Throughout my life, Gu Ruochen has never begged anyone.

Seven Stars Ancient Kingdom, Imperial Palace.

"Did he really say that?" Gu Ruochen asked his daughter in a low, serious tone.

Gu Ling'er nodded angrily. "That's exactly what he said, Father. He said, 'Today you ignore me, tomorrow you won't be able to reach my level.' It infuriates me!"

Gu Ruochen fell silent.

At that moment, Gu Minghao sneered. "Father, don't be deceived by that Gu Qingfeng. A mere Profound Immortal Tribulation? Even a Golden Immortal with some skill could help with that, let alone a Great Luo Golden Immortal. It's just a bit more sleight of hand, that's all.

In my opinion, he's definitely trying to trick you, Father, to swindle vast cultivation resources."

Gu Ruochen glanced at him but remained silent.

Suddenly, Gu Ling'er burst out angrily, "Gu Minghao! How dare you laugh? If it weren't for you back then, would Gu Qingfeng have been angered into leaving?"

"I saw through his scam. He left out of shame. Seventh Sister, you're inexperienced in the ways of the world and don't understand how treacherous people can be. How could there possibly be someone in this world who can help others overcome an Immortal King Tribulation? If that were true, wouldn't Immortal Kings be everywhere?" Gu Minghao declared with confidence.

"What if it's true?"

"There is no 'what if'."

"Do you want Father to die so badly, so you can inherit the throne?"

Gu Minghao's face instantly changed, and he glared fiercely at Gu Ling'er. "Seventh Sister! What nonsense are you spouting!"

Gu Ling'er gave a cold laugh. "Everyone knows Father's situation. Everyone is actively searching for a solution, except for you. You say this won't work, that won't work.

Even if Gu Qingfeng's tribulation-crossing method is fake, shouldn't we still try it, even if there's only a one-in-ten-thousand chance it's real?

But you won't even allow a test. Clearly, you're afraid Father might live!"

This accusation flustered Gu Minghao. "Gu Ling'er! How dare you speak to your elder brother like that! You..."

"Enough!"

Gu Ruochen, who had been silent, suddenly roared. The scene instantly fell quiet, and all the princes and princesses present lowered their heads.

"In my life, I, Gu Ruochen, have never begged anyone. Since the other party is unwilling to help, let it be," Gu Ruochen's voice calmed down.

Gu Ling'er immediately became frantic. "Father, you..."

Before she could finish, Gu Ruochen raised his hand to stop her.

Gu Ruochen continued, "Whether Gu Qingfeng is genuine or fake is not important. What matters is that in this world, no Immortal King has ever achieved their status by relying on someone else's help!

The path to Immortal King must ultimately be walked by oneself!

The Heavy Bright Immortal King, the Star Extreme Immortal King, the Xuanjun Immortal King... Since they could all do it, why can't I?!"

By the end, Gu Ruochen's voice had become resonant and powerful, like the sound of the Great Dao itself, deafening and filled with unparalleled confidence. His eyes shone with a frightening intensity, brimming with spirit.

Witnessing this, the princes and princesses felt a surge of reverence, as if they were seeing the Seven Stars Monarch who once looked down upon the world!

In truth, ultimately, Gu Ruochen still didn't believe Gu Qingfeng, and his impression of that arrogant individual wasn't particularly good either.

Indeed, ordinary heavenly tribulations and the Immortal King Tribulation were fundamentally incomparable concepts. The difference between them was like that between simple addition and advanced mathematics.

Therefore, Gu Ruochen decided to sever any lingering thoughts of luck from his heart. He would face the Immortal King Tribulation in his strongest state, to seize a sliver of hope.

State of mind, at times, is more important than combat power!

Right at that moment.

BOOM!

A deafening sound came from outside, and the sky darkened once again.

Gu Ruochen frowned slightly. Someone else is undergoing a tribulation?

"Report!!"

A young, beardless eunuch hurried in.

"Your Majesty, that Gu Qingfeng is helping someone undergo a tribulation again. This time, it's a Golden Immortal."

Gu Ruochen: "..."

He felt an inexplicable wavering in his state of mind, his imposing aura weakening slightly.

The other princes and princesses were also taken aback.

Seeing this, Gu Ling'er quickly said, "Father, why don't you ask Gu Qingfeng to give it a try? If necessary, just offer him more benefits."

Gu Ruochen was silent for a moment, then steadied his aura again, saying firmly, "Relying on oneself is better than relying on others."

With that, he spoke no more.

By now, Gu Ruochen had thought it through clearly. He knew Gu Qingfeng must have some tricks up his sleeve; otherwise, he couldn't have withstood someone like Yuwen Xiong, a successor of an Immortal King.

But no matter how capable he was, the claim that he could truly help others overcome tribulations was surely an exaggeration. At best, it was some minor technique only effective for those at lower realms. The Immortal King Tribulation was simply impossible.

"Enough. All of you, withdraw. This Emperor needs to focus on his preparations."

"Yes, Father."

Gu Ling'er seemed to want to say more but ultimately held her tongue and turned to leave.

Gu Ruochen also sank into silence, beginning to cultivate and constantly adjust his condition to reach its peak.

However, one day later.

BOOM!

The sound of heavenly thunder startled Gu Ruochen from his cultivation.

He frowned. The imposing aura he had painstakingly gathered was wavering again.

He shook his head and resumed his cultivation.

Another day later.

The thunderous booms came again, growing more frequent—twice in a single day.

Gu Ruochen's frown deepened.

Three days later, the sounds of tribulation actually became continuous. As soon as one person finished, a second immediately followed, then a third, a fourth... it was as if they were lining up, the noise lasting an entire day.

Gu Ruochen felt cracks forming in his resolute Dao heart.

On this day, the heavenly thunder sounded as usual.

BOOM!

A flash of astonishment crossed his eyes. "This aura... it's a Great Luo Golden Immortal undergoing a tribulation!"

At this moment, he truly began to lose his composure.

If the previous tribulations were small fry, this was a Great Luo Golden Immortal!

As beings who have touched the eternal Great Dao, Great Luo Golden Immortals represent a qualitative transformation compared to other immortals.

"If he can even help with the Great Luo Golden Immortal's Calamity..." Gu Ruochen's expression grew increasingly shocked, even tinged with a trace of anticipation.

"Does that mean what he said is true? He can really help with the Immortal King Tribulation?!"

But then he remembered what Gu Qingfeng had said to his daughter and knew the other party definitely wouldn't help him easily. As a Quasi-Immortal King, how could he lower himself to beg a junior?

BOOM! BOOM!

Two consecutive terrifying peals of thunder rang out.

Thud!

Gu Ruochen instantly stood up, his gaze shifting from shock to utter astonishment.

"This... how is this possible! Three... he's helping three Great Luo Golden Immortals undergo tribulation simultaneously!?"

At that moment, all concerns about face were thrown to the wind. His entire body trembled with excitement.

"Excellent! This Emperor is saved! Saved!"

"This young man actually possesses such might! Even if he cannot help this Emperor withstand the entire Immortal King Tribulation, just blocking one more bolt would increase my chances of becoming an Immortal King!

Attendants! Go quickly and invite Young Master Gu!!"