Great Immortal Way

Cui Shifan stood up, startled. He looked at the others, then at Gu Chengyin, and finally sat back down slowly.

Hu Juzheng and Yuan Zhengqing exchanged a glance, both seeing a look of understanding in each other's eyes.

The official business was concluded; it was time to discuss private matters.

After all, aside from being the Chief Minister of the Grand Secretariat, Cui Shifan was also the representative of the noble families in the imperial court.

Without a word, the two of them tacitly turned and walked outside.

Shangguan Yuan followed at the rear. As he passed Gu Chengyin, he gently patted his shoulder.

He said nothing, but the gesture alone expressed his support.

With the departure of the three Grand Secretaries, the clerks in the council hall tactfully withdrew as well.

The heavy doors slowly closed, emitting a soft click.

Only three people remained in the hall.

Cui Shifan, Gu Chengyin, and Lin Qingyan, who had been quiet the entire time.

Gu Chengyin set down his teacup and looked up at Cui Shifan.

This time, he no longer wore his previous polite smile.

Elder Cui, we know each other so well by now, let's dispense with the pleasantries.

Cui Shifan nodded slowly, a mild smile appearing on his face. Please speak, Junior Preceptor Gu.

Gu Chengyin leaned forward, resting both hands on the table, and spoke slowly.

You know the current situation. I've gone to such great lengths just to get things done properly.

As long as the job is done well, everyone will be happy.

But what we have now is not enough.

Therefore, I only want experts.

Anything else is out of the question.

His words were blunt and completely undisguised.

Cui Shifan fell silent.

He stroked his beard, a complex emotion flashing through his eyes.

After a long while, he finally spoke, his voice deep.

Junior Preceptor Gu, what you've said... this old man understands.

Although our families do have some foundation, experts are not as common as cabbages. They were all cultivated with great effort and resources.

Furthermore... will His Majesty agree?

Gu Chengyin gestured toward Lin Qingyan beside him, his tone relaxed.

Hasn't His Majesty already agreed?

Cui Shifan looked in the direction he was pointing.

Lin Qingyan still sat there quietly, as cold and aloof as snow.

From beginning to end, she had not said a single word, nor had she even glanced in their direction.

But Cui Shifan understood.

Lin Qingyan's presence here was a statement in itself.

She was sent by Emperor Luo, representing Emperor Luo's stance.

And throughout the entire process, she had not stopped Gu Chengyin's actions, nor had she made any indication otherwise.

This amounted to tacit approval.

Emperor Luo had tacitly allowed Gu Chengyin to mobilize all resources, to form a powerful inspection team, and to use any means necessary to preserve his life.

Looking at the silent Lin Qingyan, Cui Shifan suddenly chuckled in spite of himself.

He shook his head, his smile carrying a hint of admiration.

As expected of Junior Preceptor Gu.

Very well.

Cui Shifan finally nodded, his tone solemn.

This time, besides my Cui family, the other families will also send people.

I guarantee you will be satisfied.

Gu Chengyin immediately stood up and cupped his hands in thanks.

Elder Cui is truly generous. This junior will remember this.

Cui Shifan waved his hand. No need to be polite. As long as you can return safely, everyone will be happy.

Gu Chengyin said no more. He turned and walked outside, his steps unhurried and carefree.

The ever-quiet Lin Qingyan finally made a move.

She stood up, didn't spare Cui Shifan a glance, and didn't even nod in greeting, simply following behind Gu Chengyin as they headed outside.

Coming out of the Grand Secretariat, Gu Chengyin stood on the stone steps and stretched grandly.

After scrounging around everywhere, he had finally managed to put a team together.

Lin Qingyan stood beside him and suddenly spoke.

Are you really that afraid of dying?

The question was sudden and straightforward.

Gu Chengyin stiffened, then turned to look at Lin Qingyan. He blinked, an innocent expression appearing on his face.

Auntie, you can't say it like that.

He explained with a straight face.

A truly great warrior has no illustrious battle record, and a truly great physician has no resounding fame.

So I'm not afraid of dying; it's called being prudent.

Lin Qingyan didn't reply. She turned her head and gazed at the distant palace walls.

At the same time, she silently reviewed the inspection team Gu Chengyin had assembled in her mind.

The Celestial Master Mansion, the Internal Affairs Bureau, the Golden Feather Guard, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, the Chief Surveillance Bureau, the noble families of the Divine Capital...

Basically, every notable militant agency and power faction in the court and the public had been dragged into this.

Compared to this, the previous inspection by the Ministry of Rites seemed utterly shabby.

Usually, the Right Vice Minister of Rites would bring a few attendants, the Celestial Master Mansion would dispatch one or two cultivators, and they would travel light just to go through the motions.

But Gu Chengyin's expedition this time...

Those who didn't know better might think Emperor Luo was personally leading a military campaign to wipe out the immortal cultivation sects.

Auntie? Gu Chengyin called out tentatively.

Lin Qingyan snapped back to reality and looked at him.

Gu Chengyin thought for a moment and offered.

Auntie, whether it's the Grand Secretariat's approval or the mobilization of the various families, it all takes time.

So for the next few days, I need to find a place to cultivate and increase my strength as quickly as possible.

Lin Qingyan thought Gu Chengyin wanted to ask for her opinion and was about to speak, when she heard his tone suddenly shift, speaking cryptically.

So Auntie, do you want to see my Great Immortal Path?

Lin Qingyan froze, confusion flashing in her eyes.

Immortal Path?

Wasn't Gu Chengyin practicing the Azure Sword Art?

It was the supreme ultimate technique of the Azure Sword Sect. It wasn't as if she hadn't seen it before; what was there to see?

Unless...

Lin Qingyan suddenly thought of something, her pupils contracting slightly.

Seeing her expression change, Gu Chengyin stopped keeping her in suspense. He raised his right hand, palm facing up, and shifted his thoughts.

The next moment, a stream of azure-gold aura slowly rose from his palm.

At first, it was just a faint wisp, but it quickly grew thicker and more solid, eventually transforming into a fist-sized orb of light that hovered above his palm.

Within the orb of light, countless dense golden runes could faintly be seen flowing. Each rune emitted an ancient and majestic aura.

It wasn't overbearing, yet it possessed a nobility stemming from the very origin of all things, as if it stood above all other cultivation methods.

Lin Qingyan stared intently at the orb of light, an unconcealable shock appearing in her eyes for the first time.

This is...

Her voice trembled slightly.

Gu Chengyin smiled faintly and closed his palm. The orb of light dissipated instantly, as if it had never existed.

Did Auntie figure it out?

Lin Qingyan remained silent for a long time before finally speaking slowly, her voice deep.

This is not the Azure Sword Art.

Gu Chengyin nodded, admitting frankly.

That's right. This is the complete Immortal Path.

......

The Divine Capital, Celestial Master Mansion.

The dark gray courtyard walls were quaint and heavy. There were no stone lions guarding the gate, only two vigorous ancient cypresses, their branches and leaves forming a canopy that cast mottled shadows.

Following behind Lin Qingyan, Gu Chengyin stepped through the mansion gates, only to feel a rush of clear, spiritual energy wash over him.

Unlike the majestic solemnity of government offices or palaces, this place felt more like a cultivation dojo.

The bluestone paths were clean and tidy. On either side were meticulously tended herb gardens, where various spiritual herbs and immortal plants stretched their leaves under the sun, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.

In the distance, several pavilions and towers could faintly be seen, all constructed from green bamboo and white stone, exuding an elegant and natural style.

The air was filled with rich spiritual energy, making it obvious that a spirit-gathering array had been set up within the mansion.