This was the true purpose of Zhuo Feng's visit.
Gu Qingfeng looked at him meaningfully.
"As far as I know, a thousand-year-old family like yours has always looked down upon warriors. If the Zhuo family wants to take over Taishan Dao, why ask for my opinion?"
"There are indeed voices within the Zhuo family who want to directly take over Taishan Dao, and some have even proposed destroying Gujiazhuang. However, these suggestions were rejected by the Zhuo family."
Zhuo Feng did not hide anything.
"If Gujiazhuang were just an ordinary force, it would have been destroyed by now. However, when a deputy commander of the Evil Suppression Division visited Gujiazhuang, he simply left without taking any action. This indicates that Master Gu's strength is not as simple as the rumors suggest."
"For a warrior with unknown strength, the Zhuo family does not wish to sour relations. While Taishan Dao is valuable, with the foundation of our Zhuo family, possessing or not possessing it makes little difference."
"So, if Master Gu desires to take over Taishan Dao, the Zhuo family will retreat. However, keep in mind that many forces have their eyes on Taishan Dao. Even if the Zhuo family refrains from acting, other sects and families will not necessarily stand by."
"I believe that instead of taking over Taishan Dao, Master Gu should consider handing it over to the Zhuo family. We are willing to pay a fair price."
By this point, Zhuo Feng awaited Gu Qingfeng's response.
The hall fell silent.
After some contemplation, Gu Qingfeng spoke.
"What price is the Zhuo family willing to pay?"
"Whether it be rare treasures or martial arts techniques, as long as Master Gu requests it and the Zhuo family has it, there will be no issue. Even the secret technique for refining evil spirits into the body could be given to Master Gu!"
A smile appeared on Zhuo Feng's face.
He knew his words were working.
Otherwise, this man would not yield so easily.
"Does the Zhuo family possess unique skills for refining internal organs?"
"Of course we do."
"Do you have any of the Grandmaster's secret skills?"
"Grandmaster's secret skills are rare, but the Zhuo family once obtained a copy of the Grandmaster's true intention. It's said that the martial artist who left it was a top-tier individual close to breaking through to the Grandmaster level. The true intention contains certain martial insights, though what exactly remains unknown. So far, no one in the Zhuo family has fully understood the martial arts essence within."
Zhuo Feng shook his head.
Upon hearing this, Gu Qingfeng replied immediately: "Gujiazhuang can relinquish Taishan Dao, but I require three unique techniques that involve the fifth level of organ refinement, as well as the Grandmaster's true intention you mentioned!"
"The techniques for the fifth level of organ refinement are rare. We can offer you one fifth-level technique and one fourth-level technique, along with the Grandmaster's true intention."
"Agreed."
Gu Qingfeng nodded.
Zhuo Feng, seeing his straightforwardness, smiled contentedly.
"Master Gu is decisive. However, I would like to remind you that the path of martial arts has its limits. Over the years, very few have broken through to the Grandmaster level, and even fewer have mastered it. In this world, only sorcerers tread the true path. If you ever have a change of heart, my Zhuo family can provide you with the secret technique for refining evil spirits into the body. Joining my Zhuo family offers far more freedom than joining the Evil Suppression Division."
"We can discuss the future later."
Gu Qingfeng shook his head.
Zhuo Feng smiled. "Very well, let's leave the future for later. I will send the requested items to you within five days. Until then, farewell."
"Very well."
As Zhuo Feng left Gujiazhuang, the smile on his face faded.
A middle-aged man appeared beside him silently.
"Do you plan to take action against Gujiazhuang?" the man asked.
Zhuo Feng shook his head slightly. "If Gujiazhuang cooperates, there's no need to escalate. The people of the Evil Suppression Division are not as simple as they seem."
"From our conversation, it's clear Gujiazhuang hasn't joined the Evil Suppression Bureau. Jiang Qin likely visited to recruit them, but after being rejected, he didn't show any hostility, which speaks to the complexity of Gujiazhuang."
"Moreover—"
"When I met Gu Qingfeng, his vitality and blood were extraordinarily strong, far beyond what an ordinary Marrow Cleansing Realm warrior should possess. I suspect he has already entered the Organ Refining stage."
"For a formidable warrior, who may even be a Junior Grandmaster, it's not wise for the Zhuo family to provoke him. The so-called unique martial arts techniques are trivial to us. If he wants them, give them to him."
"It's a fair trade to exchange a few martial arts techniques for a legitimate claim to Taishan Dao."
Zhuo Feng smiled confidently, as if everything was under his control.
The middle-aged man, however, remained concerned. "Even if Gujiazhuang yields, other forces may not let our Zhuo family take over Taishan Dao."
"Let them try," Zhuo Feng sneered.
All he needed was a legitimate claim over Taishan Dao to place the Zhuo family in a righteous position. When one lacks overwhelming strength, being in the right is crucial.
Besides, Zhuo Feng had another goal: forming an alliance with Gu Qingfeng. For someone who was already a Junior Grandmaster at such a young age, it wasn't far-fetched to think he might eventually break through to the Grandmaster level.
Even though warriors are held in lower regard, a Grandmaster-level figure commands respect in the martial arts world. Such an individual could suppress many sorcerers in the Soul Control Realm.
If the Zhuo family could recruit such a master, it would benefit them immensely. And if Gu Qingfeng ever managed to refine evil spirits into his body, he would become an even more formidable sorcerer.
The Zhuo family had survived countless disasters over a thousand years, thanks in large part to their good relations with powerful individuals.
Thus, while seizing Taishan Dao was important, forging an alliance with Gu Qingfeng was equally crucial.
Of course, if Gu Qingfeng were just an ordinary Marrow Cleansing Realm warrior, that would be a different story.
After all, strength matters in this world.
Though Zhuo Feng promised to deliver the items in five days, by the fourth day, the Zhuo family had already sent everything.
Two unique techniques for organ refinement.
One Grandmaster's true intention scroll.
Gu Qingfeng was quite satisfied with the Zhuo family's efficiency.
For him, Taishan Dao was not crucial.
What mattered more were advanced martial arts techniques.
As long as he became strong enough, giving up Taishan Dao now would mean little. Gu Qingfeng was confident he could conquer other paths, like Taishan Dao, in the future.
Without strength, everything else is mere illusion.
"With these two unique organ refinement techniques, I won't be lacking in martial arts until I break through to the Grandmaster level."
Gu Qingfeng mused.