CH 30 - Meng Peng's Breakthrough

As Gu Qingfeng's words spread, many in the martial arts world sneered, believing the Gu family had shallow roots. Even with Gu Qingfeng, known as the strongest man in Baishidao, they thought it was mere wishful thinking for him to rule the entire region.

Consequently, many warriors awaited three days, eager to witness the Gu family's performance. If no other forces arrived, it would be a loss of face for the Gu family, and they could sit back to see how things unfolded.

Meanwhile, Qin Hongtang's face darkened upon hearing the news.

"What does the Gu family mean by this? Do they really think that with just Gu Qingfeng, they can make all the forces in Baishidao bow down to them?"

Originally, the Qin family intended to avoid conflict after the destruction of the Tiegu Gang. They planned to offer a generous gift to the Gu family to save face for both sides. However, the Gu family had acted first.

Now, if the Qin family were to bow their heads, they would lose all the reputation they had built over the years.

The other elders in the Qin family were equally displeased.

"Does Gu Qingfeng really think he's the best master in Baishidao? I can't believe he has the audacity to try!"

"Exactly! The Qin family isn't made of clay. We acknowledged the Gu family's status before, but if we refuse to give them face, what is a mere Gu Qingfeng worth?"

The Qin family was filled with indignation, feeling disdain for the Gu family. They believed Gu Qingfeng was getting carried away.

At the same time, no one truly believed the Gu family had the courage to act decisively. Baishidao wasn't small, and regardless of Gu Qingfeng's power, the Qin family doubted he could challenge the entire martial arts world.

Qin Hongtang's expression was icy. "Let's wait and see how Gu Qingfeng ends up."

In the Tianyun Sect, Yun Changkong regarded the news from the Gu family with disdain.

In front of him stood Yun Tianxing.

"Grand Elder, with the Gu family having destroyed the Chu family and now gaining momentum, should we ignore them? That could lead to trouble."

Yun Changkong scoffed. "When the heavens rage, rain will follow; when people rebel, misfortune awaits. The Gu family has destroyed the Tiegu Gang and won't be able to last much longer. Luo Yu was aligned with the Divine Martial King. Even if King Shenwu hasn't moved into Taishan County yet, a small family like the Gu's confronting him would be courting death. I expect King Shenwu will take care of the Gu family for us."

Yun Changkong's sneer reflected the gravity of the situation. Offending King Shenwu meant death in Qingyun Province. Beyond the imperial court, King Shenwu was the most powerful force in the region, commanding a million troops and controlling three counties.

Yun Tianxing's expression grew serious. He understood the reputation of King Shenwu but hadn't realized the Tiegu Gang had connections to him.

"So, according to the Grand Elder, we shouldn't concern ourselves with the Gu family?"

Yun Changkong nodded. "Exactly. Gu Qingfeng is underestimating everyone. Let's see how things unfold in three days."

In the Gu family's backyard, Gu Qingfeng practiced the Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique, wielding the Tiangang Sword—a mid-grade magical weapon, rare in Baishidao. This weapon had belonged to the Tiegu Gang, and after their defeat, Gu Qingfeng had claimed it from their treasury.

With Gu Yang's breakthrough in skin refining, Gu Qingfeng also acquired the Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique, a high-level martial art that surpassed ordinary mid-grade techniques and rivaled the Fiery Sun Palm. However, unlike the Fiery Sun Palm, which combined inner and outer cultivation, the Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique focused solely on techniques.

Though the skill was complex, Gu Qingfeng struggled to master it. He recognized his own limitations and knew learning such advanced martial arts wouldn't be easy.

Additionally, while he had acquired several mid-grade martial arts from the Chu family and the Tiegu Gang, he chose not to pursue them immediately. Quality over quantity was his mantra; having not yet mastered the Heavenly Thunder Sword Technique, practicing more would be greed.

During this period, Gu Qingfeng had also taught the complete Gu family boxing technique to Meng Peng and several loyal guards. With a wealth of mid-grade martial arts available, he felt no need to stick strictly to the Gu family's boxing style.

The Gu family needed more strong fighters; currently, Gu Qingfeng was the only one near the half-step Bone Refining Realm, while the rest lacked even basic blood refining skills. This was unacceptable.

To address this, Gu Qingfeng provided Meng Peng with ten blood refining pills to help him advance to the Blood Refining Realm. He also allocated most of the remaining pills to Gu Yang to expedite his own breakthrough.

As for himself, Gu Qingfeng rarely relied on blood refining pills. At his current cultivation stage, their effectiveness was limited. Moreover, with the Fiery Sun Palm's inherent qualities, he could progress naturally without them.

Thus, instead of wasting the pills on himself, he preferred to strengthen the Gu family.

Gu Yang was his primary focus. His advancement would greatly influence the family's strength.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Meng Peng approached Gu Qingfeng, his demeanor noticeably different.

"This subordinate greets the master."

Gu Qingfeng observed Meng Peng's aura and a glint of excitement flickered in his eyes. "Have you broken through to the Blood Refining Realm?"

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