"Right, brother, it's mainly because Father really can't come out to see you. He's still in seclusion. Father was never exceptionally talented to begin with, so reaching this point is already quite an achievement."
"In recent years, the elders have all passed away. Now, the sect is mostly left with younger disciples."
However, matters of life and death were something Gu Yu had long grown indifferent to over the years.
Becoming a god was the only goal he and his father shared.
"It’s good to recruit new disciples, after all, the sect still needs to grow. But have you considered this—sooner or later, the Huaiyang Sect must emerge into the world. Otherwise, if both you and Uncle ascend to immortality, who will manage the Huaiyang Sect?"
Gu Yu lowered his gaze.
"It’s fine. I have great-grandchildren," Gu Yu said.
Chi Mu: "..."
To outlive even his own grandchildren—only Gu Yu could pull that off.
"My grandson is still alive," Gu Yu kicked Chi Mu lightly.
There was a bit of an age gap between them, but Chi Mu had essentially been the older brother who guided him in cultivation. Gu Yu knew exactly what Chi Mu was thinking.
"Ahem, I was just joking. But we’re here for serious business."
Chi Mu’s expression turned solemn.
Then, Little Wei told Gu Yu about the incident in the Sunset Forest.
"Listen, if you can handle this, go ahead. If not, I’ll step in," Chi Mu said, ready to take the risk.
Interfering in mortal affairs without permission carried divine punishment, especially when it involved something as grave as the demonic race.
If things went wrong, he could even be stripped of his godhood.
Hearing this, Si immediately interjected, "Stop it, don’t be reckless. It’s just the demonic race—they’re not invincible, and they haven’t even broken free yet."
"None of your business," Chi Mu shot back, completely ignoring Si.
Little Wei gave Chi Mu a sidelong glance. If not for fear of Gu Yu noticing something off, she would’ve kicked him right then.
Who did he think he was, talking so arrogantly?
"The demonic race? So after all these years, they’re making a comeback?" Gu Yu had heard tales of such chaos from his predecessors.
"Well, if it’s about reinforcing the barrier, we do have a method. But you know how it is—the demonic race is a powerful force. Strengthening the barrier would require at least ten Tribulation-stage experts, and that’s the bare minimum."
"Ten?!" Little Wei exclaimed in disbelief.
After the Tribulation stage came the Mahayana stage, and then ascension. In the entire Canglan Continent, where could they possibly find ten Tribulation-stage experts? It was practically a joke.
And each of them would have to sacrifice their lives.
"Exactly, ten Tribulation-stage experts, offering both their cultivation and their physical bodies as tribute. It’s excruciating," Gu Yu said, his lips pressed tightly together.
"Then I’ll do it," Chi Mu quickly volunteered.
If he intervened, the worst that could happen was losing his godhood—something he didn’t care about. If push came to shove, he could always join Si’s company.
Little Wei kicked him hard.
"Stay out of it."
"What’s your problem, Gu Wei? Huh? You get to play the hero, but I can’t make a sacrifice? Listen here, Gu Wei—I, Chi Mu, am no less capable than you!" Chi Mu rubbed his sore backside while bickering with Little Wei.
Ignoring him, Little Wei looked at Gu Yu.
"Is there… a technique? Something to suppress the demonic race, or a way to help a magical artifact digest energy? Like this…" She stretched out her hand, and her staff materialized before the three of them.
At the sight of it, Gu Yu frowned.
"Brother, can I take a closer look?"
"Go ahead," Little Wei nodded.
Gu Yu held the staff in his palm, watching as it emitted a red glow.
After examining it for a long time, he finally turned to Little Wei.
"Brother, where did you get this?"
"That’s… hard to explain. I gained a light-based ability once, and this thing just appeared on its own." Little Wei was just as puzzled about the staff.
It was like a gift from the heavens.
"If that’s the case, then it might be a divine artifact—bestowed by the heavens, a manifestation of your power. Such artifacts are more attuned to their wielders than any ordinary magical tool. It’s essentially one with you."
"Right now, its condition is easy to resolve—the issue of over-absorption. And you mentioned awakening a light spirit root before, right? That means you naturally counter the demonic race. If you absorb the staff’s power, you’ll also gain the light spirit root."
Gu Yu looked up at his brother.
This time, luck was on their side. His brother had stumbled upon such a rare opportunity. Since the dawn of cultivation on the Canglan Continent, there had only ever been one light spirit root.
It was the natural bane of the demonic race.
"Will it affect the staff?" Little Wei asked.
Si: "No."
"No," Gu Yu confirmed.
"It’ll benefit both you and the staff. Plus, the absorption happens at the soul level—it won’t harm Gu Tianyi’s physical body. Go ahead and absorb it. I hadn’t considered this before. Seems your brother has a deeper understanding of cultivation than I do."
Si was genuinely impressed.
When it came to cultivation, she really couldn’t help Little Wei much.
"Alright. How do I absorb it? I think we should hurry," Little Wei said, her lips pressed together.
Once this was resolved, she could finally reunite with Duan Lingyun.
At least there was something to look forward to.
She wondered if Duan Lingyun had returned to the Qingdao Sect to cultivate. As for meals—with Song Huanqing around, Little Wei wasn’t worried at all.
What she feared was Duan Lingyun overthinking things.
If she spiraled into darkness and became a demonic enchantress, then Little Wei’s efforts to balance the staff’s energy would be pointless.
"Si, keep an eye on Duan Lingyun for me," Little Wei instructed.
"Got it."
With Si’s assurance, Little Wei felt a little more at ease.
"Come, brother, I’ll take you to find the technique. As for Chi Mu—Qianxun, get him some tea. There should still be some in the storeroom. Heat it up."
"Yes, Sect Leader," Qianxun replied.
She was the girl who had opened the gate for them earlier.
"No way, I’m coming too," Chi Mu refused to stay behind with some maid.
That would be way too awkward.
Besides, he was already a god—surely Gu Yu wouldn’t distrust him.
When Chi Mu caught up, he saw Gu Yu handing Little Wei a jade slip.
"Brother, this is it—a method to absorb the power of a divine artifact into your soul. Given how unstable your soul has been all these years, this will only benefit you. But there’s one thing I must warn you about."
"Brother, the staff can purify demonic energy, but if your heart wavers, you might…"
Gu Yu hesitated.
Gaining such immense power for free naturally came with consequences.
"You shouldn’t doubt me," Little Wei met his gaze.
"I’m your brother, aren’t I?"
Little Wei remembered everything about the Qingdao Sect—memories Gu Yu had transmitted to her. Though they didn’t include recent events, the years of companionship in those memories were proof enough that Gu Yu truly admired her.
"Alright, brother, I trust you." Gu Yu nodded. "I'll give you the secret chamber inside. That's where I cultivate—it's the best place for you to absorb energy."
Little Wei glanced at the jade slip.
"Though there are some things I can't tell you yet, you must survive the Nine Heavens Lightning Tribulation. The path I'm walking now is also one toward godhood."
Gu Yu's eyes grew slightly moist.
"Alright, I'll listen to you, brother. I'll endure the tribulation—it should only take about a year."
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