"How does my modified Lingxin Sect sword moves compare to yours, junior brother?" Duan Qingming asked.
Gu Pinglin turned to the side of the railing and watched Bu Shuihan practicing swordsmanship. After a while, he commented, "The sword moves are exquisite enough, but it's hard to coordinate with the other moves of the Lingxin School."
"Well, that's fair to the point."
Gu Pinglin turned around and looked at him: "Senior Brother Bu has followed Master since he was young. You offered Master your skills and caused Master to lose his lifespan. Now you are still teaching him swordsmanship. Aren't you afraid that he will turn around and deal with you one day?"
"I'm afraid," Duan Qingming said with a smile, "Will you let him know?"
Gu Pinglin did not answer: "Duan Qingming, do you know what I hate the most? It's your confidence in controlling everything."
According to Bu Shuihan's personality, once he knows the truth, he will definitely not let him go. Whether it is Bu Shuihan or Chen Qian, Chang Jinxin and others, it is extremely dangerous to face him. He has calculated what choice he will make.
Duan Qingming's expression remained calm: "This is just the price you pay for angering me."
"Yes, I shouldn't have broken the agreement."
"He took the initiative to take responsibility. He is worthy of being the future leader."
"Why are you being so sarcastic?" Gu Pinglin pulled a chair over and sat down next to him. "I came here to thank you sincerely."
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "How do you want to thank me?"
"Originally I wanted to make tea for you," Gu Pinglin looked at Bu Shuihan downstairs and said, "but the timing is not right. Maybe next time."
"It's just not sincere." Duan Qingming put down the book, picked up the small wine glass on the table and handed it to his lips. "I'm different. I sincerely congratulate you, Junior Brother, for getting what you wished for and taking charge of the Lingxin Sect."
Seeing him leaning towards him, Gu Pinglin subconsciously leaned back, looked at the wine glass at his lips, and then looked at him.
The narrow and deep eyes reflected red shadows, bright and charming, just like the scene when plum blossoms fell on the face that day, and even the eyes seemed to carry the color of plum blossoms.
Eyes meet.
"What are you doing?" Bu Shuihan's voice rang out.
Gu Pinglin lowered his eyes slightly, raised his hand and took the wine glass naturally: "I don't like drinking." After saying that, he put the wine glass on the table and turned to look at Bu Shuihan: "Senior brother's sword moves are not bad."
Bu Shuihan jumped onto the platform and sheathed his sword: "I thought you didn't see what you were talking about just now?"
Gu Pinglin changed the subject: "Didn't you go to see Miss Qu?"
Bu Shuihan really said: "She was sent out on a mission."
The three were talking when suddenly a disciple who was guarding the mountain came over and reported: "Uncle Duan, someone is looking for you outside the mountain gate."
Gu Pinglin looked down on Duan Qingming.
Duan Qingming was surprised: "Who is looking for me?"
The disciple replied, "It's a girl. She didn't say who she was, but she wanted to see you."
"Is that so?" Duan Qingming poured the wine slowly. "No."
The disciple said, "She seems to be pretty good-looking. Uncle Duan, are you really not going to go and take a look?"
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "Then there's no need to meet him."
The disciple looked embarrassed: "But she said that you must meet her."
Duan Qingming was surprised: "Oh?"
Bu Shuihan held the Huyin Sword and said with a smile, "Of course, there are many people who like Junior Brother Duan, but I see that you have never been close to any female cultivator. Could it be that this beauty is different?"
Duan Qingming said: "Yes, I have always been chaste, which beauty can make me make an exception?"
The disciple remembered something: "She said, if you don't want to see him, it's the same to ask Uncle Gu."
"Smart woman," Duan Qingming turned around and looked at Gu Pinglin, "Then I must go and see it."
Gu Pinglin was the first to walk down the bamboo ladder.
Several disciples guarding the mountain were watching the excitement under the archway at the mountain gate. The newcomer was standing far away, her face hidden by the curtain, and all that could be seen was that of a woman with a graceful figure.
Gu Pinglin had already guessed her identity and stepped forward: "Miss Qi, how are you?"
The barrier opened, blocking the view of the rest of the crowd. Qi Yanfeng carefully lifted the black veil covering her face, and said shyly, "Everything is fine. Thank you for your concern, Master Gu."
Seeing that she looked good, Gu Pinglin knew that she had indeed controlled the situation and stopped talking.
Qi Yanfeng pulled Duan Qingming and said, "I have a trick I don't understand, cousin, can you help me look at it..."
"Duan Liu is not talented, but I will do my best to help my cousin solve her doubts." Duan Qingming said humbly and explained to her seriously, like a gentle and good brother.
As a fellow sword cultivator, Bu Shuihan did not want to miss the opportunity and followed along to listen. The four of them were all outstanding talents of the time, some of them were talented, some were hardworking, and they often did not need much explanation and understood everything they heard.
Bu Shuihan was more and more surprised as he listened, and asked Gu Pinglin quietly: "This Miss Qi is quite knowledgeable about swordsmanship. I think her sword moves are from the same lineage as Qi Shisan. Who is she?"
He had just come out of retreat and didn't know what was happening outside. Gu Pinglin shook his head to stop him from asking. Now these two people have become the target of public criticism. Shi Ling is fine, but Qi Yanfeng's reputation is almost ruined. In terms of swordsmanship, she is not as pure as her brother Qi Wan'er, but she can also bear the word "honesty". Whether it is giving up her identity to follow Shi Ling for swordsmanship, or risking her life to come to Lingxin Sect for a sword move, her sincerity can be seen.
When we were happy, the voice of Shijie suddenly came: "How long will it take?"
Qi Yanfeng said: "It's almost time."
"The whole cultivation world is looking for us. You want to die, but I don't," Shi Ling said impatiently, "I'm leaving!"
"Wait for me!" Qi Yanfeng begged, "I'll finish it soon, don't leave me."
Shi Ling sneered: "Women are trouble!"
Seeing Qi Yanfeng's pitiful red eyes, Bu Shuihan frowned on the spot: "If you are afraid of death, just leave. What's the point of scolding a woman! Miss Qi is so wronged..."
Qi Yanfeng wiped his tears, turned around and interrupted him seriously: "Where were you talking about just now?"
…
Until they left, Bu Shuihan still looked dazed, with his handsome face a little distorted.
Gu Pinglin found it funny and was about to say something when two disciples suddenly ran down the mountain quickly and congratulated him when they saw him.
Bu Shuihan came back to his senses: "What's the good news?"
A disciple laughed and said, "Uncle Bu, don't you know? The headmaster has already issued an order to hold a succession ceremony in four days. Uncle Gu will be our new headmaster from now on. All the brothers from the outer sect must hurry back and send invitations to the Six Paths Sect. The two of us are going to deliver the letters."
"Really?" Bu Shuihan was surprised at first, then frowned, "Why did Master suddenly..."
"Senior Brother Bu is here!" Another disciple came running over, "The master wants you to come over."
Bu Shuihan had just been released from confinement and didn't know about Yue Songting's affairs. Upon hearing the news, he hurriedly followed him. Several disciples guarding the mountain gate came up to congratulate Gu Pinglin.
Gu Pinglin sent everyone away, turned around and saw Duan Qingming standing outside the crowd, so he turned around and faced him.
Duan Qingming smiled slightly and bowed to him: "Congratulations to the new leader."
Gu Pinglin looked at him for a moment and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother."
The succession ceremony was held as scheduled. All the people in Lingxin Sect gathered. The outer disciples who ran Taoist temples and businesses also came back to meet the new leader. Several leaders who had a good relationship with him came in person to congratulate him. Other sects also sent gifts. Yue Songting led Gu Pinglin to meet them. When the time came, Yue Songting led the people in Lingxin Sect to worship the ancestor and passed the Lingxin pendant to Gu Pinglin in public. Everyone in Lingxin Sect was delighted.
Since then, Yue Songting no longer made public appearances, and his health became worse and worse. Chen Qian and others served him on a daily basis. As a cultivator, he was still open-minded about matters of life and death. Only Bu Shuihan had followed Yue Songting since childhood and was more sentimental than others. Even with Qu Lin's return, he could not help but feel sad, and he just practiced sword skills in silence every day.
Gu Pinglin officially took charge of the Lingxin Sect. He was familiar with the sect's internal and external affairs in his previous life, and now not much has changed. Although things are complicated, they are easier to handle. There is no sign of the new leader who is flustered when he first takes office, and the Lingxin Sect quickly returned to peace.
"Brother Yan sent a letter to congratulate Master Gu on taking over as the head of the sect." Xin Ji put the letter on the table with a smile.
Gu Pinglin put aside the list, took the letter, opened it, and asked casually, "Why haven't I seen Brother Duan recently?"
Xin Ji said, "Master Duan seems to be studying the art of formation."
Gu Pinglin put down the letter: "Formation technique?"
Xin Ji didn't understand why he was concerned about these trivial matters. After thinking for a while, he said, "I noticed that he has been reading ancient books on formation techniques recently, and he even asked someone to buy a lot of cinnabar formation tablets."
Gu Pinglin pondered.
Duan Qingming has a wide range of interests, including medicine, poisons, elixirs, formations, music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and his skills are all amazing. However, he excels in swordsmanship, which makes people overlook other things. His attainments in formation techniques are not low. If you say he is slightly better, it is because he was the first to create the art of formation and sword, which makes up for his lack of talent in swordsmanship. Duan Qingming has a very high vision. In his previous life, he regarded himself as an opponent and fought in person every time. It was not just out of interest in himself, but because he saw the power of the art of formation and sword. In this life, he spends more time with himself, so it is not surprising that he would study formation techniques.
Xin Ji tried to probe: "The South Island Master will be getting married in May, and we will also..."
"I have my own arrangements." Gu Pinglin interrupted him.
Seeing that he was absent-minded, Xin Ji also understood: "Mr. Gu, just make your own arrangements. Since you are busy, I will not bother you any more."
After seeing Xin Ji off, Gu Pinglin sat quietly for a while, then stood up, spread out paper and ground ink, and wrote a few words with great concentration. He suddenly felt tired and sleepy for no reason, so he simply put down his pen, sat on the chair in front of the desk, supported his forehead with his hands, closed his eyes and took a nap.
In a daze, my body was suddenly picked up by a pair of arms.
Gu Pinglin was secretly surprised and wanted to break free, but he had no strength in his body and could not move. It seemed as if there was a layer of fog in front of his eyes and he could not see anything clearly.
The man's breathing was obviously unstable, and he was even panting lightly, as if he had rushed back in a hurry. He eagerly and almost roughly picked up Gu Pinglin and put him in another place.
The moment he was put down, Gu Pinglin felt as if snow water was poured over his head. His blurred consciousness suddenly became clear, and his scattered consciousness gathered again. All he saw was a faint blue.
Seven Realms Coffin.
The man held onto the Seven Realms Coffin, his handsome face flushed slightly, showing anxiety, excitement, and undisguised arrogance.
"You haven't been reincarnated." He half leaned over and reached out to touch the face of the person in the coffin. "I told you that you can only follow me."
Gu Pinglin smelled a faint smell of blood.
Huanle Tiandi is located in the Demon Realm. Although its own strength is not very strong, it is a big sect after all. It is protected by Master Weifeng and many sects in the Demon Realm. There are several inner alchemy masters in charge all year round. No matter how strong he is or how good at strategy, it may not be easy to get Huanle Tiandi to hand over the treasure of the sect. It is not even known whose blood this is.
Thinking of this, Gu Pinglin found it even more ridiculous.
Duan Qingming, the world-famous number one swordsman, who is so arrogant, so talented, and the best at controlling people's hearts, actually has obsessions in his heart. No wonder he is influenced by clever words. Does he know what this obsession means
He did not ascend.
A cool breeze blew in through the window, and Gu Pinglin opened his eyes amid the rustling sound. He saw someone standing beside him, writing with a pen in hand. A few strands of long hair hung diagonally beside his arm, swaying with his movements, and the ends of the hair occasionally touched his arm.
Gu Pinglin put down his hand that was supporting his forehead: "When did you come?"
"How could a dignified sect leader be so careless?" The man's posture of lowering his head and writing was exactly the same as the person in his memory.
Gu Pinglin said: "You can understand this as my trust."
"Are you serious?" the man said casually, obviously not intending to let him answer, and it was unclear whether he believed it or not.
Gu Pinglin did not really answer. He stood up and saw that he continued writing from where he had not finished. The words were full of free-wheeling and strategic planning. The strokes were casual and the layout was self-contained. When combined with the previous paragraph of standard words, it was not too bad. It just made up an article "Spiritual Heart Fu".
Duan Qingming finished writing the last stroke and stood up: "How is it?"
Gu Pinglin said: "Very good."
"How's that for you?"
"Better than mine."
Duan Qingming looked at him sideways when he heard this: "Master Junior Brother, are you really Gu Xiaojiu?"
“Guaranteed authenticity.”
"You're giving in."
"It's not that I admit defeat, it's just that I acknowledge the facts. I'm not like you who comes from a prominent family. I even learned to read late, so I'm not as good as you in these things." Gu Pinglin took the pen from his hand and put it on the pen holder. He thought about how he would compete with him in everything in his previous life, so he would never say such words. Now that he said it, he felt relieved.
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "So, Junior Brother can still practice to this level, isn't he far better than me?"
Gu Pinglin squinted at him: "Duan Qingming, am I someone who needs comfort?"
"No," Duan Qingming said, "I mean, I am honored to be praised by the Sect Master. If the Sect Master needs anything, I am willing to serve at any time."
Gu Pinglin just said "you" and then stopped.
Chang Jinxin hurriedly walked in, bowed to Gu Pinglin and called him "Master", then said: "I'm afraid the master is going to enter the reincarnation. Junior Brother Duan is here too, you guys go over quickly, I'll go find Senior Brother Chen and the others."
After Chang Jinxin left, Gu Pinglin left in silence.
Duan Qingming asked: "Are you blaming me?"
"Without you, this day would have come sooner or later." Gu Pinglin stopped and shook his head. "At least I should thank you for letting Master leave with peace of mind."
"Is that so?" Duan Qingming said casually, without waiting for his answer, "Let's go."
The two of them went out and walked side by side towards Yue Songting's residence.
Gu Pinglin suddenly said, "Duan Qingming."
"Um?"
"I used to think you were strong and would never fail."
"Once upon a time..." Duan Qingming didn't seem surprised, "So, the focus is now?"
"Now I realize that you are not as strong as I thought."
"Oh?" Duan Qingming asked, "What caused you to have this misunderstanding?"
"Because you will lose to me."
Duan Qingming stopped, looked at him, and said with a smile: "Gu Xiaojiu, your overconfidence is really charming, I like it."
"You've already given me too many steps, haven't you?" Gu Pinglin also smiled slightly and walked to the front.