On her first visit to Gu Shengās courtyard, Hong Mei felt a bit uneasy.
She sat down lightly, her eyes darting about nervously.
"The Third Elder has arranged your courtyard quite well, the spiritual energy is abundant."
Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng chuckled.
"Indeed itās nice, much better than before I left. How about it, do you like it here?"
Hong Mei didnāt think much and nodded to him.
"I quite like it."
"If you like it, then stay here. I checked earlier, and there arenāt many courtyards around here. The guest quarters arenāt as good as mine, so if you donāt mind, you can stay here."
As soon as he spoke, Hong Meiās face turned even redder.
"This... wouldnāt it be inappropriate? You and I are a single man and woman... it would be unseemly..."
Her voice grew quieter, but the smile on Gu Shengās lips widened.
"My courtyard is not just a single room, I meant you can pick any if you like."
With these words, Hong Meiās eyes widened.
"You... you..."
"Exactly, thatās what I meant. What were you thinking? Could it be you like this room?"
Gu Sheng suddenly stood and leaned toward her, causing Hong Mei to raise her hand to stop him.
"No, thatās not what I meant, I just... just..."
"Just what..."
"Just feeling hot, and want to go out for a walk."
After saying this, she quickly got up and turned outside to run.
Watching her retreating silhouette, Gu Sheng chuckled softly.
After wandering around Stone Village for a while, the heat on Hong Meiās face gradually faded.
Just as she was about to return, people from Sky Blue Sect approached from afar.
"Greetings, Sect Leader."
Seeing them, Hong Meiās demeanor changed instantly, her expression cooled.
"Follow me."
The group dared not say more and could only follow along.
In a secluded area, Hong Mei stood tall and sternly reprimanded a few.
Knowing they were in the wrong, they lowered their heads, not daring to utter a sound.
After a long while, Hong Mei finally ceased her scolding.
"I donāt want to see todayās incident happening a second time. If I do, Iāll report it truthfully. Now disperse."
As soon as the group left, the Third Elder came over, smiling at her.
"Sect Leader Hong, have you adapted here yet?"
Seeing the Third Elder, Hong Mei quickly retracted her stern aura.
"Iām getting used to it."
"Youāve just arrived, and I didnāt arrange a suitable lodging before getting busy; that was my oversight. Iāve had a courtyard prepared for you, and I can take you there, okay?"
Upon hearing this, Hong Mei lightly pursed her lips.
"Well... Third Elder, Iāve... already agreed with Gu Sheng..."
Her voice got quieter, her face redder, and the Third Elder naturally understood, hurriedly responding: "My mind isnāt as sharp as the Village Chiefās. His place is spacious with many rooms; any would be better suited for guests than mine. Then follow the Village Chiefās arrangements, theyāre never wrong."
"Sorry for troubling you, Third Elder."
"No problem, I just feared you might not adapt initially. Sect Leader Hong, you donāt need to stand on ceremony with us; treat this like home."
Upon hearing this, warmth filled Hong Meiās heart.
"Alright, Third Elder, I understand."
That evening, Third Elder hosted a few tables of feast, each filled to the brim, the atmosphere unusually lively.
Gu Sheng sat at the chief seat, observing the current state of Stone Village, unable to suppress a smile.
"Although Iām seated as the chief, thereās no need for excessive courtesy; treat me as before."
Upon hearing this, several elders disapproved.
"Each sect has its rules; now that weāre part of Sky Blue Sect, there must be order and rules. The Village Chief is still the Village Chief; itās improper to overstep."
With this, the whole group agreed.
Gu Sheng was a bit resigned but had to comply.
He downed the first cup of wine, after which everyone lively raised their cups.
After three rounds of drinks, the Third Elder inquired about their future plans.
Gu Sheng did not hide anything and spoke of Kunming Mountain.
Upon learning they were heading there, the banquetās atmosphere instantly cooled.
Knowing their concerns, Gu Sheng smiled and said: "Wushuang Taoist has already given me a token; with it, Wang Chunshi wonāt trouble me."
"Gu Sheng, you might not know, but Wang Chunshi is extremely eccentric. Our previous Village Chief dealt with him as well but found the process difficult and ultimately returned in anger. Over the years, the old manās temper might have grown worse. Your journey there likely wonāt be smooth."
With this, the Third Elder sighed heavily.
"Perhaps I should accompany you; Iāve met him once and might be of help."
Upon learning he wanted to join, Gu Sheng smiled and shook his head.
"Third Elder, you should stay at Stone Village. Iāll bring Wushuang Taoistās token; he wonāt disregard it. Moreover, Hong Mei will be with me. I doubt weāll be turned away. Although heās difficult, heās been in the martial world for many years; I donāt think heās a petty man. Iāll go meet him."
Upon Gu Shengās repeated insistence, the Third Elder reluctantly agreed.
"Alright, then take people along. If that old man shows you favor, Iāll come to help."
"Alright, rest assured."
Once the banquet was over, Gu Sheng and Hong Mei walked side by side.
Learning that Hong Mei planned to lodge in Gu Shengās courtyard, Bai Yu and others kept winking at him.
Lan Yao smiled and said: "Gu Sheng, youāre impressive."
Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng turned around.
"Impressive in what way? In finding a wife before you all? Are you envious?"
"Quite envious indeed."
"Well, thereās nothing to be done; none of you have won a ladyās favor. When Hong Mei and I marry, youāll probably still be single. Why donāt you accompany each other forever, so you wonāt be lonely."