face, but it seemed to be a male ghost, and he appeared to be filled with resentment, repeatedly threatening to skin someone alive. It was quite terrifying, and Qian Gu did not dare to move

Hello! The young man felt anxious; in this desolate wilderness, it was not easy to find someone. His voice involuntarily softened.

I am wondering how to let you down, this knot is difficult to untie

Ah? But I don't know anyone, where can I find a letter of recommendation

Ah? Hua Qian Gu was left speechless, while the young man was full of pride

Hua Qian Gu nimbly climbed up the large tree, lying on a branch and gazing at the rope with concern

Hua Qian Gu innocently widened her eyes as she watched him swing back and forth in the air like a swing, suddenly recalling the spider on the beam at home

What is lewdness or depravity

As I approached, I discovered a boy, approximately fourteen or fifteen years old, hanging upside down from a tree by a rope. A sense of confusion enveloped me; could it be that even ghosts have taken to sleeping in such an inverted manner these days

He saw Hua Qian Gu walk in and thought that the Seven Star Maze had already been broken, but it turned out it had not. So how did she get in

What is a letter of recommendation? What is it used for?

Indeed!

Do you still need this

Ah! Really?" Hua Qian Gu excitedly grabbed his arm and shook it, "What is that palace bell?"

Hua Qian Gu slowly took two steps forward, then squinted her eyes to search for his shadow, but the entire area was covered by the shade of the large tree, making it impossible to find.

Indeed, the outside world is vast and truly different, filled with all sorts of chaos and disorder. Unlike the village, where there are only inexperienced youngsters, almost all of them have taken root near her home at night, sigh...

What sect do you belong to

Hey, why are you just standing there! Why don't you put me down so we can go chase that despicable creature! Sigh, I admit my mistake, can't you see, Master! I shouldn't have acted rashly and fallen for that creature's trick. I said, hurry up and put me down!

Hua Qian Gu untied the rope, crouched down, and patted the dirt off his clothes. Such fine fabric, she had never seen before; it must belong to some wealthy landlord's son!

The "ghost" scrutinized her for a long time. Although there was a faint, inexplicable aura about her, she was neither immortal, nor demon, nor ghost, nor monster; she seemed merely an ordinary person passing by. He couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, raised his eyebrows, and commanded loudly: "Hey! Kid! Put me down!"

Hua Qian Gu still did not dare to take a step forward and asked, "Are you a human or a ghost?"

Haha, I can now ascend Maoshan. Once the notification reaches your master, your remains can be moved back soon. For now, you can rest easy here

The young man wished he could strangle her, is there an essential difference?! Tilting his head, he took a few steps forward, oh my, this embarrassing appearance must not be seen by others, otherwise, a lifetime of reputation would be ruined in an instant

Certainly, there are many notable places such as Mount Shu, Mount Wangwu, Mount Weiyu, Mount Kuocang, Mount Kunlun, Mount Tianshan, Mount Wudang, Mount Qingcheng, Mount Longhu, Mount Qiyun, Mount Maoshan, Mount Laoshan, Mount Taibai, Mount Wuyi, and Mount Huiji... Additionally, there are Yuzhu Peak, Penglai Island, and Mount Changliu, all of which are renowned locations for cultivation, far removed from the mundane world, serving as paradisiacal realms. There are nearly a hundred major sects and close to a thousand smaller ones, countless in number, and it is only natural for each sect to compete for ranking in secrecy. Maoshan is particularly well-known because it has always adhered to the principles of compassion for all beings, and its disciples, having achieved some level of success, often venture into the world to capture ghosts and subdue demons, which has earned it a considerable reputation. However, if one were to rank based on true strength, it would not even make the top ten.

Ah! Thank you so much! You can have this steamed bun!" Hua Qian Gu was both excited and thrilled

Xuan Yuan Lang Bai glanced at her, is this person an idiot? That jade pendant is merely a token given by the Emperor for his training outside, fearing that he might be entangled by evil spirits. At most, it can summon troops and ward off evil, but it possesses no magical power

Ah! Don't use a chopping motion! What if you chop off my hand? Use a slicing motion! You fool!

I have visited many of the places mentioned just now! I have also been to the top of Mount Mao, and Master Qingxu is a good friend of my master! A year ago, I met him once with my master; he is a kind and amiable old man, far superior to any of the so-called masters of the Five Mountains or the likes of Nishu Qianfan.

There is really no need to be polite... Hua Qian Gu looked at his stubborn and persistent expression, feeling speechless. "Alright then, let me ask you something. I heard you mention something about a turtle spirit and the Seven Star Formation. You should know a bit about the craft, right? Do you know if there are any requirements for apprenticing at Maoshan? For example, tuition fees, height, weight, and so on?"

Is there anyone who can provide a recommendation

A kick was delivered to Hua Qian Gu's backside.

It is so complicated! Why are there so many requirements to become a Taoist? I just want to find a quiet place to practice properly; it doesn't really matter who becomes my master.

Are you an idiot? Don't you have a sickle?

Hua Qian Gu mustered her courage and walked towards the voice, pondering in her heart how she had ended up in such a dire situation. Was she truly destined to perish in the belly of a ghost, dying far from home?

Of course it is necessary; the temple provides food and accommodation, and one can also practice martial arts and cultivate immortality. If there were no need for recommendations, even the beggars on the street would no longer need to beg for food, but would all come to seek apprenticeship and learn skills instead

Lin, don't scare me!

"No, I want to become a Maoshan Taoist." It seems she has only heard of this, "Could you please ask your master to write me a letter of recommendation?"

The young man moved his neck with effort, huh? No response. He moved it again, huh? Still no response

By the way, what is your name

Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly heard a sound, a moan that was almost ghostly, which made her panic and step back two paces

Uh... Hua Qian Gu bit her finger and said, "It's okay, you look better leaning to the right than to the left"

The young man wore a face of gritted teeth, calculating in his heart that he would give you a good lesson once I come down

Hua Qian Gu raised her head to look at his face. Although he still bore the innocence of youth, resembling a child and speaking in coarse language, a noble and extraordinary aura was subtly discernible between his brows. He was the most handsome person she had ever seen in her life, causing Hua Qian Gu to momentarily lose her composure.

It is merely the assessment of your aptitude for cultivation by a certain renowned enlightened individual, along with the reasons for their recommendation, and so on. Alas, it all boils down to using connections and favoritism... The young man strained to recall the nonsensical things his master had said to him.

How did you end up hanging from the tree

Then the "ghost" twisted its body forcefully, swinging the rope high, and then turned in mid-air. What it saw upon looking back was the silly figure of Hua Qian Gu, dressed in boy's attire, standing there.

Alright, alright, I will certainly fulfill what I promised you!

Upon listening carefully again, the sound was indeed coming from the forest behind. I thought to myself, in broad daylight, could it be that some ghostly entity is causing trouble? This is Maoshan after all

You dare to tell me that this is not a beggar? I could kill you with a single hair!

"You? Are you an enlightened master?" Hua Qian Gu pointed at his crooked neck and laughed heartily

Let me down quickly!

"No, I never owe anyone a favor. If you have any troubles or anything you want, feel free to say it." The young man stood in front of her, blocking her way.

Oh, fine, let's also use a sickle to cut!

The young man exclaimed: "Of course I am a person! Hurry up and let me down, do you hear me!"

Oh, very well then, take care of yourself. I am in a hurry to continue my journey. We shall meet again!

Eternal? You and the *illustrator* really know how to choose names! I am Xuanyuan Lang! In light of your saving me once, I ask you for a small favor, such as writing a recommendation letter to help me out. I will also give you a jade pendant; in the future, if you encounter any trouble, you can seek assistance from the local officials or soldiers. They will heed your command upon seeing this.

Before he could finish speaking, there was a sudden thud. His head was forcibly turned to the other side

Then what about your master? How did you end up hanging alone from this tree?

The ghost seemed to have finally discovered that someone had arrived, opening its eyes and shouting loudly: "He Dong! Is that you? Hurry and save me! That stinky turtle has set up the Seven Stars Illusion around me, and I'm worried you won't be able to find me! I've been hanging here like a dried fish for a whole day and night, exposed to both the sun and the rain! It drives me crazy! Once I catch him, I will definitely skin him alive!"

On the second ascent of Maoshan, the pace was significantly faster. Passing by Lin Suiyi's grave, I joyfully displayed the drops of heavenly water on my chest.

Hua Qian Gu finally stopped and turned to look at him, standing with his hands on his hips in a serious manner. Exactly, asking for a favor yet still acting so arrogant, hehe

Hey, hey, hey! Where are you going?" The young man, anxious, hurriedly limped after him, "You saved me, so tell me, what do you want! Gold and silver, beautiful women, high-ranking officials—choose whatever you like!

The Journey of Flower

"Are you ready?" Hua Qian Gu clapped her hands, looking quite pleased with herself. She often playfully fell or tumbled down from trees, and that was how Doctor Zhang helped her recover. Hehe

Is this considered good? It was originally tilted to the left, and now you have forcibly moved it to tilt to the right

She hurriedly avoided the sound and walked to the other side, but after walking for a long time, the sound was still nearby, as if she was merely circling around it. Hua Qiangu looked around and sighed, wondering how she could be caught in this situation again despite having the Heavenly Water Droplet with her. Could it be that this talisman could only break spells but not ward off evil?

Do not move! Hua Qian Gu stepped forward and grabbed his head.

Hua Qian Gu bid him farewell, then picked up her bundle and turned to leave, as she still needed to hurry and make her way up the mountain

Brother Lang, I vomit, and I still call you Brother Wolf! You really do talk like a woman. Your words lack conviction, and you are so delicate; it is time for you to go to Maoshan and undergo some proper training. Don't lose that jade; my father said it is a divine object that can ward off evil.

Yes, it is a person, one with warmth

The young man was so enraged that he wished he could bite off her damned finger. How dare this little brat show him such disrespect!