144: Cao Cao has a way of courting death.

Three days later.

The morning sun rose.

The Gu Clan plaza was bustling with noise.

In the center of the bluestone-paved plaza, a ten-foot-tall white jade arena stood majestically. The perimeter of the arena was carved with ancient array patterns, shimmering with a faint spiritual light under the sunlight.

High above on the platform, Gu Feng was dressed in black Clan Chief robes, the pressure from his revived emperor bone flickering in and out.

The Nine Great Elders were arranged on both sides. Cao Bu sat in the last seat, carelessly stroking his black jade thumb ring with his fingertips.

Below, the young generation of the Gu Clan, dressed in uniform cyan martial attire, were discussing in small groups, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Have you heard? The Clan Chief has already broken through to the Realm Emperor Realm! Moreover, his emperor bone has completely recovered. It is said that his current combat power is even stronger than at his Peak. Looking across the entire Realm Emperor Realm, I fear there are few who can be his match!"

"That's not all! If the Clan Chief hadn't succeeded to the position, our Gu Clan would surely still take the top spot in the upcoming Heavenly Pride Battle. It's just a pity..."

"Don't just talk about the Clan Chief. Look at the Ninth Elder. His Dantian was damaged before, and he was only at the Peak of the Heavenly Bridge Realm when he returned. Only a few months have passed, and he has actually reached the Peak of the Dharma Body Realm! This speed of cultivation is simply terrifying!"

"I heard from a Maidservant at Moyue Residence that the Second Mistress personally praised the Ninth Elder for having the potential for Immortal Ascension. Perhaps he will be able to rival the Clan Chief in the future!"

Amidst the discussions, Cao Bu slowly stood up, his clear, gentle voice carrying through spiritual power across the plaza: "Everyone."

As his voice fell, the previously noisy plaza instantly quieted down.

All the Disciples' gazes shifted in unison from Gu Feng to Cao Bu.

The current Cao Bu was no longer the Steward Cao from back then, whose Dantian was damaged and whose status was awkward.

With the Second Mistress and Third Mistress backing him, and being the future son-in-Law of the Gu Clan, his reputation in the Gu Clan had already reached an unprecedented Peak.

Cao Bu looked around, his gaze sweeping over the young faces below the stage, and he said loudly: "Starting today, our Gu Clan's first generation Sequence Battle officially begins."

"Those who enter the top ten of the sequence will receive the clan's full cultivation."

"Cultivation Techniques, Medicinal Pills, and resources will be provided with priority."

"One year from now, you ten will represent the Gu Clan in the Heavenly Pride Battle to win glory for our clan."

These words were like a thunderclap, exploding among the Disciples.

Everyone clenched their fists in excitement.

In the great imperial clans, the top ten of the sequence were the core power of the future.

Most of the clan's Elders and even the Clan Chief were born from the sequence.

These ten seats were already a shortcut to the upper echelons of the clan; they could not help but be moved.

"Alright, now everyone come forward to draw lots. Duel in pairs; the winners advance until the top ten are decided."

As soon as Cao Bu finished speaking, the Disciples immediately formed a long line. The queue extended from the arena to the edge of the plaza, and everyone's face was filled with eagerness.

At the same time, Gu Feng on the high platform had cold eyes, staring fixedly at Cao Bu's back.

The pressure around him leaked out unconsciously. The Grand Elder and Second Elder sitting beside him felt a chill shoot from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads, and they couldn't help but shiver.

Now that Gu Feng had broken through to the Realm Emperor Realm, his combat power had greatly increased. Among the Nine Great Elders, there were already very few who could firmly suppress him.

Before long, the drawing of lots ended, and all the duel lists were posted on the stone wall beside the arena.

Cao Bu stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the list, and he said loudly: "The Sequence Battle officially begins! The first match, Number 1 Gu Shi, versus Number 178 Gu Lei!"

As the words fell, two figures darted out from the crowd simultaneously and landed steadily on the arena.

After the two bowed and saluted, their spiritual power surged, and cyan spiritual light intertwined on the arena. The battle was on the verge of breaking out.

For the next three days, the fighting in the plaza never ceased.

Cheers, the clashing of weapons, and the sounds of spiritual power erupting intertwined. It was not until dusk on the third day that the final match came to an end.

Cao Bu stood up again, holding a list in his hand, his voice clearly carrying across the plaza: "The Gu Clan's first generation Sequence Battle has concluded!"

"Those who have entered the top ten are: Gu Yongzhe, Gu Bushang, Gu Debai, Gu Zhole, Gu Ci, Gu Bi, Gu Jia, Gu Yi, Gu Bing, and Gu Ding!"

After reading the list, he looked at the ten people below the stage, his tone serious: "Return immediately to prepare. In the coming year, the clan will formulate an exclusive cultivation plan for you, ensuring you break through to the Void Breaking Realm before the Heavenly Pride Battle!"

"Yes! Thank you, Ninth Elder!" the ten replied in unison, their tones full of gratitude and determination, and then they bowed respectfully and withdrew.

Cao Bu put away the list and turned to look at Gu Feng on the high platform, his tone flat but carrying an undeniable meaning: "Brother Feng, since the top ten have been determined, why not accompany me to Moyue Residence to discuss the detailed cultivation rules with Adoptive Mother?"

Gu Feng's expression sank instantly.

This was clearly Cao Bu overstepping his authority, but he knew that his mother and the Third Concubine were now on Cao Bu's side.

If he argued in public, it would only lead to embarrassment.

He waved his sleeve heavily, suppressed the anger in his heart, and rose to dash in the direction of Moyue Residence.

Cao Bu watched his back, a hint of deep meaning flashing in his eyes, then he put away the list and stepped to follow.

The sunlight slanted onto the two, one dashing in front, the other walking slowly behind. Their shadows stretched long on the bluestone of the plaza, revealing an invisible contest.

Before long, the scent of tea curled in the living room of Moyue Residence.

Leng Yue sat in the main seat, her fingertips pinching the list of the Sequence Battle. Her gaze swept over the names above, and she nodded slowly: "Bu'er has put in the effort. To be able to select these ten people in a short time, it is evident that you have put in quite a lot of thought."

Cao Bu stood below, bowing slightly: "Serving the Gu Clan is what Bu'er should do."

Leng Yue continued to read the list, her fingertips sliding across the paper, her voice carrying a bit of certainty: "These ten people have at least the seventh level of the Divine Ability Realm, and their foundations are solid."

"In the next year or more, with the clan's resources tilted towards them and guidance from strong experts, breaking through to the Void Breaking Realm will not be a difficult matter."

Having said this, she looked up at Gu Feng beside her and handed the list over: "Fenger, take this list to the Grand Elder Hall and have the three Grand Elders personally teach them until the Heavenly Pride Battle begins."

Gu Feng reached out to take the list, but there was no expression on his face.

Leng Yue saw this and secretly shook her head.

This son of hers, ever since he broke through to the Realm Emperor Realm and secured the position of Clan Chief, had become increasingly unruly.

Now that Gu Feng's cultivation had greatly increased, the only ones in the entire Gu Clan who could suppress him were the three Mistresses, The Black and White Elders, and the three Grand Elders.

She withdrew her gaze and looked at Cao Bu again, her tone softening a bit: "Bu'er, you stay behind; Adoptive Mother has something to discuss with you."

"Yes, Adoptive Mother." Cao Bu replied, his posture still respectful.

Gu Feng was pondering whether to kill Cao Bu once he went out, but suddenly sensed two gazes falling on him.

One was Leng Yue's coldness, the other was Cao Bu's mockery.

In an instant, Gu Feng's face turned livid, his tone carrying a bit of grievance and unwillingness: "Mother! I am your own son! When you discuss matters, what is there that I cannot hear?"

Leng Yue raised her eyes, her gaze devoid of any warmth, and she only faintly spat out two words: "Get out."

Gu Feng looked at Cao Bu again, only to see a faint smile on the corner of the other's mouth, and even a hint of excitement in his eyes.

The alarm bells in his heart rang loudly; he felt that this matter was not that simple.

But under Leng Yue's pressure, he could only glare fiercely at Cao Bu, grit his teeth, and leave.

Just as he walked out of the living room, Gu Feng felt a wave of spiritual power fluctuation behind him.

It was a sound-insulating Barrier!

He instantly clenched his fists, his knuckles cracking, and a surge of anger rose from the bottom of his heart.

It seemed that his status as the biological son in his mother's heart had long been inferior to the outsider, Cao Bu.

He walked to the courtyard gate, his footsteps suddenly stopping. He turned back and stared fixedly at the direction of the living room, a flash of ruthlessness in his eyes.

"No, today I must know what they are hiding from me!"

Having said that, he put away the list and strode towards the living room.

But just after walking a few steps, a curvaceous silhouette blocked his path. It was none other than Leng Yue's personal Maidservant, Aunt Bai.

"Aunt Bai, what are you doing?" Gu Feng frowned, his tone carrying a bit of impatience.

Aunt Bai wore a gentle smile on her face and said in an indisputable tone: "Clan Chief, the Mistress has already sent word to this old servant. The living room is now a Forbidden Ground; no one is allowed to approach."

These words made Gu Feng's curiosity even stronger.

"Why is this?"

"As the Clan Chief, can I not even know what Mother and Cao Bu are discussing?"

Aunt Bai shook her head gently, her attitude still firm: "This old servant is only acting on orders."

"As for the reason, if you wish to know, you might as well ask after the Mistress has finished discussing matters."

As Leng Yue's exclusive Maidservant, Aunt Bai understood Leng Yue's nature better than anyone.

During this period, she vaguely sensed that Leng Yue's attitude towards Cao Bu was somewhat unusual, but she knew her own identity.

All her status and honor were given by Leng Yue.

Not asking what shouldn't be asked and not saying what shouldn't be said—this was the reason she had been able to live safely until now.

Gu Feng stared at Aunt Bai, his eyes gradually turning cold, his voice carrying a threat: "What if I insist on breaking in?"

Aunt Bai stood straight, not retreating half a step: "Then this old servant can only ask the Clan Chief to step over this old servant's corpse."

Gu Feng looked at Aunt Bai's firm eyes, then looked at the living room not far away, the anger and suspicion in his heart intertwined.

For a long time, he looked deeply at Aunt Bai and turned to pretend to leave.

But just at the moment of turning, he turned back abruptly. The pressure of his Realm Emperor Realm exploded, his palm condensing a terrifying Law, and he struck directly towards Aunt Bai's chest.

Aunt Bai reacted and hurriedly blocked.

However, she was a step too slow, and her body flew backward uncontrollably.

Before she could recover from the sharp pain in her chest, Gu Feng had already covered the dozen meters and stood at the door of the living room.

Aunt Bai just wanted to step forward to stop him, but saw Gu Feng stiffen in place, his whole body trembling violently, his eyes staring fixedly into the living room, as if he had seen something that terrified him to the point of despair.

The next moment, Gu Feng's roar spread throughout the entire Moyue Residence.

"thief cao! You shameless scoundrel, today you have a way to seek death!"