Chapter 21

Gu Changqing remained silent for a moment. He understood the Ancestor’s intentions well; while the Lingxu Sect had indeed protected the local populace, it was also undeniably tyrannical, effectively blocking the path of advancement for all other cultivators.

Once it was discovered that someone was attempting to reach the Nascent Soul stage, they were immediately hunted down and killed. The cultivators at the peak of the Golden Core stage had harbored deep resentment toward the Lingxu Sect for a long time.

"Is there any certainty of success?" Gu Changqing asked in a low voice.

"None," the Third Grand-uncle replied with a sigh.

Putting aside the fact that the Ancestor’s lifespan was nearing its end and his vitality was waning, even at his peak, advancing to the Nascent Soul stage was no simple feat. First, the requirement for a Grade 4 spiritual vein would stump many, and the need for a Nascent Soul Pill would stop even more. Beyond that, there was the matter of cultivation techniques. Without the proper techniques, one would not know the path ahead and could never hope to shatter the Core to form the Soul.

"However, rest assured, the Ancestor will not attempt the breakthrough in Cangzhou. He..." The Third Grand-uncle paused, then lowered his voice. "The Song family, the Tang family, and various other families, along with many peak Golden Core cultivators, have formed an alliance. They intend to head to Hezhou to attempt the breakthrough."

"These words leave my mouth and enter your ears alone. Remember, do not mention this to anyone else," the Third Grand-uncle cautioned, his expression grave.

Gu Changqing drew a sharp breath, only one thought echoing in his mind: these were truly troubled times. If they succeeded, it would be one thing; if they failed, they would face even more brutal retaliation from the Lingxu Sect. Moreover, there was safety in numbers, but a large group was also more likely to leak information. Once the Lingxu Sect discovered their plans, there would be no clean way out.

Gu Changqing was filled with anxiety. He feared that the world was universally dark and that Hezhou would be no different. How could the Ancestor and the others be sure that they would succeed just by going there?

Wait, Hezhou? Gu Changqing’s thoughts shifted as he pondered. If he remembered correctly, Hezhou was in the south.

"I heard that there is a Golden Core Master in the Southern Realm who helps others reach the Nascent Soul stage, and that even a beggar on the roadside could soar to greatness with her help..."

For some reason, Gu Changqing recalled what the clerk at the Duobao Pavilion had said. Perhaps Hezhou really did have a channel for breakthrough, but the Ancestor’s chances remained slim. The Ancestor’s time was running out, and even if he went to Hezhou, he would still have to compete for the opportunity against many other Golden Core Masters. That was the greatest hurdle.

Gu Changqing shook his head. He did not hold a favorable view of their plan; the risks were high and the efficiency was low. He did not believe the Ancestor could break through the siege and succeed while his vitality was already in decline.

"I believe the Gu family should remain on the sidelines and watch to see if the other Golden Core Masters return successfully." If they succeeded, the Gu family could reap the rewards without effort, and the Lingxu Sect would no longer be able to block the path of advancement. If they failed, the Gu family would suffer no direct consequences.

The Third Grand-uncle gave a bitter smile, melancholy in his voice. "Time waits for no one."

Gu Changqing remained silent. Ultimately, it was because the Ancestor’s lifespan was limited; they could no longer afford to wait. Yet, if he were in their shoes, even with the smallest sliver of hope, he would likely fight for it too.

Seeing his heavy expression, the Third Grand-uncle laughed. "Look at me, what am I telling you all this for? You just need to stay steady in the sect and live a good life with Ji Yan; that would be the greatest help you could provide the Gu family. After I return this time, the Ancestor will announce he is going into seclusion. With the power of his remaining prestige to deter others, the Gu family will face no problems in the short term. As long as we can produce another Golden Core cultivator, it won't matter whether the Ancestor succeeds or not."

Gu Changqing frowned. "If the Ancestor can extend his life by a hundred years, could he withdraw from the Golden Core Alliance?" He did not look kindly upon their actions. The Lingxu Sect had controlled Cangzhou for three thousand years; that was no joke. He was more concerned that if the news leaked, the Lingxu Sect would turn the land into a river of blood, and the Gu family would not be spared.

The Third Grand-uncle shook his head. "It is difficult. How could a spiritual medicine that extends one's life by a hundred years be easily obtained?"

Gu Changqing was thoughtful. "I will think of a way."

If spiritual medicine wouldn't work, what about techniques? He possessed the Taixu Treasure Mirror and the Azure Wood Longevity Sutra; perhaps he could deduce a life-extending technique. As someone who preferred a cautious path, he believed stability was paramount. It would be best for the Ancestor not to take such risks. Only when the Gu family was secure could he be truly secure.

***

The Third Grand-uncle laughed in spite of himself. "What kind of way could you possibly have?"

Gu Changling shook his head. "It’s enough that you have the heart for it. We came to North Spirit City this time to try our luck, and by the way..." He paused, his voice deepening. "We will also leave a few of the younger generation for you to look after."

Gu Changqing was slightly stunned. Was the situation truly so dire that the family had already begun to consider an escape route?

The Third Grand-uncle comforted him, "Don't think too much into it. One must consider victory while preparing for defeat. We are just being cautious. The Ancestor’s prestige is still enough to deter others for another fifty years, but if he doesn't appear for too long, it will eventually arouse suspicion. That is why it is best for the Gu family to produce a Golden Core cultivator as soon as possible. This North City auction, alas..."

The Third Grand-uncle sighed heavily. He wanted to say they were determined to succeed, but he dared not guarantee that they could secure a Golden Core Pill among so many competitors.

Gu Changqing smiled. "It's fine, I'll think of a way."

The Third Grand-uncle: "..."
Gu Changling: "..."

Both were left speechless. They could only listen to his bold words; since even they had no solution, what could Gu Changqing, a mere seventh-level Qi Refinement cultivator, possibly do?

The Third Grand-uncle quickly admonished, "You are not allowed to bully Ji Yan and ask him for money."

Gu Changqing: "..."

"Third Grand-uncle, what are you thinking?" He rolled his eyes. A Golden Core Pill was no small sum; even if Ji Yan had a way, would he really share it?

"Hmph!" Gu Changqing looked at the Third Grand-uncle with disdain. If Ji Yan truly had a way, the Third Grand-uncle would surely change his tune and wouldn't hesitate to sell his grand-nephew. But Gu Changqing understood that Ji Yan’s relationship with the Ji family was fraught with conflict and could not be relied upon. That was why he had opted for the secondary strategy of winning Ji Yan over. At the very least, with Ji Yan’s status, the Gu family could leverage the reputation of Master Ji. Even if something went wrong in the future, his branch of the family might still be preserved.

"Don't worry about family matters. Just live a good life with Ji Yan. If... if something happens to the Gu family, you two will be our hope."

Gu Changqing waved his hand. "Don't worry, nothing will happen."

The Third Grand-uncle was even more speechless. He didn't even dare to guarantee that, so where did this kid get his confidence? He really had no sense of seriousness. "Get out, get out. I don't want to see you right now. Oh, and remember to keep your mouth shut about what we discussed today."

"I know!" Gu Changqing curled his lip. He knew that if he hadn't married Ji Yan, the Third Grand-uncle would never have leaked a word to him. But a secret is only a secret when it is kept by one person. When many people know, it is no longer a secret. To be honest, Gu Changqing really did not hold out much hope for the Golden Core Alliance.

There are no walls that don't leak, and if the Lingxu Sect were to uncover anything, the consequences would be unimaginable. Therefore... Gu Changqing shook his head. It seemed he would have to act himself.

...

Back at his residence, Gu Changqing began to purify the demon beast meat in an orderly fashion. Everything would depend on this. The *Guide to Consuming Demons* should be enough to exchange for a Golden Core Pill. As for the Nascent Soul business, the Gu family had best stay out of it.

The risks were high, the returns were low, and it was not worth it. The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Even if those Golden Core Masters succeeded, they would face the vengeance of the Lingxu Sect. Even if the Lingxu Sect eventually compromised, they would certainly suffer heavy losses. The Gu family was just a small shrimp; without the Ancestor, they didn't even have a single Golden Core Master. It was sheer madness. To get involved in such a major affair was to risk total annihilation at the slightest mistake.

So, he would extend the Ancestor’s life instead. He believed the Azure Wood Longevity Sutra could be modified to create a life-extending technique. As long as the Ancestor lived a long time, all problems would be solved. Let those Golden Core Masters pave the way first, and then the Ancestor could decide whether to act.

If all else failed, fifty years later, the Ancestor could fake his death. That would be much safer than this reckless trip to Hezhou. At the very least, faking his death would not arouse the suspicions of the Lingxu Sect.

...

Three days later.

"What are you doing?" Ji Yan asked curiously. He had noticed that for the past three days, Gu Changqing had been tinkering with something in secret, and now he was messing around in the kitchen.

"Try this." Gu Changqing brought out a bowl of meat soup.

"You made this?" Ji Yan was very surprised. The soup looked good, though he couldn't tell what kind of meat it was.

Gu Changqing smiled and said with great sincerity, "I know you lack for nothing, so I can only cook for you myself to show my gratitude. Thank you for taking care of my clansmen these past few days."

Ji Yan was full of suspicion. He didn't quite believe it, but he also didn't believe Gu Changqing would try to harm him. After all, their fortunes were linked—they would prosper or suffer together.

"My skills are mediocre, please don't mind," Gu Changqing said with humble modesty.

Ji Yan could not bring himself to refuse. Under Gu Changqing's expectant gaze, he took a sip of the soup. He frowned slightly; the taste was a bit strange.

"Your culinary skills are lacking," Ji Yan noted with mild disdain.

"Is there more?"

"More what?"

Gu Changqing quickly shook his head. He wanted to ask about the effects of the demon meat, but he dared not speak up. If Ji Yan found out he was eating demon soup, he would certainly be furious. However, Gu Changqing had no qualms about processing the meat, but eating it himself was another matter—the demons were shaped so strangely, it felt a bit repulsive.

"Your body is weak, you should build it up," Gu Changqing said with concern.

Ji Yan did not know his thoughts and finished the bowl of soup bit by bit. The meat was fresh and tender, and the texture was quite good, even if the taste was average—the cook’s skills were just poor.

Gu Changqing smiled and said, "I heard this kind of meat soup is especially nourishing. It not only stabilizes the foundation and cultivates the vital essence, but it can also slightly enhance one's physical constitution. You should have more."

Ji Yan’s expression softened. He carefully felt the changes in his body. It did indeed have an effect; his body felt slightly warm, as if a gentle current was spreading through his veins. It was a tingling sensation, without pain, and he could feel his physical strength increase by a tiny fraction.

"Send some to the Grand-uncle and the others as well."

"Alright!" Gu Changqing happily began to pack some away.

Ji Yan said, "Don't cook next time. Just let..." He had wanted to say "let me," but then he realized he couldn't cook either. After all, when a single Bigu Pill could solve the problem of hunger, few people bothered to learn how to cook.

"Next time, let’s just go to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. What kind of spirit beast meat is this? The effect is quite good. I don't think I've ever eaten it before?"

Gu Changqing: "..."

He quickly packed up the soup and changed the subject. "I'm heading to the shop. Do you want to come with me?"

"Fine." Ji Yan nodded. He had been learning how to run a business at the shop these past few days, and with some guidance from the Gu family, he had picked up quite a few tricks.

"You still haven't told me what kind of spirit beast meat this is?"

"How did you know it was spirit meat?"

"Spirit beast meat is delicate and tender, while demon beast meat is dry and chewy. If it’s not spirit meat, what could it be? But your skills really wasted it..."

Gu Changqing felt a flicker of joy inside. He hadn't expected Ji Yan to give such a high evaluation; it seemed the future of demon meat was very promising.