Chapter Six: Let Me See How Much You've Improved

"Wonderful! Heaven has truly blessed us!"

Gu Tianya tightly gripped the small slip of paper, his voice trembling with excitement, mirroring the very expression Gu Xuan had worn upon first seeing it.

"This time, no matter what, I will help you find the Gathering Spirit Herb. After all these years of owing you, I am determined to make amends!"

Gu Tianya’s tone was resolute, imbued with unwavering determination. Even knowing the perilous dangers lurking within the Azure Forest, he showed no sign of retreat.

"Father, the Azure Forest is fraught with danger. The magical beasts there are ferocious beyond measure, and the terrain is complex and ever-changing. You must not rush in rashly."

Patting Gu Xuan’s shoulder firmly, Gu Tianya’s eyes burned with a steadfast light:

"Xuan’er, my mind is made up. This Gathering Spirit Herb is crucial to breaking through your cultivation bottleneck. For your future, I will not step back even an inch!"

Suddenly, Gu Xuan’s eyes brightened as if recalling something:

"Father, I heard that Elder San had previously studied the terrain and beast distribution in the Azure Forest in depth. Besides, this slip of paper was given to me by Ling’er. Perhaps we could ask him to accompany us. Elder San is experienced; having him with us would surely increase our chances."

Gu Tianya nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before saying:

"That’s a sound plan. Elder San is indeed an expert in this area. If he comes along, our odds of success will improve greatly. I just don’t know if he’s willing to brave the dangers with us."

"Then let’s visit Elder San’s residence together. We can also hear his advice and better prepare ourselves." Gu Xuan proposed.

"Good, we’ll go right away."

Gu Tianya, eager to leave, lifted his foot before Gu Xuan hurriedly stopped him.

"Not now, Father."

"Why?" Gu Tianya looked at him anxiously.

"Oh, Father, Ling’er said she’s training with Elder San today. If we go now, we might disturb them. I think it’s better to wait until evening." Gu Xuan quickly explained.

Gu Tianya gradually calmed himself, then chuckled ruefully:

"Look at me, so impatient and careless…"

Then, as if remembering something, he headed toward the door again:

"I heard the young lady at Elder San’s place has been giving you special training lately?"

"Yes, Father. Is there a problem?"

"Hahaha, of course not!" Gu Tianya smiled:

"Come, Xuan’er. It’s been a long time since we sparred. Today, let me see how much you’ve improved."

Perhaps it was the renewed hope of aiding his son’s breakthrough that made Gu Tianya’s smile so radiant today.

---

Gu Xuan naturally welcomed the opportunity. His father had often been weighed down by life’s burdens, and chances like this were rare. He smiled faintly, following closely behind:

"I’m ready."

In the courtyard, Gu Tianya stood tall, his gaze sharp as an eagle’s, exuding the unique majesty of a Grand Mystic Master.

He furrowed his brow lightly, a faint, mysterious smile playing on his lips, as if eager for the upcoming spar.

Gu Xuan looked at his father’s imposing aura and thought to himself:

"No wonder he’s a Grand Mystic Master. That presence is overwhelming!"

Yet his eyes sparkled with excitement and anticipation:

"Having trained with Ling’er recently, today I’ll show Father my progress."

"Xuan’er, are you ready?"

Gu Tianya’s deep voice echoed like a gong throughout the courtyard.

"Father, I’m ready!" Gu Xuan responded loudly, his tone resolute and brimming with confidence.

"Begin!"

Gu Xuan launched the first attack. With a light tap of his foot, he surged toward Gu Tianya. His hands rapidly formed seals, lips murmuring incantations:

"Flaming Dragon Emerges, Condense!"

In an instant, a dragon forged from his mystic energy burst forth from his palms, roaring fiercely. Flames roared around it, radiating intense heat as it charged toward Gu Tianya.

Gu Tianya remained calm. Facing the fierce Flaming Dragon, he raised his right hand, quickly forming seals and shouted:

"Water Curtain Splendor, Shield!"

A translucent water curtain sprang up before him, shimmering with a soft blue glow.

Though father and son, their mystic energies were complementary: fire and water.

The Flaming Dragon crashed into the water curtain with a sharp hiss. Steam instantly billowed as flames and water locked in stalemate, neither gaining the upper hand.

"Father’s Water Curtain Splendor defense is incredibly solid. To break through, I must increase my strength."

Gritting his teeth, Gu Xuan poured more energy into the attack.

As the dragon’s flames blazed fiercer, its power grew, striving to breach the water shield.

Gu Tianya noticed the increased intensity and nodded with approval:

"Xuan’er, your control of the Flaming Dragon technique has improved greatly! But to break through my defense, you’ll have to try even harder!"

With that, he thrust his hands forward. The water curtain expanded rapidly, engulfing the Flaming Dragon entirely.

Under the crushing water pressure, the flames gradually weakened until, with a soft pop, they were extinguished, dissolving into nothingness.

---

Undeterred, Gu Xuan seized the moment as his father’s energy waned before renewal. He flashed behind Gu Tianya like a phantom, palms surging with mystic energy, and shouted:

"Shattering Rock Palm!"

This strike summoned all his strength, crashing down like a heavy boulder toward his father’s back.

Gu Tianya’s lips curved into a slight smile. Lightly tapping his feet, he easily dodged the fierce blow.

At the same time, he swung his hand back. A pillar of mystic energy shot from his fingertips like an arrow, aimed straight at Gu Xuan.

Startled, Gu Xuan twisted aside just in time. The energy pillar grazed his clothes and smashed into the ground with a thunderous boom, leaving a deep crater.

Recalling Ling’er’s rigorous training and encouragement, he quickly readjusted and launched another attack.

The courtyard flickered with light and surged with mystic energy.

Father and son exchanged blows and movements in a dazzling dance of skill.

After an intense spar, Gu Tianya seized the moment and appeared before Gu Xuan in a flash, moving so swiftly that Gu Xuan could not react.

Gu Tianya gently tapped Gu Xuan’s shoulder. Instantly, Gu Xuan felt his mystic energy halt, as if bound by an invisible force, unable to move.

"Haha, Xuan’er, you lost."

Gu Tianya laughed, eyes full of pride.

"How could I ever beat Father?" Gu Xuan scratched his head sheepishly, but his eyes shone with eager anticipation for his father’s judgment.

Gu Tianya patted his shoulder approvingly:

"Xuan’er, your progress has far exceeded my expectations! Your Flaming Dragon Emerges and Shattering Rock Palm attacks have improved by leaps and bounds. At this rate, given time, you will surely make a name for yourself in this Mystic Energy continent!"

Gu Xuan lifted his head, a fiery determination blazing anew in his eyes:

"Father, I will keep working hard!"

A gentle breeze swept through, softly erasing the traces of their fierce battle, as if smoothing the ripples left behind by their sparring.

"That’s enough for today. Tonight, we’ll visit Elder San together."

"Yes, Father."

"Remember to clean up the fallen leaves on the ground…"

Gu Tianya chuckled heartily, then turned and went back inside.

At that moment, the wavering faith in his heart was solidified by their sparring:

"My son, Gu Xuan, is no fool!"