CHAPTER 20: CHAPTER 20: SEVEN-HEART FLOWER

EDITOR: DRAGON BOAT TRANSLATION

"This Peach Blossom Cake used to be Little Qingqing’s favorite. Her being willing to give it to you shows she really likes you." Wen Guiyun noticed Jun Wu didn’t move, and as Gu Qingqing couldn’t speak, he couldn’t help but explain on behalf of his disciple. However, the jealousy in his words was unmistakable.

Although Jun Wu still maintained a blank expression, there was a hint of surprise in his gaze at Wen Guiyun, seemingly not expecting someone of Wen Guiyun’s status to be jealous over such a trivial matter!

He turned his head to look at Gu Qingqing, who was still staring at him, with a curious look in his eyes. Hesitating for a moment, he picked up his chopsticks, took a piece of the cake, and put it in his mouth under Gu Qingqing’s watchful gaze.

Hmm, it’s a bit sweet; a flavor that little girls would like!

"Thank you, it’s delicious." Having eaten someone else’s food, he naturally had to show appreciation. Jun Wu softened his expression slightly, his lips curving into a not quite genuine smile.

Gu Qingqing’s eyes lit up, immediately showcasing a satisfied smile as she lowered her head to begin drinking her porridge.

Jun Wu watched Gu Qingqing for a moment, then diverted his gaze expressionlessly, though he couldn’t help but fidget the hand resting on his lap.

After they finished breakfast, they began the day’s lessons. Wen Guiyun first guided Gu Qingqing on the issues she encountered in her previous cultivation, then presented her with a Jade Scroll.

"This is a cultivation technique I found for you; it barely suits your training. I’ll find a better one for you later." Wen Guiyun’s primary goal during his recent outing, besides picking up Jun Wu, was to find a cultivation technique for Gu Qingqing. Unfortunately, the results weren’t as satisfactory as he hoped, leading to a slightly regretful tone.

Jun Wu’s ears perked up, glancing at the Jade Scroll Wen Guiyun handed to Gu Qingqing. Confirming it was the technique Wen Guiyun exchanged for at great cost from their Yunlan Sacred Land, he couldn’t help but twitch his mouth, feeling his understanding of Wen Guiyun was once again refreshed.

To know that the technique Wen Guiyun deemed "barely suitable" for Gu Qingqing was considered top-tier even in Yunlan Sacred Land, let alone on the Xuantian Continent. Had Wen Guiyun not offered substantial value, his father wouldn’t have given the technique to Wen Guiyun.

Yet now, under Wen Guiyun’s view, it became something barely adequate. He couldn’t help but want to ask Wen Guiyun what kind of technique would truly suit Gu Qingqing—did it have to be a Divine Level?

Fortunately, Jun Wu was accustomed to keeping a neutral face and had learned facial expression management from a young age, preventing him from losing composure on the spot.

However, this led him to realize Gu Qingqing’s significant place in Wen Guiyun’s heart, one that seemed cherished to the core. From what he knew, even the Sect Leaders or Saint Masters of those Holy Lands couldn’t treat their daughters this dotingly, right?

Gu Qingqing and Wen Guiyun were naturally unaware of Jun Wu’s thoughts. Upon receiving the Jade Scroll from Wen Guiyun, Gu Qingqing placed it directly against her forehead. Once she absorbed all the cultivation techniques, even someone like Gu Qingqing, who lacked experience, could tell the technique was extraordinary. Knowing that Wen Guiyun was concerned about her, Gu Qingqing felt happier than acquiring an Immortal Level technique.

She reached out, tugged on Wen Guiyun’s sleeve, and when Wen Guiyun bent down, she hugged him with a bright smile on her face.

Wen Guiyun had been waiting for Gu Qingqing to praise him. After being hugged by Gu Qingqing, he immediately showed a satisfied smile and patted Gu Qingqing’s head.

"Alright, stop being playful. We still need to practice writing." Although he was delighted, Wen Guiyun maintained his stern countenance.

Gu Qingqing nodded, retreating from Wen Guiyun’s embrace, and began practicing her writing as Wen Guiyun had just taught her.

Only then did Wen Guiyun turn to teach Jun Wu. Jun Wu had his own learning methods, which had been arranged long ago. Wen Guiyun merely checked on his cultivation progress and answered some of his questions.

In this manner, the two followed Wen Guiyun in their studies for five days before resuming their daily journey across Peaks One to Five.

...

After over a month of learning, Gu Qingqing had learned many characters. Though her writing was unsightly, she managed to write some common ones. During this time, Jun Wu and Gu Qingqing spent a lot of time together, learning and practicing swordsmanship, artifact refining, and became quite familiar with each other. Jun Wu even occasionally smiled when with Gu Qingqing, especially after she made a blunder.

After completing their studies on Peak Three, the two arrived at Mu Chen’s Peak Four. Mu Chen first evaluated Gu Qingqing’s completed assignments, then informed the two of his decision.

"The Seven-Heart Flower is maturing this season, and I happen to need it to refine the Heart Cleansing Pill. You two get ready now, and I’ll take you to pick some Seven-Heart Flowers." Mu Chen stood up from the herb garden, dusting off his hands as he spoke to Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu.

Jun Wu and Gu Qingqing exchanged a glance, both surprised, though Gu Qingqing was more delighted.

Though she tended to stay indoors, she occasionally wanted to go out for a walk. Having not been out in over a month, she was naturally happy hearing about Mu Chen’s plan to take them out for herb picking.

Jun Wu initially wanted to warn them about the dangers in the Ten Thousand Miles Mountains, but considering Si Lin and the others’ cultivation levels, it seemed Mu Chen’s cultivation shouldn’t be too lacking. Since the Xuantian Continent was only a low-level plane, there shouldn’t be significant issues. Moreover, he glanced at Gu Qingqing, thinking that even if there was danger, he would be able to protect her.

So, the two went back for a brief preparation, then came to the courtyard where Mu Chen was already waiting. Mu Chen then summoned an Immortal Crane, taking the three of them away.

The Seven-Heart Flower is a Fifth-level Spirit Flower, which prefers sunlight and is a primary ingredient in refining the Heart Cleansing Pill. Its small flowers closely resemble those of the Second-level Spirit Flower, Fire Spirit Flower, and those unfamiliar with the Seven-Heart Flower can easily confuse the two.

Mu Chen, having been familiar with the distribution of herbs throughout the Ten Thousand Miles Mountains from the beginning, knew exactly where the Seven-Heart Flowers grew. However, to train Gu Qingqing and Jun Wu, he didn’t have the Immortal Crane carry them directly but instead walked alongside teaching them about the habits of spirit flowers, spirit herbs, and healing herbs. He also had them handle some Low-level Spirit Beasts by themselves, while he stood by for their protection.

But their time was tight, and after two days, they arrived at the Seven-Heart Flower growing location.

"Here is where the Seven-Heart Flowers grow. Little Qingqing, go look for them." Mu Chen leaned against a big tree intentionally testing Gu Qingqing, letting her find the Seven-Heart Flowers.

Gu Qingqing had seen illustrations of the Seven-Heart Flower in the book Mu Chen gave her, and he had explained the habits of the flower to her. So when she heard Mu Chen’s challenge, she was unafraid and began searching for the Seven-Heart Flower with wide-open eyes.

Very quickly, she found a Seven-Heart Flower amongst wildflowers and ran excitedly toward it.

As she carefully picked the flower, Jun Wu, standing beside her, suddenly acted. He swiftly pulled Gu Qingqing back several steps, simultaneously throwing a dagger.