Chapter 11: Journey to the Northwest Continent!

The Northwest Continent was home to many individuals blessed with great fortune.

If Gu Fei could influence the emotions of one such fortunate person there…

His eyes narrowed in contemplation. That would be far more rewarding than remaining in the Gu Domain.

Moreover, given his current strength, he could easily establish himself in the Northwest Continent.

Though the land was barren and resources scarce—making it difficult to nurture true powerhouses—it still had its share of top-tier experts. However, in terms of overall strength, the Northwest Continent paled in comparison to the Eastern Region.

Even so, Gu Fei's ability to refine a Tier-7 Alchemy Pill alone would earn him the status of an honored guest among the major families there. After all, such pills were rare treasures in the entire Northwest Continent.

Once his decision was made, Gu Fei began his preparations. He never acted without careful planning. Confidence in his abilities was one thing, but arrogance was another—and he despised recklessness.

The Gu Domain was rich in cultivation resources and rare medicinal herbs. It would be a waste not to take advantage of them.

Thanks to his status as the recognized strongest of the younger generation—and the grandson of the Black Abyss King, Gu Lie—resources were readily allocated to him.

He gathered the remaining precious herbs from his last Tier-7 Alchemy Pill refinement and stored them in his Spatial Ring, along with a vast quantity of cultivation resources.

For days, Gu Fei busied himself with securing supplies. Only during a brief respite did he realize he had yet to inform his grandfather of his departure.

Approaching Gu Lie's residence, he raised his hand and knocked.

After a moment, the door opened, revealing Gu Lie's faintly smiling face. Despite being Gu Fei's grandfather, he appeared youthful—handsome, with a tall, straight-backed figure and sharp, glowing eyes. One might mistake him for a man in his thirties or forties.

No trace of Dou Qi emanated from Gu Lie's body, but Gu Fei knew better. His grandfather was a man who moved with deadly precision. Those who underestimated him based on appearance paid in blood.

"Grandfather, I plan to travel beyond the Gu Domain. Staying here won't make me stronger."

Gu Fei spoke plainly. There was no need for pretense—Gu Lie understood him better than anyone.

Gu Lie had long known of Gu Fei's separation from Xun'er. Though he hadn't sought Gu Fei out, he recognized the lingering sorrow beneath his grandson's calm exterior.

He remembered vividly the joy on Gu Fei's face when he had proposed to Xun'er—how he had laughed endlessly that day. Now, Gu Fei's emotions were restrained, his temperament steadier.

Gu Lie didn't know if this change was for better or worse. All he wanted was his grandson's happiness.

If leaving would help, so be it.

"Go," Gu Lie agreed readily, handing over his finest treasures and cultivation resources.

Gu Fei accepted them all with a wry smile.

Once everything was packed, he bid his grandfather farewell and left the Gu Domain quietly—telling no one else.

But Gu Fei was no ordinary figure. His absence would soon be noticed, and the cleverest would deduce his departure.

For now, however, he stepped out of the Ancient Holy City—the passage connecting the Gu Domain to the outside world—and into the Eastern Region.

The moment he emerged, he felt the weight of countless gazes upon him.

The Ancient Holy City was forbidden to outsiders, guarded by elite Gu Clan experts—all of whom recognized Gu Fei as the strongest of the younger generation.

Disciplined, they did not approach, but their eyes burned with admiration.

Gu Fei paused briefly before striding toward the city gates. The guards bowed respectfully and stepped aside.

If the Ancient Holy City was the jewel of the Eastern Region, then the Gu Domain was its undisputed ruler. The Eastern Region was vast, its people diverse, and survival here often depended on aligning oneself with a Gu Clan-affiliated force.

Some even worshipped the Gu Clan like gods—a fanaticism that spoke volumes of their influence.

Had Gu Fei chosen to remain in the Eastern Region, his path would have been effortless.

But his destination was the barren Northwest Continent.

As he set out, however, an unexpected system notification flashed before him:

[Xun'er feels regret. Emotional Value +300.]

Unbeknownst to him, news of his departure had spread. Xun'er, upon hearing it, was overcome with regret—yet her thoughts remained fixated on Xiao Yan's safety.

Ever since the Gu Yao's assassination attempt left Xiao Yan severely wounded and missing, she had been consumed with worry.

Now, she convinced herself that her journey to the Northwest Continent was solely to find him—not because Gu Fei had gone there as well.

With that justification, she quietly left the Gu Domain.

Xun'er slipped away like a shadow, her movements swift and silent. Yet despite her skill, her distracted state left traces—enough for sharp-eyed observers to notice her absence.

Soon, whispers spread through the Gu Domain like wildfire.

"Did you hear? Young Master Gu Fei and Lady Xun'er have both left the clan!"

"Do you think they're seeking some grand opportunity?"

"Even someone as talented as Brother Gu Fei chose to leave. Should we follow his example?"

The Gu Clan revered strength, and its members pursued power with relentless determination—but never through dishonorable means.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Region…

Gu Fei traversed the sprawling lands, his destination clear: the Northwest Continent. The journey would be long, but he moved with purpose.

The system's earlier notification about Xun'er's regret had been… unexpected. Yet he felt nothing.

"Regret changes nothing," he mused, his expression unchanging.

If she wished to chase after Xiao Yan, so be it. His path was his own.

Back in the Gu Domain…

The news of the two prodigies' departures sent ripples through the clan. Some disciples clenched their fists, their resolve hardening.

"If even they seek growth beyond these walls, how can we remain stagnant?"

Others sighed, torn between safety and ambition.

"But the outside world is treacherous. Without their talent, survival won't be easy."

Yet one truth was undeniable: Gu Fei's decision had ignited a spark.

The Gu Clan's younger generation now stood at a crossroads—comfort or conquest.