Chapter 33: Gu He’s Ambition
Carrying the disciple cultivation system, the swiftest path for Gu He's growth was through apprenticeship, particularly with prodigious disciples.
The upcoming Inner Sect disciple competition ignited anticipation within Gu He. The possibility of discovering a hidden genius was enticing.
With these thoughts, Gu He no longer hesitated and readily agreed to Yun Yun's request. Seeing Gu He genuinely considering her well-being, Yun Yun's satisfaction was evident on her charming face. Unconsciously, her perception of Gu He had evolved from indifference to favor.
Uncharacteristically, Gu He's choices and actions had gradually influenced her emotions. If it were in the past, Yun Yun wouldn't have sought Gu He's assistance despite her dilemmas.
This went unnoticed by Yun Yun herself. At this moment, Gu He seemed to remember something, his gaze shifting to Nalan Yanran. He kindly inquired, "Will Yanran participate in this Inner Sect competition?"
To qualify for the Inner Sect competition, participants needed to possess strength surpassing Dou Practitioners and be under eighteen years of age.
Yanran hadn't reached the Dou Practitioner level during the previous year's competition, preventing her participation. Yun Yun held confidence as she responded with a self-assured smile, "Indeed, I will join this Inner Sect competition."
Nalan Yanran remained confident in her abilities. She had already set her sights on achieving the top position, driven by her identity as the Young Sect Master.
As an apprentice of the Sect Master, she felt obligated to shine and bring honor to her teacher. "Yanran, I have a favor to ask." With a smile, Gu He addressed Nalan Yanran.
Nalan Yanran momentarily hesitated but quickly replied, "Elder Gu He, please speak. As long as it's within my capability, I won't decline." "It's not something overly difficult." Gu He nodded and continued, "I have a new disciple who used to be a doctor and has never engaged in combat."
"Before the upcoming Inner Sect competition, I hope you can spare some time to engage in practice battles with her." Gu He's gaze settled on Nalan Yanran as he articulated his request.
"Practice battles?" Nalan Yanran paused momentarily, then realized, "Elder Gu He, are you referring to Xiao Yi Xian?" "Elder Gu He, haven't you always discouraged combat with others? Why the change?" Yun Yun couldn't help but voice her confusion.
Anticipating the question, Gu He smiled and explained, "Sect Master, I was trapped in a misconception. I believed alchemists only needed to focus on alchemy."
"Now, I've come to realize that as alchemists, we should emphasize cultivation. Some matters can't be delegated to others."
"While alchemists can command others to perform tasks, these endeavors ultimately rely on external power. Only by strengthening our abilities can we truly have control."
Gu He responded confidently to Yun Yun's queries. In the original story, Gu He's lack of martial prowess led to his humiliation when he was easily defeated by Xiao Yan in front of everyone.
However, now armed with the disciple cultivation system, Gu He aimed to create well-rounded alchemists who excelled not only in alchemy but also in combat, akin to the perfect alchemist model that was Xiao Yan in the original work.
The integration of superior alchemical skills and formidable martial abilities was his goal. This transformation wasn't lost on Yun Yun, who had observed the gradual change in Gu He's outlook.
All of this, isn't it all supported by Old Soul, Yao Chen, behind the scenes? Gu He simply couldn't believe that as the possessor of a system, the disciples he cultivated wouldn't surpass someone like Xiao Yan.
Furthermore, with all his disciples becoming adept at both combat and alchemy, it would undoubtedly become the envy of others. After a little investigation, news about these being Gu He's disciples would quickly spread, solidifying his reputation as an exceptional mentor.
As a result, exceptional talents from various corners would flock to him, eager to join his sect and learn from this "great teacher."
Imagining a future where he had countless geniuses under his tutelage, enabling daily initiation ceremonies to trigger the system's reward mechanism, a faint smile crept onto Gu He's lips.
Listening to Gu He's explanation, Yun Yun finally nodded slowly. Yet, she couldn't help but feel somewhat puzzled. Balancing intensive alchemical practice and dedicated cultivation seemed like an enormous undertaking for one person.
However, since Gu He had made up his mind, Yun Yun refrained from probing further. Meanwhile, Nalan Yanran hadn't overthought the matter; she readily agreed after hearing Gu He's words, saying, "Elder Gu He, rest assured, I'll guide Little your disciple earnestly."
"Very well, I'm entrusting her to you." Gu He nodded slightly, but his mind was brewing with his own plans. With her unique Toxic Body, Xiao Yi Xian could enhance her cultivation by consuming poison.
Furthermore, his own Transmission and Enlightenment techniques provided her an advantage. Though her combat abilities currently trailed behind Nalan Yanran's, Xiao Yi Xian's strength would inevitably soar, astonishing Nalan Yanran in due course.
This would lead Nalan Yanran to unconsciously attribute it all to Gu He. Watching a disciple, who was once weaker than herself, progressively surpass and even dominate her, what would Nalan Yanran think?
Undoubtedly, she would be envious of Xiao Yi Xian for having such a powerful mentor.