"Hahaha! Splendid! Truly splendid!"
Chen Xin threw his head back in laughter, his voice booming with unrestrained delight and boldness, as if pouring out all the joy in his heart.
After successfully comprehending the essence of Taiji and seamlessly integrating it into his swordsmanship, he felt as if a whole new path had opened up before him—a gateway to an entirely different realm of the sword.
Every move, every technique now brimmed with infinite possibilities and transformations. How could he not be thrilled?
Suddenly, Bone Douluo's figure surfaced in his mind.
If only that old friend were here right now, Chen Xin thought, he could use him as a whetstone to test and refine his newly attained sword techniques.
Most importantly, the guy could take a hit—what an ideal sparring partner!
"Ah… too bad that fellow is still stuck back in Heaven Dou City, helping Ning Fengzhi argue with Xue Xing and the others."
Shaking his head slightly, Chen Xin sighed in disappointment, deciding he'd have to wait until they returned.
As Chen Xin emerged from his deep meditative state, the powerful and stable aura around him made it clear his comprehension had reached new heights. Gu Han and Bibi Dong both rose from the stone platform and approached.
"Congratulations, Master, on advancing your swordsmanship and reaching a higher level," Gu Han said respectfully, clasping his hands in salute.
Bibi Dong followed suit with a bright smile, mimicking Gu Han's gesture. "Uncle Sword, congratulations on once again elevating your sword path."
"Haha! It's all thanks to Xiao Han's exquisite Taiji Sword," Chen Xin laughed heartily, his face full of satisfaction as he gazed warmly at Gu Han.
Then, lifting his chin slightly, his eyes sparkled with confidence and expectation.
"I've now successfully broken through to Rank 95—and not just that. I can already see the threshold of Rank 96," he declared.
"Once Fengzhi and your Uncle Bone return, I'll enter seclusion immediately to break through to Rank 96."
"I'm absolutely confident I can take that crucial step."
His words radiated unwavering determination. To him, that Rank 96 bottleneck already seemed within arm's reach.
Gu Han, however, offered a different perspective. "Master, each time your swordsmanship advances, it affects not only the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan but the entire continent. As for the Heaven Dou situation, others can handle it. Things there are stabilizing and no longer urgent."
"But your breakthrough to Rank 96—now that is far more important."
Bibi Dong nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Uncle Sword. I'm sure Brother Fengzhi and Uncle Bone would want you to focus on your breakthrough. Heaven Dou affairs can wait. We can't let such trivial matters delay your cultivation."
Chen Xin lowered his head slightly in thought. The two of them had a point. Though the Heaven Dou situation involved many complexities, it shouldn't cost him this rare opportunity to advance in his sword path.
"You're right. I was overthinking it. There's no time to waste. I'll send a letter right now to have Fengzhi and the others return."
As night quietly fell over the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, soft moonlight streamed through carved windows, casting silvery shadows across Gu Han's room.
Bibi Dong, dressed in a soft lavender gown, lay quietly on the table, her eyes fixed on the Sea God Heart resting atop it.
The artifact radiated a gentle yet otherworldly glow, wrapped in a layer of profound mystery.
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. She gently ran her delicate fingers along its edge, feeling the subtle soul power fluctuations it emitted.
"Junior Brother, Xue Xing says this thing is just a high-grade soul tool. But it feels anything but simple to me. It gives off a mysterious and powerful vibe."
Gu Han sat beside her, smiling warmly as he watched her focused expression. "Senior Sister, the Sea God Heart is no ordinary soul tool. Its origins are extraordinary. But for now, there's no rush. We can take our time to study it."
"That's true…"
Bibi Dong nodded, then turned to Gu Han with a bright, childlike smile. "Then let's leave it for now. Can you tell me the story of the Three Encounters with the White Bone Demon again?"
Meeting her expectant gaze, Gu Han chuckled. "Of course. Since you want to hear it, I'll tell it again."
Over the years, Gu Han had become a master storyteller, his tone dynamic and engaging. Every scene came alive under his narration—Bibi Dong had practically molded him into a professional bard.
She quickly became engrossed in the story. But when the White Bone Demon—disguised as a beautiful woman—was smashed by Sun Wukong, only for Tang Sanzang to chant the Headband Tightening Spell in confusion, and Zhu Bajie to fan the flames beside him, she grew indignant.
Bang!!
Bibi Dong's dainty fist slammed the table in frustration.
"Hmph! That Tang Sanzang! The Great Sage did everything to protect him, yet he couldn't tell good from evil and still recited that cursed spell. He deserves to be torn to pieces!"
"And that damned pig! All he does is eat and flirt—and then he stirs up trouble! He's a complete failure!"
Her eyes then filled with sympathy. She sighed softly, heart aching for Sun Wukong.
"The Great Sage is so powerful, and so loyal to his master… yet he's always misunderstood. It's heartbreaking."
Gu Han had anticipated this reaction. Smiling gently, he said, "Don't be angry, Senior Sister. Tang Sanzang was just an ordinary mortal—how could he see through the White Bone Demon's disguise? Fortunately, he eventually realized the truth and avoided a true disaster."
Bibi Dong's anger slightly subsided, but she still felt little affection for Tang Sanzang.
Gu Han took a sip of tea and spoke warmly. "It's getting late, Senior Sister. You should rest. We've got sword practice early tomorrow."
She blinked in surprise, then realized the moonlight was already pouring into the room. Reluctantly, she stood and stretched.
"Wow… I lost track of time listening to you."
She tidied her gown and waved. "Alright then. You rest too. I'll head back first."
Walking gracefully toward the door, she paused at the threshold, looked back, and smiled sweetly. "Goodnight, Junior Brother."
"Mm. Goodnight."
Gu Han kept his gentle smile.
As moonlight draped across his bed, he lay quietly, staring at the ceiling, thoughts drifting over the events of the past few days.
Scenes replayed in his mind like a film—especially the innocent lives lost due to his schemes, which weighed heavily on his conscience.
Yet when he recalled the silent gaze in Bibi Dong's eyes, a warmth bloomed in his heart.
That gaze carried trust, understanding, and unwavering support. It was like a beacon in the darkness, illuminating the corners of his soul.
A smile tugged at Gu Han's lips. The memory of Bibi Dong was like medicine, soothing the turmoil in his heart.
As time passed, he slowly drifted into slumber.
Suddenly, the Sea God Heart—stored inside his soul tool—silently emerged, as if pulled by an unseen force. It floated above his bed.
A brilliant blue light burst forth, instantly flooding the room.
Within the light, a vague silhouette gradually formed—the faint figure of the Sea God.
He stood quietly, gaze profound, staring at the sleeping Gu Han.
Then, shaking his head, he sighed softly.
"To be Rank 58 at only sixteen… Such a level of talent surpasses even mine and the Angel God's back then. A true rarity."
"But alas… you belong to Spirit Hall. If you ascend to godhood, my plan to spread faith across the continent will be doomed."
His eyes gleamed with calculation.
"…However, if I can turn such talent to my side, my efforts might bear fruit twice as fast."
"But first—I'll need to alter your memories."
With that, the Sea God raised his hand. A soft, mysterious light radiated from his palm, slowly descending upon Gu Han.
The light wove like a delicate net, threading into Gu Han's mind, attempting to rewrite his memories and reshape his thoughts.
"Even his spiritual power is this vast and flawless… What a prodigy."
The Sea God grew more excited.
But just as his spiritual energy touched Gu Han's consciousness—
The mysterious, nameless book within Gu Han's mind suddenly flared to life.
Its once-plain pages now glowed with terrifying power, as if awakened by divine will.
Like a crashing tsunami, that force surged toward the Sea God's invading spirit.
"What—!?"
Overwhelmed by a power far beyond his ability to resist, the Sea God was violently expelled before he could react.
His spiritual form shattered into pieces, scattering like dead leaves in the wind.
—Divine Realm, Sea God Palace—
"Puh—!!"
The Sea God, seated upon his divine throne, suddenly convulsed, spitting a mouthful of divine blood. His eyes wept blood as searing pain contorted his face.
This unexpected backlash—unlike anything he'd ever experienced, even before becoming a god—left him gravely wounded.
Eyes wide in disbelief, his heart was filled with shock.
How could such overwhelming power exist inside a mere Soul King?
"What is that book? How could it hold such terrifying strength…?"
The Sea God murmured, voice trembling with fear of the unknown.
Then, a terrifying thought surfaced—
"Could it be… a God King's hand at play?"
In the Divine Realm, only the Five Godkings stood above the rest. Only they could so thoroughly repulse him.
But… which one of them was it?
The Seagod's heart grew heavy with doubt and unease. His gaze turned toward the mortal world—toward Gu Han—with newfound fear.
What once seemed like a controllable genius had now become a forbidden variable. That mysterious, nameless manual in Gu Han's mind struck fear into his divine soul.
He knew then: he could no longer act against Gu Han so easily.
Back in the mortal realm, a visible crack split across the artifact.
Its core—the Sea God's Heart—dimmed instantly, retreating back into Gu Han's soul tool.
~~~
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