The treasure robe that Yu Miao had sewn for Gu Han had been quite damaged during the Border Wasteland battle. Besides, given his current cultivation level, it wouldn’t be of much use anymore. The one in Zhou Ye’s hands was just right for him.

Upon seeing Wang Yong’s face growing darker and darker, Zhou Ye felt immense satisfaction. “Young Master, as a sword cultivator, you lack no offensive means, and your killing power far exceeds that of your peers. This treasure robe will complement you perfectly, like a tiger gaining wings!”

Wang Yong’s face had already turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He no longer felt that Zuo Yang was too generous for giving the Soul-Harvesting Fruit to Gu Han. Stingy! He’s far too stingy! Holy Son, the Holy Land has many good things. If you just asked, the Holy Master wouldn’t refuse! Just like that, our Holy Land looks inferior! More importantly, I don’t have face anymore!

Meanwhile, Yun Fan was practically drooling as he watched. He vaguely felt that this long robe was somewhat similar to the phoenix-embellished battle skirt Feng Xi wore. In contrast, Fatty appeared completely calm, even a bit disdainful. When it came to defense, he had never felt inferior to anyone.

Zhao Mengyou was in a daze. For the Tiansheng Hall, these kinds of items were top-tier treasures. Aside from the hall master, no one was even qualified to touch them. Now, not only were they being given away so casually, judging by the expressions of the two, they actually felt the gifts were too lacking. For the first time, she actually felt the depth and terror of those top factions. 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Of course, Gu Han wouldn’t stand on ceremony when it comes to Fatty. “Fatty, didn’t you also bring something? You said it could help me break through. Take it out and let me see.”

“Forget it. This thing is a bit unique, so I can’t just take it out. Since you don’t need it anymore, I have to send it back quickly, or my dad will kill me.” Fatty didn’t show off for the first time. If anything, he was full of regret. “What a pity. I even dismantled my home and nearly cut my dad off just to get this thing.”

Yun Fan was instantly moved. “Brother Yulin, you really are Brother Gu’s good brother!”

Gu Han was touched. “Fatty, it’s the thought that counts. I never—”

Fatty was filled with melancholy. “You guys don’t understand. If only I had persisted a little more back then, gritted my teeth a bit harder... Haa, cursed indecisiveness!”

The few of them wore strange expressions. Fatty’s performance had redefined their understanding of the word “shamelessness.”

Gu Han felt that his consolation was completely unnecessary. Upon seeing that matters here were concluded, he no longer had any intention of staying. He was about to take Divine Physician Xue and the others back to heal their injuries. Still, before leaving, he instructed Yun Fan to properly arrange a job for those rogue alchemists. The alchemists were extremely grateful to him, repeatedly bowing with folded hands.

Without strength or background, life in the capital was very difficult for rogue cultivators. With just a casual remark, Gu Han had changed their fate. Though Yun Fan couldn’t figure out Gu Han’s intention, he fully played the role of a qualified lackey.

Some time later, the crowd was still discussing even after Gu Han had left, unwilling to disperse. It was easy to imagine that after today, Gu Han’s reputation would spread like wildfire throughout the entire capital, and even the whole empire.

***

Inside the travel palace, Divine Physician Xue held the bottle of Emerald Condensation Pill.

He was stunned by the description on the bottle. “What...?”

Having pursued alchemy for decades, his skill could be said to be superb, far beyond what ordinary alchemists could compare to. Even so, the heaven-defying efficacy of the Emerald Condensation Pill still deeply shocked him. How could such a pill exist?!

Subconsciously, he held the bottle up and carefully examined it, trying to deduce the pill’s formula and composition.

Gu Han shook his head. “Senior, the Emerald Condensation Pill was developed by alchemists in the pill tower. They had poured out their hearts and blood in a moment of despair. How could it be easily seen through? Heal your injuries first. We’ll deal with the rest later.”

Divine Physician Xue, who was in a daze, was supported by Xue Yu into a chamber. “Alright... alright...”

Catching the scent, Fatty immediately came over. “This pill came from that place, right? You got any more? Let me—”

Gu Han glanced at him. “Get a whiff?”

Fatty was extremely thick-skinned. “Exactly! Only you understand me!”

Gu Han ignored his nonsense.

Wang Yong and Zhou Ye were also itching with curiosity, but they couldn’t ask too much since Gu Han hadn’t said anything.

Zhou Ye coughed lightly and walked over. Having just barely bested Wang Yong, he was in a good mood and was quite pleased. “Young Master Gu, since the gift has been delivered, I should also quickly—hmm?”

Suddenly, his smile faded as he looked into the distance. Wang Yong also immediately noticed the anomaly.

Gu Han was stunned. “What’s wrong? Someone’s there!”

Gray and black light swirled unceasingly around Zhou Ye. He was filled with a murderous aura, his gaze cold and sharp. It was the spitting image of a great demon who had rolled around in mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Where was the slightest trace of the amiable, approachable person he was when facing Gu Han?

“That person is strange!”

As his words fell, a humanoid figure appeared in the distant sky, surrounded by surging demonic qi. Before he even got close, the few of them could already feel the undisguised killing intent and murderous aura emanating from him.

Zhou Ye narrowed his eyes, laughing coldly. “Hmm? Who did I think it was? It’s just a Heavenly Tribulation demonic cultivator. What a coincidence, running into me. I’ll make him see what a real demonic cultivator looks like!”

Wang Yong smiled proudly as a layer of white light instantly surrounded him. “It’s just a demonic cultivator, there’s nothing to fear! Running into me is his bad luck. I’ll make sure he comes but never returns!”

The two glanced at each other, thinking, No matter what, I can’t let him get ahead this time!

“Young Master, wait here. I’ll go capture him!”

“Young Master, don’t panic. This person is already in my grasp!”

The two were about to rush out when Gu Han rushed forward with joy. “Father!”

The newcomer was Gu Tian.

The two froze on the spot. What in the...

Zhou Ye smiled awkwardly as his murderous aura instantly vanished. “He is the young master’s father?”

“That’s right. Go on, weren’t you going to capture him?” Fatty glanced at Zhou Ye, then Wang Yong. “And weren’t you going to make sure Uncle Gu came but never returned?”

Zhou Ye laughed loudly. “Wonderful! The purity of his demonic qi is truly something I’ve rarely seen in my life! Although his cultivation is somewhat low, the technique he cultivates must be far superior to the technique I practice. Given time, he will surely become a renowned and mighty demonic overlord, just like the sect master!”

Wang Yong, unwilling to be outdone, sighed with emotion. “No wonder! Young Master Gu is young, yet he has already cultivated to the Triple Supreme Stage. On top of that, his sword skills are also unparalleled! It turns out he inherited the legacy from Fellow Daoist Gu!”

Yun Fan and Zhao Mengyou stared at each other strangely. A sword cultivator and a demonic cultivator were completely unrelated fields. What kind of true legacy is that...?

Upon seeing Gu Han, Gu Tian’s demonic qi receded, and the killing intent in his eyes gradually faded as he regained some clarity.. “Han’er... You... are alright now...”

Within his left hand was a jade talisman. It was the route map Yun Fan had specially drawn for him back then, fearing he would get lost. In his right hand, he was clutching several spirit herbs tightly. Although their grade wasn’t as high as the two half-saint herbs, they were still rare precious herbs, comparable to the Seven-Leaf Soul-Nourishing Grass.

Gu Han couldn’t help but notice that Gu Tian seemed even more haggard than last time. His heart ached as he carefully explained everything, “Father, I’m fine now!”

The anxiety in Gu Tian’s eyes vanished and was replaced by relief. “Good... good... It’s good... that you’re fine.”

Subconsciously, his gaze shifted, landing on Fatty beside him. Fatty froze, recalling the suffering he had endured at Gu Tian’s hand.

He then cursed inwardly, No! What’s there to be afraid of?! I’m not the same fatty anymore! Even if I stood here and let Uncle Gu attack freely, he couldn't break my defense!

His courage bolstered as he moved a bit closer. “Uncle, we meet again. You look as impressive as ever!”

Gu Tian didn’t speak but just stared at him. The rationality in his eyes seemed to be gradually disappearing, showing signs of turning pitch black again.

Fatty panicked a bit. “Uh... Uncle, it’s me, Yulin! Don’t you remember me? I’ve shared life-and-death experiences with Gu Han! Y-you can’t possibly attack me!”

Gu Han also felt something was off with Gu Tian. “Father.”

No matter how many times he called out, Gu Tian seemed not to notice. Following Gu Tian’s gaze, Gu Han saw that his adoptive father wasn’t looking at Fatty, but at his storage ring.

Gu Han’s heart stirred. “Fatty, what’s in your storage ring?”

Since a storage ring had its own internal space, outsiders couldn’t normally probe. Nevertheless, he knew very well that Gu Tian practiced the strange and unpredictable Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture. He could have actually developed some special sensitivity to it.

In the next moment, towering demonic flames erupted from Gu Tian. He seemed ready to pounce on the storage ring, barely restraining himself with his last shred of rationality.

Fatty panicked. “Uncle, you can’t! This thing is my family’s lifeline!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, Gu Tian’s demonic qi surged another threefold.

Fatty was dumbfounded. What should I do?! Do I fight back? But Uncle Gu is one of us./ Besides, he’s too ferocious. If he fights, he won’t care about his life. That won’t do! Maybe I should run?

His eyes darted around, ready to flee. At that moment, his storage ring split with several cracks, then exploded with a bang.

A fist-sized grey stone appeared before everyone, radiating a ghostly light. It seemed to be alive, as it suddenly let out a sharp shriek.

Fatty’s eyes widened. “What??? This thing is alive?”

Wang Yong and Zhou Ye instantly shielded Gu Han.

“Young Master Gu, be careful!”

“Young Master Gu, danger!”

At that very moment, Gu Tian’s eyes once again turned black. Demonic flames rolled all over him, unceasingly spreading outward. He had completely lost his sanity!

That stone sensed the crisis and shrieked even louder. It faintly showed signs of contending with Gu Tian’s demonic qi on equal footing.