Arriving at the mountain gate together with Gu Yuan, Fang Qing realized that Luo Hong and his party were no longer there.After a moment’s thought, she knew they must have already departed.The two paid it little mind and continued on, planning first to go to the Fire-Gold Sect’s plaza.They had only taken a few steps when they encountered Ren Yongnian.He wore a lavish red cultivator’s robe and walked side by side with a tall, handsome man who also wore a red robe.They walked and spoke to each other without disguising their conversation, so Fang Qing easily heard their words.“Senior Brother Ren, my father sent word that my younger brother ran away from home in a fit of anger, so I want to go down the mountain to look for him.”“But you know, as a member of the Song family, I shouldn’t leave the Fire-Gold Sect right now. Still, my brother is so naive; he’s bound to get into trouble. I hope Senior Brother Ren can help me.”Song Chengzhou spoke with obvious concern.Ren Yongnian paused to consider before replying, “I can use my privileges to cover you for three days. Within three days, no news will leak out; after that, it’s uncertain.”“All right! Three days is more than enough. Thank you, Senior Brother Ren. I will repay you handsomely!”With Ren Yongnian’s promise, Song Chengzhou immediately set off, running as if on wings toward the mountain gate.Once outside, he drew a long sword and flew down the mountain by sword-flight.“Brother-obsessed?”Watching Song Chengzhou’s hasty departure, Fang Qing recalled something.Earlier, Yu Hui had mentioned that Song Chengzhou kept a clay figure of his brother in his storage ring, carrying it everywhere and frequently asking others, “How is my brother? Isn’t he adorable?”Because this trait was so pronounced, his reputation as a “brother-obsessed” cultivator had spread far and wide.It was # Nоvеlight # unclear why he behaved this way—apart from making a lasting impression, it served no other purpose.Ren Yongnian had noticed Fang Qing and Gu Yuan long before but, given their respective statuses, did not approach them openly in public. He merely nodded to them and paid no further attention before heading deeper into the Fire-Gold Sect to conceal news for Song Chengzhou.Gu Yuan also offered a slight nod to Ren Yongnian, then turned to Fang Qing and said, “Let’s go see how Mu Lie is doing now.”Gu Yuan’s words pulled Fang Qing out of her reverie and she replied, “Mm.”The two resumed walking side by side toward the arena in the Fire-Gold Sect’s plaza.Along the way, Fang Qing casually asked Gu Yuan, “How’s that fox doing?”Since they had first met Gu Yuan beneath Weiping City, they’d spent the night at the city lord’s manor and returned to the Fire-Gold Sect the next day. The Sect allowed spirit beasts as pets, and as the Sect Master’s disciple, Gu Yuan had special privileges—so he had easily brought the white fox inside.But after that, Fang Qing seldom saw the white fox, hence her question.“That one?” Gu Yuan thought of Bai Lulu’s expression—both angry and restraining herself—when Fang Qing stroked her, and couldn’t help but smile. “She’s been staying in my room. I don’t know why, but she refuses to come out.”“Then take me to see her later. I haven’t petted a fox before.”Hearing Fang Qing, Gu Yuan remembered how Bai Lulu had wanted to scratch Fang Qing but held back and silently prayed she wouldn’t. Then he said, “Of course—just be careful. She’ll scratch if she gets angry.”“No problem. You don’t know my strength yet. A little fox is nothing to me.”Fang Qing clearly didn’t realize what rank a talking beast held in the cultivation world. But it was normal—Bai Lulu had disguised herself as merely a spirit beast to enter the Fire-Gold Sect.Gu Yuan silently hoped Bai Lulu wouldn’t act on her instincts, then added, “Better to be cautious. If you get hurt, no one will be happy.”“Scars are a warrior’s medal.”Fang Qing replied simply.“All right.” Gu Yuan sighed. He’d have to warn Bai Lulu more later—Fang Qing was in a negative state, and he didn’t know what would happen if she got injured.…When they reached the arena in the plaza, Fang Qing saw that little had changed.A dozen or so people watched from below while two cultivators sparred on the platform.One was Mu Lie, whom they’d met before; the other was He Xinghuai, the young man with the wood spirit root who had wounded Gu Yuan in their entry-test bout.Now He Xinghuai had made great progress. His sword technique had become more refined, and his cultivation level had risen.From the momentum as he clashed with Mu Lie, it was clear he had reached Foundation Establishment, entering the ranks of elite disciples.Mu Lie, suppressed by his opponent’s higher cultivation, lasted only a few exchanges before conceding and stepping down from the platform.Unfazed, he called out boldly to He Xinghuai, “Brother He, once I reach Foundation Establishment, we’ll duel again. You won’t win so easily then.”“I shall await Brother Mu’s breakthrough.”“In this match I merely benefited from the advantage in cultivation. I was lucky to win. Once Brother Mu breaks through, I won’t be able to withstand you.”He Xinghuai bowed in salute.Mu Lie waved his hand and said, “Brother He, no need for modesty. Your sword technique is exquisite. Even when I reach Foundation Establishment, I’ll struggle against you.”Then Mu Lie turned to Gu Yuan, who stood by watching, and shouted, “Brother Gu, I’m too exhausted to spar with you now. How about you face Brother He instead?”At Mu Lie’s words, the onlookers began to urge, “Senior Brother Gu, step up! We’re eager to see your martial prowess.”“Yes! Senior Brother Gu, last time you and Senior Sister Fang broke through the beast tide on Bald Stone Mountain, your heroic spirit thrilled us all.”Though their words varied, they all meant the same: they wanted Gu Yuan to mount the platform and spar with He Xinghuai.Facing their encouragement, Gu Yuan spoke loudly, “Since you insist so earnestly, I won’t refuse.”With that, he flew onto the platform.He Xinghuai, standing before him, said simply, “Please.”“Please.”Both drew their weapons. He Xinghuai’s sword blade caught a glint of light, looking razor-sharp. Gu Yuan’s ink-black Xuanlan sword exuded a sense of weight, as though it bore the weight of history.Neither spoke again; they charged each other, swords clashing in a spar.He Xinghuai used a swift-sword style. His blade darted like a bird on the wind, striking from unexpected angles with incredible agility.Gu Yuan wielded a heavy sword, its force relentless and direct. His powerful blows kept He Xinghuai from bringing the tip of his sword to bear.Fang Qing watched their battle quietly from below, inwardly assessing.He Xinghuai’s sword technique was indeed exquisite. If he had been stronger and faster, he might have matched Gu Yuan blow for blow and gained the upper hand.But clearly there were no “ifs.”Gu Yuan’s heavy-sword momentum was immense, and his straightforward, force-accumulating strikes made his offense increasingly fierce. If left unchecked, He Xinghuai would surely be the one to fall.

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