Chaos reigned, and spectators went on stage.
Gu Lao Er hadn't expected to break down first, but relying on his strong self-repairing ability, he took a deep breath and looked at Xing Juan.
"Something else?" Xing Juan asked casually.
He held a string of cold, moon-colored beads in his hand, yet he wore a deep red cloak, his handsome face appearing perfectly natural.
"Oh, it's nothing," Gu Shuoxing said lazily.
He lowered his eyes slightly and said with a hint of bitterness, "It's just a bit of trepidation about returning home."
"Crime and Relatives?"
"Did I tell you to leave? Who was it that acted like a rebellious kid back then, just packing a small bag and walking away without looking back, making me uneasy too?" he complained.
"I can't catch up with you at all. If I didn't know better, I would think you weren't coming down the mountain for training, but to avoid me."
Gu Shuoxing touched his head, his tone softening slightly, "Well—there must be a reason for this, right?"
To be honest, it wasn't Xing Juan's fault, but rather his own rebelliousness. A single word could trigger such a sudden and powerful rebellion. And sometimes, he felt like a caged bird, stuck in this place.
Ultimately, no one understood him. He just did what he felt he should. He came here not to make himself feel bad, but for freedom and a better future.
But now it's different. He's "older" (about the same age as Yan Tianhua). He uses the excuse of a caged bird longing for its old forest, but in his heart he's looking for people he hasn't seen for many years. On the surface he pretends to be reserved, but in reality he can't wait to get together with them.
He thought there were many things he could do, such as chatting with Chi Wangyue, watching Yan Tianhua cook, and playing a game of chess with his master.
When Gu Lao Er was lost in thought, his eyes were fixed on a single point, and it was clear that his mind was far away.
Xing Juan, who was right in front of him, ultimately suppressed his urge to drive them away. He seemed to have never truly understood his three disciples.
But now, things are different...
As for where things are different, he couldn't say, nor could he explain it clearly.
Xing Juan's eyes were unreadable, but Gu Shuoxing's sudden words, "I want to watch the [Sect Grand Competition]," successfully brought him back to his senses.
"You want to see the [Sect Grand Competition]?! Dream on," Xing Juan thought to himself.
"I'm going!" Gu Lao Er, his eyes gleaming with righteous light, looked at the silent Elder Xing and asked, "Is there any hope?"
"Yes, there's potential. Let's go. Wait a minute, you'll come with me as an observer."
Seeing Elder Xing, who had made the biggest concession, Gu Shuoxing suddenly hugged him.
She said softly, "Thank you, Master."
Shuoxing, who was cool for only three seconds, then gave a casual and unpretentious performance, which moved the handsome man to tears.
"..."
"Did he turn on the wrong switch, or is it a problem with Shuoxing himself?" Xing Juan succinctly remarked, "Crybaby."
After realizing that he had succeeded in his goal, Gu Shuoxing said that he needed to take a break.
With tears in her eyes, she ran away as fast as she could.
Xing Juan watched, and after a moment of silence, the homeowner uttered a sentence that seemed to echo in the air: "Second brother, you're really something, you've got my head all messed up, and you're the one who's most delusional, sigh π_π, but good people are blessed."
He sat down to meditate, with a glass of water poured in front of him.
His expression gradually calmed, revealing the demeanor of a true leader. He would proceed according to the original plan, however, he had his own ideas, and anything that conflicted with them would be rejected or not done.
No matter what item it is, it cannot do anything to the Chief of the Ruthless Path, no matter how strong his reason is.
After Xing Juan "sent off" Gu Shuoxing, he waited for the other two.
However, they are doing quite well. They have been resting for more than three hours, but there is still no sign of them.
When he regained his focus, he moved closer.
"It's just a matter of timing, not too early, not too late, it's all just a matter of luck."
Xing Juan felt like he had punched cotton.
He took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "Go in."
Chi Wangyue spotted a splash of red and darted forward.
Yan Tianhua followed behind at a leisurely pace. Compared to the previously daring Gu Shuoxing and the now naturally familiar Chi Wangyue, he was unusually reserved.
Xing Juan had barely opened her eyes when the person arrived, but the words had already come. She thought to herself, "OTATO has finally arrived. The heavy weight in my heart kept sinking, but in the end it didn't smash into a big hole. Thank goodness."
Xing Juan suddenly realized that the two people in front of him were calling him "Master~ Master".
“…Alright.” He continued, his tone calm, “Little Flower, are you here to ask about the Sect Grand Competition? Also, Little Moon, you came with your senior brother, do you have something to say to me?”
Xiao Wangyue nodded, not feeling that he was a generation younger, but his opening almost revealed his thoughts: "Xiao... Juan, Juanlian, do you miss us? Of course, I have something to say to Master."
Xing Juan asked in a gentle tone, "About Xie Cuo?"
Chi Wangyue: "...It's over. How did he know I repeatedly used him as a tool, like the 'closed passage' of the second brother? But I have a second plan!"
After Xie Cuo learned about it, he said, "Thank you for your Plan Two."
Unfortunately, those present tended to turn inward, either remaining silent or making veiled criticisms of Xie. If it weren't for his diligent service to the organization, this issue would likely not easily dissipate over time.
Why? Of course, it's the bond between the brothers and masters of Wuqing Peak. Deep feelings transcend time and cannot diminish the sincerity of our hearts.
Chi Wangyue knew that his master was "kind-hearted" and would surely repeat the same things over and over again, which warmed his heart. So he carefully explained his other words.
"I want to participate."
Xing Juan glanced at him and said indifferently, "Oh, I agree."
"Alright~" Chi Wangyue smiled.
After resolving one case involving a criminal's family member, one can turn their attention to another.
The difficulties always come at the very end, at the crucial moment.
And each time, it was always unsurprising. However, Xing Juan didn't expect that they weren't intentionally trying to make things difficult for him; they were all family, and heaven would forgive everyone.
Yan Tianhua asked calmly, "What are your thoughts on this semi-annual sect competition, Master?"
Xing Juan was taken aback. Looking at his serious expression, she thought for a moment and said, "I don't have any opinion. It's the same as in previous years."
Yan Tianhua nodded.
"So, will Danxin Peak host this time as well?" Yan Tianhua asked, trying to change the subject.
"No, this time it's being handled by Ruthless Peak. The venue will be on some unused land on Ruthless Peak, which is sufficient."
:
"As for the people who will set up the venue this time, the three of you can go together. However, the proctors this time will be funded by Danxin Peak, the funds will be provided by Fu Feng, and the elders will be people you are familiar with from Wuqing, Danxin, and Fu Feng, namely me, Liu Wushuang, and Lu Qingyun."
Sect Leader Xu Nian will also come to Wuqing Peak to observe the Sect Grand Competition, saying, "I look forward to your brilliant performance. Keep up the good work, children, you are the flowers of the future."
When Chi Wangyue heard the word "flowers," the image that came to mind was a middle-aged, white-haired old man. In that instant, his expectations settled steadily at a moderate level.
"All I can say is, Sect Leader, thank you for your appreciation. We, the young seedlings of the Luo Shu, appreciate your kindness," Chi Wangyue murmured.
However, the name is quite good.
Yan Tianhua continued, "So, should the scene setup be simpler this time, or should we incorporate some elements from previous years? Should we create a suitable scene based on the characteristics of our own peak, or should we simply make some basic, haphazard modifications based on other models?"
Yan Tianhua's questioning was stable and well-received.
However, Xing Juan made a simple selection, and the rest was up to them. "Keep it simple, preferably based on the characteristics of our peak. Don't use shabby decorations, we need to create an atmosphere."
Yan Tianhua tried to bring her master into the group, but Xing Juan didn't want to.
As soon as he made his move, the two of them arrived at the venue.
Xing Juan's meetings with his three disciples were like a series of theatrical performances, but once the show was over, his mind was no longer on the subject.
He rolled up his sleeves, tidied up the scene briefly, and then the whole world suddenly became quiet. There was no crying from the second child, no comforting from the little flower, and no liveliness from the little moon. Only he was still not used to it.
He sat on the edge of a large stage, gazing at the empty seats below. His expression was inscrutable, yet he smiled. The performer would eventually witness a breathtaking spectacle. The prey always unknowingly becomes the hunter, only to die as the prey.
He closed his eyes to rest, secretly laying the groundwork as an observer, concealing the foundation he had accumulated over the years. He had infiltrated the ranks of the ruthless elder brother, yet he could not understand himself. But soon, he would understand the so-called "noisy things that confuse one's heart".
Not for the past, but for the present, and with respect for the future.
He thought to himself.
Gu Shuoxing didn't expect that as soon as he arrived home, he would suddenly find himself in a large open space, with two familiar figures in front of him.
"Yan Tianhua, Chi Wangyue?!" He wasn't stupid; as he spoke, he quickly identified the people around him.
He walked very fast, arriving at the two of them in just a minute or two. Chi Wangyue grabbed Senior Brother Yan's hand with one hand and Gu Shuoxing, who had just arrived, with the other, catching him off guard.
Then, the three of them flew through the air together on a single sword.
"What happened?" Gu Lao Er asked frankly.
"Of course, we'll set up the exam venue... the exam site! We're the organizers! We have the grandeur, the excellent location, and the highly skilled fighters! Our 'three-in-one product' truly lives up to its name!"
Chi Wangyue spoke to Gu Shuoxing with great intonation, and Yan Tianhua didn't interrupt Chi Wangyue's self-praise, finding it quite interesting.
"Ahem, so how do we set it up now?" Shuoxing asked curiously.
Yan Tianhua began, “First, set up a circular area, with a large red drum at each of the four corners. The people below the stage and the participants on the stage will be divided into two groups, and there will also be a special group—our elders and the sect leader.”
The two groups of people below the stage were divided into two groups. The participants' area was a straight passageway with both ends connected, allowing them to cross from one end to the other. The group in the stands, on the other hand, watched the martial arts contest from the best possible vantage point.
Also, set up some defensive structures and ask some senior disciples with high magical power to hold them off. And...
...Yan Tianhua said a lot, and the three of them seemed to be accomplishing a great task for the heavens with their meager strength.
The image of one person flashed wildly through Chi Wangyue's mind—the heroic figure of Bai Hanxin, the young woman.
To be honest, her solution to the problem of the exploding pills with her bare hands was incredibly advanced.
He asked Yan Tianhua and Gu Lao Er, "Can we add another person? She's very capable."
Yan Tianhua considered it and said, "Since there are many places that need manpower, I agree."
Gu Lao Er nodded, "Yes, yes, Xiao Wangyue, the more the merrier."
Afterwards, Chi Wangyue went to her original hut and kicked Bai Hanxin, who was slacking off, into the [Sect Construction Grand Competition Group Chat].
Bai Hanxin looked puzzled, as if she were staring at a question mark.
Chi Wangyue said selflessly, "Making contributions to the sect earns extra points."
After hearing this, Bai Hanxin got motivated and worked hard alongside Gu Lao Er.
Behind the scenes, Yan Tianhua was directing the operation, while Chi Wangyue stayed by her side, studying the best way to arrange the venue.
One person's idea is one idea, four people's ideas combined are another, a thousand people have a thousand Hamlets, but when two of them are put together to form a general direction, the resulting integrated idea is more comprehensive.
And so, Bai Hanxin broke free from her lazy, slacking-off lifestyle.
Someone cried out, "No! No! No!"
And so, Gu Shuoxing embarked on the path of honest work and the glory of labor.
The second child is "just so-so".
And so, Chi Wangyue looked at the space that had been built up over time and gave a perfectly timed smile.
Meanwhile, in his mind, he is currently planning new ideas to lay a solid foundation for all participants!
"You're really serious!"
"Of course."
"Hmph, it's nothing special."
"Say it again, what is it?"
"Very good, very good."
"That's more like it."
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