Chapter 214: Establishing Dominion Over the Nine Provinces (Part 2)

Chapter 214: Establishing Dominion Over the Nine Provinces (Part 2)

Since you have grasped the True Intent of the Heavenly Blade, why not use it to resonate with these divine weapons? If any respond, they will be compatible with you."

"Father’s advice makes sense!"

With this reminder, Gu Xuan’s eyes brightened, feeling as if the clouds had cleared. He then channeled his True Intent to resonate with the divine weapons in the Forge Hall.

After a moment, Gu Xuan’s gaze landed on a particular divine weapon.

The blade had an ancient, simple sheath, suggesting it had existed for a long time. When Gu Xuan picked up the blade, he felt a sudden sense of clarity and connection. The moment he grasped the hilt, it felt as if the blade was a part of him.

The divine blade was unsheathed, and a cold, sharp light emerged.

"Excellent blade!"

Gu Xuan couldn’t help but exclaim.

At the same time, he saw two small seal script characters on the blade.

Jade Sky!

The divine blade Jade Sky!

Gu Qingfeng explained, "The divine blade Jade Sky was the personal weapon of the Blade Lord Biyuhe from three thousand years ago. He wielded this blade to dominate the martial world, defeating many strong opponents with the power of a half-step Grandmaster. It is said that Biyuhe later grasped the profound secrets of the Grandmaster realm and became a true martial Grandmaster. However, the specifics are unknown.

"This blade was discovered by our secret guards and brought back to the Gu Family Manor. Since then, Jade Sky has remained in the Forge Hall, tempered by blade intent day and night. Compared to ten years ago, its divine power is even greater now!"

Gu Qingfeng’s words made Gu Xuan even more fond of the Jade Sky divine blade.

Blade Lord Biyuhe!

This name was unfamiliar to him, but if Gu Qingfeng said it, it must be true.

This was a divine weapon, and one that belonged to a suspected martial Grandmaster from thousands of years ago. Clearly, the Jade Sky divine blade was extraordinary.

Moreover, Gu Xuan could feel the terrifying blade intent within the blade. If he unleashed it, it would be a force to be reckoned with.

Next, Gu Qingfeng handed a secret technique scroll to Gu Xuan.

"This is the Blade Nurturing Technique. Use it to cultivate the Jade Sky divine blade, so that it resonates with your mind and spirit."

After speaking, Gu Qingfeng flicked his finger, and a drop of blood landed on the Jade Sky divine blade. As the blood merged with the blade, its aura became even more terrifying.

"Additionally, I have left a drop of my essence blood in the Jade Sky divine blade. If used normally, it can unleash five strikes powerful enough to slay even a martial Grandmaster."

"Thank you, Father!"

Gu Xuan’s face showed gratitude, and he felt a significant boost in his sense of security.

Jade Sky divine blade!

Essence blood protection!

With such a powerful backup, he could even face a martial Grandmaster and emerge unscathed.

Then, Gu Qingfeng looked at him seriously and said, "Remember, the human heart can be the most treacherous. If you venture into the martial world, you must be cautious. If a conflict can be avoided, that’s best. If not, you must eliminate your enemies completely to avoid leaving any loose ends. If you show mercy, you might end up harming yourself."

"I understand, Father!"

"That’s good."

Gu Qingfeng did not continue, knowing that many things could only be truly understood through personal experience.

Two days later, Gu Xuan, carrying the Jade Sky divine blade, left the Gu Family Manor gracefully.

After Gu Xuan’s departure, Gu Peng immediately came to meet Gu Qingfeng.

"Second Young Master has already left the Gu Family Manor!"

Gu Qingfeng's hand paused slightly as he sipped his tea, then quickly resumed its natural pace.

"He should go out and see the world; the Gu Family Manor is too small for him!"

"Second Young Master venturing alone into the world is bound to be dangerous. Should I secretly send someone to follow him?"

Gu Peng suggested.

To be honest, Gu Peng was also worried about Gu Xuan venturing out alone. After all, he had watched Gu Xuan grow up and often guided him in his cultivation. Their relationship was more than just master and disciple.

Hearing this, Gu Qingfeng was about to shake his head but, after a moment's thought, changed his mind.

"I will take care of this matter. You don't need to get involved."

"Yes, sir!"

Gu Peng didn't say more once he heard that Gu Qingfeng would handle it. As Gu Peng left, Gu Qingfeng called someone over.

"Dupose, pay your respects to Lord!"

"Xuan has left the Gu Family Manor to hone his skills in the world. Follow him and protect him on his path. Remember, only intervene in life-or-death situations, and do not let him know of your presence."

"Understood, sir!"

Dupose's expression remained calm as he bowed and accepted the order. Seeing this, Gu Qingfeng waved him off.

Dupose was a loyal assassin and a formidable Supreme Master at the peak of the Innate stage. Though he hadn't fully grasped the essence of a Supreme Master, he was still a formidable presence in the martial world. With Dupose's protection, Gu Qingfeng wasn't too concerned about the dangers Xuan might face. Moreover, Xuan wielded the Azure Sky Divine Saber, which had the power to slay Great Martial Masters.

Thus, this journey should not pose any significant problems.

...

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has enacted numerous policies benefiting the people, and his reputation for virtue is spreading far and wide!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has been attacked by martial artists 426 times!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has slain 137 Skin Tempering martial artists!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has slain 26 Blood Tempering martial artists!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has slain 3 Bone Tempering martial artists!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has slain 1 Marrow Washing martial artist!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has been attacked by a Blood Soul-level monstrous creature!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has slain a Blood Soul-level monstrous creature!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has gained insights from life-and-death battles, and his strength has grown!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has gained a reputation in the world!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Yang' has received guidance from a Great Master, and his cultivation has improved slightly!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has unexpectedly inherited the legacy of a mysterious powerful figure, greatly enhancing his cultivation!"

"Your descendant 'Gu Xuan' has advanced to the late stage of Bone Tempering!"

"Reward points increased by 30!"

"Your descendant..."

...

Since Gu Xuan left the Gu Family Manor, many of the updates on the information panel have been about him. Just from the text, Gu Qingfeng could see that Xuan's journey was far from smooth. In less than half a month, he had already been involved in numerous battles, leaving a trail of blood behind him.

Especially the most recent incident, where he was attacked by hundreds of martial artists, made Gu Qingfeng suspect that Xuan might have offended a major sect or power, leading to a coordinated attack.

However, Gu Qingfeng wasn't too concerned about these matters. After all, venturing into the world inevitably involves battles and conflicts, and these experiences would help Xuan grow.

Moreover, seeing how quickly Xuan had advanced to the late stage of Bone Tempering, Gu Qingfeng knew that leaving the Gu Family Manor was the right decision. While staying within the manor was safe and comfortable, it also meant missing out on many opportunities.

Now, Xuan's journey into the world, though fraught with danger, had seen his cultivation soar. In a short time, he had broken through to the mid-stage of Bone Tempering and reached the late stage.

From Gu Yang's experiences, Gu Qingfeng had already realized that the history of the Nine Provinces was far more complex than recorded. This was evident from the existence of the Immortal Foundry Court. In the ancient, unrecorded times, there might have been an even more glorious era, and while that era has passed, many opportunities and legacies remain.

Like the Heavenly Gang Divine Array!

Like the Immortal Foundry Court!

Gu Qingfeng suspected that these were remnants from that ancient era.

Now, Xuan's ability to seize opportunities so quickly after entering the world showed that he had a strong destiny. Otherwise, finding such opportunities would be extremely difficult.

The next day, the secret guard brought in some intelligence. This intelligence was related to Xuan. Though Gu Qingfeng had given Xuan the freedom to explore the world and had Dupose protect him in secret, he couldn't help but be concerned.

So, whenever Xuan caused a stir in the world, the secret guard would report back immediately.

Upon reading the latest intelligence, Gu Qingfeng understood the situation.

The matter was simple. Xuan had displayed his formidable martial arts and the extraordinary nature of the Azure Sky Divine Saber, drawing the attention of certain individuals. As a result, a martial sect had harbored ill intentions, planning to capture Xuan, force him to reveal his lineage's secrets, and seize the Azure Sky Divine Saber.

However, the outcome was clear. The martial sect had overestimated their own strength and underestimated Xuan. In the end, Xuan, using his own power, completely eradicated the sect.

Initially, Xuan had intended to spare some lives, but remembering Gu Qingfeng's instructions, he decided to leave no survivors and eliminate any potential threats.

"Very good!"

"It seems this brat has taken my words to heart."

Gu Qingfeng smiled calmly.

Gu Xuan understood this, which would save him from a lot of trouble.

As for what happened next, Gu Qingfeng's life returned to its usual routine.

However, Gu Qingfeng had initially thought that after Gu Xuan went out to train, Gu Xiu would follow.

To his surprise, Gu Xiu remained patient and continued to cultivate within the Gu Family Manor, showing no intention of going out to train.

Gu Qingfeng didn’t force the issue. After all, whether or not to train was a personal choice, and he wouldn’t impose his will on others.

---

"Report to His Majesty, Second Young Master has entered Lingzhou!"

Inside the Guangyang Kingdom's palace, Gu Yi reported truthfully.

Gu Yang nodded slightly, "Continue to monitor Second Young Brother's movements. Send someone to secretly follow him, but ensure there are no problems. Only intervene if absolutely necessary."

"I understand, my lord!"

Gu Yi saluted.

Upon learning that Gu Xuan had gone out to train and explore the world, Gu Yang immediately arranged for his secret guards to follow him, mainly out of concern that Gu Xuan, being new to the world, might face some dangers.

However, over the past few months, Gu Yang found that his worries were somewhat unfounded.

Although Gu Xuan was new to the world, he acted cautiously and skillfully, and his strength was not to be underestimated. Even when he encountered some trouble, it wasn’t too serious.

At this moment, Gu Yi added, "Additionally, I have noticed that there seems to be a Grandmaster secretly following Second Young Master!"

"This is nothing to worry about. If I’m not mistaken, it’s likely that Father has sent someone to protect him."

Gu Yang’s expression remained calm. It was easy to deduce that the Grandmaster following Gu Xuan was sent by his father.

Clearly, his father was also concerned about Gu Xuan’s solo journey and had dispatched a Grandmaster to secretly follow and protect him.

After that, Gu Yi presented other intelligence from the various states to Gu Yang.

Since the many immortal sects and noble families had bowed down, over a year had passed.

In just over a year, the Guangyang Army had conquered eight of the nine states. The remaining state, while not yet fully subdued, was only a matter of time.

After all, with the army pressing forward, a single state’s rebels could hardly cause much trouble.

"Order Shi Zhen to capture the last state within a month!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Gu Yi took Gu Yang’s command and left.

Afterward, Gu Yang went to the hall where the map of the nine states was displayed. Most of the territory was already marked with the Guangyang Army’s banners, with only a few areas yet to be fully conquered.

"It’s almost done!"

"Before long, all nine states will be under my control!"

Gu Yang murmured to himself, his heart filled with boundless ambition.

Who would have thought that in just under a decade, he could grow from a mere ten thousand soldiers to this point?

The mighty Wu King Pei Jing had spent over a decade and still couldn’t conquer Qingyun State.

But now, Gu Yang was on the verge of conquering all nine states in less than a decade.

Gu Yang understood the key to his success.

The most crucial factor was Gu Qingfeng.

If it weren’t for Gu Qingfeng’s overwhelming presence, which forced the immortal sects and noble families to submit, the Guangyang Army would have needed at least twice as long, if not more, to subdue the nine states and reshape the world.

However, despite this, Gu Yang had every right to be proud.

While he had benefited from Gu Qingfeng’s reputation, his ability to integrate the states, quell rebellions, and implement numerous benevolent policies in such a short time was no small feat.

Military might could conquer the world, but governing it was a different matter.

The thought of soon having all nine states under his control and founding a new dynasty filled Gu Yang with excitement.

This was normal.

Anyone who reached this point would find it hard to remain calm.

---

On the other side, upon receiving Gu Yang’s orders, General Shi Zhen and his fellow commanders did not hesitate, immediately leading their troops into battle.

The vast army pressed forward like a gale sweeping away leaves.

What rebels?

What feudal lords?

In the face of such absolute power, they were mere jokes.

When the last rebel general was beheaded, the nine states were finally under the control of the Guangyang Army.

And this took only twenty days, a third less time than the month given by Gu Qingfeng.

When the news of the nine states being pacified spread, it quickly reached every corner of the land. Many civilians smiled, genuinely happy about the news.

After all, in times of war, the ones who suffered the most were the common people.

Furthermore, Gu Yang’s benevolent governance over the years had earned him a good reputation. Now, with the news that all nine states were under his control, the people were naturally pleased.

Meanwhile, the powerful figures from other sects and noble families, upon hearing the news, had varying expressions. They eventually sighed in relief, any lingering thoughts of rebellion dissipating.

The nine states were now firmly under the Gu family’s control.

This was the inevitable trend of history.

Even the ancient, immortal sects and noble families had no power to resist it.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end