Chapter 251: Astonishing Reward

Chapter 251: Astonishing Reward

The author's name is Ri Yue Qi Tian.

---

"What is it!"

Gu Yang looked at the person before him and asked calmly.

Gu Yi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Dark Guards have finally gathered information on Prince Cloud!"

"Speak!"

Gu Yang's expression changed, and he immediately asked anxiously.

Since Gu Xiu left the Nine Realms, it has been several years. Two years ago, Gu Qingfeng had the court investigate Gu Xiu's whereabouts.

At first, Gu Yang did not take it too seriously, thinking that it was just a matter of Gu Qingfeng missing Gu Xiu after he had been away for a while.

However, as the Dark Guards delved deeper into the investigation and found no trace of Gu Xiu, Gu Yang realized that the matter was more serious.

After all, although the Divine Martial Dynasty appeared to be content with its current state and had no ambitions in the Ancient Desolate Realm, it had secretly dispatched many people to the Eastern Domain to establish an intelligence network.

Finding information on a single person should not have been impossible, even if they couldn't pinpoint the exact location.

Now that there was news of Gu Xiu, Gu Yang could not afford to ignore it.

Gu Yi said, "A few years ago, Prince Cloud appeared at the Huangji Mountain in the Southern Domain, which was the site of the old Huangji Holy Land. After the decline of the Huangji Holy Land, it was destroyed by numerous forces.

Prince Cloud appeared at Huangji Mountain and was soon attacked by other cultivators, possibly because he possessed the legacy of the former Huangji Great Sage."

"Two years ago, a major battle broke out outside Tianxing City, where Prince Cloud was surrounded by several Dao Palace Realm experts. It is said that the remnant soul of the Huangji Great Sage appeared and used Prince Cloud's body to escape."

"Not long after, Prince Cloud entered an ancient teleportation array and disappeared without a trace!"

As Gu Yi finished speaking, a terrifying aura of killing intent enveloped the entire imperial study. Gu Yang's stern expression turned cold, and his eyes were filled with murderous intent.

"Have you identified the forces that attacked Prince Cloud?"

"Over a hundred forces were involved in the attacks on Prince Cloud. The leading forces were the Ancient Desolate Holy Land, the Zhou Family of the Southern Domain, and the Wang Family of the Southern Domain.

Here is the intelligence on all the forces, please review it, Your Majesty!"

Gu Yi presented the already compiled intelligence to Gu Yang.

After a long while of reading, Gu Yang's expression grew even colder.

"Ancient Desolate Holy Land... Zhou Family of the Southern Domain!"

"Hmph, do they really think that people of the Divine Martial Dynasty can be bullied so easily!"

Among the over a hundred forces involved in the attacks on Gu Yang, many were major forces with Dao Palace Realm experts, such as the Zhou Family and Wang Family of the Southern Domain, which were considered Holy Families.

Moreover, unlike the Shangguan Family, which had only produced one Sage, both the Zhou Family and Wang Family had produced several Sages over the ages.

As for the Ancient Desolate Holy Land, it was an ancient force that had existed for a full 600,000 years.

Ten thousand years ago, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land produced an invincible Sage King who swept through the Southern Domain, bringing the Ancient Desolate Holy Land to its peak.

However, after the Sage King's death, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land's power declined significantly.

Still, even a dying camel is bigger than a horse.

The current Ancient Desolate Holy Land still possessed considerable strength.

After all, it had only been 100,000 years since the Sage King's death, and the Holy Land's foundation had not been fully depleted. In the following 100,000 years, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land produced several Sage Realm experts.

Ten thousand years ago, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land had a top-tier existence who had reached the Half-Step Great Sage Realm.

If that Half-Step Great Sage had achieved the Great Sage Realm, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land could have returned to its former glory. Unfortunately, he was unable to break through.

...

"Ancient Desolate Holy Land!"

"This force cannot be underestimated—"

Gu Yang's expression was grave. Compared to the Ancient Desolate Holy Land, the current Divine Martial Dynasty fell far short.

The gap between them lay in the accumulation of time.

The Ancient Desolate Holy Land, with its 600,000-year history, had produced numerous experts, each of whom had left a legacy for the Holy Land.

Over the years, the Ancient Desolate Holy Land had become extremely formidable.

In fact, there were many forces like the Ancient Desolate Holy Land in the Ancient Desolate Realm, some of which had existed for over a million years, with unfathomable foundations that were nearly impossible to shake.

Additionally—

What Gu Yang was most concerned about was the remnant soul of the Huangji Great Sage.

He was unsure if Gu Xiu had been possessed by the soul. If that were the case, the consequences would be severe.

Originally, Gu Yang wanted to inform Gu Qingfeng immediately, but considering that he was in a life-or-death cultivation session, clearly striving for a higher realm, he suppressed his urge.

More importantly, since Gu Xiu's whereabouts were unknown, informing Gu Qingfeng would not change anything.

"Order the Dark Guards to search for Prince Cloud's whereabouts with all their might. Report any news to me immediately. Additionally, my father is in seclusion; do not disturb him!"

Gu Yang ordered sternly.

Gu Yi bowed and accepted the order.

---

Subsequently.

Gu Yang announced his seclusion, stating that unless it was an emergency, the affairs of the court would be temporarily handled by the ministers. If a decision could not be made, he would intervene to resolve it.

---

The vast Divine Martial Dynasty now seemed to have regained its calm.

The ruler was in seclusion.

The court operated in an orderly manner.

The Sky Patrol Guards patrolled the Nine Realms, and any cultivator who violated the laws of the court was almost always suppressed by the Sky Patrol Guards.

It's worth noting that the current commander of the Sky Patrol Guards, Nanyue Shan, had astonishing talent. After breaking through to the peak of the Grandmaster Realm just a few years ago, he relied on the resources of the court to shatter the barrier of the Grandmaster Realm and advance to the Divine Transformation Realm.

In a sense,

Nanyue Shan's breakthrough made him the first true Divine Transformation Realm cultivator in the Nine Realms, aside from Gu Qingfeng.

Cultivators like the Dark Guards under Gu Qingfeng's command, strictly speaking, were not considered native cultivators of the Nine Realms.

Since Nanyue Shan's breakthrough,

The strength of the Sky Patrol Guards had significantly increased.

Having a Divine Transformation Realm cultivator as a leader was a completely different concept compared to not having one.

Furthermore, Nanyue Shan possessed the supreme treasures bestowed by the court and cultivated exceptional techniques. In terms of true strength, he could rival cultivators at the second or third level of the Divine Transformation Realm.

Thus,

The reputation of the Sky Patrol Guards grew day by day.

One day,

The capital was shaken.

A terrifying blade intent rose into the sky, like a blazing sun, and every cultivator in Guangyang Prefecture instinctively looked up at the sky, their faces filled with shock.

"Such a terrifying blade intent, there is such a powerful cultivator in the Nine Realms!?"

Divine Transformation Realm cultivators felt their hearts tremble, their blood and qi trembling as if they were being watched by something terrifying.

This blade intent was so deep and terrifying that even a fraction of its power could easily annihilate them.

It was hard to imagine what kind of powerful cultivator could wield such a terrifying force.

However, some cultivators who had witnessed the battle at Tianxiong Pass could not help but recall that scene when they saw this blade intent.

Undoubtedly,

There was only one person in the entire Guangyang Prefecture who could possess such blade intent.

"Overlord Blade Gu Qingfeng!"

"That person's strength has become even more terrifying!"

Some cultivators were visibly shocked.

Since Gu Qingfeng gained fame in the Ancient Desolate Realm, his past deeds were dug up.

To say that Gu Qingfeng's original title of Martial Saint was recognized by the cultivators of the Ancient Desolate Realm was impossible.

After all, throughout history, the Ancient Desolate Realm had countless powerful cultivators. Even if Gu Qingfeng's strength was astonishing, it did not warrant the title of Martial Saint.

Thus,

The title of Overlord Blade re-entered the public eye. Combined with the terrifying blade path he had demonstrated, he naturally deserved the title of Overlord Blade.

"Father has broken through!"

Gu Yang, who was in seclusion to advance to the Divine Transformation Realm, suddenly felt the stimulation of this blade intent, and the final barrier he was about to break through was instantly shattered.

Boom!

His blood and qi transformed.

The terrifying power of his blood and qi evolved toward the Divine Transformation Realm, each drop of blood seeming to be filled with supreme divine might.

After a long while,

This power finally subsided.

Gu Yang felt the changes in his body and smiled, "This is the power of the Divine Transformation Realm, indeed far beyond that of a Grandmaster!"

Before breaking through to the Divine Transformation Realm, he could already suppress ordinary Divine Transformation Realm cultivators with his strength. Now that he had broken through, ordinary Divine Transformation Realm cultivators were no match for him.

Moreover,

After breaking through to the Divine Transformation Realm,

Gu Yang also noticed that the aura of the Divine Martial Dynasty seemed to have become more solid.

This was a positive cycle.

As the aura of the Divine Martial Dynasty grew, it benefited Gu Yang as the ruler, accelerating his cultivation. Conversely, if Gu Yang broke through, it would indirectly enhance the aura of the dynasty.

After all, as the ruler of the dynasty, Gu Yang's existence was crucial to the Divine Martial Dynasty.

Thus,

He was not surprised by the change in the dynasty's aura.

However,

For the Divine Martial Dynasty to transform into an Imperial Dynasty, there was still a long way to go.

No dynasty could become an Imperial Dynasty simply by having a few top-tier cultivators. Only when the strength of the nation's citizens improved could it truly enter the ranks of Imperial Dynasties.

Therefore,

Among the forces with Dao Palace Realm cultivators, Imperial Dynasties were often much stronger than some sects or holy lands.

Now that he had broken through, Gu Yang was in high spirits. He then left the secret chamber and looked in the direction of the Gu Family Village.

The blade intent soared into the sky,

Like a blazing sun across the sky.

If it weren't for Gu Qingfeng's breakthrough and the strong blade intent stimulating Gu Yang, it would still take him some time to break through to the Divine Transformation Realm.

This is the nature of cultivation.

It requires both talent and the right opportunity.

"Father's breakthrough will undoubtedly further enhance his strength, but I wonder just how far he has advanced!"

Gu Yang muttered to himself, still unsure of the true extent of Gu Qingfeng's power.

Every time he thought he understood his father's strength, he realized it was just the tip of the iceberg.

Such profound and unfathomable power instilled both awe and a great sense of security in Gu Yang.

The Divine Martial Dynasty's progress to its current state is inseparable from Gu Qingfeng's support.

...

After a long while, the blade intent gradually weakened.

Gu Qingfeng opened his eyes, his gaze like two divine blades piercing through the void. The vast Forge Hall trembled violently, and numerous divine weapons bowed in submission as if they were living beings.

After a moment, Gu Qingfeng exhaled deeply, a rare smile appearing on his face.

"The Ancient Heavenly Blade has reached its Great Perfection!"

"This seclusion has indeed been fruitful."

The Ancient Heavenly Blade reaching Great Perfection signifies that Gu Qingfeng's own realm can also advance, and it saved him 2000 enhancement points.

It's important to note that 2000 enhancement points are not insignificant. If used for a realm breakthrough, they could help him reach the peak of the tenth level of the Dao Palace Realm.

After that, Gu Qingfeng skillfully opened the information panel, and the details that appeared boosted his morale.

...

"Your offspring 'Gu Yang' has been stimulated by the Ancient Heavenly Blade's blade intent, and his cultivation has broken through to the first level of the Divine Transformation Realm!"

"Reward: 700 enhancement points!"

"Reward: 100 Divine Blood Pills!"

"Reward: 100 Nourishing Spirit Pills!"

"Reward: 3000 elite soldiers (upper-class geniuses)!"

"Reward: Supreme Sage Armament 'Divine Emperor Cauldron'!"

...

"Three thousand elite soldiers!"

"Supreme Sage Armament!!"

Gu Qingfeng didn't expect that Gu Yang's breakthrough would truly grant him another batch of elite soldiers.

Moreover, these elite soldiers, like the previous batch, are all upper-class geniuses.

Now that the Nine Realms are connected to the Ancient Desolate Realm, the upper limit for upper-class geniuses has been completely opened. These geniuses, if nothing unexpected happens, will at least reach the Divine Transformation Realm in the future.

Whether they can break through to the Dao Palace Realm and beyond, the Sage Realm, depends on their own opportunities.

After all, to cultivate to such a level, relying solely on talent is difficult. More importantly, it requires opportunity.

The Ancient Desolate Realm is not short of examples of individuals with average talent who, due to various opportunities, ultimately became top-tier experts.

Therefore, talent only determines the lower limit, but does not control the upper limit.

Nevertheless, three thousand upper-class geniuses significantly bolstered the manpower that Gu Qingfeng lacked.

Even if only one-tenth of them can break through to the Dao Palace Realm, they will still form a formidable force.

Moreover, who can guarantee that none of them will achieve the Sage Realm?

As long as the number of elite soldiers is sufficient, there will always be a time when they create a pleasant surprise.

However, compared to the three thousand elite soldiers, what truly caught Gu Qingfeng's attention was the additional reward from the information panel.

The Supreme Sage Armament!

With a thought, a bronze cauldron appeared before Gu Qingfeng.

The cauldron, seemingly made of bronze, radiated divine light and Dao patterns, as if it were evolving myriad phenomena in the universe, and a terrifying pressure spread out, as if suppressing the void of eternity.

This is the Divine Emperor Cauldron!

Gu Qingfeng dripped blood to acknowledge ownership and imprinted his divine soul.

The entire process went smoothly, with the Divine Emperor Cauldron showing no resistance, as if willingly submitting.

After the acknowledgment of ownership,

Gu Qingfeng held the Divine Emperor Cauldron and could feel the terrifying power contained within this supreme treasure.

This power far surpasses that of the Yunlei Cauldron, a Sage Armament.

"This is a Supreme Sage Armament!!"

Before obtaining the Supreme Sage Armament, Gu Qingfeng couldn't truly understand the power of such a supreme treasure.

Now,

With the Divine Emperor Cauldron in his possession,

Gu Qingfeng truly understood the terror of such a supreme treasure.

With a Supreme Sage Armament in hand, he had a premonition that even if a true Sage were to appear, he could likely subdue them with ease.

Subsequently,

Gu Qingfeng placed the Divine Emperor Cauldron in his dantian Dao Palace.

When the Divine Emperor Cauldron appeared in his dantian, the Yunlei Cauldron, a Sage Armament, trembled slightly, as if in fear.

Following this,

Gu Qingfeng looked at his attribute panel.

...

PS: The past few days have been busy with the final touches on house renovations, so the updates were a bit late. The update times will return to normal in the next two days!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end