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

"Peak of the second level of the Heavenly Martial Realm, not bad."

Xiao Mengling rose and bowed, her long dress trailing down.

"Father, has your sudden visit been due to important matters at the sect?"

Xiao Xuance pondered for a moment, then took out an ancient-looking jade pendant from his sleeve.

"Do you remember the marriage I arranged for you before you were born?"

Xiao Mengling's eyes flashed, and her gaze fell on the jade pendant. The jade pendant was entirely emerald green, with a coiled dragon carved on the front and the character "顾" on the back.

"A betrothal made in childhood".

She whispered softly.

"Gu family?"

"good."

Xiao Xuance nodded.

“Back then, your father and Gu Shanhe, the head of the Gu family, were sworn brothers. Your mother and Madam Gu were pregnant at the same time, so this marriage was arranged. Later, the Gu family suffered a misfortune and the whole clan moved away, so the matter was put on hold.”

Xiao Mengling took the jade pendant, feeling its warm, smooth texture on her fingertips.

"Have the Gu family sent people now?"

"Gu Sheng, son of Gu Shanhe, has come to our door with this token."

Xiao Xuance's eyes were filled with admiration.

"This young man has already reached the third level of the Heavenly Martial Realm at such a young age. He has an extraordinary temperament, and I find him quite pleasing to the eye."

The cultivation room fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of spiritual energy flowing.

Xiao Mengling handed the jade pendant back to her father, her expression calm.

“My daughter remembers this marriage proposal. It is only right and proper that we meet this Mr. Gu.”

Just as Xiao Xuance was about to speak, his daughter continued.

"But in three days, my master will protect me as I break through the bottleneck of the third level of the Heavenly Martial Realm. As a peak expert of the Sect Realm, my master's time is precious, and this seclusion cannot be wasted."

"Ling'er."

Xiao Xuance frowned slightly.

"It's just a meeting, it won't take up much time."

Xiao Mengling looked up and met her father's gaze, her eyes filled with stubbornness.

"The father knows his daughter's temperament. The path of martial arts allows no distraction."

The father and daughter looked at each other for a moment, and Xiao Xuance finally sighed softly.

"Alright. Just go back to your sect after you break through."

"Thank you for your understanding, father."

Xiao Mengling bowed.

"If there is nothing else, my daughter still needs to prepare for her seclusion."

Xiao Xuance nodded, turned to leave, but then stopped.

“Ling’er, Gu Sheng’s parents specifically instructed that this marriage should not be forced; it all depends on your own fate.”

Xiao Mengling, with her back to her father, paused slightly but did not turn around.

"My daughter understands."

After Xiao Xuance left, the door to the cultivation room slowly closed. Xiao Mengling stood there, her gaze fixed on her palm.

There, a thin flame pattern had appeared, glowing faintly red.

"A betrothal made in childhood".

She murmured to herself.

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Imperial City of Zhongzhou.

The magnificent city was exceptionally lively today, with crowds thronging the streets and countless martial artists gathering on both sides of the main road, eagerly awaiting their arrival.

"Have you heard? The newly recruited Holy Maiden of the Burning Heaven Holy Land is coming to challenge the Heavenly Saint Son today!"

"It is said that this saintess has only been practicing martial arts for less than half a year, yet her strength is unfathomable!"

"Six months ago? Impossible! The Holy Son of Heaven is a genius who has cultivated for thirty years!"

Amidst the murmurs, the sky suddenly darkened. Everyone looked up and saw a fiery red figure descending through the air.

It was a woman, dressed in crimson armor, with her black hair flying in the wind. Her face was covered by a thin veil, revealing only a pair of cold eyes.

With each step she took, a fiery lotus flower bloomed in the void, its scorching heat palpable even from a great distance.

"The Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven has arrived!"

Someone shouted, and the entire imperial city instantly erupted in excitement.

Deep within the sacred land of Tongtian, atop a majestic mountain peak.

The Holy Lord of Heaven stood with his hands behind his back, dressed in a white robe, his face solemn.

Behind him, several elders stood respectfully.

"Holy Lord, the Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven has arrived at the Imperial City."

An elderly man in gray bowed and reported.

The Holy Lord of Heaven snorted coldly.

"A mere girl who has only cultivated for half a year dares to challenge me, the Holy Son of Heaven? It's like throwing an egg against a rock!"

"But."

The old man in gray hesitated.

"Two months ago, this woman defeated the Purple Star Saintess; last month, she even defeated three peak King Realm experts from the Weak Water Holy Land in succession."

The Heavenly Saint Lord's eyes were filled with disdain.

"Ziwei and Ruoshui are nothing but second-rate holy lands. My Tongtian Holy Land has stood in the Central Plains for thousands of years. How can they compare?"

Just then, a deafening roar suddenly erupted in the sky above the imperial city.

boom!
A crimson light and a golden light collided violently in the air, and the terrifying energy fluctuations could be clearly felt even through the city's protective array. The entire imperial city trembled, and countless buildings activated their defensive formations to withstand the aftershocks.

"here we go!"

On the street, someone exclaimed in surprise.

In the sky, two figures moved as fast as lightning, each collision causing spatial tremors.

Nine fire dragons surrounded the Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven, each strike carrying the power to scorch the heavens and boil the seas; while the Holy Son of Heaven held a golden longsword, its sword light like a waterfall, cleaving through the void.

"Is this the power of the Holy Land's successor?"

The martial artists watching the battle were dumbfounded.

The battle lasted less than fifteen minutes before the situation suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

"what!"

A scream echoed through the sky as the golden sword of the Holy Son of Heaven broke in two. He fell heavily onto the central square of the imperial city, creating a deep crater in the ground.

The Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven stood in mid-air, looking down at her opponent in the pit.

She slowly raised her hand, and nine fire dragons condensed in her palm into a bewitching fire lotus.

"Son!"

Several figures flew out from the Tongtian Holy Land, attempting to provide assistance.

"roll!"

With a cold shout, the Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven unleashed a fiery lotus, and the terrifying heat wave forced all the figures back.

She walked step by step toward the deep pit, her murderous aura growing stronger with each step. The Holy Son of Tongtian in the pit was covered in blood, his bones shattered beyond recognition, his eyes filled with terror.

"I heard you want to marry me?"

The Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven's voice was icy and chilling.

Tongtian Shengzi opened his mouth with difficulty, but only spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Remember this, if you dare to mess with me again..."

The Holy Maiden of Burning Heaven leaned down and whispered in his ear.

"Kill without mercy."

After speaking, she straightened up and looked around. Everyone in her sight lowered their heads.

"Also, pass on the message."

Her voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard by everyone.

"Whoever dares to propose marriage at the Burning Heaven Holy Land, I will personally go there and hunt them down to the bitter end!"

As soon as she finished speaking, she transformed into a streak of fire and shot into the sky, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

As dusk fell, the Palace of All Souls was bathed in a golden-red afterglow.

Gu Sheng sat cross-legged in the quiet room of his residence, surrounded by light blue true energy.

Suddenly, he frowned slightly, sensing that someone had triggered the restrictions outside the courtyard.

Is Young Master Gu here?

A clear, crisp female voice came from outside the courtyard.

"The sect leader ordered me to invite you to a banquet. A welcoming feast has been set up in Wanling Square to celebrate your arrival." Gu Sheng slowly finished his practice and opened his eyes.

He got up, straightened his robes, and went out the door.

Standing outside the courtyard was a female disciple dressed in the robes of the Wanling Palace, about twenty years old, with a cultivation level of around the fourth level of the Earth Martial Realm. She quickly bowed when she saw him come out.

"Thank you for passing on the message, Senior Sister. I'll go right away."

Gu Sheng nodded slightly.

The female disciple respectfully stepped aside, and only after Gu Sheng walked out of the courtyard did she follow half a step behind him to lead the way.

Gu Sheng had only taken a few steps when he suddenly stopped and said without turning his head.

"Miss Xiao, now that you're here, why hide?"

After a moment of silence, a beautiful figure emerged from behind the artificial hill by the roadside.

Xiao Mengdie wore a light purple dress today, with a silver ribbon tied around her waist, which made her skin look as white as snow.

Her face showed surprise, then her expression turned serious.

"Young Master Gu is indeed extraordinary, as he was able to discover my concealment technique."

Xiao Mengdie took a few steps closer and lowered her voice.

"I have been waiting here specifically because I have something important to tell you."

Gu Sheng gestured for the female disciple who was leading the way to wait a moment, and then walked aside with Xiao Mengdie.

What makes Miss Xiao so cautious?

"I just received a message from the informant I planted among the elders."

Xiao Mengdie's eyes were filled with worry.

"Zhao Qianhuan might make a move against you tonight. She had Zhao Lingqian test you earlier to find out your background so she could find an opportunity to get rid of you."

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly.

"I have never met the Grand Elder before. Why is he targeting me? Is it because of that marriage contract?"

Xiao Mengdie bit her lower lip.

"The exact reason is still unclear, but I have already told my father to be extra careful. In short, you should be careful tonight and it's best not to go out alone."

Gu Sheng nodded thoughtfully.

"Thank you for the reminder, Miss Xiao. In that case, shall we go to the banquet together?"

"Right on my mind."

Xiao Mengdie breathed a sigh of relief, and a faint smile reappeared on her face.

The two walked side by side and soon arrived at the square in front of the main hall of the Palace of Ten Thousand Spirits.

The square was brightly decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and hundreds of mahogany tables and chairs were neatly arranged, each table laden with exquisite spiritual fruits and wine.

The most eye-catching feature is the eighteen large lanterns suspended in mid-air, each made from the demon core of a demon beast, emitting a soft yet bright light.

"What a generous gesture."

Gu Sheng sighed softly.

Xiao Mengdie smiled slightly.

“Father has always valued etiquette, especially when it comes to welcoming you, such an honored guest.”

Just then, a figure appeared in front of the two of them.

Xiao Xuance wore a dark gold robe today, with a jade belt around his waist, making him look dignified and profound.

His gaze swept over Gu Sheng and Xiao Mengdie, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Nephew Gu, you've come at just the right time."

Xiao Xuance's voice was low and deep.

"Mengdie, go and greet the other guests. I have something to say to my nephew Gu."

Xiao Mengdie glanced at Gu Sheng, and seeing him nod in acknowledgment, she bowed and withdrew. Once she was out of sight, the smile on Xiao Xuance's face gradually faded.

"Nephew, have you heard of the Grand Elder?"

Xiao Xuance got straight to the point, his voice extremely low.

Gu Sheng nodded calmly.

"Miss Xiao has already told me. But I don't know why the Grand Elder is so hostile towards me?"

Xiao Xuance frowned and transmitted his voice into the secret passage.

“This matter is suspicious. I have sent people to investigate secretly, but we have no concrete leads yet. Zhao Qianhuan has always been ambitious, and this time she is probably not targeting you alone. Stay by my side tonight and do not act alone.”

Just as the two were talking, a commotion suddenly broke out at the edge of the square.

An elderly woman with white hair staggered into the square. Her clothes were torn, blood was at the corner of her mouth, and her breathing was erratic.

"Grandma Lingyu!"

Xiao Xuance's expression changed, and he flashed to the old woman's side, supporting her swaying body.

"What happened?"

Granny Lingyu is one of the three guardian elders of Wanling Palace. Her cultivation has reached the half-step sect realm, but she is seriously injured at this moment.

She said, panting.

"Sect Master, the sect has been attacked! A group of unidentified men in black suddenly appeared. Almost all the patrolling disciples were killed. I fought my way out to deliver the message."

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the square.

Gu Sheng said in a low voice.

"So that's how it is. Attacking me was just a pretext; Zhao Qianhuan's real intention is to seize power!"

As if confirming his guess, several mountain peaks outside the main peak of Wanling Palace suddenly erupted with violent fluctuations of true energy, and dozens of streaks of light shot into the sky, heading straight for the plaza.

Leading the group was none other than the First Elder, Zhao Qianhuan, who was dressed in a black robe with a sinister face, followed by dozens of powerful experts.

"Xiao Xuance!"

Zhao Qianhuan stopped in mid-air above the square, her voice booming like thunder.

"Today is the day you hand over the position of sect leader! The Myriad Spirits Palace has been declining under your leadership; it's time to let someone more capable take over!"

Xiao Xuance's face was gloomy.

"Zhao Qianhuan, how dare you collude with outsiders and betray the sect?"

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Qianhuan laughed loudly, looking up at the sky.

"The victor is king, the loser is villain. What is there to betray? You have only recently broken through to the Sect Realm, and your realm is not yet stable. Today is your death day!"

At his command, dozens of experts dispersed and surrounded the entire square. At the same time, Zhao Lingqian, accompanied by two experts at the Heavenly Martial Realm, stepped out from the crowd and walked straight towards Gu Sheng.

"Gu Sheng, you didn't expect this, did you?"

Zhao Lingqian wore a ferocious smile.

"Do you think I'm some kind of pushover who can be humiliated by you? Do you think my spirit stones are so easy to take? Today you'll pay me back, principal and interest!"

He turned and gave orders to the two Heavenly Martial Realm experts behind him.

"Gouge out his eyes first, I want to see him scream in agony!"

Two Heavenly Martial Realm experts responded to the call and moved to flank Gu Sheng from the left and right.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Mengdie immediately stepped in front of Gu Sheng to block him.

"Young Master Gu, let's go quickly!"

She gritted her teeth and said, a silver soft sword already appearing in her hand.

"I'll hold them off!"

"Xiao Mengdie, do you really think that with your Earth Martial Realm cultivation, you can stop two Heaven Martial Realm experts? That's just wishful thinking!"

Zhao Lingqian stood in the center of the square, a mocking sneer on his lips.

With a wave of his right hand, a semi-transparent light shield instantly enveloped the entire square; it was the Wanling Palace's most prized treasure—the Wanling Heaven-Sealing Shield.

Xiao Mengdie stood in front of Gu Sheng, her slender fingers gripping the long sword tightly, her knuckles turning white from the force.

She knew she was no match for him, but she refused to give an inch.

"Zhao Lingqian, how dare you lay a hand on the Palace Master's daughter inside the Wanling Palace?"

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Lingqian laughed loudly, looking up at the sky.

"After today, it's still uncertain who will be in charge of the Myriad Spirits Palace!"

His eyes suddenly turned cold, and he gave orders to the two Heavenly Martial Realm experts beside him.

"Kill Gu Sheng first, then knock Xiao Mengdie unconscious."

Upon hearing this, the two Heavenly Martial Realm experts' aura surged, and they transformed into two afterimages as they rushed straight at Gu Sheng.

Xiao Mengdie tried to stop him, but was forced back several steps by a burst of energy, blood spilling from the corner of her mouth.

Gu Sheng stood motionless, his eyes flashing coldly.

"Shadow, make your move."

Before he could finish speaking, a dark figure appeared out of thin air in front of Gu Sheng. (End of Chapter)