Third…

Gu Qingchan’s breakthrough this time had far exceeded the family’s expectations. As a result, she received a massive allocation of resources, which even made up for the Divine Weapon that the Celestial Net Saintess had previously stolen.

Most Grandmasters, even after decades of cultivation, might not possess a Divine Weapon. The majority only had Quasi-Divine Weapons for protection.

Even for the Gu Family, with its thousands of years of heritage, bestowing a Divine Weapon was no small matter. With the State Garrison Command requesting aid, giving her a Divine Weapon to use in the encirclement of the Ten Thousand Demons provided the perfect justification!

One should never underestimate the importance of such a justification. The larger the family, the more they valued it! Otherwise, morale would crumble, their glory would fade, and the family’s prestige would decline!

“Qingchan, you’ve finally surpassed me.” Gu Haoqing sighed wistfully, a hint of melancholy in his expression. “I always knew this day would come, given your talent. But I never expected it to arrive so soon!”

He had made a name for himself early on and was once a top prodigy of his generation, his Swordsmanship inspiring awe far and wide. In his eyes, Gu Qingchan was merely a junior. But now, that junior had taken a step before him, entering the Mid-stage Jade Balance Realm!

The Mid-Jade Balance Stage! Even among the Gu Family Elders, this was the realm of an absolute pillar of the clan! And Gu Qingchan’s status was even more special. With her talent, it wasn’t impossible for her to advance even further in the future!

Even setting aside her talent, her combat prowess alone was second to none among those in the Mid-Jade Balance Stage. To reach such a level as a newly advanced cultivator, while aided by two Divine Weapons, was mostly a testament to Gu Qingchan’s own abilities.

One could say that within the Gu Clan Elder Hall, aside from a few core Clan Elders, Gu Qingchan’s status had already surpassed everyone else’s. It was enough to give her a controlling voice in most of the Gu Family’s affairs!

As an elder who had watched Gu Qingchan grow up, Gu Haoqing was happy for her, but when he thought of his own situation, he couldn’t help but feel an immense sense of melancholy.

“Second Uncle, you have accumulated your energy for many years. With the noble spirit you hold within, once you unleash it, you will surely break through the pass and enter the Middle Stage of the Jade Balance Realm,” Gu Qingchan said with a lovely smile.

“I lost myself for a moment.” After all, Gu Haoqing had been famous for years and possessed a remarkable bearing. After a brief moment of disappointment, he quickly adjusted his mood, and the look of melancholy vanished from his face.

“Qingchan, you have to travel tomorrow, so I won’t disturb you any longer.”

“Alright. Take care, Second Uncle,” Gu Qingchan replied with a faint smile.

After a few more pleasantries, Gu Haoqing left the magnificent jade tower.

Gu Qingchan’s features were as fine as a painting, and she was in high spirits. She glanced at the moon outside her window; its light was soft, clear, and bright.

VMM~

A flash of blue light, and an Ice Lotus Treasure Lamp gracefully materialized. It hovered in mid-air, emitting a crystalline, cold radiance.

The Ice Lotus Treasure Lamp was a defensive Divine Weapon. Obtaining it compensated for her weakness in defense. If she could fully complete its Sacrificial Refinement, she would be safe no matter how perilous the journey ahead!

VMM~ VMM~ VMM~

Streams of light flowed and Spiritual Energy flared as Gu Qingchan focused completely on the Sacrificial Refinement of the Divine Weapon, the Ice Lotus Treasure Lamp!

…

「Weishui County.」

The normally quiet posthouse was bustling with extraordinary activity today. Chen Ping’an was leading a troop of elites, having set out from Weishui County City toward the border where three counties met. The journey was long, and it was impossible to reach their destination in a single day.

They rode hard until late into the night before finally stopping at the posthouse. The station had limited capacity, so they had to pitch tents in an open area beside it, where many of the men settled in for the night.

Although it was already early winter, even the weakest among Chen Ping’an’s men had successfully cultivated their Qi Blood and entered the Refining the Organs realm. With Qi Blood surging through their bodies like a furnace, the mere cold could naturally do them no harm.

As the commander of this expedition, Chen Ping’an naturally stayed in the best room in the posthouse. The so-called ideals of ‘loving your soldiers like your own sons’ and ‘sharing weal and woe’ were nothing but a joke in this day and age.

If superiors didn’t enjoy the privileges of their station, how could they possibly motivate those beneath them to strive for more!?

‘Loving your soldiers’ didn’t mean you had to suffer alongside them. The best way to care for your men was to do your own job well, handle your responsibilities, be clear with rewards and punishments, and not skim off their pay.

‘Wandering Dragon Body Technique!’ Chen Ping’an’s expression was eager as he slowly unfurled a Jade Scroll.

VMM~ VMM~ VMM~

Spiritual Light flickered on the Jade Scroll as the Mental Realm of the Wandering Dragon Body Technique slowly manifested.

The Wandering Dragon Body Technique lived up to its name. A cultivator using it could soar freely between heaven and earth like a wandering dragon, their movements fluid and powerful. In battle, they could nimbly evade enemy attacks while launching counterattacks with the speed of a thunderclap.

A body like a wandering dragon—agile and swift!

Unlike typical Lightweight Body Techniques, the Wandering Dragon Body Technique was not just for long-distance travel and pursuit; it also accounted for agile movements and shifts within a small area.

Chen Ping’an sat cross-legged, the Spiritual Energy at his brow flickering. As the Inheritance Realm emerged, a gradual understanding dawned in his mind.

‘Wandering Dragon Body Technique… as agile as a dragon, with infinite variations… swift as the wind, speed is paramount…’

‘A fusion of body techniques, cultivating both inner and outer…’

‘…’

An unknown amount of time passed. When Chen Ping’an opened his eyes again, a faint green light already enveloped his entire body.

Name: Chen Ping’an

Realm: Early Jade Balance Stage – Condensed Spiritual Flower

Martial Arts: Wandering Dragon Body Technique (Uninitiated, 78/80), Soul-Severing Saber (Minor Achievement, 285/640), Dragon Elephant Dominating Body Technique (Perfection), Vajra Unbreakable Divine Skill (Perfection), Three-Point Human Tribulation Finger (Perfection), Great Vajra Palm (Perfection)…

…

During his meditation, Chen Ping’an had wondered why he couldn’t just break through to the Mid-Jade Balance Stage in one go. It was only when his attention fell upon the panel before him that he finally understood.

‘The Inheritance Realm… it’s slightly lacking. So that’s why!’

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