"Oh, since Clan Leader Shang is so generous, I will no longer decline. Let's depart now," Liu Chen said with a smile, nodding in agreement.
Seeing this, Shang Xin Ci's lips also curved slightly, revealing a faint smile, and she softly said, "En, then let's go."
After the group left the City Lord's Mansion, Tian Lan led them directly to Red Cloud Courtyard and Zhen Yuan Courtyard. Although these two courtyards were not as grand and magnificent as the City Lord's Mansion, they were definitely luxurious gardens.
Stepping into the courtyard, one could see pavilions and towers scattered in an orderly fashion, and winding paths led to secluded spots with vibrant flowers and lush trees. The garden not only cultivated many First Rank and Second Rank plant Gu, but the fresh air they emitted also purified the air and made the Origin Qi here even denser, making it more suitable for Gu Masters to Cultivate.
The value of these two gardens was immeasurable; they could be called rare treasures.
There were also plenty of well-trained and attentive servants in the garden. Liu Chen felt no discomfort whatsoever staying there.
By then, it was getting late, and so much had happened throughout the day that Shang Xin Ci probably needed some time to calm down. Therefore, Liu Chen naturally bid farewell to Shang Xin Ci and the others, then went alone to the Zhen Yuan Courtyard that had been given to him.
Upon entering Zhen Yuan Courtyard, Liu Chen ordered a servant to prepare some food and wine, intending to rest and enjoy this moment of tranquility.
While in Shang Clan City, Liu Chen naturally resided with Shang Xin Ci. Due to Shang Yanfei's special instructions, when they went out to tour Shang Clan City, they did not need to pay any Origin Stones; all expenses were borne by Shang Yanfei. Thus, Liu Chen naturally had no worries.
Shang Xin Ci was initially a bit bewildered by all this, but as time passed, she gradually began to accept Shang Yanfei's care and concern. She could genuinely feel Shang Yanfei's sincerity towards her.
Not only that, Shang Yanfei even generously produced an extremely precious Manpower Prevails Over Heavens Gu, expending immense effort to forcibly open Shang Xin Ci's aperture, helping her successfully embark on the path of a Gu Master. Even with the aid of a Gu worm that enhanced Aptitude, Shang Xin Ci's Aptitude only increased to C-grade.
However, for her, this was already an exhilarating and huge Breakthrough. After all, being able to become a Gu Master undoubtedly brought her closer to the goal she yearned for.
"Brother Chen, look, I've already become a Gu Master!" Shang Xin Ci ran to the Zhen Yuan Courtyard where Liu Chen was, her face full of joy, flying to him like a cheerful little bird, then excitedly raised her jade-like hands, delicate as green onions.
In her palm, a faint green bronze primeval essence shimmered slightly, as if announcing her identity as a Gu Master to the world.
Seeing this, Liu Chen couldn't help but exclaim, "It seems Clan Leader Shang truly dotes on you! This Gu worm that can open a Mortal's aperture is almost extinct now. Even if the Shang clan wanted to obtain it, it would be no easy feat."
Upon hearing this, Shang Xin Ci's face showed a faint smile, and she felt even closer to Shang Yanfei in her heart.
Liu Chen smiled slightly, then took out a Gu worm from his storage Gu, gently placed it in his palm, and handed it to Shang Xin Ci, saying, "This Gu worm shall be my gift to you for becoming a Gu Master. This is my unique Gu worm — a First Rank Sword Embryo Gu."
Shang Xin Ci looked closely, and saw that the Gu worm resembled a miniature sword, entirely made of tempered iron, with a pitted surface, looking rather unremarkable.
She joyfully took the Gu worm from Liu Chen's hand, carefully cradling it in her palm, as if it were a rare treasure.
"Sword Embryo Gu?" Shang Xin Ci curiously examined the Gu worm in her hand, then resolved, "I will definitely use this Gu worm well and make it my vital Gu!"
"This Bookworm contains the feeding method for the Sword Embryo Gu. You can keep the information within to yourself," Liu Chen said solemnly, then handed a Bookworm to Zhang Xinci's palm.
Zhang Xinci took the Bookworm, feeling a bit uneasy. She knew that the information in this Bookworm must be very important, and Liu Chen's trust in her made her feel somewhat overwhelmed by favor.
"Brother Chen, won't this be too valuable?" Zhang Xinci said with some concern, "You are too kind to me. I'm afraid I cannot bear such profound affection."
Liu Chen smiled slightly and comforted her, "It's alright, this is indeed very important to you. Your cultivation is still relatively low. If you want to repay me, then Cultivate diligently. Once you can advance to Rank Five, you can be of great help to me."
After hearing Liu Chen's words, Zhang Xinci's pressure eased slightly. She understood Liu Chen's meaning; only by becoming stronger herself could she truly repay his kindness.
There wasn't much time left until the Three Kings Inheritance began, and there was another reason why Liu Chen confidently entrusted the Sword Embryo Gu to Zhang Xinci. Before this, he had given Sword Embryo Gu to others.
Moreover, he had secretly left hundreds of Legacies in various places in Southern Border. In these Legacies, he only left a few Origin Stones, a Sword Embryo Gu, and a Sword Dao Legacy. Liu Chen did this to prepare for his future Breakthrough to Gu Immortal after the King's Court contention ended.
"Young Miss Xinci, Lord Liu Chen, Clan Chief has specially arranged a family banquet tonight, cordially inviting both of you. This is Clan Chief's heartfelt gesture, and he hopes both of you will grace us with your presence tonight," Tian Lan said with a smile, in a humble tone, to Young Miss Xinci and Lord Liu Chen.
Shang Xin Ci smiled faintly and softly replied, "Alright, I understand."
Liu Chen stood tall and upright beside her, with sharp brows and bright eyes. Hearing Tian Lan's message, his lips also curved slightly, and he said clearly, "En, I will definitely attend the banquet on time."
Through several days of investigation, Shang Yanfei had already confirmed Shang Xin Ci's true identity. If not for this, how could he have been willing to use that incomparably precious Manpower Prevails Over Heavens Gu to forcibly open Shang Xin Ci's aperture? And this family banquet was to formally make Shang Xin Ci's identity public.
Zhang Zhu and Xiao Die stood by, silent at this situation. In such an occasion, they had no right to speak and could only silently follow Shang Xin Ci and Liu Chen.
Zhang Zhu secretly prayed in his heart, hoping that his Young Miss and Lord Liu Chen would be compatible and eventually get together. This way, the Young Miss would have someone to rely on in this unfamiliar environment. From his many years of experience, Lord Liu Chen was definitely a good match; both his character and talent were top-notch.