Immortality: Grinding Experience Starting as a Paper Craftsman

Chapter 152 Returning to the Flowing Clouds, Old Friends Reunited

The green mountains are faintly visible, and the white mist is boundless.

It was midday in spring, in front of the gate of the Liuyun Sect.

The archway remains majestic, its vermilion lacquer showing signs of age under the sunlight.

The stone path disappeared into the depths of the clouds, the sound of pine trees rustling in the wind startled a few white cranes into flight.

The ancient pines on both sides are vigorous and strong, with morning dew hanging on their needles. When the rising sun shines on them, they refract a colorful halo.

Several outer gatekeepers dressed in gray robes were sweeping the fallen leaves off the steps with brooms.

The sound of unified shouts and cheers from the training grounds in the distance drifted on the wind, accompanied by the occasional cry of a crane, painting a serene picture of a blessed land.

A figure in blue slowly walked along the mountain path.

Gu Yan held a worn-out folding fan in his hand, with a dusty storage bag hanging from his waist. He walked lightly and looked relaxed.

Through the sting operations along the way, all the Shadow Tower assassins who wanted him dead have become nourishment for his Divine Demon Golden Core and spirit stones lying in his storage bag.

When the two outer disciples guarding the mountain saw the newcomer, they were first taken aback, and then a strange expression appeared on their faces.

"That's... Senior Brother Gu?"

The round-faced disciple on the left lowered his voice and nudged his companion with his elbow.

"Shh, keep your voice down."

His companion, a tall, thin man, had a look of envy and jealousy in his eyes. He curled his lip and said, "I heard he got incredibly lucky in Changning County, being taken in as a disciple by a passing Nascent Soul cultivator. Now even the sect leader has to give him some face."

"A Nascent Soul stage expert indeed..."

The round-faced disciple clicked his tongue, his gaze sweeping over Gu Yan's ordinary appearance. His tone was sour: "Was that powerful figure blind? Why choose this guy who's just loafing around in Changning County when we have so many talented disciples among our inner sect?"

"Who knows? Maybe the powerful one has some peculiar fetish. But let's be polite, in case they complain, we'll be in big trouble."

The two exchanged sarcastic remarks, but when Gu Yan arrived at the mountain gate, they immediately put on a fawning smile and bowed.

"Senior Brother Gu, you're back. You must be tired from your long journey."

Gu Yan stopped, closed his folding fan, and glanced at the two people.

Having reached the Golden Core stage, their spiritual senses were vast, and they naturally heard every word of the conversation.

His face remained impassive as he slowly pulled two low-grade spirit stones of mediocre quality from his sleeve and casually tossed them over, his movements flippant.

The two disciples hurriedly caught the spirit stones and were about to express their gratitude when they noticed that Gu Yan's honest smile suddenly turned somewhat meaningful.

"I have a bad memory. The wind was too strong just now, and I didn't hear anything. But..."

Gu Yan's voice stopped abruptly. He took half a step forward and gently patted the cheek of the tall, thin disciple with his cool folding fan, making a crisp slapping sound.

"However, my master has a rather bad temper and hates flies buzzing around his ears. Last time, some gossipy woman insisted on talking behind his back, and when she woke up the next morning, her tongue had rotted into a puddle of liquid inside her stomach. My two junior brothers are both smart people; they probably don't want to experience what that feels like, do they?"

His tone was gentle, with a hint of a smile, but his eyes held an indifferent coldness.

The two disciples felt a chill run from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads. Their hands, which were holding the spirit stones, trembled violently, and their legs went weak, almost causing them to kneel on the ground.

"Thank you so much for your guidance, Senior Brother! I will definitely watch my mouth from now on and never talk nonsense again!"

The two bowed deeply, not daring to look up, their backs soaked with cold sweat.

Only after Gu Yan's figure disappeared at the end of the mountain path did they dare to straighten up, glance at each other, and see deep fear in each other's eyes.

……

Liuyun Sect, Inner Gate Plaza.

On the vast white jade plaza stand statues of the patriarchs of past generations.

The statue at the very front is of a young and resolute man, dressed in silver-white armor, with a heroic air between his brows, holding a green-edged sword in his hand, the blade of which shimmers with a cloud-like spiritual light.

Gu Yan paused for a moment, feeling that the founder of the Liuyun Sect looked somewhat familiar.

It was early morning, and many inner disciples who had just finished their morning exercises had gathered in the square.

Gu Yan's appearance added a touch of gossip and fun to the otherwise dull lives of many disciples.

"Look, it's Gu Changsheng!"

"Is that the guy who got rich quick and brought honor to everyone around him?"

"Hmph, what nominal disciple? I bet he just found a token left by a senior in Changning County and bragged about it to get there. With his early Foundation Establishment cultivation, does he even deserve to represent our Flowing Cloud Sect in the Eastern Continent Grand Competition?"

The murmurs buzzed like flies.

Most of these inner disciples are exceptionally talented, and they would fight tooth and nail for even a little bit of sect resources.

Seeing Gu Changsheng, who has been sent away for many years and has mediocre talent, not only not having to do sect tasks, but also enjoying the treatment of a true disciple and participating in the Dongzhou Grand Competition, which symbolizes the highest honor, one can imagine the resentment in his heart.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yan smiled, kept his eyes straight ahead, and walked directly across the square towards the main hall.

Just then, a sharp gust of wind suddenly attacked from the side.

"Junior Brother Gu, please wait."

A young man dressed in brocade robes and holding a long sword blocked Gu Yan's path.

This man had sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, exuding a powerful aura of a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator, and his eyes held undisguised provocation.

"I am Zhao Feng, an inner disciple. I have long heard that Junior Brother Gu has received the true teachings of a Nascent Soul cultivator. With the competition just around the corner, I am itching to try my hand at it and would like to ask Junior Brother Gu for some guidance so that I can see what makes this Nascent Soul disciple's skills so extraordinary."

The surrounding disciples immediately stopped in their tracks and gathered around with glee.

Zhao Feng is one of the top ten experts in the inner sect, and he is also a distant nephew of Elder Zhao Wuji. This is clearly meant to give Gu Yan a hard time.

Gu Yan pulled back the leg he had stepped out, looked at the menacing Zhao Feng in front of him, and sighed helplessly.

He shook the tattered folding fan in his hand and said sincerely, "Senior Brother Zhao, I'm afraid this is inappropriate."

"What? Junior Brother Gu, do you look down on me, or are you too scared to do anything about it?"

Zhao Feng sneered, drawing his long sword half an inch from its sheath, its cold light gleaming.

"No, no."

Gu Yan waved his hands repeatedly, feigning shock: "It's mainly because my master has a bad temper. He left a protective sword aura on me, saying that if any cultivator of the same level harbors murderous intent towards me, the sword aura will automatically protect its master. Last time, there was a foolish late-stage Foundation Establishment assassin who, as soon as he drew his sword, was shredded into mincemeat by my master's sword aura, leaving not even a complete corpse."

As Gu Yan spoke, he pointed to Zhao Feng's chest with an air of seriousness.

"Brother Zhao, this fabric is quite expensive. If you get it dirty, I can't afford to pay for it."

Zhao Feng's hand holding the sword suddenly stiffened.

He stared intently at Gu Yan, trying to find a trace of a lie on the other's face.

But Gu Yan's expression was too sincere, so sincere that it gave people the creeps.

The rumors about that powerful figure in Changning County had long been circulating wildly within the sect.

What if what this guy is saying is true...

Zhao Feng's Adam's apple bobbed, and a fine layer of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.

Although he wanted to show off in front of Elder Zhao, he didn't intend to risk his life.

"Hmph, since it's a powerful technique, it's indeed inconvenient to use it within the sect."

Zhao Feng, forcing a smile, sheathed his sword and said, his tone fierce but his voice weak, "However, Junior Brother Gu, the Eastern Continent Grand Competition is no child's play. Once you're on the arena, life and death are in the hands of fate. I hope your luck will be as good as before."

After saying that, he snorted coldly, turned around, pushed through the crowd, and left in a sorry state.

The disciples who had been waiting to see a good show lost their desire to provoke Zhao Feng when they saw that he had been scared away. They dispersed and looked at Gu Yan with more fear in their eyes.

Gu Yan watched Zhao Feng's departing figure and curled his lip in disdain.

Killing this brainless idiot would be too dirty for my hands.

……

The main peak, the Lingyun Hall.

Inside the main hall, clouds and mist swirled, and several enormous golden pillars with coiled dragons supported the dome.

The air was filled with a faint scent of ambergris, which brought a sense of tranquility.

At the very top of the main hall, Qingyunzi, the sect leader of Liuyun Sect, sat upright in the main seat, his face kind and his aura unfathomable.

To his lower left sat Ye Gucheng, the swordsman, dressed in pristine white robes with a cold and aloof expression.

"Disciple Gu Changsheng greets the Sect Master and all the elders."

Gu Yan entered the main hall and respectfully performed a grand salute.

Get up.

Qingyunzi raised his hand, and a gentle spiritual force lifted Gu Yan up.

His gaze lingered on Gu Yan for a moment, as if trying to see through the disciple's true nature, but in the end he only saw a figure shrouded in red mist.

"Chang Sheng, was your journey back to the sect peaceful?"

Qingyunzi asked meaningfully.

Gu Yan straightened up, a simple and honest smile on his face, his gaze drifting intentionally or unintentionally towards Zhao Wuji on his right.

"Reporting to the Sect Master, thanks to the sect's good fortune, the journey has been very peaceful. Apart from some wild beasts that ran into the roadside and died, we didn't even encounter a petty thief. It seems that our Flowing Cloud Sect's reputation is so widespread that even the most despicable villains are terrified."

"Cough cough."

The teacup Zhao Wuji was holding made a crisp sound, and a few drops of tea splashed out.

He stared at Gu Yan with a sinister look, his eyes seeming as if he were about to devour him.

News came from Shadow Tower that the elite assassin squad they sent had been completely wiped out, without even making a ripple.

Now that Gu Yan is standing here unharmed, and is still saying such veiled insults, it's like rubbing his face into the ground.

"Gu Changsheng, this is the main hall. Do not engage in verbal sparring."

Zhao Wuji snorted coldly and said sarcastically, "You're lucky to have come back alive. But the Eastern Continent Grand Competition is just around the corner, where all the geniuses and prodigies of the entire Eastern Continent have gathered. Your tricks, relying on external aids, will probably be no match for true powerhouses."

Gu Yan turned around, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Zhao Wuji, and looked humble.

Gu Yan turned around, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to Zhao Wuji, and looked humble.

"The Grand Elder's words are wise. My meager skills are naturally no match for the Grand Elder's strategic planning. However, my master once said that luck is also a part of strength. Some people are too clever for their own good and end up losing their lives; others may be dull-witted, but they manage to turn misfortune into good fortune. That's probably fate."

"you!"

Zhao Wuji was so angry that his beard trembled, and he was about to lash out.

"alright."

Ye Gucheng, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke.

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a sharp, decisive quality that instantly dispelled the tension in the hall.

Ye Gucheng's cold, star-like eyes fell on Gu Yan, without any probing, only a detached indifference that seemed to have seen through the ways of the world.

"Now that you're back, focus on preparing for battle. Elder Zhao, with the Grand Competition approaching, harmony should be the priority within the sect. Let's not give outsiders a reason to laugh at us."

Ye Gucheng's words seemed fair, but in reality, they were a warning to Zhao Wuji.

Zhao Wuji took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the anger in his heart, snorted coldly, and said nothing more.

Seeing this, Qingyunzi spoke up to smooth things over: "Alright, let's get down to business. This Eastern Continent Grand Competition is jointly organized by the Cangxuan Sect and other dominant forces with Nascent Soul level experts, and the location is set in Meteor Abyss. It's a corner of the ancient battlefield, fraught with danger, but also holds incredible opportunities."

"For this competition, my Liuyun Sect has sent two teams."

As soon as Qingyunzi finished speaking, three figures emerged from behind a screen on one side of the main hall.

Gu Yan was very familiar with two of them.

Shen Youwei, dressed in white, was as pure and aloof as snow, carrying a long sword on her back, like a secluded orchid in a valley.

Su Hongxiu, dressed in a dark red outfit, stood tall and straight like a pine tree, and was beautiful and charming.

The third person was a woman Gu Yan had never seen before.

The woman was dressed in a purple-gold Taoist robe. She was extremely beautiful, but her beauty was a cold and sharp kind of beauty, and her powerful cultivation at the early stage of the Golden Core realm was always on display.

Her chin was raised, and when her gaze swept over Gu Yan, it was as if she were looking at a stone on the side of the road, full of arrogance and aloofness.

"This is Nangong Yue."

Qingyunzi introduced, "He is a promising disciple of our sect who has been cultivating for many years. He formed his Golden Core three years ago and is now the captain of the first team."

Nangong Yue bowed to Qingyunzi and Ye Gucheng, completely ignoring Zhao Wuji, let alone Gu Yan.

"Nangong, Youwei, Hongxiu, and Changsheng. The four of you will be assigned to the first team."

Qingyunzi announced in a deep voice.

"What?"

Nangong Yue, who had been wearing a cold expression, finally frowned.

She turned around, her icy gaze fixed on Qingyunzi, her voice filled with undisguised dissatisfaction: "Sect Master, the Grand Competition is extremely dangerous, and every bit of combat strength is crucial. Junior Sister Shen and Junior Sister Su are one thing, but this Gu Changsheng is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. Bringing such a burden will only slow down our progress."

Her words were extremely harsh, showing no respect for Gu Yan whatsoever.

Shen Youwei frowned slightly, about to speak.

Gu Yan chuckled inwardly. This Senior Sister Nangong was quite straightforward, equating me with a burden.

"This is a decision I have made after careful consideration."

Qingyunzi's tone left no room for doubt: "Although Changsheng's cultivation is lacking, he has some special methods that may prove surprisingly effective in critical moments. Nangong, as the captain, you should prioritize the overall situation."

Nangong Yue pursed her lips, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes, but after all, the sect leader had spoken, and she dared not disobey.

She turned around, walked up to Gu Yan, and looked down at him.

"Gu Changsheng, I don't care what powerful people are backing you, or how much luck you have in saving your life."

Nangong Yue's voice was icy: "Once you're in the Meteor Abyss, you'd better keep your legs and mouth shut. If you encounter danger, don't expect me to be distracted to save you. My sword only kills enemies, not saves trash."

Looking at his senior sister, who was as proud as a peacock, Gu Yan's smile became even brighter and more sincere.

"Don't worry, Senior Sister Nangong."

Gu Yan nodded repeatedly, like a soft persimmon with no temper: "Junior brother is most self-aware. I will definitely stay far away when the time comes and will never cause trouble for senior sister. If we really encounter danger, even if I have to run, I will definitely run faster than anyone else and will never slow down the team."

"Hmph, you're hopeless."

Nangong Yue coldly uttered a comment, turning her head away in disgust, as if looking at Gu Yan would dirty her eyes.

Shen Youwei sighed softly, walked to Gu Yan's side, and whispered, "Senior Sister Nangong is aloof, so please bear with her. Just stick close to me when the time comes."

Su Hongxiu sneered, drew her long sword half an inch from its sheath, and said to Gu Yan, "Junior Brother Gu, if you really dare to desert in the face of battle, I will cut off your legs before the enemy even has to lift a finger."

Gu Yan looked at the three senior sisters with very different personalities.

One is arrogant and aloof, treating him like dirt; another is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, wanting to protect him; and the third is cold-faced and ruthless, waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

"This team is really interesting."

Gu Yan thought to himself.

He lowered his head, concealing the fleeting glint of light in his eyes.

In their eyes, he was a burden, a good-for-nothing.

But what they didn't know was that the person who truly controlled the course of events was precisely the good-for-nothing they despised the most.

Qingyunzi waved his hand, and several jade slips flew into the hands of the four people respectively.

"Go back and prepare well. Fifteen days from now, we will set off for Meteor Abyss. The honor and disgrace of the Flowing Cloud Sect rest on your shoulders."

"Disciple obeys!"

The crowd responded in unison.

Stepping out of the main hall, a biting mountain wind swept through.

Nangong Yue transformed into a streak of purple-gold light and left without looking back.

Su Hongxiu playfully made a throat-slitting gesture at Gu Yan before leaving.

Only Shen Youwei accompanied Gu Yan for a while.

"Junior Brother Gu, the Meteor Abyss is not like a sect; it's a place where fighting is forbidden. You... should take care of yourself."

Watching Shen Youwei's departing figure on her sword, Gu Yan's simple smile gradually faded.

He stood on the edge of the cliff, gazing at the rolling sea of ​​clouds in the distance.

"Useless..."

The storage ring in Gu Yan's hand contained resources plundered from countless assassins, enough to make even Golden Core cultivators envious.

"I hope you can maintain this pride when you reach Meteor Abyss."

Gu Yan turned around and walked towards his cave dwelling in the inner sect.

Since you're going to act, then play this useless character who relies on luck to the extreme.

Once they're on the stage, we'll give these so-called prodigies a big surprise.