Chapter 346: Chapter 194: Sword Practice Since learning that Gu Sheng was Wen Mingyan’s disciple, the tone of the conversation among the group shifted noticeably. Though they continued to call Gu Sheng "Junior Brother," their words now carried hints of flattery and ingratiation, unconsciously elevating Gu Sheng’s status. Gu Sheng felt a bit uncomfortable with this: "Senior Sister Huang, Brother Dai, Brother Mo, there’s no need for this. No matter whose disciple I become, it won’t change the bond between us. Things will remain as they were before." Upon hearing this, the originally slightly despondent and indifferent expression on Lin Miaomiao’s face brightened with a smile: "Since Junior Brother Gu says so, then don’t complain about us crossing boundaries in the future." "Not at all! If it weren’t for you, Senior Sister Lin, I might’ve already been cut down when I was at Thunder Wood Mountain. I wouldn’t have achieved what I have today without your help." Lin Miaomiao’s smile deepened upon hearing this. After chatting for a while longer, everyone dispersed, and Gu Sheng returned to the Fire Bamboo Grove to pack his belongings before heading back to the peak of War God Mountain. Gu Sheng didn’t have many possessions—aside from a few changes of clothes, there were cultivation pills and specially crafted arrows made from the spine of hallucinogenic boars. When Qin Xue saw Gu Sheng return, she pointed to a room nearby and said, "You’ll stay in this room from now on. I’ve already tidied it up for you. Whatever’s missing, your master will buy it for you later." "Thank you, Master’s wife." Though Gu Sheng was seen as a rising star and pressured by expectations, it was undeniable that he was not only extraordinarily talented but also very polite, lacking any airs of arrogance or condescension—a trait that Qin Xue appreciated greatly. Having managed War God Peak for many years, Qin Xue had encountered many prodigious disciples before, but they were often haughty, holding themselves in high regard to the point of looking down on even the sect elders. Such individuals, no matter how gifted, rarely achieved great things. This was one of the reasons other elders and peak masters took disciples freely, but Wen Mingyan hadn’t accepted any for so many years. Wen Mingyan’s disciples had to pass Qin Xue’s scrutiny first! Based on what she had seen so far, Qin Xue was clearly very impressed with Gu Sheng. "The situation outside won’t be peaceful for some time. Stay here and focus on cultivating for now. Your master will handle all cultivation resources, so you don’t need to worry. There are only six months left until the opening of the Red Cloud Secret Realm. When the time comes, the major forces within the Red Cloud Prefecture will send their elite disciples, and among them will be those in the Golden Bone Realm. While your martial arts talent is exceptional, your cultivation time has been short, and your realm is limited. The competition in the Red Cloud Secret Realm is incredibly fierce—no one will care about your talent there. You must train diligently during this time and maximize your progress, not just to seize more resources but also to protect yourself!" In this chaotic world, Gu Sheng had risen from humble beginnings through countless trials, and he naturally understood its harshness. He nodded solemnly: "I understand. Thank you for the reminder, Master’s wife." Qin Xue took out a milky-white jade pendant and placed it in Gu Sheng’s hand. "I don’t have much to offer you as a disciple’s wife—take this Spirit-Stimulating Jade Pendant as a gift." 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮 The moment the jade entered his hand, Gu Sheng felt a peculiar energy surge into his body. Under its pull, he could distinctly perceive his inner strength activating the residual medicinal effects of the Bone Protecting Pill, washing over his bones like relentless waves. The efficiency of this process was unexpectedly much faster than his usual painstaking cultivation! "This jade pendant can actually accelerate the refinement of one’s bones!" Gu Sheng was deeply astonished. This item was akin to a cultivation accelerator! With the panel’s assistance, Gu Sheng’s cultivation speed had already been extraordinary. But with the jade pendant added to the mix, his progression would leap from a steady pace to breakneck speed! Although he wasn’t sure if the jade pendant had other uses, just this aspect alone made it immensely transformative—a priceless treasure for those at the Bone Refining Realm! Qin Xue herself was a Golden Bone Realm martial artist. The jade pendant undoubtedly held significant utility for her as well. Gu Sheng hurriedly tried to return the pendant to Qin Xue: "Master’s wife, this item is far too precious. Besides, it’s still useful for you—it would be improper for me to accept it!" Hearing this, Qin Xue smiled warmly, her approval of Gu Sheng growing even stronger. "I’ve been in the Golden Bone Realm for many years, and my bones have long reached the state of perfection. Now I’ve even touched the threshold of the Marrow Refining Realm—I’m merely days away from breaking through. This jade pendant has no use for me anymore. Since your master and I don’t have children, giving it to you is perfectly fitting." "You don’t need to be so formal with me. I’m your master’s wife—it’s only proper for me to give you a token gift. Go cultivate on your own now; I need to head to the Merit Hall to handle some business." After handing the Spirit-Stimulating Jade Pendant to Gu Sheng, Qin Xue turned and left, her retreating figure filling Gu Sheng’s heart with warmth. The pendant’s effects were nothing short of astounding—merely carrying it ensured that Gu Sheng was perpetually cultivating, as though he had a temporary automatic cultivation enhancement tool. With only six months until the opening of the Red Cloud Secret Realm, Wen Mingyan would undoubtedly spend this time teaching Gu Sheng swordsmanship, drastically compressing his cultivation hours. The Spirit-Stimulating Jade Pendant was the perfect solution to make up for this lost time. Qin Xue had meticulously cleaned the small room, which contained only a wooden bed and a wardrobe. Gu Sheng didn’t have any additional demands; after arranging his belongings, he sat cross-legged on the bed and began cultivating.