The sound of a baby crying filled the room, and the information panel refreshed. Gu Qingfeng, who had been filled with anxious anticipation, finally felt at ease.
"Your second offspring is born!"
"Your third offspring is born!"
Two notifications appeared on the panel, explaining everything. Just then, the tightly closed door opened, and the midwife emerged with a bright smile.
"Congratulations, Master Gu! Your wife has given birth to twins, and both mother and children are safe!" she announced.
"Excellent!" Gu Qingfeng replied, waving his hand. "Everyone who helped with the delivery will be rewarded 100 taels of silver. Follow Meng Peng to claim your reward."
The midwife and her team's eyes lit up at the promise of such a generous reward.
"Thank you, Master Gu!" they exclaimed in unison, overjoyed. A hundred taels of silver could feed them for ten years, a sum they could scarcely imagine earning in their lifetime.
Gu Qingfeng didn't think much of it; with the Gu family's current wealth, rewarding a few thousand taels was hardly a concern. As they left to collect their rewards, Gu Qingfeng entered the room, where his wife, Xu Yulan, lay weakly in bed, their two newborn children nestled beside her.
"Thank you for all your hard work, my love," Gu Qingfeng said softly, stepping forward with a look of deep affection.
Xu Yulan smiled faintly, her face pale but peaceful. "It's nothing compared to the joy of seeing our children safe and sound. Have you thought of names for them?"
"I have," Gu Qingfeng replied, gazing at the two newborns thoughtfully. After a moment, he spoke. "The elder will be named Gu Xuan, and the younger, Gu Xiu."
As soon as the names were uttered, the information panel updated once again:
"Your second offspring is named 'Gu Xuan'!"
"Your third offspring is named 'Gu Xiu'!"
Gu Qingfeng then called for supplements to be prepared for Xu Yulan, ensuring she would regain her strength.
News of the Gu family's new twins spread quickly, and soon a steady stream of visitors came to offer their congratulations. The Gu family, now rulers of Baishidao, attracted the attention of many who sought to curry favor with the rising power.
Gu Qingfeng was in a good mood and received all guests personally. Before long, a month had passed, and Gu Qingfeng organized a grand full moon banquet, inviting representatives from all the surrounding powers.
As the banquet preparations proceeded, the information panel updated again:
"Your offspring 'Gu Xuan' is one month old!"
"Your offspring 'Gu Xiu' is one month old!"
Since the birth of his twins, Gu Qingfeng had noticed subtle changes in the information panel. Previously, it only displayed notifications related to rewards—such as Gu Yang's breakthroughs—but now it frequently updated with milestones marking his children's growth.
He had suspicions about these changes, though for the moment, he was more focused on the possibility that, once his children began their martial training, they might bring him even greater rewards in the future.
After the full moon banquet, life at the Gu residence returned to normal. Gu Yang continued handling family affairs, while Gu Qingfeng secluded himself to cultivate. While Gu Qingfeng had relied heavily on the Fiery Sun Palm technique in the past, his possession of several mid-level martial arts now meant that he needed to broaden his mastery before breaking into the Bone Refining Realm.
At the same time, Gu Qingfeng also took the opportunity to guide Gu Yang in his martial practice. Gu Yang was gifted, and with the help of the Blood Refining Pill, it wouldn't be long before he broke through to the Blood Refining Realm. Gu Qingfeng looked forward to the generous rewards that would come when that day arrived.
He didn't neglect his younger children either. Using rare medicinal materials, Gu Qingfeng performed marrow-strengthening treatments on both Gu Xuan and Gu Xiu, laying the foundation for their future growth in martial arts.
Every time one of the twins completed a marrow-removal treatment, the information panel updated:
"Your offspring 'Gu Xuan' has completed a marrow-removal treatment, and his bones have slightly improved."
"Your offspring 'Gu Xiu' has completed a marrow-removal treatment, and his bones have slightly improved."
Over several months, similar notifications kept appearing, documenting their steady growth. Yet, one day, Gu Qingfeng noticed something unusual.
"Your offspring 'Gu Yang' has gained enlightenment while practicing Gu Family Fist, and his strength has improved slightly!"
The sudden appearance of Gu Yang's progress on the information panel surprised Gu Qingfeng. He realized something significant: since the birth of his twins, the panel had evolved, becoming far more detailed and responsive.
In the past, the panel only recorded rewards, but now it was monitoring his offspring's development in real time. This new flexibility greatly pleased Gu Qingfeng. He could now keep track of their progress at all times, an invaluable resource for their future.
Just then, Meng Peng entered the room.
"This subordinate greets the Patriarch," Meng Peng said respectfully.
"What news do you have?" Gu Qingfeng asked.
"News has come from the Red Sword Sect that the Millennium Ginseng King you sought has been found. The Red Sword Sect's Master, Shangguan Rong, is waiting outside."
Gu Qingfeng's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Bring him in."
Meng Peng bowed and swiftly brought Shangguan Rong into the room. As soon as Shangguan saw Gu Qingfeng, he knelt respectfully.
"Shangguan Rong greets Patriarch Gu!"
"No need for such formality," Gu Qingfeng said warmly. "I hear the Red Sword Sect has found the Millennium Ginseng King. Is it true?"
"Yes, Patriarch. A disciple of my sect stumbled upon the Ginseng King a few days ago, and I immediately brought it here for you." Shangguan Rong presented a sandalwood brocade box. When Gu Qingfeng opened it, the refreshing aroma of the thousand-year-old ginseng filled the air.
"Wonderful! It truly is the Millennium Ginseng King," Gu Qingfeng said, pleased beyond words.
This was the final ingredient for his Bone Strengthening Soup. Now that he had everything he needed, he could finally prepare the concoction and take the next critical step toward breaking into the Bone Refining Realm.
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