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Gu Family's main hall.
Gu Qingfeng sat at the head seat, with Gu Yang and Meng Peng right in front of him.
Although Gu Yang was only thirteen years old now, his stature had become increasingly upright, and his face, though slightly immature, was handsome, bearing a striking resemblance to Gu Qingfeng in his youth.
But more importantly.
He lacked the youthful inexperience that a boy his age should have, replaced instead by a steeliness not typical for his years.
This was because, over the past few years, Gu Qingfeng had rarely interfered with the affairs of the Gu Family; virtually all matters had been handled by Gu Yang.
At first.
Gu Qingfeng would offer guidance from the sidelines.
But as time went on, he began to relinquish control almost entirely for the past year.
The vast Gu Family.
Every affair, great and small.
Was essentially managed by Gu Yang, who took the lead in dealing with them.
Only when issues arose that Gu Yang could not resolve did Gu Qingfeng personally step in.
The purpose of this approach was to cultivate Gu Yang as swiftly as possible, to enable him to stand on his own.
The facts had proven.
Gu Qingfeng's method was not wrong.
Under Gu Yang's management, every industry of the Gu Family was well-organized, and with the support of Meng Peng, the reputation of this Young Master of the Gu Family had also made a significant mark within the Martial World.
"Speak, what has happened?"
Gu Qingfeng took a sip of tea and looked at the two in front of him, asking calmly.
As he finished speaking.
Gu Yang was the first to say, "Reporting to Father, several days ago, some of our family's businesses were vandalized by unknown martial artists, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen people.
After my investigation, I found that these unknown martial artists were backed by the Chu Family."
"The Chu Family?"
Gu Qingfeng's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Are you talking about the Chu Family of 'Thunderbolt Sword' Chu Tianxiong?"
Thunderbolt Sword Chu Tianxiong!
The man was the Family Head of the Chu Family, a powerful mid-level Blood Refining martial artist.
Gu Yang nodded: "Father is correct; it's Chu Tianxiong's Chu Family."
"Our Gu Family has always kept a low profile in our dealings; surely the Chu Family wouldn't have the audacity to act against us?"
Gu Qingfeng asked curiously.
Although the Gu Family had been discreet over the years, and Gu Qingfeng had rarely shown his hand, each time he did, his formidable power was evident.
Normally speaking, the Chu Family, despite some resources, would not dare to openly confront the Gu Family without cause.
Moreover.
There was no known grudge between the Gu Family and the Chu Family.
Gu Yang continued, "According to my investigation, the Chu Family has the backing of the Iron Bone Gang, and their recent actions against our family are not merely the Chu Family's alone, but at the behest of the Iron Bone Gang."
"The Iron Bone Gang?"
Upon hearing these three words, Gu Qingfeng's expression changed subtly, and all his doubts cleared in an instant.
At this moment.
Meng Peng said in a low voice, "Family Head, the Iron Bone Gang has formed an alliance with the Heavenly Cloud Sect. Over the past few years, they have driven the Qin Family to a dead end. By now, the Iron Bone Gang's desire to dominate the White Stone Dao is clear for all to see.
Some time ago, the Iron Bone Gang sent people hoping that our Gu Family would join forces with them against the Qin Family, but we refused.
I fear that our refusal already engendered resentment in the heart of the Iron Bone Gang.
This current move by the Chu Family is only a probing action; if we don't come up with a solution soon, the consequences will be severe!"
"The Iron Bone Gang..."
Gu Qingfeng's gaze turned icy, a surge of killing intent briefly emanating from him before subsiding.
He looked towards Gu Yang and asked lightly, "Yang'er, you've been in the late stage of Refining Skin for years now. I've observed your aura to be stable; surely it won't take long to reach Refining Skin Perfection?"
"At most three months, and I will certainly breakthrough."
"One month," Gu Qingfeng insisted. "I need you to break through within one month, no matter what the cost or how many resources are needed, it won't be a problem.
```
"Within a month, I want to see you break through to Refining Skin Perfection."
Gu Qingfeng said each word deliberately.
His words
made Gu Yang pause, then nod, "This child understands, but the matter of the Chu Family..."
"There's no need to worry about the Chu Family for now. Keep a low profile until you achieve Refining Skin Perfection. After your breakthrough, your father will settle accounts with them."
Gu Qingfeng's words only deepened Gu Yang's confusion. He didn't understand how dealing with the Chu Family was related to his own breakthrough.
However,
despite these concerns,
Gu Yang didn't voice his doubts.
In his heart, Gu Qingfeng was the stabilizing force; once he had spoken, the Chu Family's issue was no longer a concern.
Afterward,
the two of them left.
Gu Qingfeng sat alone in the great hall, his gaze slightly cold.
"Chu Family... Iron Bone Gang, it seems that 'when the tree longs for peace, the wind keeps blowing.' I wish only to act discreetly and not involve myself in the affairs of the Martial World. Why do you insist on pressing me relentlessly!"
All along,
Gu Qingfeng had preferred not to involve himself too much in the affairs of the Martial World.
After all, nothing was more important to him than quietly cultivating and enhancing his strength.
Handling the affairs of the Gu Family well, quietly developing the family, and giving Gu Yang sufficient time to grow was enough.
But as it turned out,
Gu Qingfeng realized he had been too naive.
Where there are people, there's the Martial World.
Even if the Gu Family wished to stay low-key, it was destined that some did not want to let the Gu Family remain so.
Given this,
there was no longer any need for the Gu Family to continue keeping a low profile.
After laying low for three years,
Gu Qingfeng was confident in his own strength,
especially since the Fiery Sun Divine Palm had broken through to the fourth level, which had further enhanced his power.
However,
with the Iron Bone Gang Leader known as Invincible Divine Fist, who had reached Blood Refining Perfection many years ago, Gu Qingfeng felt he had a fifty percent chance to suppress him, but it was not completely secure.
So,
he had to wait.
Wait until Gu Yang's true breakthrough.
As long as Gu Yang broke through, Gu Qingfeng was confident that with the Upgrade Points acquired, he could take his strength a step further.
Only then
would be the best time to settle scores with the Chu Family and Iron Bone Gang.
----
In a certain tavern's private room, the sound of joyful chatter was incessant.
Several people were here, seeking pleasure, led by a man with a square face and a burly physique, whose temples bulged prominently, and whose bronze skin seemed to contain terrifying power.
His thick-fingered hands were also covered with heavy calluses.
This man was none other than Luo Yu, the Iron Bone Gang Leader.
Next to Luo Yu sat an old man dressed in luxurious brocade robes, the Family Head of the Chu Family, known by the moniker Thunderbolt Sword, Chu Tianxiong.
Chu Tianxiong was frequently raising his cup to Luo Yu, his old face full of respect and flattery.
"The Iron Bone Gang is now like the sun at high noon. I believe it won't be long before the Qin Family is utterly obliterated. I'll take the opportunity to congratulate Gang Leader Luo in advance!"
"Family Head Chu is too polite. If the Iron Bone Gang can unite the White Stone Dao this time, Luo won't forget the Chu Family's contributions."
Luo Yu smiled slightly.
His words made Chu Tianxiong's smile even more radiant.