This scene was witnessed by a cultivator nearby, and a trace of terror flickered in his eyes. Gu Sheng's strength was truly overwhelming, leaving him deeply shaken. He understood that in this world, only the strong could survive, and Gu Sheng was undoubtedly one of them!

Gu Sheng paid no attention to the astonished gaze of the cultivator. He turned around and left, heading to another valley to continue his path of cultivation.

The night was hazy, the moonlight was like water, spilling into the tranquil valley. Gu Sheng sat alone by the bonfire, his eyes shimmering with steadfast determination. Ever since he learned that the Li family had obtained the precious "Source," he had resolved to acquire it no matter the cost, to advance further on his path of cultivation.

"What kind of divine artifact is this 'Source,' capable of causing an ordinary herb collector to vanish without a trace overnight?" Gu Sheng muttered to himself, his brows furrowed deeply. He knew well that the Li family, in their bid to keep the secret, had likely silenced that herb collector. This act only strengthened his resolve to seize the "Source."

At that moment, the distant sound of galloping hooves broke the silence of the valley. Gu Sheng looked up, only to see a Dragon Scale Horse speeding toward him, ridden by a knight clad in armor whose aura was unmatched.

"Dragon Scale Horse?" A flash of surprise crossed Gu Sheng's eyes. Such a beast could not be tamed by anyone below the Life Spring Realm. It seemed the Li family's strength was indeed formidable.

As the Dragon Scale Horse disappeared into the distance, Gu Sheng withdrew his gaze, though waves of emotion surged within him. He knew that to seize the "Source," his current strength was far from sufficient. Determined, he resolved to hasten his cultivation pace and break through his bottleneck as soon as possible.

Gu Sheng sat cross-legged and began attempting to refine the "Cauldron." No matter how hard he tried, the "Cauldron" refused to take shape. With each failure, his frown deepened.

"Why is it always unsuccessful?" Gu Sheng wondered, his heart heavy with confusion and even a trace of discouragement. Yet he did not give up—instead, he changed his approach and began trying to forge a sword.

The sword embryo gradually took form, though it wasn't a complete success. It now bore the semblance of a sword. Looking at the golden sword embryo in his hands, a faint hint of satisfaction flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes. He did not stop there; instead, he decided to re-melt the sword embryo and once again attempt to refine the "Cauldron."

As time passed bit by bit, the expression on Gu Sheng's face grew increasingly grave. He repeatedly hammered at the "Divine Iron Lump," but still could not forge it into the "Cauldron." Each failure brought with it waves of frustration and defeat.

"Why is it always just short of success?" Gu Sheng roared, his fists clenched tightly, veins bulging. His heart surged with unwillingness and fury, as though he wanted to release all his pent-up emotions.

It was then that he suddenly noticed something unusual in his Sea of Bitterness. The golden book not only contained the secrets of the Daoist Scripture but could also be wielded as an unparalleled weapon. He tried summoning the golden book, and it proved sharp enough to slice through iron as though it were mud.

"This golden book... it has such an astonishing use!" Gu Sheng marveled, a newfound hope filling his heart. He attempted to use the golden book to manipulate the piece of green copper, but the green copper remained immovable, as though it weighed a thousand pounds.

Unfazed, Gu Sheng carefully studied the "Dao Patterns" on the green copper, detecting an unfathomable essence of Dao within them. Inspired, he decided to trace these mysterious "Dao Patterns," hoping to discover a way to break through his bottleneck.

Thus began a lengthy process of tracing. Each attempt at refining and tracing consumed vast amounts of energy and time, yet Gu Sheng relished the endeavor. He seemed to have found a new direction and goal, wholeheartedly dedicating himself to the process.

Finally, after countless trials and failures, Gu Sheng sensed a subtle change in the "Divine Iron Lump." It carried a newfound essence and spirit, leaving him both surprised and thrilled.

"Could it be... I'm about to succeed?" Gu Sheng thought excitedly. Driven by his suspicions, he eagerly began refining the "Cauldron" anew.

The process of refining the "Cauldron" was not smooth. Gu Sheng tried again and again, failing each time. But unlike before, he now felt a strange, profound sensation. He knew he was close to success.

It was then that an unfamiliar voice suddenly rang in Gu Sheng's ears: "Youngster, your perseverance and resolve are commendable. But to truly refine the 'Cauldron,' you'll need more tempering and experience."

Gu Sheng spun his head to look, only to see a blurry figure fading into the night. He understood this was the guidance of a mysterious mentor. Taking a deep breath, his heart brimmed with gratitude and respect.

"Thank you for your guidance, senior," Gu Sheng murmured. He understood that the path of cultivation was long and arduous, requiring relentless effort and exploration. Tonight's experience would become one of the most invaluable treasures on his journey.

Gu Sheng returned to his cross-legged position and closed his eyes to meditate. He knew his path ahead was long, but no matter what, he would not forsake his pursuit and exploration of cultivation. He would keep tempering himself until he finally refined his own "Cauldron!"

Moonlight spilled over Gu Sheng, seemingly cloaking him with a layer of silvery Battle Armor. His breathing grew steady and profound, as though synchronizing with the rhythms of nature. In his hands, the "Divine Iron Lump" began to radiate newfound life and vitality.

In the days that followed, Gu Sheng dedicated himself even more rigorously to cultivation and tracing the "Dao Patterns." Each hammer strike on the "Divine Iron Lump" brought him closer to comprehending the essence of cultivation, immersing him fully in the process.

Evening. Gu Sheng sat with Old Master Jiang and Tingting around the battered wooden table in a small roadside eatery. The faint yellow light barely dispelled the surrounding gloom.

"Old Master, don't worry. As long as I'm here, Tingting won't be harmed." Gu Sheng's voice was steadfast yet warm, like a beacon in the darkness.

Old Master Jiang's furrowed brow softened slightly. Grateful, he looked at Gu Sheng and said, "Young hero Gu, I will forever remember your kindness and virtue."

Tingting also raised her head, her clear, wide eyes brimming with trust and reliance.

Just then, the sound of domineering hoofbeats shattered the night's tranquility. Li family's Seventh Young Master swaggered into the eatery with his entourage.

"Haha, old fool, let's see how you escape this time!" Seventh Young Master laughed arrogantly, his eyes greedily fixed on Tingting. "This little girl, she's mine tonight."

Old Master Jiang's face turned ashen as he shielded Tingting tightly, pleading, "Seventh Young Master, please show mercy and spare us both."

"Spare you?" Seventh Young Master sneered. "When my Li family wants something, nothing can stop us."

Gu Sheng's eyes flashed coldly as he stood up and stared at Seventh Young Master. "You can try."

"Who are you to meddle in my Li family's affairs?" Seventh Young Master scoffed as he sized up Gu Sheng. "If you value your life, leave now."

Gu Sheng didn't answer. He silently clenched his fists, knowing a fierce battle awaited him.

Furious at Gu Sheng's defiance, Seventh Young Master shouted, "Attack! Put this fool in the hospital!"

As his command echoed, his subordinates charged at Gu Sheng with weapons drawn. Before they could get close, Gu Sheng had already felled them one by one.

Seventh Young Master watched in shock, aghast. "Who… who are you?"

"You don't need to know who I am," Gu Sheng replied coldly. "Just understand this—evil deeds lead to retribution."

With that, his figure blurred and vanished, leaving Seventh Young Master and his men staring at each other in bewilderment.

Late that night, Gu Sheng stood vigil alone at a critical juncture leading out of the village. He knew Seventh Young Master wouldn't give up and would attempt to take Tingting by force. His task was to prevent it all costs.

Soon, hoofbeats resounded from afar. Gu Sheng tensed, knowing his opponent had arrived.

Seventh Young Master rode the Dragon Scale Horse toward him, his face filled with arrogance and glee. Before he could react, a flash of golden light streaked past, and the Dragon Scale Horse let out a miserable cry before crashing heavily to the ground.

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