Gu Yunzhi was a tall, robust man with a ruddy complexion and striking thick brows. Though his long beard and hair had turned gray, the vibrant gleam in his eyes betrayed a profound level of cultivation.0

While mandated officials were endowed with abilities and cultivation by virtue of their office, they could still cultivate independently to reach the absolute peak of their position. Dismissal meant losing the accompanying cultivation, yet ambitious scholar-officials and martial-officials dedicated themselves to progress, which would allow them to seamlessly adapt to the higher cultivation level of their next promotion.0

This was a wise, dignified elder and a seasoned warrior who commanded victory on the battlefield. Gu Yeqi scrutinized him closely.0

Humoring her, the old man spread his arms...0