Zhong Lin’s expression froze momentarily, surprised that he had arrived in Linyue County without realizing it.
"Does Senior Brother know people from the Gu Family in Linyue?"
Jiang Yuan also stepped out of the carriage and came to Zhong Lin’s side.
"I know them. The Gu Family is supporting me."
Jiang Yuan was surprised to learn of such a connection with the Gu Family, and there was a tone of envy in his voice: "They are indeed fortunate."
Many disciples in the Sword Cauldron Sect have benefactors, just like how many merchants in the mundane world support poor scholars. It’s called support but can be understood as an investment. If it fails, they only lose some money, but if it succeeds, the returns are a thousandfold.
Zhong Lin’s rise is like a meteor streaking across the sky, so brilliant and with no roots. By the time others knew of him, he was already so high above. Whether an Upper Third Grade Martial Artist or Fourth Grade Pill Master, people could only admire him from afar.
Now, unexpectedly, the Gu Family has emerged as Zhong Lin’s benefactors, filling Jiang Yuan with envy, jealousy, and resentment, questioning why he didn’t meet Senior Brother Zhong earlier.
"Junior Sister Jiang, why don’t we rest for a while in Linyue City?"
Zhong Lin seemed to be seeking Jiang Yuan’s opinion, but there was an undeniable tone in his voice.
Jiang Yuan naturally wouldn’t refuse Zhong Lin’s request and smiled, saying: "Of course, Niu Dali."
"Send someone to the Gu Family with a visitation note."
Niu Dali promptly instructed the guards to ride swiftly to Linyue City, not daring to delay.
Soon, a large group of people and horses emerged from the city, led by none other than the long-lost Gu Ning.
"Haha, I woke up this morning to the sound of magpies chirping on the branches, and it turns out it was to welcome Brother Zhong’s esteemed arrival."
Gu Ning dismounted, dressed in black with golden embroidery, standing tall and elegant. His handsome face bore a warm smile, exuding a dignified grace that immediately evoked goodwill.
Zhong Lin also smiled and cupped his hands: "I came uninvited, Brother Gu, please don’t mind."
"How could anyone mind the arrival of a Fourth Grade Pill Master, which so many people yearn for but can’t achieve?"
At this moment, Gu Ning was overjoyed, and his eyes were filled with fervor when looking at Zhong Lin.
From the first encounter in Wuyun City, Gu Ning knew he had found a treasure, though it needed polishing. But he never expected that in just half a year, this treasure would shine with a thousand rays of golden light.
A Fourth Grade Pill Master!
Chen Country, Lu Country, and Cheng Country combined couldn’t produce as many as ten fingers. Each one was a high-ranking figure that the Linyue Gu Family couldn’t afford to invite, yet now it had been found by him. No one would believe it if told.
The monthly material support was merely a drop in the bucket for the entire Gu Family, seen only as an investment. No one expected such a quick and powerful return.
When Gu Ning heard that Zhong Lin had become a Fourth Grade Pill Master, he didn’t believe it at first. After all, Zhong Lin’s age posed a question. How could a sixteen or seventeen-year-old achieve such success?
But when reality stood before him, everything seemed so incredible.
"I am Gu Xiaofeng, an elder of the Gu Family. Greetings to Master Zhong, greetings to Your Highness the Princess."
An older man in luxurious robes stepped forward to Zhong Lin and Jiang Yuan, bowing in greeting.
"Brother Zhong, this is my father," Gu Ning introduced.
Zhong Lin could sense the formidable inner breath emanating from Gu Xiaofeng, knowing he was also an Upper Third Grade Martial Artist.
"Greetings to Family Head Gu. My master has mentioned you several times, praising your invincible Mixed Essence Gang Qi within the same realm. Meeting you today, it’s indeed well-deserved." Zhong Lin smiled and cupped his hands.
"The people of Jianghu overpraise me. It’s just a turtle shell; how dare I claim to be invincible within the same realm? Master Yin overpraised me. Master Zhong, Your Highness the Princess, the feast is ready. Please come this way."
Gu Ning happily led the way, continuously introducing the beautiful sights and delicacies of Linyue City, with Zhong Lin responding with smiles from time to time.
"Family Head Gu is truly lucky. Many people in the outside world long to meet Senior Brother Zhong but never get the chance. Yet, the Gu Family recognized him early on. It’s truly enviable."
Jiang Yuan made no effort to hide his emotions, his face full of admiration.
Gu Xiaofeng stroked his beard and smiled: "Your Highness overpraises us. It’s all due to my son’s efforts. Even I feel as if I’m dreaming."
"Indeed! Who could have imagined Senior Brother Zhong’s rapid rise, achieving Fourth Grade Pill Master status before reaching the age of twenty? Anyone would think it’s a dream upon hearing it."
"Master Zhong is extraordinarily talented and gifted beyond ordinary understanding."
As they spoke, the procession entered the city, where a gathering of various men, women, and children awaited in front of the Gu Family residence, which housed all the Gu Family members, all coming out to greet them.
"Who are we waiting for?"
"I don’t know. They say it’s an important person, with Brother Gu Ning and the Family Head already going out to greet them."
"If Brother Gu Ning and the Family Head have gone to greet them, why do we need to come out too?"
"Of course, to show respect. The entire Gu Family coming out to greet them—what could be more grand than that?"
"What kind of important person could make the Family Head pause the annual family competition to greet them personally? Even major events never disturbed the competition before."
A group of Gu Family members gathered, discussing with curiosity on their faces.
"Lei’er, be sure to behave well later. Don’t lose your manners. If that important figure takes a liking to you..."
"Mom, stop dreaming. Would an important figure enough for the Family Head to greet personally take an interest in me?"
"You brat, can’t you even imagine?"
A mother repeatedly advised a young Qing Yi boy.
"Qing’er, an important figure is visiting our Gu Family. You’re the most beautiful of the younger generation of our family. Make sure to make a good impression. If you’re noticed and taken as a concubine, or even a maid, it would be a step to the sky!"
"Father, we don’t even know if this important figure is male or female. Please don’t add to the chaos. Besides, I’m not the kind of woman to rely on beauty for attention like a vixen. If I do that, wouldn’t it be like the seventh lady?"
A charming young woman expressed her displeasure with her father’s arrangement.
The sound of horse hooves approached from afar, and soon Zhong Lin and his group’s figures appeared on the street.
Seeing the crowd before him, with some women holding crying infants in their arms, Zhong Lin was a bit bewildered.
"Brother Gu, this is..."
"These are family relatives who came to greet you solemnly knowing you were coming, Brother Zhong," Gu Ning explained.
Hearing this, Zhong Lin smiled wryly and waved his hand: "That’s too much, too much."
"Not at all. The family’s disciples already know your achievements, Brother Zhong, and consider you a goal to pursue. They came to witness your true appearance and hope you’ll say a few words of encouragement."
Zhong Lin instinctively took a step back and shook his head: "I’d rather not."
Jiang Yuan stepped forward and said with a smile: "Senior Brother, Brother Gu’s gesture is well-intentioned. In Chen Country, welcoming an entire family is the greatest sincerity."