Chapter 4: The Reclusive Master
This is a marvelous realm that can only be attained by those who are powerful in the Dao of Dan
Finally, Su Fangyu, the junior sister who practices the Wusheng technique, could no longer hold back and asked, "Senior Brother, you hold Gu Qing in such high regard; does he possess something extraordinary?" As she spoke, she took a closer look at Gu Qing, who was practicing martial arts in the courtyard: "In his every move, there is no sign of true energy being revealed or leaked; clearly, he is merely an ordinary cultivator who has yet to advance to the sixth level of Qi Dao and has not cultivated true energy. Such cultivators are not uncommon in our Great Qi Dynasty, are they?"
After a moment of contemplation, Zhi Wusheng, seeing this young master, who was almost his equal, earnestly inviting him, finally nodded: "Then I shall trouble the Second Prince!"
He still remembers clearly the scene from three years ago, when his seventh brother, while provoking trouble outside, was beaten to the ground by an ordinary expert at the sixth level of Qi, losing all face. Since then, he has become increasingly reclusive, hiding deep within the Marquis's residence, daring not to step out unless it is a major matter.
As the most outstanding prince of the Great Qi Dynasty, the Second Prince discerned his thoughts from his words. Although he felt displeased, he did not show it in front of the Sword Saint, who surpassed him in reputation, strength, and swordsmanship: "It is truly an honor for you, Lord Nian Wusheng, to leave Wanjian Mountain and personally come to our Great Qi capital to attend my father's birthday celebration. If my father were to know this, he would surely be very pleased! With only one day remaining until the birthday banquet, why not allow me to host you and take you on a tour of the scenic spots around the capital, so that my father does not blame me for neglecting a distinguished guest!"
Miss Xu is indeed a remarkable woman among her peers. On that day, I heard that she ultimately could not unite with the esteemed master Ning Tianqi, a master of the Qi Dao, but instead married a young lord named Gu Qing from a noble family. I still feel quite regretful, as how many in Da Qi are truly worthy of Miss Xu? However, it seems that Miss Xu truly has an eye for recognizing talent!
Others cannot discern it, but Nian Wusheng, whose true cultivation has actually reached the peak of the Ninth Level of Qi Dao, sees it very clearly
Uh... this master at the seventh level of Qi Path in ancient times suddenly realized that his brain seemed to be having some difficulty processing things
Nian Wusheng took a step forward, and Gu Ding turned his body, his gaze landing on Gu Qing, who was practicing martial arts in the courtyard: "Since Nian Wusheng highly regards Gu Qing, there must be a reason behind it... Could it be, as Miss Su Fangyu mentioned, that he is indeed a master who conceals his true abilities?"
Gu Ding's lips twitched slightly, yet he patiently replied, "Indeed, he is the husband chosen by Miss Xu Bingning"
Young Master Gu, I have troubled you with many matters regarding the illustrations and books today. I shall come to pay my respects another day
Nian Wusheng unconsciously furrowed his brow slightly, but this fleeting emotion was quickly concealed, and his face still maintained the calmness from before: "It is my honor." He did not directly address Ning Tianqi by name, clearly indicating his reluctance to accept the overtures of this second prince; that statement was merely a polite remark.
Gu Qing, a person with no presence whatsoever in the marquis's residence, has captured the full attention of the esteemed Sword Saint, Nian Wusheng
Nian Wusheng's gaze remained fixed on the ancient green in the courtyard: "That may not be the case. As far as I know, some practitioners at the Qi Dao realm have already cultivated their true energy to the limit, able to control every bit and every ounce of it. When they strike, not a single drop of true energy leaks out; it only erupts upon hitting the target, instantly delivering a heavy blow to the opponent"
However, the image of Nian Wusheng in the ancient fixed center was ultimately too grand; every move and gesture seemed to exude mystery in his eyes. At this point, Nian decided to report this matter to the Marquis, who was also his father, allowing his father to make the final decision.
Gu Qing's eyes brightened slightly as he thought: "Isn't that the chosen ideal husband of Miss Xu Bingning, the daughter of General Xu, one of the three beauties of our Great Qi?"
"In the entire Great Qi Dynasty, how many individuals can truly cultivate their vital energy to such a profound level of mastery and be considered experts in the field..." At this moment, Su Fangyu seemed to have grasped the implied meaning behind Nian Wusheng's words, exclaiming in surprise: "Senior brother, you can't be suggesting that this young man is one of those masters whose control over his vital energy has reached the pinnacle of perfection, can you... He..."
"Young and talented?" Gu Dingzhong slightly furrowed his brows. Although he was somewhat skeptical of Nian Wusheng referring to Gu Qing as a young talent, he considered that this might be a polite expression from the esteemed Nian Wusheng. He still responded, "This person is named Gu Qing, the seventh son of my father, so he should be considered my seventh brother... However, he..."
Invoke the primordial energy of heaven and earth
A master who can control their true energy to ensure that not a trace is leaked with each strike... Even an ordinary master of Qi Dao, no matter how many decades of hard work they invest, may not reach such a level... Just as Nian Wusheng was about to say something, a burst of laughter came from the corridor not far outside the courtyard. Following that, a tall and imposing young man exclaimed loudly: "Haha, Nian Wusheng, you truly made me search for you all the way here. I didn't expect you to be in the residence of the Marquis of Wuwei, and you seem quite at ease!"
How to ... ...
Nian Wusheng nodded and, under the leadership of the Second Prince Ning Tianqi, directly left the residence of the Marquis of Wuwei and headed towards various famous scenic spots in the royal capital for sightseeing
Nian Wusheng slightly nodded to the young man with the book, saying: "So it is His Highness, the Second Prince Ning Tianqi!"
"What is this 'Your Highness' nonsense?" Ning Tianqi waved his hand with one motion and said, "If Brother Wusheng holds me in regard, how about calling me Tianqi instead?"
Although his attitude greatly displeased Gu Dingzhong, he could only suppress this dissatisfaction in his heart, considering the other party's identity and his own formidable strength
Just now, he was still lamenting whether he would have the opportunity to invite the young talent Nian Wusheng into the Hou residence in the future and establish a good relationship with him. Now, he unexpectedly hears him主动 mention a visit on another day. Even if this might just be a polite remark, it still leaves him feeling somewhat flattered and surprised.
I never expected that there would be such a master within the residence of the Marquis of Wuwei. It seems this trip has not been in vain... My master once said that there are countless hidden masters in this world. Even those who have cultivated from the first level of Qi to the pinnacle of the ninth level in just over a decade are not few in number. However, they remain hidden from the world, solely pursuing the path of longevity and the Golden Elixir, indifferent to worldly affairs. I was skeptical before, but now it seems... With this thought in mind, Nian Wusheng immediately asked, "Young Master Gu, may I ask who this young talent before us is?"
"Please come again another day..." Gu Dingzhong was slightly taken aback, and a hint of surprise immediately appeared on his face: "Our Wuwei Marquisate warmly welcomes Your Excellency Nian Wusheng at any time."
If individuals who are timid and fearful, like those associated with books and similar pursuits, can cultivate themselves to reach a realm that is highly esteemed by the ninth-level master of the Qi Path, Ren Nian Wusheng, it is hard to believe that he would accept this
Listening to the words of this Sword Saint, it seems that he holds a considerable admiration for his seventh brother, who possesses no remarkable qualities at all
As soon as this thought emerged, it was immediately dismissed by him
At this moment, every movement of the ancient figure in the courtyard appears chaotic and disordered, lacking any discernible pattern. However, the coordination of each of his movements has already reached the limits of what humanity can achieve. Moreover, after each action, the elemental energy of heaven and earth in this courtyard experiences a subtle flow. Although, with his current level of cultivation, he cannot ascertain whether this flow of elemental energy is a result of the person before him practicing martial arts, he is certain that it is somehow connected to him. After each action, the elemental energy of heaven and earth in this courtyard experiences a subtle flow. Although, with his current level of cultivation, he cannot ascertain whether this flow of elemental energy is a result of the person before him practicing martial arts, he is certain that it is somehow connected to him.
From the aura emanating from him, it is evident that although the young man before me has not yet reached the pinnacle of the Dan Path, his understanding in terms of realm is undoubtedly superior to that of the Sword Saint, who has ascended to the peak of the Ninth Layer of Qi Path and is regarded as one of the three greatest experts of the younger generation in the Great Qi
Haha, to be able to invite the Sword Saint Nian Wusheng to accompany me on this journey is indeed an honor for me, Ning Tianqi! Your Excellency Nian Wusheng, please this way!" As Ning Tianqi spoke, he slightly gestured with his hand to invite him, leading him out of the courtyard. Throughout the entire time, he did not exchange a single word with Gu Dingzhong, the eldest son of the Marquis of Wuwei.