Near the Nine Serene Springs, the atmosphere was thick with an icy chill.
"Be careful, Cai'er! The cold energy within the springs is deadly to most, but as a Seven-Colored Heaven Swallowing Python, you should be able to absorb it without fear," Gu Fei remarked, turning to Cai Lin with a reassuring smile.
She responded with a proud smile, "This cold energy is nothing to me." As one of the rarest and most powerful magical beasts, she had every right to be confident.
"In addition to absorbing the cold energy, use these pills to speed up your cultivation," Gu Fei advised, handing her several jade bottles.
Taking the bottles, Cai Lin smiled affectionately, "You're so good to me~"
As she leaned in to kiss him, Gu Fei instinctively wrapped an arm around her slender waist.
Watching them, Zi Yan couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Hey, I'm still here, you know! You two are really too much!"
Unfazed, Cai Lin smiled at Gu Fei and said, "I'm off to cultivate now!" She then transformed into her enormous snake form and submerged herself in the yellow springs.
The water began to boil as soon as Cai Lin entered, as if the energy within the Nine Serene Springs had been stirred up.
Turning to Zi Yan, Gu Fei handed her a portion of the golden blood he had obtained, "This is for you."
"Gu Fei, you're the best!" Zi Yan beamed, knowing that this blood could help her advance significantly in strength.
"Go on and start refining it," Gu Fei encouraged, waving her off.
Nodding, Zi Yan set up a barrier around herself and began her cultivation. Gu Fei, too, settled down, reflecting on the benefits of this trip.
With the Yellow Springs Finger, Palm, and Divine Anger techniques now imprinted in his soul, and with the added knowledge and insights from the remnant soul of the demon saint, his gain was substantial.
Finally, he took out the remaining demon saint's blood essence and consumed it. The moment the blood entered his system, a powerful energy wave exploded from within him, causing his clothes to disintegrate and cracks to appear in the surrounding rocks. (TL/n: I immeadiately thought of Wolverine lol.)
The energy within the blood was so intense and chaotic that it could have easily caused a weaker warrior to explode. But with Gu Fei's exceptional strength and physical resilience, he managed to control and absorb it.
As time passed, he refined the energy, allowing it to merge seamlessly with his body.
---
Meanwhile, back in the Gu Realm, things had become lively again after a long period of peace. Following visits from the Yan and Lei Clans, the Yao Clan, which hadn't interacted with the Gu Clan for over a decade, had sent a delegation.
In the grand hall where the Yao Clan was being entertained, the air was filled with the scent of herbs.
"Long time no see, Elder Nan Hai! You're looking as spirited as ever," an elder from the Yao Clan, Wan Gui, greeted warmly.
"Elder Wan Gui, you're as vigorous as always too," Elder Nan Hai replied with a smile.
Elder Wan Gui was a highly respected elder of the Yao Clan, responsible for overseeing punishments and holding significant power. His cultivation level was also formidable, having reached the Four-Star Dou Saint stage.
Beside him sat a young man and woman. The man, dressed in luxurious robes, had a handsome yet somewhat cold and sharp look, while the woman, with long blue hair, had a face as cold as ice.
The young man, Yao Tian, was one of the Yao Clan's most outstanding members. His soul strength had reached the initial Heaven Realm stage, and he was capable of refining high-tier pills. His cultivation level was on par with the best of the younger generation in the Gu Clan.
The young woman, Yao Ling, though slower in her cultivation progress, possessed a unique soul and was considered the most likely to achieve an God Realm soul in the Yao Clan.
---
On a mountain peak within the Gu Realm, Xun Er, who had just finished her seclusion, learned of the Yao Clan's visit.
"Yao Clan, huh? They're known for their alchemy skills," Xun Er mused, her thoughts immediately turning to Gu Fei, who had successfully refined a Tier Nine Treasure Pill a year ago.
Remembering previous visits from the Yan and Lei Clans, Xun Er couldn't help but frown, "Are they here to propose marriage again?"
The thought irritated her, as such visits always caused her unnecessary stress, especially since they usually involved her and Gu Fei.
"Did they say why they're here?" Xun Er asked one of the girls nearby.
"I'm not sure, but they brought along two younger members, a man and a woman," the girl replied uncertainly.
"The man is quite handsome and has a strong cultivation, said to be on par with Brother Qing Yang, but he has a somewhat harsh look," another girl added.
"And the woman?" Xun Er inquired, uninterested in the man.
She wasn't worried, after all. Even someone like Lei Dong hadn't managed to sway her feelings, let alone this Yao Tian.