"Xu Fan, for martial cultivators, advancing from Neijia to Innate represents a barrier, unconquerable by countless people despite a lifetime of effort."

"At your age, stepping into the Innate phase is already extraordinarily brilliant, even your master is not as gifted as you."

Immersed in the joy of his breakthrough, Xu Fan couldn't help but nod with mixed feelings as Old Lady Qu's voice rang out once more.

According to her, Xu Fan guessed that the old immortal fellow had likely held back in front of him, not revealing his true strength.

"But remember to be wary of pride and impatience. Don't become complacent over this small achievement, understand?"

"Elder Qu, I understand."

Xu Fan nodded solemnly. Setting aside all else, he still had quite a distance to go before reaching the likes of Old Man Liu.

The casual wave that released the domineering and formidable Blade Qi that day was still vividly etched in his memory.

"Alright, don't call me Elder Qu anymore. I quite like you, so if you don't mind, you can call me godmother."

"Godmother, you are too kind."

The old immortal was like a father to him, and Elder Qu shared a sibling-like bond with him; it was indeed proper for Xu Fan to call her godmother.

Xu Fan, smiling, readily agreed.

"Hmph."

Just then, Old Man Liu beside them let out a jealous snort.

Clearly, he resented Xu Fan, somewhat disdainfully, for being close to his old partner.

Xu Fan glanced at him, curious about what had transpired between him and the old immortal in the past, but given the setting, he refrained from asking.

"Xu Fan, your godmother doesn't have much to give you. Take these two items; they should prove useful against the Heavenly Witch Sect and others in the future."

At that moment, Old Lady Qu chuckled and pulled out an ancient book from her bosom.

"This, godmother..."

Xu Fan could sense the significance of her offering the Secret Manual and was reluctant to accept it.

"Silly child, the only things your godmother can give you are these. Besides, since you've taken on the responsibility of eliminating the Heavenly Witch Sect, it's only right that I entrust these to you."

"Take them, or your godmother will be angry."

Seeing her pretend to be upset, Xu Fan shook his head with a smile, unable to refuse any longer.

Now holding the book, titled the Ghost Gu Scripture, he quickly browsed through it and found that it contained much knowledge. Beyond Gu Refinement, insect control, and Poison Making, it also detailed various methods of energy circulation and moves.

These were techniques the old immortal never taught him, and Xu Fan estimated that mastering them would surely increase his strength significantly.

"There's also this; take good care of it for me."

Just then, Old Lady Qu flicked her wrist, and a blue silkworm flew out of her sleeve, landing directly on Xu Fan's hand!

"What is this?"

With the silkworm squirming on his arm, a cool sensation made Xu Fan feel comfortable, leading him to suspect it was yet another treasure...

"This is the Nine Jade Ice Silkworm, immensely beneficial. The specifics of its use are recorded in the Ghost Gu Scripture. An old woman living in seclusion in these mountains has no need for it, so you take it. When the time comes, it will definitely be of help to you."

"You should stay here for the next few days and study this book thoroughly. If there's anything you do not understand, feel free to ask me. As for your godfather's Blade Technique..."

"Xu Fan, it's not that he is stingy and unwilling to teach you, it's just that you're not yet suited for it."

Seemingly concerned that Xu Fan might think ill of her husband, Old Lady Qu gently reminded him with care.

"This…"

Xu Fan listened, his heart warmed, feeling deeply moved.

There weren't that many reasons for unconditional love in this world, and what the two seniors had done for him was already a huge favor...

"Hmph, you stinky kid, these past few days, this old man has had a great time tormenting you. Can't beat that little wretch and vent my anger, but hitting his disciple is a halfway decent alternative."

At that moment, the old man who was smoking his dry pipe made a strange noise, and Xu Fan couldn't help but laugh.

He could clearly understand the old man's intention, though his tone was quite tsundere, his meaning was simple and clear.

Liu Qu, for the most part, seemed to have seen Xu Fan just step into the Innate realm and wanted to guide him in his martial cultivation.

"Right, remember to hurry up and give birth to a chubby boy for your mom and me! You, boy, are quite fortunate with ladies! This shouldn't be too difficult for you to achieve!"

"Cough cough…"

Just then, Old Madame Qu suddenly brought up this topic, and Xu Fan coughed awkwardly, feeling embarrassed.

Without thinking, he could understand that she was probably referring to the two sisters from the Xia Family.

Turning his head, he saw Xia Yanyu and Xia Xiaodie walking out from the house.

From their appearances, they seemed quite normal, so Xu Fan didn't think too much about it and ran over to tell them that he would stay and go back after the New Year celebrations were over.

Both sisters were already grateful to the two seniors from Liu Qu, so naturally, they had no objections to this request and agreed immediately.

"What's the matter? Did your sister scold you just now?"

Feeling that Xia Xiaodie seemed somewhat unhappy, Xu Fan teased her with a smile.

"It's none of your business."

Who knew that Xia Xiaodie would give Xu Fan a cold look, turn her head, and walk straight back into the house.

"Strange…"

Xu Fan watched as she stormed off and couldn't help but frown.

He always felt that there was something off with that girl, but he couldn't quite put his finger on what it was...

In the following days, Xu Fan focused on studying the Ghost Gu Scripture he had in hand.

Being naturally intelligent and with Old Madame Qu available to clarify things he didn't understand, Xu Fan soon had a good grasp of the Ghost Gu Scripture.

It was as if he had returned to the days of his childhood living with the undying one, except now the one tormenting him had changed from the undying one to Liu Qu, the old man smoking the dry pipe.

Although Liu Qu was unceremonious in his speech, the things he said were very insightful. In just a few days, Xu Fan could tangibly feel his improvement.

At the same time, he was curious about Liu Qu's cultivation level. If Liu Qu were to wield a blade, who could withstand him?

In the blink of an eye, it was the seventh day of the New Year, also about the time to bid farewell to the couple.

During this period, in order to rid Xiaodie of the Gu Poison, Xu Fan had led the two sisters around for quite some time.

He also wondered what the situation was like back in Jinling, at Lingyan Pavilion, and he missed the group there a lot.

Of course, Xu Fan wouldn't forget the most important thing.

All of this had started because of the Ke Family; Xu Fan had said back then that if Xia Xiaodie suffered the slightest injury, he would flatten the Ke Family.

Now, the day to settle accounts after autumn had arrived!

…

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