Pure-hearted Person

Fanlou in Luodu.

The night was as black as ink, the moonlight as clear as water.

The faint sound of string and bamboo instruments drifted from the building, floating in the night air.

The carved beams and painted rafters revealed hazy outlines in the halos of the lanterns. The sweeping eaves and upturned corners seemed to hook the half-moon, resembling a splash-ink landscape painting.

Outside the building, a night watchman walked by beating his clapper. He could not help but look up.

My goodness, has Fanlou been completely booked out today?

He muttered to himself, shrank his neck against the chill, and quickly walked away.

The last time Fanlou was cleared out, it was to welcome some big shot.

This time it was booked out again to welcome another big shot.

Only this time, the big shot's identity was rather special.

Rumor had it that he was a state criminal wanted by the imperial court.

The watchman shook his head, unable to figure out the affairs of these important figures.

Inside Fanlou.

Voices boiled over; it was extraordinarily lively.

The two hundred or so members of the Sect Inspection Group, both high and low in rank, were all currently crammed into the main hall and the second-floor private rooms of Fanlou.

Cups were pushed and exchanged, wine vessels mingled, and the shouts of drinking games rose and fell. It was as festive as the New Year.

No one went to the posthouse district.

No one dared not to come to Fanlou.

Gu Chengyin's orders had been given: stay at Fanlou and spend as freely as they pleased.

Who would dare disobey?

Anyway, if the sky fell, there was someone taller to hold it up; the blame would never fall on them.

But if they disobeyed orders, the consequences would truly fall upon them.

Did they not see Chen Busha glaring at them like a tiger watching its prey?

This Deputy Group Leader Chen might not remember who came.

But he would remember exactly who did not come.

Although Chen Busha's combat power could not compare to the invincible Golden Core cultivator, Lin Qingyan.

Dealing with people like them would still be as easy as catching a turtle in a jar.

Therefore, not a single person in the entire Sect Inspection Group dared to raise any objections.

Everyone honestly and joyfully moved into Fanlou.

The top floor of Fanlou.

This floor was the most prestigious place in the building.

Carved doors and windows, sandalwood furniture, calligraphy and paintings by famous masters of the previous dynasty hanging on the walls, and top-quality agarwood burning in the corners.

Pushing open the window and looking out, the entire night view of Luodu was taken in at a glance. The lights of ten thousand homes twinkled in the night like scattered stars.

Gu Chengyin sat by the window, looking at the night view outside, appearing completely relaxed.

He did not look like a state criminal at all.

There were no cangues, no shackles, no bitter grimaces, and no heavy worries.

He just sat there, his posture lazy and his gaze distant.

It was as if he was not a criminal being escorted back to the Divine Capital, but an honored guest who had come to Luodu for a sightseeing tour.

Behind him, Lin Qingyan sat cross-legged on a soft couch, resting with her eyes closed.

She had been sitting like this for a long time.

There was no golden lightning crackling around her, only a faint coercion that permeated the air, seemingly there and yet not there.

It enveloped the entire Fanlou under her aura.

This was a silent declaration.

The last time they were attacked at Fanlou in Luodu, it was because she had been careless.

So Lin Qingyan would absolutely not fall into the same trap twice.

And on the top floor, apart from her and Gu Chengyin, no one else was allowed to come up.

Even those three Golden Core enshrinements from the Celestial Master Mansion could only settle for the floor below.

Even if they had complaints, in front of Lin Qingyan, they ultimately could only keep their mouths shut.

Gu Chengyin picked up his wine cup and took a light sip.

The wine was clear and bright, its aroma deep and profound.

Gu Chengyin savored the fine wine, gazing at the prosperous night view of Luodu.

His gaze landed on a brightly lit mansion in the distance, looking thoughtful.

He had long seen through the farce at the city gates.

That middle-aged imperial censor from the Luodu Chief Surveillance Bureau was nothing but cannon fodder.

The real troublemaker was someone else.

And that person would come tonight, having caused such a huge scene.

It was nothing more than wanting him to stay in Luodu for one night.

Just like what Li Shiyuan had done in Dawn City of Luoshui Commandery.

Three quarters past the Hour of Hai.

Faint footsteps came from outside the room.

Although the footsteps were very light, Gu Chengyin still noticed them.

He picked up his wine cup and took another sip, his expression unchanging.

The footsteps paused for a moment.

Then, a figure appeared at the doorway, which had not been closed.

It was a middle-aged man dressed in black, with a lean figure and a gaunt face.

His hair was already graying, but his eyes held a restrained, piercing light. At a glance, one could tell he was a man who had long held a high position.

He stood at the doorway and looked into the room.

His gaze swept past Lin Qingyan, who was resting with her eyes closed.

Then he looked at Gu Chengyin, who was sitting idly by the window.

Finally, he stepped inside.

Gu Chengyin looked at the newcomer, the curve of his lips deepening a bit.

He set down his wine cup, stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting toward the man.

Commandery Governor Yuliang, visiting late at night, forgive me for not going out to welcome you.

Xiao Yuliang.

The Commandery Governor of Luodu, the only remaining seed of the Xiao clan today.

Xiao Yuliang also cupped his hands, his attitude respectful yet perfectly measured.

Junior Preceptor Gu, please forgive me for this presumptuous visit.

Gu Chengyin smiled and gestured with his hand.

Please, have a seat.

Xiao Yuliang nodded and sat down opposite Gu Chengyin.

His gaze seemingly inadvertently swept past Lin Qingyan.

Lin Qingyan continued to rest with her eyes closed, as if she had heard nothing and noticed nothing.

But Xiao Yuliang knew that this Lord Jingzhe could hear everything and notice everything.

He withdrew his gaze and looked at Gu Chengyin.

Gu Chengyin picked up the wine pot and poured a cup of wine for Xiao Yuliang.

Xiao Yuliang picked up the wine cup but did not drink. Suddenly, he gestured toward Gu Chengyin and spoke.

Junior Preceptor Gu, for the offense at the city gates, I offer you my apologies here.

With that said, he downed the wine in his cup in one gulp.

Gu Chengyin looked at him, a trace of amusement flashing in his eyes, and gently shook his head.

What offense could there be.

His voice was unhurried, carrying his usual composure.

I only saw the well-intentioned efforts of a pure and good person.

Gu Chengyin paused, his gaze landing on Xiao Yuliang's face, brimming with smiles.

Since that is the case, how could I hit someone when they are down?

Hearing this, a strange look flashed through Xiao Yuliang's eyes.

Immediately after, a smile appeared on his face, a smile that carried a bit of appreciation and a bit of relief.

As expected of Junior Preceptor Gu.

Xiao Yuliang picked up the wine pot, poured himself another cup, and raised it.

This cup, I toast to you.

With that said, he downed it in one gulp again.

Gu Chengyin picked up his wine cup and took a shallow sip.

Xiao Yuliang set down his wine cup, his gaze resting on Gu Chengyin's face for a moment.

Gu Chengyin also did not speak.

The two of them just looked at each other like this, a subtle silence permeating the air.

Outside the window, the night breeze blew past, gently lifting a corner of the curtain.

In the distance, the lights of ten thousand homes in Luodu continued to twinkle, extraordinarily lively.

But this floor was as quiet as another world.

Finally, Gu Chengyin spoke, his tone as casual as if they were just chatting.

Commandery Governor Yuliang, how has the Chief Minister been doing lately?

As soon as these words came out, Xiao Yuliang's expression changed slightly.

He then waved his hand, his voice carrying a trace of helplessness.

My elder brother retired to his hometown long ago. How can he still be considered the Chief Minister?

As his voice fell, Xiao Yuliang cupped his hands toward the direction of the Divine Capital, his expression respectful.

His Majesty's grace is vast. My brother is currently reflecting on his mistakes behind closed doors in our hometown, without taking a single step outside.

As for his health, he is quite well. Thank you for your concern, Junior Preceptor Gu.