After Lin Fei and Xue Mei became Gu Changqing's girlfriends, he specifically set aside time to travel with them, visiting mountains and rivers together. They explored every corner of Blackrock City, rowed boats down the river, and adventured into caves.
Gu Changqing, with his vast knowledge, humorous conversations, and mischievous charm, often had both girls laughing uncontrollably. Their hearts, full of affection, clung tightly to him.
As the days passed, Gu Changqing didn't stay idle. Both Lin Fei and Xue Mei found their figures becoming more shapely, their bodies fuller, and they had learned much from him.
Moreover, Gu Changqing generously shared some of the innate essence of his divine body with them, helping Lin Fei and Xue Mei cleanse their meridians and bones. Their strength and physical constitution improved significantly.
"Brother Qing, I don't want you to go," Lin Fei sobbed, hugging Gu Changqing tightly outside Blackrock City, tears glistening in her eyes.
In the time they'd spent together, she had deeply fallen for him. If it weren't for Gu Changqing's insistence on them focusing on their training, she would have already given herself to him entirely.
"Changqing..." Xue Mei, less talkative but no less affectionate, had given everything to Gu Changqing except that final step. During his inspections of her body, she had cooperated completely, coming close to fully submitting to him.
Now, as Gu Changqing prepared to leave, both girls were filled with reluctance.
"Don't worry. Focus on mastering the alchemy techniques I taught you. Someday, I'll need both of you to help me dominate the alchemy world of the Northwest Continent."
Gu Changqing comforted them, holding each girl in his arms and giving them a light kiss on their lips.
He had his reasons for training Xue Mei and Lin Fei. Alchemists held an esteemed position on the Dou Qi Continent, and if he were to unify the Northwest Continent, the role of alchemists would be crucial. Coincidentally, both girls had natural talent for alchemy and were trustworthy, making them perfect for this task.
However, Gu Changqing refrained from teaching them the more dangerous cultivation techniques of the immortals. Such methods were fraught with peril, and he feared that with their current talent, they might not survive the tribulations. Instead, training them in the Dou Qi methods was safer. With his support, they would easily reach the Dou Di level. Even without venturing into the Great Thousand Worlds, they would enjoy a long lifespan, accompanying him as needed.
After kissing them both passionately for a long while, Gu Changqing rode off on his Purple Crystal Winged Lion, gradually disappearing from their sight.
"Xue Mei, I must work harder. I don't ever want to be separated from Brother Qing again!" Lin Fei cried heartbroken, turning and running back toward the city.
Xue Mei, standing silently, gazed long at the direction in which Gu Changqing had disappeared.
"Gu Changqing has left Blackrock City?"
"Then it's time to send him to his death!"
"Originally, I had planned to capture both him and Nalan Yanran in one fell swoop, play the hero, and with a few tricks, take Nalan Yanran for myself. But the appearance of that Dou Ancestor expert in the Magic Beast Mountain Range ruined my plans."
"Still, no matter. Killing Gu Changqing first and then getting Nalan Yanran will work just as well!"
On a cliffside outside Blackrock City, Mo Li, who had left Wu Tan City, was standing with a group of bandits from the Whirlwind Band of Happy Forest, preparing for an ambush.
The Whirlwind Bandits was notorious, active in both the Jia Ma Empire and neighboring lands. Their leader was rumored to be a two-star Dou Spirit, with numerous Dou Master and Dou Grandmaster among their ranks. Their skill in intelligence gathering and quick retreats made them a feared presence, enabling them to act freely within the empire.
"Hehe, Young Master Mo, from what our intelligence reports, this Gu Changqing isn't an easy target. His mount is a young Purple Crystal Winged Lion, and his strength is at least that of a Dou Master. He's also connected with both the City Lord's Mansion and the Xue Family in Blackrock City. For our Whirlwind Band, he's not a trivial opponent," said a burly man, his voice low and filled with a chilling menace.
This man was Wang Lin, leader of the Whirlwind Band, known for his brutal tactics and cunning nature. A mere glance from him, with his eyes gleaming with the cold light of countless kills, could terrify even grown men, let alone children.
"Hmph. Captain Wang, don't worry. As long as you help me kill him, I won't take anything from his body. Additionally, I, Mo Li, will personally gift your band one million gold coins to compensate you and your men for your efforts."
Though inwardly frustrated, Mo Li knew he wasn't strong enough to take on Gu Changqing by himself. He had no choice but to rely on the Whirlwind Band for now, swallowing his pride.
"Haha, Young Master Mo is generous! In that case, brothers, let's help him solve this problem!" Wang Lin laughed heartily, not pushing for more. He knew better than to offend the Mo Family too deeply, as it could lead to complications in the future.
"Leader, he's coming!"
A scout rushed over to Wang Lin and Mo Li, respectfully reporting his findings.
"Good. Everyone, get into position. The moment he enters the canyon, we strike!" Wang Lin ordered, waving his hand.
Soon, the hundred members of the Whirlwind Band scattered into various ambush points. Moments later, a figure riding a Purple Crystal Winged Lion slowly appeared at the entrance to the canyon.
As the figure reached the canyon's midpoint, Wang Lin let out a loud shout, descending from above with a large blade in hand, blocking Gu Changqing's path.
"Halt, boy! This tree was planted by me, and this road was opened by me! If you want to pass, leave your toll!"
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Nearly a hundred figures leapt from their hiding spots, surrounding the canyon from all sides.
"Oh? Just you small fry?" Gu Changqing glanced around nonchalantly before calmly replying.
"You're courting death!"
"Whirlwind Cleaver!"
With a cold glint in his eyes, Wang Lin's figure moved like a whirlwind, his blade slashing toward Gu Changqing.
"Stop!"
"Kill!"
Just as Gu Changqing was about to annihilate the Whirlwind Bandits, a shout echoed from behind, followed by a troop of hundreds of soldiers charging into the canyon, rushing at the bandits with fierce momentum.