"Fellow cultivator Xingyunzi is right."

Baochan True Master chuckled and said:

"He Ling brother, if you acquire this Six Yang True Gold and use its essence to refine your Flying Sword, even crafting a Lifebound Flying Sword at the Artifact Level would be effortless... Once the Flying Sword is complete, with your swordsmanship level, its destructive power could increase several times."

"He Ling brother, you should really consider it..."

"No need to consider!"

He Ling True Master maintained a cold expression, unmoved: "I can tell you right now, it's absolutely impossible! Besides, Baochan, you can leave now!"

The Six Yang True Gold was indeed very useful to him, even affecting the foundation of his path to enlightenment.

However, missing out on the Six Yang True Gold could be remedied by other spiritual materials; but losing a rare genius like Gu Yuan, who possessed two Talents, would be an opportunity never to be found again!

Moreover, he had descended the mountain for two purposes: one for the Red Dragon Immortal Palace, and the other to recruit disciples.

Now that he had recruited disciples, letting someone take them in exchange for a piece of Six Yang True Gold would be a blow to his reputation if word got out.

Even his fellow sect members would likely scold him for eight or ten years if they knew!

"Sigh..."

Baochan True Master sighed regretfully:

"Since He Ling brother disagrees, let's pretend I never said this. But don't hurry to drive us away, because fellow cultivator Xingyunzi and I have other important matters to discuss with you later."

Saying this, he suddenly lowered his voice and began communicating through Divine Thought.

Though initially fuming with anger, He Ling True Master listened to the transmission. His expression remained stern, but he calmed down, staying silent as if reaching an unspoken agreement with Baochan True Master.

Others, seeing Gu Yuan being contended over by several rarely-seen Golden Core Great Cultivators, couldn't help feeling a bit envious, thinking of their own situation of being neither pampered by uncle nor loved by grandma.

Why is there such a huge difference among people?

Especially Li Changqing, who always prided himself as a genius, now felt somewhat awkward.

Though his Talent was decent, compared to Gu Yuan, he was clearly inferior. Moreover, he didn't gain favor from He Ling True Master.

Now, while Gu Yuan was being fought over by Golden Core Great Cultivators, he—the supposed genius—was completely ignored.

At least in the eyes of outsiders, that's how it appeared.

...

After assessing everyone's Talent, He Ling True Master dismissed those who gained the qualifications of Outer Disciple or Servant Disciple, instructing them that they could now proceed to Medicine King Mountain and formally join its fold.

Only Gu Yuan and Niu Youde were kept back by He Ling True Master, evidently valuing them more highly.

This was also to prevent the results of the assessment from spreading and causing trouble for the two.

Especially Gu Yuan, to prevent any mishaps, He Ling True Master almost wished to tie him with a rope and keep him by his side at all times.

...

After the assessment ended, Li Changqing left with the white-haired old servant.

Once back at the inn, Li Changqing could no longer maintain the calm he had been forcing; his face darkened.

He always saw himself as heaven's favored child, especially after it was discovered since childhood that he had the Spirit Body Talent, strengthening this thought immensely!

Not to mention, his older brother casting a First-grade Golden Core, becoming Medicine King Mountain's top True Inheritance, renowned throughout the world, had become his role model.

Li Changqing was determined to become like his elder brother, Li Changsheng.

However...

Despite his talents, he had been overshadowed before even officially joining Medicine King Mountain.

The brilliance of his Spirit Body paled in comparison to Gu Yuan, who possessed two.

His plan to make a mark and become a True Inheritance within the sect was immediately thwarted.

The white-haired old man consoled: "Young master, why the worry? Though Gu Yuan's Talent is good, you, young master, had a Fire Flood Dragon Pill refined into you by your father, making your foundation more abundant than ordinary Spirit Bodies."

"Besides, once you join Medicine King Mountain, with the eldest young master supporting you, how could that kid be your match?"

"Young master, if you truly consider this boy a trouble, it doesn't matter."

At this point, the white-haired old man's face turned menacing as he sinisterly suggested: "Though the boy's Talent is good, he hasn't yet spread his wings. Why not let this old servant..."

"Enough."

Before he could finish, Li Changqing raised his hand to stop him: "Fu Bo, the Divine Thought of a Golden Core Great Cultivator covers hundreds of miles, and nothing here escapes their eyes."

"Even though I have set up formations here to block Divine Thoughts, such words are best left unsaid. If anyone hears, He Ling True Master's reputation as a killer isn't just talk..."

"I misspoke, young master may punish me."

The white-haired old man was visibly startled, a cold sweat breaking on his forehead as he recalled He Ling True Master's past deeds, feeling a chilling fear.

He Ling True Master's swordsmanship was fierce, known for being ruthless and cold-blooded, and his blade had claimed countless lives!

If He Ling True Master caught even a whiff of suspicion, he might not survive the night!

"No harm done, I know you had my interests in mind."

Li Changqing regained his usual calm and wisdom, calmly stating: "Gu Yuan has caught He Ling True Master's attention, and he will surely be watched closely. It's best not to act rashly to avoid unnecessary trouble."

"Moreover... having Talent isn't everything; it's those who laugh last that are the real geniuses!"

"Even an Innate Dao Body, if it falls short along the way, is only a false genius, no weightier than dust."

"Gu Yuan's Talent is indeed exceptional, but his humble origins mean he lacks a foundation. Even with He Ling True Master's favor, trouble will be inevitable in the future!"

Continuing, Li Changqing let out a cold smile: "I can guess He Ling True Master's plan. He must intend to take that boy as a disciple and wishes to elevate him to True Inheritance to strengthen the sect."

"Yet, there are still three True Inheritance slots in the sect's lineage, two of which are already taken, with many disciples eyeing the remaining one as a guaranteed prize. Thus, Gu Yuan's emergence turns him into a thorn in certain people's sides."

"Even if we do nothing, others will undoubtedly take the risk!"

"I'm in no rush to act. I shall watch from the sidelines as the tigers fight, then clean up the aftermath. When two tigers fight, both are wounded. And when the time is right, I can seize the opportunity to intervene and control the situation."

The white-haired old man sighed: "Master's words are wise, this old servant wholeheartedly agrees!"

...

"Do you know why I let everyone else, including Xia Xiuxue, leave, but kept only the two of you?"

He Ling True Master looked at Gu Yuan and Niu Youde before him and abruptly posed the question.

Niu Youde scratched his head, merely shaking it. "Disciple does not know."

Meeting He Ling True Master's gaze, Gu Yuan cautiously said: "Could it be... because of our identities and backgrounds?"

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