Chapter 5, please affix

The formidable Marquis Gu Yi pondered for a moment, weighing the causes and effects, and shook his head: "Let us refrain from taking any further actions for now. If I remember correctly, His Majesty the Emperor will host an early banquet tonight for all the young talents of the Great Qi Dynasty to gather together, get to know one another, and foster relationships among the younger generation of Great Qi... In a while, you will deliver an invitation to this banquet to him!"

This is the meaning of the Lord... At this point, Xu Bingning's brows revealed a hint of unusual expression: "The Sword Saint, Lord Nian Wusheng, seems to regard you with newfound respect for some reason. If you can establish a friendship with Lord Nian Wusheng at this gathering of heroes, it will greatly enhance your status in the Marquis's residence and even in the entire royal capital..."

I don't know about this either... Um, it seems that the young master has finished his training. Miss, why don't we just ask the young master directly

Gu Qing chuckled softly and said, "Hmm, what is it?"

No need, I think this is quite good as it is now

Hearing this, Gu Ding already understood the intentions of his father, the Marquis of Wuwei. After all, Gu Qing had little reputation in the capital; being humiliated would only tarnish his name further. Conversely, if he could gain the favor of Nian Wusheng or draw Nian Wusheng to their marquisate's side, it would hold extraordinary significance for the marquisate.

Father, what do you think... should we call Gu Qing over so that you can ask him in person?

But what if he is not? Wouldn't that be self-humiliation for him

Father, do you mean ... ...

The Marquis of Wuwei nodded slightly but did not say anything. Clearly, he was also carefully digesting this news, which was extremely unexpected for him

Seventh Young Master

"Yes, Miss." Xu Xiaolin cutely stuck out her tongue and said, "I can't talk about that person anymore. In any case, that disgusting guy will also attend the so-called gathering of heroes. To prevent you from being harmed, I must ensure that you do not act alone anymore"

My other identity is that of the young lady's personal guard, and this is my duty

Never thought! The three words spoken from the mouth of the ancient youth are so resounding and crisp

Yes

Ancient One nodded slightly, falling silent once again in the hall

I go!

Xu Bingning let out a light huff, filled with disappointment, turned her head away, and ceased to speak

I understand, dear father, rest assured, I will send someone to deliver the invitation right away

"What is it..." Xu Xiaolin was slightly taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words by her young master's question: "I am going to attend the gathering of heroes."

After pondering for a moment, she ultimately took out an invitation and handed it over, saying: "His Majesty the Emperor will host a banquet this evening for all accomplished young talents in the capital, to welcome the young heroes such as the Sword Saint Nian Wusheng to the capital. This is the invitation; the Marquis hopes that you will join us at that time."

"Very good?" Upon hearing this, Xu Bingning's expression immediately revealed a hint of coldness: "You, a grown man, have such little ambition, spending your days in the marquis's residence, not even daring to step out of the courtyard. You waste your precious youth drawing these nonsensical symbols. Is this the life you desire? Have you never thought about standing out, about making the marquis, and even all the nobles and young talents in the capital, take notice of you?"

After ceasing his cultivation, Gu Qing cast a strange glance at the two women standing at the entrance of the courtyard and the group of maidservants.

Gu Qing unconsciously frowned slightly: "Miss Xu is a practitioner at the seventh level of Qi Path, yet she still could not withstand the injury inflicted by the second prince. As a practitioner at the sixth level of Qi Path, what use would you be in such a situation?"

Gu Qing glanced at the invitation that Xu Bingning handed over and slightly shook his head: "Such an occasion is not suitable for me"

However, no matter how she scrutinized, Gu Qing was still Gu Qing, standing there in an utterly ordinary manner. She felt not the slightest fluctuation of true energy from head to toe.

These two women are none other than Xu Bingning, the legitimate wife of Gu Qing in name, and her personal maid, Xu Xiaolin. This master and servant pair usually barges into his secluded courtyard without any regard for etiquette. However, today, they surprisingly stand at the door, seemingly waiting for him to finish his martial arts practice, which is truly an unprecedented occurrence.

Upon careful reflection, our attention to Gu Qing over the years has indeed been insufficient. Gu Yifeng lightly tapped the table with his right hand, and his thoughts gradually became clearer with this action: This time, I have asked you to deliver the invitation for him to attend the gathering of heroes convened by His Majesty the Emperor, which is not without its purpose of testing.

At this moment, the true master of the marquis's residence was frowning slightly, listening to the report from his most favored son, Gu Dingzhong. As his son finished recounting everything that had transpired today, the contemplative expression on his face became increasingly evident.

However, according to reports from the subordinates, it was precisely because Sword Saint Nian Wusheng witnessed him executing this set of martial arts that he began to regard him with newfound respect, which subsequently attracted the attention of the Marquis

Miss, please do not be anxious. Your injury has not yet healed, and becoming upset will not be good for your health. Allow me to persuade you and see if I can convince Young Master Qi.

Uh... I really don't want to go to the *picture* book either, but... but it would be so boring for the young lady to go alone. I have to accompany her; otherwise, if she finds a few people to chat with, it won't be the same..." As she said this, she put on a pitiful expression and pleaded somewhat, "Seventh Young Master, please accompany the young lady as well. At least this way, we can still have a chat..."

On Xu Bingning's somewhat indifferent face, a hint of emotion subtly emerged. Seeing her insist on accompanying him to the Heroes' Conference, he ultimately nodded slightly, not wishing to contradict her earnest enthusiasm

During the period when he gradually came to a stop, a wave of indescribably comforting warmth spread through his body as it contracted and ceased movement, gradually emanating from his limbs and bones, rushing towards his forehead. Once it impacted the Baihui point, it then radiated outward, forming a faintly perceptible wave that diffused throughout the entire brain region, immersing his mind in a gentle warmth and refreshing sensation

Let Seventh Brother attend this gathering of heroes... Seventh Brother is not well-known in the capital and cannot be considered a young talent... Moreover, due to Miss Xu marrying him, many people even hold opinions against him, and some harbor jealousy... If he were to attend this banquet... he would likely face numerous difficulties... If he were to attend this banquet... he would likely face numerous difficulties...

No, miss, I will absolutely not allow you to fall into danger alone again

Xu Bingning walked up to Gu Qing, staring at him intently for a moment, seemingly trying to discern what merits and abilities this nominal husband, with whom she had been married for a year, possessed to garner the attention of the most renowned young master of the Da Qi Dynasty—Sword Saint Nian Wusheng.

Seeing the two parting as if they were heading to the battlefield, Gu Qing let out a light laugh: "Since the Heroes' Gathering is hosted by the Emperor of Da Qi, there will naturally be someone to enforce the law personally. Even if you go, it is not certain that there will be real danger

Dear Father, although this matter sounds unbelievable even to me, it is indeed true that Lord Wusheng holds great admiration for my seventh brother, Gu Qing

But I cannot abandon the young lady! The last time the young lady entered the palace, I did not accompany her, and as a result, she was bullied by Princess Qingping and the Second Prince. The injuries she sustained have yet to heal. That Second Prince Ning Tianqi is truly despicable; it is a pity that the young lady has been so...

"How would I know? Last time I went to the palace, it was..." At this point, Xu Xiaolin suddenly recalled something, and the tone of her conversation shifted abruptly. She said: "Seventh Young Master, you are right. This is indeed a banquet hosted by His Majesty the Emperor. As long as one has an invitation, anyone can attend, so why don't you participate in this banquet? It would be a great opportunity to meet more people, build some connections, and lay the groundwork for your future. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Miss Lian, as a master of the seventh level of Qi, you are unable to discern this, so naturally, I cannot perceive its depths either

In his view, his seventh son, after being defeated three years ago by an ordinary six-fold master of the airway, had been so frightened that he had remained reclusive for the following three years, avoiding excessive contact with the outside world. It is truly hard to believe that such a son could be regarded as a young master worthy of equal treatment by the Sword Saint Nian Wusheng.

Xu Xiaolin saw that her young lady was about to argue with the young master if this continued, so she hurried over to mediate, saying: "Alright, alright, young lady, you know very well the character of the Seventh Young Master, he..."

You ... ...

Xiaolin, can you discern what differences there are in the way he practices this set of martial arts?

If he truly is the kind of reclusive master mentioned by the Sword Saint Nian Wusheng, he would certainly be able to respond calmly to the challenges posed by many young talents at the gathering of heroes

Xu Bingning also noticed Gu Qing's gaze directed in this direction. Although she felt somewhat unaccustomed to it, she still nodded and walked into the courtyard

Seeing a few people walk in, Gu Qing smiled and nodded at the curious Xu Xiaolin, then glanced at Xu Bingning, waiting for her to explain the purpose of their visit

Xu Xiaolin had not finished speaking when a somewhat indifferent voice from Xu Bingning interrupted her: "Xiaolin, I have told you before, I do not want to hear this person's name again"

After more than an hour, Gu Qing finally completed this set of free-spirited boxing techniques

Xiao Lin, you certainly do not need to go!

Hmph, if it were said that in the past he considered himself to be of ordinary talent, believing that there was no hope for progress in his cultivation and thus lacked ambition, that would be understandable. However, now, it is clear that as long as he can establish a connection with the Sword Saint Nian Wusheng, who holds him in high regard, his worth would immediately multiply by a hundred. With such a golden opportunity right before him, he still fails to cherish it, simply...

There is no need to gather; in my opinion, Xiao Lin, you might as well not go. It is unnecessary to waste time on this.

... ...

No need to. If you do not wish to go, then do not go. I believe your young lady will not make things difficult for you.

Gu Yifeng, the true master of the Wuwei Marquisate, although now in decline, still wields immense influence throughout the entire royal capital

This time, Gu Qing was exceptionally straightforward, directly taking the invitation card from Xu Bingning's hand

Even if it is not the case, allowing him to participate in this gathering of heroes might provide an opportunity for him to establish some rapport with Nian Wusheng. If the two of them could become friends, even if just ordinary friends, it would have an immensely significant impact on our Hou residence. " At this point, Gu Yifeng's tone slightly paused, and he added with some uncertainty: "If Nian Wusheng truly holds him in such high regard, he would not be able to turn a blind eye if he sees him being mistreated, would he?"