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    Therefore,


    once the Central State was stabilized,


    the target of the Sword King would inevitably become Qingyun State.


    With this thought settling,


    Gu Qingfeng once again looked toward his attribute panel.


    There, following Gu Yang’s breakthrough, the number of Upgrade Points had increased to two hundred and fifty-two, enough to raise the Blood Refining Scripture by another two layers.


    Regarding this,


    Gu Qingfeng did not hesitate.


    With but a thought, two hundred Upgrade Points vanished.


    The Blood Refining Scripture ascended from the Fifth Layer, in one breath, to the Seventh Layer.


    This time,


    an unprecedented and vast memory emerged from Gu Qingfeng’s mind, memories of his cultivation of the Blood Refining Scripture.


    A breakthrough across two layers of Martial Arts.


    For Gu Qingfeng, this was the assimilation of memories spanning hundreds of years.


    It was evident


    that, given Gu Qingfeng’s talent, normally advancing the Blood Refining Scripture from the Fifth Layer to the Seventh Layer would also require hundreds of years.


    Such lengthy memories appeared in Gu Qingfeng’s mind as if a whirlwind tour of lights.


    Following that,


    there was a surge and boiling of his physical vitality.


    Despite no breakthrough in the field of cultivation, the increase in his actual strength was indeed substantial.


    Such a change


    was undoubtedly satisfying to Gu Qingfeng.


    ——


    Ling Province.


    Taisu Sect.


    "Reporting to the Sect Master, as of now, the Sword King is relentlessly advancing in the Central State, our army is retreating step by step. If this continues, the Spirit King fears he will be completely driven from the Central State!"


    A sect elder bowed, speaking with a grave expression.


    Years of contention,


    and none of the nobles supported by the Taisu Sect had gained any advantage, which naturally was not good news.


    After all, if one day the Sword King seized the Central State, overthrowing the Taixuan Dynasty to become the new Nine States Supreme, the Divine Sword Sect could use the three thousand years to strengthen itself.


    In that scenario, the Taisu Sect would likely be suppressed by the Divine Sword Sect.


    Master Taixuan’s complexion was somber: "Indeed, the Sword King’s tactics are extraordinary. If the situation is beyond salvation, have the Spirit King preserve his strength. Temporarily withdraw from the Central State and return to Ling Province to consolidate forces, then later on determine the outcome with the enemy!"


    If it is beyond salvation,


    then do not force it.


    In Master Taixuan’s view, as long as strength is preserved, there will come a day for a turnaround.


    If the Spirit King was defeated and perished in the Central State, then it would be too late for the Taisu Sect to support someone else.


    Upon hearing this,


    the other sect elders nodded, expressing their agreement.


    But before they could open their mouths to speak, a terrifying pressure suddenly appeared, causing the complexions of everyone, including Master Taixuan, to change dramatically.


    ```