Setting a Trap for Xiao Yan, Practicing the Tai Shang Induction Technique

A fist-sized, crystal-clear, jade-green heart appeared in Gu Shenge's hand. It radiated a faint fluorescent glow and contained immense energy. The moment it appeared, it triggered a tide of vital energy, and the sound of rushing water echoed throughout the courtyard.

Feeling the energy fluctuations emanating from the Nirvana Heart, Gu Shenge began to weigh his options.

If he were to absorb this Nirvana Heart himself, breaking through to a nine-star Dou Emperor would be no problem at all. However, due to the unique properties of this Nirvana Heart, it required a balance of yin and yang to be refined.

But Gu Shenge had a new idea—he could maximize the utility of this Nirvana Heart, though it would require careful planning. If he succeeded, he could gain another concubine, or perhaps even a wife of equal status.

Storing the Nirvana Heart back into his system space, Gu Shenge waved his hand to disperse the surrounding heaven and earth energy that had gathered.

His ears twitched as he heard footsteps approaching from outside the courtyard; it was Xiao Zhan and the others.

Gu Shenge did not want them to disturb Qing Lin's sleep, so he stood up and walked out of the room. Seeing him emerge, Xiao Zhan hurriedly apologized for the grievance Qing Lin had suffered in the marketplace.

"This is not your fault, Patriarch Xiao. The marketplace is a place where all sorts of people mingle, and it is inevitable that there will be those with ulterior motives. Instead of apologizing to me, you should tighten the management of the marketplace to prevent such things from happening again, as it only damages the reputation of the Xiao family."

Gu Shenge spoke indifferently, and Xiao Zhan nodded repeatedly.

"Young Master Juan is right. That marketplace originally belonged to another family in Wutan City and was only taken over by the Xiao family recently. There were some matters that hadn't been dealt with yet, which is why Miss Qing Lin suffered such a grievance. This is some compensation from the Xiao family for Miss Qing Lin; I hope Young Master Juan will accept it."

A three-striped purple-gold card was presented by Xiao Zhan with both hands. It contained fifty thousand gold coins, representing the Xiao family's apology for the poor management that had led to Qing Lin's distress.

"Patriarch Xiao is very thoughtful."

Gu Shenge did not refuse and reached out to take it. Only then did Xiao Zhan heave a sigh of relief.

Afterward, Xiao Zhan did not linger. He left Xiao Yan behind and took his leave.

Xiao Yan asked with a hint of concern, "Brother Juan, is Qing Lin alright?"

Gu Shenge shook his head. "It is nothing serious, just a bit of a fright. She has already fallen asleep."

Hearing that Qing Lin was fine, Xiao Yan's slightly suspended heart settled. Then, thinking of something, he spoke up again:

"That's good. By the way, Brother Juan, the recruitment team from Jia Nan Academy has arrived in Wutan City. Would you like to go and take a look together?"

Gu Shenge shook his head. It was just a recruitment drive for Jia Nan Academy; there was no reason to join in the excitement. However, he did reveal a piece of information to Xiao Yan.

"Why, do you want to join Jia Nan Academy? I recall that there is a Heavenly Flame within Jia Nan Academy, the Fallen Heart Flame, ranked fourteenth on the Heavenly Flame Ranking. Students of Jia Nan Academy all cultivate in the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower, which is built upon the foundation of the Fallen Heart Flame. With the help of the Fallen Heart Flame, one's cultivation speed is much faster than anywhere else."

"Really!"

Hearing that Jia Nan Academy possessed a Heavenly Flame, and one that helped people rapidly improve their cultivation like the Fallen Heart Flame, Xiao Yan immediately became interested.

Gu Shenge nodded, but then proceeded to discourage Xiao Yan. "However, with your current strength, don't even think about entering the Heavenly Burning Qi Refining Tower to cultivate. That is a privilege for inner-court students, and every inner-court student at Jia Nan Academy is at least a Dou Practitioner. You don't even have the qualifications to enter the inner court."

Upon hearing this, the idea that had just sprouted in Xiao Yan's mind was ruthlessly extinguished.

"However, if you want to improve your strength quickly, it is not impossible. As far as I know, an ancient cave dwelling will open in the Magic Beast Mountain Range in a while. According to the information I have obtained, there are many good things in that cave, including a Nirvana Heart. It is said to be the essence condensed from the entire cultivation of a Dou Ancestor. If you were to obtain it, not to mention reaching the level of a Dou King or Dou Emperor, at least reaching the level of a Dou Grandmaster in a short time would be no problem."

Gu Shenge began to dig a pit for Xiao Yan. Xiao Yan's eyes lit up when he heard this, but they dimmed the very next second.

A treasure like the Nirvana Heart—how could a mere Dou Practitioner like him hope to seize it? When that ancient cave dwelling appeared, it would likely attract the top powerhouses of the Jia Ma Empire. With his meager strength, going there would be like serving himself up on a platter.

Xiao Yan: "Brother Juan, are you going to participate in that ancient cave dwelling?"

Hearing this, Gu Shenge nodded and replied, "Naturally."

The ancient cave dwelling was a part of his plan, so he naturally had to participate. Moreover, he needed to lure those powerhouses from the Jia Ma Empire over to stage a version of the tomb-raiding battle from Battle Through the Heavens.

"Although you cannot obtain the Nirvana Heart with your current strength, there are many other good things in that cave that might help you. I will take you with me when the time comes."

Gu Shenge comforted Xiao Yan, which gave him confidence, and he looked at Gu Shenge with immense gratitude.

After chatting a bit more, Xiao Yan remembered that Jia Nan Academy was still recruiting and, not wanting to overstay his welcome, hurriedly left the courtyard.

Watching Xiao Yan's retreating back, Gu Shenge turned and returned to his room to begin studying the Tai Shang Induction Technique.

The next day.

The recruitment team from Jia Nan Academy moved into the Xiao family residence just as in the original story. Xiao Zhan even sent Xiao Yan to invite Gu Shenge to dine, hoping to add some prestige to the Xiao family, as a Dou Emperor powerhouse was not someone just anyone could invite.

But he was politely refused by Gu Shenge, who wanted to cultivate the Tai Shang Induction Technique.

The profundity of the Tai Shang Induction Technique surprised even Gu Shenge. Possessing a high level of comprehension protected by the Nine Sun Emperor Characters, he had still failed to even enter the threshold after a night of cultivation, which showed just how difficult it was.

Ling Qingzhu had cultivated it since she was young to achieve her slight success, and later relied on dual cultivation with Lin Dong to progress rapidly. Since that was the case, Gu Shenge felt he could learn from Ling Qingzhu and rely on dual cultivation to practice the Tai Shang Induction Technique.

After all, his body and mind were not pure, and he could not meet the first requirement for cultivating the Tai Shang Induction Technique.

Gu Shenge instructed Qing Lin, "Qing Lin, I am going out for a while. Stay at home and be good. If you want to go out and play, you can ask Xiao Yan to take you."

"Yes, Young Master. Come back early."

Qing Lin nodded obediently and watched her young master leave.

After leaving the Xiao family, Gu Shenge headed straight for the Miteer Auction House.

At the Miteer Auction House, Ya Fei learned of Gu Shenge's arrival and hurriedly came to the main hall to welcome him.

"Young Master Juan, you've come."

Hearing Ya Fei's bone-melting, charming voice, Gu Shenge raised his eyes to look at the beauty in the black-silk cheongsam. Feeling the faint, thick aura she radiated—having used a legacy card to break through to a Dou King—he revealed a look of satisfaction.

If she were still a Dou Practitioner, she likely wouldn't have been able to hold out for long under his offensive.

Ya Fei wanted to invite Gu Shenge to the guest room to sit, but he refused, heading directly to her private courtyard instead.

In the backyard of the auction house, Ya Fei bowed respectfully to pour a cup of fragrant tea for Gu Shenge, her proud curves fully on display.

The next moment, Gu Shenge grabbed her fair, jade-like hand—smooth, tender, and seemingly boneless—and pulled the beauty in the black silk qipao into his embrace.

Ya Fei did not struggle; instead, she leaned against his chest with great docility. Gu Shenge pinched the delicate chin of the charming beauty, lifting her mature and alluring face, and spoke slowly:

"Miss Ya Fei, it is time to fulfill your duties as a concubine. Rest assured, I will cherish you well."

Upon hearing this, a faint blush spread across Ya Fei's pretty face, making her look as delicate and vibrant as a blooming rose, tempting one to pluck it. She responded with a soft, coquettish voice.

"I ask that the Palace Master be gentle with Ya Fei~"

PS: After the protagonist stirs up some trouble in the Magic Beast Mountain Range, he will head to the Douluo world. However, he will not take Xiao Yan this time. He will wait until Xiao Yan completes his three-year agreement before bringing him to the Douluo world to let Xiao Yan beat Tang San to a pulp.