Gu Han froze. “Key? What key?”

“The door... key...” Gu Tian’s emotions seemed somewhat unstable after mentioning the golden seal. He just kept repeating these words, as if entrusting something to Gu Han, and also warning himself. “Open it... open it...”

Gu Han fell into silent contemplation. All this time, whether regarding his own matters or this golden seal, Qian Ye had been secretive. Gu Han had also never asked in detail. It seemed that the secrets hidden within were not as simple as he had imagined.

The demonic shadow seemed to sense Gu Tian’s unusual state. With a roar, it lunged again toward Gu Han.

In the next moment, a large hand that was thick with demonic qi crushed it into pieces. It did not recover for a long time.

Gu Tian’s gaze blurred for a moment, then regained some clarity. “Han’er...”

He completely stopped mentioning the golden seal, as if his earlier words had just been rambling.

Before Gu Han could ask anything else, he seemed to have no intention of staying any longer. “I’m leaving. Take... good care of yourself...”

With that, demonic qi swirled around him, and he soared through the air.

Watching Gu Tian quickly disappearing from sight, Gu Han felt melancholy, remaining silent for a long time.

Fatty patted his shoulder and sighed. “Don’t worry too much. Actually, the outer perimeter of the forbidden zone isn’t that dangerous. Back then, when the old ancestor hadn’t even stepped into the Saint realm yet, he went in and still came back safe and sound, right? Besides, Uncle Gu is way more capable than you realize. Even that weird thing got absorbed by him. Now that they have gone to the forbidden zone, tsk tsk... Who knows who’ll end up unlucky.”

Gu Han felt slightly more at ease. “I guess it makes sense.”

First, there was the divine power, now this strange stone. With the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture to rely on, the power of Gu Tian's demonic qi far exceeded his imagination. As for the outer perimeter of the forbidden zone, there were very few things there that could actually hurt him. Perhaps, they would even turn into his nourishment instead.

Gu Han’s mood improved a bit, but Fatty started feeling dejected. “The treasure is gone, the Fu family’s foundation is gone too. This is really—”

Gu Han turned serious. “Fatty, you heard my father too. If that thing had stayed in your family any longer, it would have definitely caused a huge disaster. Isn’t finding the hidden danger early a good thing? You actually wanted to get devoured by that thing?”

Fatty said with a somber, worried expression, “You don’t get it. All these years, the Fu family was able to hold its ground mostly because of that thing. In the Central Continent, a family that loses its foundation is no different from a beast that loses its claws and fangs. If even a bit of this news gets out, I’m afraid countless forces and enemies will set their sights on us.”

Gu Han felt something was off. Zhou Ye and Wang Yong also found it strange. They were wondering whether it was that serious. The stone was gone, but the experts and the old ancestor were all still there, but Fatty made it sound so dire.

Only Yun Fan naively started worrying along. “Brother Yu Lin, what should we do then?”

Fatty secretly praised Yun Fan for being sensible, but let out a long sigh. “The only plan now is to find another foundation solid enough to stabilize the Fu family’s fortune. Only then can this crisis be averted!”

Gu Han suddenly smiled. “Is that so? For example?”

Fatty perked up instantly. “Cultivation techniques, divine abilities, secret arts, anything works! Of course, Heaven-tier won’t do. As a foundation, it’s still a bit lacking. The higher the grade, the better. The more, the merrier...”

He gazed at Gu Han expectantly, almost directly asking for it. Yun Fan was stunned speechless. Wang Yong and Zhou Ye didn’t understand the situation either, their mouths twitching.

Heaven-tier won't do? He really dared to say that? Though such forbidden techniques exist, they are so rare across the five domains that they can be counted on one hand. Why do you think so many people fought over it? The more, the merrier? Does he have any sense?

“Fucking Fatty!” Gu Han’s face darkened. “I knew you had ulterior motives!”

He had long seen that Fatty had never given up on his cultivation techniques.

Fatty looked a bit embarrassed and secretly transmitted his voice. “Cough, cough... I’m not asking for much. Just ten or eight of them would be fine. If that’s too much, three to five is also fine!”

Gu Han laughed in exasperation. “No! Not even half!”

Upon sensing Gu Han wasn’t joking, Fatty felt like crying. “R-really...? Really none?”

Thinking about how much trouble Fatty had gone through for him, Gu Han softened and sighed. “Wait for now. I really don’t have any right now.”

Fatty was still a bit unwilling. “How long?”

Gu Han glanced at him. “At best, ten days to half a month.”

“And at worst?”

“Eighty to a hundred years.”

Fatty was speechless.

Just then, Divine Physician Xue and the others walked out of the room.

Zhou Ye and the others were stunned.

The physician, who should've been severely injured, was brimming with energy. On top of his rosy complexion, his breath was also calm and steady. It was as if he had never been injured at all!

Wang Yong and Zhou Ye were in shock. Impossible! How long has it been? He's fully recovered in less than half an incense stick’s time?! Not even the Holy Land’s best healing pills are this effective!

For a moment, they were very curious what exactly was the pill Gu Han had given him.

Even Divine Physician Xue still had a trace of shock in his eyes. He cupped his hands to Gu Han. “Kid, I owe you one!”

Xue Yu bowed gracefully. “Thank you, Young Master. If it weren’t for your help, not only I, but my grandfather as well... I have no way to repay your great kindness, only—”

Gu Han had a headache. “No. There’s no need for that. Just call me by my name. I really can’t stand the title ‘young master.’ Besides, it’s nothing big.”

Xue Yu did not reply. She, who was usually so gentle, seemed particularly stubborn on this matter.

Divine Physician Xue sighed. “It might be nothing to you, but to us, it’s a great kindness.”

Gu Han broke into a smile. “Great kindness? Senior, if I’m not mistaken, your cultivation level is only at the seventh stage of the Divine Connection realm, right?” 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

“That’s correct...”

“Then why did you lie to me back then?”

With Gu Han’s current cultivation, he could see clearly. That day, Divine Physician Xue lied when he said the pill was useless to him. In fact, he required it more than anyone. Moreover, for a Divine Connection rogue cultivator, a pill made from a half-saint herb was priceless.

Divine Physician Xue smiled bitterly. “Actually, I wasn't lying. Even if I took that pill, it would only allow me to break through to the Soaring realm. So why waste something so precious? It was better to give it to Ah Sha. I like her very much, as she reminded me of Xiao Yu.”

When Ah Sha wasn’t angry, she was quiet and demure, just like Xue Yu. Besides being kind-hearted, that was also a major reason he had saved her back then.

That was when Divine Physician Xue finally noticed it. “Speaking of which, where’s Ah Sha? Why haven’t I seen her?”

Gu Han’s expression dimmed. “She went home. But I will bring her back. Definitely."

Divine Physician Xue sighed softly and didn’t ask further.

He cupped his hands. “Now that my injuries are healed, I won’t stay long—”

Gu Han interrupted him. “Senior, are you not going to seek revenge? Although Song Jian is dead, the real culprit is still alive and well. The Yudan Sect killed over a hundred people from your family. Are you just going to let it go?”

A deep, unforgettable hatred appeared in both Divine Physician Xue and Xue Yu‘s eyes. How could they forget such a grudge? How could they not want revenge?!

Fatty quietly pulled Yun Fan aside. “What’s wrong? What’s the gossip?”

Yun Fan sighed and told them about Divine Physician Xue’s past.

Fatty’s eyes narrowed instantly. “Such a blood feud must be avenged!”

Gu Han smiled. “Exactly. Senior, he killed your entire family, so you should destroy his sect. That’s fair and just, isn’t it?”

Yun Fan’s heart trembled. Oh no, oh no! Here it comes again... Brother Gu’s killing intent is so strong!

Divine Physician Xue understood what Gu Han meant. “But...”

The Yudan Sect was involved in the border wars of the Great Flame Empire. He didn’t want Gu Han to get caught up in this mess.

Gu Han shook his head. “Senior, I only ask, do you want revenge?”

Divine Physician Xue and Xue Yu fell silent, unable to bring themselves to say no.

Gu Han nodded. “Good.”

Two meetings, two gifts of pills. Now, these pills would not seem like much, but at the time, they were life-saving items. The kindness had to be repaid.

Gu Han turned to Zhou Ye and Wang Yong. “You two, I’m about to head to the border. Please tell my senior brother and senior sister when you return that we’ll meet again.”

Zhou Ye was all smiles. “Of course, of course! I will definitely pass on Young Master Gu’s message—”

“Hmph! Despicable, truly despicable!” Wang Yong shouted furiously, glancing at Zhou Ye with righteousness. “To be able to commit such a cruel act against a friend of over a decade is completely unforgivable! As someone who has always acted honorably, I cannot stand such heartless and evil people. I will not stand idly by!”

Then, he cupped his hands to Gu Han in an upright manner. “Young Master, I am willing to aid you in this revenge. If you need anything, just say the word!”

Xue Yu’s eyes reddened. “Senior, thank you—”

“Senior, your righteousness is great. I will never forget it!” said Divine Physician Xue, who was about to bow deeply.

Wang Yong’s heart leaped, and he released a surge of energy, quickly supporting them. “Stop! Fellow Daoist Xue, you’re too polite!”

Normally, he wouldn’t even glance at someone like Divine Physician Xue. Nevertheless, since Gu Han clearly respected Divine Physician Xue, he couldn’t act arrogantly.

“I make friends only based on character, never on cultivation level! We can treat each other as peers! Fellow Daoist Xue’s matter is my matter. If this grudge isn’t avenged, I won't be able to rest!”

His words hit Zhou Ye like a thunderclap, stunning him.

Wang Yong glanced at him, feeling satisfied and indescribably pleased. Hah! I got there first!

Zhou Ye’s eyes turned red. Damn bastard, not following the rules!

Zhou Ye reacted quickly too, laughing angrily. “Even us demonic cultivators don’t act without reason, let alone betraying friends. This thief is utterly vile. I hate such scoundrels the most! If I don’t destroy this thief and the Yudan Sect, I will never return to my sect!”

Divine Physician Xue was about to bow again. “Senior—”

Zhou Ye quickly stopped him. “No! Fellow Daoist, you are kind and righteous. I truly admire you. I only regret meeting you too late! Don’t worry. I will definitely destroy the Yudan Sect. I won’t leave a single blade of grass!”

Wang Yong smiled insincerely. “Fellow Daoist Zhou, weren’t you just saying you were going back?”

Zhou Ye completely ignored him. We demonic cultivators excel at going back on our word. Don’t you even know that?

With two super fighters, Gu Han of course wouldn’t refuse. “In that case, then I thank you both.”

The two answered almost in unison.

“I am only doing this for justice!”

“I am absolutely not doing this for personal reasons!”

After speaking, they looked at each other with malice.

Pft! Shameless!

Fucking bastard!