Fantasy: Starting with a bowl, you can exchange it for endless cultivation.

They burned Yang Wenhua's body.

Gu Chen returned to his residence.

He picked up the green soul orb that had dropped from the evil spirit that Yang Wenhua had previously killed.

Gu Chen remembered that when he killed the evil spirit that Deng Xian had transformed into, the soul bead that fell was black.

This one is now green.

This thing can be exchanged for spiritual cultivation points in exchange for a copper bowl.

Gu Chen took out a copper bowl and placed it inside.

[A first-grade innate soul bead can be exchanged for ten years of divine soul cultivation.]

Gu Chen chose to exchange.

A cool sensation arose, washing over him from head to toe, as if cleansing his soul and making his five senses clearer.

His spiritual strength has increased.

At the same time, he felt an itch on his head, as if something was about to grow out.

However, the power to cleanse the soul just now was not enough.

If only we had a few more of these first-grade innate soul beads.

That should make it grow.

The next day.

After Gu Chen bid farewell to Li Linfeng, Wei Zhong, Liu Xianzhang, and others.

Back in Cangshan County.

Gu Chen did not go to the Treasure Medicine Pavilion immediately, but instead went to the Divine Weapon Pavilion in Cangshan County to retrieve the two weapons he had.

For an extra hundred taels of silver, a top-grade mortal-level longsword and a low-grade yellow-level longsword were exchanged for a mid-grade yellow-level treasure sword.

A mid-grade Yellow Rank treasure sword is equivalent to a powerhouse at the second level of the Innate Realm, and it should be enough for him for the time being.

Then Gu Chen returned to the Treasure Medicine Pavilion.

He directly displayed his top-tier strength at the peak of the Blood Refining Realm in front of He Xiangdong.

He had already demonstrated this strength to Wei Zhong, Liu Xianzhang, and others, so he would use this strength to confront He Xiangdong.

He has been cultivating for only half a year now.

His ability to progress from zero to a top-tier level is a testament to his talent.

If He Xiangdong intends to recommend him to the Treasure Medicine Pavilion in Chiyang City, this talent is enough.

There's no need to reveal my Innate Realm cultivation level, lest it cause unnecessary trouble.

"You've broken through to the Blood Refining Realm Perfection, possessing the strength of a top-tier expert?" He Xiangdong was filled with shock as he sensed Gu Chen's aura.

He really didn't expect that in less than three months, Gu Chen would go from a third-rate expert to a top-tier expert!

Gu Chen's talent is terrifyingly high!

"Yes, Manager He." Gu Chen nodded.

"You are truly a prodigy. I originally thought it would take you at least another year to reach this level," He Xiangdong exclaimed in amazement.

"So you came back and told me this news directly, is that it?" He Xiangdong looked at Gu Chen: "You don't want to be a guard at Baoyaotang in Qingping Town anymore?"

"Hmm." Gu Chen nodded and said, "If possible, I'd like to develop my career in Chiyang City."

"Is that so?" He Xiangdong said, "Once your strength reaches the top-tier level, you'll be qualified to serve as a guard at the Treasure Medicine Pavilion in Chiyang City."

"However, I only have one recommendation spot, and recently, Zhou Hong has also broken through to the level of a top-tier expert." He Xiangdong hesitated for a moment before saying, "The recommendation can only be made from the two of you."

"If it were anyone else, I could just kick him out and recommend you instead, but Zhou Hong is different," He Xiangdong said to Gu Chen.

"Why?" Gu Chen looked at him. "Does Zhou Hong have connections?"

He Xiangdong nodded and said, "Zhou Hong's elder brother, Zhou Guang, is one of the retainers of the Treasure Medicine Pavilion in Chiyang City, and a master of the first level of the Innate Realm."

"If I directly eliminate him and recommend you instead, it will displease that person. If you go there, he might target you," He Xiangdong explained.

"I see. So, what are you planning to do, Steward He?" Gu Chen asked.

As for Yao, he no longer takes him seriously as just the first level of the Innate Realm.

He's not afraid of open attacks, but he can kill his opponent directly if they come from the shadows.

"How about this, you and Zhou Hong have a fair fight. You are both newly promoted top-tier experts. Whoever wins will get a recommendation to serve as a guard in Chiyang City. What do you say?" He Xiangdong looked at Gu Chen.

"That way, even if you win in the end, the big brother behind Zhou Hong can't say anything."

"Okay," Gu Chen agreed.

Dealing with Zhou Hong is a piece of cake for him.

It just so happens that he also has an old grudge against Zhou Hong.

In addition, Yang Wenhua said something when he killed him last night.

He learned from Zhou Hong that he had returned to Baoyaoge half a month ago.

After that, the Night Watch took action against him, claiming that the Precious Medicine Pavilion had informed them.

It seems that Zhou Hong played a part in Yang Wenhua's revenge attempt last night.

Since that's the case, let's settle both old and new scores together.

"Okay, you get ready first. I'll go inform Zhou Hong that you two will have your match at the training ground of the Treasure Medicine Pavilion later," He Xiangdong said.

"Yes." Gu Chen nodded.

Half an hour later.

The Treasure Medicine Pavilion, the martial arts training ground in the backyard.

Several key figures from the Treasure Medicine Pavilion, including the manager He Youdong, the alchemist in charge of the Treasure Medicine Pavilion, Master Ma who created the Lightning Five-Strike Combo, and several enshrined masters with strength at the top-tier level, were all present.

Zhang Lin, another guard from Baoyao Pavilion, and a group of guards also arrived at the training ground area.

Watch the duel between Zhou Hong and Gu Chen.

At the same time, the key figures also acted as referees to prevent gossip afterward.

In the training ground.

Zhou Hong and Gu Chen stood several feet apart.

"Young man, your talent is truly astonishing. In less than half a year of cultivation, you have already reached a top-tier level," Zhou Hong said. "However, although you have reached a top-tier level, you are still relatively inexperienced in swordsmanship and combat experience."

"Want to defeat me? You're delusional. Just admit defeat, or you'll blame me for being too heavy-handed if I accidentally hurt you with my sword!" Zhou Hong looked at Gu Chen with a cold gaze.

This kid's talent is truly terrifying.

The position of guard in Chiyang City was already his for the taking.

Because of his elder brother's connections, as soon as he breaks through to the top-tier level, He Xiangdong will recommend him for a position.

Who knew that Gu Chen would suddenly appear out of nowhere.

This made He Xiangdong change his mind.

Because Gu Chen had previously exposed him in public for accepting money as a tribute from newly recruited guards.

He had wanted to deal with Gu Chen for a long time, but he had never had the chance.

A few days ago, he even revealed to that person that Gu Chen had returned to the Treasure Medicine Pavilion half a month ago.

Unexpectedly, that person didn't target Gu Chen.

Since that person failed to kill Gu Chen, let him take matters into his own hands and cripple Gu Chen himself.

His words were deliberately meant to provoke Gu Chen; in battle, swords and blades have no eyes.

He first advised Gu Chen to give up.

If Gu Chen himself is unwilling to give up, then if he accidentally cripples Gu Chen later, then he can't be blamed!

"The younger generation surpasses the older generation. Protector Zhou is an old man. It would be better for him to retire in Baoyao Pavilion in Cangshan County. This opportunity to develop in a big city should be given to us younger generations. There is no need to fight for it and make people dislike him." Gu Chen looked at Zhou Hong.

"This kid never knows how to hold back when he strikes. If he accidentally injures or cripples Guard Zhou later, don't blame him."