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

A gatekeeper dressed in gray-brown leather armor was leaning against a wooden table, coldly scanning him with his eyes.

"Token."

The martial artist lazily stretched out his hand, not even giving him a second glance.

Gu Sheng frowned slightly, but before he could make a move, the voice of dissatisfaction from the innate spiritual fetus rang in his mind.

"This fellow is extremely rude! How dare a mere gatekeeper treat me like this?"

Gu Sheng ignored the spirit fetus's complaints and took out three low-grade spirit stones from his storage ring, placing them on the table.

"A three-day entry permit."

The gatekeeper then glanced at the spirit stones, casually pulled out three dark blue wooden tokens from under the table, and tossed them onto the table with a "snap".

"Take this, it won't be replaced if you lose it."

After the martial artist finished speaking, he closed his eyes, looking as if he didn't want to talk any further.

Gu Sheng reached out and took the token. It was slightly cool to the touch, and its surface was engraved with intricate patterns.

The moment he put the tokens into his storage ring, one of them suddenly lit up with a white light, transforming into an invisible barrier that enveloped his entire body.

"what?"

The innate spiritual embryo exclaimed in surprise.

"Is the poisonous miasma in this southern border region so potent that even entering the city requires special restrictions?"

Gu Sheng did not answer, but simply strode into the pass.

As he moved forward, the faint green mist in the surrounding air was pushed away by an invisible barrier, preventing it from getting close.

"If we take the antidote pill, the effect will probably not be as good as the restrictions in this city."

Gu Sheng finally spoke, his voice low and deep.

"The reputation of the southern border region as a place of poisonous miasma is well-deserved."

He walked quickly and soon arrived at the foot of the city wall.

The gray-black city wall, which is more than ten feet high, is covered with traces of the erosion of time. Above the city gate, the three large characters "Tianyou City" are carved in a flamboyant style, with sharp strokes like knives.

"Young master, are you new to Tianyou City?"

A slightly hoarse voice came from the side.

Gu Sheng turned his head and saw a middle-aged man in a brown short-sleeved shirt with a shrewd face rubbing his hands and walking closer with a big smile on his face.

"My name is Zhao Laosan, and I provide guiding services for newly arrived cultivators."

The man's eyes darted around, his gaze lingering for a moment on the storage ring at Gu Sheng's waist.

"Does the young master need to find a place to stay? Or would you like to learn about the distribution of power in the city?"

Gu Sheng's eyes flickered slightly.

How much does it cost?

Zhao Laosan's smile widened.

"Depending on your needs, young master, ordinary intelligence costs one low-grade spirit stone, while important information is priced separately. If you require a full-day service, three low-grade spirit stones will suffice."

Gu Sheng took out a mid-grade spirit stone from his storage ring and waved it in front of Zhao Laosan.

"Lead the way and find a quiet place to stay. While you're at it, tell me about the forces in the city."

Zhao Laosan's eyes lit up, and he quickly reached out to take the spirit stone, bowing and scraping.

“Young master is so kind! Please come with me. I know a quiet inn that is most suitable for cultivators.”

Following Zhao Laosan through several winding streets, Gu Sheng noticed that the architectural style of Tianyou City was very different from that of the Eastern Wilderness.

The houses are mostly stone and wood structures with high-pitched eaves, on which hang all sorts of strangely shaped bells and talismans, which jingle softly in the wind.

"These are poison-repelling bells and miasma-avoiding talismans."

Zhao Laosan noticed Gu Sheng's gaze and explained.

"There are many poisonous insects in southern Xinjiang, and these items can keep you safe."

Before long, the two arrived at a secluded alley, at the end of which was an inn called "Qingxinju".

Zhao Laosan was clearly a regular customer. After exchanging a few words in hushed tones with the shopkeeper, he led Gu Sheng upstairs to the second floor.

"This quiet room is soundproofed, so you can cultivate in peace, young master."

Zhao Laosan pushed open a carved wooden door, revealing a simple but clean room inside.

Gu Sheng looked around and nodded slightly.

He walked to the wooden chair by the window and sat down, gesturing for Zhao Laosan to sit as well.

"Tell me about the power of Tianyou City."

Zhao Laosan rubbed his hands together and lowered his voice.

"Tianyou City is controlled by two major sects: Tianyou Sect, which is the dominant force in the area; and the Five Poisons Divine Sect, which has a branch here."

"The Five Poisons Cult?"

A glint of light flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes.

"Tell me more about it."

"Have you heard of him, young master?"

Zhao Laosan was somewhat surprised, then suddenly realized.

"That's true. Although the Five Poisons Sect ranks last among the eighteen major sects in the Southern Frontier, it has a considerable reputation. They have branches in the Eastern Wilderness, the Western Desert, and even the Central Plains, specializing in poison techniques and Gu arts."

Gu Sheng tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his mind churning with thoughts.

Is there any connection between the Five Poisons Sect and the Five Poisons Cult that attacked my father, Qin Lie, in the Eastern Wilderness?
"go on."

His voice was calm.

Zhao Laosan nodded.

"The Heavenly Nether Sect has a Heavenly Martial Realm patriarch in charge, who is said to have been in seclusion for many years. The Five Poisons Divine Sect branch is managed by a branch leader at the peak of the Earthly Martial Realm. In addition, there are several large families in the city, such as the Li family, the Zhou family, and the Situ family, each of which has at least one Earthly Martial Realm expert."

Gu Sheng secretly assessed that Tianyou City should be considered to be in the middle to lower ranks in the Southern Frontier.

However, he did not completely believe Zhao Laosan's words, and that Tianyou Sect and Five Poisons Sect must still have hidden experts.

Where is the branch of the Five Poisons Sect located?

Zhao Laosan's expression tightened.

"Young Master, the Five Poisons Sect is not to be trifled with. They are ruthless in their use of poison, even the Heavenly Nether Sect is wary of them."

Gu Sheng did not answer, but instead took out two mid-grade spirit stones from his storage ring and placed them on the table.

"This should be enough to buy your information."

When Zhao Laosan saw the spirit stone, his eyes widened.

For a martial artist at the Innate Realm, two mid-grade spirit stones are already a considerable fortune.

"Fellow Taoist, stay!"

As soon as Gu Sheng stepped out of Tianyou Inn, he was stopped by a middle-aged man with a weathered face.

The man looked around and said in a low voice.

"I have some news, but I'm not sure if I should tell you."

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow and casually tossed out a mid-grade spirit stone.

"Speak directly if you have anything to say."

The middle-aged man hurriedly caught the spirit stone, his eyes filled with joy, but then he hesitated.

"This news is probably not worth that much."

"I have the final say on whether it's worth it or not."

Gu Sheng said calmly.

"If you don't tell me, I'm leaving."

"Yes Yes Yes!"

The middle-aged man quickly moved closer.

"A small secret realm has been discovered in the poisonous miasma north of the city, hidden inside a dilapidated temple. People from the Tianyou Sect and the Five Poisons Divine Cult's branch have already gone there, and it's said that entry qualifications will be auctioned off tonight at Tianyou Market."

A glint of light flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes.

"Interesting. The exact location?"

"Thirty miles deep in the poisonous miasma, there is a ruined 'Temple of No Life'."

The middle-aged man swallowed.

"However, that poisonous miasma is extremely strange; without special methods, an ordinary cultivator wouldn't last more than half a quarter of an hour inside."

Gu Sheng nodded and casually took out another high-grade spirit stone and stuffed it into the other person's hand.

"I accept this message."

The middle-aged man's hands were trembling as he held the spirit stone.

"This...this is too much."

"If I gain anything from the secret realm, I will not treat you unfairly."

Gu Sheng patted him on the shoulder and turned to leave.

The middle-aged man stood there, watching Gu Sheng's retreating figure, his eyes filled with both gratitude and guilt.

Back in his inn room, Gu Sheng set up a soundproof barrier and took out a crystal-clear jade embryo from his pocket.

"Old man, stop pretending to be asleep."

The jade embryo trembled slightly, emitting a lazy sound.

"Kid, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"

"A secret realm has emerged from the poisonous miasma north of the city."

Gu Sheng sat down cross-legged.

"Both the Heavenly Nether Sect and the Five Poisons Divine Sect have their eyes on it."

"Tsk tsk, you're a troublemaker reincarnated, aren't you?"

The innate spiritual embryo sneered.

"You run into trouble wherever you go."

Gu Sheng's eyes were cold.

"I suspect someone is watching me."

"Oh?"

The innate spiritual embryo became interested.

"Tell me."

“I had never set foot in southern Xinjiang, but as soon as I entered the city, I felt like I was being watched.”

Gu Sheng lightly tapped the table with his fingertips.

"Besides that old codger from the Five Poisons Sect, I can't think of anyone else."

The innate spiritual embryo remained silent for a moment.

"You mean the patriarch of the Five Poisons Sect?"

"It's most likely him." Gu Sheng sneered.

“I wiped out his entire family; it would be strange if he didn’t have a backup plan.”

"So what do you plan to do? Hide?"

"hide?"

Gu Sheng stood up, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

"Since we've already encountered him, why not lure him out? This secret realm suits my purposes perfectly!"

As night fell, Gu Sheng changed into an inconspicuous gray robe, put on an ordinary mask, and headed towards Tianyoufang.

Two cold-looking guards stood at the entrance of the market. When they saw Gu Sheng, they reached out to stop him.

"Please show me your invitation."

Gu Sheng pulled a jade pendant from his sleeve. This was a token he had received from the middle-aged man during the day.

After the guard checks, step aside.

"please."

Tianyoufang was brightly lit but sparsely populated, clearly indicating that not just anyone could enter.

Gu Sheng walked straight to the black pavilion in the center and said to the maid at the door.

"I want to see the brothel owner."

The maid glanced at him.

"The shopkeeper is very busy."

A high-grade spirit stone fell into her hands.

The maid's expression changed slightly, and she whispered.

"Please come with me."

After passing through several layers of restrictions, Gu Sheng was led to an elegant room.

The interior was simply furnished, with only a black jade table behind which sat a middle-aged man with a sinister face.

"Master Mo Lingfang?"

Gu Sheng got straight to the point.

The middle-aged man looked up, his gaze sharp as a knife.

"Who is your Excellency?"

"buyer."

Gu Sheng sat down directly opposite him.

"I need a spot in the Secret Realm."

Mo Ling looked surprised.

"Three hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones, the price set by Tianyou Sect, no bargaining."

Without saying a word, Gu Sheng took out a storage ring and pushed it over.

"Thirty high-grade spirit stones, please inspect the goods."

Mo Ling scanned the area with his divine sense, and his expression changed slightly.

"You are very agreeable."

He put away the ring and took out a blood-red jade slip.

"At dawn tomorrow, bring this item to the 'Miasma Tower' in the north of the city."

Gu Sheng put away the jade slip but did not get up.

"The shopkeeper is well-informed; I'd like to inquire about something."

Mo Ling narrowed his eyes.

"That depends on what it is."

"Have any martial artists in Tianyou City been acting strangely lately?"

Gu Sheng lightly tapped the table with his fingertips.

"Especially those who are interested in me."

Mo Ling pondered for a moment.

“Three days ago, several martial artists from the Eastern Wilderness were taken away by the higher-ups of the Heavenly Nether Sect as soon as they arrived.”

"Donghuang?"

A glint of light flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes.

"What's the origin?"

"I don't know."

Mo Ling shook his head.

"All we know is that it comes from a force with a Grandmaster level expert."

Gu Sheng seemed to be deep in thought.

"What about the Five Poisons Sect? Who is their strongest leader?"

"Blood Centipede Protector".

Mo Ling lowered his voice.

"One of the seventy-two protectors of the Five Poisons Sect, he is treacherous and vindictive. You'd better not provoke him."

"Blood Centipede Protector".

Gu Sheng repeated softly, a cold glint in his eyes.

"What is his cultivation level?"

"Peak of the Golden Core stage, it is said that he has already stepped into the Nascent Soul stage."

Mo Ling looked at Gu Sheng meaningfully.

"What, do you have a past relationship with him?"

Gu Sheng remained noncommittal.

"One last question. Does the Blood Centipede Protector always wear a bronze mask?"

Mo Ling's body stiffened almost imperceptibly.

"You know him?"

"It sure is him!"

Gu Sheng sneered inwardly, then stood up and clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Thank you for clearing up my doubts, Master."

After leaving Tianyoufang, Gu Sheng did not go straight back to the inn. Instead, he circled the city a few times to make sure no one was following him before quietly returning.

"confirmed?"

The innate spiritual embryo inquired about the Dao.

"The patriarch of the Five Poisons Sect is the Blood Centipede Protector."

Gu Sheng took off his outer robe, revealing thirty-six defensive talismans hidden inside.

"He recognized me."

Gu Sheng walked out of Tianyoufang and looked up at the sky.

As the sun set, it dyed the entire city a blood-red hue.

A slight smile played on his lips, but his eyes held a cold glint.

"Since you enjoy stalking so much, don't blame me for being impolite."

He no longer concealed his aura; his true energy surged around him, like a sharp sword drawn from its sheath, its edge fully revealed.

Gu Sheng strode towards the city gate, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly.

"coming."

Gu Sheng thought to himself that he could clearly sense the cold, venomous aura behind him rapidly approaching, along with several weaker but equally sinister auras.

"The Five Poisons Sect members couldn't hold back any longer."

Gu Sheng deliberately slowed his pace and arrived at a desolate valley outside the city.

The terrain here is open, which is perfect for dealing with these tails.

He stopped and turned to face the empty road he had come from.

"Aren't you tired of following me for so long?"

Gu Sheng's voice was cold and clear, echoing through the valley.

After a moment of silence, a hoarse, unpleasant laugh rang out.

"Heh heh heh, kid, your senses are quite sharp."

An elderly man dressed in a black robe, emaciated and bony, emerged from the shadows. His face was crisscrossed with wrinkles, like dried tree bark, but his eyes gleamed with an eerie green light.

Behind the old man, seven martial artists, also dressed in black, appeared one after another, surrounding Gu Sheng in a fan shape.

"Blood Centipede Protector, the patriarch of the Five Poisons Sect, I have long admired your name."

Gu Sheng spoke in a calm tone, as if he were discussing the weather.

A green light flashed in the eyes of the Blood Centipede Guardian.

"Do you know me?"

"It's hard not to recognize an old poisoner who hides in the shadows and shoots arrows from the cold."

Gu Sheng sneered.

"You've been watching me since the auction started. Do you really think I didn't know?"

Blood Centipede Protector's face darkened.

"You arrogant brat! Since you've delivered yourself to my doorstep, don't even think about leaving alive!"

Before he finished speaking, he suddenly waved his withered hand, and a jet-black stream of air roared out, transforming into a ferocious centipede shape in the air, heading straight for Gu Sheng's face.

Gu Sheng neither dodged nor avoided the attack; he simply blew a breath of air.

The seemingly casual gust of wind contained immense true energy, instantly scattering the black centipede into nothingness.

"Is that all you have?"

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.

The Blood Centipede Protector's expression changed slightly, then he grinned maliciously.

"Set up the formation!"

The seven black-clad warriors moved simultaneously, forming hand seals and chanting incantations.

In an instant, seven plumes of poisonous smoke of different colors rose from their bodies, weaving into a large net in the air that enveloped Gu Sheng.

"Five Poisons Corroding Bone Formation!"

The Blood Centipede Guardian roared. (End of Chapter)