Feiquan City is the city closest to Cuishan, and Chu Lian bought a house in Wenfeng Lane in this city.

That night, Gu Xuan came to Feiquan City alone. He first took a carriage to a nearby alley, and then walked to Wenfeng Alley.

According to Xun Dong's description, Gu Xuan easily found the house and knocked on the closed wooden door, but no one opened the door.

Gu Xuan took two steps back, and with a slight vertical movement of his body, he easily jumped over the wall and fell into the small courtyard.

With a creak, a door to a lighted room opened, and a thin young man in gray clothes walked out.

Seeing the stranger in the courtyard, the young man in gray immediately stopped, looked wary, and said alertly: "Who is coming? He actually broke into a private house without permission!"

The door was not closed, and Chu Lian, who was reading inside, glanced at him and said quickly: "Xiaoji, don't be rude, that's my young master."

Only then did Xiaoji react and said solemnly: "Young man is short-sighted and speaks inappropriately. Please forgive me, Master."

Gu Xuan always had a good impression of poor young men and said with a smile: "You haven't seen this young master, so why are you guilty?"

Xiaoji quickly thanked him: "Thank you, Master, for your magnanimity."

Seeing Chu Lian running out, Gu Xuan waved his hand: "Go and do your own business, I want to talk to Chu Lian."

"Yes." Xiaoji responded respectfully and left quickly.

Chu Lian stood on the corridor, looked at Gu Xuan, and said with joy: "Young Master, I haven't seen you for more than two years. I am worried about you every day. I miss you very much."

Gu Xuan stopped, looked at Chu Lian carefully, and praised: "Chu Lian is not yet eighteen years old, and his temperament is not what it used to be. I am very relieved."

Chu Lian stretched out her hand and said, "Master, please come to the study to talk."

The study is not big, with only a handful of books except for the Four Treasures of the Study, but the windows are bright and clean, and the layout is fresh and elegant.

The master and servant were sitting next to each other. Gu Xuan asked directly: "In the past two or three months, what's happened in the direct lineage?"

Chu Lian sat upright and gave a brief report: "The direct competition is coming soon, and the participating warriors are all gearing up. Maybe the three great disciples are in retreat, but the Dao seedlings are not interested."

Seeing Gu Xuan nod his head, Chu Lian continued to report some trivial matters, most of which were intrigues between Dao Miao.

Gu Xuan listened silently, without expressing his thoughts, and asked instead: "Is Xiaoji reliable?"

Chu Lian eloquently said: "Xiaoji was originally a beggar in the city. Both his parents were dead and he had no relatives. The servants were short of manpower. Seeing that he could read and write and be alert, he recruited him and trained him for several months. He was able to do everything.

It was done well, and there has never been any mistakes, and now I am a confidant."

Gu Xuan pondered for a while: "In that case, Xiaojia will be transferred to Shuxiangyuan. The three of you are working outside. Xun Dong didn't say anything, but he was very envious in his heart, so he was transferred out and will be responsible for the specific matters. You can arrange it as appropriate."

Chu Lian smiled slightly: "It is his blessing that Xiaoji can follow the young master. Xundong's affairs will depend on his wishes."

Gu Xuan took out three storage bags and placed them on the desk: "Everyone has one storage bag. There are many resources in them and they are of considerable value. Use them with caution and try not to expose them in front of your direct descendants."

Chu Lian glanced at the storage bag and said sternly: "Thank you young master for the generous gift. I will keep this in mind and do it right."

…

Xiaozi followed Gu Xuan directly to Shuxiangyuan and was excited all the way.

Unable to get any valuable information from Xun Dong, Gu Xuan ordered him to handle daily matters with Xiaoji.

When Gu Xuan walked to Feihua Courtyard, it was just dawn and the courtyard door was closed tightly, but the sound of boxing practice could be heard inside.

Standing on the steps, Gu Xuan listened attentively. He didn't hear anything about it, so he knocked on the courtyard door.

Thick

The wooden door opened a crack, and a little head poked out, who else could it be if it wasn't Xiaobai.

The little girl had obviously just gotten up and hadn't washed up yet. Her hair was messy, her eyes were sleepy, and she even yawned.

Gu Xuan became excited as soon as he saw it: "Xiao Bai, if you are abused by Ximen Fei, you can work as a housekeeper in Shuxiangyuan."

"I don't want to." Xiaobai rubbed his sleepy eyes and quickly retracted his head.

Immediately, Ximen Fei's loud shout came: "Ximen Shu, you are here to poach someone so early in the morning. How is this unreasonable?"

Gu Xuan pushed the door open and went in. Seeing that Ximen Fei had withdrawn his fists, he smiled and said: "I have been running all the way. I am physically and mentally exhausted, but Fei brother actually has time to show off his fists."

Ximen Fei rolled his eyes: "Just make sarcastic remarks and sit alone."

Gu Xuan sat on the stone chair and looked around: "It's still early, why don't you see Uncle Yi?"

"Grandpa visited an old friend at night and didn't return home all night." Ximen Fei was sweating, and he stood in the wind with his arms open. "Whenever Brother Shu travels, there must be something big."

Gu Xuan was confused: "This trip to cleanse one's mind seems to be nothing important?"

Ximen Fei stretched out his arms: "Sister Xiang returned to the village a month ago and mentioned Brother Shu's romantic affair. This is so enviable."

Gu Xuan smiled: "I and Di Gao have not yet exchanged horoscopes."

Ximen Fei came over and sat next to Gu Xuan: "Master Leng Yue personally promised to give Sister Xiang a soul-summoning pill. This matter is partly due to Brother Shu."

Gu Xuan said solemnly: "The Di Gao people went together that day just to cleanse their minds. How we develop in the future depends on fate."

Ximen Fei then showed a look of satisfaction on his face: "Brother Shu has been cleansing his mind for several months, and many important things have happened in the village."

"tell me the story."

Gu Xuan heard the sound of soft footsteps, turned his head and saw Xiao Bai coming with a tray.

The little girl has not yet dressed up. There are two bowls of sweet-scented osmanthus and lotus seed soup on the tray, which are steaming hot and fragrant.

The tray was placed on the stone table. Xiaobai brought the large bowl of lotus seed soup to Ximen Fei, but left the small bowl of soup to Gu Xuan.

Gu Xuan's eyes widened: "Xiao Bai, this young master is an honored guest. Take another look and make sure there is nothing wrong?"

Xiaobai snorted slightly, held the tray in both hands, and left slowly.

Ximen Fei said cheerfully: "That bowl was originally Xiaobai's breakfast. Brother Shu came by chance, so he got this good taste."

Gu Xuan smiled: "Then how can I monopolize her breakfast?"

Ximen Fei picked up the spoon and said, "I just need to cook it again so that Xiaobai won't starve. This soup is made from spiritual rice and has a unique taste. Brother Shu, please give it a try."

Gu Xuan blew the heat away, scooped half a spoon into his mouth, and showed a satisfied look.

After tasting a few mouthfuls of sweet-scented osmanthus soup, Ximen Fei continued: "There are rumors from the direct lineage that during this grand ceremony, Emperor Xi will lead ten warriors to explore the blessed land of the Qianqiu, and the rewards will be generous. The specific details are unknown."

Gu Xuan's expression was as usual: "I have seen Chu Lian before and heard a little bit about it. Although I don't know the details, I think it is more dangerous."

Ximen Fei put down his spoon and nodded in agreement: "The Villa Competition is mainly composed of warriors. Dao Miao who intends to participate in the Taoist Ceremony only needs to challenge the top five warriors. The same is true for the Direct Line Competition."

Gu Xuan raised his eyebrows: "For me, that's good news."

Ximen Fei chuckled: "It is indeed good news. Brother Shu will directly challenge the top warrior when he arrives, and a battle will determine the outcome."

Gu Xuan thought for a while: "How long will the samurai competition take?"

Ximen Fei calculated secretly: "About half a month, Brother Shu still has a month to prepare."

Gu Xuan asked: "What's going on with the other Dao seedlings?"

Ximen Fei slowly

Said: "Sister Xiang has received the promise from Master Lengyue that there is no need to participate in the ceremony. The two Tao Miao, whose surname is not yet out, have not yet left the customs. Ximen Hao has traveled a month ago and has not returned yet. Ximen Qing has been in the village with nothing to do."

Warm lotus seed soup tastes the best. Gu Xuan finished the meal quickly, put down the empty bowl, and took out five Huagang Talismans.

"What I have gained from two experiences is not worthy of respect. If I intend to retreat again, I will take the first step."

Ximen Fei glanced at the Transformation Talisman on the table: "It seems that Brother Shu has gained a lot, I will accept it happily."

…

After returning the black feather crane, Gu Xuan just left Xiaoxi Island and unexpectedly met Ximen Qing by the Lake.

Even though he had the memory of Ximen Shu, when Gu Xuan saw Ximen Qing in person, he still couldn't help but take a second look.

This man was dressed in gray robes and was as thin as a bamboo pole. Not only did he have a sharp mouth and monkey cheeks, he was also missing his left ear due to an injury he had suffered in his early years.

Ximen Qing leaned against the main trunk of the willow tree by the lake, folded his arms, and said expressionlessly: "Master Shu, if I remember correctly, this is the first time we have met in private in more than ten years."

"Meet in private?" Gu Xuan narrowed his eyes slightly, "It seems that Master Qing intends to wait for me here."

Ximen Qing spread his hands and said: "I was going to ride a crane to the imperial city, but I heard that Master Shu came to Bohu. It would be better to meet by chance than to meet him, so I'm waiting here."

Gu Xuan chuckled: "Master Qing is well-informed and admirable. It's rare for us to meet, so let's sit down and talk."

There were many long stone chairs by the lake for people to enjoy the scenery. Gu Xuan walked over and sat on the stone chairs.

"It is better to obey orders than to be respectful." Ximen Qing did not hesitate, and Shi Shiran sat next to Gu Xuan, "I originally thought that Master Shu would be hostile, or even put down his face, throw up his sleeves and leave."

Gu Xuan looked at Ximen Qing: "We are both affiliated Taoist seedlings and have no grudges against each other. Why should there be hostility?"

"In terms of age, I am considered a Taoist seedling. I never thought of being in seclusion for several years. The villa has almost gone through changes."

Ximen Qing picked up a stone and threw it out. The stone jumped on the lake surface like a dragonfly touching the water.

Gu Xuan answered: "This young master encountered a catastrophe because of this. Fortunately, he took his body and rebuilt it to save his soul. Now he only needs the power of telekinesis to fully recover his cultivation level."

"Young Master Shu will be blessed if he survives the disaster." Ximen Qing paused slightly, "After I came out of the border to understand the situation, I met Ximen Hao and Ximen Fei, and finally chose to camp with Ximen Hao. Does Young Master Shu know the reason?"

Gu Xuan guessed: "I think Ximen Hao promised the Spirit-Calling Pill."

Ximen Qing shook his head: "The Spirit Summoning Pill is not the main reason. Ximen Fei hates my appearance from the bottom of his heart, but Ximen Hao and Master Shu are not like this."

Gu Xuan chuckled: "If Brother Fei learns this, I don't know how he will feel."

Ximen Qing picked up a pebble again and said, "Master Shu, you can tell me the exact words. I don't like him at all."

"Although I am close to Brother Fei, I am not a talkative person." Gu Xuan changed the subject, "Master Qing is waiting for you, but I don't know what the purpose is?"

Ximen Qing threw a stone and expressed his true feelings: "I need the elixir to summon the spirit. When it comes to the grand ceremony, I want to join hands with Master Shu to collect the medicine so that we can rely on each other."

"To be honest, I have promised to join forces with others."

Gu Xuan reached into his big sleeve with one hand, and Wang Mang's telepathy quickly pulled out a jade talisman from the storage bag. It was the cyan locator given by Jiang Tao.

Ximen Qing glanced at the jade talisman and immediately turned around: "In this case, I have to give up. I'm going to disturb you a lot. I'd like to see Master Shu Haihan."

Gu Xuan put away the jade talisman: "With Master Qing's fighting prowess, we will surely achieve great success in the Qianqiu Blessed Land."
Chapter completed!