Translator: AnubisTL
"Reporting to the Sect Master, Gu Feng's physique has limitations. If he fails to overcome the upcoming Innate Tribulation, the current situation will collapse instantly!" A resolute Elder stood up and spoke, believing there was no need to overly worry about Gu Feng.
"That's not entirely accurate. If Gu Feng keeps his cultivation stuck at the Postnatal Realm and remains in the northern marshlands for the rest of his life, he could live for at least another hundred years. By then, the Outer Sect of the Sunset Glow Sect would have already developed, and we would have no further opportunities!" Another Elder frowned deeply as he spoke.
"Gu Feng and Shu Yuheng have a major battle at the end of the year. If Gu Feng avoids the fight, he might become a laughingstock in Cloud Prefecture."
"So what if he becomes a laughingstock in Cloud Prefecture? Among his partners, there are influential figures and powerful forces that can easily suppress any negative public opinion."
"Rumors suggest that Gu Feng will soon return to the Sunset Glow Sect to select disciples from various factions to enter the northern region.
Currently, his defensive forces are still weak. This is our last chance to eliminate him directly..." At this point, an Elder's eyes gleamed with murderous intent.
"I also agree to eliminate Gu Feng. This way, the alliance will fall apart on its own, and the Outer Sect of the Sunset Glow Sect won't be able to stand tall!"
"Seconded!"
"The risk is too great. If the assassination fails, Gu Feng will surely retaliate fiercely, and the combined forces of those factions could annihilate our Unwavering Sect!"
"..."
For a moment, because of Gu Feng, a significant rift emerged within the Unwavering Sect, escalating into mutual attacks and insults!
The Sect Master of the Unwavering Sect, Lin Xinhua, looked on with a grave expression, his eyes slightly narrowed as he observed the heated arguments among the Elders. For the first time in his life, he found himself in a dilemma.
"Who would have thought that I, Lin Xinhua, would be indecisive because of an Outer Sect disciple of the Sunset Glow Sect, and that our Elders would be divided and arguing over him!"
In that instant, Lin Xinhua felt a mix of amusement and frustration, though he couldn't bring himself to laugh. With his keen perception, he acutely sensed that this decision would have a profound impact on the entire Unwavering Sect.
"How many of you agree to eliminate Gu Feng?"
Thus—
He used the simplest method to make his decision.
The results came quickly: more than two-thirds of the Elders agreed to ambush and kill Gu Feng.
"Good! Since all the Elders have expressed their stance, I, as the Sect Master, have also made my decision!" Lin Xinhua suddenly stood up, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, his domineering aura filling the space.
"I have decided to extend goodwill to the Outer Sect of the Sunset Glow Sect and form an alliance with Gu Feng. It would be best to purchase some of his shares in the northern region!"
What?
The Elders were stunned. They never expected that their usually ambitious Sect Master would, at this critical moment, choose such a conservative strategy.
In truth, Lin Xinhua wasn't entirely sure if this was the right move! He had a feeling that Gu Feng wouldn't fall during the Innate Tribulation, nor would he lose to Shu Yuheng. Even the Spirit Nurturing Realm might not be his end.
He had once heard a saying: the truth lies in the hands of the few. Since so many Elders proposed killing Gu Feng, he decided to do the opposite—he would support Gu Feng and use his strength to elevate the Unwavering Sect to greater heights.
If, after developing, they still couldn't surpass the Sunset Glow Sect, they could always expand into other prefectures.
"It's settled. Help me contact Elder Liu of the Sunset Glow Sect. I need to discuss important matters with him!"
"By the way, Elder Bai, who had some friction with Gu Feng before, and Elder Dai, who participated in the last Alchemy Conference!
Send them some resources and let them find another path!"
...
Inside the Inner Sect of the Sunset Glow Sect!
"Qiu Potian, there's something I want to discuss with you!" Shu Yuheng, the top-ranked on the Inner Sanctum Heaven Ranking, found the eldest of the Qiu family's three heroes—Qiu Potian—under the cover of night.
"What is it?" Qiu Potian was somewhat surprised by his arrival.
"Your Qiu family should take action and kill Gu Feng!"
Shu Yuheng said expressionlessly.
The commotion Gu Feng had caused in the northern region had also reached his ears. His father, the commander of the imperial guards in the capital, had sent a brief message: Gu Feng must not be left alive. No matter what obstacles arise during the year-end duel, he must be killed!
As for Gu Feng, Shu Yuheng, who had always held himself in high regard, looked down on him. Even though Gu Feng was now thriving in the northern region, Shu Yuheng only slightly acknowledged him more than before.
He came from the capital, with a father who commanded the imperial guards. He had always been superior and considered himself extraordinary.
The Sunset Glow Sect, and even Cloud Prefecture, were beneath his notice.
He had full confidence in his own strength. He didn't even care about the second-ranked on the Inner Sanctum Heaven Ranking of the Sunset Glow Sect, let alone a small figure like Gu Feng.
Gu Feng was just a grasshopper, and even the challenge he proposed was a joke, an insult to him.
He could wait until the end of the year to mercilessly kill Gu Feng, but it wasn't necessary. He didn't want to dirty his hands, so he approached Qiu Potian.
"Why should I take action?" Qiu Potian asked in a serious tone.
"I know you are ruthless and don't care about the deaths of your two younger brothers. But your family is located in Cloud Prefecture. Since the news of Gu Feng's activities in the northern region spread, many forces have been distancing themselves from you. Even the Cloud Prefecture's royal palace, which had always been on good terms with you, has been ignoring you!
Of course, these are not the main reasons. Gu Feng possesses treasures. If you want to obtain them, that alone is reason enough for you to take action!" Shu Yuheng said with a commanding gaze, speaking lightly.
"Your reasons are quite compelling, but given the current trend, why should my Qiu family take the risk? The treasures on Gu Feng might not be that powerful... Given his character, if my family doesn't trouble him, I believe he won't come looking for trouble with us either!" Qiu Potian's eyes flickered as he chuckled softly.
"Kill Gu Feng, and I will find a place for your Qiu family to settle in the capital!
I guarantee no one will trouble your family." Shu Yuheng said with a smile, speaking nonchalantly.
"Interesting, let me think about it!"
Shu Yuheng nodded slightly and then left, knowing that Qiu Potian had already agreed.
...
In the swamp, twenty pillars had already been erected, and the first batch of elders dispatched by the Sunset Glow Sect had joined the defense.
During this time, Gu Feng used the 500 million low-grade Spirit Stones to rapidly advance his Spiritual Power, Body Refinement, and Soul to the limit of the Postnatal Realm!
Following Zhu Qingyan's advice, he didn't rush to undergo the tribulation but instead began honing his Martial Skills.
This step was particularly crucial, determining his ability to surpass levels after reaching the Innate Realm.
"In the past, the ancestors of our Great Ming Dynasty only comprehended Soul Skills after reaching the Innate Realm. I hope you can comprehend your own Soul Attack Secret Technique from the 'Bright Moon Nether Visualization Art' before reaching the Innate Realm!"
Zhu Qingyan had high expectations for Gu Feng. Even though she knew it was difficult to comprehend a Soul Secret Technique in the Postnatal Realm, she had to push him.
Gu Feng pondered for a moment. Since he was no longer short on Spirit Stones, he decided to go along with it.
The "Bright Moon Nether Visualization Art" was surprisingly easy to cultivate, causing him no pain whatsoever. However, the eerie and sinister environment of the Nether Realm sent shivers down his spine.
According to Zhu Qingyan, soul attack techniques could not be taught; they could only be acquired by chance.
Gu Feng didn't push for it. He simply practiced his soul cultivation method daily, taking things as they came.
One day, he suddenly noticed a beam of light in his mind. Focusing his vision to the extreme, he saw through the essence of that light.
The light gradually transformed, taking the form of a towering Asura, unimaginably tall and exuding a murderous aura. It wielded a broadsword, raising and lowering it with such force that it seemed to stir the very laws of heaven and earth, as if stars were being obliterated and deities slain!
With a simple execution, a ghostly whirlwind swept through his mind, and a phantom image of the Asura burst forth from his forehead. The demonic sword descended, unleashing an invisible wave of soul power that carried a terrifying aura. The surroundings darkened, and cultivators within a hundred meters felt their heads splitting in pain, with those below the Innate Realm fainting on the spot!
Gu Feng also felt a wave of dizziness, his soul power drained to the point of near collapse, almost causing him to fall to the ground.
Looking down, he gave a bitter smile. Zhu Qingyan, nestled on his chest, had also suffered. Three of her leaves were trembling precariously, and no matter how much he called out to her, there was no response. Only after a long while did a faint echo return.
What a terrifying strike!
And the cost was immense!
"I'll call this move 'Asura,'" Gu Feng casually named it before moving on.
When the Asura appears, deities perish, heaven and earth are overturned, and chaos reigns!
"We're short on manpower. I need to return to the Sunset Glow Sect to select a group of disciples," Gu Feng said.
"Why go yourself? You're a treasure in everyone's eyes now; you can't afford any mishaps," Chu Youhuan advised.
Although there had been no assassination attempts yet, Chu Youhuan believed it was only a matter of time.
"The Grand Harmony Academy keeps the court in check, and Sima Juncong shields me in the military. Nothing major will happen," Gu Feng replied dismissively.
He had too few people he could rely on. Even with his full support, cultivators like Wu Qi and Guo Renkai had only just entered the Postnatal Realm. It would take a long time before they could stand on their own.
A national war was inevitable in the future, and Gu Feng was consciously trying to cultivate a group of trusted followers. Therefore, he couldn't be careless in selecting disciples.
Even if it was just a formality—showing his face and saying a few words—it would be beneficial for the future if those disciples remembered and recognized him.
"Take more people with you."
"I'll have three Spirit Nurturing Realm Elders from the Sunset Glow Sect accompany me," Gu Feng said with a light wave of his hand. He didn't tell Chu Youhuan that he could now activate an invincible domain.
Even destroying the Sunset Glow Sect wasn't out of the question!
Because he could summon the Innate Thunder Tribulation at any time!
"The Spirit Boat commissioned from the Sharp Edge Army is almost ready. Once it's in our hands, we can start experimenting with collecting taxes from merchants passing through.
If we provide good service and ensure their safety, more merchants will choose to pass through here... and the situation will improve.
The construction mustn't stop... Don't be so stingy; we have plenty of money... Give me a list, and I'll bring some people from the Jade Maiden Sect."
Sima Juncong is not very reliable. Just have him handle some trivial tasks and keep him happy, but never entrust him with important responsibilities. For the next period of time, I'll be relying entirely on you, my deputy commander!" Gu Feng instructed a few words, then left the swamp area with three Elders from the Sunset Glow Sect.
...
"Sect Leader, the Sunset Glow Sect is being rather unreasonable. That old fool Liu Wuxiang completely ignored us!" said an Elder from the Unwavering Sect, who was responsible for liaising with Liu Wuxiang, with indignation.
"Heh, he's waiting for Gu Feng to make the decision. It seems he's already prepared to pass the outer sect of the Sunset Glow Sect to him.
Have there been any unusual movements among the forces in Cloud Prefecture recently?" Lin Xinhua said nonchalantly. He understood Liu Wuxiang's approach—this was the best way to cultivate a successor.
"The Qiu family has been acting strangely. They've been selling off some of their assets recently, as if they're planning to leave Cloud Prefecture. They're probably afraid Gu Feng will come for revenge!"
"It's not that simple. From what I've seen of Gu Feng's actions, he's not a ruthless person!" Lin Xinhua shook his head. If he could see this clearly, the Qiu family head couldn't possibly be blind to it.
"It's still unusual. Go and investigate. Perhaps Gu Feng will need our help!"
(End of the Chapter)
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