"So this was your plan all along?"
A trace of joy flickered across his face as Hai Bodong muttered to himself.
His sharp gaze fixed on Gu He, and after a moment, his lips moved. "So, you've been waiting here for me all along?"
Gu He's smile deepened, but he offered no denial.
Watching that infuriating grin, Hai Bodong's brow furrowed in displeasure. Yet, deep down, he couldn't resist the allure of the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill Gu He had mentioned.
With it, his cultivation could swiftly return to its peak.
"Old Hai, you must understand—without extraordinary opportunities, relying solely on your own strength, it may take you a decade to regain your former power."
"But if you return to the Miteer Family, a single order could exchange for it. Ten years saved… this deal seems more than fair."
"Think of what you could accomplish in that time." Gu He's calm voice chipped away at Hai Bodong's wavering resolve.
The old man's face twisted in silent struggle. Gu He, patient, sat quietly in his chair, allowing him time to deliberate.
The spacious hall remained heavy with silence until, at last, Hai Bodong released a resigned sigh.
He met Gu He's gaze and spoke solemnly, "Fine. I accept your terms. But when will you give me the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill?"
His tone sharpened. "Surely you don't expect me to gather all the ingredients before you refine it for me?"
The list Gu He provided was filled with rare materials—many of which Hai Bodong had never even heard of. He had little confidence in securing them all.
'If I exhaust my efforts and still fail to gather everything, and Gu He reneges… wouldn't I be left with nothing?'
Gu He saw through his hesitation instantly and smiled. "Rest assured, Old Hai. So long as you act in good faith, I will not let you suffer losses."
After a brief pause, he added seriously, "I'll give you a year. Make progress, and I'll refine the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill for you."
In truth, Gu He had already collected the pill's ingredients through the Miteer Family and refined it in secret. But until Hai Bodong proved his loyalty, he wouldn't hand it over.
Satisfied with the assurance, Hai Bodong nodded. "That's more like it."
Then, his eyes fell on the list again, curiosity piqued. "Gu He, might I ask what pill you intend to refine with these?"
The materials listed were all exceedingly rare. Hai Bodong was certain—this was no ordinary pill. Likely a sixth-tier pill.
Gu He smiled faintly, without hiding anything. "Have you heard of the Ancestor Breaking Pill?"
"Ancestor Breaking Pill?!" Hai Bodong's eyes widened. He stared at the list in disbelief. "These ingredients… are for that?"
As one of the Jia Ma Empire's top ten experts, Hai Bodong's knowledge was vast. He knew well the pill's legendary effects.
In fact, every Dou Emperor powerhouse—especially those at the peak—was familiar with the Ancestor Breaking Pill.
Among sixth-tier pills, it stood at the apex. Its value was such that even peak Dou Emperors coveted it.
The pill didn't enhance strength directly. Instead, it granted a 10% increase in the success rate when a peak Dou Emperor attempted to break through to Dou Ancestor.
Even if the breakthrough failed, the user's cultivation would not regress, remaining stable at their current level.
For Dou Emperors, advancing to Dou Ancestor was perilous. Failure often led to violent dou qi fluctuations, sometimes even cultivation regression—a nightmare for any expert who'd spent decades honing their power.
The Ancestor Breaking Pill's effects were irresistible. Though 10% might seem modest, that sliver of hope was enough to drive countless peak Dou Emperors to desperation.
As the pill's properties flashed through his mind, Hai Bodong's breathing grew ragged. He stared at Gu He, stunned. "You—you can refine the Ancestor Breaking Pill?!"
A top-tier sixth-tier pill… and Gu He had only recently become a sixth-tier alchemist. How could he possibly manage it?
Moreover, the pill's formula was beyond precious. Even the Misty Cloud Sect shouldn't possess it.
'Where did Gu He obtain it?'
Unaware of Hai Bodong's doubts, Gu He nodded confidently. "If I've tasked you with gathering the ingredients, I'm certain I can refine it."
This had long been part of his plans.
He had two purposes for the Ancestor Breaking Pill: First—for Yun Yun.
Since that night in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, she had become his woman, whether she acknowledged it or not.
Naturally, he wouldn't neglect her.
Though Yun Yun's current strength didn't yet require the pill, Gu He prepared it in advance. When she reached Nine-Star Dou Emperor, he'd present it as a gift.
He cared deeply for her cultivation. As his woman, he refused to let her fall behind. When he stood atop the world, he wouldn't allow her to be absent.
Second—for the Golden Feather Giant Eagle, Xiao Jin.
As his first tamed beast, Xiao Jin held a special place in his heart.
But now, Gu He had reached Dou Ancestor, while Xiao Jin remained a peak sixth-tier magical beast—too weak to keep pace.
With its eighth-tier bloodline potential, wasting it would be a shame. Thus, Gu He intended to refine a Ancestor Breaking Pill to push Xiao Jin into the seventh tier.
"You can really refine it?!" Hai Bodong's shock gave way to excitement.
His talent wasn't lacking. If not for years of being sealed, his cultivation might've reached Eight-Star Dou Emperor by now. He was confident he'd eventually reach Nine-Star.
With the Ancestor Breaking Pill… Dou Ancestor might be within reach!
His breathing grew feverish as he stared at Gu He with burning eyes.
But then reality struck—he still owed Gu He a favor. Worse, he needed the Spiritual Recovery Purple Pill to restore his strength. His lips parted, but shame kept him silent.
Gu He smirked, reading his thoughts. "If Old Hai ever requires it, I'll refine a Ancestor Breaking Pill for you—free of charge."
"Really?!" Hai Bodong's eyes bulged.
Gu He nodded solemnly. "If you serve me sincerely, and I'll ensure you're rewarded. Not just the Ancestor Breaking Pill—I can also refine the Emperor's pill."
"Emperor's pill?!" Hai Bodong's mind reeled. That name was even more legendary!
For him, the Emperor's pill was more valuable than the Ancestor Breaking Pill.
"Gu He, don't worry! Once I return to the Miteer Family, I'll mobilize all resources to gather these ingredients!"
Now thoroughly motivated, Hai Bodong thumped his chest in fervent promise.
Satisfied, Gu He nodded. "Then I'll leave it to you, Old Hai."
After finalizing details, the two exited the inner chamber.
…
"Teacher!" Qing Lin's eyes brightened the moment she spotted Gu He.
"Let's go." Patting her head, Gu He took her hand and led her out.
To avoid suspicion—given his many secrets—Gu He chose not to travel with Hai Bodong.
Once outside, he lifted Qing Lin into his arms and soared into the desert skies atop the Golden Feather Giant Eagle, Xiao Jin, heading straight for the capital.
A month had passed since he left the Misty Cloud Sect. With his goals in the Tagore Desert fulfilled, he was eager to return.
'That brat Liu Ling should've broken through by now. Time to… reward him properly.'
This past month had been exhausting. His cultivation remained stagnant at Three-Star Dou Ancestor. Progress at this level was painstakingly slow.
He missed the days at the Misty Cloud Sect, where his disciples' cultivation feedback sent his strength skyrocketing.
'Has Yun Yun returned yet?'
As Xiao Jin cut through the clouds, Gu He's mind drifted to her.
Honestly… he wasn't sure how to face her. Nor did he know how she'd react to him now.
…
The Next Day
No longer willing to play the role of a map vendor, Hai Bodong prepared to leave Mo City at dawn.
He left everything in his decades-old shop untouched.
'Perhaps one day, tired of strife, I'll return here to live out my days in peace.'
Standing atop a dune, he cast a final glance at the desert-edge city. A sigh escaped him—unexpectedly, he'd grown attached.
"Enough. After lying low for so long… it's time for the Ice Emperor, Hai Bodong, to return." Resolve hardened in his aged eyes.
'My old friends… I wonder who still lives?'
"Imperial Capital… I'm coming back."
With a thought, ice-blue wings unfurled behind him. His feet touched the ground, and he shot toward the horizon like a comet.
…
Misty Cloud Sect – Courtyard
Liu Ling sat immersed in a wooden barrel, his body drenched in medicinal liquid.
"Agh—!" His agonized screams echoed through the room.
His skin burned crimson, his face contorted in pain.
Gradually, the cries subsided. His breathing steadied.
Boom!
A muffled explosion erupted within him. His aura surged.
His eyes snapped open—a gleam of triumph flashing within.
"Hahaha! Six-Star Dou Practitioner! I've broken through!"
His elated laughter shook the room.
A massive golden shadow descended, depositing two figures before shrinking into a small golden bird.
"Qing Lin, this… is your new home." Gu He gestured toward the towering Misty Cloud Mountain, smiling.
"So high!"
Qing Lin's emerald eyes sparkled with excitement.
She peered up at Gu He, beaming. "Teacher, is this really the Misty Cloud Sect?"
During their travels, he'd told her of his identity and the sect's legacy. Now, pride swelled in her chest.
'From today… I'm a disciple of the Misty Cloud Sect!'
Gu He nodded, lifting her into his arms. "Let's go meet your senior brother and sister."
With that, he shot toward the mountain peak.
"Look! Who's that?!"
"Who dares fly over the Misty Cloud Sect?!"
"Wait—isn't that Elder Gu He?"
"Oh. Never mind, then."
Gu He's unannounced arrival sparked murmurs among the disciples.
He sighed inwardly.
'Last time, I returned with the Little Fairy Doctor in my arms… Now, another disciple.'
…
Enjoying the story? Get early access to 70+ advanced chapters.
👉 Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/DarkLord621