“Hmph.”
The three women huffed in unison. They glanced at one another and then turned in different directions. Stepping through the void, they flew away, leaving Gu Ming shivering in the cold wind.
Once the three women left, Gu Ming breathed a sigh of relief.
Facing their inexplicable temper had been high-pressure. He had been terrified that if even one of them was unhappy, they would vent their frustration on him. Fortunately, they had all left, and he had escaped the ordeal unscathed.
Just then, Shen Lingxi sent him a Sound Transmission:
“You are already my Personal Disciple. Pack your things tonight and move from Jinxiu Mountain Villa to Saintess Mountain tomorrow.”
Without a second thought, Gu Ming replied via Sound Transmission: “Alright.”
Hardly had the words left his mind when Ling Yuyan sent another transmission: “Husband, I’m heading back to Jinxiu Mountain Villa to prepare. Remember to come back early. We are going to see my father tonight.”
Gu Ming’s expression shifted. He had almost forgotten about that. After a moment, he replied: “Alright.”
After all, he had given his word and couldn’t break it.
Right after replying to Ling Yuyan, Feng Qing’er sent a transmission: “Don’t you dare go back on what you said earlier. In fifteen days, I will hold an induction ceremony for you.”
Gu Ming’s expression turned strange. He had indeed said he would join all three forces, but hadn’t they told him to shut up?
Technically, did that even count?
Moreover, did these three women plan this? Their transmissions were coming one after another without a single gap!
After thinking it over, he decided not to ask if it counted and instead opted for a polite refusal.
He was already busy enough. He had to handle the Sect Leader’s Undercover Plan, serve as the Saintess’s Personal Disciple, and play the part of the Ling family’s Second Young Miss’s fiancé. Adding the role of a Divine Maiden Palace disciple on top of that… he simply didn’t have enough of himself to go around.
Thus, he came up with what he thought was a reasonable excuse and replied:
“B-but, I’m already the Saintess’s Personal Disciple. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to join the Divine Maiden Palace as well?”
Feng Qing’er did not reply immediately.
Gu Ming had a bad feeling. His intuition told him she was angry.
‘I hope I didn’t inadvertently form a grudge with the Divine Maiden Palace.’
His face paled.
He hadn’t been here long, and he had already offended three of the Five Great Forces within the Righteous Path Alliance.
How was he supposed to survive here?
How would he live his life from now on?
Just as he was feeling uneasy, Feng Qing’er messaged again:
“Do you look down on our Divine Maiden Palace?”
“No, no, absolutely not,” Gu Ming quickly denied via Sound Transmission.
“You could agree to their requests, so why would you rather break your word than join the Divine Maiden Palace? Is our palace that bad?” Feng Qing’er’s tone was laced with anger.
“Huh?” Gu Ming was stunned.
“Shen Lingxi just sent me a transmission to brag. She said she told you to move to Saintess Mountain tomorrow, and you agreed without a second thought. Ling Yuyan also told me she asked you to return early to meet her father, and you agreed without hesitation. Yet, when I bring it up, you use some pathetic excuse to stall…” Her voice was filled with resentment.
Hearing this, Gu Ming broke into a cold sweat. Weren’t these three at odds? Why were they exchanging messages in private?
Gu Ming couldn’t worry about that anymore and hurriedly explained, “But what I said is the truth. It’s not right for one person to join two sects.”
Feng Qing’er let out a transmitted laugh. “Saintess Mountain isn’t that easy to enter, and being the son-in-law of the Lingyun Pavilion Master isn’t that easy to handle. In the end, you’ll realize that only the Divine Maiden Palace is where you truly belong.”
Gu Ming caught the underlying meaning in her words.
In other words, whether it was joining Saintess Mountain or becoming the Pavilion Master’s son-in-law, it would only invite a mountain of trouble. Only her Divine Maiden Palace would be problem-free.
Feng Qing’er was certain that Gu Ming would eventually be kicked out of Saintess Mountain, even with the Saintess protecting him. She was also sure he wouldn’t succeed in becoming the Pavilion Master’s son-in-law. That was why she was sparing no effort to recruit him.
Since she had put it that way, what else could Gu Ming say? He could only reply: “Alright.”
Feng Qing’er’s response was quick, and this time her tone was pleasant. “I’ll wait for you at the Divine Maiden Palace in fifteen days.”
“Alright.”
After finishing the transmissions, Gu Ming let out a long breath. He composed his feelings and left the area, flying toward Jinxiu Mountain Villa.
Anyway, he had to meet Ling Yuyan’s father first.
***
When he returned to Jinxiu Mountain Villa, he didn’t see Ling Yuyan. Instead, a servant brought him a set of new clothes and a message from her, specifying a time and a meeting place.
The time was around 6:00 PM.
The meeting place was the entrance of the villa.
Simply put, he was to wait for her at the gates around 6:00 PM.
Since there was still some time before the meeting, Gu Ming rested in his courtyard.
He lay on the bed with his hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling as he recalled today’s events. Specifically, when Uncle Li had questioned him on the stage, Shen Lingxi had actually lied for him.
‘Why?’
‘Does she know I’m the Second Young Master of the Gu Family? Does she know about the Alliance Leader’s Undercover Plan? Is that why she’s helping me?’
‘But the Alliance Leader said that except for him, everyone’s memories of me would be erased, including my parents’. In this world, only the Alliance Leader knows my identity and background. Only then could my safety be guaranteed.’
‘Did the Alliance Leader reveal the plan to the Saintess?’
‘No, that’s impossible.’
Gu Ming knew the Alliance Leader’s character well. If he said he was the only one who knew, then there wouldn’t be a second soul in the world who did.
‘But why would the Saintess shield me even at the risk of offending the Gu Family?’
Gu Ming couldn’t figure it out. Eventually, he gave up. The only way to know was to ask her in person.
It seemed tomorrow’s trip to Saintess Mountain was inevitable.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
*Knock, knock—knock, knock—*
It was the servant who had delivered Ling Yuyan’s message.
Gu Ming looked at the sky. It was almost time. It seemed they were here to remind him.
“Master Nameless, the Second Young Miss is waiting for you at the entrance.”
“I understand. Give me a moment, I’m coming.”
After replying to the servant, Gu Ming got out of bed and changed into the new clothes. He moved his limbs a bit and found they fit surprisingly well.
‘When did that woman take my measurements?’
Gu Ming paused, then shook his head bitterly before opening the door and walking out.
Before long, he reached the main entrance and was stunned by the scene before him.
The first thing he saw was a carriage drawn by six horses. Behind it were four more carriages drawn by four horses each. These carriages were surrounded by guards holding sabers and swords. Behind the four carriages was a crowd of men clad in armor.
In addition, there was a ceremonial guard leading the way…