Gu Qingfeng pondered, "The incident at Gujiazhuang was just a small episode."
Once the problem there was resolved, subsequent progress unfolded rapidly.
In less than ten days, Gujiazhuang was completely constructed.
The next day, Gu Qingfeng relocated his family from Baishi City to the newly built Gujiazhuang.
To commemorate this move, Gu Qingfeng held a grand banquet, inviting various local powers.
Given that the Gu family was now widely recognized as the top force in Baishi Dao, and known even throughout Guangyang Prefecture, no one dared to ignore their invitation. After three days of lively celebration, Gujiazhuang finally returned to its usual peace.
Following this, Gu Qingfeng initiated significant reforms in Gujiazhuang.
First, he established the Inner Hall and Outer Hall. The Inner Hall was reserved for direct descendants of the Gu family and adopted disciples granted the surname "Gu." The Outer Hall housed the original guards and non-direct descendants who had also been granted the surname.
Gu Qingfeng appointed Gu Yang as the head of the Inner Hall and Meng Peng as the head of the Outer Hall. Additionally, he created a Law Enforcement Hall to oversee the entire village, naming Gu Yang as its head as well. Since the Gu family had a small number of members, it was important for such a key position to stay within the family.
Thus, the Gu family officially became Gujiazhuang, with Gu Qingfeng's title changing from family head to "Manor Lord." The family now operated as a true force in the underworld.
"The Gu family has temporarily established three halls: the Inner Hall, the Outer Hall, and the Law Enforcement Hall," Gu Qingfeng said in the main hall of Gujiazhuang, his gaze falling on Meng Peng.
"Meng Peng, you've been with me for nearly ten years. Your loyalty has been clear to me."
"So today, I've decided to grant you the surname 'Gu.' Will you accept?"
Upon hearing this, Meng Peng—now to be known as Gu Peng—was overwhelmed with joy. Without hesitation, he bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Manor Lord, for the honor. I pledge my life to Gujiazhuang!"
Granting the surname "Gu" signified Meng Peng's official inclusion into the Gu family, raising his status to that of a true member. Naturally, Gu Peng was ecstatic.
Gu Qingfeng continued, "The Outer Hall is crucial. I'll be providing six mid-level martial arts techniques to serve as its foundation. You'll also need to thoroughly assess the current members. Root out any spies from other forces or those with ill intentions. In addition, recruit orphans or talented children from across the region for training."
"The only problem Gujiazhuang faces right now is its weak foundation," he added. "But give it twenty years, and we will stand as equals with the other great powers of Guangyang Prefecture."
Gu Qingfeng was absolutely confident in this. Gu Peng accepted his orders eagerly.
Turning to Gu Yang, Gu Qingfeng said, "The Inner Hall doesn't need much attention for now. You should focus on learning from Gu Peng. Additionally, the Law Enforcement Hall must be expanded. You'll also be responsible for setting some of the village's rules."
"Understood, father!" Gu Yang nodded.
Gu Qingfeng gave a few more instructions before dismissing them. With all the groundwork laid, Gujiazhuang just needed time to grow.
The Demon Suppression Prison.
Gu Qingfeng had personally overseen the construction of this prison, its entrance hidden by a secret rockery mechanism in the backyard where he often practiced. The entire prison was reinforced with fine iron to ensure its security. To maintain its secrecy, Gu Qingfeng had the prison's parts built by different craftsmen, but he assembled the entire structure himself, creating a massive, nearly indestructible stronghold.
This prison wasn't designed for criminals; it was meant to suppress evil spirits.
Because it was crafted from fine iron, even a Bone Refining Realm warrior would struggle to break through it. Constructing the Demon Suppression Prison cost Gu Qingfeng over 200,000 taels of silver, but given the importance of controlling evil spirits, he spared no expense.
Inside the prison, glowing pearls lined the walls to provide light, illuminating three golden coffins. One of the coffins was noticeably larger, housing the shadow ghost that had been sealed inside. The other two were smaller, prepared for future use. Since gold was essential for containing evil spirits, Gu Qingfeng forged the smaller coffins in advance, knowing they might be needed someday.
Standing before the large golden coffin, Gu Qingfeng watched as it trembled slightly, the sealed shadow ghost struggling against its chains. Yet, the bindings held firm.
"What exactly is an evil spirit?" Gu Qingfeng murmured to himself. "Is it really impossible to kill?"
The belief that "evil spirits never die" had been passed down through the ages. According to ancient texts—both spiritual and Taoist—evil spirits could not be destroyed, only sealed through special methods.
However, spiritual texts also claimed that only evil spirits could kill other evil spirits. This led some to practice forbidden arts, infusing themselves with evil spirits to gain their power, but even those who became sorcerers couldn't kill true evil spirits.
It seemed that the power acquired by these sorcerers wasn't pure enough. Only an evil spirit that had freed itself from suppression could kill another of its kind.
This contradiction left Gu Qingfeng thoughtful.
"Evil spirits aren't truly immortal," he concluded. "But only an evil spirit can kill another. Still, nothing is truly indestructible in this world. There must be a key to why evil spirits can destroy one another."
"If I can find that key, the legend of the immortal evil spirit might finally be shattered," Gu Qingfeng thought, as a gleam of insight crossed his eyes. His mind raced through everything he knew about evil spirits, and some possibilities began to take shape.