Chapter 2: My son has become a legend

Half a year later, in a restaurant in Xuanwu City, Yan State, Eastern Region, Gu Changsheng sat by the window, dressed in Tsing Yi, enjoying a drink. Opposite him sat a girl in red.

The girl, no older than thirteen or fourteen, watched her master sip cup after cup, her delicate face etched with concern.

"Master, please drink less. We don't have enough source crystals," she said, her voice as clear and melodious as a lark.

The girl's name was Honghong. Gu Changsheng had encountered her, an orphan with an innate Taoist body, when he left the mountain six months ago. Finding her company preferable to traveling alone, he invited Honghong to be his disciple. There was no coercion—just personal charm.

"Don't worry, I know what's going on. Someone will treat me to a drink later," Gu Changsheng said with calm assurance.

"Bragging again..." Honghong rolled her eyes, recalling the promises Gu Changsheng had made when she agreed to become his disciple. He had promised her endless source crystals, supreme magic, and unimaginable benefits. Yet now, they struggled to make ends meet, and she hadn't even learned any cultivation techniques. If not for being an orphan with no other options, she might have doubted her decision.

Gu Changsheng noticed Honghong's discontent. With a gentle smile, he said, "I know you've had a tough time these past six months. I'll teach you the cultivation method soon."

"You said the same thing half a month ago," Honghong said, her tone skeptical.

"Really? You must have been dreaming. I definitely never told you that," Gu Changsheng replied, his face as composed as ever.

Honghong snorted. Over the past six months, their travels had at least strengthened her body, but she was still waiting for the promised teachings. Despite her disappointment, she couldn't deny the physical improvements.

In the restaurant's lobby, a round stage featured an old man playing an erhu. Known as a storyteller in Xuanwu City, he drew many patrons who came to hear his tales.

As the old man played, his voice carried the tale of an ancient human emperor: "...In ancient times, when our human race was in decline and oppressed by all other races, the Gu family, the first family in ancient times, produced a young emperor. He struck fear into the ancient clans, defeating their most talented geniuses and forcing even the oldest monsters to obstruct his path. Yet, he crossed realms and vanquished these ancient monsters, making a breakthrough that shook the universe."

"In less than ten thousand years, he became an emperor, becoming the first great emperor of our human race in ancient times. I'm sure everyone knows who this young emperor is."

The old man's passionate delivery and the evocative strains of his erhu captivated the audience, stirring excitement in everyone. Honghong's eyes sparkled with excitement as she recognized the hero being described.

"The Great Ancient Emperor, the only supreme being in our human race who became an emperor through the Holy Body constitution!" she thought, thrilled by the mention of her master's son.

A young man in luxurious attire stood up and shouted, "The protagonist of the story is none other than the Great Ancient Emperor. Let me, Mr. Zhao, cover today's drinks for everyone!"

The old man's smile widened at the gesture. "Today, I will continue with the young emperor's battles against the peerless geniuses of the eight ancient tribes..."

His voice, filled with emotion, drew listeners into his narrative world. Honghong's excitement grew, her imagination running wild as she envisioned herself as the hero of the story.

Gu Changsheng observed his disciple with mixed feelings. While Honghong admired others, her admiration was for his son. Although it was odd to feel jealous of one's own child, Gu Changsheng felt a sense of pride knowing his son had become a legend.

After an hour, the old storyteller concluded with, "The young emperor defeated the last ancient genius in the starry sky." The audience, still eager for more, understood it was time for the old man to rest.

Honghong, starry-eyed and lost in her fantasies, was jolted by a sudden pain in her forehead. She looked at Gu Changsheng, clearly aggrieved.

Gu Changsheng chuckled. "It's not dark yet, and you're already daydreaming?"

"Who's daydreaming? Master, how did you know what I was thinking?" Honghong pouted.

"As your teacher, I can know everything just by counting with my fingers. I also understand all your little schemes without even trying," Gu Changsheng said, his gaze playful.

Honghong blushed slightly but remained defiant. "Master, why do you always brag? I don't believe you can know everything with just a few clicks."

"I appreciate the compliment, but I'll ignore the rest," Gu Changsheng said with a smile. He then stood up and prepared to leave.

"Master, we haven't paid yet," Honghong called out.

A waiter approached and explained, "This guest, Mr. Zhao, has covered all the drinks for today."

"Really?" Honghong hadn't heard Mr. Zhao's offer amidst her focus on the story. She couldn't help but remember her master's prediction of being treated to drinks.

"It must be a coincidence," she thought, trying to dismiss the idea that her master could foresee such events.

"Still here?" Gu Changsheng's voice came from outside.

"Oh, coming!" Honghong hurried out, only to find her master already walking away. She quickly followed.

The bustling streets of Xuanwu City were alive with activity, with vendors calling out their wares.

"Don't miss it! Ten Thousand Years Snow Ginseng, high quality at a low price. Only eight Source Crystals!"

"Look here! Fragments of the Great Emperor's ancient scriptures, a steal at ten Source Crystals."

Gu Changsheng sighed, noting the vendors' ability to sell with grandiose claims. Honghong, however, was focused on her master.

Hearing that the "Fragment of the Ancient Sutra of the Great Emperor" was only ten Source Crystals, she almost asked Gu Changsheng for money. But knowing how frugal he was, she quickly reconsidered.

"Master, where are we going next?" Honghong asked excitedly, catching up with him.

"To practice," Gu Changsheng replied with a chuckle.

"Really?" Honghong's eyes widened. "Master, are you telling the truth this time?"

"Remove the word 'you,' as a teacher never lies," Gu Changsheng said, his expression unchanged as he looked ahead.

"Hmph, liar," Honghong muttered, though she was filled with anticipation. Since becoming a disciple, she had eagerly awaited learning powerful techniques from her master.

As the master and apprentice walked away from Xuanwu City into the evening, the anticipation of new experiences filled the air.