Chapter 378: Advancing to the Pseudo-Emperor Realm

Chapter 378: Advancing to the Pseudo-Emperor Realm

In the days that followed, Gu Qingfeng remained within the Gu Family Manor.

Due to the Divine Martial Empire's ascension, numerous Gu Family descendants, whether they were outside or not, returned to the family.

For a time, the Gu Family Manor was bustling with activity.

As the patriarch of the Gu Family, Gu Qingfeng naturally took the initiative to guide his descendants in their cultivation.

Currently, besides Gu Yang, who had reached the Sage Realm, the strongest among the remaining members was at the Ninth Apex Dao Palace Realm.

Among them, only a few had truly broken through to the Dao Palace Realm. Most were still at the Divine Transformation Realm, or even below it.

However, it was important to note that the Gu Family had only been established for about a hundred years.

A nascent family could accumulate such a foundation over a century, from nothing to something, was already a remarkable feat.

While not everyone was as exceptional as Gu Fengchen, possessing a divine constitution and top-tier talent, there were also few truly mediocre individuals.

Gu Qingfeng treated all his descendants equally, dedicating part of his time to guide their cultivation and organizing an internal family competition.

The purpose of this was for Gu Qingfeng to assess the strength of the Gu Family's younger generation.

Realm is one thing, and strength is another. They cannot be confused.

After the competition, Gu Qingfeng discovered a few promising talents.

One was named Gu Fengyuan, and the other was named Gu Fengxue.

One male, one female.

Gu Fengyuan had reached the Sixth Stage of Divine Transformation, while Gu Fengxue had advanced to the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation.

To be honest, the fourth generation of the Gu Family was not yet old, and reaching the Divine Transformation Realm was already quite commendable.

Even Gu Fengchen, who possessed the Stellar Dao Constitution, was only at the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation.

For Gu Fengxue to also reach the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation was a clear indication of her extraordinary talent.

"Step forward, the two of you!"

Gu Qingfeng spoke slowly, and the two hurriedly approached. He then carefully examined the two young descendants before him.

Gu Fengyuan was slender and had a handsome face, somewhat resembling Gu Qingfeng in his youth. Gu Fengxue, on the other hand, stood tall and graceful, with smooth skin and a naturally beautiful appearance.

Together, they gave the impression of a golden boy and a jade girl.

"In the fourth generation of the Gu Family, the two of you rank among the top three in cultivation. To reach such a level at your age is quite impressive!"

Gu Qingfeng did not hesitate to praise them directly, and upon hearing this, both of them could not hide their smiles.

"Great Ancestor, you flatter us too much. We are unworthy of such praise!"

"If I'm not mistaken, you practice saber techniques. Today, I will impart a saber technique to you. How much you can grasp depends on your own destiny."

Gu Qingfeng looked at Gu Fengyuan and casually pointed a finger, sending a powerful essence of the Dao into his mind, causing him to momentarily freeze in place.

Next, Gu Qingfeng turned his attention to Gu Fengxue.

"You specialize in sword techniques, so I will impart a sword technique to you."

With that, Gu Qingfeng also transmitted a sword technique essence to her.

At Gu Qingfeng's level of cultivation, it was easy to guide mere Divine Transformation Realm cultivators. Even a fraction of his understanding of the Dao was invaluable to them.

Seeing the two begin to comprehend the Dao, Gu Qingfeng then looked at the others and continued.

"Since the founding of our Gu Family over a hundred years ago, we have yet to establish a core cultivation technique. Therefore, I will be entering seclusion to create a legacy technique for the Gu Family.

Until then, the family library contains numerous techniques and skills. You are welcome to explore it, but how much you can understand depends on your own destiny."

Although Gu Qingfeng had once created a cultivation technique called the Eternal Life Scripture, it was no longer suitable for the current times.

Therefore, he decided to create a true legacy technique for the Gu Family.

Especially since the Gu Family's Pulse Lines were growing, this matter needed to be prioritized.

Hearing this, the others all wore expressions of joy.

"Very well, with this matter settled, I will return to the Withered Mountain Immortal City. As Gu Family descendants, it is not wise to remain in seclusion and focus solely on cultivation. Only through combat can cultivators truly undergo a transformation and reach the peak.

I do not force you, but if you have the desire, you can go to the Withered Mountain Immortal City to fight the demons, or join the Divine Martial Front to serve the empire!"

Gu Qingfeng concluded with a warning.

Everyone naturally agreed.

"We will heed Great Ancestor's advice!"

"Hmm..."

Gu Qingfeng nodded slightly and then vanished from sight.

In the eyes of the others, his figure seemed to dissolve like a bubble, gradually fading until it disappeared completely.

Such a display left them in awe.

"Great Ancestor's power is profound. One day, he will surely ascend to the Emperor Realm!"

"I've heard that when a strong cultivator ascends to the Emperor Realm, their Pulse Line can benefit the entire clan. If Great Ancestor truly breaks through, the Gu Family will become the greatest clan in the world!"

Many of the younger members of the Gu family were visibly excited.

Imperial Clan!

If the Gu family could produce an Emperor, they would undoubtedly be considered an imperial clan.

Most importantly, the emergence of an Emperor would bring prosperity to the clan!

They were also well aware of the many legends surrounding Emperors. If Gu Qingfeng could truly break through to the Emperor Realm, they, as descendants of the Gu family, would also benefit from his blessings.

Elsewhere.

Gu Fengyuan and Gu Fengxue also emerged from their contemplation of the Dao.

They exchanged a glance, and the shock in each other's eyes was evident.

"Cousin, in the next battle, I will definitely not lose!"

Gu Fengyuan said with confidence.

Gu Fengxue's expression remained cold and composed. "Even if we fight again, the result will not change."

"Wait and see!"

Gu Fengyuan was not the least bit intimidated.

His defeat this time was ultimately due to the gap in cultivation. If they were both at the Ninth Stage of Divine Transformation, Gu Fengyuan did not believe he would lose to Gu Fengxue.

Moreover, having received the teachings from Gu Qingfeng, Gu Fengyuan was confident that he could advance his blade domain to a higher level. Once he reached the Ninth Apex, he would gain a deeper understanding of the power of the laws.

However, that step would not be easy.

Although Gu Fengxue also received the legacy from their ancestor, Gu Fengyuan was certain his strength would not be weaker than hers.

---

Meanwhile.

After leaving the Gu family, Gu Qingfeng immediately headed for the Chaotic Starry Sky.

Once he entered the Chaotic Starry Sky, he inspected himself internally, and his attribute panel appeared before his eyes.

...

Name: Gu Qingfeng

Age: 127/9000

Realm: Ninth Apex Sage King Realm

Martial Arts: Heavenly Pulse Scripture (Level 4), Heavenly Blade (Perfection), Great Wasteland Fist Scripture (Perfection), Ancient Heavenly Blade (Perfection), Purple Extreme Dao Canon (Perfection), Wind Departure Scripture (Perfection), Nirvana Dao Scripture (Chapter 9 of the Dao Palace), Heavenly Phoenix Divine Technique (Perfection), Nine Heavens Scripture (First Chapter of the Great Sage), Divine Sky Thunder (Perfection), Nine Yang Dao Scripture (Perfection), Ten Thousand Spirits Dao Scripture (Perfection), Abyssal Scripture (Chapter 9 of the Sage King), Primeval Divine King Scripture (Chapter 9 of the Dao Palace), Netherworld Rebirth Eye (Perfection), (omitted)

Enhancement Points: 54,300

...

"It's time to break through!"

Gu Qingfeng thought to himself.

Due to the Divine Martial Empire's ascension to an imperial dynasty, the enhancement points he had accumulated were already enough to break through the 50,000-point mark. Guiding the younger members of the Gu family in their cultivation further increased his enhancement points.

By now, Gu Qingfeng had accumulated 54,300 enhancement points.

This amount was sufficient to break through the sage king barrier and advance to the Pseudo-Emperor Realm.

"Boom!"

Without hesitation, Gu Qingfeng used 50,000 enhancement points to instantly advance the Abyssal Scripture from Chapter 9 of the Sage King to the Initial Stage of the Pseudo-Emperor Chapter.

At the same time, a terrifying force erupted from his physical body, overwhelming and far more powerful than the sage king level.

Then, in the starry sky above, the heavenly tribulation converged.

The terrifying power of the heavenly tribulation seemed to want to destroy everything.

Before Gu Qingfeng could react, the fearsome lightning struck down, each bolt filled with destructive energy and tinged with unusual Dao patterns.

"The power of the laws!"

Gu Qingfeng looked at the descending lightning and immediately understood the source of this power.

Laws!

The order of all things!

Below the Divine Transformation Realm, one comprehends true intent; below the Sage Realm, one comprehends the domain; below the Pseudo-Emperor Realm, one comprehends the laws; and above the Pseudo-Emperor Realm, one touches the level of the rules.

This is an alternate manifestation of the Great Dao and a symbol of a cultivator's transformation.

Before this, when Gu Qingfeng reached the Ninth Apex of the Sage King Realm, he had a deep understanding of the laws.

When the Divine Martial Empire ascended to an imperial dynasty, Gu Qingfeng received the legacy of a top-tier Emperor's divine technique, the Netherworld Rebirth Eye, which instantly elevated his understanding of the rules to a peak level.

It is important to note that the divine techniques of the Pseudo-Emperor Realm involve the power of the rules. A supreme Emperor's divine technique, in particular, involves extremely profound rules.

The depth of one's understanding of the rules determines the mastery of the divine technique.

By perfecting the Netherworld Rebirth Eye, Gu Qingfeng had reached the peak level of understanding the rules.

True Intent Level 13!

Domain Level 9!

Laws Level 9!

Rules Level 9!

Gu Qingfeng now mastered the Ninth Level of the Netherworld rules.

When the lightning, filled with the essence of the rules, struck down, the rules' Dao patterns flowed through Gu Qingfeng's eyes, and a yellow river from the Netherworld seemed to span the heavens and earth. All the heavenly tribulations vanished without a trace, as if swallowed by an invisible force, leaving no trace of their presence.

In the face of the ninefold rules, the mere tinge of rule power in the heavenly tribulation posed no threat to Gu Qingfeng.

However.

Gu Qingfeng did not completely dispel the heavenly tribulation, as he intended to use its power to cultivate the Ancient Divine King Scripture.

Without further ado.

If he could fully cultivate the Ancient Divine King Body, his strength would take another significant leap.

...

Boom!

Boom!!

Dense lightning bolts rained down, wreaking havoc in the starry sky with a power that could obliterate worlds. The vast expanse of space turned to dust, and countless dimensions swirled like chaotic currents.

Gu Qingfeng stood firm amidst the heavenly tribulation, like an immovable boulder through the ages. Each bolt of lightning that struck him was forcibly transformed into nourishment for his Ancient Divine King Body.

Cultivate!

Cultivate with all his might—

No one knew how much time had passed.

Bathed in the heavenly tribulation, Gu Qingfeng lifted his head to gaze at the dark clouds above, which seemed to have thinned somewhat.

"Almost done. Although the Empire Aspirant tribulation is powerful, it holds little meaning for me now. Continuing would just be a waste of time!"

With that thought.

Gu Qingfeng unleashed a punch, and all the lightning bolts instantly dissipated. The residual force struck the cloud of tribulation, causing it to explode.

The moment the tribulation clouds vanished.

Gu Qingfeng officially stepped into the Empire Aspirant Realm.

...

Name: Gu Qingfeng

Age: 127/10000

Realm: Initial Stage Empire Aspirant

Martial Arts: Heavenly Pulse Scripture (4th Level), Heavenly Blade (Perfection), Great Wasteland Fist Scripture (Perfection), Ancient Heavenly Blade (Perfection), Purple Extreme Dao Canon (Perfection), Wind Departure Scripture (Perfection), Nirvana Dao Scripture (9th Level Dao Palace Chapter), Heavenly Phoenix Divine Technique (Perfection), Nine Heavens Scripture (1st Level Sage Chapter), Divine Sky Thunder (Perfection), Nine Yang Dao Scripture (Perfection), Ten Thousand Spirits Dao Scripture (Perfection), Abyssal Scripture (Initial Stage Empire Aspirant Chapter), Ancient Divine King Scripture (9th Level Dao Palace Chapter), Netherworld Rebirth Eye (Perfection), (omitted)

Enhancement Points: 4300

...

"Initial Stage Empire Aspirant!"

"My current strength should be on par with an Emperor!"

Gu Qingfeng clenched his fist, a terrifying power surging within him. The strength that had undergone the tribulation's transformation was far greater than before.

More importantly.

His Ancient Divine King Body had also made a breakthrough.

If Gu Qingfeng's original physical body was equivalent to the Initial Stage Empire Aspirant, then now his physical body could rival that of an Advanced Stage Empire Aspirant.

In other words.

Below the Advanced Stage Empire Aspirant.

Even if Gu Qingfeng stood still, it would be difficult for others to truly breach his defenses.

Even with an Empire Aspirant weapon, the threat to him would be minimal.

Only Advanced Stage Empire Aspirants could possibly breach his defenses.

And only those at the Peak Stage Empire Aspirant could pose a real threat.

Even without using any Heavenly Vein power, Gu Qingfeng felt that he was no weaker than he was during the battle at Zhenyao Immortal City.

To recall.

During the battle at Zhenyao Immortal City.

Gu Qingfeng single-handedly slew four Demon Emperors and heavily injured two powerful Demon Emperors, one of whom was on par with a Half-Emperor.

At that time, despite his cultivation being only at the Third Heaven of Sage King, by using the power of four Heavenly Veins, his strength was comparable to that of a top-tier Half-Emperor.

But now.

Having reached the Empire Aspirant Realm, even without using the Heavenly Vein power, Gu Qingfeng was no weaker than he was during that stage at Zhenyao Immortal City.

If he used the power of the four Heavenly Veins, Gu Qingfeng was confident that he could face a true Emperor head-on.

Even a newly ascended Emperor might not be his match.

Although Gu Qingfeng had long anticipated that breaking through to the Empire Aspirant Realm would bring a significant boost in strength, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement when he truly reached this point.

The reason was simple.

Once one's strength reaches the Emperor Realm.

One truly ascends to the peak of the Ancient Realm, and even the entire chaotic starry sky.

No matter what kind of existence one faces, one has the confidence to handle it. (End of Chapter)

Chapter end