"I have to thank the Patriarch for providing the elixir; otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to break through to the Blood Refining Realm!" A smile spread across Meng Peng's face.
He had been stuck at the Skin Refining Stage for years, unable to advance due to both a lack of appropriate skills and the inherent difficulty of the breakthrough. Meng Peng's talent wasn't particularly strong, and without the Blood Refining Pill, it might have taken him one or two years to reach the Blood Refining Realm, even with the complete Gu Family Fist at his disposal.
The Blood Refining Pill had played a crucial role in his success.
Gu Qingfeng nodded. "It's great that you've made the breakthrough. What are the reactions from the various forces?"
At this, Meng Peng's smile faded, and his expression turned grim. "So far, only a few small forces have sent representatives. The larger factions, like the Qin family and the Tianyun Sect, have remained silent. Because of their inaction, other forces are also hesitating."
Meng Peng's tone conveyed his concern. "In my opinion, this situation may not end well..."
His words hung in the air, met with few responses. Meng Peng felt that the Gu family was in a precarious position. Could they truly confront all the forces in Baishidao?
He shook his head internally. It wasn't a matter of doubting Gu Qingfeng's strength; it was simply too daunting to take on the entire region alone.
Gu Qingfeng's eyes sparkled with determination. "If it doesn't end well... then let it not end at all. I've given them a chance, and if they don't appreciate it, there's nothing more to discuss."
Meng Peng's eyes widened in shock. "Does the Patriarch really intend to take action against them?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Gu Qingfeng replied, his gaze intense. "I offered them a chance to show respect, but they refused. Ultimately, the world is ruled by strength. If they doubt my capabilities, I'll show them just how strong the Gu family really is!"
In the Gu family lobby, several individuals sat upright. Upon seeing Gu Qingfeng and Meng Peng enter, they quickly stood and saluted.
"Meet Master Gu!"
Gu Qingfeng took his seat with a faint smile. "Please, everyone, take a seat."
"Thank you, Patriarch Gu!" They all settled down.
Gu Qingfeng surveyed the group, and their backgrounds flashed through his mind. The Gu family had been in Baishidao for many years and was familiar with the local forces.
Zhou Family Martial Arts School - Zhou Yuan!
Four Seas Gang - Gu Xinghai!
Poison Hand Sect - Old Man Bai Du!
Zizhu Manor - Murong Xiu!
The first two had warriors who had completed the Skin Refining Stage, while the latter two were only halfway through Blood Refining.
Overall, these four forces were neither too large nor too small in Baishidao. Although they lacked Blood Refining Realm warriors, their foundations were solid.
Under Gu Qingfeng's gaze, they felt a tremendous pressure, and their previous thoughts evaporated.
In that moment, they realized the Gu family's patriarch was far more formidable than the rumors suggested.
Gu Qingfeng spoke, "I'm pleased to see you all here. Let's not waste any more time. I plan to unify Baishidao. If you agree, I can offer you the opportunity to break through to Blood Refining."
"If you refuse, you may leave now. But know this: the next time we meet, you will be my enemies."
Gu Qingfeng got straight to the point, demanding their decision.
The expressions of the representatives shifted, clearly shocked by his directness. Although they had come prepared, they hadn't anticipated such a blunt proposal.
After a moment of silence, Old Man Bai Du of the Poison Hand Sect spoke first. "The Poison Hand Sect is willing to follow the Gu family's lead!"
"The Zhou Family Martial Arts School also agrees!"
"And we from the Four Seas Gang..."
"Zizhu Manor is on board as well..."
With Bai Du's lead, the others quickly pledged their loyalty.
In a chaotic world, especially in Baishidao, they recognized that aligning with a powerful figure like Gu Qingfeng could provide them with significant backing.
"Excellent. You will be grateful for your choice today. It seems the other forces have decided not to respond. Since that's the case, I will pay them a visit myself!"
Gu Qingfeng's lips curled into a cold smile.
His declaration left everyone stunned.
Murong Xiu cautiously asked, "Does Patriarch Gu really intend to act against the other forces?"
"I never make false statements," Gu Qingfeng replied, his eyes fierce.
This revelation shocked them further.
At that moment, Gu Qingfeng gave Meng Peng a command, mobilizing the Gu family guards to march towards the Qin family.
Seeing this, Murong Xiu and the others had no choice but to follow. They had just pledged their allegiance to the Gu family, and refusing to join now would certainly lead to repercussions.
With no other options left, they resigned themselves to the path ahead.
When the Gu family moved, the Qin family was the first to receive the news.
Upon learning that Gu Qingfeng was leading a group to their doorstep, Qin Hongtang was shocked and furious.
He could hardly believe that the Gu family would dare to attack them without provocation.
Regret flickered in the back of his mind, but this was a matter of reputation for the Qin family. He had no choice but to maintain a strong front, gathering all the Qin family warriors and personally summoning the family ancestor from the back mountain.
As Gu Qingfeng approached the Qin family, they were already on high alert.
Qin Hongtang and the family ancestor stood ready to confront him.
"Master Gu, why have you brought so many people to my Qin family?" the ancestor inquired.
Gu Qingfeng glanced at the elder. "Are you the ancestor of the Qin family?"
Despite his age, the elder radiated strong energy, confirming he had completed the Blood Refining Stage.
Before the ancestor could respond, Gu Qingfeng's cold gaze swept over the other Qin family members, his intent clear.
"I'm offering your Qin family a chance to submit to the Gu family. Otherwise, there will be no place for the Qin family in this world!"
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