Live Strong in the Wilderness

He actually returned for this ancestral ceremony?

Yes, it’s essential to clarify things, especially those from years ago.

Actually, Jiang Xue had long been touched by Gu Mingli.

As the Palace Master, he could have any woman he wanted. Yet, he had no one else, devoting all his efforts to nurturing Gu Qinglian.

Now, Gu Qinglian was far superior to the Saintesses of other Holy Lands.

One could say her excellence far surpassed that of the other Saintesses from those Holy Lands.

Bear in mind, Gu Qinglian was only sixteen.

In Wuxu Palace, it was already widely recognized that Gu Qinglian was qualified to succeed Gu Mingli’s position.

A sixteen-year-old achieving this stature as a Saintess was unprecedented in the long history of Wuxu Palace.

With such an outstanding daughter, Jiang Xue was very satisfied.

However, she still felt the need for an answer, an answer she hadn’t received back then.

Once obtained, she would be able to let go and put her obsession to rest.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave to see if Mr. Xu needs anything." After saying this, Gu Qinglian exited her father’s training chamber.

Only now did she understand why her mother and father didn’t get along.

It turned out that her mother had always been thinking of another man.

Her father was truly pitiful.

Gu Qinglian hadn’t yet reached Xu Yi’s residence when she encountered someone.

"Ye Fan, why are you here?" Gu Qinglian saw a handsome young man and asked with surprise.

This Ye Fan was considered one of the most prominent disciples in recent years, barely qualifying as an Outer Disciple initially. After spending two years in the outer sect, his talents suddenly emerged, his cultivation speed surpassing many Direct Disciples.

In three years, his cultivation nearly reached the level of the weaker Direct Disciples.

Inner Sect Disciple believed that Ye Fan was qualified to become a Saint Heir candidate.

The Saint Heir of Wuxu Palace was actually chosen from the Direct Disciples, potential candidates for the position of Palace Master, second only to elders, and enjoying access to more resources.

Moreover, the winner among them could become the spouse of the Saintess.

In Wuxu Gate, there wasn’t a single male disciple who disliked Gu Qinglian; each wanted to become the Saint Heir, the ultimate victor, claiming supreme status and winning the heart of a beauty.

Unfortunately, becoming a Saint Heir was incredibly difficult.

With a million disciples in Wuxu Palace, there were only over three hundred Direct Disciples.

And how many Saint Heirs?

Currently, just four.

So, how challenging is it to become a Saint Heir?

However, Ye Fan was indeed universally recognized as having the opportunity to become the fifth Saint Heir.

It shows how impressive his performance had been over the years, doesn’t it?

"I specifically waited for you. This is my commentary on Wuxu Divine Technique; wasn’t Qinglian always interested in how I comprehended it?" Saying this, Ye Fan handed a Jade Scroll to Gu Qinglian.

Gu Qinglian paused because she had indeed casually mentioned it to him.

Indeed, it was casually mentioned, so much so that she would have forgotten had Ye Fan not brought it up.

As a rising star and quite remarkable, it was appropriate for her, as the Saintess of Wuxu Palace, to get acquainted with him. It was also a form of respect for talent.

Simultaneously, it was to lay the groundwork for her future role as Palace Master.

If she were to become Palace Master, other Saint Heirs would lose their chance.

Whether to ally or suppress them, understanding the situation was essential before making a decision, right?

That’s why she thought of befriending Ye Fan.

After a brief interaction, she found Ye Fan very ambitious but somewhat lacking in perspective.

His humble background led to a slightly narrow viewpoint, lacking inclusivity.

However, these weren’t major issues.

Ye Fan was keen on learning; given some time, he would surely overcome his shortcomings.

So, in Gu Qinglian’s original plan, Ye Fan was someone to be allied with.

"Thank you." Gu Qinglian expressed gratitude, ready to leave.

After all, she still needed to see if Xu Yi had any requirements.

Serving Xu Yi well was now Wuxu Palace’s top priority, even more important than the ancestral ceremony.

The so-called ancestral ceremony, for most of Wuxu Palace’s upper echelon, was merely a performative ritual. They valued substantial benefits much more.

Regarding the visitor from the upper realm, Xu Yi, Wuxu Palace’s leadership had many thoughts.

"Qinglian, is that so-called gentleman really in our Wuxu Sect?" Ye Fan wasn’t primarily there to deliver the Jade Scroll; he was mainly there to ascertain Xu Yi’s presence.

Gu Qinglian frowned, glanced at Ye Fan, and asked, "Where did you hear this from?"

Normally, Ye Fan wouldn’t have access to this information.

Because his level wasn’t high enough yet.

Ye Fan looked at Gu Qinglian and immediately understood that the rumor was true.

There was indeed a visitor from the upper realm, and he was within Wuxu Sect.

Wuxu Sect’s high officials mostly intended to send Gu Qinglian to that person.

"Understood, tomorrow at the ceremony, I won’t disappoint you." With these words, Ye Fan left directly.

"Not disappoint himself, what does that mean?" Watching Ye Fan disappear, Gu Qinglian murmured, eyes filled with a hint of confusion.

However, she didn’t linger on it, turning to proceed toward Xu Yi’s residence.

Upon reaching Xu Yi’s location, she found Xu Yi in a pavilion with someone else, seemingly playing some sort of game. Nearby, two stunning maidservants knelt, serving tea to Xu Yi.

"Little Brain, you’re quite impressive at Go, actually tying with me." Xu Yi gave Little Brain a surprised glance.

Is Ultra Brain that powerful?

This was its first time playing Go.

"This is all the result of calculations; Master’s skills are truly remarkable." Little Brain continued.

"Impressive, not only can it play Go, it knows how to flatter—amazing." Xu Yi looked at Little Brain in surprise, finally conceding.

Little Brain relies on calculations in Go, but doesn’t Xu Yi rely on estimates as well?

After all, both rely on calculations.

Bear in mind, Xu Yi is a level 34 Divine Master. His brain is far more powerful than those Ultra Brains. Yet, he still lost to Little Brain.

It only indicates the astonishing technological level of the Brain Race.

"Master is too kind. Little Brain’s current purpose is merely these tasks." Little Brain bluntly stated.

"Alright, I prefer not having someone constantly trying to flatter me with their words—making my head spin, only to send me into the line of fire." Saying this, Xu Yi cast a look at Little Brain, then tidied up the Go pieces.

"Go, bring some delicacies over." Xu Yi turned to one of the maidservants and instructed, then stood up.

Xu Yi had long known Gu Qinglian was there, but he hadn’t intended to acknowledge her.

Yet, upon reconsideration, he changed his mind.

"Do you know where the Earth Core Blood Lotus grows?" Xu Yi directly asked Gu Qinglian, as such matters wouldn’t be within a maidservant’s knowledge.

"Yes, there’s a location not far from Wuxu Palace; three days will suffice to reach it." Gu Qinglian replied, taking out a map and marking the position for Xu Yi.

"Three days? No need for three days; three hours will be enough." Saying this, Xu Yi ascended into the sky.

He had decided to first acquire the Earth Core Blood Lotus. This way, after harvesting a wave of Wuxu Palace talents’ Qi Yun, he could move on to harvest talents from other Holy Lands.

Wasn’t Xu Yi’s purpose in coming to this world to harvest Qi Yun?

After sleeping for six days, it was time to take action, lest time be wasted.