Gou's Liver Experience in the World of Demons and Demons

"People from Bi Yunzong?"

The Lord of Luoyun City's pupils contracted sharply, and he subconsciously gripped the hilt of his sword.

The old man glanced at them.

Luo Xiutian felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and the true essence in his body seemed to solidify.

"Peak of Tribulation Transcending!"

He managed to utter those words with difficulty, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

He had only ever felt this kind of oppressive feeling with the Holy Lord.

The old man didn't linger, and he and his group vanished in an instant. The last to pass by was a man with a hooked nose, whose sinister gaze lingered on Luo Xiutian for a moment, a cruel smile curving his lips.

"Night Owl, don't complicate things."

A warning has been issued ahead.

The man named Night Owl clicked his tongue in regret and casually flicked out a black beam of light that shot towards Luo Xiutian's face.

"clang!"

The Lord of Luoyun City parried with his sword, sparks flying. When they looked again, the Bi Yun Sect members had already disappeared into the depths of the bamboo forest.

Luo Xiutian stood at the edge of the purple bamboo forest, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist.

A gentle breeze rustled the bamboo leaves, but it couldn't mask the faint killing intent emanating from behind him.

"City Lord, what about those three from Bi Yun Sect?"

Luo Xiutian's lips moved slightly, and his voice condensed into a thin line that reached the ears of the City Lord of Luoyun beside him.

Lord Luoyun's expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Bi Yunzong and his two companions who were cutting down purple bamboo not far away and whispered.

“Especially the one in the gray robe, he’s been observing you for half an hour now. It seems he’s recognized you.”

Luo Xiutian sneered and gently placed his right hand on the longsword at his waist.

"Although I, Luo Xiutian, am unwilling to provoke trouble, if anyone is courting death..."

"Caution comes first."

The Lord of Luoyun City interrupted.

“Bi Yunzong has always been known for his cunning. They must have seen that you have many treasures and thought that this remote place was suitable for killing and robbing you.”

Luo Xiutian said.

"Rest assured, Lord City Lord, since I dared to come to Purple Bamboo Mountain alone, I naturally have something to rely on."

Upon hearing this, the Lord of Luoyun City had a sudden thought.

He had long heard that Luo Xiutian had a powerful mentor behind him, and now seeing his confident demeanor, he figured he must be carrying a magical treasure powerful enough to kill a Tribulation Transcending Realm expert. With that thought, he felt a little relieved and turned his attention to chopping down the purple bamboo in front of him.

Meanwhile, on the other side of Zhushan.

Gu Sheng held an ordinary iron sword, its blade slicing across the surface of the purple bamboo with a crisp "clang." Only a shallow white mark remained on the bamboo's surface, leaving it completely still.

"The thirty-seventh sword strike."

Gu Sheng's forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat.

He could feel that with each sword strike, a faint yang energy flowed into his body from the purple bamboo, circulating through his meridians.

"Come again!"

Gu Sheng circulated his spiritual energy, and a faint white light emanated from the iron sword. The sword slashed down again, and this time Zi Zhu finally let out a mournful cry and slowly fell.

"call--"

Gu Sheng let out a long sigh, sat cross-legged, and began to absorb the yang energy emanating from the purple bamboo.

He could feel that his Yang Dao realm was loosening, as if a thin barrier was about to be broken through.

"From the Hinayana to the Mahayana, only one step is needed."

Gu Sheng was secretly delighted, unaware that his every move had already attracted the attention of the others in the mountains.

Not far away, the Third Elder of Bi Yunzong frowned, his eyes fixed on Gu Sheng's back.

"Strange, that kid looks to be no more than twenty years old, how could he be cutting down purple bamboo halfway up the mountain?"

The Third Elder was filled with doubt and suspicion. He secretly released a wisp of his consciousness, trying to probe Gu Sheng's cultivation level.

However, his thoughts had barely approached Gu Sheng's body by three zhang when they were weakened by the strange fluctuations emanating from the purple bamboo and disappeared without a trace.

"This"

The Third Elder's expression changed slightly.

"Purple bamboo can actually interfere with mental detection?"

Upon seeing this, the Bi Yun Sect disciple beside him whispered.

"Third Elder, should I go and test that kid?"

The Third Elder pondered for a moment, then shook his head.

"No need. I'll go and see for myself."

With that, he flashed away, speeding towards Gu Sheng's location. However, when he actually stepped onto the path leading to the mountainside, he discovered that things were far more difficult than he had imagined.

With each step forward, the pressure emanating from the surrounding purple bamboo increased. By the time he had reached one-third of the way through, the Third Elder was drenched in sweat, and his legs felt as heavy as lead.

"How can it be"

The Third Elder stared in disbelief at the young figure in front of him.

How could he have reached the halfway point of the mountain so easily?

In the end, the Third Elder had no choice but to stop and find an open space at the foot of the mountain, where he sat cross-legged and began to cultivate his inner energy and comprehend the Dao.

He realized that with his current level of Taoist cultivation, he was simply no match for that mysterious young man.

"Once I have fully comprehended the Daoist principles within this purple bamboo, I will go up and explore it further."

The Third Elder thought to himself.

Meanwhile, in other directions of Zhushan, more and more cultivators noticed Gu Sheng's presence.

"Look, that young man has actually reached the halfway point of the mountain!"

A middle-aged cultivator in a blue robe exclaimed in surprise.

“Incredible. The last person I saw who could reach that position was Qingyang Zhenren, who was at the Dao Palace Realm.”

His companion echoed this.

Not far away, several female cultivators also stopped what they were doing and looked curiously in Gu Sheng's direction.

"He looks so young, could he be using some kind of anti-aging technique?"

A female cultivator with an oval face asked in a low voice.

The senior sister beside him shook her head.

"Unlikely. Changing one's appearance would consume a lot of spiritual energy, affecting cultivation progress. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless his cultivation level is high enough that he can ignore this kind of consumption."

"Senior sister said in a deep voice."

"But such a young person at the Tribulation Transcending Realm is simply unheard of."

The crowd murmured amongst themselves, but no one dared to step forward and disturb them. After all, in the cultivation world, rashly probing someone's cultivation level was a grave taboo, especially since the other party might be a hidden master.

As dawn broke, the gates of the Imperial Clan were shrouded in a thin mist.

Gu Sheng stood in front of the mountain gate, stroking the storage ring that Long Yundao had given him yesterday. The ring was engraved with intricate patterns and shimmered with a faint purple light in the morning light.

"Elder Long is quite generous this time, giving away a high-grade Earth-rank storage ring."

Gu Sheng smiled slightly and put the ring on the ring finger of his left hand. The moment the ring touched his skin, it automatically adjusted its size and fit perfectly.

He took out another jade pendant with an ancient design, which was the disguise artifact "Thousand Faces". The jade pendant was cool to the touch. Gu Sheng circulated his spiritual power into it, and the jade pendant immediately emitted a soft white light, enveloping his entire body.

When the light faded, the person standing there was now an ordinary-looking young man with unremarkable features, the kind of person who would be easily forgotten in a crowd. Only his eyes remained as deep and unfathomable as a still pool.

"This way it shouldn't attract attention."

Gu Sheng touched his unfamiliar face, nodded in satisfaction, and started walking down the mountain.

He hadn't gone far from the mountain gate when Gu Sheng stopped. Not far ahead, a slender figure stood with her back to him, a simple bag slung over her shoulder, her black hair swaying gently in the wind.

As if sensing the movement behind her, the person turned around, revealing an exceptionally beautiful face—it was Ye Jianjia.

She wasn't wearing the robes of an Imperial Sect disciple today, but rather a simple light green dress with a silver ribbon tied around her waist, which made her skin appear as white as snow.

"Senior Brother Gu."

Ye Jianjia was taken aback when she saw Gu Sheng's disguised appearance, but then she recognized him from his aura, and her cheeks flushed slightly.

"I have asked my master for permission, and I would like to go on a training trip with you."

Gu Sheng frowned slightly. "How did you know I left the sect today?"

"When I saw Elder Long looking for you yesterday and heard that you were going out on business, I guessed it."

Ye Jianjia pursed her lips, her voice soft.

"Now that Master has broken through to the Heavenly Martial Realm and the Imperial Sect's development is on track, I think it's time to go out and gain some experience."

A mountain breeze swept by, lifting a few strands of reed leaves.

She reached up and tucked a stray hair behind her ear, then continued.

"Besides, I also want to become stronger. There are more opportunities if I stay by Senior Brother Gu's side."

Gu Sheng remained silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face for a few breaths.

Ye Jianjia felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, but stubbornly refused to look away.

"The outside world is more dangerous than you think."

Gu Sheng finally spoke, his voice low and deep.

"He could die at any moment."

Ye Jianjia's eyes were filled with determination.

"I'm not afraid. During my time at the Imperial Sect, I'm no longer the naive little girl I once was."

As she spoke, her right hand lightly touched her waist, where a short sword was faintly visible.

That was the Earth-rank spiritual artifact "Azure Frost" that Gu Sheng had given her before, and now she had refined it to the point of being able to communicate with it.

Looking at her stubborn expression, Gu Sheng suddenly recalled the girl who was ostracized in the Ye family when they first met. In such a short time, she had indeed grown a lot.

"what ever."

Gu Sheng finally nodded.

"But remember, when in danger, saving your life is the first priority."

Ye Jianjia's eyes lit up immediately, and she nodded emphatically.

"Okay! I'll listen to Senior Brother Gu!"

The two traveled together and soon arrived at Huangcheng, the Great Wilderness City. People came and went at the city gate, with martial artists of various attire entering and exiting, including many with powerful auras.

"Let's go to the Linglang Pavilion first."

As Gu Sheng spoke, he led Ye Jianjia through the bustling streets and easily arrived at a magnificent building.

Two lifelike stone lions stand in front of the Linglang Pavilion, their eyes inlaid with red gemstones, exuding a faint sense of awe.

It was Ye Jianjia's first time in a place like this, and she couldn't help but nervously move closer to Gu Sheng.

"Don't be afraid, follow me."

Gu Sheng comforted him in a low voice and stepped into the pavilion.

The interior of the Linglang Pavilion was luxuriously decorated, with various rare treasures displayed in transparent crystal cabinets, radiating an alluring glow. Several elegantly dressed guests were selecting items, accompanied by respectful attendants.

Gu Sheng didn't linger on the first floor; he went straight to the counter. The clerk behind the counter was organizing the ledgers. Seeing someone arrive, he didn't even look up.

"What do you need, sir? We have it all, as long as you can afford it."

Gu Sheng did not answer, but instead took out a dark gold token from his pocket and gently placed it on the counter. The token was engraved with an ancient character "Xiao" and surrounded by fine runes.

The waiter caught a glimpse of the token out of the corner of his eye, his body stiffened abruptly, and then he looked up with a respectful smile on his face.

"Distinguished guest, I was blind to your greatness. Please wait a moment!"

He held the token with both hands and examined it carefully. After confirming that it was correct, his attitude became even more humble.

"What service would you like, esteemed guest? I will go and fetch the manager immediately."

"There's no need to disturb the manager."

Gu Sheng took back the token.

"Summon Bailingtong to the quiet room on the second floor to see me."

The waiter looked troubled.

"Lord Bailingtong is out today."

Gu Sheng's eyes turned cold.

“Tell him that the owner of the token is looking for him.”

The waiter broke out in a cold sweat and nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes, I'll go and tell them right away! Please wait in the quiet room on the second floor, our tea and fruit will be served shortly!"

Gu Sheng said no more and led Ye Jianjia upstairs to the second floor. The quiet room was elegantly furnished, with several landscape paintings hanging on the walls and a faint scent of incense burning in a corner. Soon, a maid served some spiritual tea and fruit and respectfully withdrew.

"Senior Brother Gu, that token..."

Ye Jianjia asked curiously.

"From a friend."

Gu Sheng answered casually, without offering any further explanation.

About fifteen minutes later, there was a gentle knock on the door of the quiet room, and then a thin middle-aged man pushed the door open and entered.

He was dressed in a brand-new brocade robe, with several gem-encrusted rings on his fingers and a high-quality jade pendant hanging from his waist, making him look incredibly wealthy.

"May I ask who this distinguished guest is?"

Bai Lingtong walked in with a big smile on his face, his gaze sweeping over Gu Sheng and Ye Jianjia with a look of doubt in his eyes.

Gu Sheng did not get up, but simply said calmly.

"Bailingtong, it's been half a month since I last saw you, and you seem to be doing quite well."

Upon hearing that familiar voice, Bai Lingtong's expression changed drastically, and he immediately revealed an even more fawning smile.

"So it's Lord Gu! I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you!"

He stepped forward quickly and bowed.

"If you have any orders, my lord, you only need to send a message, and I will immediately return to the Imperial Clan to report. There is no need for me to make the trip in person."

Gu Sheng raised his hand to interrupt his flattery.

I have three questions for you.

Bai Lingtong immediately became serious.

"Please speak, sir! I will answer whatever I know!"

"First, how is the Ye family doing these days?"

Gu Sheng got straight to the point.

Upon hearing this, Bai Lingtong's gaze involuntarily drifted to Ye Jianjia standing to the side. Although she was disguised at the moment, Bai Lingtong immediately guessed her identity based on Gu Sheng's question.

"this."

Bailingtong carefully considered the wording.

"After suffering a setback at the Imperial Sect, the Xuanxu Sect vented some of its anger on the Ye family. The Ye family patriarch, Ye Xiongfeng, was detained by the Xuanxu Sect, and most of the Ye family's businesses have collapsed."

Ye Jianjia trembled, her fingers unconsciously clenching the hem of her clothes.

Upon seeing this, Bailingtong quickly added.

"However, because the Ye family has a marriage relationship with the Xuanxu Sect, the sect leader cherishes his own power and, in order to save face for the sect, has not yet exterminated the Ye family."

Gu Sheng nodded and continued to ask.

"Secondly, what has the Sun Moon Sect been up to lately?"

Upon hearing the mention of the Sun and Moon Sect, Bai Lingtong's spirits lifted.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the Sun Moon Sect is about to hold a grand hunting ceremony to determine the successor to the sect leader. Xu Hansong is currently a strong contender!"

"Xu Hansong?"

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.

"Didn't I cripple his cultivation?"

Bailingtong lowered his voice.

"It is said that after he was brought back to the sect, he received a great opportunity. Not only did his cultivation fully recover, but he also got in touch with an inner disciple of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy and became his representative in the Great Wilderness City. With this connection, he is very likely to win the position of successor."

"Can an inner court disciple really influence the succession of a first-class sect?"

Gu Sheng looked surprised.

Bailingtong is mysterious and authentic.

"My lord, you may not know this, but the inner courtyard of the Great Wilderness Sacred Academy is extremely mysterious. It is said that the reason the Sacred Academy is comparable to a sacred land is precisely because of the existence of its inner courtyard. Every disciple of the inner courtyard is an absolute prodigy, and the forces behind them are intricately intertwined." (End of this chapter)