Chapter 23: Reward with a Sudden Enlightenment Pill!

Wang Yu was utterly baffled by Gu Changge's return without so much as a scratch.

However, since he had messed up once, he could only let it go.

The chances to make a move against Gu Changge were few, especially since the Gu Family from Qingzhou wielded considerable power, and he couldn't afford to leave any leverage against himself.

If Gu Changge had died at the jaws of the Green Bamboo Snake yesterday, even if the Gu Family suspected him, there would be no evidence, and ultimately, they wouldn't be able to do anything to him. It was unlikely that they would turn against the Imperial Family of the Northern Domain over mere suspicions about a useless talentless person!

But since he had survived and obviously become more cautious, there might already be people from the Gu Family keeping an eye on him at all times.

Any further attempts would be suicidal!

If he were caught in the act, even the Imperial Family would have a headache and would have to pay a hefty price to settle the matter... and that's assuming the Gu Family wouldn't want a complete fallout with the Imperial Family.

"Forget it; there's no need to take the risk," he thought.

"Whether it's the Gu Family or the Heavenly Cold Sect, they will eventually be swallowed by my Imperial Family."

"And that won't take too long..."

"When the time comes, as long as I can perform Dual Cultivation with Liu Qingqing, I too will have a shot at the top!"

Wang Yu retracted his gaze, realizing there was no further opportunity to target Gu Changge at the moment.

Nevertheless, he needed to ensure that even if the two were to marry, it would only be in name; he wouldn't allow anyone to lay their hands on Liu Qingqing before him and steal his destiny!

...

Gu Changge walked along the path, feeling exceptionally good.

Despite the little hiccup of being targeted yesterday, he didn't dwell on it much but simply made a mental note of Wang Yu.

Given his current pace of breakthroughs, it wouldn't be long before he... could find an opportunity to settle this matter!

He even had a vague premonition that his Daoist Couple's breakthrough would bring him a pleasant surprise!

Liu Qingqing's retreat had lasted a full two weeks with no sign of ending.

Gu Changge didn't go down the mountain either, as his panel allowed him to see the realm of his Daoist Couple; he would know instantly when she made her breakthrough.

Throughout these two weeks, Liu Qingqing spent most of her time adjusting her spirit, energy, and mind to maintain the perfect state of Perfection, rather than focusing solely on cultivation.

And thus, over the two weeks, the cultivation Gu Changge received daily was actually not that substantial.

It was even insufficient for breaking through to the Mid-stage of the Sky-controlling Realm.

Initially, he thought it was because the breakthrough in the Sky-controlling Realm was quite difficult, but it shouldn't have been this hard!

Only later did he realize that Liu Qingqing's seclusion was for breaking through, not for regular cultivation, and he was relieved.

Then, after half a month, just as he had finished a night of cultivation, a prompt sounded in his mind.

[Daoist Couple Liu Qingqing has made a breakthrough to the Perfection of the Reach Profound Realm, Reward: Reach Profound Realm Sudden Enlightenment Pill x1.]

[Fourth-grade Enlightenment Pill (Reach Profound Realm): Consuming it allows cultivators within the Reach Profound Realm to enter a state of Sudden Enlightenment for a duration of Two Hours.]

"Sudden Enlightenment Pill?"

"A state of Sudden Enlightenment for one Two Hours..."

"This item is amazing, but it seems like it's not really meant for me, it would be more suitable for the Daoist Couple to consume."

Taken aback, Gu Changge looked at the reward for his Daoist Couple's breakthrough and was a bit surprised.

If he were to consume it, of course, he could enter a state of Sudden Enlightenment for Two Hours, but if he wanted to maximize the cost-effectiveness, it would naturally be better for his Daoist Couple to take it.

In doing so, not only would he get to share in the gains of the Reach Profound Sudden Enlightenment, but his Daoist Couple would also reap significant benefits from the Sudden Enlightenment, enabling a better cultivation!

However, he wondered how he was going to explain such a thing to Liu Qingqing...

Among thousands of cultivators, few ever get the chance to experience Sudden Enlightenment!

It takes the right moment, location, people, and a sudden inspiration to occur.

It was an opportunity that all cultivators sought but could rarely obtain!

Yet now, he possessed an elixir that could provide a cultivator in the Reach Profound Realm with a hundred percent chance of Sudden Enlightenment, its value far surpassing that of the Soul-Shaping Pill!

Even if others came to know of it, they would probably harbor murderous intentions toward him...

For the time being, it wasn't urgent to bring it out; he needed to find a completely safe situation before giving the elixir to Liu Qingqing.

In the Inner Court, Liu Qingqing had broken through and then spent three more days in seclusion before she finally emerged from her retreat.

Seeing Liu Qingqing walk out of the room, Wang Yu immediately greeted her with a warm and amiable smile, "Congratulations, Junior Sister, on your successful breakthrough. With your talent, I fear it won't take more than two years for you to reach the Ruins Realm."

"Indeed, it puts me to shame as your brother, being under twenty and on the verge of entering the Ruins Realm."

"The competition for Saintess already has no surprises left."

Wang Yu was now at the late stage of the Fifth-grade Ruins Realm, and although he still looked like a young man, he was nearly forty years old, having reached his current realm only with the aid of the cultivation resources provided by the Imperial Family.

Liu Qingqing's cultivation speed was so swift that it might take her just seven or eight more years to reach the realm he currently held!

Calling her a genius wasn't an exaggeration at all!

"Senior Brother Wang overpraises me," Liu Qingqing said emotionlessly, shaking her head. The small realm she had broken through was still far from the objectives she pursued; it wasn't enough to bring her much joy.

"What Nephew Wang Yu has said isn't false."

"Your natural talent is the best among the disciples of the Heavenly Cold Sect in the past hundred years, but that's not the most important thing."

"What matters more is your temperament—neither arrogant nor impatient and you are exceedingly serious about cultivation, never slacking even a bit."

"If this continues, the great Dao can be achieved!"

The two Elders also stepped forward with smiles on their faces, nodding in praise as they stroked their beards.

Their support for Liu Qingqing was not solely based on her talent but was also centered on her temperament.

Although, a few years ago, Liu Qingqing's realm was obviously lagging behind that of the other older contenders, she had gradually caught up with them!

"Liu Senior Sister is sure to be the next Saintess."

"Certainly, if Liu Senior Sister cannot claim the title of Saintess, who else would be worthy?"

"Ah... it's just a pity."

"Never mind, I'd better hold my tongue to avoid displeasing Senior Sister."

The disciples of the Heavenly Cold Sect also looked towards their idolized goddess, openly flattering her.

Yet the thought that Liu Senior Sister, seemingly beyond their reach, would be marrying that young man from the Gu Family in a few days made them feel quite uncomfortable!

"Has he been here these past few days?"

Liu Qingqing wasn't concerned with the praises; she only turned to the Sixth Elder and asked in a soft voice.

"This..."

"He came once on the day you began your retreat, but not since then."

The Sixth Elder didn't conceal anything and simply told the truth.

Hearing this, Liu Qingqing showed no expression but couldn't help feeling a hint of inexplicable disappointment.

She had been in seclusion for more than half a month, and he hadn't visited even once.

"Hehe, Brother Gu must have been inspired by you, Junior Sister, and is currently striving hard in his retreat."

"It's normal, after all. Being about to wed a Heavenly Pride Girl like Junior Sister, he must feel some pressure, which is human nature."

Wang Yu wore a light smile as though making excuses for Gu Changge, but his words not so subtly demeaned him, implying to Liu Qingqing that they were not from the same world and simply not suited for each other!

Liu Qingqing frowned slightly, about to say something, but then suddenly turned her gaze towards the entrance of the courtyard.

That familiar figure was peeking through, waving his hands merrily towards her, signalling for her to come over.