CH 23 - The Tree Wants to Be Still but the Wind Does Not Stop

Gu Family Hall.

Gu Qingfeng sat at the head of the room, with Gu Yang and Meng Peng standing before him.

Although Gu Yang was only thirteen years old, his posture had grown increasingly steady, and his once slightly immature face was now marked with the same handsome features Gu Qingfeng had possessed in his youth. What stood out most, however, was the aura about him—an iron-willed determination far beyond his years.

This transformation came from necessity. Over the past few years, Gu Qingfeng had gradually withdrawn from the daily affairs of the Gu family, leaving much of the responsibility to Gu Yang. At first, Gu Qingfeng would offer guidance from the sidelines. But by the following year, he had almost completely relinquished control, allowing Gu Yang to manage the family's many businesses and holdings on his own. Only when Gu Yang faced challenges beyond his ability would Gu Qingfeng intervene personally.

This decision to train Gu Yang through immersion had proved effective. Under his leadership, with Meng Peng's assistance, the Gu family's industries thrived, and the young master of the Gu family had earned a formidable reputation.

Gu Qingfeng took a sip of tea and looked at the two. "Tell me, what happened?"

Gu Yang was the first to speak. "Father, a few days ago, several of our family's shops were attacked by unknown warriors. They were looted, smashed, and more than a dozen of our people were killed. Upon investigation, I discovered the Chu family was behind these warriors."

Gu Qingfeng narrowed his eyes. "The Chu family? You mean the family led by 'Thunder Sword' Chu Tianxiong?"

Chu Tianxiong, known for his swordsmanship and having reached the mid-stage of Blood Refining, was the head of the Chu family.

Gu Yang nodded. "Yes, Father, that's the one."

Gu Qingfeng tapped the side of his teacup thoughtfully. "Our family has always kept a low profile. Why would the Chu family suddenly attack us? Surely they wouldn't dare strike out without reason."

"According to my findings, Father," Gu Yang continued, "the Chu family is backed by the Iron Bone Gang. Their real aim is not just our family—it's part of the Iron Bone Gang's larger scheme."

"The Iron Bone Gang?" Gu Qingfeng's expression darkened, understanding now dawning on him.

At this moment, Meng Peng added in a low voice, "Master, the Iron Bone Gang has been expanding its influence, even pushing the Qin family to the brink of ruin. It's clear that they want to dominate Baishidao. They approached us recently, suggesting we form an alliance against the Qin family. We refused, and now it seems they've taken that as an insult."

Gu Qingfeng's eyes glinted coldly. "The Chu family's attack was merely a test then. They're probing our defenses. If we don't act decisively, the situation will only worsen."

After a moment of silence, he turned to Gu Yang. "You've been stuck in the late stage of Skin Refining for a while now. From what I sense, your foundation is stable. How long before you break through?"

"In three months at most, I should be able to break through," Gu Yang responded.

"One month," Gu Qingfeng countered, his tone firm. "I want you to break through in one month. No matter how many resources you need or what it takes, do it. This is crucial."

Gu Yang was momentarily startled by the urgency in his father's voice, but then nodded. "I understand, Father. But what about the Chu family?"

"Leave the Chu family for now. Once you've reached perfection in Skin Refining, we'll deal with them," Gu Qingfeng said calmly.

Gu Yang didn't fully understand why his breakthrough was tied to dealing with the Chu family, but he trusted his father's judgment. After exchanging a glance with Meng Peng, the two excused themselves and left.

Now alone, Gu Qingfeng's expression turned grim as he contemplated the situation.

"The Chu family... the Iron Bone Gang," he muttered to himself. "I've tried to stay low, out of the martial world's constant turmoil, but they just won't let me be."

For years, Gu Qingfeng had focused on quietly cultivating his strength, training Gu Yang, and managing the family's holdings in peace. He had hoped to avoid the messy power struggles that plagued Baishidao. But it seemed the world wouldn't allow him that luxury.

"If they won't let us keep a low profile, then there's no need for us to hide anymore," he resolved.

Over the past three years, Gu Qingfeng had sharpened his martial prowess, reaching a level of confidence in his abilities. His recent breakthrough in the Fiery Sun Palm technique had significantly elevated his strength. But the leader of the Iron Bone Gang, known as the 'Invincible Divine Fist,' had also been cultivating blood refinement for years. While Gu Qingfeng believed he stood a good chance of defeating him, the odds weren't absolute.

For now, he would wait. Once Gu Yang broke through, he would receive the improvement points that would further increase his own strength. When the time was right, he would take action—and settle the score with both the Chu family and the Iron Bone Gang.

Meanwhile, in a private room at a nearby inn, voices of revelry echoed. Among the group was a burly middle-aged man with a square face and bronze skin. His thick fingers and calloused hands were a testament to years of training. This was none other than Luo Yu, the leader of the Iron Bone Gang.

Beside him sat an elderly man in lavish robes—Chu Tianxiong, head of the Chu family. Despite his seniority, Chu Tianxiong toasted Luo Yu with visible deference, his old face full of respect.

"The Iron Bone Gang's power is truly unmatched now," Chu Tianxiong flattered. "It won't be long before the Qin family is wiped out. I offer my congratulations in advance, Leader Luo."

Luo Yu smiled slightly, raising his cup. "Master Chu, you're too kind. When the Iron Bone Gang unifies Baishidao, I won't forget the Chu family's contributions."

Chu Tianxiong beamed at the promise, his smile growing wider as he toasted once more.

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