Ning Wanzhuang’s Arrival

Gu Bei’s brow furrowed deeply.

He held the dossier concerning Clear Stream Valley and the newly arrived Wandering Sects.

“What is it? Is it very troublesome?” Yun Qingyi, who had just reviewed the same information, was seated opposite Gu Bei, unable to fully decipher the documents in his hand.

“Extremely troublesome,” Gu Bei replied, his voice low and grave.

They were currently at a tavern named ‘Nanshun’ within Sanchuan Commandery, considered one of the finest establishments in the vast region.

However, a tavern was merely a tavern; it offered no special assurances against eavesdropping when discussing matters of great import.

A pang of regret struck Gu Bei; he should have chosen a more discreet location.

“A single commandery spans an immense territory, so how could the Imperial Astronomical Bureau (TL Note: A government agency responsible for astronomy, astrology, and calendrical calculations, often involved in matters of state and supernatural phenomena.) not intervene in the conflict between Clear Stream Valley and the Hundred Hunt Gate?”

“To the imperial court, there is little distinction between the Immortal Alliance and the Wandering Sects.”

“Sanchuan is not like the remote northern or southern border commanderies, where mountains are high and the emperor is far away.”

“It is not even particularly distant from the Central Capital, making it impossible for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau’s influence to not reach here.”

“The Hundred Hunt Gate’s sect master, an early Nascent Soul cultivator, is barely three hundred years old.”

“Though he may not be widely renowned within the Immortal Alliance, he holds the fifty-fourth position on the Earth Ranking of the Profound Yellow Ranking .”

“Yet, the dossier portrays him as nothing more than a dissolute young master.”

“The Immortal Alliance’s response has also been peculiar, allowing the Hundred Hunt Gate’s actions to proceed unchecked and ignoring Clear Stream Valley’s pleas for assistance.”

“I cannot say whether Clear Stream Valley’s master is aware of Sanchuan’s current predicament, but it is clear that the Wandering Sects, the Immortal Alliance, and the imperial court are all engaged in some form of machination here.”

Gu Bei delivered his analysis slowly and gravely.

Yun Qingyi’s expression had subtly shifted by now.

“This is not something for small, unassuming sects like ours to meddle in; we should withdraw,” Gu Bei declared, setting down the dossier with a long exhalation.

Yun Qingyi, too, now understood that the situation with Clear Stream Valley was far more complex than she had initially perceived.

“If that is the case, then let us depart,” she agreed with Gu Bei’s decision, pausing briefly before adding, “However, we shall first make another trip to Clear Stream Valley.”

Gu Bei’s expression froze. “Why?” he questioned.

Yun Qingyi let out a cold laugh. “If you hadn’t discovered this, wouldn’t I have fallen straight into their trap? That old wretch…”

“Ah… that’s true,” Gu Bei murmured, realization dawning upon him.

He had forgotten that Yun Qingyi, a mid-stage Golden Core expert and their sect’s guest elder, was accompanying him.

After all, he was accustomed to fighting alone, always fleeing immediately when faced with challenges beyond his capabilities.

****

By the time Gu Bei and Yun Qingyi returned to Clear Stream Valley, they found a peerless beauty, whom Gu Bei had met a few times before, visiting as a guest.

It was Ning Wanzhuang.

Her peach blossom eyes, imbued with a hint of languor, cast a glance towards Gu Bei and Yun Qingyi, the unexpected visitors.

“Is this not… Young Master Gu?” Ning Wanzhuang’s lips curved into a smile.

Her voice was like an ethereal orchid blooming in a secluded valley, or perhaps like wisps of drifting cloud and smoke.

Delicate and ornate hairpins and a buyáo (TL Note: A type of Chinese hair ornament with dangling parts that sway when the wearer moves, often indicating status or elegance.) swayed gently with her subtle sidelong glance.

“The immortal maiden jests,” Gu Bei chuckled, his smile bright and formal, neither too intimate nor too distant.

“How could I possibly be worthy of such a title from you, immortal maiden?”

“Since the immortal maiden and the valley master have important matters to discuss, I shall choose another day to pay my respects.”

“Why would you not be worthy?” Ning Wanzhuang slowly rose to her feet.

“It’s nothing; the valley master and I merely have a small matter to discuss, whereas Young Master Gu’s affairs are of greater importance.”

Her movements were graceful and poised, imbued with an innate elegance.

This Immortal Maiden Ning was an old acquaintance of Gu Bei’s master, which was why he had met her several times.

However, her relationship with his master was far from amicable, leading to arguments every time they met.

Whenever his master lost an argument, she resorted to physical altercations.

Moreover, the few times Ning Wanzhuang had initially visited, she had intended to offer assistance to their Minor Sword Sect.

Yet, his master, perceiving it as pity, would only grow more enraged.

Over time, what little goodwill remained between them had entirely transformed into animosity.

Particularly after his master had once beaten Immortal Maiden Ning, she had returned home, grown increasingly infuriated upon reflection, and then sought her out again to deliver another beating.

The problem was that Immortal Maiden Ning was of the type whose father was a powerful figure (TL Note: A common Chinese trope implying a person with significant backing or a powerful family, similar to ‘my dad is Zhang Erhe’).

Her master was the Executive Deputy Alliance Master of the Immortal Alliance.

How could their struggling, eighteenth-tier Minor Sword Sect possibly afford to offend such a top-tier scion of a powerful family?

As her disciple, he had no choice but to secretly go and apologize on her behalf.

However, he held no standing whatsoever with Immortal Maiden Ning; even after apologizing, he could only hope that this languid, elegant smiling tiger would overlook his master’s transgressions.

After numerous apologies, he had, over time, at least become a familiar face.

Yet, it was nothing more than that—a familiar face.

Gu Bei was acutely aware of this, so he never harbored any intention of ingratiating himself; an apology was simply an apology.

He would leave immediately after apologizing, never lingering, and would take his leave at the slightest hint of displeasure from her.

Fortunately, Ning Wanzhuang was rather amenable to receiving apologies from Gu Bei, the disciple of an old acquaintance.

Moreover, his demeanor was always perfectly measured, so he had yet to truly provoke her.

As for Yun Qingyi, who had only later become the Minor Sword Sect’s guest elder, she did not know Ning Wanzhuang.

The sharp and capable guest elder immortal maiden furrowed her brow slightly, but ultimately said nothing.

This peerless beauty, whom her Chief Gu addressed as “immortal maiden,” was an entire major cultivation realm above her, and her bone age seemed not much different from Yun Qingyi’s own.

Ning Wanzhuang’s impression of Gu Bei was that he knew when to advance and when to retreat, and understood etiquette; aside from his cultivation and innate talent, he was quite decent.

However, both she and Mu Qingsi belonged to the type who, from the very beginning of their cultivation, had been blessed with abundant resources (wealth, companions, techniques, and prime locations) and exceptional innate talent.

Thus, even if Ning Wanzhuang were to take a disciple, she wouldn’t place too much emphasis on innate talent.

For them, cultivation could simply be accumulated.

“Strictly speaking, you should address me as Martial Aunt, but your master’s temperament is truly…”

Her long skirts billowed as she approached Gu Bei.

Gu Bei chuckled in agreement. “You speak truly. How could I dare presume such a connection? I still owe you an apology on behalf of my master.”

“Oh,” Ning Wanzhuang’s full, crimson lips parted slightly, and a hint of amusement flickered in her half-lidded, languid peach blossom eyes.

“Indeed, you should apologize, for your master sought me out again just before you arrived.”

Gu Bei’s expression stiffened, then he offered a helpless, bitter smile.

His hands, hidden beneath the hem of his robe, moved forward, as if he intended to kneel directly.

“Since we are not in a martial aunt-nephew relationship, Wanzhuang cannot accept such a grand gesture from a young master.”

Ning Wanzhuang’s lips curved slightly upward as she gently raised a palm to support Gu Bei.

“This… my master is truly impudent; I hope the immortal maiden can be more understanding,” Gu Bei said, taking the opportunity to straighten up and cup his hands in a respectful salute.

“Of course,” Ning Wanzhuang smiled faintly, her tone light and understated.

“If Wanzhuang were not understanding, perhaps the Minor Sword Sect would no longer exist, would it?”

“Indeed, the immortal maiden is truly magnanimous.”

Yun Qingyi, standing by with an impassive expression, subtly furrowed her brow.

She, too, had gathered that this impossibly beautiful immortal maiden likely hailed from a terrifyingly powerful sect, beyond just her own cultivation.

Nevertheless, she felt a slight discomfort at seeing her Chief act so deferentially.

She did not, however, reveal it.

Meanwhile, the Clear Stream Valley Master, whose presence had steadily faded, was utterly terrified by the relationship between Gu Bei and Ning Wanzhuang, as if “one Buddha had emerged and two Buddhas ascended to heaven” (TL Note: A Chinese idiom describing extreme shock or fear, as if one’s soul has been scared out of them.)

‘Chief Gu, Young Master Gu! If you had such connections, why didn’t you say so sooner?’

‘Then I wouldn’t have tricked you into wading into this muddy water for me!’

“Heh heh, well then, Wanzhuang shall forgive your master,” Ning Wanzhuang said, a light chuckle escaping her.

“So, Young Master Gu, what brings you here?”

“It is nothing major,” Gu Bei replied.

“I merely had a trivial matter to discuss with the Clear Stream Valley Master, though whether we discuss it or not ultimately makes little difference.”

“Oh…” Ning Wanzhuang instantly understood that Gu Bei was unwilling to confide in her.

However, she did not press the issue.

After all, Sanchuan had become the eye of a storm where three major factions vied for power, and she had no inclination to concern herself with trivial matters.

Her brief exchange with Gu Bei was solely due to his master.

Ultimately, Gu Bei could only interact with her in this manner because his master was Mu Qingsi.

Yet, someone present knew the full story and was eager to share it.

The Clear Stream Valley Master suddenly appeared centuries younger, raising his hand like a diligent schoolchild.

“I know why Young Master Gu has come!” he exclaimed.

He had, in fact, been conflicted for a while.

After all, this “auntie”  likely meant that the mysterious sect master of the Minor Sword Sect was an old acquaintance of hers, and he feared offending Gu Bei’s master.

However, judging by the current situation, it seemed Auntie Ning held the upper hand.

Furthermore, his scheme to ensnare Gu Bei and Yun Qingyi was already a foregone conclusion.

Though they hadn’t fallen into his trap, if their master were to come knocking for an explanation one day, his peak Golden Core cultivation would undoubtedly be insufficient.

Generally speaking, sect masters of eighth-rank sects were typically at least Nascent Soul cultivators.

He, a Golden Core sect master, had assumed his position when Clear Stream Valley was still a ninth-rank sect.

The sect’s current eighth-rank status was something he had painstakingly cultivated over time.

Beyond managing the sect, he possessed another particular expertise.

Preserving the sect.

“Oh? The valley master knows?” Ning Wanzhuang’s interest was piqued.

Not much, just a tiny bit.

Enough, perhaps, to simply pass the time.

“This old man has truly wronged Young Master Gu!”

Gu Bei narrowed his eyes.

The moment Clear Stream Valley’s master opened his mouth, Gu Bei knew what nonsense this “old fart” was about to spout.

He was almost amused, yet also infuriated.

However, this was an eighth-rank sect master, one who had painstakingly built his sect up, making him far more powerful than their rootless, wandering Minor Sword Sect.

Even knowing he was about to put on an act, Gu Bei could only play along.

In an instant, Gu Bei had already deciphered the other party’s intentions.

It was nothing more than a strategic move: “punishing himself with three cups of wine” (TL Note: A traditional gesture of apology or self-punishment, often symbolic, in Chinese culture.) and directly revealing the truth to Ning Wanzhuang in exchange for her protection.

Even if Ning Wanzhuang didn’t explicitly protect Clear Stream Valley, his master would have no legitimate reason to come seeking an explanation later.

After all, hadn’t the man already “punished himself with three cups”?

Gu Bei, seething internally, simultaneously slipped into character.

His tone was cold, his expression severe. “The valley master truly has a clever scheme!”

“This old man has been wronged, Young Master Gu!” the Clear Stream Valley Master protested, a mix of guilt and grievance in his voice.

His voice was robust and full of vigor, betraying no hint of his advanced age.

“Before the immortal maiden Ning arrived, this old man truly had no idea that the Hundred Hunt Gate was a pawn in the demonic path’s schemes!”

“Nevertheless, I have indeed committed a harmful act, and I beg Young Master Gu’s forgiveness.”

“Whatever compensation is required, this old man will bear it alone!”

“Hmph!” Gu Bei fumed, barely containing his rage.

“If not for my guest elder’s keen insight and wisdom, our Minor Sword Sect might well have become a relic of history!”

“You speak of compensation? What could you possibly offer as compensation?!”

Ning Wanzhuang, observing the old and young man simultaneously launch into their dramatic performance, merely folded her arms with a faint smile, utterly absorbed and silent.

The other immortal maiden present, Yun Qingyi, was somewhat slow to react.

She had paused for a moment when Gu Bei mentioned her, then looked at her Chief with a puzzled expression.

Only after a short while did she realize and begin to cooperate with her Chief, adopting an indignant expression.

Ning Wanzhuang, however, had observed Yun Qingyi’s sudden shift in expression with perfect clarity, seeing through it like fire.

In truth, Gu Bei had overlooked one crucial aspect of the Clear Stream Valley Master’s intentions.

By revealing Gu Bei’s insight into Sanchuan’s true situation to Ning Wanzhuang, the valley master had another motive.

‘He wanted to elevate Gu Bei’s standing in front of Ning Wanzhuang.’

‘If Ning Wanzhuang were to develop even a slight interest in Gu Bei, Clear Stream Valley would undoubtedly be safe thereafter.’

This was a prime example of an old fox’s cunning.

Even if Gu Bei had accumulated a wealth of experience over his years of wandering, learning from countless setbacks, and even if Ning Wanzhuang possessed wisdom bordering on the demonic and highly skilled methods, she was ultimately still young.

This old geezer, the Clear Stream Valley Master, believed that if Ning Wanzhuang and Gu Bei could become even slightly entangled, he would gain Ning Wanzhuang’s backing and avoid offending Gu Bei.

Even if nothing came of it between the two, Ning Wanzhuang would remember Clear Stream Valley due to the interest Gu Bei had sparked in her.

This was a connection.

“Young Master Gu, whatever you request, this old man shall—”

“Shall the two of you continue?” Ning Wanzhuang interjected, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Her words interrupted Gu Bei, who had just been about to continue his performance.

“Young Master Gu just mentioned…” Ning Wanzhuang tilted her head slightly, looking at Gu Bei.

“Was it this immortal maiden who discerned the situation?”

At her words, Gu Bei immediately knew his act had been exposed.

He offered a bitter smile, about to offer an explanation.

However, Ning Wanzhuang gave him no such opportunity, instead turning directly to Yun Qingyi.

“Immortal maiden, how did you discern this, if I may ask?”

Yun Qingyi subtly furrowed her brow, her competent demeanor lending her words considerable credibility at this moment.

“Naturally, it was—”

“Immortal Maiden Ning, I apologize!” Gu Bei, hearing Yun Qingyi about to argue, knew disaster was imminent.

He immediately cut her off, apologizing loudly.

“Oh? And where has Young Master Gu wronged Wanzhuang this time?” Ning Wanzhuang’s smile widened slightly, her gaze drifting towards him.

“If you do not explain yourself clearly… should your words today spread, Wanzhuang’s reputation might be tarnished.”

Gu Bei froze in an awkward predicament; Ning Wanzhuang’s jest had cornered him.

Meanwhile, the original instigator, the old fart, had once again become transparent.

The Clear Stream Valley Master’s lowered face now bore a sinister smile.

‘This is a plan to kill countless birds with one stone!’

‘What if these two possess extraordinary talent and exceptional innate abilities?’

‘No one can escape the allure of romance and worldly affairs!’

‘Heheheh!’

“Immortal Maiden Ning, please do not tease me…” Gu Bei could only steel himself and pull the conversation back on track. “What I meant was that just now… I spoke a lie.”

He knew that if he were to flirt along with her words at this moment, his favorability would increase significantly.

However, he was not adept at such exchanges, and if the conversation went awry, it would be utterly ruined.

In matters like these, Gu Bei preferred to do nothing rather than make a mistake.

“Then why did Young Master Gu lie?” Ning Wanzhuang asked, feigning ignorance with an innocent expression.

“Our Minor Sword Sect is merely a ninth-rank sect; apart from my master and Immortal Maiden Yun, there are no other cultivators above the Foundation Establishment realm within it,” Gu Bei admitted with a sigh.

“How could we possibly become entangled in such affairs?”

“I see. Then how did Young Master Gu discern this?”

“To be precise, I did not know what was going to happen, nor could I claim to have ‘discerned’ anything specific.”

“I merely noticed some subtle clues within the dossier.”

“Regardless of whether the impending events were good or bad, they would bring misfortune, not blessing, to the Minor Sword Sect.”

“Naturally, we sought to avoid them at all costs.”

“Then… what if Wanzhuang insists that Young Master step into these muddy waters?”

“Then, I would have no choice but to obey.”