Dashing Student

Chen Nan had nothing to say.

Let alone that he was someone who surpassed the Great Grandmaster!

Even if he transcended the mortal body and became the legendary Immortal, he would still have to yield to a woman!

Despite that, he didn't argue with Hu Die about anything; after all, it wouldn't mean much to argue, it's better to make her happy!

------

The morning light was faint, and the mist over the mountains had not yet dissipated when Chen Nan was awoken by a rustling noise.

He glanced at the woman lying in his arms and quietly got up, stepping barefoot to the window!

Opening the bamboo window, the moist morning breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees right into his face.

Outside, the entire village had already awakened.

Gu Sect disciples in indigo Miao clothing were busily working in small groups; some were climbing bamboo ladders to hang red silk lanterns, some were sweeping the fallen leaves on the bluestone paths, and others were using bamboo brooms dipped in water to carefully wipe the ancient totem poles on either side of the village gate.

Several elderly women sat around in the threshing field, chatting and laughing while weaving colorful auspicious knots, their silver-bell-like laughter drifting in the morning breeze.

Even the children were busy, running back and forth with bamboo baskets, scattering freshly picked mountain flowers around the altar, morning dew on the petals shimmering under the sunrise.

In the distance, several robust men were working together to erect a flagpole several meters high, the embroidered golden Gu Pattern banner at the top fluttering loudly in the wind.

In the central square of the village, several silver-haired Gu Sect Elders were instructing young disciples to set up the altar; the Bronze Gu Cauldron was polished to a shiny finish, lined up, with wisps of smoke rising mysteriously in the morning light.

Chen Nan quietly observed all this, his heart stirred slightly.

In two days, it would be the ceremony for his official succession as the Sect Leader of the Gu Sect.

At that time, the chiefs of the Seventy-two Villages of Miaojiang would personally lead their clansmen to attend and congratulate him, an event the likes of which the Gu Sect hadn't seen for centuries, with no room for any carelessness.

Every brick and tile, plant, and tree in the village had to be renewed to showcase the Gu Sect's grandeur and heritage.

At this moment.

A pair of smooth arms embraced his waist from behind, followed by a familiar aroma reaching his nose, he turned to look at Hu Die behind him, his face showing a doting smile: "How did you sleep last night?"

"Quite well!" A blush appeared on Hu Die's face; in fact, the two had been tossing and turning until dawn, only then falling asleep in each other's arms, by calculation only two or three hours!

Even so, Hu Die felt revitalized!

Not feeling any fatigue, she was even sharper in senses!

She knew it was the benefit of Dual Cultivation with Chen Nan!

"Come on, let's go eat first, then after breakfast, I'll take you to stroll around the ancient town outside!" Hu Die changed the topic, her face beaming with a radiant smile!

"Alright!"

Chen Nan readily agreed to Hu Die's suggestion; since staying in the village doesn't have much to do, it's better to take a stroll and experience the local culture of Miao Border!

------

Qingxi Ancient Town is built along the mountain and water, with a history of a thousand years.

Upon stepping into the ancient town, Chen Nan was immediately captivated by the scene before him—the street paved with bluestones winding forward, flanked by a series of stilted buildings, black tile wooden walls, eaves flying and corners uplifted, everywhere exuding an ancient charm.

"This is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Miao Border." Hu Die latched onto Chen Nan's arm, her eyes sparkling with pride: "Whenever there's a market day, people from the surrounding villages come here to trade, it gets very lively."

The morning mist had just dispersed, and the ancient town was already vibrant.

The streets were lined with various stalls, selling silver jewelry, herbs, and embroidery, a dazzling array.

Vendors in diverse ethnic costumes shouted out, their voices rising and falling.

The air carried the sweet fragrance of rice cakes, mixed with the bitter aroma of herbs, creating a unique ancient town atmosphere.

"Try this." Hu Die pulled Chen Nan to a sticky rice cake stall, purchased two warm rice cakes, and stuffed one into Chen Nan's mouth: "This is our Miao family's specialty snack, coated with peanut powder and sesame outside."

Chen Nan took a bite, the soft and sweet taste bloomed on his tongue, prompting him to nod approvingly: "It's pretty good!"

Hu Die smiled with curved eyes, then pulled him to a silver ornament stall: "How do you think this hairpin looks?"

She picked up a meticulously crafted silver hairpin, the feathered butterfly at the end seemingly about to fly.

"It suits you well." Chen Nan took the hairpin and gently inserted it into Hu Die's hair bun.

The silver shimmer reflected her bright smile, adding a touch of liveliness.

"How much?" Chen Nan asked the stall owner.

The stall owner was an elderly Miao woman, she smiled warmly at the couple: "Young man, you've got a good eye, this pin is called 'Butterfly Lovers', it's our Miao family's token of love."

"Seeing how well you fit together, I'll ask for two hundred yuan."

Chen Nan paid, Hu Die's cheeks blushed yet could not hide the joy in her eyes.

The couple continued walking along the stone-paved path, occasionally pausing to admire the roadside handicrafts or taste the local snacks, resembling a pair of ordinary loving couples.

Turning a street corner, a pharmacy named Hundred Herbs Hall appeared, with quite a crowd gathered at the entrance, faintly sparring voices heard.

"Old man, you better hand over the Blood Ganoderma!" a rough voice arrogantly exclaimed: "What Dragon San wants, he never fails to get!"

Chen Nan furrowed his brows, hastily moved forward with Hu Die.

At the pharmacy entrance, a stout man with a brutal demeanor led four to five followers, surrounding an elderly man with silver hair.

The elder held a wooden box tightly in his arms, his mouth corner already bleeding, evidently beaten.

"That's Elder Yang from Hundred Herbs Hall." Hu Die whispered to Chen Nan: "His medical skills are excellent, he has great prestige in Qingxi Town."

"The brutish man is called Dragon San, an infamous bully in town, relying on having learned martial arts and backed by the Black Miao clan, has domineered the community for years."

The Black Miao clan ranks in the top ten among the Seventy-two Villages, holding great influence in Miao Border!

"Even if it's a king, you can't bully the weak and elderly!" A cold glint flashed in Chen Nan's eyes.

By now Dragon San was impatient, yanked the old doctor's collar: "You should've eaten while offered the banquet, now I'll show you the consequences of defying me!" said raising his fist ready to strike.

"Stop!"

Chen Nan's voice rang softly, yet it echoed like thunder in everyone's ears.

Dragon San's fist caged in midair, all turned to see the source, their eyes revealing disbelief, seemingly unexpected someone daring to meddle!

Chen Nan calmly stepped forward, Hu Die closely followed.

The onlooking crowd automatically parted to allow them through.

"Where's this pretty boy from, daring to meddle with Dragon San's business? Are you tired of living?" Dragon San released the old doctor, squinted to scrutinize Chen Nan.