"Since you seek death, I'll grant it to you!"
"Power of Heaven's Way, enhance my being!"
With a cold expression, Gu Changqing raised his sword to the heavens. The energy of heaven and earth within a hundred-meter radius gathered at the tip of his azure sword, forming a dazzling, thumb-sized point of colorful light.
Simultaneously, the foundational energy within Gu Changqing surged into the sword's tip, merging into that tiny point of colorful light.
"Kill!"
Gu Changqing pointed his sword, and the colorful light shot forth.
Whoosh!
The beam of light moved at incredible speed, reaching the enormous crimson spinning top formed by Scorpion Biyan almost instantaneously.
Sizzle—
The beam of colorful light was unstoppable and destructive. In a single instant, it pierced through the massive crimson spinning top formed by Scorpion Biyan.
Puff!
Scorpion Biyan, who had rushed towards Gu Changqing, lost the ability to continue fighting. His swollen body, from the mutated crimson scorpion head down to his chest, was torn apart by the colorful light.
"You... cough..."
Scorpion Biyan, unwilling to accept his fate, pointed a trembling finger at Gu Changqing. He spurted blood, and his body split open, losing all signs of life.
"Run!"
Yan Luotian immediately turned to flee, his speed enhanced by his flying combat skills. In the blink of an eye, he vanished hundreds of meters away.
"Where do you think you're going?"
Ling Ying prepared to chase after him.
"Old Ling, no need to pursue."
Gu Changqing stopped Ling Ying with a raised hand. Having expended most of his foundational energy, he was nearly at his limit. With many Dou King and Dou Emperor experts around, and possibly even a Dou Ancestor, Gu Changqing decided it was best to avoid unnecessary risks.
"Understood, Young Master Changqing."
Ling Ying ceased his pursuit and approached Gu Changqing.
"Everyone, are there any more who wish to spar with me?"
Gu Changqing stood proudly in the sky, surveying the many strong figures and lurking magical beasts around him, smiling as he spoke.
"No! No more!"
"This young master's power is unmatched. We are unworthy."
"Oh, I just remembered I have matters to attend to. Farewell, young master, and everyone else."
"Oh no, my daughter-in-law is about to give birth. I must return."
...
These figures, once confident, were now terrified. Even Scorpion Biyan, a Dou Ancestor-level old foe, had been cut down by Gu Changqing. Anyone who dared to challenge him would likely be dealt with in the same manner.
Soon, the once bustling Magic Beast Mountains grew quiet.
"Haha, congratulations to this young master for achieving such great prowess. The Royal Family of the Empire sends their regards."
With a hearty laugh, Jia Xingtian flew towards Gu Changqing. Unable to be an enemy, he decided to make allies instead.
"The Alchemist Association also extends its congratulations to this young master. Thank you for eliminating Scorpion Biyan, a major problem for us."
Fama, the head of the Alchemist Association, also flew forward with a smile, expressing gratitude to Gu Changqing.
"Yun Yun of the Yunlan Sect congratulates Young Master Gu on his remarkable achievement. Thank you for looking after my disciple during this time."
Yun Yun, accompanied by Nalan Yanran, also approached with a smile. Her eyes were curious as she regarded Gu Changqing with sincere thanks.
Nalan Yanran had already briefed Yun Yun about her relationship with Gu Changqing, so Yun Yun was aware of Gu Changqing's true name and background, though only the surface-level details of the Xiao family.
Gu Changqing's gaze swept over the three prominent Dou Emperor figures from the Empire.
Jia Xingtian, an elder in a tattered robe with a kingly presence, seemed to have held high positions for a long time, but nothing more.
Fama, clad in a purple alchemist robe, looked old with skin like bark and a long beard nearly reaching his feet, resembling a devoted alchemist.
In contrast, Yun Yun, dressed in a simple skirt that accentuated her exquisite figure, looked cool and elegant. Her clear eyes and high phoenix hairpin conveyed nobility, while her slightly open neckline revealed a hint of enticing beauty. Her slender, graceful legs, accentuated by a subtly swaying slit skirt, drew attention.
"Changqing, are you alright?"
At this moment, Xiao Yi Xian approached Gu Changqing with concern.
"I'm fine. A mere old poisoner could never harm me."
As he spoke, Gu Changqing grabbed Scorpion Biyan's shattered corpse from the air.
"Take care of this old poisoner's corpse."
Gu Changqing handed the body to Xiao Yi Xian. With her Woeful Poison Body and training in the "Heavenly Silkworm Transformation," she would find it highly beneficial.
"Hehe, then I won't be polite."
Xiao Yi Xian smiled playfully as she took the corpse into her spatial ring.
"Wutan City's Xiao family, Gu Changqing, greets everyone."
Gu Changqing, having not neglected Jia Xingtian and the others, welcomed Xiao Yi Xian to his side and bowed politely.
"Wutan City Xiao family?"
Jia Xingtian and Fama were taken aback, their eyes revealing a hint of surprise.
The Xiao family was indeed well-known, especially after a Dou King from their family died over a decade ago, which was a major event in the Empire.
Additionally, the Xiao family was betrothed to the Nalan family's eldest daughter, Nalan Yanran. This connection drew the attention of powerful figures like Jia Xingtian and Fama.
"So, it is Young Master Gu of the Xiao family. Truly, a hero among youth. The Empire and the Royal Family are fortunate to have someone like you. If you do not mind, would you join us in the capital? The Royal Family would be honored to host a grand celebration in your honor."
Jia Xingtian responded immediately, offering a lavish welcome to Gu Changqing, almost suggesting an official title and shared glory.
Yun Yun's eyes sparkled. Although the Yunlan Sect and the Royal Family seemed to have a harmonious relationship, Yun Yun knew well that the Royal Family had always been wary of them. While the Yunlan Sect had no intention of seizing power, the Royal Family might still harbor ambitions against them.
If Gu Changqing were to be drawn into the Royal Family's favor, it could spell trouble for the Yunlan Sect.
Thus, Yun Yun pondered for a moment before speaking.