Gu Han froze as the boundlessly evil shadow rushed toward him. The next moment, Gu Tian’s demonic qi erupted once more. Stretching out like countless tendrils, it wrapped around the demonic shadow, binding it so tightly that it couldn't move. The demonic shadow flew into a rage, roaring incessantly at Gu Tian.

Gu Tian’s eyes turned black as he glared at it. “You dare harm my son. Die!”

He squeezed the demonic shadow so hard that it reverted into strands of demonic qi. Before anyone could react, the demonic qi gathered once more, reforming into the demonic shadow. Though its aura had weakened considerably, the murderous intent in its eyes was even stronger. If looks could kill, Gu Han would’ve died long ago.

With a furious roar, it charged over again, only for Gu Tian to punch it apart again. This happened a few more times until the demonic shadow’s aura became extremely weak. Finally, it calmed down, though it still glared at Gu Han.

Gu Tian wordlessly glanced at it. The demonic shadow stiffened, not daring to act recklessly again. It even stood quietly behind him, as if it had truly become his shadow.

Zhou Ye and Wang Yong wore solemn expressions. Earlier, although they couldn’t see through Gu Tian’s cultivation method, they still thought they could easily defeat him due to their cultivation levels.

It wasn’t like Gu Tian’s cultivation had increased from absorbing the strange stone. However, the moment he grew the demonic shadow, he gave them an extremely terrifying and dangerous feeling. With one misstep, they could end up in his hands.

Gu Han didn’t overthink it, feeling relieved that Gu Tian had suppressed the demonic shadow. “Father!”

Gu Tian stopped him. “Don’t... come over!”

A flash of painful struggle appeared in his eyes. Brutality and reason alternated, as if he were constantly fighting with his demonic nature. The demonic shadow behind him also stirred restlessly.

Gu Han was extremely worried. His adoptive father's demonic instinct seemed to have grown considerably along with the increase in power. Qian Ye, who understood the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Scripture best, had also fallen into deep slumber. Gu Han simply had no clue what had happened to Gu Tian.

After a long time, Gu Tian finally regained a trace of clarity. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

However, Gu Han’s worry hadn't diminished in the slightest. “Father, what is that thing?”

“It's me.”

Gu Han was momentarily stunned. The demonic shadow is father himself?

In fact, apart from its temperament, the demonic shadow was exactly the same as Gu Tian.

Zhou Ye, being widely experienced, seemed lost in thought. “This thing is somewhat similar to the incarnation technique.”

Wang Yong shook his head. “No. I’ve seen the incarnation technique before. It’s really just a phantom body condensed from one’s cultivation. In essence, it’s still the same person. Though connected to the fellow Daoist, it doesn't seem to be fully under his control. It feels more like an independent living entity.”

Gu Han felt anxious. “Fatty, what exactly is going on with this family heirloom of yours?”

Now that things had come to this, Fatty decided not to hide it anymore. “I really don’t know. This thing is only used for breaking through realms. When the old ancestor found it back then, he discovered a strange substance inside.

“After accidentally coming into contact with it, he suddenly made a breakthrough, even though he was nearly at the end of his lifespan. Hence, he just brought this thing back. Over the years, many in my family have relied on it to break through cultivation bottlenecks. Even my father’s Saint realm came from this.”

Wang Yong suddenly understood. “So that’s it. No wonder the inconspicuous Fu family rose into a prominent clan, with many experts appearing out of nowhere. Rumor said that Old Ancestor Fu obtained a treasure capable of breaking through realms, but he never admitted it. It was really true!”

Fatty seemed wronged. “What a pity... I haven’t even used it once.”

Gu Tian said, “Mustn’t use it. There’s... danger. The more you use it, the darker the aura you absorb, and it will... devour you!”

Everyone finally understood the stone’s strangeness. They had all witnessed it. Something as good as helping people break through realms couldn't possibly exist in the world. Most likely, this thing helped the Fu family with the ultimate goal of devouring them.

Fatty broke out in a cold sweat. “Devour?”

Of course, he wouldn’t doubt Gu Tian’s words. Being able to sense this strange stone’s presence through the storage ring was enough proof. After the fright came relief.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead. “Good! The old ancestor was worried we’d become too dependent on this thing, so he usually kept it hidden away, only bringing it out when absolutely necessary.”

He didn’t dare continue. If they had used it recklessly and frequently, the Fu family would probably have been history.

Gu Tian said, “It... has actually been... raising you all.”

Everyone stared at Fatty with an odd expression. They all thought, It raised you guys a bit too well...

Fatty turned bright red. Uncle Gu, that’s true, but isn’t that a bit too insulting?

Gu Han asked curiously, “Father, do you know what this thing is?”

A look of struggle appeared in Gu Tian's eyes again, but he remained silent.

After a long while, he calmed down slightly.

Staring blankly at Gu Han, he said with reluctance, “Han’er, I... have to go.”

Gu Han was stunned. “Go? Where?”

He felt something was off. Before, although his father would leave from time to time, he always managed to find his way back after a while. This time was clearly different.

“Forbidden zone.”

Gu Han’s heart dropped. “Forbidden zone?”

Gu Tian glanced at the demonic shadow behind him. "My path lies inside there. I must... go. Besides, I’ll... lose more control of myself. I’ll hurt you and... them.”

Everyone here was close to Gu Han. How could he hurt them right in front of his son?

Gu Han felt a pang of sadness inside. “Father, can you not go?”

Gu Tian didn’t reply. Whether for cultivation or for Gu Han’s safety, he had to go to the forbidden zone. He had no choice.

Seemingly knowing he couldn’t persuade his adoptive father, Gu Han felt sad. “How long will you be gone this time?”

His adoptive father still didn’t answer. After all, he couldn’t tell either. Perhaps a few days or a few years. Maybe even forever.

Gu Han tried to force the Soul-Harvesting Fruit, the Blood Sea Nether Demon Grass, and the soul-nourishing pills he got from the Profound Pill Camp into his hands. Since Gu Tian was about to break through to the Earthly Tribulation realm, these things would be of considerable help to him.

Unexpectedly, his adoptive father refused. “No... My path... is very special. I have no use for these anymore...”

Sensing he was about to leave, the demonic shadow struggled and roared again, seemingly unwilling to let him go.

With a ferocious gaze, Gu Tian swung his fist, dispersing it once more. “Die!”

This time, it didn’t recover.

Gu Tian turned back to his son. “Is that thing... still there?”

Gu Han understood that Gu Tian meant the golden seal. “Yes.”

This was the first time his father had mentioned the golden seal since they met again. Gu Han felt that after his father had absorbed that strange stone and greatly advanced in his cultivation, Gu Tian’s understanding of the golden seal probably surpassed even Qian Ye’s.

Gu Tian cautioned solemnly, “Don’t touch it... Absolutely... do not touch it!”

Gu Han nodded. “Okay, I’ll remember.”

“Also... don’t throw it away.”

“Why?”

“It is a key.”