Breaking Through the Mundane, the Divine Descent is Imminent

The Long Family Estate.

Ever since the three major families' industries were completely acquired by the Gu Family, the daily lives of these families had undergone significant changes.

First and foremost, Long Aotian noticed a considerable decline in the quality of his meals and services. The family had undergone a massive purge, with some members fleeing the city overnight out of fear. With servants gone, Long Aotian's standard of living had naturally deteriorated.

He lay on a recliner, his expression grim. As a Grand Master, he could technically go decades without eating, but the frustration gnawing at him... remained unshaken.

Gu Yan, Leng Qingqiu.

You two have reduced me, the revered patriarch of the Long Family, to this pitiful state. Once the Divine One descends, I will make sure you pay dearly for this!

At that moment—

"My lord."

Shadow appeared, carrying a tray of food. The meal was exquisitely prepared, its aroma enticing, and it radiated an energy that stirred one's inner qi.

Long Aotian snorted. "Is this the so-called [Spirit Cuisine] the Gu Family has produced?"

Shadow placed the tray on the table and replied respectfully, "Yes, my lord. I have tested it myself—it does indeed enhance one's qi, albeit slightly. The effect is more pronounced for those with lower cultivation."

"Can it really be this miraculous?"

Long Aotian's eyes flickered with skepticism as he took a small bite.

The moment the Spirit Cuisine touched his tongue, a faint but unmistakable sensation surged through him.

"This is—?!"

His expression shifted. Though minuscule, his cultivation had undeniably improved by a hair's breadth.

What kind of methods does the Gu Family possess to create something so revolutionary?

And... they're selling it to the general public?!

Such a treasure, casually available to ordinary people?

What a waste!

If it were us, we'd keep it firmly in our grasp.

How could they possibly distribute it so freely?

Tch.

In the end, they're just merchants tainted by worldly greed.

Blinded by wealth.

Lost in thought, Long Aotian devoured the rest of the Spirit Cuisine.

Watching this, Shadow's eyes gleamed with an inscrutable light.

He collected the empty dishes and said deferentially, "My lord, Leng Qingqiu's younger sister, Leng Ling'er, has agreed to visit Linhai City... at the beginning of next month."

"Oh?"

Long Aotian, who had just reclined again, perked up at this news. A sinister smile curled on his lips.

"In that case, have Lin Yinyin bring Leng Ling'er back once she arrives in Linhai City!"

"As you command, my lord. However, there is one complication."

"What is it?"

"Leng Qingqiu has placed a spiritual detection spell on Leng Ling'er. If she senses any danger, she will immediately intervene."

Long Aotian frowned.

Annoying, but predictable. The deaths of Leng Xing'an and his family had already put Leng Qingqiu on high alert.

Of course she'd take precautions.

If we act rashly, it could backfire.

Does this mean we have to let this opportunity slip away?

Long Aotian seethed with frustration. He knew Leng Ling'er's talent surpassed his own—that was precisely why he feared the Divine One might favor her upon descent, jeopardizing his own standing.

But...

If acting recklessly risks exposing Lin Yinyin's identity, Leng Qingqiu might even turn the tables and take control of her vessel.

That would be an unacceptable loss.

...Fine.

Given my years of unwavering service, the Divine One surely wouldn't deny me a suitable vessel when the time comes.

Once the Divine One successfully descends, we can deal with Leng Ling'er then.

Having settled on this, Long Aotian waved a hand.

"Leng Qingqiu is indeed a problem. Avoid provoking her for now."

"Suspend the operation against Leng Ling'er. Focus entirely on completing the experiments with the Demon Arms."

"By the end of this month, exhaust all test subjects and report the final results to me."

"Yes!"

With a flicker, Shadow vanished.

Long Aotian leaned back once more.

Admittedly, the Gu Family's Spirit Cuisine was delicious. Rumor had it they even had artificially cultivated, pollution-free [Spirit Pets].

Hmph. Soon, all of it will belong to me.

What Long Aotian didn't know, however, was that—

After consuming the Spirit Cuisine—

Countless microscopic claw-like cells now coursed through his meridians, bloodstream, and even his brain...

......

......

Inside the laboratory.

An overwhelming aura, undetectable to the outside world, surged relentlessly from Gu Yan's body.

Moreover, as time passed, the rate of this energy's growth only accelerated.

Gu Yan, sensing the power within him, remained expressionless—as if he had anticipated this all along.

"The cultivation of three Grand Masters... has propelled me into the Post-Celestial Realm."

Not only that, but as people worldwide consumed his [Spirit Cuisine], used his devices, or interacted with his [Spirit Pets]—

Their cultivation unknowingly fed back into him.

This was another manifestation of the [Abyssal Annihilation Art].

As his enterprises expanded globally, his strength would only climb higher.

Even now, his cultivation was steadily rising, soon breaking through to the late-stage Post-Celestial Realm.

Gu Yan was certain that by the end of the month, with his industries spanning the world, he would reach the peak of the Post-Celestial Realm.

In essence, Gu Yan was harnessing the collective cultivation of the entire world to elevate himself.

But it still wasn't enough.

Post-Celestial, Earthly, Heavenly, Immortal, and Divine Realms.

To slay a god outright, he needed at least Divine Realm power.

For now, however, he would soon employ another method to kill the Divine One and absorb its power—

Which would trigger another explosive leap in his cultivation.

Recalling the intelligence just relayed by his mole—

"By the end of the month... exhaust all test subjects..."

These two clues alone told Gu Yan everything.

They planned to finish the experiments before Leng Ling'er's trip.

This could only mean one thing—

The Divine One's descent was imminent.

And in the moments after descent, the Divine One would be at its weakest—busy consolidating its new vessel, its divine power unstable.

That... would be Gu Yan's perfect window to strike.

With this in mind, Gu Yan raised his hand.

A black longsword materialized in his grasp.

He lifted Illusion's End, gripping it firmly.

Next month...

Would mark his first confrontation with the Divine One in this lifetime.

At that critical moment...

He would be counting on this blade.