Among them, it was Yang Han whose emotions were the most complex.

Thinking back to when Gu Yuan first entered the Jade Cauldron Tower, desiring to become a Medicine Gatherer, it was him who received him.

Yang Han still clearly remembered how Gu Yuan looked when he first arrived at the Jade Cauldron Tower, back then, Gu Yuan had a face full of innocence and respect, with clothes patched all over.

But now, Gu Yuan had completely transformed into a significant figure even the Pavilion Master needed to treat with care.

Thinking like this, he dared not show any emotion on his face, maintaining a look of respect.

One who recognizes the situation is a wise man.

No matter how Gu Yuan was in the past, at least now, Gu Yuan's identity had fundamentally changed, and he must, absolutely, adjust his mindset!

...

"Brother Xia, your insight is truly sharp."

Seeing Xia Mingyang adapting seamlessly to the shift in identity, and calling him Brother Gu so naturally, Gu Yuan inwardly called him an old fox, outwardly responding with a nod.

Xia Mingyang asked curiously, "Brother Gu, are you going out for something?"

Without waiting for Gu Yuan to say anything, he warmly said, "If Brother Gu needs anything, just let me know. Please don't hesitate with me."

Gu Yuan initially intended to exchange a few pleasantries and then take his leave, but with a thought, he did not refuse: "There is indeed something I'd like to ask Brother Xia."

"Oh?"

Seeing this, Xia Mingyang seemed a bit surprised, then waved his hand to dismiss all his subordinates.

This rascal sure isn't Pavilion Master for nothing... Gu Yuan praised inwardly, then he said:

"Well, I need some Water Attribute Spiritual Objects, or Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures with water attributes, Spirit Medicine would also do. May I ask Brother Xia where I might find such things?"

"Water Attribute Spiritual Objects, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures..."

Xia Mingyang thought for a moment, then said:

"Brother, you might not be aware, but items like Spiritual Objects and Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures are commodities circulating among us cultivators. Occasionally found in the secular world, they are collected, used personally, or mostly taken to the market for transactions in exchange for what one needs."

"As for Water Attribute Spirit Medicine, I do have some here, I'll have them delivered to you later. But regarding the market..."

At this point, Xia Mingyang looked troubled: "It's not that I don't want to tell you, Brother, it's just that given your current situation, going out is really a risk I can't bear..."

Gu Yuan has now become the apple of He Ling True Master's eye. Nowadays in Qinzhou, due to the imminent opening of the Red Dragon Immortal Palace, all kinds of characters have flocked here, a mixed bag indeed.

Including some from the Demon Dao.

Though Medicine King Mountain is a Great Immortal Sect in Qinzhou, it still has quite a few rivals and even enemies.

Not to mention the Gu God Sect, if they find out about Gu Yuan going out, there's no telling they might resort to some underhanded tricks.

If Gu Yuan were to have an accident due to his words, He Ling True Master would absolutely skin him alive!

"This..."

Gu Yuan thought about it and found it to be true.

The advantage of having high talent is entering Medicine King Mountain and having He Ling True Master as a great pillar.

This brought many conveniences and access to great resources.

The downside, however, is probably the fame, putting him under many watchful eyes.

Thus, becoming a thorn in the side for some, easy to be targeted.

This is also why He Ling True Master keeps him close. Simply put, it's to avoid any unexpected mishaps for this newly accepted disciple.

With He Ling True Master around, many petty troublemakers would be deterred. Without him, all sorts of targeted threats and potential assassinations would likely follow.

Thus, Gu Yuan could move freely within the range of Beiliang County, but it's better not to leave it.

Indeed, if it became absolutely necessary, it should be done with caution, perhaps under a disguise.

For instance, as Yan Shisan...

Then, Xia Mingyang's tone shifted, continuing with:

"However, if Brother Gu trusts me, I can help you procure some Water Attribute Spiritual Objects from the market."

"Really?"

Gu Yuan was delighted, quickly taking out a storage pouch and handing it over: "Then I'll have to trouble Brother Xia."

Receiving the storage pouch, his Divine Thought probed inside, seeing the small mountain of Spirit Stones, Xia Mingyang twitched at the corners of his mouth.

Goodness!

Such a number of Spirit Stones, at least tens of thousands...

Even for him, years of accumulation amounted to only a tenth of that.

These Spirit Stones could be used to purchase a quite decent Middle Grade Magical Artifact or even a regular Upper Grade Magical Artifact from the market.

No doubt, these Spirit Stones could not have been saved by Gu Yuan himself—they must have come from He Ling True Master.

Elder He Ling surely favored this kid... Xia Mingyang felt a bit envious at heart, but outwardly nodded, saying: "Rest assured, Brother, in ten days at the latest, there's sure to be news."

...

Leaving the Jade Cauldron Tower, strolling along the streets, the surroundings were rather lively.

Yet Gu Yuan was contemplating other matters.

There were still about two months left until the opening of the Red Dragon Immortal Palace.

He Ling True Master was staying in Beiliang City exactly because he's waiting for someone.

After taking Gu Yuan as his disciple, He Ling True Master didn't hide certain matters.

Counting the Red Dragon Order in Xia Mingyang's hands, Medicine King Mountain controlled a total of three Red Dragon Orders, equating to 27 spots.

These spots were exceedingly precious, so in time, some disciples from Medicine King Mountain would descend the mountain and seek opportunities within the Red Dragon Immortal Palace.

The ones arriving would surely be elite disciples from Medicine King Mountain!

However, the problem was, most of the spots were occupied by members of the noble families.

Hence, someone will undoubtedly take issue with Gu Yuan.

Even though Gu Yuan himself is under He Ling True Master's mentorship, allowing him to avoid some troubles, he will still face targeting.

He Ling True Master's presence can prevent underhanded schemes against Gu Yuan, but it cannot stop competitive conflict amongst the younger generation—He Ling True Master would not interfere!

A Sword Cultivator, inherently requires various trials and tempered hardships, only then will their sharpness be fully realized!

Without undergoing certain trials, even a peerless talent struggles to emerge.

This philosophy is understood by both He Ling True Master and Gu Yuan.

Therefore, he must establish his Dao Foundation and advance to the Celestial Human Realm before the arrival of these people from Medicine King Mountain!

In doing so, even if troubles arise, he can handle them with ease.

This is certainly challenging, but fortunately, He Ling True Master, a supportive mentor, generously granted over ten thousand Spirit Stones.

With He Ling True Master's aid, Gu Yuan's path to establishing his Dao Foundation would surely be much smoother.

The market that Xia Mingyang mentioned earlier, actually, even without Xia Mingyang's telling, Gu Yuan knew its location was not far outside a Prefecture City in Shengyang Prefecture.

However, knowing full well that staying with He Ling True Master is the safest, only a fool would leave.

"Hmm?"

As Gu Yuan was walking, a familiar figure caught his eye.

This middle-aged man with a chubby, rather affluent appearance had a Jade Ring on his hand.

"Bao Datong? It's him!"

Gu Yuan's gaze sharpened.

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