Volume One, Chapter 27: Unwrapping the Gift

The fourth storage pouch Gu Mingxi opened contained a superb magical robe gifted by Su Yu, the Peak Master of the Artifact Peak.

“Wow! This robe is so magnificent, I absolutely love it! And it’s inscribed with defensive runes—dustproof, waterproof, fireproof—truly a must-have for everyday life!”

Gu Mingxi was particularly fond of this robe. Though it was crafted in a delicate pink, it was adorned with numerous pearls, making it extraordinarily splendid while retaining a youthful charm.

Although Gu Mingxi owned her own fine robes, this one was undeniably superior—not because her own was less magnificent, but the runes embroidered on this one were uniquely intriguing. Moreover, the fabric was carefully selected; if her guess was correct, it was made from celestial silkworm silk.

There must have been other materials woven in as well—perhaps phoenix feathers or peacock plumes…

If it weren’t for the unopened gifts still waiting, Gu Mingxi would have eagerly bound this robe to herself immediately. After all, it perfectly matched her tastes—soft pink and exquisitely ornate. Wearing it made her feel like a little princess. Who wouldn’t love that?

The fifth storage pouch contained gifts from Qiong Yu, the Peak Master of the Formation Peak.

Inside were two Grade Eight formation plates: one a killing formation, the other a trapping formation—both highly practical.

When facing a formidable enemy, one could first deploy the Grade Eight trapping formation to restrain them, then immediately unleash the killing formation to eliminate the foe. How exhilarating that would be!

The sixth pouch held a gift from He Ming, the Peak Master of the Sword Peak.

Within was a jade talisman accompanied by instructions explaining its use. It was a sword talisman personally forged by He Ming, containing three layers of his sword qi. Anyone with cultivation below He Ming’s could be slain with a single strike wielding this talisman.

This sword talisman was quite powerful. After all, He Ming’s cultivation was in the late Consolidation stage—on the Azure Cloud Continent, very few surpassed that level. If someone truly that strong aimed to kill Gu Mingxi, she might as well surrender; there’d be no winning.

Ahem, of course, this was just hypothetical. Even if Gu Mingxi faced such a formidable foe, she would never give up, for living well was her creed.

The seventh pouch contained a gift from Chen Feng, the leader of the Enforcement Hall.

Upon opening it, Gu Mingxi found a bracelet. Reading the description revealed it was actually a hidden weapon: a violent rain pear blossom needle.

Wow! The violent rain pear blossom needle! Gu Mingxi had heard of its fearsome reputation in her previous life but never imagined she would receive one today.

She looked over all the gifts she had received—quite impressive, a perfect blend of offense and defense.

Finally, Gu Mingxi opened the storage ring gifted by her master, Yu Chen—who was a Grade Nine formation master and a Grade Eight talisman master.

Mastering even one of the four arts of cultivation could be lucrative; her master excelled at two. Such a man was undoubtedly wealthy.

Gu Mingxi was quite curious about what gifts Yu Chen had prepared.

After binding the storage ring, she opened it and was instantly dazzled. Inside was an enormous pile of spirit stones—countless high-grade spirit stones piled up like a small mountain, as if they cost nothing.

Struggling to tear her eyes away from the mound of spirit stones, Gu Mingxi noticed other items as well.

There was a stack of formation plates and a thick bundle of talismans.

She was so astonished she gaped. Being a Grade Nine formation master and Grade Eight talisman master was truly impressive—her master was generous in gifting his disciple.

It was wonderful to have a wealthy master!

Among the gifts, two items stood out as especially important: a sword and a talisman brush.

The sword was entirely white, with red patterns decorating the hilt. The red and white intertwined beautifully.

Carved on the blade were two characters: “Morning and Evening.”

The Morning and Evening Sword.

“Morning and Evening…”

The talisman brush was a deep purple. Gu Mingxi gently rubbed it between her fingers—it felt exquisitely smooth.

Though she didn’t know the exact grades of the sword and brush, given the quality of the previous gifts from her master, these two were surely exceptional.

Looking at all these treasures before her, Gu Mingxi couldn’t help but marvel at how fortunate she was to have such a master—and an affluent one at that. She was showered with gifts until her hands were tired, and the spirit stones were truly abundant!

She began preliminarily binding all these magical instruments, planning to refine them thoroughly when she had the time.

The next day.

Gu Mingxi received a voice transmission from Yu Chen: “Mingxi, come to the grand hall.”

Upon arrival, she found Yu Chen brewing tea. Today he wore a teal robe, exuding an ethereal grace, as if he were about to ascend. The morning sunlight cast a soft glow on his robe, adding to his already striking presence.

Gu Mingxi silently admired her master’s looks and aura. Compared to the fresh-faced idols of her previous life’s entertainment world, none could match him.

“Master, your disciple has arrived!”

Yu Chen glanced up at her but continued his tea brewing without pause, saying, “Come, have a seat.”

Once seated, Yu Chen handed her a cup of tea. Gu Mingxi took a sip and found the tea remarkably sweet, infused with a delicate bamboo fragrance.

Yu Chen also took a slow sip. “How does it taste?”

Gu Mingxi answered truthfully, “The tea is very sweet, with a clear bamboo aroma.”

Yu Chen set down his cup. “Mingxi, would you like to guess what kind of leaves I used to brew this tea?”

Huh? Such an unexpected question!

Gu Mingxi pondered carefully which rare tea leaves could produce such a flavor. After much thought, she came up empty.

Suddenly, she recalled the bamboo fragrance she sensed as she drank. Glancing toward the nearby grove of purple bamboo, she considered that bamboo leaves could indeed be brewed as tea.

“Master, did you use the leaves from the purple bamboo grove to brew this tea?”

Yu Chen laughed heartily and nodded. “Mingxi, you truly are clever. Since you find the tea so pleasant, I’ll entrust you with the task of harvesting the tea leaves!”

Entrust her? She had only praised the tea’s sweetness; how did she suddenly become responsible for gathering the leaves?

“I…”

Before Gu Mingxi could respond, Yu Chen’s expression shifted instantly to a pitiful look as he said, “Ah, Mingxi, if you’re unwilling, then forget it. I’ll just drink the aged tea from before. After all, someone else’s little disciple is always someone else’s little disciple!”

Yu Chen spoke while casting her a sorrowful glance. Gu Mingxi was so startled by her master’s dramatic change of face that the corners of her mouth twitched involuntarily.

The towering image she had of Yu Chen shattered completely in that moment.

She truly had never expected her master to be like this—the switch was so swift!

Gritting her teeth, Gu Mingxi declared, “If my master desires it, then your disciple will gladly undertake the task!”

“If you truly do not wish to, Mingxi, I won’t force you.”

With a blank expression, Gu Mingxi forced a smile and said, “No compulsion, no compulsion. Your disciple is more than happy to help!”

Watching her little disciple’s constantly shifting expression, Yu Chen turned away and chuckled quietly. Teasing his disciple was indeed great fun!