It was clear that Gongyi Mingxia’s heart was moved.
True, she was female, but who could say that women didn’t have ambitions and were unwilling to take the next step?
In this world, female martial artists weren’t rare. It was only the limitations of their bodies which made it difficult to “open the door” when one started practicing martial arts. After opening the door, not all women were able to endure that kind of monotonous and painful cultivation. On top of that, many women succumbed to romantic attachment or didn’t have enough resources, which led to them giving up halfway... This brought about the reason why women seemed to be rarer than men.
If Gu Zuo was aware of Mingxia’s way of thinking, he would’ve certainly ridiculed: Wasn’t it just that girls were more emotional? Their sentimentality matured relatively early and then hormones would strike. So if one wasn’t careful, the most optimal period to practice martial arts would pass. Boys were also impulsive, but because their sentimentality hadn’t fully sprouted yet, their urges could be vented into practicing martial arts. When unable to control themselves, they’d be reined in by their elders, which would lessen the influences on their determination to practice martial arts — In addition, boys would need to carry on their ancestral lines, with three wives, four concubines, and so on. Many had desire but few had sentimentality. Resources would then lean favorably towards the boys’ side.
...That said, it was very unfair.
However, it was different within the Sect. There were no differences between men and women. The competitive atmosphere of practicing martial arts was even denser, and resources were sufficient. So long as one dared to stake it all, dared to strike, dared to go and scheme, there would always be enough of everything.
As a result, there were many female martial artists who could similarly suppress many male martial artists.
Gongyi Mingxia wasn’t a half-hearted person. That instance of apprehension of hers was dispelled by Gu Zuo’s list of “living examples”. At this moment, she recovered her normal quick-witted and adorable appearance. She said with all smiles: “Then, I’ll be following big brother and Brother Ah Zuo. Please don’t mind me troubling you two!”
Tianheng smiled and said: “Rest easy.”
Gu Zuo was a little embarrassed: “Don’t mention it.” Following that, he seemed to recall something. He took out several bottles from his sleeve and stuffed them into Mingxia’s hand, “Take them.”
Gongyi Mingxia stared blankly.
At first, Tianyang’s stiff face had looked serious. Now, his eyes flashed with a hint of a smile — He remembered previously when Gu Zuo had also given him these medicine bottles.
Gongyi Tianheng said: “Mingxia, accept them. The medicinal pills Ah Zuo refines are many times better than the ones made by ordinary pharmacists.”
Mingxia heard this, and properly received them.
The ones Gu Zuo had given Mingxia this time around were primarily top grade Qi Generating Pills and top grade Rejuvenation Pills because her strength was comparatively low. Pills of too high a rank were useless, so using these were enough. As for the Anti-Aging Pill, this kind of pill that was a woman’s favorite, he’d actually given her a lot.
The siblings were affectionate and harmonious, and everything had been made clear. The household merely harbored longing in their hearts as well as some fears toward the unknown. However, when they looked at the well-prepared Gongyi Tianheng, this kind of fearful mood was quickly dashed apart.
Tianheng sighed and said: “I had hopes that my grandfather and parents would follow me onward. Yet, because they are of the senior generation, it would be inappropriate if they became nominal disciples.”
Gu Zuo understood.
No matter how it was said, nominal disciples in the Sect were people of a lower class. Gu Zuo was a pharmacist and had some contacts, so he was doing pretty well. Before the other clan children became true Sect disciples, they would be regarded as existences equivalent to servants or attendants, even if they were Gongyi Tianyang or Gongyi Mingxia. For young people, being discriminated against would be a form of self-discipline. But if the senior generation elders were treated the same way, it would worry the hearts of the younger generation.
Of course, the matter that Gu Zuo realized was something that Gongyi Yan and the others also understood.
Hence, the iciness on Gongyi Yan’s stern features dissolved, and his tone eased up: “We’re already old, and the best opportunities to practice martial arts have already passed. Even if we went, we wouldn’t accomplish much. On the contrary, we would become our child’s burden. In the future, when our child’s roots deepen and his branches and leaves grow lush, it will already be enough for us to rest under his shade. Currently, the Gongyi Clan still needs us to keep watch. With the help of our son and some leaders, we call on the Gongyi Clan to also deepen its roots as a matter of necessity.”
Gongyi Tianheng faintly nodded: “Yes.”
Immediately after that, they started to conduct discussions about the follow-up arrangements.
Off to the side, Gu Zuo quietly listened and discovered many twists and turns. He couldn’t help looking to Gongyi Mingxia, who sat beside him, and asked: “Young Tianteng... Why haven’t I seen any trace of Tianteng?”
Unexpectedly, the three to four year old child never showed up.
Gongyi Mingxia saw him ask this and her large and round eyes curled: “Tianteng has recently started tempering his body, and sleeps for a rather long time. Right now, he’s sleeping in his private chamber. Nowadays, the clan has lots of medicinal pills, so we can properly set his foundations. In the future, his aptitudes will certainly be stronger than my own or second brother’s!”
Gu Zuo understood clearly. He thought about it, and said: “Tianteng will surely be very powerful.”
He would go to find Tianteng again later. The kind of medicinal pills that would be the most useful to children were those that set the foundations.
Afterwards, once the Gongyi Clan members were about done with their discussions, they were also finished eating and drinking to their hearts’ content. Gongyi Yan announced the method he discussed with Tianheng, which was to let the clan members report the names of the candidates from within their own cadet branches. After that, they would undergo some screening. Finally, the placements would be determined based on martial strength and adaptability.
Gu Zuo followed Tianheng back to the courtyard of the ancestral residence, which looked the same as when they left it. It had specialized guards, and no one else had entered.
Deep in the night, Gu Zuo thought of something to do, and searched his memories for a prescription — Because of all sorts of reasons, he naturally couldn’t pick the type that needed to be refined every day. This would cause certain difficulties.
However, those item books had never disappointed Gu Zuo — They were practically encyclopedias categorized with all the Human-Level related knowledge that pharmacists needed. It had almost everything he’d ever need!
Not long after, Gu Zuo made his choice.
Tianheng was originally sitting down cross-legged, but he discovered that Gu Zuo was furrowing his eyebrows, deep in thought. After relaxing his brows again, Gu Zuo’s eyes brightened. Tianheng couldn’t help laughing: “Ah Zuo, what is it?”
As a conditioned reflex, Gu Zuo threw himself over and said: “Big brother! I’ve found a prescription!”
The corner of Tianheng’s mouth curled up. His interest was piqued: “Oh?”
As before, Gu Zuo presented his treasure: “This type of pill decoction is a pill and a decoction. To use it, just throw the refined pill into boiling water and it will promptly dissolve, forming the decoction. After that, the decoction will cool somewhat and the surface will coagulate to form a film of grayish skin. Once that skin is completely removed, the decoction will be complete. Then Tianteng can be put into it.”
Tianheng nodded his head: “The attributes of the medicinal decoction doesn’t have any negative effects on the body?”
Gu Zuo proudly said: “Big brother, you wouldn’t know. Although this type of medicinal decoction isn’t the best at awakening a child, it’s the most suitable and convenient one. So long as the child wants to use it, there won’t be any problems regardless of the attribute!”
For the children of this world, even if they practiced martial arts from childhood, it was impossible to generate true qi at such a young age. Even if a genius could generate true qi, it was impossible to know their own attribute so soon — Only if it was that type of extraordinary constitution whose nature was different from other people’s would they be able to infer it easily.
But it was clear that Gongyi Tianteng wasn’t a person with that type of extraordinary constitution. Thus, this sort of Tiger Balm-like decoction with the highest cost-performance ratio was the best choice.
Gu Zuo felt that the person who came up with this type of pill decoction back then was certainly a genius pharmacist!
After Tianheng finished listening, he extended a hand to tug at Gu Zuo’s rosy cheeks and ruffled his hair. He praised: “Whatever Ah Zuo considers will always be the best.”
Gu Zuo’s face suddenly reddened even more.
Just then, he didn’t think about it. But now, he felt that his own response was very, very ostentatious!
Gongyi Tianheng looked at this appearance of his and couldn’t resist smiling as he said: “Ah Zuo has confidence. This is very good.”
Gu Zuo choked, and showed a smiling expression: “Then, will big brother prepare the medicinal herbs for me?”
Tianheng had a smile on his face: “Okay, I’ll prepare enough herbs for you.” Then he said, “Originally, it was me who’d come to prepare the herbs for you.”
Gu Zuo blinked his eyes.
Tianheng laughed: “Tianteng is my younger brother.”
Gu Zuo nodded.
Tianheng supplemented: “You are my little pharmacist.”
Gu Zuo didn’t know why, but he felt that his heart was burning up a bit.
The next day, Gongyi Tianheng convened the Tianlong Guards under his command.
Because the length of his departure was brief, these Tianlong Guards were still very loyal to him. When they heard the call to gather this time, they arrived one after another and knelt together as a dense group in the courtyard.
Tianheng stood tall and proud. He seemed unhurried and placid, making a person sense a type of majesty that one couldn’t peer at too closely: “Dragon Three, Dragon Four, Dragon Five, Dragon Six, Dragon Seven.”
Those five people took a step forward and knelt again: “Yes, young master!”
Tianheng said: “You guys will go with me this time.”
Without the slightest hesitation, the five said: “As you command!”
Gu Zuo had seen this kind of scene many times before, but every time he still felt that the loyalty of these Tianlong Guards was like that of death soldiers. His big brother was that oppressive social class... Ah, that’s not right. It was the same as their fidelity to a monarch.
Moreover, he couldn’t help being speechless every time.
However, it was also because of this that Gu Zuo felt it wasn’t strange for his big brother to constantly keep the Tianlong Guards in mind, wanting to bring them all over — If it was him, he also wouldn’t be willing to re-educate new ones when he still possessed loyal subordinates! It was said that older talents were more useful. Even if it were slaves under his control, they couldn’t be compared to these Tianlong Guards.
The other Tianlong Guards seemed to realize that they themselves would be left behind again, and their qi energies became somewhat dispirited. On the contrary, although the expressions of Dragon Three to Dragon Seven were still solemn and respectful, their bodies were brimming with hints of joy.
Gongyi Tianheng placated: “Wait for my influence to strengthen even more. You all are my left and right hands. As of right now, you only need to properly cultivate and quickly reach peak Meridian Condensing stage three. This is a crucial matter.”
Gu Zuo suddenly understood!
Peak Meridian Condensing stage three! Could it be that—
Then, Tianheng opened his mouth: “I have a type of Xiantian Pill that can help a peak Meridian Condensing stage three martial artist break through to the Xiantian Realm. Only, the refining process for this object is special. Once taken, you will have an unbreakable, lifelong devotion to me, almost like I have control over you. Your dedication to me is very clear, but I also won’t force you all to do this. If you’re unwilling to take this pill, you’ll still be my subordinates and I’ll still think highly of you. In no way would I hold any hostilities to you all as a consequence. You guys should have a thorough understanding of my tolerance.”
As expected!
Gu Zuo secretly thought: So afterwards, big brother’s going to bleed himself to refine pills again? Big brother really is a big con-artist!
Yes, he wouldn’t blame these Tianlong Guards, but this was undoubtedly a test. The Tianlong Guards who weren’t willing to take the Xiantian Pill didn’t have the highest degree of loyalty. His big brother would certainly still employ them, but he definitely wouldn’t allow the other party to enter the core. In addition, his big brother hadn’t mentioned anything about the body’s abnormalities after taking the Xiantian Pill! Although saying the sort of thing like adding a set of bone pearls really was peculiar, it couldn’t be easily told to outsiders...
Soon after, Gu Zuo stared unwaveringly at those Tianlong Guards, wanting to see what they were thinking. At the same time, his psychic power was discharged. In a split second, everyone’s expressions, including the subtlest of details, were observed.
He also wanted to help his big brother choose! This concerned their lives and safety!
The results were beyond Gu Zuo’s expectations.
Unexpectedly, there wasn’t a single Tianlong Guard who harbored the slightest of doubts or unwillingness?
Unexpectedly, all of their faces were filled with feverish joy?
This was too unscientific!
So to say, Gu Zuo originally thought that he had overestimated the Tianlong Guards’ loyalty, but in fact, he still hadn’t accounted for the possibility that they were all devoted.
The Gongyi Clan’s brainwashing capabilities were truly awesome... Of course, his big brother’s personal charisma was certainly a factor that played a big part!
At this time, a slightly low and magnetic voice passed into Gu Zuo’s mind: Ah Zuo, how are things?
Gu Zuo blanked. Soon after, he realized that his big brother had discovered what he was doing. He lightly coughed and said: They’re all extremely loyal to big brother...
Gongyi Tianheng’s low laugher echoed: They’re worthy of being my Tianlong Guards.
Gu Zuo: ...
Off to the side, the Tianlong Guards uniformly let out a low roar: “We pledge our lives in service to our young master!”
Tianheng was already satisfied, and said: “Very good. From Dragon Eight and onwards, there are thirteen Meridian Condensing stage three martial artists. You all can try taking a medicinal pill. The first one to break through to Xiantian can replace the commander of my Tianlong Guards until I return next time. I will also distribute Xiantian Pills into the hands of the thirteen Xiantians. In the future, those who reach the peak can receive a Xiantian Pill and become my most loyal, fearless agents!”
The many Tianlong Guards listened to this, and their voices were even more intense: “Yes, young master!”
Gu Zuo was dazzled and felt like he was looking at two hundred Dragon Ones and Dragon Twos. He only felt that if these people were all raised according to Tianheng’s intents, then in the future... Gu Zuo was quite frightened.
What a formidable and terrifying power they’d be!
Moreover, with them clenched in Tianheng’s hand, they would be a dagger that could sweep everything before him!
Afterwards, the Tianlong Guards temporarily withdrew. Gongyi Tianheng was hardly stingy when he cut his wrist to bleed himself, and filled a very big gourd. In addition, he continuously swallowed Snowy Ginseng Pills to replenish the blood loss.
Gu Zuo watched on with a twitching face, but because only the Tiandu Body’s blood had that kind of godly effect, he couldn’t prevent his big brother’s “undertaking”. His heart also started twitching.
With great difficulty, there was finally enough blood. Gu Zuo shouted at once: “Stop!”
Tianheng stopped without delay.
At this time, his complexion was pale. However, because he’d been taking the Snowy Ginseng Pills, there was a hint of color to his paleness, making his features appear strangely beautiful.
Gongyi Tianheng inclined his head: “Ah Zuo?”
While Gu Zuo looked at that bloody hole, he stuffed Tianheng’s mouth with a Revitalization Pill. After that, he grabbed the gourd and scampered to the medicine refining room without looking back: “...I’ll go refine the pills.”
The wound on Tianheng’s wrist healed at speeds visible to the naked eye. He quietly laughed: “Using a top grade Revitalization Pill for this little cut. To think that...”
His following words weren’t spoken out loud.
Only because this was his little pharmacist’s kind intentions.
The two spent the next several days in the Gongyi household. During this time period, Gongyi Tianheng took large amounts of top grade Qi Linking Pills every day. This let his parched bone pearls continuously gobble up lots of medicinal power to transform it into true qi, opening up his Heavenly Spirit Acupoints. Meanwhile, Gu Zuo refined pills day and night. They were primarily Xiantian Pills and Tiger’s Roar Pill Decoctions. After that were Qi Linking Pills, Qi Linking Pills, and more Qi Linking Pills. Because the Tianlong Guards were incomparably loyal, the entire Gongyi Clan had given Tianheng the green-light. As a result, an unending stream of medicinal herbs were gathered up and put into Gu Zuo’s medicine refining room.
These medicinal pills were gradually, yet quickly, prepared.
At the same time, the Royal Family had sent out an invitation.
Tianheng read the invitation card and his expression was serene. The gleam in his eyes was like an abyss. A person wouldn’t be able to see his state of mind.
The invitation card was one personally delivered by Prince Beside the Emperor Cang He, giving Tianheng ample face. Furthermore, the contents were personally written by the Cangyun Emperor. He hoped that Tianheng could go to attend a banquet and talk with him.
After muttering to himself, Tianheng left. After half a day passed, he returned without a hitch.
Gu Zuo had just finished refining a batch of medicinal pills and promptly stepped forward: “Big brother, what happened? What did the Royal Family find big brother for?”
Gongyi Tianheng lightly flicked his forehead and smiled faintly: “Nothing bad happened. He only asked about my circumstances in the Sect. Naturally, they’re very cautious and careful about me right now.”
Of course, Gu Zuo also knew that there shouldn’t have been any danger, but knowing was one thing, and worrying was another. They weren’t the same. As a result, he asked again: “Then?”
Tianheng added: “There were also some Clan Heads of the aristocratic families who wanted to know about the situation of their clan’s children. I only told them what I had picked up, that’s it. For giving face to the Royal Family, His Majesty rewarded me ten million in golden banknotes. This was also a consideration.”
Gu Zuo was helplessly bewildered. This was considered his big brother’s appearance fee? It seemed like it wasn’t very cheap... No, no. That wasn’t right. Big brother’s appearance fee was still a bit low! Once his big brother was stronger in the future, many people would offer large sums of wealth no matter where he’d go!
Thinking up to here, he shook his head again, feeling that his own imagination was too much.
His dear big brother wasn’t some mountain king...
Gongyi Tianheng saw Gu Zuo wasn’t questioning closely any more. He noticed that the expression in Gu Zuo’s eyes was drifting like he was in the middle of a mental journey. Tianheng extended a hand to pinch his left cheek. Then, he turned around and went into the building with a smile.
Gu Zuo was snapped out of it by that pinch, and also slipped into the room with short trots: “Big brother, was that all? Nothing else?”
Tianheng replied: “Besides this, I asked His Majesty about any important matters that have occurred within the empire.”
Gu Zuo asked: “What did His Majesty say?”
Tianheng said: “Hidden Dragon Mountain had a lone peak cleaved apart a few days ago by a bolt of lightning. It erupted with roiling flames, which spread in all directions and injured countless people. It turned everything within fifty kilometers into a land of death. Afterwards, that Hidden Dragon Mountain turned into a volcano, making it difficult for many martial artists to approach. Even a moment of carelessness would have them scorched by the fiery air and burned to ash.
He continued: “However, because of that phenomenon, that place has produced many precious ores and medicinal herbs. Lots of martial artists have gone there on expeditions and treasure hunts. It’s also considered a place where danger and opportunity coexist.”
This was a volcanic eruption? Moreover, it was still burning after the eruption? Gu Zuo was amazed, but he promptly responded: “Big brother asked about this, so do you have any plans?”
Tianheng smiled: “Once I’ve selected some outstanding children, we’ll take them along for a final test.”
Gu Zuo understood clearly: “Combat power and adaptability, right?”
Tianheng slightly nodded: “Additionally, this place should also be useful to you, Ah Zuo.”
Gu Zuo paused.
The next moment, he recalled that long-term mission that didn’t have any penalties.
He had to gather several types of Wondrous Fires. Did his big brother mean that within the erupting volcano there could possibly be the Wondrous Fires he needed?
Tianheng affirmed his guess: “Correct. A sudden clap of thunder falling down and splitting a lone peak; this matter regularly happens. A raging inferno bursting into existence after the peak was split; this matter also regularly happens. But the inferno surged onward, transforming the surroundings into an unextinguished volcano and making it into a place of adventure; this doesn’t usually happen. But theoretically speaking, if the belly of that lone peak was pregnant with Earth Fires, then this spectacle wouldn’t be strange.”
Gu Zuo recalled the statements of that <<Great Sights of the World — Earth Fires>>. Those so-called Wondrous Fires were flames that had bizarre powers and a spiritual nature. And because the majority of Wondrous Fires were produced through ley lines, most of the types of Wondrous Fires were called Earth Fires. The lone peak stood upon the earth and merged with the earth qi. Even if its stature was tall, it was still part of the ley line. So it was only natural that it could produce Earth Fires. If that unextinguished blaze was due to an unending stream of Earth Fire, then it wouldn’t be odd...
Merely, Gu Zuo’s mood was a little subtle.
Wasn’t this luck a little too good? Not to mention whether he was able to subdue this Earth Fire. He was only supposed to follow his big brother on a trip back home to visit his family, and yet they discovered news about the Earth Fire. This was too lucky.
However, this wasn’t important.
What was important was that he and his big brother were bringing the Gongyi Clan’s children to that place. From acting as an attendant to acting as a leader of a group, he felt...very peculiar.
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
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