First, Jade Cauldron Tower itself is a rare resource channel. With a certain price to pay, one can obtain corresponding resources from it, such as martial arts secret manuals, spirit elixirs, intelligence information, etc.
Gu Yuan himself was of low status and had never been exposed to martial arts cultivation, just a novice in cultivation.
Even if he obtained the "Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique," a type of superior martial arts, it would be impossible for him to achieve success by cultivating it alone. Not to mention, his eyes would glaze over just by looking at the various martial arts terminologies within the "Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique," let alone practicing it.
Therefore, to cultivate the "Golden Snake Swallowing Yuan Technique" and gradually become a martial master, and engage in martial arts cultivation, this matter must rely on Jade Cauldron Tower.
Secondly, Jade Cauldron Tower itself has significant influence. If Gu Yuan could attain a certain position within it, he should also gain considerable support.
According to Gu Yuan's inquiries during this period, the influence of the Qian Mansion is extremely terrifying. Even openly, they employ more than a dozen martial masters, along with several even more formidable tributors, and the hidden power is unknown.
Sooner or later, he would confront them. Simply becoming a martial master would not suffice to resist them. Only by leveraging the deterrence of Jade Cauldron Tower might he compel the other side to be apprehensive.
...
Digging out a spirit medicine, Yellow Spirit, Gu Yuan headed straight to Beiliang County, while the Iron-backed Centipede, Wuye, he left behind.
This was to allow it to slowly heal while also guarding the remaining few Yellow Spirits to prevent them from being spoiled by wild beasts in the mountains.
Over an hour later, Gu Yuan arrived at Jade Cauldron Tower.
Upon entering the hall, a young servant approached him:
"This guest, what do you need?"
When he got closer, seeing Gu Yuan, he paused for a moment: "Oh, it's you?"
Gu Yuan looked at this young servant and also recognized him. Last time, he had even given him a piece of silver to inquire about how to learn martial arts.
"Please inform them that I wish to become a medicine gatherer for Jade Cauldron Tower."
Gu Yuan placed a fist-sized, yellow jade-colored Yellow Spirit on the counter: "This is my proof."
"Spirit Medicine!"
Seeing this piece of Yellow Spirit resembling yellow jade with a faint mist on its surface, the young servant was taken aback. His gaze towards Gu Yuan changed, and his tone became more cautious:
"My name is Zhang San, you need not be polite. Please wait here for a moment, and I will immediately inform someone to come."
With that, he hurriedly left.
Zhang San's exclamation, especially the word 'Spirit Medicine,' caught the attention of many. Instantly, various gazes turned towards them in the hall, bringing surprises, envy, jealousy, curiosity, and exploration.
Gu Yuan completely ignored them and didn't pay attention to these people.
Before long, a slightly plump middle-aged man, wearing a round cap and dressed in splendid attire, came from the inner hall.
He had an ordinary build and appearance, except for a pair of hands that were pale, long, and delicate, even prettier than those of many women!
Embedded in his cap was a piece of green cat's eye stone, faintly flickering with a hint of spiritual light.
Following him was Zhang San.
The middle-aged man's gaze swept over and immediately landed on Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan felt a tingling sensation all over his body, and his face felt a faint prickling sensation.
This made him suddenly alert, knowing that this slightly plump middle-aged man was a martial arts expert. Otherwise, it would be impossible for a mere glance to exert such immense pressure on him.
Fortunately, this feeling was fleeting, and soon, the slightly plump middle-aged man approached with a smile, gesturing to a nearby side room with his hand: "This young master, please come in."
"Alright." Gu Yuan nodded.
"Please have a seat, young master."
"Please!"
Upon entering the side room, the slightly plump middle-aged man and Gu Yuan sat down one after the other. Zhang San poured two cups of tea and then left the side room, closing the door behind him.
"I am Yang Han, the steward of Jade Cauldron Tower. May I ask your esteemed name, young master?"
The slightly plump middle-aged man smiled warmly.
"So it is Steward Yang."
Gu Yuan rose and cupped his fists, then smiled and said: "To not hide anything from you, Steward, my surname is Gu and my given name is Yuan. I am just an ordinary mountain villager from Gu Family Village."
He answered truthfully, with no intention to conceal anything. Judging by Yang Han's demeanor, Zhang San had probably already informed him of his situation. Since he had decided to join Jade Cauldron Tower, honesty was the best policy.
If not, they might even send someone to investigate him. Concealing things would only be detrimental.
"I understand young master Gu's intention."
Yang Han nodded, picked up the spirit medicine Yellow Spirit and examined it for a moment, then said: "This piece of Yellow Spirit is one hundred and thirty years old. It is indeed a spirit medicine. I apologize for my ignorance, but I have some study in spirit medicines. I appraise this Yellow Spirit at thirty-five taels of silver. What do you think, young master?"
Thirty-five taels of silver... Gu Yuan's mind raced with thoughts:
"The price is slightly low, but if it came with a martial arts technique, it would exceed this price by a significant amount. Besides, Jade Cauldron Tower is only giving away a martial arts technique that has been replicated countless times to acquire a spirit medicine and a martial master subordinate. Overall, Jade Cauldron Tower will definitely profit greatly."
Then, Yang Han continued: "Additionally, may I ask if the young master plans on becoming a medicine gatherer for Jade Cauldron Tower?"
"Exactly,"
Gu Yuan nodded solemnly: "This is the purpose of my trip!"
"Excellent!"
Yang Han seemed quite satisfied with Gu Yuan's demeanor, a faint smile appeared on his face: "In that case, from now on, young master Gu, you are an external medicine gatherer for Jade Cauldron Tower."
"Shortly, someone will bring you identification and the money for the spirit medicine."
After pausing, Yang Han smiled and said: "Furthermore, I know your true purpose. Come with me. Since you are one of us now, you can choose a martial arts technique."
Saying this, he got up and led the way.
"Thank you, Steward!"
Gu Yuan revealed a joyful expression and quickly followed.
Before long, the two reached a secluded room on the second floor.
Inside, there were several bookshelves and racks, containing various books and numerous wooden and stone boxes.
At the entrance of the room sat an elderly man with a lean frame and white hair.
Upon seeing Yang Han, the white-haired elder did not get up, only glancing at Gu Yuan: "Yang lad, this youngster doesn't know martial arts. Could it be he dug up a spirit medicine?"
"Correct, please grant us some leniency, Elder Chen."
Yang Han was quite polite to this white-haired elder, clearly indicating that this elder was no ordinary person, which Gu Yuan noted silently.
"It's a small matter. Take him inside."
The elder surnamed Chen waved casually, not getting up, and continued to close his eyes for rest.
Yang Han said no more and took Gu Yuan to a bookshelf.
Glancing over, Gu Yuan saw dozens of martial arts techniques, including "Wild Bull Technique," "Strong Grappling Hand," "Iron Sand Palm," "Earth-Scraping Saber," and many other martial arts techniques clearly displayed.