C21 Second Main Bloodline Opened

Gu Wan meandered down the road, his steps unsteady, acutely aware that the punishment meted out to him was lenient. The family had sided with Han Feng over him, and he knew they wouldn't spare him any further mercy. Being expelled from the residence was the least of his worries; at worst, his disgrace could be proclaimed throughout the Han family, followed by his execution.

This predicament was all thanks to the Fourth Elder, for whom Gu Wan harbored deep-seated gratitude.

Reflecting on the Spirit Stones he had siphoned off over the years, Gu Wan was awash with remorse. He had intended those stones for Gu Ba's future.

If not for Gu Ba, Gu Wan would never have resorted to such actions. How could he have burdened the Fourth Elder with this?

A wry smile crossed Gu Wan's face. "What's my life worth, anyway? I had hoped that with the Fourth Elder's backing, my son would thrive even if I were no longer around. The Spirit Stones I've accumulated should have ensured him ample resources for his cultivation."

"But now, it seems that if I were to die, the family, in their favoritism towards Han Feng, might not look kindly upon my son. They might even seize the Spirit Stones I've gathered."

"For my son's sake, no sacrifice is too great."

Upon returning home, Gu Wan wasted no time sending for news from the training field. Learning that Han Feng had been inducted into the Ten Trainees brought him a moment of clarity. "Ah, that explains it. With talent like his, it's no surprise."

"It appears my injury wasn't solely due to Han Feng's alleged ambush."

"I allowed ambition to cloud my judgment and crossed a talent with such a bright future. I've been as foolish as a pig. I can only hope Han Feng will accept my apology."

Gu Wan approached Gu Ba's bedside, where his son was slowly coming to.

"Father, what's the matter?" Gu Ba inquired, opening his eyes to a sight he seldom saw—his father's face etched with defeat.

Gu Wan stroked his son's hair, his voice heavy with a sigh. "Son, promise me you'll steer clear of Han Feng. Treat him with caution. He's out of our league."

At the mention of Han Feng, a flicker of resentment passed over Gu Ba's face, quickly replaced by a pallor of dread.

Han Feng's third devastating defeat had left Gu Ba with a profound trauma. Gu Wan, realizing his son likely lacked the courage to confront Han Feng again, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Son, focus on healing," Gu Wan advised. "I'll go and apologize immediately. Heed your father's advice: never cross Han Feng. If you can, ingratiate yourself with him, much like Han Gu and Han Lieh have done. Becoming Han Feng's follower wouldn't be such a bad idea."

"Of course, that's only if Han Feng is open to the idea."

With that, Gu Wan departed.

Later that afternoon, upon arriving at Han Tiancheng's residence, Han Feng was surprised to find Gu Wan in conversation with his father. Gu Wan's demeanor was noticeably more respectful, a stark contrast to his prior arrogance.

Upon noticing Han Feng, Gu Wan quickly stood, his tone solemn, "Greetings, Young Master Feng."

Han Feng arched an eyebrow, fixing Gu Wan with a steady gaze that soon had him sweating profusely.

With a light chuckle, Han Feng remarked, "Manager Gu Wan graces me with his presence. I'm quite overwhelmed."

Gu Wan visibly shook, his expression bitter with regret for having gravely offended Han Feng. In a sudden move that shocked Han Feng, Gu Wan dropped to his knees, shaking as he spoke, "I know my actions over the years have angered you. If killing me would settle your wrath, then do so, but please, spare my son."

Han Feng settled into his seat and replied, "Your son? You mean Gu Ba? If I were to kill you, wouldn't Gu Ba seek vengeance?"

"I have no intention of leaving behind any threats."

Desperation etched on his face, Gu Wan continued to kowtow, his forehead quickly reddening from the impact.

Witnessing the scene, Han Tiancheng felt a twinge of pity, "Feng, Gu Wan has acknowledged his fault, and the family has punished him. Henceforth, he will be demoted to a common servant, no longer a manager."

Han Feng paused, then mused, "It appears the family has sided with me, yet they've been lenient with Gu Wan's punishment."

"Gu Wan probably doesn't dare to covet his father's daily resources and Spirit Stones anymore, given his current predicament."

"Enough of this. I should show some respect to our family and the Fourth Elder. Let's consider the matter closed. My father really is too cautious."

"It's no surprise that my mother, whom I've never met, had me and doesn't care for my father. I've heard she's a renowned genius. Given my father's disposition, I bet she never had much regard for him."

Han Feng cleared his throat and stated icily, "The family has already dealt with you, and with my father interceding on your behalf, I'll spare you this time. But if there's a next time, you'll understand the grave consequences of crossing me!"

Gu Wan immediately bowed his head in gratitude, "Thank you, Young Master Feng, thank you, Master Tiancheng. Here are all the Spirit Stones I've accumulated over the years. I'm returning them all to you."

With that, Gu Wan opened the bundle he had brought. Despite his relatively high status as a servant, it was impossible for him to own a Storage Belt.

After Gu Wan departed, Han Tiancheng passed the Spirit Stones to Han Feng. "Feng, these Spirit Stones are for you. I'm not sure what you're planning, but it must be related to your cultivation."

Han Feng glanced at the stones and saw that most were Lower-grade Medium-grade Spirit Stones.

He promptly handed them back, "Father, I have no use for these Lower-grade Medium-grade Spirit Stones. Please keep them. With so many, even if you don't reach Five-star Human Rank, you should at least make it to the peak of Four-star Human Rank, or even Half-step Five-star."

"Alright," Han Tiancheng accepted after a brief hesitation.

Indeed, a mere Mortal-rank Martial Cultivator absorbing and refining Lower-grade Medium-grade Spirit Stones? Han Tiancheng mused.

Still, he left some Low-grade Lower-grade Spirit Stones with 90% and 100% purity for Han Feng.

Han Feng didn't refuse. With just a slight improvement in his Nine Flames And Strange Fire Art, he would be able to refine these Spirit Stones.

Back in his room, Han Feng immediately entered the first level of the Nine Flames Heavenly Fire Tower and began to consume and refine the origin fluid he had yet to fully absorb.

Within Han Feng, Internal Strength thundered like countless horses in full charge, a vast and mighty force. As dawn approached, a potent surge of energy burst forth from within him.

Han Feng's cultivation of Internal Strength had achieved another breakthrough, successfully unlocking a second Main Bloodline!

Yet, with origin fluid still remaining, Han Feng didn't cease his cultivation. He persistently drew in the fluid's energy, and over time, the intense aura that had flared began to fade. The cultivation of Internal Strength that had unlocked this second Main Bloodline slowly but surely became stable.