Chapter Fifteen: Originally the Grand Ancestor

She had no idea how much time had passed when she finally opened her eyes. Everything seemed clearer—her hearing sharper, her senses keener. Her sense of smell, in particular, was now so acute that she was nearly overwhelmed by a stench so foul that words could not describe it. Instinctively, she raised her hand to her face and felt a greasy, slippery film. Glancing down, she saw that every inch of exposed skin was coated in a thick layer of black grime.

“Tsk. During the process of drawing spiritual energy into your body, the impurities are expelled—it’s called tempering the muscles and cleansing the marrow. Not a bad scent, is it?” The mocking voice was so close it startled her.

Only then did Gu Weiyu look up to see the strikingly handsome Eldest Elder wave his sleeve. A gentle breeze swept over her, and to her amazement, the filth covering her vanished entirely.

What sort of immortal art was this? Her eyes sparkled with interest. This was incredibly practical—if she ever felt too lazy to bathe, she could simply use this technique and save herself the trouble!

“This is but the most basic Dust-Cleansing Art. Now that you’ve succeeded in drawing spiritual energy into your body, you’ll be able to learn it yourself with just a little effort.” As he spoke, the Eldest Elder casually produced two jade slips. “This one contains various practical spells suitable for the initial stage of cultivation, and this one holds essential knowledge of the cultivation world. Take them.”

It was as if he had read her mind. The Eldest Elder was far too considerate! Gu Weiyu accepted the jade slips with both hands, her face beaming with gratitude. “Thank you, Eldest Elder!”

“Why do you still call me Eldest Elder?” The man in crimson robes looked at her with a half-smile. “I am your ancestor. Strictly speaking, you should address me as Great Ancestor!”

Great Ancestor? Gu Weiyu was stunned. This impossibly young and striking man was her Great Ancestor? It was simply too fantastical!

Still doubting her reality, she pinched her thigh hard enough to make herself wince. Only then did she accept that this was no dream.

“Great Ancestor, I pay my respects—” It took her a moment to regain her composure, but she finally managed a proper salute and spoke in a small, respectful voice.

Gu Qingshou regarded his descendant thoughtfully. At first, he’d only intended to meet her out of a sense of familial obligation. But now, seeing both her exceptional spiritual roots and her quick wit, he couldn’t help but feel a fondness for her talent.

“Now that you’ve succeeded in drawing spiritual energy into your body, you may choose a cultivation technique to study. I hear you possess dual roots of fire and wood?” While considering which technique would suit her, he noticed her distracted expression and frowned slightly. “What are you thinking about?”

“Great Ancestor, when I was drawing in the spiritual energy, I saw three different kinds of light. What does that mean?” Sensing his displeasure, Gu Weiyu hastily voiced her confusion. She had dual spiritual roots, so she should only be able to absorb the energies of fire and wood. Why, then, was she able to absorb a third, faintly violet light?

Three kinds of light? Gu Qingshou’s gaze grew inscrutable. “Ayu, tell your Great Ancestor exactly what you experienced.”

“Mm!” Gu Weiyu nodded vigorously and recounted every detail of her cultivation experience.

As he listened, Gu Qingshou couldn’t help but marvel at her luck. She actually possessed a hidden spiritual root—and not just any, but the powerful and destructive lightning root!

“You are, in fact, a tri-root cultivator. Your hidden root is lightning, which the spirit-testing disk cannot reveal.” At this, inspiration struck him, and he recalled a long-sealed cultivation technique.

Their clan had dwelled in seclusion for a thousand years; could it be that the ancestral technique would finally find a worthy successor?

His long-calm heart stirred with excitement. “Ayu, come with me to see the Clan Chief.”

Gu Weiyu looked up in surprise. Why did she suddenly need to see the Clan Chief?

Without explanation, Gu Qingshou rose and strode out of the courtyard. Gu Weiyu hurried after him.

Outside, Crescent, who had been waiting, was momentarily dazed by the sight of the Eldest Elder in his immortal finery. So this was the legendary figure? Seeing her mistress and the Eldest Elder about to leave, she quickly trotted after them.

Nan Mountain Residence was not far from the Clan Chief’s Taihe Residence; within a quarter of an hour, they arrived.

The Clan Chief was surprised to see the Eldest Elder. His eldest brother was famously indolent—if he could lie down, he would never sit; if he could sit, he would never stand. Only age and status had curbed him somewhat, enough to maintain appearances before the younger generation. He rarely left Nan Mountain Residence; what, then, had drawn him here today?

“Third Brother, come inside with me.” Gu Qingshou headed straight for the inner chamber. “Ayu, wait here.”

Gu Jun, puzzled and unable to make sense of the situation, followed him in.

Before long, the two men emerged, Gu Jun now looking at Gu Weiyu as if she were a treasure trove. “Hahaha! The heavens truly favor the Gu Clan!”

Gu Qingshou spoke unhurriedly beside him. “If I recall, you have a rather fine jade ring. Since Ayu is so outstanding, shouldn’t you present her with a proper welcome gift?”

Gu Jun’s mouth twitched in reluctance, but nonetheless, he produced a jade ring—an item he himself was loath to use.

Gu Qingshou deftly took the ring and pressed it into Gu Weiyu’s hand. “Ayu, this is a high-grade storage ring. Once you bind it to yourself, it becomes invisible—even high-level cultivators cannot detect it. Keep anything important in here. In a few days, go to Yanxi Hall for a storage pouch and keep everything else in that.”

Gu Weiyu took the jade ring as if it were a hot potato, conflicted. She said earnestly, “Great Ancestor, Third Grandfather has already given me a welcome gift.”

Gu Jun, pleased by her words, stroked her head affectionately. “Good child, keep this ring safe. Work hard at your cultivation—your Third Grandfather hopes you’ll reach Foundation Establishment soon and bring honor to our family!”

Gu Weiyu replied crisply, “I will work hard to reach Foundation Establishment as soon as possible!”

“This jade slip contains an ancient technique passed down from our ancestors—back then... Well, this technique aligns perfectly with your roots. Take it and cultivate diligently!” Gu Jun retrieved an archaic jade slip and handed it to her with great care.

“Mm!” Gu Weiyu was curious about her Third Grandfather’s story, but he didn’t elaborate. She accepted the jade slip with both hands, cherishing it deeply.

“Don’t reveal your lightning root to anyone. Also, don’t go to Yanxi Hall for the next few days. Stay in Emerald Bamboo Courtyard and focus on your cultivation. Say you’re being punished with seclusion if anyone asks. Do you feel wronged?” Gu Jun urged her earnestly.

Gu Qingshou had already settled himself comfortably in a chair, leisurely fanning himself as Gu Jun spoke.

Gu Weiyu etched the Clan Chief’s words into her mind. Hearing the last instruction, she grinned sweetly. “Third Grandfather, I don’t feel wronged at all!”

In fact, she wasn’t particularly fond of Yanxi Hall—the youngsters there were always up to something. This was a perfect excuse to enjoy some peace and quiet.

Seeing the delighted look on her face, Gu Jun understood immediately, recalling the discord that often plagued Yanxi Hall.

He glanced at the relaxed Gu Qingshou, feeling a surge of resigned annoyance. “Alright, now bind the jade ring to yourself right here.”