In an instant, he dismissed his thoughts.
Elder Fox is as aloof as a celestial being, how could it be!
However, looking at Gu Yuan's vigorous stance, his inner balance began to waver again.
He had people investigate for a long time but failed to figure out the connection between Gu Yuan and Elder Fox, only knowing that three days before Gu Yuan came to the mountain, Elder Fox suddenly announced retreat for secluded cultivation, meeting no outsiders.
And calculating the timeline, it was exactly the day when Gu Yuan received the token.
Clearly, there must be a causal connection between the two, just not knowing what it might be?
Therefore, he dared not neglect Gu Yuan; in case Elder Fox emerged from seclusion and took him as a disciple, he would have gained a great karmic link.
However, the Lan Family's strength is also formidable; their family pillar is already at late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation, surpassing his own master's accomplishments.
Most importantly, Lan Tianlu is the legitimate line of the Lan Family, undeniably so, unlike Gu Yuan, whose origins are unclear.
Moreover, Lan Tianlu even presented a grand gift to him, making the decision truly difficult.
"Senior Brother Qiu, who is this?"
Beside him, Lan Tianlu glanced at Gu Yuan, and his eyes slightly narrowed, knowing that this was the root of Qiu Mingshan's dilemma.
He first saluted Gu Yuan, then asked Qiu Mingshan.
"Come, come, Junior Brother Lan, let me introduce you. This is a talent recommended to join by Golden Core Ascendant, Elder Fox. Junior Brother Gu Yuan."
"Junior Brother Gu, this is Junior Brother Lan Tianlu from Ten Thousand Thunder Island, Junior Martial Uncle Celestial Destiny of the Lan Family, now already possessing late-stage Foundation Establishment strength."
Qiu Mingshan introduced both with a smile.
Both were secretly startled.
Lan Tianlu didn't expect a competitor with ties to Golden Core Ascendant to emerge.
No wonder Qiu Mingshan remained unmoved facing such a lavish gift, as it was.
This filled his heart with shadows, although he showed no trace on his face.
...
Gu Yuan was also slightly shocked inside.
Unexpectedly, it's a noble son at late-stage Foundation Establishment; wondering if he already knew the inside story of the Cave Mansion opportunity.
If he did know, would he resent me for taking what he wanted?
But recalling the nearly pure silver opportunity, Gu Yuan dismissed the unease within his heart.
The matter with Golden Core Ascendant will inevitably be revealed; by then, without Golden Core's care, I am merely an ordinary disciple.
Now, while the halo of the Golden Core still shines, I must seize opportunities to strengthen myself.
Fearing resentment and thus halting progress would only leave me empty-handed.
If choosing to give up voluntarily, the Lan Family would appreciate it now, but knowing I have no Golden Core's care, they would immediately sever ties, considering everything rightfully theirs.
An ordinary person giving way to a wealthy person would only make the wealthy feel entitled, and soon forgotten afterward.
Only when someone wealthier gives way to him would he feel grateful.
Gu Yuan understood this connection well, so his face showed no indication, remaining indifferent as if he didn't regard the Lan Family at all.
...
Lan Tianlu felt tense upon hearing the words Golden Core, but he quickly asked:
"Is Senior Brother Gu also here for Spirit Water?"
"With such opportunity, does the Ascendant have arrangements for Senior Brother Gu?"
His words carried two meanings; first, probing whether Gu Yuan knew the real opportunity hidden within the Cave Mansion.
After all, "Cyan Crane Spirit Water" is just a guise; the actual treasure is far superior.
Secondly, probing the connection between Gu Yuan and the Golden Core Ascendant; if favored by the Ascendant, everything would be arranged, and Qiu Mingshan would already have instructions, not be so conflicted.
He vaguely felt the connection between Gu Yuan and the Ascendant was not very close.
This too might be sensed by Qiu Mingshan, causing his indecision, for Gu Yuan is merely a Five-Aperture Body.
With Lan Tianlu's words, Qiu Mingshan immediately turned his head to look at Gu Yuan.
Both paid great attention to Gu Yuan's response.
But Gu Yuan merely smiled faintly, his eyes carrying a slight chill.
His weapon to win today was one word: act!
The more he acts fiercely, the less others dare to act rashly.
"Is Junior Brother Lan questioning the Ascendant's intentions?"
Gu Yuan turned his head with a smile, looking at Lan Tianlu.
"Junior Brother wouldn't dare!"
Lan Tianlu hurriedly denied.
How ridiculous, who would dare question the Golden Core?
Even daring to, it wouldn't be voiced.
"It's good then!"
"The Ascendant's mind is not to be casually speculated upon."
"The Lan Family isn't an exception!"
Gu Yuan's sleeve fluttered as he gazed deeply at Lan Tianlu, his eyes seemingly containing chill, implying the anger of the Golden Core.
Lan Tianlu was already harboring secrets; Gu Yuan's gaze startled him, making him avoid eye contact.
Could the Golden Core have seen through my scheme?
But why would this matter alarm the Golden Core? I haven't told anyone!
Gu Yuan's act didn't stop. He turned to Qiu Mingshan, and though his tone wasn't cold, it had a certain inexplicable meaning, his voice lowered:
"Senior Brother Qiu, do you know where my Jade Flood Dragon comes from?"
Before Qiu Mingshan could answer, Gu Yuan answered himself, "The day the Ascendant saw me, with a Foundation Establishment cultivator beside, he gifted me this Dharma Artifact, asking me to reach the Daoist School within three days!"
As he spoke, Gu Yuan's gaze again became deep, seemingly unintentionally glancing at the Storage Bag in Lan Tianlu's hand.
As if there was an untraceable mockery in his eyes.
Qiu Mingshan was immediately shocked.
Gu Yuan didn't spell it out, but Qiu Mingshan understood.
Because of the encounter with the Golden Core Ascendant, Foundation Establishment cultivators had to please me, offering gifts and farewells.
But now, you, a Qi Refining cultivator, are not thinking of gifting me, rather, thinking of receiving gifts, to suppress me?
That's a real joke!
Are you stronger than Foundation Establishment cultivators?
Gu Yuan clearly didn't say a single word, but Qiu Mingshan simulated his voice in his mind.
He immediately regretted in his heart.
He was indeed blinded.
The Ascendant is too distant from him, causing him to overlook its authority, but once compared to Foundation Establishment, compared to his superior cultivator's practices, he indeed acted wrongly.
Disciple introduced to the Daoist School by Golden Core Ascendant, if I didn't accept it, that's fine, but having accepted him and then reneged, isn't it a slap to the face of the Golden Core Ascendant?
No matter how shallow the connection with the Ascendant, not benefiting is fine, but how can I offend?
"Junior Brother Lan, you've asked too much!"
"Junior Brother Gu has already paid two Spirit Stones, registered in my directory, naturally, he'll choose the Cave Mansion first!"
"This is the rule of the Daoist School, none can defy, not even Foundation Establishment cultivators!"
Recalling the authority of the Golden Core, Qiu Mingshan immediately made up his mind.
Ridiculous, just over two hundred Spirit Stones to offend the Golden Core, if my master knew, might he not expel me from the sect!
With this thought, he no longer hesitated, his voice becoming righteous, picking up the Jade Register and Vermilion Brush, writing Gu Yuan's name into the directory.
Even those two Spirit Stones weren't collected.
"Junior Brother Gu, you may now choose a Cave Mansion!"
Then Qiu Mingshan took out a blank token, waiting for Gu Yuan's choice.
Gu Yuan, upon hearing this, didn't show any delight, merely nodded indifferently.
As if everything was supposed to be this way.
He then extended his finger, gently pointing towards the three Cave Mansions on the mountaintop.
Lan Tianlu widened his eyes, fixedly staring at Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan employed the momentum of the Golden Core, letting him know today was unachievable.
But he still harbored a glimmer of hope.
After all, he didn't tell anyone about this opportunity, not even his family elders.
The Golden Core probably doesn't know either.
Gu Yuan might just be after the Cave Mansion.
If by any chance Gu Yuan selects wrongly, there's still a chance for him.
"Then, this one..."
Watching Gu Yuan's finger point at the central Cave Mansion, Lan Tianlu's heart raced with joy.
Gu Yuan doesn't know!
There's still a chance for me.
"No, let's go with this one, closer to Great Marsh, the scenery is better!"
But just then, Gu Yuan suddenly slightly shifted his finger, pointing to the Cave Mansion at the far side, near the riverbank of Great Marsh.
Lan Tianlu's expression immediately froze.