"It's been three months already. Big Brother Gu Fei has been in seclusion for quite a long time this time!"
Inside the bamboo house, Xiao Yi Xian and Qing Lin, among others, were worried about Gu Fei.
Gu Fei had mentioned that he needed to go into seclusion to subdue the Three Thousand Burning Flame, a process that required a period of intense cultivation. Subduing a heavenly flame was already extremely dangerous, and with Gu Fei having been gone for so long, they couldn't help but worry that something might have gone wrong during the process.
"No need to worry. It's just the Three Thousand Burning Flame. It's not something Big Brother Gu Fei can't handle," Zi Yan said, trying to comfort the anxious Xiao Yi Xian. "He might have encountered some opportunities, which is why it's taking a bit longer."
Zi Yan then extended her hand, revealing a glowing golden dragon seal in her palm. Her dragon seal was connected to Gu Fei's, allowing her to monitor his condition. Seeing the seal still shining brightly, she knew that Gu Fei was not in any danger.
"I hope so," Xiao Yi Xian said softly, clasping her hands together in silent prayer for Gu Fei's safety.
Just then, a ripple in the space caught Zi Yan's attention. She looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. The ripple came from the spot where Gu Fei would appear.
"You're finally back! It was so tough without you. I've even run out of pills... And Xiao Yi Xian was really worried about you."
Xiao Yi Xian immediately opened her eyes upon hearing Zi Yan's words and was relieved to see the person she'd been so worried about.
"Sorry to have made you worry," Gu Fei said as he approached Xiao Yi Xian, gently embracing her and patting Zi Yan's head. "To make it up to you, how about I refine some more pills for you?"
Zi Yan, satisfied with his offer, smiled and went off to play with Qing Lin.
"Why did it take so long?" Xiao Yi Xian asked with concern, though Gu Fei appeared unharmed.
"The Three Thousand Burning Flame was stronger than I anticipated. Although I managed to subdue it, there were some difficulties during the absorption process," Gu Fei explained. "The violent energy of the heavenly flame requires careful handling; otherwise, one could easily end up getting burned. But in the end, the effort paid off. The rewards were significant."
Gu Fei then released a bit of his Dou Qi, and she could sense the overwhelming energy, realizing he had grown much stronger. However, she didn't know exactly how much.
"Four-Star Dou Venerate! Sometimes I really envy you geniuses," a hoarse voice spoke from behind her. It was Venerable Tian Huo.
Gu Fei noticed that Venerable Tian Huo's strength had reached the level of a Six-Star Dou Zun, indicating that he had fully absorbed the eight-tier pill Gu Fei had given him.
"Congratulations on regaining your strength, Elder Yao," Gu Fei said, offering his congratulations.
Venerable Tian Huo responded with a wry smile, "I've spent countless years cultivating to reach Six-Star Dou Venerate, while you've reached Four-Star at such a young age. It's really quite humbling..."
In the three months that had passed, not only had Venerable Tian Huo regained his strength, but Xiao Yi Xian and the others had also made progress in their cultivation.
Afterward, Gu Fei, now familiar with his new control over the heavenly flame, challenged the fifth commander of the Black Submerged Army. On that day, Gu Fei, with his Four-Star Dou Venerate strength, defeated the Six-Star Dou Venerate commander, stunning everyone and earning the title of the new fifth commander of the Black Submerged Army.
...
"So, this is the Gu Realm?"
At the edge of the Gu Realm, a rift appeared in the air, and four figures emerged from it, descending into the realm.
"The energy here is even more abundant than in our Yan Realm. The foundation of the Gu Clan is indeed deeper than ours," an elder couldn't help but sigh.
"I still find the energy of the Yan Realm more comfortable," a clear female voice remarked. The speaker was a young girl, appearing to be in her teens, with long fiery red hair that accentuated her graceful figure. Her beautiful face carried a hint of coldness, and a flame mark adorned her forehead.
These people were from the Yan Clan, one of the eight ancient clans. Apart from the red-haired girl, the other three were elders of the Yan Clan, all of them Dou Saints.
"Huo Zhi, we're guests here. This is not our Yan Realm, so mind your words," one of the elders reminded the young girl.
Huo Zhi opened her mouth to retort but was interrupted as several figures suddenly appeared before them.
"Welcome to the Gu Realm, Yan Clan delegation! Elder Huo Yao, it's been a long time!"
Gu Nan Hai and several other elders of the Gu Clan appeared. They had been waiting for the Yan Clan's arrival.
"Hahaha, it's Elder Gu Nanhai. Greetings," the Yan Clan elder named Huo Yao responded.
"Please, come into the Gu Realm. I will host a welcome banquet for you," Gu Nanhai gestured, leading the Yan Clan delegation deeper into the Gu Realm.
They arrived at a grand hall specifically designed for hosting guests, where several other elders were already waiting.
After inviting the Yan Clan members to their seats, the Gu Clan elders also sat down. Although people at their level no longer needed to eat, the formalities were still observed, and a feast was prepared.
Huo Zhi sat at the end of the Yan Clan's seating arrangement, her eyes constantly surveying the Gu Clan members present. She focused on those close to her age or slightly older, and after scanning the room, her already cold expression became even more disdainful.
"So, these are the young talents of the Gu Clan? They're nothing special... I hope you're not among them," Huo Zhi thought to herself, withdrawing her gaze.
At the banquet, after some polite exchanges, Gu Nanhai spoke up, "Elders of the Yan Clan, what brings you here from such a distance?"
The Yan Clan elders exchanged glances before one of them spoke, "Hehe, indeed, we have a matter to discuss..."
"Elder Huo Yao, please feel free to speak," Gu Nanhai replied courteously.
"I've heard that the Gu Clan prodigy Gu Fei has recently separated from Miss Xun'er. Is this true?" the Yan Clan elder asked, causing Gu Nanhai's smile to freeze.
It was said that family scandals should not be spread, but now this news had even reached the Yan Clan.
"It was just a misunderstanding between two young people. We've lived long enough not to concern ourselves with such trivial matters," Gu Nanhai responded, avoiding a direct answer.
But the Yan Clan elder pressed on, "Elder Huo Yao, please be direct."
Seeing no way to avoid the issue, Gu Nan Hai reluctantly confirmed, "There is... some truth to it."
The Yan Clan elder smiled slightly and said, "Since Gu Fei and Miss Xun'er have separated, why not arrange a new marriage for Gu Fei?"
Their purpose was clear- they intended to propose a marriage alliance, offering Huo Zhi, the Yan Clan's prodigy, as a match for Gu Fei.