Gu Qingfeng's words, clearly laced with impatience, immediately provoked public outrage.
Who was Su Hua?
She was the world-renowned prodigy immortal maiden, famed for spreading the Dao, healing the world, and enlightening opportunities. There was no one under heaven who did not know of her, no one who was not aware. Moreover, she was an envoy bestowed by the Immortal Dynasty. Such status was supremely noble; wherever she descended, she was an honored guest.
Now, the immortal maiden had personally descended upon the Yunxia Sect, yet not only had Gu Qingfeng not risen to pay his respects, he had remained lounging leisurely on the master's recliner, sipping his wine, showing great disrespect to the immortal maiden. Now, it had gone even further beyond the pale—he was openly and brazenly trying to drive her away?
"This fellow surnamed Gu is truly too arrogant, too insolent!"
"So what if he coincidentally modified one melody of the 'Little Blue Flower Language'? What's so great about that? He dares to drive away the immortal maiden? He truly doesn't know what's good for him!"
"Gu Qingfeng, how can you be so rude in the face of Immortal Su Hua?"
Everyone stepped forward one after another, angrily denouncing Gu Qingfeng for his disrespect and irreverence towards Immortal Su Hua.
"Am I hearing this right?" Gu Qingfeng picked up his wine cup, drained it in one gulp, and looked with a smile at the crowd gathered in the Spirit Seclusion Garden. "This is the Yunxia Sect. You barged in here without permission, and I haven't even pursued that matter. What now? When this lord wants to rest, I'm supposed to bow and escort you all out?"
"Hmph! Hmph! You're just too arrogant!"
At that moment, the spirit bird Su Hua kept flew out, fixing its gaze on Gu Qingfeng and chirping, "Listen up, kid! My master descending upon the Yunxia Sect is doing you a favor!"
"Young Lord Chiyan, please don't misunderstand. I have no other meaning," Su Hua said apologetically. "I truly wish to seek your guidance. If you see any areas that need improvement, I hope you will inform me."
"Didn't I just say? No major flaws."
"No major flaws doesn't mean there are no minor flaws, right?" Su Hua said with a faint smile on her face. "The 'Little Blue Flower Language' is a piece I composed for beginners of music. If it can be refined and improved, it would benefit everyone. Don't you think?"
Gu Qingfeng could see it now—this little lady was unconvinced in her heart. He rubbed his chin and sat back down in his chair.
"Daring to belittle my master's 'Little Blue Flower Language' like this, even saying it's 'passable' and has 'no major flaws'?" The spirit bird flew unceremoniously onto the table, lifting its little head and scolding, "Listen up, kid! If you don't give a proper explanation today, this lady won't let you off!"
The spirit bird's words resonated with everyone, especially Chang Tianrui and the others, who immediately stepped forward to accuse him.
"Gu Qingfeng, you just belittled Immortal Su Hua's 'Little Blue Flower Language,' implying it has many minor flaws. If you can't point out any other areas for improvement today, none of us will let this go!"
"That's right! This guy is so insolent, daring to belittle Immortal Su Hua's 'Little Blue Flower Language.' He must kneel and apologize to Immortal Su Hua!"
More and more people stepped forward, defending the goddess in their hearts while angrily denouncing Gu Qingfeng's arrogance. Each was filled with righteous indignation, vying to show their mettle.
"Judging by this situation, it seems this lord has no choice but to speak today?" Gu Qingfeng crossed his legs, picked up his wine cup, and looked at Su Hua. "You really want me to give you some pointers?"
The spirit bird flapped its wings, its eyes glaring at Gu Qingfeng. "Hey, kid! Aren't you getting a bit too full of yourself? How dare you keep referring to yourself as 'this lord' in front of my master? Have you grown tired of living?"
"Can't help it," Gu Qingfeng shrugged, smiling indifferently. "Habit."
"You... you're looking for..." The spirit bird was furious, about to teach Gu Qingfeng a lesson. At that moment, Su Hua waved her hand, summoning the spirit bird back. Her peerlessly beautiful face maintained a calm smile as she looked at Gu Qingfeng. "If you could offer some guidance, this humble girl would be endlessly grateful."
"Oh?" Gu Qingfeng set down his wine cup. "Alright, then this lord will give you some pointers today. But..."
"But what?"
"But, pointers shouldn't be given for free, right?" Gu Qingfeng said slowly. "You and I are neither acquainted nor have any friendship. If I give you pointers, shouldn't you show some appreciation, make a gesture, hmm?"
"Young Lord, the 'Little Blue Flower Language' is something I composed for beginners..." Su Hua had just begun when Gu Qingfeng cut her off.
"Sorry, miss. You may have such noble sentiments, but this lord doesn't. I'm just a vulgar man. Sacrificing my rest time to give you pointers—if there's no benefit, this kind of losing business, this lord won't do."
Despicable! Utterly despicable!
On the surface, Su Hua's emotions seemed unchanged, but inwardly, she was already seething.
Initially, when she learned this fellow had improved her 'Little Blue Flower Language,' she had actually admired Gu Qingfeng and was very curious about him.
But then his comment of 'passable' made her feel terrible. Especially the phrase 'no major flaws' made Su Hua feel absolutely awful. Her previous admiration gradually faded. She really wanted to see just how high this fellow's musical attainments were, that he dared to belittle her painstakingly crafted work like this.
Back at the Yipin Villa, whenever Ouyang Ye mentioned Gu Qingfeng, she always seemed to grit her teeth in hatred.
At first, Su Hua couldn't understand why. But now, she more or less could appreciate why Ouyang Ye was so angry.
This fellow's attitude was truly too infuriating!
Su Hua had never considered herself some immortal maiden, nor did she flaunt her status as an Immortal Dynasty envoy. Although she had barged in without permission, she had already apologized and stated her purpose—only seeking guidance.
But this fellow?
From start to finish, he had been reclining in his chair, legs crossed, pouring his own wine and drinking.
Not only was he indifferent and dismissive, he was also very impatient.
Most hateful of all was that this fellow's tone was just too arrogant, too haughty, and his shamelessness was too blatant, too... straightforward.
She was humbly seeking guidance, and this fellow actually had the gall to openly bring up demands?
The anger in Su Hua's heart kept rising uncontrollably. She secretly took a deep breath, calming the fury within, trying her best to keep her tone gentle as she said with a faint smile, "If you can point out the shortcomings of the 'Little Blue Flower Language,' I will surely repay you handsomely afterward."
"How will you repay? Tell me."
Gu Qingfeng was in no hurry. Although he was also very curious about Su Hua's identity, it was just curiosity.
Over a dozen types of spiritual breath on her person were enough to indicate this lady's identity was complex—so complex she might have connections to the Great Dao, and possibly not just one.
Towards such people, Gu Qingfeng usually kept his distance. Based on past experience, such individuals were often even more troublesome than those bearing imperial edicts.
That was what he thought, and that was what he intended to do. However, he could tell that while this little lady might be unconvinced, her greater purpose was likely to probe his identity. Since that was the case, Gu Qingfeng reckoned that if he didn't thoroughly teach her a lesson today, make her remember it well, she'd probably pester him endlessly in the future.