"Hmm."

Xia Xiuxue composed herself a bit and said, "You are..."

"Oh, I have something to consult with Old Chen."

Gu Yuan said half-truthfully.

"Old Chen?"

Xia Xiuxue was a bit surprised; her gaze towards Gu Yuan changed slightly.

She naturally knew something about the background of Old Chen.

His identity was remarkable; he was an Inner Sect Disciple of Medicine King Mountain, and even her father usually treated him with respect.

Even when she first learned of his identity, she tried to ingratiate herself, but Old Chen treated everyone, including her, with indifference and laziness, showing no interest in anyone.

For Gu Yuan to seek out questions, and the old man not to send him away after staying for a while, it explained a lot.

Could it be because Gu Yuan possesses the Iron Bone and Soft Tendons talent?

But in any case, since Gu Yuan received Old Chen's attention, his weight was different from before.

At least she couldn't view him the same way as before!

Xia Xiuxue had some thoughts, but on the surface, she showed a slight smile and said, "Old Chen is special and shouldn't be disturbed too much. If you have any questions in the future that are not too significant, you can also come to me."

"Alright, thank you, Third Miss."

Gu Yuan astutely noticed the shift in this young lady's attitude, likely due to Old Chen's regard for him, hence her kindness.

Yet, despite being just a teenage girl, she judged people shrewdly and naturally, making connections instinctively, revealing a surprisingly mature mind, which was truly astonishing.

However, Yang Jianfei, standing by, heard Xia Xiuxue's words and immediately misunderstood, having a moment of confusion.

He had already heard of Gu Yuan's examination for root bone, revealing his Iron Bone and Soft Tendons talent, and being valued by the Pavilion Master and others.

This made Yang Jianfei, who was already displeased with Gu Yuan, feel even more resentment and imbalance!

Why?!

Why should a mere country bumpkin, a peasant, have such a talent as Iron Bone and Soft Tendons?!

This guy didn't deserve it!

Instead, he, born into wealth with a noble background, had far less talent than the other. This was unacceptable for someone who always saw himself highly and exceptional.

Now, Xia Xiuxue, whom he had long pursued unsuccessfully, seemed proactive and enthusiastic towards Gu Yuan, stirring a worm-like jealousy within him, eating away at his already limited reason.

He could no longer hold back and said sourly, "Xiuxue, why bother with him? A mere peasant from the countryside isn't worth your time."

"I know you've recently hit a bottleneck in swordsmanship. My family has a superior saber technique, 'Mandarin Duck Saber,' a remnant similar to what you are practicing, 'Flying Bird Feather Saber.' Why don't I bring it to you tomorrow?"

Hearing this, Xia Xiuxue's smile suddenly froze on her face.

She looked at Yang Jianfei incredulously, suddenly finding him so unfamiliar!

She was well aware of Yang Jianfei's intentions.

Although she never liked him, the Yang family's influence wasn't weak, and her father valued them, requiring some diplomacy, so she had gently declined his advances several times.

But Yang Jianfei pretended not to understand and continued to pester her.

Now, once again, he bothered her over trivial matters, which made her quite agitated.

Hearing his current words, Xia Xiuxue felt Yang Jianfei was incomprehensible, resenting Gu Yuan out of jealousy, yet the insult was directed at someone else!

A young girl always dreams about her other half. Even if her future husband isn't the gentlemanly type with good manners, at least he should be well-mannered, right?

Yang Jianfei's spiteful behavior made her entirely repulsed and left her with no patience.

"You can keep the 'Mandarin Duck Saber' for yourself. Also, Brother Yang, I think you've misunderstood, there's nothing between Gu Yuan and me! Even if there was, it's none of your business, nor reason for you to belittle others freely."

Xia Xiuxue's pretty face turned cold as she said icily:

"Moreover, we're not that familiar, so please call me Third Miss from now on!"

With that, she ignored his alternating pale and flushed embarrassed expression and left directly.

Only Yang Jianfei and Gu Yuan remained at the scene.

"Young Master Yang, my peasant talent is better than yours and more favored by Third Miss, you must be quite frustrated, right?"

Gu Yuan said mockingly with a smile.

In his heart, he didn't think much of this guy.

I haven't provoked you, so why are you attacking me?!

Belittling me doesn't showcase your excellence?

Lacking the ability, failing to win a woman's heart, you resort to petty spite, never looking at your faults, unable to understand your position—it's utterly laughable and hateful!

"Boy, don't get complacent!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Jianfei's eyes turned red, glaring at Gu Yuan with a slightly twisted expression, "It won't be long before you'll understand that the gap between us isn't something talent alone can bridge!"

From his perspective, Gu Yuan only received the Pavilion Master's and Xia Xiuxue's attention due to his Iron Bone and Soft Tendons talent.

However great the talent, it only signified potential.

What's the use of being a genius?

A living genius is truly a genius; a dead one is just a pile of rot!

Gu Yuan, with his mountain villager background and no backing, should be easy for him to crush.

The implication—planning revenge on me… Gu Yuan raised an eyebrow, considering it all.

Knowing there's no reasoning with this kind of person, he stopped paying attention to this mad dog and turned to leave promptly.

Watching Gu Yuan's departing figure, a vicious gleam flashed in Yang Jianfei's eyes.

"Hmph! A mere low-born swamp rat, daring to climb above me... I'll make you regret it deeply!"

...

The following days, Gu Yuan focused on cultivation.

He was studying a lot of martial arts, such as 'Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique,' 'Black Turtle Armor Technique,' 'Spiritual Snake Swordsmanship,' 'Willow Catkin Swordsmanship,' 'Wandering Snake Step,' 'Big Stone-Throwing Hand,' 'Yin Wind Saber,' etc.

Every martial art demanded a large amount of time for cultivation.

Due to limited time, Gu Yuan concentrated on 'Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique,' 'Black Turtle Armor Technique,' as well as 'Wandering Snake Step' and the two sword techniques.

Because of the "Snake Coiling" and "Turtle Breath" talents, despite practicing multiple martial arts simultaneously, his progress wasn't slow but quite swift.

Whether it was Bone Refining or Horizontal Training, his daily progress was quite noticeable.

That afternoon, under an overcast sky, with the cold wind howling as if about to snow,

Gu Yuan, as usual, tempered his qi and blood, refined his bones, nurtured his whole body, and then practiced swordsmanship.

After finishing, he took a package from the beams, containing a long saber, several sets of clothes, and some bottles and jars.

After preparing meticulously, he left the house.

...

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