AN - Stone me
At nightfall, the study was brightly lit.
Gu Yang arrived and engaged in conversation with Gu Qingfeng.
"Father, during the battle with Qingyang Sect, I realized a critical issue within our Gu family—we lack enough powerful individuals and trustworthy people. Although we employ wandering martial artists as guards, their loyalty is conditional. If their interests align with ours, they will follow orders, but if not, they could easily betray us."
Gu Yang spoke solemnly.
Gu Qingfeng nodded, acknowledging his son's concern. "I've considered this issue as well. What are your thoughts?"
"I suggest that, given our family's limited numbers, we follow the example of other clans and noble families by recruiting orphans. We could train them from a young age, ensuring their loyalty and usefulness to the family in the future. If the family population grows in time, this problem will naturally diminish."
After presenting his idea, Gu Yang waited for his father's response.
Gu Qingfeng said, "The lack of manpower is indeed a pressing issue. However, if we intend to expand, the Gu family itself must first grow in size. Additionally, Yang'er, you'll be turning fifteen soon. It won't be long before you're of age to marry and start a family."
He paused briefly before continuing. "We can't delay this matter. The stronger a warrior becomes, the lower the chances of leaving behind offspring. Do you have anyone you fancy? If so, I can arrange something within a few years."
Gu Yang, lowering his head, replied, "These decisions are entirely in your hands, Father."
Seeing his son's reserved demeanor, Gu Qingfeng didn't press further. In this world, marriages are typically arranged by parents and matchmakers. Given the current status of the Gu family, finding a suitable match for Gu Yang wouldn't be difficult.
In fact, if word got out that the young master of the Gu family was seeking marriage, the doors of their residence would be knocked down by eager suitors from influential families by the next morning.
"In the coming days, I want you to find a new location for the Gu family residence. This place is becoming too small."
"I understand, Father," Gu Yang responded with a nod.
Afterward, Gu Qingfeng gave his son some cultivation advice before letting him leave.
In the quiet of the study, Gu Qingfeng reviewed his attribute panel once more. His Tiangang Divine Body had reached its limit, and progressing further would require 80 improvement points. However, after his last breakthrough, he only had 60 points remaining.
To break through now, he would need a few more points.
Achieving this would likely require waiting until Gu Yang experienced another significant breakthrough in his cultivation. However, since Gu Yang had only recently entered the Blood Refining Realm, it would take some time before he could advance again.
Given this, Gu Qingfeng decided to use his remaining points to enhance other aspects of his strength.
First, he focused on mastering top-tier martial arts.
Although his foundational cultivation was solid, he lacked advanced techniques for defeating formidable opponents. The Fiery Sun Palm and the Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique, though formidable, were still mid-tier martial arts. The former had reached perfection, but its moves weren't sophisticated enough. As for the latter, he was only at the beginner level.
Thus, Gu Qingfeng set his sights on the Seven Killing Sword Technique, a top-tier martial art designed for killing. If mastered to perfection, it would greatly enhance his combat abilities.
Without hesitation, Gu Qingfeng used 20 improvement points to elevate the Seven Killing Sword Technique from beginner to perfection. As his mastery of the sword technique grew, he felt as if he had stepped onto a battlefield, becoming one of its warriors. With a sword in hand, he fought fiercely, slowly uncovering the mysteries of killing.
Perhaps only a moment had passed, or maybe it had been a hundred years, but when the Seven Killing Sword Technique finally reached perfection, Gu Qingfeng opened his eyes. A chilling light flashed from them, and a terrifying murderous intent filled the room, causing the temperature to drop significantly.
...
Seven Killing Sword Technique (Level 1: Killing True Intent)
This level represented the pinnacle achieved by the technique's original creator—an unparalleled mastery of killing on the battlefield.
Typically, achieving the "True Intent of Killing" required years of combat experience on the frontlines. However, by using improvement points, Gu Qingfeng bypassed this need entirely.
Now, his comprehension of the Seven Killing Sword Technique was on par with that of its creator.
To break through further, he would need 40 more improvement points.
Without delay, Gu Qingfeng used his remaining 40 points, pushing the Seven Killing Sword Technique to an entirely new level.
Boom—
His aura changed again.
At that moment, Gu Qingfeng resembled a murderous demon emerging from the depths of hell, his eyes glowing blood-red. The overwhelming urge to slaughter surged within him, but he quickly suppressed the impulse.
When he glanced at his attribute panel again, the True Intent of Killing had risen to Level 2.
Whew!
Gu Qingfeng exhaled deeply, closing his eyes to fully absorb the insights of the Seven Killing Sword Technique. After a long while, he opened them again, the blood-red tint fading away.
With the Seven Killing Sword Technique now beyond its previous limits, it had transcended into a category comparable to the most elite martial arts.
In terms of technical sophistication, there was little difference between the Seven Killing Sword Technique before and after its breakthrough. What had truly evolved was his grasp of the True Intent of Killing.
At its highest levels, this power could allow a warrior to kill with nothing but a glance.
Although Gu Qingfeng had not made a breakthrough in his cultivation realm, the elevation of the Seven Killing Sword Technique had significantly bolstered his overall strength.
This was the unique advantage of martial arts focused on killing. Unlike regular techniques that merely improved one's cultivation, killing arts could elevate a warrior's prowess to an entirely different level.
At the highest mastery, the power of such techniques became immeasurable.
"The Seven Killing Sword Technique has broken its limits!" Gu Qingfeng thought, "Now, I need to forge a suitable weapon. Without a proper weapon, I won't be able to unleash the full potential of this technique."
The following day, Gu Qingfeng tasked Meng Peng with finding several expert blacksmiths to help forge the perfect weapon for him.
Though Baishidao was neither particularly large nor small, it was home to several sects and families renowned for their forging skills.
One such force was the Sword Casting Gate.
Upon hearing that the head of the Gu family required a specially forged weapon, the blacksmiths of the Sword Casting Gate dared not refuse and immediately came to discuss the details with Gu Qingfeng.
4o