Chapter 46: Qi Refinement Fifth Layer

Tian Feiyang glanced at Gu Yao, expressing his astonishment, "Qi Refinement Fifth Layer!"

As for Chi Changye, he seemed about the same as when he last met with Auntie.

Tian's father, who came to see them off, was also somewhat surprised. Four spiritual roots were considered a death sentence in the eyes of cultivators; how could there be such rapid advancement?

Tian Ru glanced at them and said indifferently, "Don't forget, they lack neither spirit stones nor elixirs. They can pile up their cultivation with resources. However, with such aptitude, the difficulty of advancing will increase as they progress. There's no need for you to be surprised."

"Yes, Auntie." Tian Feiyang restrained his expression, but curiosity lingered in his mind. After all, Gu Yao had spent so many years in the Gu family, reaching only the Qi Refinement Second Layer. Yet, once he left, he advanced rapidly. This result must be a blow to the face for the Gu family, especially for those from the Gu family, who were probably the ones most puzzled.

He glanced at the Gu family's team and indeed saw expressions of either astonishment or embarrassment on their faces.

After Gu Yao and Chi Changye arrived, Tian's father took the initiative to arrange a relatively good position for them. His younger son was willing to get along with them, and this way, he could also take care of his younger son. Gu Yao and Chi Changye thanked Tian's father and Senior Tian Ru. Two other elders from the Tian family accompanied them for protection.

Joining the Tian family's team in front of the Gu family, some of the Gu family members had faces either shocked or embarrassed. Especially when others seemed to be watching the show, it made the Gu family resent Gu Yao even more for not knowing what's good for him. They would rather follow the Tian family, which opposed the Gu family, than accept the olive branch thrown by the Gu family.

"This bastard, humiliating the Gu family in front of the whole town! Hmph, even if I don't know how he advanced to Qi Refinement Fifth Layer, with his aptitude, how far can he go? Leaving Far Yang Town, he'll be chewed up and left with nothing!" One elder angrily said.

"I guess it's probably his good uncle who secretly left him some good stuff, allowing him to advance so quickly. But using such good things on a little Qi Refinement cultivator like him is too wasteful." Someone said sarcastically. If they had known he had valuable things on him, they shouldn't have let him leave the Gu family's territory. Unexpectedly, Gu Yao, at such a young age, was so cunning; he didn't reveal anything while still in the Gu family.

"I want to see if they encounter real danger, whether the Tian family will protect them or their own people."

"Depart!"

The procession of hundreds of people slowly moved, embarking on the journey away from the town. Those who came to see them off only turned back to the town after the group was no longer visible.

Tian's father was similarly affected; with both his sons leaving, the absence of his younger son's noisy presence left him feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

Encountering Boss Dong, he greeted him, "Boss Dong, are you here to see them off or just joining the excitement?"

Boss Dong, riding on a horse, laughed heartily, "Just joining the excitement. Perhaps among these younger generation cultivators, there might be outstanding individuals. I think your Tian family's youngsters are quite promising."

"Thank you for your kind words," Tian's father smiled.

Once the Tian family was gone, Boss Dong's steward beside him remarked, "Boss, that kid Chi Changye left just like that. Could it be that he didn't figure out the secret of the map at all?"

They had people closely monitoring Chi Changye's movements, but to their surprise, he showed no intention of leaving, and now he directly followed the Tian family to the Ascension Summit.

Boss Dong, with a disappointed expression, said, "Maybe that kid thinks the map is just a piece of rubbish and doesn't take it seriously, or perhaps he figured out the secrets but realized his strength is limited and can remain calm. Fortunately, we have more than one piece of that map. According to my speculation, these two pieces should be indispensable."

At this point, another piece, similar in texture to Chi Changye's, appeared in Boss Dong's hand. He had tried various methods, but this piece of the map showed no changes. The more this happened, the more hopeful he became. To be able to draw a map with such precious pieces of skin, the contents within couldn't be ordinary. With such thoughts, his eyes became fervent. As long as Chi Changye has the day to figure it out, he will eventually come seeking.

"Day seek 4-"

亠,玄入.

In the Tian family's procession, inside the carriage, Chi Changye took out a piece of the torn skin from his storage bag. It was the one Boss Dong and his steward were discussing.

Gu Yao, curious, asked, "Why did you take this out? Why haven't you tried to restore it?"

Chi Changye explained with a smile, "Some spiritual herbs are too special. I haven't found any during my visits to the market. Perhaps I can find them outside. I'm thinking that now that I've left Far Yang Town, maybe I'll come back for this piece of skin in the future."

He felt a connection between this piece of skin and this place. He had considered asking the Tian family to collect those special spiritual herbs, but knowing that Boss Dong's people had been closely watching him, he thought better of it. He would plan for it in the future. If the opportunity was missed, it meant the bond with it was too shallow.

Gu Yao nodded, "Safety first."

If investigating a Foundation Establishment Master's legacy created such a stir, if this torn skin was of great significance, it would attract not only Boss Dong's group but also the Tian family's attention. The two of them would be like lambs waiting to be slaughtered.

On the road, Gu Yao stayed in the carriage. It wasn't that he was unwilling to go out, but every time he appeared, he would be pointed and talked about. Instead, he preferred to stay in the carriage, read, and study. He would come out and explore when the team camped, collecting plants and herbs along the way.

Previously, he only read books in his room, and the alchemy books in the alchemy pavilion had never been shown to Chi Changye. However, with at least a month of travel ahead, he couldn't just idle away. After testing the waters once and finding that Chi Changye didn't ask about the books he was reading, Gu Yao started reading openly, making the most of every moment to study.

"Brace yourselves. We're about to enter Bear Habitat Pass up ahead. The terrain is complex, and there are rampant demonic creatures. Be cautious, don't fall behind, and immediately sound an alert if there's an unforeseen situation!"