After arriving and meeting Sect Leader Feng Qing, Wang Gu took his leave without lingering any longer than necessary.

Time, in his current situation, was more valuable than anything else. Every moment he spent idle was a moment lost in restoring Feng Qing’s condition.

In his mind, the path ahead was already clear.

The faster I move, the better his chances, he thought.

He stepped out of the Sect Leader’s residence within the Feng Ye Sect, the heavy doors closing quietly behind him.

The air outside felt lighter, though the burden on his shoulders remained. As he walked down the stone path, he pulled out a rolled parchment from his sleeve and unfurled it.

It was a map of the Seven Peaks of the Northern Mountains.

The ink markings were precise, outlining treacherous terrain, hidden routes, and scattered notes about spiritual fluctuations in the region.

His eyes traced each line carefully, memorizing distances and landmarks as he moved forward.

The world around him faded into the background as his focus sharpened.

Then, just as he reached the outer grounds, his steps slowed.

He stopped. A faint presence approached from behind.

Turning slightly, Wang Gu saw Su Yue walking toward him. The elder’s pace was calm, measured, as always. There was no urgency in his movements, but there was purpose.

He wasn’t here to join the journey. Instead, he held a small black pouch in his hand.

"I prepared some pills earlier," Su Yue said, his voice steady. "You might find them useful along the way."

Wang Gu extended his hand without hesitation and accepted the pouch.

The fabric was soft but tightly sealed, faint traces of medicinal aroma seeping through. He opened it slightly and glanced inside.

There were many pills, each one carefully refined. Fifteen, maybe twenty.

Each one represented time, effort, and rare materials. For a brief moment, Wang Gu considered declining.

This is too much...

But he knew better. Refusing would only insult the elder’s intentions. So he nodded.

"Thank you."

His tone was sincere, though restrained. He tied the pouch securely and tucked it away into his bag of holding.

"I’ll return within a year," Wang Gu said. "Sect Leader Feng Qing will be fine."

Su Yue let out a quiet breath. "I believe you will succeed."

There was no hesitation in his voice. No doubt.

Su Yue’s trust was not something given lightly. For someone like him to speak with such certainty meant he saw something in Wang Gu that others might not.

Still, Wang Gu did not dwell on it. He simply nodded once more.

Without another word, he stepped forward and leapt into the air.

His figure rose swiftly, gathering beneath his feet as he accelerated into the sky. Within moments, he became a streak of light, cutting across the horizon and vanishing into the distance.

Below, Su Yue watched until he was gone.

Then he turned and walked back toward the sect leader’s residence, his mind already shifting to the next matter at hand.

"We may need to consult Wang Yunxi," he said to the others waiting inside.

***

The journey north was long and unforgiving.

Wang Gu traveled across vast distances, passing over mountains, rivers, forests, and cities that stretched endlessly beneath him. The land changed gradually as he moved further north.

The air grew colder. The vegetation thinned. Even the spiritual energy in the atmosphere felt sharper, more biting.

Days passed. Then more days.

At times, Wang Gu flew without stopping, driven by urgency. At other times, he descended into cities to rest and recover his strength.

He visited places like Yuan Gu City and Nan Lao City, along with several smaller settlements scattered across the Song Kingdom.

Each city had its own character. Bustling markets filled with merchants shouting over one another.

Narrow streets lined with inns and shops. Cultivators moving quietly through crowds, their presence felt more than seen.

Wang Gu kept a low profile. He spoke little. Observed much.

And most importantly, he avoided drawing attention to himself.

The Gu Clan hasn’t found me... good.

The absence of familiar enemies was a relief. But he remained cautious.

Because in the cultivation world, danger often appeared when least expected.

As he continued his journey, his thoughts frequently returned to one thing. The eighth peak.

Does it really exist?

The Seven Peaks of the Northern Mountains were already well known. Seven towering formations, each with its own legend.

But an eighth? That was something else entirely. A secret hidden within a known mystery.

If it’s real... it could change everything.

Opportunities like that were rare. And Wang Gu had no intention of missing it. Eventually, he reached the final city before the northern mountains.

The change was immediate. Snow blanketed everything.

The rooftops of houses were buried under thick layers of white. The streets were quieter, the air heavy with cold mist. Even the sky seemed dimmer, as if the sun itself struggled to shine through.

The people here were different too. Their skin was pale, their clothing thick and fur-lined. Every movement they made was deliberate, conserving warmth.

Wang Gu landed just outside the city gates. The cold brushed against his face, but he showed no reaction.

Instead, he raised his hand slightly. Golden qi flared to life around him, forming a protective layer that insulated his body from the freezing air. Warmth returned instantly.

This environment won’t slow me down.

He stepped through the southern gate and entered the city. The main road stretched ahead, lined with buildings and scattered pedestrians. His eyes moved constantly, taking in every detail.

Is there a dominant sect here? A clan?

Before he could find an answer, a voice echoed through the street.

"Attention! The Tianyun Sect has arrived in Bai Long City. Please clear the way!"

Wang Gu stopped. Then he stepped aside, turning his gaze toward the approaching group.

There were twelve of them. All dressed in gray-white robes. Their movements were synchronized, their presence commanding.

Two of them stood out immediately. Golden Core cultivators. Wang Gu’s eyes locked onto them.

And then his breath caught.

Qingyin?

There was no mistaking her.

Gu Qingyin walked calmly among them, her posture straight, her expression composed. Her beauty drew attention effortlessly, but it was her aura that truly stood out.

She was stronger. Far stronger than before.

She’s grown... a lot.

Wang Gu felt a faint sense of relief. She was safe. Thriving, even.

Around him, people whispered.

"That’s Gu Qingyin."

"The most talented disciple in Tianyun Sect."

"She’s incredible..."

Wang Gu listened quietly. There was admiration in their voices. Respect. Even awe.

Qinghe... they wouldn’t speak of her like this, he thought.

But there was no bitterness. No jealousy. Only understanding. Talent could open doors. But it wasn’t everything.

In the end, strength decides everything.

The Tianyun Sect group eventually entered a luxurious inn. Wang Gu watched for a moment longer.

Then he turned away. He had his own path to follow.

As he walked, something caught his attention.

A tavern.

It was lively, filled with noise and light spilling out into the street. People gathered near the entrance, drawn by something inside.

Curious, Wang Gu stepped closer.

Inside, a half-bald old man with a long white beard stood on top of a table, speaking loudly.

"Everyone goes to the Seven Peaks for the eighth peak," he said. "But they don’t know the true treasure!"

"What treasure?" someone shouted.

The old man smiled, "The Ancient Golden Dragon Marrow."

Wang Gu froze.

Ancient Golden Dragon Marrow...

His mind raced. That was no ordinary material. It could be used to create a legendary pill.

One capable of pushing a cultivator through two levels within the same realm.

But for Wang Gu, it meant something else.

I could refine my sword with it.

The weapon he obtained earlier... It wasn’t complete. This material could change that.

Still, doubt crept in.

Is he telling the truth?

He looked around. The crowd didn’t seem convinced.

"Liar!"

"Get out!"

The situation escalated quickly. Cups were thrown. Insults followed.

The old man jumped down and fled, narrowly avoiding the barrage.

As he stumbled outside, he collided with Wang Gu.

Wang Gu hesitated. Then made a decision.

He followed.

I need to know.

Catching up, he reached out and tapped the old man’s shoulder.

The reaction was immediate. The old man turned sharply.

And in that instant, a crushing force descended.

It wasn’t visible. But it was undeniable.

It pressed down on Wang Gu’s soul, his body, his very existence.

What... is this?

He pulled his hand back instantly. The pressure vanished. But the damage lingered.

His chest tightened. Blood rose to his throat.

He coughed, falling to his knees as red stained the snow beneath him.

"You shouldn’t touch people carelessly," the old man said calmly. "It can be dangerous."

Wang Gu’s vision blurred for a moment. Then cleared.

He looked up.

This person...

He’s terrifying.

He forced himself to bow, "This junior apologizes."

The old man waved a hand dismissively, "It’s fine."

Then he looked at Wang Gu more closely, "So, what do you want?"

Wang Gu steadied his breathing.

"I want to know about the Ancient Golden Dragon Marrow."

The old man stroked his beard. Then smiled.

"We can talk over a meal."

Wang Gu blinked. Then nodded.

"Of course."

As they began walking together, Wang Gu kept his guard up.

He’s far dangerous than I thought