Esteemed Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo,

Greetings in this springtime, as summer approaches and the seasons turn.

When I first arrived in this treasured land, I immediately heard of your profound mastery of mechanisms, particularly your unique and ingenious ice-and-snow automatons. Thinking of them, I often feel a sense of longing, lamenting that I haven’t had the chance to seek your personal guidance.

Today, I make bold to write and extend my regards.

It so happens that I, Qing, have made some slight progress in the art of painting and wish to use this opportunity for a martial arts demonstration to verify my skills against the exquisite automatons crafted by your skillful hands. To meet friends through art is truly one of life’s great pleasures.

For this exchange, I have three wishes: Firstly, regardless of victory or defeat, I only seek an exchange of Daoist arts. Secondly, the contest between my clone and your automaton is intended for communication and verification, and harmony should be prioritized. Thirdly, I propose inviting various talented cultivators to observe, which will demonstrate openness and integrity, and also allow all fellow Daoists to gain something.

I, Qing, deeply understand that the Great Dao is boundless; an exchange is not for contention but for the shared exploration of profound mysteries. If you would not disdain my offer, I shall prepare a humble tea and await an auspicious date.

Please consider my humble request and I look forward to your reply.

Wishing you peace in the Dao,
Gu Qing

Gu Qing’s letter of challenge was elegantly phrased, subtly worded, and even conveyed a hint of respect.

This was within Ning Zhuo’s expectations and once again raised the latter’s vigilance.

“As expected of a genius renowned throughout Huazhang Nation,” Ning Zhuo secretly praised.

Gu Qing’s response precisely addressed his current predicament regarding rumors.

On one hand, he invited many of the current generation of talents from the Wanxiang Sect to compete, using their recognized reputations to validate his own.

On the other hand, by using a painting clone in the battle, regardless of victory or defeat, he would have an excuse to retreat, thus avoiding damage to harmony, worsening relations, or creating intense conflict.

Ning Zhuo didn’t need to guess that in Gu Qing’s challenge letter to Situ Xing, he would only state his desire to use a painting clone to break through Situ Xing’s sword formation. In the letter to Zhu Fenxiang, he would mention using a painting clone to battle Zhu Fenxiang’s spirit summoning art.

“Gu Qing has probably already made up his mind that if a battle doesn’t go well, he’ll know when to stop and decisively admit defeat. Winning some, losing some, that’s how it will be.”

“Even if he has enough strength to suppress everyone, including me, he wouldn’t do that.”

As long as he wins some and loses some, and presents it realistically to the public, then all the rumors against Gu Qing will be dismantled.

Gu Qing’s caliber is evident just from the phrasing in his letter. He definitely wouldn’t do something as foolish as winning every single battle!

Ning Zhuo held the flying letter, deep in thought. He considered another layer: “Gu Qing has sent us flying letters, and he will certainly use the mouths of some outsiders to leak this matter.”

“The public will undoubtedly want to see our duels. On one hand, it’s for entertainment, and on the other, it’s to understand our strengths and methods as much as possible, which can effectively help them in the upcoming minor test.”

“Therefore, the public will also facilitate this matter. If I refuse, or even hesitate slightly, public opinion will immediately surge, promoting the idea that we are afraid to fight, weak in strength, and inferior to Gu Qing.”

Gu Qing, in this regard, acted quite “openly.”

He directly stated in the letter: “Thirdly, I propose inviting various talented cultivators to observe, which will demonstrate openness and integrity, and also allow all fellow Daoists to gain something.”

See? How much he considers others.

Once the content of the letter is disclosed, it will surely enhance the public’s impression of him. They won’t realize they are being used by Gu Qing.

Even if there are clever people among them who realize this, for their own benefit, they would still be willing to facilitate the matter.

A short letter, seemingly simple, yet it reveals Gu Qing’s solid and seasoned cultivation in the righteous path.

However, all of this was within Ning Zhuo’s expectations.

He had already gathered much intelligence on Gu Qing. When arranging the rumors, he had specifically considered Gu Qing.

Gu Qing’s fame throughout Huazhang Nation had its drawbacks. At least, a large amount of information about him was easily accessible.

“The opponent has fallen into the trap, so let’s continue the action.” Ning Zhuo immediately wrote a reply.

Your kind letter arrived, like a spring breeze.

I am honored that you, esteemed friend, did not disdain to write and extend an invitation. Between the lines, your magnanimity and noble spirit shine through, imbued with the grace of a true gentleman.

I unfolded and read your letter, as if hearing a clear melody.

Your three wishes for the exchange, every word a pearl, deeply resonate with me. “Regardless of victory or defeat, I only seek an exchange of Daoist arts” — this line, in particular, reveals your broad-mindedness and lofty aspirations, Gu-xiong, and it truly wins my admiration.

My humble art of mechanisms is but a minor skill; how dare it bear the praise of being “unique”? Yet your painting clone is a marvel of creation, imbued with divine charm, truly inspiring.

I have often heard that in Huazhang Nation, the gentleman’s spirit and cultural heritage are long and profound. Though I have long resided in a small country, whenever I read the scriptures of sages and worthies, my heart stirs, and my thoughts traverse millennia. To now have the opportunity to discuss the Dao and practice martial arts with you is truly a rare fated encounter in my life.

To be frank with you, I have long held a deep admiration for the School of Mind within Confucianism.

I especially subscribe to the principle of “unity of knowledge and action,” which, coincidentally, shares a similar wonderful synergy with my path of mechanisms, where “theory and practice illuminate each other.” This exchange, like meeting friends through martial arts and connecting hearts through art, how delightful!

How could I refuse your gracious invitation?

I am willing to meet your wondrous brushwork with my Xue Shu automatons.

I am deeply grateful for your non-disdain.

Ning Zhuo’s reply quickly reached Gu Qing’s hands.

“Teacher, the first to reply is Ning Zhuo,” Gu Qing said, handing the flying letter to Zhao Han.

Zhao Han’s spiritual sense swept over it and he nodded slightly. “This child is also remarkable, but his origins are unclear. The internal intelligence within the Wanxiang Sect has not yet made a breakthrough; it only records his various deeds since arriving at the Wanxiang Sect’s main mountain gate.”

The master and disciple both came from Huazhang Nation, and in terms of intelligence gathering, they mostly relied on the procurement of the Tongshang Hall.

Gu Qing smiled. “Ning Zhuo was originally not well-known, and he intentionally concealed himself. It’s not surprising that it would take some time for the Wanxiang Sect to gather enough intelligence, as it would need to cross several countries.”

“He is now a first-rate genius, and all parties are increasing their efforts to investigate him. I presume that important intelligence will be gathered soon.”

Zhao Han returned the flying letter to Gu Qing. “What do you think?”

Gu Qing stared at the flying letter in his hand, a calm smile on his face. “I understand.”

“Ning Zhuo’s situation is actually similar to mine.”

“Although he has earned the reputation of a first-rate genius since coming to the Wanxiang Sect, he has not proven himself in the martial arts arena, in front of the public.”

“Without proving himself capable of fighting, capable of reaching Golden Core level combat strength, the public will always have doubts about his abilities.”

“His genius reputation will always be superficial, not solid.”

After a pause, Gu Qing continued, “Ning Zhuo’s two first-place finishes were both obtained in the Confucian Cultivation minor tests. It’s very normal for him to have a good impression of Confucian cultivation and Confucianism.”

“And from his performance in Xuanjia Cave, this person is most likely from a righteous path family, has a good understanding of human nature, and can verbally repel enemies. Although he is not a Confucian cultivator, he has quite the demeanor of one.”

“If he wants to befriend me, I will satisfy him.”

“In this confrontation, I will carefully control my strength and fight him to a draw. From my estimation, as long as I win him over slightly, this person will become one of my assistants.”

Zhao Han nodded. “If that’s the case, then do it.”

At the Martial Arts Hall.

Numerous cultivators gathered, discussing the upcoming battle.

“This time, Gu Qing is using his painting clone, and Ning Zhuo is deploying his automaton. Who do you think will win?”

“Gu Qing’s ability to use his painting clone to socialize and impress many cultivators stems from his profound Confucian scholarship. As for actual combat, that remains to be seen.”

“Similarly, it’s rumored that Ning Zhuo possesses a Golden Core-level automaton, but there’s not much reliable information about its specific capabilities.”

“Look, Gu Qing is here!”

Countless gazes immediately shifted towards him.

Gu Qing, dressed in a moon-white scholar’s robe, ascended the stage with an air of elegance.

The cultivators below fell silent for a few breaths, then a murmur of low praise arose.

“As expected of a talented scholar from Huazhang Nation, his demeanor is truly extraordinary.”

“I heard his painting clone is exquisitely skillful. I wonder how it compares to his true self?”

Gu Qing smiled, cupped his hands to the surroundings, and appeared remarkably friendly.

In his heart, however, he was pondering, “Ning Zhuo—is he not here yet?”

No sooner had he finished his thought than he saw a cultivator in the crowd, clad in a hooded cloak and robes, concealing himself, step out and enter the array space.

“So Ning Zhuo was already here?” Gu Qing’s heart stirred. He immediately cupped his hands and declared loudly, “Qing is new here, and it is truly a pleasure to have the honor of exchanging blows with Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo today.”

As it turned out, the “person” actively removed their hood, causing a collective gasp from the entire audience.

It was not a living person but an automaton.

She stood six and a half feet tall, made entirely of profound ice. Her head was adorned with an ice mirror helmet, its lines sharp as if carved by knife and axe. Beneath it, her eyes were two slowly rotating, bottomless azure whirlpools.

Her hexagonal profound ice armor fit perfectly, with湛蓝靈光 flowing and circulating like blood along the seams of the armor plates.

A pair of ferocious and dangerous-looking ice-dragon beast heads adorned her shoulder guards.

Six cold steel mechanism orbs silently flew out, circling her body and emitting a faint chill.

“What a magnificent ice-attribute combat automaton! Just by its appearance, one knows it’s extraordinary!”

“Indeed, it has a Golden Core aura.”

“But—why isn’t Ning Zhuo here?”

“Did he only send his automaton?”

“Or is he hiding among us?”

“There’s no need for that. He’s one of the first wave of geniuses to emerge. What’s the point of hiding among us? It’s not very open.”

“Look closely, everyone! The suspension threads that maintain this automaton, one end disappears into the void; they must be Void Spider Silk!”

Crucial points on Xue Shu Yu·Xie’s body were maintained by Void Spider Silk, which disappeared into the void.

Gu Qing’s true body had already noticed this detail, and his eyes narrowed slightly.

He felt quite displeased.

He had expected Ning Zhuo to attend in person, but only an automaton had arrived. This made Gu Qing, who had arrived in person, feel somewhat awkward.

Nevertheless, Gu Qing’s smile never diminished; instead, it became even warmer and more cordial.

He cupped his hands and continued, “Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo’s automaton must be extraordinary. I am truly fortunate to witness its power today.”

Xue Shu Yu·Xie’s voice replied, “Fellow Daoist Gu, I sincerely apologize. I am currently in seclusion, occupied with urgent matters, and temporarily unable to extricate myself.”

“After this battle, I will surely visit you personally to offer my apologies.”

“Please, do not blame me, do not blame me.”

Hearing Ning Zhuo say this, the displeasure and slight doubts in Gu Qing’s heart immediately dissipated by more than half.

Gu Qing extended his palm. “My true body is here, but you have not arrived. I have taken an advantage, Gu. In the upcoming battle, I, Gu, promise to only use my painting clone to ensure fairness and to meet friends through martial arts. Please, Fellow Daoist, command your automaton to make the first move.”

He believed in Ning Zhuo’s cultivation of the righteous path, and had already decided before this battle—they would fight a tacit public exhibition match.

Xue Shu Yu·Xie was slightly taken aback, then immediately cupped her hands. “Brother Daoist Gu Qing, your magnanimity is extraordinary. Then I shall make a humble start.”

Gu Qing nodded slightly. In his view, Ning Zhuo’s quick agreement was also a signal to him: *I understand your meaning; you want a tacit battle, and so do I!*

The Void Spider Silk moved frequently, and Xue Shu Yu·Xie charged towards Gu Qing.

Gu Qing’s true body retreated a few steps, each step covering several zhang, quickly reaching the edge of the battlefield.

What remained in his place was one of his painting clones.

Bang bang bang—

Xue Shu Yu·Xie and the painting clone engaged, using only body parts for simple martial combat.

Ning Zhuo was indeed in the Qing Shi Cave Mansion. Observing the battle from afar and controlling the Void Spider Silk were both real.

He also wanted to use this battle to train his ability to control automatons in combat from a distance and gain relevant experience.

His experience in the Xuanjia Cave had greatly improved his martial arts.

After several rounds of close combat, he fought the painting clone to a draw.

However, the onlookers were greatly dissatisfied and began to clamor.

“Start fighting properly!”

“Use real skills!”

“We didn’t come here to watch a show. If it continues like this, this martial arts demonstration is meaningless.”

Gu Qing’s true body smiled. “Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, you’ve heard everyone’s voices, haven’t you? I know you don’t want to make the first move and take advantage of me, Gu. But in this friendly exchange, someone has to make the first move, right?”

Seeing Ning Zhuo’s approach, he was even more certain this was a tacit battle.

Ning Zhuo controlled Xue Shu Yu·Xie to retreat a few steps, and his voice came through: “Alas, Fellow Daoist Gu Qing, then I shall offend you.”

Gu Qing’s true body extended his palm, gracefully saying, “Please.”

Ning Zhuo let out a low cry, truly mobilizing Xue Shu Yu·Xie to unleash ice-attribute spells.

Instantly, chilling air surged forth, extraordinarily sharp.

The entire ground of the martial arts stage was almost instantaneously covered by a layer of eerie blue profound ice.

Ning Zhuo let out another low cry.

The temperature plummeted again, and sparkling ice crystal dust condensed throughout the air.

Ning Zhuo cried out once more.

Sharp ice spikes wildly grew from the frozen floor tiles, forming a menacing battlefield of ice spikes.

Gu Qing’s smile froze for an instant.

He was surprised by Ning Zhuo’s dramatic move, but quickly understood: “Ning Zhuo wants to make a grand gesture, creating a huge commotion to cover up the truth of our tacit battle.”

“Good.”

“I’ll endure and defend for now, letting him take the spotlight for a bit.”

“Then I’ll make my move to change the course of the battle, showing that I’m no weaker than him.”

“Finally, I’ll find a suitable moment to withdraw with Ning Zhuo, creating a draw.”

Gu Qing believed that Ning Zhuo was thinking the same thing.

Because there was a tacit understanding between them!

“Benevolence protects the body, virtue spreads to all directions!” Gu Qing’s painting clone flicked its sleeves, literary qi overflowing, and recited in a clear voice.

A faint golden light expanded from within its body, warm and profound, forming a translucent light shield.

The profound ice spikes wildly grew and continuously shot out, all blocked by the light shield.

Bang bang bang—

The splashing ice shards and the golden light emanating from the surface of the light shield formed a firefly-like radiance, truly beautiful.

The ice spikes were relentless, and Gu Qing’s painting clone gritted its teeth slightly, feeling the pressure growing.

At the same time, a hidden chill emanated from the ground, permeating the light shield, eroding the painting clone, and attempting to freeze its literary qi.

The painting clone could have attacked, using offense as defense, but under the instruction of the true body, it decided to continue defending, allowing Ning Zhuo to take more of the spotlight.

Xue Shu Yu·Xie’s attacks were like a continuous tide.

The cold tide was relentless, and the roaring ice-dragon beast heads on her shoulder guards suddenly shot out azure beams.

The painting clone’s light shield suffered a heavy blow, and, caught off guard, it instantly disintegrated.

The clone quickly retreated, narrowly avoiding the sweeping blue light, and in the nick of time, swung its brush, writing two large characters: “Po Bing!” (Break Ice!)

The characters flew out, reflecting the ice-blue profound light, attempting to dissolve it.

The mechanical eyes of the roaring ice-dragon beast heads erupted with even brighter light, suppressing the two characters “Po Bing.”

Gu Qing’s true body was somewhat displeased: “Ning Zhuo still wants to hog the spotlight?”

Just now, his painting clone had almost scrambled in a most undignified manner while dodging, causing him some loss of face.

Now Ning Zhuo still wouldn’t let up, still wanting to perform, which naturally made him unhappy.

But at this moment, the pressure of the ice-blue profound light suddenly eased, though from the outside, it appeared to grow stronger again.

Gu Qing’s true body’s heart stirred: “Oh, so Ning Zhuo’s plan is this. It seems he realized his mistake in making my clone lose face just now. Then, it’s my turn to turn the situation around.”

Gu Qing’s painting clone spoke, “Hao Ran—”

As quick as a flash,
Xue Shu Yu·Xie instantly crashed forward, runes on her body lighting up, and six cold steel mechanism orbs struck simultaneously.

A terrifying cold wave formed in an instant, overwhelming and suppressing everything!

The painting clone, trying to regain control, was casting a powerful Confucian spell, but it needed time to form the hand seals.

However, Xue Shu Yu·Xie disregarded the rules, showed no tacit understanding, struck with deadly force, and even secretly activated her hidden trump card, “Xue Hun Bing Po”!

Crack, crack, crack—

The painting clone was frozen within a human-sized block of ice, instantly losing all combat ability.

All the cultivators present froze.

Gu Qing’s true body also froze, disbelief in his heart, staring wide-eyed at Xue Shu Yu·Xie, as if silently shouting and accusing: “Where’s the tacit understanding? Where’s our tacit understanding?!”

Xue Shu Yu·Xie, however, transmitted Ning Zhuo’s voice: “Hmm?”

“Fellow Daoist Gu Qing, why—why is your painting clone so incredibly fragile?”

Gu Qing: ?!!

Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo, what is wrong with you?!

Do you even know what you’re saying?!

Then, he heard Ning Zhuo let out a cold snort: “Perhaps Gu Qing’s painting clone still has some untapped abilities.”

Intentionally finding an excuse for Gu Qing, it felt more like an insult.

“Gu,” Ning Zhuo sighed again, “To be honest, you’re a bit disappointing, Fellow Daoist Gu Qing.”

Gu Qing’s pupils constricted violently, a sliver of cold light escaping. He finally reacted, truly understanding that Ning Zhuo harbored malice. The previous letter and battle performance were all fake, a ploy! A deception! A sneak attack! Lacking in scholarly virtue, not acting like a decent person!

This little scoundrel!

Gu Qing’s lips twitched. “Fellow Daoist Ning Zhuo—”

But Ning Zhuo interrupted him the next moment: “Fellow Daoist Gu Qing, there’s no need to continue the exchange.”

“I’m a bit busy.”

“Aren’t you supposed to face others?”

“I’ll just watch the performances of Situ Xing, Zhu Fenxiang, Pi Fujie, and the others.”

Then, Xue Shu Yu·Xie looked around at the onlookers and loudly announced: “You all, also relay this message to Pi Fujie and the others.”

“I,” Xue Shu Yu·Xie pointed at herself, then at the painting clone frozen in the ice block, “I defeated him in just twenty-six breaths of time.”

Gu Qing’s eyebrows shot up high, veins visible on his forehead, and a few blood vessels, like cracks spreading across glass, abruptly appeared in the whites of his eyes.

“Ning Zhuo, you little brat!!!” He was almost consumed by rage, but ultimately could only roar in his heart.