Chapter 214: Establishing Dominion Over the Nine Provinces (Part 1)

Chapter 214: Establishing Dominion Over the Nine Provinces (Part 1)



September 27, 2024

First Level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body!

Second Level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body!

Third Level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body!

Fourth Level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body!

...

In just a short moment, Gu Qingfeng had already advanced the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body to its fourth level.

At the fourth level, his physical body had undergone some subtle changes, with a faint golden hue barely perceptible on his skin.

Next, Gu Qingfeng tapped his right arm with his left hand. Instantly, a metallic clanging sound resonated, leaving only a slight white mark on his skin, which vanished in less than a breath.

"The Sixteen-Foot Golden Body truly is an unparalleled Buddhist technique from thousands of years ago. This cultivation method is indeed extraordinary. Even at my current level, it can further strengthen my physical body!"

Gu Qingfeng nodded in satisfaction. His seemingly casual tap actually contained immense power capable of shattering mountains and splitting the earth. Yet, such an attack only left a negligible white mark on his skin, proving how much stronger his body had become.

It was worth noting that this was just the fourth level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. If he were to reach the ninth and final level, his physical body would undoubtedly become even more formidable.

Unfortunately, even reaching the fourth level of the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body had not allowed Gu Qingfeng to break through to the higher stages of the Supreme Master realm. Since attaining the Supreme Master realm, he had embarked on a different path. Ordinary martial techniques could no longer help him make significant breakthroughs. Each step forward required the accumulation of various martial arts, eventually leading to a gradual progression.

However, Gu Qingfeng was not in a hurry. As long as he had enough cultivation points, breaking through to a higher level was just a matter of time.

—

Over the next month, Gu Qingfeng continued to cultivate the Sixteen-Foot Golden Body. He also imparted a martial technique called the Azure Lotus Sword Canon to Gu Shengnan.

The Azure Lotus Sword Canon!

This technique was created by a Grandmaster known as the Azure Lotus Sword Saint over six thousand years ago. The Sword Saint was renowned for his unparalleled sword skills, making him a formidable figure.

However, after the Azure Lotus Sword Saint's passing, the Azure Lotus Sword Canon was lost, only to be rediscovered recently by Gu Yang. Given Gu Shengnan's interest in sword techniques, Gu Qingfeng decided to pass the Azure Lotus Sword Canon to her, allowing her to study and cultivate it.

Additionally, Gu Qingfeng frequently guided Gu Shengnan in her cultivation of the Azure Lotus Sword Canon. Although he was not an expert in sword techniques, all paths ultimately converge. At the level of True Intent, Gu Qingfeng could instantly grasp the subtleties of any martial technique. Even though the Azure Lotus Sword Canon was a Grandmaster-level technique, much deeper than ordinary martial arts, it was more than sufficient for him to guide Gu Shengnan.

At the same time, news of the situation in the Nine Provinces and the Guangyang Army under Gu Yang's command continued to pour in.

...

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has breached the Wasteland Province!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has been attacked by 36 Master Realm experts!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has defeated a Master Realm expert, advancing his Overlord Blade to the Minor Mastery stage!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has slain 1,389 rebel soldiers!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has slain 163 Energy Refinement Realm martial artists!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has slain 13 Demon Soul-level malevolent beings!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengnan' has gained insights into the Azure Lotus Sword Canon, slightly enhancing her strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengxing' has broken through to the Initial Blood Refinement stage!"

"Reward: 20 Cultivation Points!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengan' has broken through to the Initial Blood Refinement stage!"

"Reward: 20 Cultivation Points!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengxing' has been taught the Heavenly Blade technique, significantly enhancing his strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengan' has been taught the Heavenly Blade technique, significantly enhancing his strength!"

...

Gu Qingfeng read the messages on the information panel with little emotional fluctuation. The Heavenly Blade technique, which he had created, was naturally available for his descendants to cultivate. Therefore, upon learning that Gu Shengxing and Gu Shengan were interested in blade techniques, Gu Qingfeng had decided to teach them the Heavenly Blade technique. Whether they could truly master it was yet to be seen.

However, Gu Yang's ability to defeat a Master Realm expert at the late Bone Marrow Cleansing stage was truly unexpected. But considering that his Overlord Blade had reached the Minor Mastery stage and he had grasped the Seventh Level True Intent, Gu Qingfeng found it more understandable.

True Intent was extraordinary. For many Masters, the Sixth Level True Intent was already an unattainable realm. The Seventh Level True Intent was even more powerful.

Moreover, although Gu Yang was at the late Bone Marrow Cleansing stage, he had been consistently given various elixirs by Gu Qingfeng to solidify his foundation. He also received frequent guidance from a Grandmaster and had numerous fortuitous encounters.

In this context, defeating a Master seemed not entirely impossible. After all, a flawed martial path could not be compared to a complete and unblemished one.

—

"Gu Yang has now eradicated many ancient sects and noble families. His ambitions are clear. Should the Ji Family truly sit idly by and await our doom?"

An elder of the Ji Family in Immortal Province had a grim expression. As the Guangyang Army grew stronger and the majority of the Nine Provinces fell, many members of the Ji Family felt increasingly threatened.

Although Ji Liuyun had reached an agreement with Gu Yang, the Guangyang Army's brutal tactics in wiping out sects and families spoke volumes.

Some elders even believed that Gu Yang's actions were a gradual encroachment on the Ji Family.

In response, Ji Liuyun's expression was indifferent. "The current situation does not allow for a confrontation between the Ji Family and the Gu Family. Additionally, I order all other members of the Ji Family to keep a low profile. If any problems arise, the Ji Family will not be able to protect them."

Of course, if you wish to challenge the Gu family, I have no objections.

However, there is one condition: no one is to involve the Ji family. Otherwise, I will not wait for Gu Yang to make a move—I will wipe you out first!"

As he finished speaking, a chilling killing intent flashed in Ji Liuyun's eyes, causing the other elders, who had been filled with righteous indignation, to change their expressions and fall silent.

Seeing this, Ji Liuyun's expression softened slightly, and he shook his head.

"The Gu family is powerful, and as long as that Martial Saint remains alive, even if our Ji family's divine realm ancestor were to be reborn, it would be difficult to match them. A moment of patience can bring peace and calm. How long can a mere martial artist live?"

"Since our Ji family has already established an agreement with Gu Yang, as long as we follow the rules, we have nothing to worry about."

"After all, our Ji family has done nothing wrong. Even if Gu Yang wants to make a move, he needs a sufficient reason!"

Ji Liuyun understood that Gu Yang wanted to establish new rules. If Gu Yang set the rules, he would have to abide by them.

The Ji family was an immortal clan with numerous powerful factions backing it.

If Gu Yang were to unjustly destroy the Ji family, it would undoubtedly cause many disturbances, which would not be beneficial for his future plans.

Therefore, Ji Liuyun was not worried that Gu Yang would break his word.

What he was concerned about was that someone within the Ji family might disobey his orders, act in secret, and give Gu Yang a reason to threaten the Ji family.

This was why he had directly issued a warning.

If someone's actions were to involve the Ji family, he would have no choice but to sacrifice the individual to protect the clan.

Gu Yang's power was overwhelming and could not be resisted.

---

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has annexed the lands of six states, greatly increasing his influence!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has annexed the lands of seven states, greatly increasing his influence!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has ordered the casting of the Nine Provinces Cauldron!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has received guidance from a Grandmaster, enhancing his cultivation!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has advanced to the peak of the Bone Washing Realm!"

"Reward: 150 Enhancement Points!"

"Reward: 200 Bone Washing Pills!"

"Reward: 100 Organ Cleansing Pills!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has asserted his dominance over the land, with his army now exceeding fifty million!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has unexpectedly inherited the legacy of a mysterious powerhouse, enhancing his strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has gained insights into the True Meaning of the Heavenly Saber, slightly enhancing his strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengnan' has gained insights into the Blue Lotus Sword Canon, slightly enhancing her strength!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengxing' has advanced to the mid-stage of the Blood Refinement Realm!"

"Reward: 20 Enhancement Points!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Shengan' has advanced to the mid-stage of the Blood Refinement Realm!"

"Reward: 20 Enhancement Points!"

...

Another year had passed.

Under Gu Yang's command, the Guangyang Army had nearly occupied the lands of the nine provinces, and all was going well.

At the same time, Gu Qingfeng used the Enhancement Points he had obtained to directly elevate his Golden Ascension Body (formerly Sixteen-Foot Golden Body) to the sixth level, breaking through two realms in one go.

He finally advanced from the late-stage Supreme Grandmaster to the peak of the Supreme Grandmaster realm.

Although Gu Qingfeng had been just a step away from the peak of the Supreme Grandmaster realm, the moment he truly broke through the barrier, his strength underwent a remarkable transformation.

His blood was now a powerful mercury-like substance, capable of suppressing the stars and rivers.

Each drop of blood in his body now contained an immense and terrifying force.

To put it bluntly, with the blood he had refined, Gu Qingfeng suspected that even a single drop could suppress a Grandmaster.

"Finally, I have reached the peak of the Supreme Grandmaster realm!"

Feeling the changes within himself, a smile appeared on his face.

Beyond this, he would need to break the limits of the Supreme Grandmaster realm and advance to a higher level.

However, the mysteries beyond the Supreme Grandmaster realm were still unknown to Gu Qingfeng.

After all, the path of the Supreme Grandmaster was his own, different from that of other martial artists.

Thus, there was no reference for him to follow.

He could only explore and uncover the mysteries step by step.

With his cultivation breakthrough, Gu Qingfeng, for the first time in a long while, did not continue his seclusion in the Sharpening Hall. Instead, he came out to spend time with Xu Yulan and guide her in her cultivation.

Xu Yulan was now practicing the Longevity Formula and was close to completing the Bone Washing section.

However, breaking through the Grandmaster barrier and advancing to the Great Grandmaster realm was still a long way off.

After all, Xu Yulan's talent was average.

Her breakthrough to the Grandmaster realm was entirely due to the use of elixirs.

Without the elixirs, it would be questionable whether she could even have broken through to the Bone Refinement Realm.

Afterward, Gu Qingfeng also tested the cultivation progress of Gu Shengnan and the others, and he was quite satisfied with their progress.

...

One day, in the main hall, Gu Xuan came alone.

"Father!"

"Is there something you need?"

Gu Qingfeng raised an eyebrow.

Gu Xuan had always been somewhat afraid of him and would not usually come to see him alone. According to his usual behavior, he would at least bring Gu Xiu with him.

Gu Xuan smiled sheepishly. "As expected, nothing escapes Father's notice. I have indeed come to ask for your permission regarding something."

"Go ahead."

Gu Qingfeng nodded.

Hearing this, Gu Xuan hesitated for a moment before bowing and saying, "I have been experiencing a plateau in my cultivation lately, so I wish to go out and gain some practical experience, hoping to find a breakthrough."

"Practical experience?"

Gu Qingfeng’s expression froze as he looked at the other person’s serious face, then nodded in agreement.

"Your desire to venture out is commendable. Staying within the Gu Family Manor has its limitations, but venturing out means facing dangers. Are you prepared for that?"

"Within the Gu Family Manor, no one dares to harm you, but outside, others might not respect your status as the young master of the Gu Family Manor. Your identity might even bring you trouble!"

Gu Qingfeng warned.

In response, Gu Xuan’s expression remained serious. "I have thought it through. Staying in the Gu Family Manor is comfortable, but it’s not what I desire. I hope Father will grant me this wish!"

Seeing this, Gu Qingfeng did not try to dissuade him further.

"Follow me."

He spoke to Gu Xuan and then stood up, walking out of the hall. Gu Xuan hurriedly followed behind him.

Soon, Gu Qingfeng led Gu Xuan into the Forge Hall.

As soon as they entered, Gu Xuan immediately felt a terrifying sense of blade intent, causing his body to instinctively tense up. It felt as if he was being watched by something fearsome, and the blade intent he had grasped seemed incredibly fragile in comparison.

Gu Xuan was not unfamiliar with the Forge Hall, but the number of times he had truly entered it could be counted on one hand. After all, it was where Gu Qingfeng secluded himself, and no one was allowed to enter without permission.

At the same time, Gu Xuan was also puzzled, wondering why Gu Qingfeng had brought him here.

"Among the many divine weapons in the Forge Hall, though none can match the Evil-Slaying Blade, they have been tempered by blade intent over the years and are far superior to ordinary weapons. Since you are about to venture out, choose a divine weapon to protect yourself."

Gu Qingfeng pointed to the numerous divine weapons in the Forge Hall and spoke.

Gu Xuan’s face showed a hint of excitement.

He was well aware of the many divine weapons in the Forge Hall, but he never imagined he would have the chance to enter and choose one.

Immediately, Gu Xuan focused his mind and scanned the divine weapons one by one.

Having many divine weapons was a double-edged sword, as it made the selection process more complex. Seeing this, Gu Qingfeng also offered a reminder: "Choosing a divine weapon is like choosing a martial technique; it must resonate with you.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end