Chapter 8: Rescued by the Sect Leader?

Before she could ponder further, the world spun wildly, and darkness descended, completely engulfing Song Junyu.

Her consciousness felt heavy…

After an unknown length of time, she slowly opened her eyelids, but the surroundings were unlike the Town Heaven Sect. Mist swirled all around, with deep, mysterious black fog lingering.

Where was this place?

“This is your sea of consciousness.”

A calm, Sanskrit-like voice drifted from the horizon, tinged with a hint of compassion and melancholy, softly reaching her ears.

Startled, Song Junyu turned sharply, only to see a massive golden silhouette. The figure’s long hair floated wildly, its face indistinct.

Instinctively, she asked, “Are you… the Golden Thunder God?”

The enormous silhouette tilted its head slightly as if considering, its tone carrying a trace more emotion than before: “Yes.”

“If not for your defiance of death, we would not have awakened.”

“We”... Song Junyu followed the figure’s gaze to the side, where a small boy with golden skin lay sound asleep. His hair neatly wrapped his little head, but the tips crackled continuously with lightning.

Beneath the tiny body was half a golden lotus leaf, cradling him gently.

The little one, perhaps dreaming, puckered his lips and raised his chubby hands to turn over, then continued sleeping deeply.

Though Song Junyu had grown cold and distant, she couldn’t help but be softened by such a cute child. Her eyes softened, and she asked gently, “Why are you here, within my sea of consciousness?”

The golden silhouette sighed softly, lifting a protective barrier to gather the little golden boy inside. Without answering her question, it snapped its fingers and pointed to a glowing orb—a jade token.

“When you reach the Golden Core stage, come find me again…”

Before Song Junyu could say more, an irresistible force pushed her out.

“Glug, glug…”

A strong medicinal fragrance spread to her nose. She frowned slightly and finally opened her eyes.

Above was a carved wooden roof; around her swayed bamboo stalks. A boy in a white long robe bustled about. Hearing the movement behind him, he turned back with a smile: “You’re awake!”

Song Junyu instinctively grew wary, scanning the surroundings cautiously. Sensing no one else, she lowered her gaze to her legs. She felt the coolness of medicine applied to her calves, neatly wrapped with a soft cloth under her torn clothes—clearly someone had taken great care to dress her wounds.

Seeing her silent, the boy smiled shyly and introduced himself: “My name is Zhang Tian, a servant under the sect leader. You were saved by the sect leader himself.”

Song Junyu’s voice was hoarse from disuse, disbelief coloring her tone: “The sect leader?”

“Yes! When he found you, you were covered in blood, unconscious on the ground. It was terrifying!”

Zhang Tian’s youthful innocence in his speech somewhat eased Song Junyu’s tension.

Though she had never met the Town Heaven Sect leader before, she had heard of his two extraordinarily gifted young servants, destined to become pillars of the sect.

She had never imagined the legendary servants to be so pure and innocent.

Perhaps swayed by Zhang Tian’s sincerity, she thought of herself years ago and softened her tone unconsciously: “Saving others is good, but in the future, don’t tell outsiders everything.”

After all, she had been a bloody lesson once.

Zhang Tian paused his stirring of the medicine, as if pondering, then smiled and replied: “Thanks for the advice. But the sect leader says life is full of cycles; eventually, everyone will understand when the time comes.”

“Before that, life must be enjoyed fully to be complete.”

Song Junyu remained silent for a long moment, a sour twinge blossoming in her heart. Such earnest guidance was nothing but deep care for his disciples.

Unfortunately, her fortune was thin.

“Xiao Tian, has that girl awakened?”

“Sect leader, she’s awake!” Zhang Tian responded with a beaming smile.

At that moment, a tall figure enveloped in a cool breeze entered the door. Song Junyu looked up, her eyes flashing with admiration.

A young man stood beneath the bamboo-framed doorway, clad in a blue robe embroidered with cloud and crane patterns. His robe was neat, his belt flowing gracefully. His black hair was tied with a jade crown, a few soft strands brushing his forehead, adding a gentle aura.

Unlike Chen Xiangshui’s hypocrisy, this sect leader’s kindness came from the very marrow of his bones.

At his waist hung a jade pendant, shimmering faintly with each step.

A vigorous character, “Gu,” was boldly engraved at its center.

“Xiao Tian, go check on your elder brother; I’ll handle things here.”

Zhang Tian nodded obediently, hopping out of the room.

The air instantly grew quiet. Song Junyu took a deep breath and bowed her head: “Thank you, sect leader… I do not know how to repay you.”

Gu Sanshi chuckled softly, shedding all airs of authority. He sat on a low stool beside her bed, pinching a small spoon to scoop medicine from a clay stove into a white porcelain bowl.

“A few days ago, I heard the founder was quite concerned about a young disciple. I was curious and sought information but found nothing. Unexpectedly, you came to me yourself.”

Song Junyu was surprised: “Sect leader, you know the founder?”

Gu Sanshi handed her the bowl with a smile: “The founder is my master. You didn’t even know that, girl?”

“He is never fond of these complicated affairs. If I hadn’t been unstable in leading the sect, pleading with him to take charge several times, he wouldn’t have come.”

“Now you are one of his disciples. No need to be so respectful to me. All the other disciples call me ‘Junior Uncle,’ and so can you.”

Seeing Song Junyu freeze, not daring to move, he chuckled softly, his tone softening: “Here, drink this first. Restoring your health is the priority.”

Song Junyu could not refuse and accepted the medicine, drinking it without hesitation.

Watching her drink the bitter potion without flinching, Gu Sanshi’s eyes flickered with helplessness. He had no idea what hardships this girl had endured to endure such bitterness.

“The sect’s pills are good, but none as effective as the medicine Xiao Tian brews. Rest well. Whether you stay or go once recovered, I won’t interfere.”

“But, girl, what is your name?”

Song Junyu remained silent, not answering immediately.

Gu Sanshi noticed but did not press. He smiled lightly and rose to leave. At the door, he turned back and warned: “Though you are guided by my master, and I have no right to pry, everything must have limits. Excess is never good.”

The room fell silent. Gu Sanshi did not wait for a reply and stepped outside.

As he left the courtyard, a shadow landed silently nearby. The gentle expression on the man’s face shifted subtly, hardening with cold resolve.

“Have you investigated?”

The shadow replied, “Sect leader, the deceased disciple was Yang Wen, an outer disciple of Baoluo Peak. His conduct was vile, bullying the weak. He must have had a token from a Baoluo Peak disciple to enter the rear mountains for training.”

“Baoluo? Hmph.”

“Stand down. Keep watching.”

Silence returned.

Inside, Song Junyu had already returned to her sea of consciousness. She searched repeatedly but found nothing. That golden silhouette seemed like a dream—but one impossibly real.

…Golden Core stage, huh?

She must hurry.