After the ceremony, Jiang Ruoxu and the other three did not want to stay any longer. Since they had fulfilled their duties, Gu Pinglin followed their lead and took the initiative to say goodbye to the Cheng family. The Lingxin Sect was also located in Qianyang Mountain, quite close by. Several people returned to the sect at night. It was already late midnight. Yue Songting was not feeling well, so everyone did not disturb him and went back to rest.
Early the next morning, Gu Pinglin went to see Yue Songting. When he reached the door, he happened to see Duan Qingming leaving from the other side of the corridor. Gu Pinglin went in and paid his respects as usual, and briefly reported what had happened. Yue Songting was indeed very satisfied. The master and disciple talked about some other things, and then Gu Pinglin took his leave.
The small building in the bamboo forest where Duan Qingming lives is unique, quiet and elegant. However, Gu Pinglin, like Chen Qian and other senior disciples, lives in a neat and tidy courtyard. At this time, the courtyard was silent. Gu Pinglin paused and walked out the back door.
Behind the yard was a sycamore forest. Someone was practicing sword in the forest. His movements were extremely strange, and there was not a single sound during his movements. Although he could not see the figure clearly, Gu Pinglin could tell at a glance that this person was Cheng Yi.
Cheng Yi practiced a few swords and then stopped, asking Duan Qingming who was sitting on the chair next to him: "Is that so?"
Duan Qingming nodded seriously: "That's right."
"That's not what you said just now," Cheng Yi widened his eyes and repeated the gesture, "That's what you said."
"Oh, that's fine too."
“Too slow!”
"Then you can practice faster."
“Yes.”
…
The person teaching was not sure of the moves himself, so he just spoke them casually. The person learning listened to these "suggestions" very seriously, and the sword moves kept changing all over the place, it was a mess. The two of them actually discussed it with each other, acting like they were serious, treating sword practice as a child's play.
Gan Li stood behind Duan Qingming, staring in amazement.
Gu Pinglin understood his apprentice’s doubts.
Cheng Yi's swordsmanship was acquired through hunting and was natural. Its advantages were strange movements, arbitrary attacks and fast speed. Its disadvantage was that it was too natural, with wild moves and obvious flaws. It was never as good as the authentic swordsmanship that had been improved and refined through actual combat by practitioners. Duan Qingming's advice was correct, and the power of the changed moves was indeed enhanced, but this also caused problems in the connection between the front and the back, and a significant reduction in speed. For Cheng Yi, it was completely a loss. However, Duan Qingming seemed not to notice this, or did not care. Cheng Yi did not doubt it, and honestly practiced repeatedly according to his advice, trying to become "faster".
Gu Pinglin stepped forward.
"Master?" Gan Li came back to his senses and looked at Duan Qingming again, his face filled with a look of wanting to say something but stopping himself.
Gu Pinglin asked calmly, "Why, do you want to learn your uncle's swordsmanship?"
Gan Li hurriedly shook his head: "No."
Gu Pinglin said: "Since you don't want to learn, what are you wondering about?"
Gan Liben was smart. After a moment of hesitation, he suddenly realized what was going on and bowed in a serious manner: "It was my disciple who was confused."
"Everyone has his own way. Different people have different ways." Gu Pinglin waved his hand. "Go back and practice sword. I will come back to test you later."
In fact, Gu Pinglin was also confused. He said these words just to prevent Gan Li's determination from wavering. After Gan Li walked away, he concentrated on watching Cheng Yi practice sword, and then he gradually understood the reason.
Duan Qingming was not giving any instructions, he was just messing around. He casually added changes to Cheng Yi's moves that were completely impossible for normal people, and the good moves were messed up. An ordinary disciple would have been ruined if he had met such a master. However, Cheng Yi was also a talent. He seemed obedient, but in fact, whenever there was a poor connection, he would unconsciously make changes. The changes were extremely subtle, and even though Gu Pinglin had good eyesight, it would have been difficult to tell the difference if he had not witnessed it from the beginning. He practiced over and over like this for an hour, and he was almost able to connect the moves.
This matter was unbelievable, and Gu Pinglin roughly guessed what happened. It should be that Cheng Yi took the initiative to find Duan Qingming to learn sword, and Duan Qingming accidentally discovered that he could string together moves on his own, so he became interested and used him to test his sword.
"You shouldn't tease Gan Li," Gu Pinglin turned to look at the person on the chair and said in a bad tone, "He is my apprentice, you should know your limits."
"You are becoming more and more rude to me, your senior brother."
"You expect me to be polite?"
Duan Qingming glanced at him sideways when he heard that.
"Hey, you're back!" Cheng Yi put away his sword, ran over to greet Gu Pinglin, and asked Duan Qingming, "Aren't we going to practice anymore?"
"Let's stop here today." Duan Qingming seemed to be tired, so he stood up and touched his head: "Hey, the color on your hair is nice, what do you think, Junior Brother Gu?"
Gu Pinglin sat down on the chair and said sarcastically, "Yes, it's good. It suits you just fine."
"Really? I think it looks good too," Cheng Yi touched the green headband on her head and said happily, "I'm going to play with Old Man Ren."
Watching him leave, Duan Qingming smiled and said, "Do you think I care?"
"Hmm?" Gu Pinglin frowned and asked, "Is there anything in this world that you, Duan Qingming, can care about?"
"Yes, only you would care about some boring things." Duan Qingming paused, "For example, let Miss Qin Min know that the Senior Brother Gu she admires also accepts men..."
"Duan Qingming!"
Duan Qingming ignored his anger, looked down at the frosty handsome face, and smiled: "She will definitely be very disappointed, don't you think?"
Gu Pinglin held the armrest tightly: "You keep breaking your promises again and again. Are you really going to break up with me?"
"Isn't this exactly what you want?"
"What's the meaning?"
Duan Qingming leaned down and put one hand on the back of the chair: "Gu Xiaojiu, you are not stupid."
The smile was gentle and soft, but his narrow black eyes flashed with an enchanting light, revealing a hint of coldness for no reason.
Seeing this, Gu Pinglin calmed down: "Do you think I did it on purpose?"
"You are so angry, yet you have to endure it. You are really fascinating," Duan Qingming leaned forward, gently held his chin, and chuckled, "Your angry look can easily arouse my interest in bullying, but your forbearance is unexpectedly exciting and unforgettable."
"Duan Qingming!" Gu Pinglin patted the armrest and was about to stand up, but was forced back by the heavy pressure of his realm.
"Why get angry?" Duan Qingming said, "I'm just reminding you to remember what you said."
The dangerous aura was approaching. Gu Pinglin knew that this person did not act according to common sense, so he did not resist: "Follow you? Of course I remember, but so far, I still want you to leave Lingxin Sect."
Duan Qingming raised his eyebrows slightly.
"As you said, what in this world do you care about? You keep saying that we are friendly brothers, but have you ever really trusted me? You have never believed in or cared about anyone, including me. This is why I want you to leave," Gu Pinglin looked straight into those bottomless black eyes, "Duan Qingming, you never trusted me, so I dare not follow you."
Duan Qingming asked: "Are you worthy of my trust? Or, have you ever trusted me?"
Gu Pinglin did not answer but asked: "Do you think you can control me so easily?"
Duan Qingming stared at him.
The pressure disappeared, Gu Pinglin laughed, tilted his head, and gently broke free from his hand: "Now it's my turn, do you really want to be the head?"
"What about you?" Duan Qingming stood up. "You also want to be the head of the sect. Do you really want to be the head of the sect, or are you worried about me?"
Gu Pinglin said: "You don't want to be the leader, but you pretend to want to be the leader."
Duan Qingming leisurely walked to the back of the chair, leaned over to his ear, and said nonchalantly: "You can be the leader even if you don't want to. There are many things in this world that you don't want to do, but you will still do them in the end. But you, do you really want to be the leader, or is it to repay Yue Songting?"
"You're right," Gu Pinglin said frankly, "So this is my condition."
"If I don't agree, Qin Min..."
Gu Pinglin's eyebrows turned cold and he interrupted him: "Qin Min is only a junior sister of the Six Paths Sect. You and I are always brothers from the same sect, so I hope you can make this step."
"Oh, fellow disciple," Duan Qingming repeated, putting his hands on his shoulders, "Gu Xiaojiu, you want to get something for nothing? Do you want to take me down?"
Gu Pinglin turned his head: "So what?"
Their eyes met, and Duan Qingming narrowed his eyes: "You are so confident."
"Because I trust you," Gu Pinglin said, "There are many things in this world that I don't want to do, but I will still do them in the end. But you, Duan Qingming, shouldn't be such a person, and you won't mind this kind of concession."
Duan Qingming looked at him for a moment with a half-smile, said nothing, and left.
The morning sun was just beginning to appear, and the faint sunlight was shining through the gaps between the parasol leaves. Gu Pinglin watched the white shadow disappear in the mottled light and shadow, and stood up without changing his expression: "Senior, why don't you come out and talk."
Xin Ji appeared under the tree and said with a smile: "Master Gu is indeed not a simple person."
Gu Pinglin asked: "Senior, are you used to it?"
"The scenery of Qianyang Mountain is very beautiful, it is suitable for cultivation," Xin Ji came over, "Now I am learning sword from Master Duan, and I have gained a lot of experience."
Gu Pinglin said: "Gu Ying's swordsmanship is indeed the top swordsmanship in the current cultivation world. Senior Brother Duan will definitely not keep it to himself. This is a good thing."
Xin Ji smiled bitterly upon hearing this, and took two steps back with his hands behind his back. He shook his head, revealing a rare look of disappointment: "Mr. Duan is indeed generous, but Gu Ying's swordsmanship is too complicated. I am not talented enough, and my gains are limited. It is true that the path of the Tao is entirely determined by heaven's will, and not by man."
"The way is determined by heaven, and everything depends on human effort," said Gu Pinglin. "Senior has his own pupil technique, so there is no need to stick to the way of the sword. However, it would be a good idea to learn one more sword technique when traveling in the Demon Realm in the future."
Xin Ji was stunned for a moment, then smiled and said, "Mr. Gu is right. I am indeed old."
Gu Pinglin asked casually, "I haven't seen Senior Yan for a long time. He offended the Duan family. I wonder how he is doing now?"
Xin Ji waved his hand and said, "Brother Yan, Master Duan asked me to contact him. He has temporarily fled to the Demon Realm, so there is no problem."
"That's good," Gu Pinglin nodded, "Senior, you should also be careful and not reveal your identity."
"Don't worry, Mr. Gu. I understand."
The next day, Gu Pinglin went to see Yue Songting as usual. Yue Songting's complexion had gradually improved in the past two days. Gu Pinglin knew it, but he didn't ask.
The boy handed over the pills and dew tea. Yue Songting took the medicine and motioned the boy to leave. He then said, "I don't have much time left. You have a firm heart and are very clear about your reputation. Chen Qian and the others are all fine. Only Xiaobu has an impulsive temper. I can't rest assured."
Gu Pinglin said: "I have always been close to Senior Brother Bu, and he is willing to listen to what I say."
Upon hearing this, Yue Songting smiled and said, "Qingming also said so. In that case, how about I hand over the Lingxin Sect to you?"
Gu Pinglin was not surprised: "Was it Brother Duan's suggestion?"
Yue Songting nodded: "He mentioned this to me some time ago."
"Some time ago?" Gu Pinglin frowned slightly.
"That's right. I was worried about misunderstandings among the sect, so I didn't make a decision for the time being," Yue Songting sighed. "In fact, this was what I originally meant. Qingming is a genius in swordsmanship, and he should focus on perfecting the "Bu Tian Jue". The position of the sect leader would restrict him. You are more stable and know how to consider the overall situation. It is more appropriate for you to be the sect leader. What do you think?"
Gu Pinglin knelt down and saluted: "Disciple will do his best."
"You have always been a worry-free person, so you don't need my instructions," Yue Songting stretched out his hand to help him up, and said with a smile, "Master will choose a day to hold the succession ceremony, you go down and prepare."
Gu Pinglin withdrew, stood in front of the steps for a while, and went straight to the bamboo forest. From a distance, he saw two people on the platform of the small attic. One was sitting, wearing a white robe with a green belt, looking very leisurely; the other was standing straight, gesturing with a sword, with a face full of high spirits.
"No wonder Master said you are a genius!"
"Brother, you are too kind. Unfortunately, my swordsmanship is not the authentic swordsmanship of the Lingxin School. I am ashamed that I cannot give you more suggestions."
“That’s good enough!”
Duan Qingming picked up the scroll and pointed downstairs with a smile: "When it comes to Lingxin School swordsmanship, Junior Brother Gu is the expert."
Gu Pinglin looked up and asked, "Senior Brother Bu has come out of seclusion?"
Turning his head and seeing him, Bu Shuihan showed a slight joy, slapped the railing with one hand and jumped off the platform, and put his arm around his shoulders: "Master just let me out of retreat this morning, I was just about to look for you, and you came."
Gu Pinglin said: "Brother, you have been in seclusion for many days, so you must have some enlightenment."
"You've come at the right time. Junior Brother Duan and I have modified the move 'Sailing in the Waves'. Take a look." After saying this, Bu Shuihan let go of him, retreated to the middle of the open space, drew his sword and tried out the move.
Seeing the man on the platform looking at him with a smile, Gu Pinglin walked up the bamboo ladder to the platform and stopped in front of him.
"How does my modified sword moves of the Lingxin School compare to yours, Junior Brother?"
-------------------
Small theater 1:
Paragraph 6: In this life, you are still as cute, smart and proud as in your previous life, making people want to bully you.
Gu Jiu: What a pity, you surprised me.
Duan Liu: Oh? What’s the surprise
Gu Jiu: In the previous life, I thought you were a flower on the mountain top, a sword legend.
Duan Liu: So I am so powerful in Xiaojiu’s heart. What about this life? Am I a peony flower beside you
Gu Jiu: A psychopath.
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Small Theater 2
Master Lu: You are not someone who is inferior to others.
Duan Liu: Good eyesight. What about Gu Xiaojiu
Prince Lu: He can be inferior to others.
Gu Jiu (Ninja): Do you know why you failed? Because God gave you the talent for formation, but you practiced the art of trickery.
Duan Liu: Not really. The night gave you black eyes, but you used them to distinguish between top and bottom. This is your biggest mistake.
Master Lu: …
Gu Jiu: Brother Lu, do you need cooperation
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