Time flew by, and the seasons changed from spring to autumn. In the blink of an eye, three years had passed.
During those three years, Baishidao had become increasingly chaotic and dangerous. Even the Gu family, led by Gu Qingfeng, felt the impact, with many of their businesses suffering. Some Blood Refining Realm forces even attempted to use the turmoil to annex the Gu family's assets.
However, a year and a half ago, Gu Qingfeng made a decisive move. In a public display of overwhelming power, he crushed a long-established Blood Refining Realm warrior. The sheer dominance of his victory sent shockwaves through Baishidao.
It was only then that others began to realize that the usually low-profile head of the Gu family was, in fact, a formidable Blood Refining Realm cultivator. Considering his ability to annihilate someone of the same realm, rumors spread that he was at least in the mid-stage of Blood Refining, with some even speculating that he had reached the late stage.
From that moment, the Gu family's status skyrocketed, solidifying them as one of the top powers in Baishidao. Many forces approached Gu Qingfeng, hoping to forge alliances, seeking shelter from the unrest that plagued Baishidao and beyond. However, Gu Qingfeng had no interest in meddling with the martial arts world. He politely declined their overtures, choosing to maintain the Gu family's neutral position. Still, his name and the reputation of the Gu family echoed throughout Baishidao.
In the backyard of the Gu family estate, Gu Qingfeng practiced his Fiery Sun Palm. As he moved through the technique, waves of fiery energy erupted from his body, creating a searing, oppressive atmosphere. His movements were powerful, and each palm strike radiated with immense force. As he performed his techniques, the temperature around him rose noticeably.
With a final strike, the ground trembled, and nearby rocks disintegrated into dust.
Gu Qingfeng stood still, allowing his energy to settle. He glanced at his attribute panel, which displayed:
Name: Gu Qingfeng
Age: 35/100
Realm: Intermediate Blood Refining
Martial Arts:
Gu Family Fist (Indestructible Level 1)Iron Body Skill (Body as Hard as Iron Level 1)Big Stone Smashing Hand (Minor Success)Iron Leg Skill (Minor Success)Iron Refining Finger (Minor Success)Fiery Sun Palm (Fourth Level Entry)
Improvement Points: 0
"I've finally reached the fourth level!" Gu Qingfeng smiled with satisfaction. After three years of relentless training, he had perfected the first three levels of the Fiery Sun Palm. Today, he experienced a sudden epiphany, allowing him to break through to the fourth level.
While the gap between the third level's perfection and the fourth level's entry seemed small, the increase in his strength was palpable. Gu Qingfeng could feel the power coursing through him.
At that moment, a fair-skinned woman in a green dress approached, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Congratulations, husband, on your breakthrough," she said with a smile.
Gu Qingfeng turned to her, his expression softening as he noticed her slightly swollen belly. "Yulan," he greeted warmly.
The woman, Xu Yulan, was the eldest daughter of the Xu family. A year ago, her family had faced a calamity, and she had sought refuge with the Gu family. Gu Qingfeng had saved her, and soon after, they married.
Though their union was partly based on mutual affection, Gu Qingfeng also saw an opportunity to continue his bloodline and test his unique abilities. He already had one son, Gu Yang, whose breakthroughs granted him benefits through his mysterious golden finger. However, as Gu Yang grew stronger, his progress slowed. In three years, he had been unable to advance past the late stage of Skin Refining, and the time required for future breakthroughs would only increase.
Gu Qingfeng realized that his lifespan, though extended by his cultivation, was still finite. He needed to secure more offspring and ensure the continuation of his power.
His mind was filled with thoughts of the future as he gazed at Xu Yulan's belly. He had gone to great lengths to ensure their child would be born with the same talent as Gu Yang, using secret recipes and precious herbs to support Xu Yulan during her pregnancy. Over the past year, Xu Yulan had also benefited from the treatments, nearly reaching the intermediate stage of Skin Refining despite her average talent.
Suddenly, Xu Yulan winced, her hand instinctively going to her stomach. Gu Qingfeng's expression shifted to concern as he rushed to her side. "Are you alright?" he asked anxiously.
Xu Yulan smiled gently. "Don't worry, my husband. The baby just kicked me. It's nothing serious."
Relieved, Gu Qingfeng helped her back to their room and called for a doctor to check on her. Half a day later, Gu Qingfeng and the doctor exited the room.
"How is she, Doctor Liu?" Gu Qingfeng asked.
"Master Gu, everything is fine. Madam is in good health, and the baby is developing perfectly. I expect the child to be born in two months," Doctor Liu replied with a reassuring smile.
Overjoyed, Gu Qingfeng handed the doctor a silver note as a reward for his service. Once Doctor Liu left, Gu Qingfeng turned to the maids. "Take good care of Madam. Make sure everything goes smoothly, or you will be held accountable."
"Yes, sir!" the maids responded in unison.
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