"Grandpa, I'm back!"
Gu Han pushed the door open almost too eagerly, stepping into the courtyard and calling out.
The yard hadn't changed much—except for a new chicken pen by the wall, where eight plump hens strutted around.
Old Gu lounged on a bamboo chair in the sun, a fan covering half his face, the perfect picture of an old village elder enjoying life.
Hearing that familiar voice, he lowered the fan and sat up.
When his eyes confirmed it was really Gu Han, a wide smile lit his face.
"Haha! Xiaohan, you're back."
Then he spotted the three figures behind Gu Han. His smile grew even warmer as he quickly waved them over.
"Ah, guests too! Come in, come in—sit inside!"
Gu Han stepped forward and introduced each of the three to his grandfather.
Once inside, polite greetings filled the air.
Old Gu lived alone, but as the village head, he had done much for the people here. The villagers respected him deeply. Now, with Gu Han's growth bringing prosperity to the village, that respect had only grown.
Before long, the villagers began arriving at the house, each bringing something—chickens, ducks, fish, eggs—wanting to thank Gu Han for the good life they now enjoyed.
Gu Han didn't accept the gifts outright, but so as not to disappoint them, the villagers pooled everything together, hired a chef, and turned the fresh ingredients into a feast. The entire village ate and drank happily.
Only after that did Gu Han bring up the real reason for his visit—suggesting everyone move closer to Spirit Hall City.
But Old Gu refused.
They had lived here for generations, their ancestors' graves and temples all rooted in this soil. Life was comfortable here, and moving might cause all kinds of trouble—poor adaptation, bad water, different climate.
For them, visiting was fine. Moving was not.
Seeing their firm resolve, Gu Han didn't press the matter.
Since it was already late, the four stayed the night in the village.
The Gu family compound had plenty of rooms, and it was easy to free up four for them.
At dawn, the crow of a rooster stirred the village awake. Gu Han rose on time, washed up quickly, and went to the riverbank to practice swordsmanship.
His blade danced through fast and slow strokes, weaving endless variations. Paired with his unique footwork, the style was hard to read.
Whoosh!
A sharp sound split the air. Gu Han's eyes chilled—he turned, sword flashing to intercept.
Ding!
Steel met steel. A golden, petal-shaped blade was knocked aside.
The force wasn't light—though he blocked it, Gu Han's arm tingled, and his grip nearly slipped.
Clap, clap, clap!
"Good. Very good. Your vigilance and strength aren't small."
Yueguan stepped from behind a tree, elegant as ever. That golden flying blade had come from his hand.
He hadn't slept all night, spending the time in meditation. When he noticed Gu Han leave early, he followed.
Seeing the youth's swordsmanship stirred his fighting spirit. He hadn't gone full force, but the throw could still have slain a Soul King. For Gu Han—a mere Soul Master—to block it was impressive.
Recalling the immortal herb and whale glue Gu Han had consumed, Yueguan decided it made sense. In fact, judging from that strike, the boy might become a high-level Soul Master immediately upon obtaining his next soul ring—close to Soul Sect.
Recognizing the golden petals as those of Yueguan's Chrysanthemum martial soul, Gu Han wasn't surprised. He lowered his sword, clasped his fists, and bowed slightly.
"Thank you for the praise, Uncle Ju. But this junior's skills are still lacking."
"Haha, not lacking by much. Come—let's see what you can do."
Yueguan wanted to test him more. In Gu Han, he glimpsed the young air of Chen Xin—now a level 93 Douluo, whose Seven Kill Sword could even challenge rank 95s.
"Then I ask Uncle Ju for guidance."
A chance to spar with a powerhouse like this was not to be missed.
Yueguan's martial soul had evolved after taking the immortal herb, granting him the Vajra Body. Even some Titled Douluo under level 95 would have trouble subduing him now.
"Boy, you attack first."
A golden blade spun lazily between Yueguan's fingers. As the senior, he would not strike first.
"Then forgive my offense!"
Two soul rings lit beneath Gu Han's feet. His second skill activated, forming an ice armor around him.
The immortal herb had strengthened his martial soul, making his ice attribute far more potent.
With one sweep of his sword, the air chilled; frost formed wherever his blade passed.
"Well done."
Petals fell, each transforming into a golden blade, chaining toward him.
Gu Han's sword twisted gracefully, releasing arcs of icy sword energy.
The golden blades clashed with the ice, ringing with the crisp sound of steel. Some froze mid-air before shattering away.
Yueguan's brows rose. "Boy, you're quite sharp."
"Careful—I'm increasing my soul power."
The high-level Soul Sect pressure rolled in. Though far weaker than his full power, it was still stronger than most Soul Kings.
Gu Han felt the pressure mount. His steps flowed like a dragon's dance, swordplay unfolding in a storm of techniques.
For a while, they traded blows evenly.
(End of chapter)