Chapter 109: Master, Please Teach Me

Unaware of the relationships the royal family had with the sects and cultivation clans within their territory, Gu Yuan looked at Princess Ruyan with some puzzlement.

“Zhou Yucheng would probably help if you asked. Have you tried him?”

“Why would he?”

“I mean…” You two came together during my wedding, so I thought there was already something between you… That was what he had been about to say. He stopped himself and asked instead, “What kind of relationship do you have with Zhou Yucheng?”

“He’s someone who grew up in an orphanage I opened. Since we met again, he’s helped me a few times. Why should he have to involve himself again?”

He still hasn’t confessed? And this woman still hasn’t noticed his feelings?

Gu Yuan blinked his eyes, unsure what to make of the situation. “Anyway, try asking him. He’ll definitely help.”

Wei Ruyan didn’t seem convinced, but fortunately, she didn’t press the matter further. She soon took her leave.

Left alone, Gu Yuan continued staring at the appraisal result he had obtained just before she departed.

[Threads of Providence]

Name: Wei Ruyan

Age: 327

Cultivation: Embryo Realm, Sixth Stage

Spiritual Root: Wood Root (Heaven Grade)

Physique: Everlasting Spring Physique

Providence: High (High)

Special Note: Wei Ruyan, disciple of the Black Desolation Sect and the last remaining member of the Emerald Lotus Clan. She holds the clan’s sealed inheritance within her soul. Forced to join the Black Desolation Sect after the previous war, and hearing of the fall of the Wei Royal Family, despite having conflicting feelings toward her own family, she is unable to forgive the Heavenly Twin Stars.

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Is it her talent, or the inheritance sealed within her soul? Which of the two made Ji Yue intervene and spare her life that time? And which is the reason she’s not allowed to leave the sect?

Perhaps he was looking at this from the wrong angle. Neither of the twins seemed particularly concerned about Wei Ruyan, so there might be another reason behind the whole situation.

Gu Yuan didn’t dwell on it for long and prepared to return to his training. However, just as he stood up, someone suddenly rushed in and threw herself against his chest.

“What are you doing here instead of your room?” Ji Yan, back from the secret realm, asked into his chest.

She could feel his toned body against hers, which seemed to grow more impressive with every passing year since he took up body cultivation. Inhaling his scent, she thought she was developing a rather peculiar weakness for it. Her body grew hot, but then it cooled abruptly.

Mixed with his masculine scent was another one, a softer one… and his next words confirmed it.

“I was receiving a guest…”

“A woman?” Ji Yan asked, sniffing him again.

“You can tell?”

“Yes.” Ji Yan nodded, her gaze turning far more dangerous. “A woman’s scent is lingering on your body.”

“The fuck do you mean, a woman’s scent? She merely held my sleeve!” Gu Yuan said in exasperation before explaining what had happened.

“Anyway, how much longer are you going to stay in the secret realm? Have you still not comprehended everything you need from that Stele?”

“I’m comprehending Ascension. Not the path left behind by Emperor Tianwu, but my own.” Ji Yan explained. “I can do that anywhere, but it’s still better to do it there, especially since the Ascension Door is there as well. I’ll probably need more time before I find my answer.”

And how many years does ‘more time’ mean?

Gu Yuan couldn’t help shaking his head at the thought.

In the end, however, Ji Yan wasn’t the one on his mind. It was Ji Yue. More than thirty years had passed, yet she still seemed far from finished.

Just how much longer does she need before she obtains that star-related physique?

Holding Ji Yan’s soft body in his arms, he rested his chin on top of her head and wondered. He had hoped both sisters would be here for the surprise he had prepared, but it seemed that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon.

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while. I’m considering trying my hand at either talisman crafting or alchemy. Which do you think I should start with?” Gu Yuan suddenly asked.

He intended to learn both eventually, but he needed to start somewhere, and he was still hesitating over which to choose first.

“Then, naturally, talismans. I can teach you that,” Ji Yan replied without a moment’s hesitation.

Surprised, Gu Yuan pulled back to look at her. “You’re a Talisman Master?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “Why are you so surprised?”

“Well, I thought fighting was the only thing you knew.”

“What kind of image do you have of me?” Ji Yan asked, looking annoyed. “You might not know this, but I’m proficient in Talismans, Forging, and Array Formation.”

Forging? Even Array Formation?

Gu Yuan blinked. “Then why have you never mentioned any of this?”

It was because Yue was better at all of them. Ji Yan naturally wasn’t going to say that aloud, though.

“It never came up. And you were always so proud of your forging. I didn’t want to spoil it.” she said, casually brushing the matter aside.

Gu Yuan accepted her explanation without much thought. “Then please teach me how to draw talismans.”

“Should I? Really?” Ji Yan teased. “How about you call me Master first?”

“Master, please teach me about talismans.” He didn’t hesitate in the slightest.

Ji Yan’s teasing smile froze for a moment. She had expected at least some resistance and was already preparing several increasingly shameless demands. Instead, he surrendered immediately.

“That was fast,” she muttered.

“I’m merely showing proper respect to my teacher.”

“Respect?” Ji Yan snorted. “Somehow, when those words come from your mouth, they sound suspicious.”

“You hurt me.”

“Good. Then perhaps you’ll remember your place, disciple.”

Gu Yuan nodded calmly, humoring her. Ji Yan might enjoy calling him her disciple now, but he couldn’t help wondering how long she intended to keep that title once this disciple started hauling his master onto his bed every night…