Less than two days after setting out, they entered the turbulent area and, as expected, alarmed the Night Crying Monster. This Night Crying Monster is a mid-level vicious beast, all black, with two horns on its head, shaped like a buffalo, but without limbs, and with four fins. At night, it would make a sound like an old man crying, and the sound waves could disturb the true qi in the monks' bodies, hence the name.
Without the eye-eating gulls, everyone worked together to deal with the night-crying monster. Penglai had special skills and many external alchemy monks. In addition, the strength of the people on the Lingxin Sect was also strong, so the process was relatively smooth. Only Xin Ji and the four Penglai guards suffered minor injuries. The night-crying monster was driven away, and everyone drove the boat quickly and successfully passed the turbulent waters.
The rest of the journey was relatively peaceful.
Gu Pinglin was unwilling to accept that his sword move was broken that day.
Duan Qingming was able to create the "Butterfly Shadow Passing Through Flowers" that did not exist in his previous life, so wouldn't he be able to create another move? At the beginning, he died after only realizing the "Flowering Butterflies" move. Now that he is reborn, he has plenty of time. It is not impossible to improve the quality of the Lingxin School's swordsmanship.
Knowing the difficulty of creating new moves, Gu Pinglin was not in a hurry. In addition to practicing in meditation every day, he would read sword manuals and ponder in his free time.
By the window, Duan Qingming was also leaning on a chair, reading a book. His straight nose made the profile of half of his face look sharp, and the yellowed ancient book in his hand, his flowing snow-white clothes and the drooping white satin hairband made his whole temperament gentle.
After a while, he sighed and turned the page slowly: "You have been practicing this move for twenty-two days."
Gu Pinglin sat cross-legged on the bed, his brows furrowed, holding the sword manual in his left hand and repeatedly demonstrating a sword move with his right hand. He had no reaction to this sentence.
Without taking his eyes off the paper, Duan Qingming tapped the table lightly: "Ah, no progress at all."
Gu Pinglin remained unmoved.
"It still doesn't work," Duan Qingming said, "I really can't stand it anymore."
Gu Pinglin still ignored him.
After a while, Duan Qingming said again: "If you try the same sword path again next time, I suggest you don't try it. It's a waste of time."
Gu Pinglin finally spoke: "If you talk less, you will look much more pleasing to the eye than you do now."
Duan Qingming smiled and said, "I mean well. What? Do you want help?"
"No need." Gu Pinglin refused, not entirely because of a dispute of pride. Duan Qingming's swordsmanship was usually extremely complex and incredible, simply a wonder in the way of the sword. Hundreds of variations in one move were rare, and ordinary people couldn't even remember them. It was not suitable for the disciples of the Lingxin School to practice at all.
Duan Qingming turned his head slightly, and squinted at him with his black eyes, which were full of charm: "The news of the new technique has been leaked, and the Lingxin Sect has become the target of public criticism, but you don't seem to be worried at all."
Gu Pinglin knew that he would be curious, so he said calmly: "If you have the time, why don't you think about how to deal with those elders who want to capture you."
"That's easy. I'll use you."
"Um?"
Duan Qingming did not explain: "I am very curious, what did you write on the letter you asked Nanzhu to send back to Lingxin Sect the other day?"
"You are well-informed." Gu Pinglin remained calm.
"It's not bad," Duan Qingming glanced at him, "I was able to find out, which means the matter is not kept secret enough. Aren't you afraid that the letter will be intercepted?"
Gu Pinglin frowned: "I have made it very clear, you..."
"We are friendly brothers," Duan Qingming interrupted him and said with a smile, "You are so calm, it seems that the letter is just a cover."
Gu Pinglin did not comment on this speculation, and raised his eyebrows: "The beauty invites you."
After a moment, the woman's voice really rang out from outside the door: "Excuse me, is Mr. Duan Liu here?"
Duan Qingming put down the book: "Yes, please come in."
The door was pushed open, and a woman came in and bowed to him, saying, "My lady wants to see you. Is Mr. Duan Liu free?"
The visitor was the maid of Lady Ming. After the sword duel that day, she approached Duan Qingming intentionally or unintentionally. Gu Pinglin had lived two lives, so he could naturally see what she was thinking. Without waiting for Duan Qingming to speak, he replied, "What a coincidence. Senior Brother Duan is very free."
Duan Qingming glanced at him with a smile and said, "Miss, please go back first. Duan Liu will be here later."
The woman said goodbye and left.
Gu Pinglin continued to read the sword manual.
Duan Qingming asked: "When was I free?"
"You're talking so much, aren't you just idle?" Gu Pinglin said with a half-smile, "If you don't want to go back to the Duan family, marrying into Penglai is a good idea."
"That's right," Duan Qingming said, "I can persuade Shun Shigong to switch sides with Guo Feng, and your friend, Young Master Nan, will be in trouble."
Gu Pinglin hummed softly and didn't answer.
Any smart person could have guessed that no matter how well-intentioned Lady Ming was, Duke Shunshi would never agree to this unless he was not afraid of falling out with the Duan and Qi families.
Duan Qingming stood up and said slowly, "This sword path doesn't work, let's try another one."
Then he went out.
Gu Pinglin did not expect that Lady Ming would cause trouble to Duan Qingming. Duan Qingming was a very good man and had no problem dealing with a woman. However, the sentence "This sword path doesn't work" really caused a lot of trouble for Gu Pinglin in comprehending a move.
He obviously did it on purpose.
Did he know that he would not listen, so he told the truth to encourage himself to continue on the wrong path? Or did he know that he would doubt, so he told the lie that "it doesn't make sense" to make him give up the correct sword path
Gu Pinglin knew that he shouldn't be affected, but after failing dozens of times in a row, Gu Pinglin couldn't help but start to doubt himself, and felt secretly bitter.
It is so bad that one sentence can shake people's hearts!
Another reason why Gu Pinglin was uneasy was the letter mentioned by Duan Qingming.
They had agreed to stop, and they had been getting along like ordinary brothers these days, seemingly letting go. But Gu Pinglin knew the truth very well, so he asked Nanzhu to send someone to send a letter back to Lingxin Sect without telling him. However, he did not expect that Lady Ming would fall in love with him. Although Nanzhu's letter could be hidden from outsiders, it certainly could not be hidden from Shunshigong's forces, so he knew it so quickly.
The new technique is attracting people's attention. Can the letter be successfully delivered to the master
Just now Gu Pinglin pretended to be calm, but in fact he was not confident at all.
The letter was not a cover-up. Just in case, Gu Pinglin made two preparations. On the one hand, he sent the letter openly, and on the other hand, he asked Nanzhu to send people to Hai City to purchase items, and secretly sent another letter from the Hai City Post Station.
However, when Duan Qingming knew about the letter delivery, would he not think of anything else
Ever since they knew that he was the ninth level Na Yuan, the Duan family had been willing to help him whenever they needed him. He had abundant resources at his disposal, so it was easy for him to intercept letters midway. And he was the one who made all of this happen.
The resentment from his previous life surged up again, and Gu Pinglin could no longer calm down. He simply put away his sword manual and went to find Bu Shuihan.
Several Qi clan monks were chatting outside. When they saw Gu Pinglin, they greeted him one after another, with a little more respect than before. Gu Pinglin returned the greeting as usual without asking any more questions. Qi Wan'er had suffered a big blow this time, and had not shown up recently. I think when he shows up again, his mood will definitely change.
Bu Shuihan and Yao Feng lived in the same room. Yao Feng was sitting cross-legged in meditation, while Bu Shuihan was practicing with a sword. After the sword competition that day, he couldn't wait to find Gu Pinglin to learn the "Flowers and Butterflies" move. He had gained a lot of experience in it recently, but had no place to practice. Gu Pinglin called him out.
Bu Shuihan carefully set up a barrier and asked, "Any new tricks?"
"How can it be so easy to create a new strategy?" Gu Pinglin laughed.
Bu Shuihan had full trust in him and said proudly, "You are so smart, you will definitely be able to create a top-notch sword technique for our Lingxin Sect."
Gu Pinglin changed the subject: "Something happened the day before yesterday, so I came to see you today when I was free."
"Junior Brother Duan told me about your matter."
"Um?"
"I've wanted to tell you a long time ago," Bu Shuihan frowned and pinched his shoulder, "It's good to not admit defeat, but that's for outsiders. Junior Brother Duan is one of us, he's extremely talented, we should be happy for him, why are you fussing about it? He treats you so well on weekdays, he gave up because he was afraid of hurting you, you're holding a grudge like that, it's going to hurt his feelings."
Sad? Duan Qingming? Gu Pinglin almost laughed.
Bu Shuihan has a simple mind, so it is effortless for Duan Qingming to coax him.
In this regard, Gu Pinglin really admired Duan Qingming. This person could always easily gain the trust of others, but he never trusted anyone. Bu Shuihan really treated him as a brother, but if you asked him to give his pulse to Bu Shuihan, he would be surprised if he would agree. If necessary, he would still use Bu Shuihan.
Knowing Bu Shuihan's temper, Gu Pinglin did not argue with him and nodded: "I think Brother seems to be worried recently?"
Bu Shuihan's face turned red, and he hesitated: "Nothing..."
Seeing that he didn't want to talk, Gu Pinglin didn't ask any further questions. The two chatted for a few more sentences, and then Bu Shuihan went back to his room to comprehend his sword moves. Gu Pinglin went to see Gan Li by the way.
Gan Li still lived with Xin Ji. Xin Ji was sent out by Duan Qingming to provoke a night crying monster the day before, and was slightly injured. He dared not say it, but cursed Duan Qingming thousands of times in his heart. The relief of "finding a good master" also disappeared. Seeing Gu Pinglin coming in, he hurriedly stepped forward and saluted: "Master Gu."
Gu Pinglin nodded: "Is the injury okay?"
"It's okay, thank you." Xin Ji paused and said with a bitter face, "I'm not complaining, after all, I'm one of us. Things like attracting monsters should be handed over to Penglai. Master Duan is too enthusiastic. If it happens a few more times, my life will be in vain... I wish Master Gu was as considerate as me."
Gu Pinglin raised his eyebrows, did not continue the topic, and turned to check Gan Li's homework.
Seeing this, Xin Ji had no choice but to shut up and walk away.
Gan Li had spent many years in the Taoist temple with his grandfather. He knew that opportunities were hard to come by, so he practiced very diligently. After examining him, Gu Pinglin was very satisfied. He gave him a few more pointers and left when he saw that he seemed to have understood something.
As soon as he walked out of the door, Gu Pinglin saw a figure on the opposite boat.
The sea breeze blew up the snow-white hairband, making it sway beside her temples. Duan Qing was holding the railing with one hand, talking to Ming Gongnu sideways. Ming Gongnu smiled and nodded, and her every move showed her good temperament and upbringing. The two of them had a very pleasant conversation.
A young man from an aristocratic family, gentle and handsome, and a genius in swordsmanship, it would be strange if women were not attracted to him. But Shun Shigong sent Minggong's daughter to follow him, aiming at Nanzhu. Now Minggong's daughter actually fell in love with Duan Qingming. Nanzhu and Jun Muzhi had no reaction to this. Obviously, this was exactly what they liked to see. Nanzhu didn't want to marry Minggong's daughter at all, which would lay hidden dangers for her future path to power.
It’s a pity that despite Lady Ming’s kindness, it would be a relief if Duan Qingming didn’t take advantage of her.
Gu Pinglin felt a little uncomfortable and thought of Qu Lin.
Duan Qingming has been trying to get close to Qu Lin several times, and no one knows what he really thinks of Qu Lin in this life...
Duan Qingming seemed to have just noticed the person on the other side: "Oh, why did Junior Brother Gu come out?"
Thinking of how he had disturbed his mind with just one sentence, Gu Pinglin secretly clenched his fists, turned calmly back to his room, out of sight, out of mind.
Within two days, the group arrived at the sea.
The Youyou Sea Realm is a natural secret realm deep in the East China Sea. It is boundless and no one knows where it is connected to. High-level ferocious beasts roam there, making it extremely dangerous. However, few of them run away, which is also a wonder.
The entrance to the sea was on a black stone island. In the center of the island there was an oval pit, only two or three miles in radius. The pit walls were uneven, and looking down, it was pitch black with no bottom in sight.
Hundreds of people were standing densely outside the entrance.
The two monks were particularly conspicuous, with handsome looks and outstanding demeanor. They just stood far away from the crowd, did not take the initiative to talk to others, and no one talked to them. They seemed very unsociable. They were the Han Ying Twin Swords.
Gu Pinglin did not go over to say hello immediately, but continued to scan the crowd. It was not until he saw another group of special people that he truly breathed a sigh of relief.
"So it's the Tiancan Sect," Duan Qingming sighed beside his ears, "This is really beyond my expectation."
Disciples of Tiancan Sect rarely travel in groups. This time, so many people were dispatched and waited here as promised. It was obvious that Yue Songting successfully received the letter and reached an agreement with Tiancan Sect. With the protection of Tiancan Sect, Lingxin Sect was safe. These disciples should be active near the sea, and they gathered together temporarily after receiving the order from the sect, so they came so quickly.
Gu Pinglin was in a good mood, and couldn't help curling the corners of his lips. He said with his hands behind his back, "There are many things beyond your expectations."
Duan Qingming stared at him for a moment and chuckled: "Oh, really."
Gu Pinglin walked towards the group of Tiancan Sect disciples.