Old Hermit Gu's Martial Insight: Unveiling Yusheng's Role in the Serpent Clan's Resurgence

"My dears, I must apologize for that outburst. Here, allow me to serve you some refreshing tea," Elder Dong Ya, known for her martial prowess, said with a hint of embarrassment as she poured the tea.

"Hahaha, that was quite the spectacle! Elder can silence a room with just a breath," Peng remarked before being sent flying by Senior Liqiu's punch.

"Peng, learn to read the atmosphere. You're being tactless," Liqiu sighed disappointedly.

"Senior, forgive this junior's lack of discipline. Youth can be reckless," Liqiu bowed respectfully to Elder Dong.

"No need to worry, I'm accustomed to it," Elder Dong chuckled.

"Hmm... indeed," Hermit Gu teased before receiving a swift punch from Elder Dong.

"What did you say, you troublesome old man? My hearing might not be what it used to be, but I heard that," Elder Dong's aura turned menacing.

"Oh, um, just admiring your strength, needing some peace and quiet to drink," Old Hermit Gu hastily replied, returning to his seat.

"I apologize for showing the youngsters the less refined side of adulthood," Elder Dong chuckled again.

"Hahaha, no worries. These youngsters will learn," Liuli awkwardly laughed, envisioning the future of Liqiu and Peng as they mirrored the antics of the older generation.

"My apologies for the oversight. I'm Dong Ya, a recent arrival to this village and an old friend of Hermit Gu," Elder Dong introduced herself.

Liuli was taken aback upon hearing "Dong Ya," a name she had heard countless times in her mother's tales from the South Continent.

"Yes, you guessed correctly. I am also your mother's master from the Azure Pill Sect," Elder Dong said with a smile, noting the resemblance between Liuli and her mother, both in appearance and demeanor.

"Why are you..." Liuli began to ask but hesitated, not wanting to be rude about her mother's mentor's presence.

"Why indeed? Well, I'm here fulfilling my role as the mother of my unfortunate son. However, this troublesome old man ended up sending my son north. Care to explain, old friend?" Elder Dong's tone turned sharp as she pointed a knife at Hermit Gu.

All eyes turned to Hermit Gu, who remained silent as he sipped his tea, feeling compelled to explain why he sent the boy to the Spirit Swan's Pool in the North of Nalan City.

"The only explanation is that the boy's destiny is on the rise, and I needed to set the pace, lest someone discovers his true identity," Hermit Gu replied in a single breath before returning to his tea.

"Don't speak in riddles, old friend. Even I know too little about it, and you only scratch the surface of the legends," Elder Dong said, holding up a bag of pills threateningly.

"Or else this old lady will find a way to get it out of you," Elder Dong warned Hermit Gu.

"Don't resort to vile tactics. This old hermit was just about to spill the beans anyway," Hermit Gu chuckled as he finished his drink.

Hermit Gu's voice echoed through the gathering, carrying the weight of ancient tales and forgotten battles.

"During the descent of the Yun Mountain and the arrival of countless immortal clans to the mortal realm," he began, his words painting a picture of a time of upheaval and chaos.

"Despite the seal created by the immortal emperor's sacrifice, preventing the monsters of the dark realm from entering, some dark essence beasts had already breached the barriers, wreaking havoc upon the land," Hermit Gu continued, his voice filled with solemnity.

"In the midst of this chaos, one clan rose above the rest," he declared, his eyes alight with the fire of memory.

"The Serpent Clan, once destined for ascension, was struck by a devastating plague, losing their chance at immortality. Yet, they did not falter. Instead, they embraced their martial skills, honed over generations," Hermit Gu recounted, his words carrying the weight of admiration.

"They faced each dark essence beast that crossed their path, engaging in battles that shook the very earth. With each victory, they absorbed the essence of their fallen foes, strengthening themselves and diminishing the darkness that threatened to engulf the realm," he explained, his voice growing in intensity.

"As their legend grew, so did the awe and respect of those who witnessed their prowess. The name of the Serpent Clan became etched in the annals of history as defenders of the mortal realm," Hermit Gu concluded, his tale leaving the listeners stunned.

Silence hung heavy in the air as Hermit Gu's words settled upon the gathering, each person grappling with the magnitude of the epic tale that had been unveiled before them.

As Hermit Gu's tale unfolded, skepticism rippled through the gathering like a whisper of doubt on the wind.

"Serpent Clan... How can such a clan exist? There is no mention of them in any tome, not even among the elders and masters of the Dragon Mist Sect," Liuli voiced her disbelief, her words echoing the doubts of many.

"Old hermit, I must disagree. We all know that the Seal was in place long before what you called the 'onslaught'," Peng interjected, his tone firm with conviction, drawing from the teachings of his father.

"Even I find it hard to believe that such a powerful mortal clan could have existed without leaving a trace in history," Liqiu admitted, surprising even herself with her agreement with Peng.

"Hahaha, if you all deem it a fool's joke, then so be it. Perhaps this old hermit's mind is playing tricks on him in his old age," Hermit Gu chuckled, his laughter carrying a hint of mystery.

As the doubt lingered in the air, Hermit Gu's enigmatic smile seemed to suggest that perhaps there was more to the tale than met the eye, leaving the listeners to ponder the truth behind the legend of the Serpent Clan.

As the conversation unfolded, Liuli felt compelled to share her father's message, revealing his intention to visit the old hermit in the near future. She also recounted tales of her own adventures to the Dragon Mist Sect and the countless stories that had been passed down through generations.

Liqiu and Peng joined in, sharing their own misgivings and exploits along the path of martial cultivation, lightening the mood with their camaraderie.

Under the guidance of Old Hermit Gu, Liqiu and Peng honed their martial techniques, while Elder Dong took Liuli aside to impart wisdom on matters beyond mere combat, sharing embarrassing moments that Liuli's mother had never disclosed.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the end of their time together, Old Hermit Gu had one final request.

"Before you depart, Liuli'er, please deliver this letter to your father. Tell him that Old Hermit Gu eagerly awaits his arrival, ready to regale him with tales of his accomplishments. And... don't forget to bring some good wine," he chuckled heartily.

"And do tell your mother about me as well. I'm certain she would be delighted to visit me in the near future," Elder Dong added, handing Liuli a bag of pills.

"These pills are for emergencies only, dear. Remember not to overdose," she cautioned with a warm smile as she released the bag.

"I understand. Take care, and thank you," Liuli said gratefully, bowing to both Elder Dong and Old Hermit Gu before boarding the carriage.

"We're coming, my lady," Liqiu echoed the sentiment, bowing respectfully before following Liuli.

"Goodbye, Senior. This junior bids you farewell," Peng said with a bow before flashing his signature smirk and climbing into the carriage.

With their farewells exchanged, the carriage set off, carrying the trio back to the Yun Mountain, their hearts filled with newfound knowledge and their spirits buoyed by the bonds forged on this unexpected adventure.

As the carriage carrying Liuli and her companions disappeared into the horizon, an air of solemnity settled over Hermit Gu and Elder Dong.

Unbeknownst to Liuli, the legend of the Serpent Clan was more than just a folktale whispered in the shadows of Changming Village. It was intertwined with the ancient tales of the descent of Yun Mountain, carrying with it secrets and prophecies that hinted at a destiny yet to be fulfilled.

Hermit Gu gazed after the departing carriage, a sigh escaping his lips. Despite his relief, there lingered a sense of hopefulness, tempered by the weight of the responsibility that lay ahead.

"You've done well, my old friend. But is it not too soon? I fear that Yusheng'er may not yet be prepared for the journey that lies ahead," Elder Dong voiced her concern, her determination to protect Yusheng'er's future shining through.

"The threads of fate are beginning to tangle, creating discord among the realms. As the older generation, it is our duty to guide this time of change," Hermit Gu spoke with a hint of seriousness, his gaze fixed upon the orange-streaked sky.

"Old friend, I have already dispatched a letter to Yun Rong regarding this matter. What of the situation on your end?" Hermit Gu inquired, turning his attention back to Elder Dong.

"There are unknown movements lurking in the shadows, tensions mounting with no clear source to pinpoint," Elder Dong replied, casting one last glance at the receding carriage on the horizon.

"In due time, my old friend. In due time," Hermit Gu nodded solemnly, echoing Elder Dong's sentiment.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, Hermit Gu and Elder Dong stood in silent contemplation, their thoughts consumed by the mysteries of the past and the uncertainties of the future.