You've broken through again, that's great!

"Everyone's expectations of Gu Fei, I understand," said Gu Lie. "But don't celebrate too soon."

The elders looked at him with puzzled expressions.

"Why would you say that, Elder Gu Lie?" one of them asked.

After all, Gu Fei was the hope of the entire clan, and his breakthrough in power was a huge deal, something to celebrate.

He frowned. "There's a saying: 'The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be blown down by the wind; the one who stands above others will always be criticized.' We old folks know this well."

Gu Fei was indeed exceptional, achieving such strength at such a young age. If given more time, he could shake the entire continent with just a stomp of his foot. It was certain that the major powers across the land were paying close attention to him. In such times, who knew what sinister plans might be brewing in the shadows?

Though on the surface, the various sects and ancient clans seemed polite, everyone knew that the continent was ruled by strength, and competition was everywhere. No one wanted any one power to grow too strong. With Gu Fei's rise, he was undoubtedly being targeted.

The Gu Clan could not afford to lose him.

Outside the secluded training chamber, Wushuang and Xian Yue stared in awe at the sealed stone doors. The terrifying aura that had just emanated from inside had shaken the entire clan.

"Dad is so powerful! When I grow up, I want to be just as strong as him!" declared Xian Yue, clenching her fists with determination in her eyes.

"Yes! I want to be like Dad too!" Wushuang nodded firmly, his young face full of admiration.

Ling Xi, observing from the side, smiled gently. "Being Master's disciple is the greatest fortune of my life."

Gu Fei had become recognized as a genius across the continent, and his cultivation had reached such incredible heights. As his disciple, she felt both proud and under pressure, determined not to disappoint him.

Inside the chamber, a man sat cross-legged, a faint golden glow surrounding him. With every breath, waves of powerful Dou Qi seeped from his pores, forming small whirlwinds around him.

"Mid-stage Seven-Star Dou Saint," Gu Fei murmured with a slight smile. He could feel the immense power coursing through him, several times stronger than before. Just one Ninth-Grade Mysterious Pill had allowed him to leap from late-stage Six-Star to mid-stage Seven-Star Dou Saint- a truly shocking effect.

"Unfortunately, at this level, my body has grown highly resistive to the power of medicinal pills. Even if I take another Mysterious Pill, it might not yield the same results. I would need something even more advanced, like a Ninth-Grade Golden Pill."

He clenched his fist in frustration. If the Ninth-Grade Mysterious Pill could continue to work its magic, he would have considered refining a few more. Relying on such pills for breakthroughs was far faster than normal cultivation. But now, at his current level, further progress would take years of painstaking effort.

"It seems if I want to advance, I'll need to find a way to refine Golden Pills," Gu Fei sighed.

Meanwhile, a figure appeared high above the Gu sacred mountain range. Zi Yan gazed down at the grand palaces of the Gu Clan, her eyes wide with amazement.

"Gu Fei, what kind of monster are you?" she muttered. Not long ago, when he left Dragon Island, they were both at the early Six-Star Dou Saint stage. Yet now, in such a short time, his aura had transformed, exuding the pressure of a Seven-Star Dou Saint.

Curiosity piqued, Zi Yan descended and soon arrived beside Xiao Yi Xian and Cai Lin.

"Zi Yan, what brings you here?" Xiao Yi Xian asked with a warm smile, taking her hand.

"I finished my duties back home, so I thought I'd come to see you all," she replied, playfully sticking out her tongue. Her gaze then fell on Xian Yue, who rushed into her arms with excitement.

"Auntie!" she cheered, snuggling against Zi Yan affectionately.

At that moment, the stone door slowly opened, and Gu Fei, tall and imposing, emerged. He had just broken through to the Seven-Star Dou Saint stage. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he noticed Zi Yan.

During his secluded cultivation, he had sensed her presence but had not been able to greet her earlier. The group gathered, exchanging warm words, the atmosphere lively and heartwarming.

In the distance, atop a verdant peak, Xun'er stood by the window of a simple bamboo house, gazing at the sky. She sensed his breakthrough and a soft smile appeared on her lips.

"Congratulations, brother. You're one step closer to the path of immortality," Xun'er whispered, her voice tinged with emotion.

She glanced down at the jade bottle in her hand, which contained the healing pills Gu Fei had gifted her. Gently stroking the bottle, her eyes softened. She knew that from now on, their paths might no longer cross, but the bond they shared would remain in her heart forever.

That boy from their youth had now reached heights she could no longer touch. Though she was genuinely happy for Gu Fei, a trace of bitterness lingered deep inside.

Sighing softly, Xun'er carefully tucked the jade bottle away. These pills- how could she ever bear to use them?

Memories of their time together replayed in her mind, the laughter of their younger years still echoing faintly. Yet, all of it had become distant, fleeting as a cloud, impossible to reclaim.

She closed her eyes, pushing those thoughts away.