59: Chapter 59 Cultivation Perfected, Young Talent

Wheels rumbled, the sound of hoofbeats echoed.

The vast Gu Family caravan bid farewell to Luoyun Town, bidding farewell to the land that had borne nearly seventy years of Gu Yan's memories, and slowly moved forward toward the east—a vast world filled with unknowns and hope.

At the very front of the caravan, inside the luxurious golden silk nanmu carriage.

The space inside the carriage was far more spacious than it appeared from the outside. Not only was it covered with thick Persian carpets and furnished with exquisite low tables and soft couches, but in the corner, there was even a small charcoal stove, warming a pot of spiritual tea that emitted a delicate fragrance.

Gu Yan was not driving the carriage himself.

At this moment, he was lounging casually on a soft couch, eyes closed in rest.

In his arms nestled Liu Ruyan, wearing a fiery red dress, her figure becoming increasingly enchanting. On the other side, the heavily pregnant Shen Qingxue and Bai Linger were each holding a cup of hot tea, wearing peaceful smiles on their faces.

Several young children were playing on the carpet, their silver-bell-like laughter ringing out from time to time.

The entire carriage was filled with warmth and harmony.

Gu Yan appeared to be resting with his eyes closed, but in reality, his consciousness had long since sunk into his body, tallying up the... massive gains he had made over these past seven years.

"Ding—Congratulations to the Host for completing the 'Novice Village Domination' phase mission!"

In his mind, the System's long-absent electronic voice, tinged with a sense of annual summary, slowly sounded.

"Generating 'Novice Village Graduation' character panel for the Host..."

A bright blue light screen slowly unfolded in his consciousness.

[Host: Gu Yan]

[Title: Uncrowned King of Luoyun Town]

[Number of Wives and Concubines: 7 (Shen Qingxue, Bai Linger, Liu Ruyan, Zhang Clan, Li Clan...)]

[Number of Offspring: 5 (2 sons, 3 daughters)]

[- Eldest Son: Gu Fan (Mother: Bai Linger), Spiritual Root: Low Grade Yellow]

[- Second Son: Gu Xuan (Mother: Liu Ruyan), Spiritual Root: Low Grade Xuan]

[- Eldest Daughter: Gu Yue (Mother: Shen Qingxue), Spiritual Root: High Grade Mortal]

[- Second Daughter: Gu Lin (Mother: Bai Linger), Spiritual Root: Medium Grade Mortal]

[- Third Daughter: Gu Shuang (Mother: Shen Qingxue), Spiritual Root: Medium Grade Mortal]

[Current Cultivation: Level 9 Qi Refining Great Perfection (Only one step away from the Foundation Establishment Stage)]

[Current Root Bone: Low Grade Yellow]

[Current Lifespan: 142 years]

[Mastered Skills: 'Long Spring Art', 'Blazing Fire Art', 'Basics of Alchemy'...]

[Overall Evaluation: S Grade! Host, well done! Your performance has far exceeded this System's expectations for a Novice Village host! But please do not be proud; the main city is full of hardcore grinders and pay-to-win players! For even more glorious KPIs, please continue to work hard and sprint toward the next stage!]

Looking at this magnificent "Graduation Panel," Gu Yan's heart was filled with indescribable heroic spirit.

Seven years!

A mere seven years!

He had shed his old self, transforming from an octogenarian on his deathbed, waiting for the end, into this...

He slowly opened his eyes and cast his gaze toward the bronze mirror beside the carriage window, used for adjusting his attire.

The mirror reflected a young and handsome face.

Sword-like eyebrows reaching into his temples, eyes like bright stars, a high nose bridge, and thin lips.

This face looked to be no more than twenty-five or twenty-six years old, the very Peak of a man's life, full of vitality and high spirits!

This was his current appearance.

After Gu Xuan was born, Shen Qingxue, Bai Linger, and the several concubines he had taken in later had successively given birth to several more children for him.

Although the Spiritual Roots of these children were only of Mortal Grade, failing to replicate the astonishing talent of Gu Xuan.

But with the birth of each offspring, the System still rewarded him with varying amounts of Lifespan and cultivation empowerment.

Accumulating bit by bit, gathering sand into a tower.

It was on the night before their departure.

After Shen Qingxue gave birth to his third daughter, Gu Shuang, the final System reward, like the last straw that broke the camel's back, finally...

Allowed his cultivation, which had long since reached the Peak of Level 8 Qi Refining, to naturally break through the final barrier!

Level 9 Qi Refining!

Great Perfection!

He was only one step away from the Foundation Establishment realm, where one could enjoy a Lifespan of three hundred years!

The massive increase in Lifespan had also allowed his physical functions and appearance to completely recover to a... perfect, youthful Peak state!

He raised his hand, looking at his slender, powerful, fair-skinned, and well-defined hands.

In these hands, one could no longer see a trace of old age.

He could feel the True Qi within his body, full as the sea and surging like a vast ocean, flowing slowly through his Meridians.

It was a feeling of... being on the verge of overflowing, a feeling of being powerful to the extreme!

He had no doubt that if he were to face Town Mayor Zhao Hong at Level 8 Qi Refining now, it would only take... one sword strike!

"Husband, what are you thinking about?"

Beside him, Liu Ruyan's lazy and charming voice came.

She took the opportunity to nestle her enchanting body deeper into his arms, her peach-blossom eyes looking at him with a watery sheen.

"Thinking about... our future." Gu Yan withdrew his thoughts, lowered his head, and gently kissed that beautiful cheek that could drive any man to madness.

His gaze swept across the carriage.

The gentle and virtuous Shen Qingxue, who was smiling as she watched the children.

The innocent and naive Bai Linger, who still wore a girl-like, pure smile on her face.

And Liu Ruyan, in his arms, who was like a succubus, constantly exuding a deadly temptation.

And the several children who were playing carefree on the carpet.

His heart felt incredibly soft.

This was everything he had pursued in his two lifetimes.

A... home.

To protect this home, he was willing to pay any price.

He slowly lifted the curtain of the carriage window.

Outside the window was the rapidly receding, desolate, and barren scenery of the Kumu Region.

This was his past.

And on the smooth glazed glass of the carriage window, his young and handsome face, filled with confidence and heroic spirit, was clearly reflected.

The "new youth" inside the window was carrying all his treasures, rushing toward a... brand-new future filled with infinite possibilities.

"Daddy! Look! There are so many big birds outside!"

His daughter Gu Yue's exclamation, filled with wonder, rang out in the carriage.

Gu Yan followed her gaze and looked toward the distant horizon.

He saw that on the distant skyline, a group of unknown giant black birds were flying in a line, gracefully skimming across the firmament.

And behind the giant birds, further away, it seemed... there were several smaller black dots, chasing after something at an incredibly fast speed.

Hmm?

Gu Yan's gaze narrowed slightly.

Not birds!

Those are...

Cultivators... flying on swords!

His heart jolted violently!

To be able to fly on a sword, that was at least... an Immortal Master at the Foundation Establishment Stage!

This place was no longer the remote area of Luoyun Town.

They had truly stepped into... the world of Cultivators!

Just as his heart was surging with excitement.

In front, among the several black dots that were chasing each other, one seemed to have been heavily injured; its escaping light suddenly dimmed, and like a bird with broken wings, it plummeted from mid-air toward... a remote valley not far ahead of their caravan!