Chapter 256 - 149: Two Clans, Three Sects, The Heart of Martial Arts Takes an Oath

In Qian Jin’s view, this kind of opportunity to soar to the heavens held an unparalleled allure for anyone born in a small place—no one would be able to refuse!

Qian Jin suddenly noticed that the smile on Gu Sheng’s face seemed off. He then realized that his earlier words might have sounded like a hollow promise, and his mind quickly began spinning to formulate a more reliable statement.

A moment later, as he saw Gu Sheng’s hand reach for the handle of the Thirst Blood Axe, Qian Jin hurriedly said, "Brother, let’s not talk about the distant future. With your talent, as long as you have enough pills to sustain you, you will absolutely break through to the Golden Bone Realm in no more than fifteen years—no, ten years! But you should know that the Marrow Refining Realm is different from Refining Skin, Blood Refining, or Bone Refining. To advance to the Marrow Refining Realm, you must have the Guiding Method; otherwise, no matter how extraordinary your talent is or how many years you cultivate, you’ll never be able to unlock the gateway to the Marrow Refining Realm!"

"The Guiding Method is incredibly precious. Even within Red Cloud Prefecture, only a handful of families possess it, and they guard it strictly. Although your talent is exceptional, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll easily obtain the Guiding Method from them. My Fire Worship Cult is different; as long as your talent is strong enough, you don’t need to do anything. Once your cultivation reaches the required realm, the Guiding Method will be delivered directly into your hands!"

Gu Sheng recognized the substantial power behind the Fire Worship Cult; after all, Da Liang’s chaotic state was closely connected to them. Without significant strength, they could not have stirred such large-scale turmoil.

As for the Guiding Method, Gu Sheng could imagine how strictly those forces in Red Cloud Prefecture controlled it.

It was just like the way Gu’s Manor operated in the past—surely prioritizing the cultivation of their own people. Outsiders, no matter how gifted, would always be met with suspicion.

Though Gu Sheng understood the rarity of the Guiding Method, he remained unmoved.

Gu Sheng deeply believed there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Since the Fire Worship Cult dared to pass on the Guiding Method, it demonstrated that they had a very mature system for controlling their members. Furthermore, as a cult, their actions fundamentally clashed with Gu Sheng’s principles. As the saying goes, "paths that differ cannot work together"; no matter how great the benefits, Gu Sheng could never join them!

Still, Gu Sheng did not immediately strike.

With his current strength, the resources available in Canghe County could no longer meet his regular cultivation requirements.

Here, even if he had wealth, it was impossible to purchase the appropriate cultivation resources. Eventually, he would have to leave. Red Cloud Prefecture seemed like a viable option.

Gu Sheng was someone who thought ahead in times of safety. Knowing virtually nothing about Red Cloud Prefecture, he seized the chance to extract valuable information from this free informant.

The sight of Gu Sheng’s hand stroking the handle of the Thirst Blood Axe exerted immense psychological pressure on Qian Jin.

Gu Sheng gazed at him, half-smiling: "You’ve spent quite some time in Red Cloud Prefecture, haven’t you? You’re boasting about the Fire Worship Cult like it’s unparalleled—why don’t you tell me more about the distribution of forces there? That way, I can make a better comparison in my heart."

Qian Jin pondered—it was true. Although Gu Sheng’s talent was extraordinary, growing up in a small place like Canghe County meant his outlook was naturally limited. Without a frame of reference, no matter how well he explained it, the words would remain vague.

After organizing his thoughts, Qian Jin began introducing the forces in Red Cloud Prefecture.

"Red Cloud Prefecture spans a vast territory with over forty counties under its jurisdiction! The area within a hundred kilometers surrounding Red Cloud City is known as the Red Cloud City Domain. The most powerful forces within it can be divided into the Governor Mansion and two sects, three gates!"

"The Governor, as an official of Da Liang, wields military authority. Among their forces, the strongest is the Red Cloud Guard. The Governor Mansion is the most formidable force on the surface in Red Cloud Prefecture! Besides the Governor Mansion, the Red Cloud City Domain also hosts two sects and three gates, which are the most elite powers within the domain, their status only slightly below the Governor Mansion. The two sects are Haoyang Sect and Holy Pill Sect, while the three gates consist of Mad Saber Sect, Giant Sword Sect, and Thousand Poison Sect."

At this point, Qian Jin suddenly stopped and asked Gu Sheng, "Whether it’s the two sects, three gates, or the Governor Mansion, they all share a common trait that allows them to coexist peacefully—do you know what that is?"

Gu Sheng shook his head to indicate he did not know.

Seeing this, Qian Jin felt a tinge of pride surge in his heart: "It’s because they all have strong cultivators in the ninth level of the Marrow Refining Realm to support them! Without such strong individuals, the Governor of Red Cloud Prefecture would have long ago mobilized his army to annex them. How could he tolerate them competing with him for cultivation resources?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng suddenly laughed and said, "Haven’t you been bragging about your Fire Worship Cult all along? Then why is it so unimpressive within Red Cloud Prefecture? Could it be that you’re boasting shamelessly?"

Qian Jin turned red in the face from anxiety when he heard this: "Nonsense! How could I possibly boast shamelessly? Don’t be fooled by Red Cloud Prefecture’s size. For the entirety of Da Liang, it’s merely one administrative region. My Fire Worship Cult’s influence spans all of Da Liang; the branch within Red Cloud Prefecture is just one division! Even though it’s only a branch, we still have cultivators in the ninth level of the Marrow Refining Realm guarding it! As for the lack of fame, that’s because our current strategy is to keep a low profile. Otherwise, with our strength, wiping them out would be as easy as flipping a hand! Once you join, you’ll come to realize that I’m not boasting!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng gained a general understanding of Red Cloud Prefecture’s forces and the strength of the Fire Worship Cult’s branch there.

"Have you made up your mind? Do you want to come with me now to meet the masters in charge?"

Gu Sheng smiled faintly and lifted the Thirst Blood Axe: "Apologies, but I’m not interested!" With that, killing intent burst forth from his body.