In the small courtyard of the Chen Kingdom's academy, two somewhat lonely figures once again found themselves at the same table. The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its light upon both of them.
After three years apart, Gu Ping had expected to see Liu Lao Jiu at the academy, but he never imagined they would meet under such circumstances. In that moment of reunion, both had many thoughts swirling in their minds, yet they initially cast them all aside.
To Gu Ping, Liu Lao Jiu was trustworthy. Although he was not Liu Xiahuang's disciple, Liu Lao Jiu had never betrayed him during the time when various Daoist sects were pursuing him. Now, there was even less reason for him to reveal Gu Ping's identity.
For Liu Lao Jiu, Gu Ping was the one who had saved Dong Lai with his own hands. Even though Liu Lao Jiu had just broken through to become a Foundation Practitioner at that time, he had successfully helped Gu Ping meet Yang Yan and the Great Jin Yang Family. His departure was not necessary; he had already fulfilled Gu Ping's initial request and had no obligation to remain after their first battle.
There had never been any barriers between them. Three years later, when they met again, the once-stubbled uncle had become a Disciple of the Seal stationed in Chen Kingdom for Mok Ming Academy. The once frail scholar had transformed into the chief disciple of Mok Ming Academy, known as the elder brother among the academy's members.
Ru Ming would represent the academy alongside Liu Lao Jiu as they ventured into the Cultivation World. Their every action would reflect upon the academy; they would be symbols of its legacy during that era.
The wine on the table had run dry. Liu Lao Jiu did not deny it as he took a swig from his wine flask. Since returning to the academy and reporting on The Book of Radiant Path's situation, he had been tirelessly seeking news about Gu Ping. When he learned of the false information released by Jade Void Sect, he genuinely believed Gu Ping was dead. With a helpless smile, he bid farewell to his master once more and came to Chen Kingdom, choosing to stay there and unwilling to return to the academy or discuss anything related to The Book of Radiant Path.
Upon returning to the academy, Liu Lao Jiu's cultivation advanced rapidly; within just three years, he broke through to Jin Qi level. This left his fellow disciples feeling somewhat ashamed and even jealous of him. Some in the Outer Court ostracized him, leaving Liu Lao Jiu feeling disheartened.
Though Chen Kingdom's station was small, he could still feel a sense of familiarity among Bu Luo's people that reminded him of his years wandering in the Jianghu. He had grown fond of being there over the past year.
Initially, he thought that during the Six Major Sects competition, the academy would be led by Ren Hui or Tenglan, known as Zhongshang. However, when he saw Gu Nian's name mentioned, it inevitably reminded him of Gu Ping. Coupled with various rumors circulating about recent events, he vaguely wondered if that frail scholar from three years ago might still be alive within Gu Ping.
Was he alive?
That question lingered in Liu Lao Jiu's mind for a long time until he saw Gu Ping again. In that moment, Liu Lao Jiu realized: whether alive or not didn't matter anymore. They were brothers who had shared life and death together; friends who understood each other deeply. Though it might sound overly sentimental to say it out loud, it was true. If he truly needed The Book of Radiant Path back then, he would have acted against it long ago instead of waiting until now.
Between the two of them, neither knew when trust had begun to form. In their hearts, it was as if a bridge called trust had been built, allowing them to believe in each other without reservation.
I still vividly remember that time when a Killing Willow nearly took us out. I don't deny it. That Little Guy, we came to Coco and just vanished, haha.
Liu Lao Jiu looked at Yoyo with a look that suggested a bunch of big eyes staring at small ones. Gu Ping, watching from the side, burst into laughter as the two of them reminisced about the events of those three years, talking late into the morning. They were both so drunk at the table that they didn't notice a figure walking towards the door that morning. The tender footsteps revealed his identity, and no one would mistake a small Attendant for anything else.
Hey, hey! As Tan Siyuan entered the courtyard, he saw two guys sprawled on the ground, completely unconscious—like a little fox with its legs in the air. Can we hold the Star Picking Auction at Sky's End Tower tomorrow? Why are they sleeping here? The academy has so much to offer!
While he spoke, Bu Luo's gaze was firmly fixed on Yoyo lying on the ground. He quietly approached her, intending to pick her up. Just as Tan Siyuan's hand was about to touch Yoyo, Xuehong's figure suddenly vanished from his sight. By the time Tan Siyuan reacted, Yoyo had already hidden behind Gu Ping, squinting at him with an expression that was still endearing.
Hmm?
Liu Lao Jiu finally noticed someone had entered the courtyard and got up to check. Gu Ping rubbed his eyes and stood up as well.
What's going on?
Gu Ping held Yoyo and used a cleansing technique to wash away the dust from both of them. Bu Luo looked like he hadn’t fully woken up yet.
Tan Siyuan couldn't believe it; how could someone like a Drunkard defeat Tenglan, known as Zhongshang? Yet the evidence was right before her eyes. If I don't deny it, if Sect came with news, she might even think Gu Ping had some kind of conspiracy.
Ah! Liu Lao Jiu slapped his forehead. Is tomorrow really the Star Picking Auction? No rush; it doesn’t start for another hour. They still have plenty of time.
The Star Picking Auction? It won’t be some moon-viewing event, will it? Gu Ping shook his head and took off his outer garments, revealing smooth skin underneath that glowed red like that of a woman’s. Tan Siyuan looked on in disbelief.
The news from the academy clearly mentioned that the incoming Chief was a close-combat High Leg, yet how could he have no scars at all? Could it be that this Chief was truly a fake? Tan Siyuan stood nearby, lost in thought, his eyes fixed intently on Gu Ping's arm.
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