Chapter 51: Village Gossip Bureau

"This young lady is…?"

Naturally, Bishop Markel noticed the girl standing beside Gu Han. She was stunning—elegant and spirited, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful young women he had ever laid eyes on.

"Grandpa Markel, this is my senior sister."

"Hello, Grandpa Markel, you can just call me 'Xiao Dong'."

Despite her superior status, Bibi Dong didn't put on airs. Her greeting was polite and respectful.

"Haha, well then—if you don't mind, this old man will just call you Xiao Dong."

Bibi Dong gave a soft laugh. "Whatever suits you, Grandpa Markel."

"Haha! Xiao Han, Xiao Dong, don't just stand there—come, have a seat so we can chat."

It was obvious that Bishop Markel was in a great mood.

Lu Rentao, meanwhile, was completely ignored—but he didn't mind. He quietly brought over a teapot and prepared tea for the group before sitting off to the side.

"Xiao Han, I heard you were taken to Spirit City by a high-ranking elder of the Spirit Hall. And now you have a senior sister too—just who is your master?"

"Well, Grandpa Markel, I was fortunate enough to be accepted as a disciple by a powerful senior."

"Then you must study diligently and follow your master well."

"Of course. But Grandpa Markel, I came here today because I have something I want to give you and Brother Rentao."

"Oh? What is it?"

Markel raised his snowy eyebrows in curiosity and set his teacup aside.

Gu Han didn't keep them guessing. He took out a thin booklet from his soul tool—his personally improved version of the Advanced Meditation Technique.

This refined version was much easier to learn and more effective than the original, especially for early-stage Soul Masters.

"Grandpa Markel, this is an Advanced Meditation Technique I obtained in Spirit City. It's much more effective than the ones commonly available."

"You and Brother Rentao have helped me so much—I prepared this as a token of my gratitude. I hope you'll accept it."

"This…"

Markel and Lu Rentao exchanged a glance, clearly tempted as they looked at the slim booklet on the table.

Eventually, Markel voiced their concern. "Xiao Han, this kind of high-level technique is normally restricted to top-tier elites. If you give it to us, won't your master be upset?"

They were understandably hesitant. After all, it was an Advanced Meditation Technique—a resource that could drastically boost cultivation efficiency.

For Markel, whose cultivation had already plateaued, this might be a rare opportunity to push further. With enough effort, he might even break through to the Soul King level—making him eligible to become a Purple Robe Bishop.

Lu Rentao, meanwhile, was still just a Soul Grandmaster. His cultivation speed was mediocre at best. With this technique, he might go further than he ever could have with just hard work alone.

If his natural limit was around Rank 50, then without any guidance or resources, he might've only reached Rank 30-something, maybe not even 40. But with this advanced technique, reaching Rank 40—or even beyond—was no longer a dream.

After all, not everyone had the background of someone like Yu Xiaogang, who could burn through resources to force his way to the peak.

Had Yu Xiaogang been born to an ordinary family, his limit might've been Rank 10.

Everyone longs to reach their full potential, and Markel and Lu Rentao were no different. But they were also cautious, afraid of becoming targets for possessing something too valuable—or worse, angering Gu Han's mysterious master.

Seeing their hesitation, Gu Han quickly explained, "You don't need to worry, Grandpa Markel, Brother Rentao. This technique isn't some classified secret. In Spirit Hall, as long as it's used for personal cultivation and not widely shared, it's fine."

"Exactly. Our master said the same," Bibi Dong added from the side. Her voice was clear and sweet, her words crisp and to the point—soothing to the ear.

"He even told us we could pass it on to others if we felt they were trustworthy."

"Grandpa Markel, Brother Rentao, this is something I truly wanted to give you. Please, don't refuse it."

"Like my junior brother said, if you're still worried, just keep it to yourselves and don't tell anyone. No one will know, and no harm will come of it."

The senior and junior disciples worked together seamlessly. Their reassuring words melted away the concerns of both Markel and Lu Rentao, and smiles slowly returned to their faces.

"Haha, well if this is Xiao Han's heartfelt gift, we won't turn it down," Markel said warmly.

He reached out with his weathered hand and pulled the booklet toward himself.

Seeing that they had accepted it, Gu Han also handed them some medicinal herbs—not spirit herbs or immortal plants, but rather rare, higher-grade materials that could aid in their cultivation.

After chatting for a while, Gu Han and Bibi Dong took their leave and joined Yue Guan and Ghost on the road to Qinghe Village.

Compared to how it used to be, Qinghe Village had improved considerably. Gu Han would only keep enough of his allowance for his own needs; the rest was sent home every month.

At first, Old Gu had wanted to save every coin for Gu Han's future. But after some persuasion, he relented and began using the money to pave roads, build waterwheels, dig irrigation canals, and purchase better seeds and farming tools.

As a result, the village gradually prospered. They weren't exactly living the lavish lives of nobles, but they no longer had to worry about food or clothing. Compared to nearby villages, they were a step ahead.

The entire village was united, working together toward a better life. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of hope.

Neighboring villages couldn't help but feel envious—Qinghe Village had produced a Soul Master and was now on the fast track to wealth.

Stepping foot in the village again, Gu Han felt a wave of nostalgia. Bibi Dong looked around curiously, eager to learn more about the place where her junior brother had grown up.

Most of the villagers recognized Gu Han immediately. Upon seeing him return, they greeted him enthusiastically. Gu Han responded to each one with a wave and a smile.

But it was at the village entrance, where the old men and women gathered, that the real chatter began. Especially when they saw Gu Han had brought back such a beautiful young girl—there was no end to their gossip.

With their sharp senses, Yue Guan and Ghost heard every word. Ghost simply shook his head in amusement, saying nothing. But Yue Guan couldn't resist—he raised his elegant hand to his mouth and teased in a sing-song voice:

"Dong'er, did you hear? They're already calling you Xiao Han's wife~"

Gu Han twitched. Sure, he did have feelings for Bibi Dong. But they were both still so young—he was hoping to take it slow and let their bond grow naturally.

And yet, the villagers had already decided on their future together like it was carved in stone.

Truly, the "Village Gossip Bureau"—no matter what world you're in—is a force to be reckoned with.

Bibi Dong's cheeks turned pink. She stole a glance at Gu Han, only to find him looking innocently back at her. She huffed and turned away.

"Hmph! Uncle Chrysanthemum, if you keep this up, I'm not talking to you anymore!"

"Yes, yes, I won't tease you anymore. Don't be mad, Dong'er, okay?"

Yue Guan was thoroughly entertained but quickly put on an apologetic face and tried to appease her.

Bibi Dong's eyes sparkled with mischief, as if they could speak on their own. After giving Yue Guan the cold shoulder for a bit, she finally relented and nodded hesitantly.

"Alright, I'll forgive you this time. But if you do it again, I'll really get mad."

Even as she spoke, she snuck another glance at Gu Han—only to find him still watching her. Flustered, she quickly looked away, then seemed to second-guess herself and turned back around, glaring at him.

"What are you staring at?"

"Ahem…"

Gu Han gave a dry cough, awkwardly shifting his gaze. He quickly changed the subject.

"It's nothing. Senior sister, let me take you to meet my grandpa."

~~~

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