"Ha!"
"Huh!"
The crisp yet youthful shouts echoed from afar, catching Gu Jingang’s attention. His gaze sharpened as he saw a young figure practicing martial arts routines in the distance, finishing with a heavy stomp that firmly planted both legs onto the ground.
He had not yet arrived at Gu Sheng’s residence when this scene unfolded before him.
Gu Jingang felt a surge of astonishment.
With his keen eye, it was clear that this was a type of foundational martial arts skill that involved stance training. However, it wasn’t from Iron Stone Fist—this was something even more advanced than the stance training within Iron Stone Fist.
And the fact that this young boy could execute the moves with such precision only deepened his surprise.
This level of proficiency was almost on par with Gu Xiaojiang back in the day.
"How remarkable—Gu’s Manor has nurtured such a prodigy?"
Gu Jingang’s hunting instincts flared, prompting him to move closer for a better view.
The boy had a resolute expression. Sweat streamed down his forehead, his legs trembled over time, yet he gritted his teeth and persevered. Even as sweat trickled into his eyes, he did not falter.
After more than a dozen breaths, the boy could endure no longer and collapsed onto the ground, a defiant look plastered across his face.
"I will make Uncle Sheng acknowledge me!"
Gu Wan had been practicing the stance training for Flying Thunder Leg for quite some time now. His talent was decent, and combined with the guidance of Gu Sheng, his progress had been faster than others with similar abilities. After all, Gu Sheng’s peak-level Flying Thunder Leg was nothing to scoff at.
However, Gu Wan—as stubborn as he was—always sought praise from Gu Sheng.
"What is your name?"
Admiration flickered in Gu Jingang’s eyes, and he could no longer hold back from speaking.
Gu Wan turned around with a start, shocked to find someone behind him, then hurriedly stood and bowed:
"Gu Wan greets Teaching Master!"
Though young, Gu Wan understood proper decorum. He knew Gu Jingang was the true head of Gu’s Manor, a figure even his revered Uncle Sheng could never hope to surpass.
"Gu Wan..."
Gu Jingang repeated the name, his expression thoughtful. Suddenly, he clapped his forehead in realization.
"You must be the son of the hunter who once earned merit by slaying the demon wolf."
Gu Changming had previously assessed Gu Wan’s foundation and remarked on his promising talent, leaving a faint impression in Gu Jingang’s mind.
But he hadn’t expected Gu Wan’s aptitude to exceed expectations—and even more commendable was his grit. Such determination could take one far down the Martial Arts path.
"Your stance training is exceptional. Who taught you?"
Gu Jingang deliberately softened his facial expression to avoid intimidating the boy. He was reminded of the unusual stance training he’d seen earlier.
Gu Wan hesitated, pursing his lips and refusing to speak.
Although Uncle Sheng hadn’t specifically warned him to keep it secret, he instinctively felt he shouldn’t reveal anything about him.
Gu Jingang frowned slightly but soon smiled and said:
When had a Blood Refining Realm master infiltrated Gu’s Manor? From the current state of things, their strength was in no way inferior to his—and might even surpass it!
What’s more, this individual wasn’t even making an effort to conceal their presence.
Clearly, they had noticed his approach.
"Who is this? Could it be that Gu Sheng has been taken hostage? Or could this person be Gu Sheng’s hidden teacher?"
"Were they the one who taught Gu Wan’s stance training as well?"
"Why has such a figure hidden themselves in Gu’s Manor? What are their goals? And why reveal themselves now?"
In an instant, countless thoughts and theories raced through Gu Jingang’s mind.
He hesitated—should he enter or not? The lack of subtlety from the other party was an indication of confidence.
After a moment of standing at the entrance, his gaze hardened. As the head of Gu’s Manor, he had a duty to uncover the truth.
Calling for reinforcements was clearly too late, and besides, the figure’s intentions might not be malicious.
His Qi Blood Power surged, bracing himself for any sudden attack.
He pushed open the door.
The view inside the courtyard unfolded before Gu Jingang’s eyes.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Within the courtyard, gusts of wind swirled as a vigorous figure darted about, leaving afterimages in its wake. Fist shadows and leg shadows lingered mid-air before dissipating, only to be replaced by new ones. A vibrant Qi Blood Power filled the atmosphere, with a faint crimson veil shrouding the cloaked youth. The energy condensed into billowing smoke, surging straight toward the heavens!

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