"That's right."

He Ling True Master praised, "The tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind."

"You two have great talent, but you both come from humble backgrounds. Compared to the children of noble families, your statuses are far inferior, thus easily attracting jealousy and hostility from others."

"But Xia Xiuxue is different. Her aptitude isn't as good as you two's, so she doesn't draw much attention, and her Xia family has some influence. Currently, there is still an ancestor in their family who is about to achieve Core Formation, so ordinary troubles won't threaten her at all."

"As for the others, no need to mention them."

Gu Yuan looked enlightened, full of gratitude, as if he finally understood He Ling True Master's painstaking effort, and bowed in thanks, "Thank you, Elder, for your care!"

Niu Youde also belatedly saluted.

"Alright, no need for formalities."

He Ling True Master was very satisfied with Gu Yuan, not only because of his exceptional talent but also because of his inherent intelligence and his ability to be modest when necessary.

Recalling his own past stubborn personality, although it was good and aligned with the true meaning of the Sword Dao, it also brought him a lot of trouble.

Gu Yuan's character might allow him to go further on the path of cultivation.

"This time, my descent from the mountain is not only to recruit disciples but also because of the reopening of the Red Dragon Immortal Palace. You both need to wait until I've resolved this before returning to the mountain with me."

He Ling True Master explained briefly, then said:

"Just to be safe, from now on, the two of you will follow me."

"Yes, I will obey," Gu Yuan said with a salute, showing little resistance.

Gu Yuan was quite aware that his performance today was a bit too eye-catching, probably already attracting some people's hostility and envy.

If he were alone, apart from flattering, networking, and feasting, he would undoubtedly face all kinds of targeted plots and schemes.

Although his strength wasn't weak, it would be hard for him to withstand, especially since he had parents, which was also his weakness.

Now, being able to stay beside He Ling True Master, a Golden Core Great Cultivator, represented He Ling True Master's stance.

Some sinister plots and targeting would naturally dissipate, and the safety of Gu Yuan's parents would be ensured.

The risk of offending Gu Yuan, a disciple of Medicine King Mountain with boundless potential, and offending a Golden Core Great Cultivator, over killing two mere mortals - anyone could calculate if it was worth it.

The only slight trouble was Gu Yuan's few spirit pets.

Ahuang, Awu, Deepmouth, and Ao Da were still in Yunmeng Mountain Range and had not been discovered.

Xiaoqing was kept with him, and as it was adept at concealment, it posed no major problem.

Now that Gu Yuan would mostly stay by He Ling True Master's side, he'd have to be mindful when meeting and communicating with his spirit pets in the future.

But, compared to the lives of himself and his parents, these were minor issues.

Nighttime had descended.

He Ling True Master brought the two to a training room in the Jade Cauldron Tower, motioning for the two to sit, examining them for a moment before saying to Gu Yuan:

"Niu Youde hasn't started cultivating yet; once he formally joins the sect, he can obtain a Daoist Scripture suitable for his cultivation from the Library Tower. As for you..."

"I see your swordsmanship is accomplished, and your cultivation is nearing Great Success in Blood Exchange. Your True Qi is pure, providing an excellent foundation. If you change to another cultivation technique, you might complicate your foundation. Did you perhaps receive some fortuitous encounters from predecessors?"

Gu Yuan was momentarily stunned, not expecting He Ling True Master to notice some of his background.

He was about to say something when He Ling True Master waved his hand, "No need to say more, it relates to your personal opportunities, and you don't need to tell anyone, nor does anyone have the right to know."

"Moreover, our sect disciples aren't truly bound by this; whether you cultivate our sect's techniques or obtained superior Daoist scriptures from outside, it's not much of a hindrance."

This... Gu Yuan was amazed, as Elder Chen previously didn't tell him so.

Back then, Elder Chen said that every inducted disciple must switch to the sect's cultivation techniques. Otherwise, being a disciple of Medicine King Mountain with a foundational basis from other lineages, what would that signify?

With this, would he still be considered a disciple of Medicine King Mountain?

"Could it be that seeing my high talent, they're concerned that changing cultivation techniques could easily damage my foundation?"

A conjecture formed in Gu Yuan's heart, followed by a sigh.

This is the benefit of having high talent!

With high talent and great potential, others tend to accommodate you in every way, and some rules can cease to be rules.

And most importantly, He Ling True Master's Sword Dao and his cultivation technique didn't seem to clash!

That is to say, Gu Yuan could completely practice both the Sword Dao and his techniques.

If so, then He Ling True Master's intent was quite clear.

Gu Yuan wasn't a fool; through He Ling True Master's attitude towards him, he could discern some intent.

This Golden Core Great Cultivator had likely taken a liking to his talent and wanted to take him as a disciple!

"Draw your sword and let me see."

He Ling True Master gestured, and the Qiushui Sword by Gu Yuan's waist rang out of its sheath, landing in Gu Yuan's hand.

"Forgive my offense, Elder!"

Gu Yuan knew the other was testing his swordsmanship and, given the other was a Golden Core Great Cultivator, there was no way he could possibly harm him.

Therefore, Gu Yuan felt no reservations and struck with all his might!

Long sword in hand, Gu Yuan thrust the sword out.

Clang—

The sword light was like a bolt of lightning, cutting through the dark night, illuminating the dim room in stark white!

The stark and stunning sword light exuded a chilling murderous intent, gripping the heart!

The entire room, even this world, seemed tainted with the color of blood, filled with boundless killing intent!

Niu Youde's face tightened, instinctively stepping back a few steps, feeling a slight stinging sensation.

His whole body felt as if it were placed in an icy cave, chilling to the bone!

And this feeling was merely the aftermath of this sword strike by Gu Yuan!

"Good!"

Facing this strike, He Ling True Master praised, then extended a finger, gently tapping it.

His fingers were long and full, fair and supple, appearing completely ordinary without any imposing power.

Yet, the fingertip precisely touched the tip of Gu Yuan's sword.

Poof—

Soon after, Gu Yuan's terrifying sword light deflated like a leaking balloon, all its power vanished, and the sword light shattered, dissolving into specks of light, disappearing in the air.

Gu Yuan stared blankly at this scene.

He clearly sensed that the power of the other's finger did not exceed the power of his sword strike, even much less, yet easily nullified the True Qi, sword intent, and power on the Qiushui Sword.

"Your sword strike, whether in sword intent or power, is quite remarkable. Even an ordinary Celestial Human Realm cultivator, if unprotected by a magical artifact, would be killed by your sword strike."

He Ling True Master commented, "For your current cultivation, to achieve this level in the Sword Dao is very impressive, even I am surprised. But... this is still far from enough!"

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