However, Situ Yan was not the type of person who was stiff and serious. He didn't mind Gu Yuan's rude behavior; instead, he understood that it was an expression of Gu Yuan's trust in him. He smiled and said, "How did things go?"

"How could you, respected elder, not know about this matter?"

Gu Yuan smiled and then recounted the entire event from beginning to end.

When it was mentioned that Cyan Wood True Master's soul was utterly obliterated, leaving no trace, Situ Yan nodded slightly without saying anything.

His gaze towards Gu Yuan was filled with an appreciative expression.

From the very beginning, he had a high regard for Gu Yuan. Later, upon learning about Gu Yuan's talent in the Alchemy Dao, he even developed the idea of taking him as a disciple.

He didn't expect that Gu Yuan not only had an exceptional talent in alchemy, but his talent in cultivation was also extraordinarily formidable. His cultivation improved rapidly, and even among his peers, few could match his sword skill divine techniques.

It must be noted that this was the second Golden Core Great Cultivator that Gu Yuan had killed. Moreover, it was someone of Cyan Wood True Master's caliber, a person whose Pill Formation skills were of the Upper Grade. This was not something an ordinary person could achieve.

Even he, upon introspection, found that he couldn't achieve the same feat.

In these respects, among the younger generation of Medicine King Mountain, there were very few who could compare.

Presently, Gu Yuan killed Cyan Wood True Master, although it was primarily for revenge, it also counted as doing him a favor, removing a significant worry from his heart.

Therefore, the more he looked at Gu Yuan now, the more satisfied he felt.

But when he heard about the appearance of the Three-Corpse Old Demon, who had witnessed the event with his own eyes, he frowned.

Though deeply passionate about the alchemy technique, he was ultimately an experienced Golden Core Great Cultivator. His cultivation was not much inferior compared to the Three-Corpse Old Demon, and naturally, he knew some specifics about this demon.

He also understood just how troublesome this old demon could be.

"Did that old demon say anything?"

Gu Yuan did not conceal anything about this matter and recounted the origins of the conflict with the Three-Corpse Old Demon in detail.

Situ Yan waved his hand dismissively and said, "Never mind, whether the demon spreads the news or not doesn't affect the bigger picture. I will handle this matter for you, so don't worry."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuan's expression grew solemn. He quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Situ Yan, and said, "Disciple thanks Uncle Master! This kindness, disciple will never forget!"

Having killed Cyan Wood True Master, although his current status combined with valid reasons would prevent any major trouble from erupting, it would certainly lead to losing face and offending many people.

However, with Situ Yan's assistance, especially given his identity belonging to a familial faction, he could help Gu Yuan resolve many issues.

To speak truthfully, Situ Yan had indeed treated him very well. Previously, he imparted the alchemy technique to Gu Yuan and had offered guidance on multiple occasions. Now he was offering significant help, akin to what one would expect from a direct disciple.

Besides Gu Yuan's parents and his master, He Ling True Master, it was this elder before him who treated him so well.

Although Gu Yuan was also aware that this Uncle Master had plans in treating him so well.

He valued his talent in alchemy and so wished to take him as a disciple. On the contrary, this made Gu Yuan feel more at ease.

"Enough, why the formality with this old man?"

Situ Yan waved his hand somewhat impatiently, though in his heart he was comforted.

One should not fear comparing goods, only comparing people.

His own disciple, Feng Shaojie, was also a child with decent talent and wit; he was also considered intelligent and filial, but compared to Gu Yuan, he was clearly inferior by more than one level.

...

Gu Yuan didn't stay long at Jade Cauldron Tower. After talking with Situ Yan for a while and seeking guidance on some alchemy-related issues, he left.

However, Gu Yuan didn't rush back to his residence. Instead, he sought out a secluded place and used the Mirror Flower Water Moon divine technique to create a false self. After changing his appearance, his real self returned to his residence.

As for the false self, it took on an unremarkable face and headed to a roadside tavern.

Once upstairs by the window, he ordered a pot of vintage wine and several exquisite spiritual cuisine dishes, though he did not touch the food.

He merely took out two wine cups, poured Spirit Fruit Wine into them, and began savoring a cup.

Indeed, the Spirit Fruit Wine was cool and refreshing, sweet but not cloying. It also had a hint of aromatic essence, making its flavor quite excellent and pleasing to drink.

After Gu Yuan finished a cup, a figure walked up to the second floor, went straight to Gu Yuan, and sat opposite him.

This person did not appear old, had a sallow complexion, and was short in stature. His cultivation was average, making him seem highly unremarkable.

The sallow-skinned young man didn't speak immediately. Upon sitting down, he picked up his wine cup and finished it in one gulp before placing it down and smiling, "What brought you to seek me today, my friend?"

Gu Yuan wasn't surprised at all by the unfamiliar face before him. Instead, he responded, "Naturally, there's something I need to discuss with you, my friend."

The sallow-skinned young man's true identity was Ji Canghai.

Both were aware of each other's identities, yet they tacitly referred to each other as "friend," without any intention of revealing the other's identity.

Even though Gu Yuan had already placed a layer of restriction in the vicinity.

"Oh?"

Ji Canghai's mind stirred, and he too placed a restriction before listening to Gu Yuan say,

"A few days ago, I encountered the Three-Corpse Elder..."

Upon hearing this, Ji Canghai's gaze flickered, but he remained silent.

Noticing Ji Canghai's reaction, Gu Yuan chuckled and continued, "The elder asked if I knew you and inquired about my dealings with you."

"Of course, I didn't disclose any information. But I am curious, my friend, despite us only meeting twice and never revealing anything, how did he know we were acquainted?"

Pausing here, Gu Yuan fell silent, looking at Ji Canghai.

But the implication was clear; he was openly questioning Ji Canghai on whether he was the one who revealed this information.

Ji Canghai stayed silent for a moment before his smile gradually faded, and he nodded, saying,

"My master uncle, while ruthless and unfeeling, is also someone filled with emotion and camaraderie, although these are mere superficial aspects. At heart, he is a true demonic figure."

"He and I hold no grudges; it is only because he pursues the Supreme Celestial Demon Dao and thus has a penchant for ritualizing divine demons."

"I have a peculiar talent, possessing a Seven-orifice Exquisite Heart, something you should be aware of. Hence, he is constantly contemplating transforming me into an Exquisite Demon."

Upon hearing this, the corner of Gu Yuan's mouth twitched.

Though demonic cultivators are known for their cunning and deceit, burying ten traps in a single statement, Gu Yuan actually believed three-tenths of Ji Canghai's words.

Without mentioning anything else, in major demonic sects, nurturing disciples and successors often resembles the raising of Gu insects, encouraging them to slaughter one another until a Gu King eventually emerges.

Even incidents of a disciple killing a master or a child killing a parent, such heretical occurrences, are not unheard of in the Demon Dao.

What's more, the first time he met the Three-Corpse Old Demon, the demon set its sights on his aptitude and talent, long envisioning turning him into a Yin Demon.

With such precedents, Gu Yuan couldn't help but believe.

Though he only believed three-tenths of it.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.