“He either doesn’t make a move, or when he does… it’s a thunderous attack, at least involving a King Realm expert! Those three seem more like… a test, or perhaps someone else is eager to get rid of you.”

"Someone else..."

A cold glint flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes, and he instantly understood.

"Ye Changling!"

"Ye Changling?"

Shen Qingtan frowned slightly.

"That Ye Changling from the Xuanmen sect? You have a grudge against him?"

"I killed him."

Gu Sheng's voice was flat, as if he were talking about a trivial matter.

"In the Thousand Souls Palace Secret Realm."

Shen Qingtan's pupils suddenly contracted! Ye Changling!

He was a core disciple of the Xuanmen sect, and the only son of a high-ranking and powerful elder at the King Realm! He held an extremely high position within the Xuanmen! Gu Sheng actually killed him?!
"you……"

Shen Qingtan was speechless for a moment. Even with her strong will, she was still quite shocked by the news.

"Do you know the power his father, Elder Ye, wields in the Xuanmen sect? You killed his only son, and he will never let this go! Those three assassins were probably his doing! This is even more troublesome than Xiao Beixuan's bounty!"

"trouble?"

Gu Sheng's lips curled into a cold smile.

"Then let him come. Killing one is the same as killing two."

He looked at Shen Qingtan, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"That's why Ning Shuang and Qin Yu Rou can no longer stay in Dahuang City. Xiao Bei Xuan's bounty and the Ye family's revenge have made this place the center of the storm."

It's too dangerous for them to stay here.

Where do you want them to go?

Shen Qingtan asked.

"Zhongzhou."

Gu Sheng was resolute.

"Stay away from the trouble in the Eastern Wilderness. I will ask Tantai Xueli to use the influence of the Linlang Pavilion in the Central Plains to provide them with support and ensure their safety. Once I have dealt with Xiao Beixuan and the troubles here, I will go to the Central Plains to meet them."

"Zhongzhou..."

Shen Qingtan pondered for a moment.

“That is indeed a place to go. However… the journey is long, crossing states, and the dangers along the way are unpredictable. I am afraid that I alone cannot protect them.”

"You don't need to bear this alone."

Gu Shengdao.

"Tantai Xue Li will make all the arrangements. You only need to bring them safely to Zhongzhou and meet up with the people from Linlang Pavilion. Once in Zhongzhou, Linlang Pavilion will protect them. You... can also stay in Zhongzhou and seek your own opportunities."

Shen Qingtan looked at Gu Sheng in silence.

She knew that Gu Sheng was thinking of her. If she stayed in the Eastern Wilderness, she would also be caught up in this storm.

Going to Zhongzhou was not only to protect Gu Ningshuang and Qin Yurou, but also to give herself a way out.

"it is good."

Shen Qingtan finally nodded in agreement.

"I promise you. I will take them to Zhongzhou."

She paused, her gaze beneath the bronze mask fixed on Gu Sheng, her voice carrying a barely perceptible concern.

"And what about you? Xiao Beixuan has offered a million-dollar bounty, the Ye family is eyeing you covetously, and there's also the unfathomable Venerable Styx... How will you cope alone?"

"Alone?"

Gu Sheng's eyes gleamed sharply, and the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.

"Who says I'm alone? Xiao Beixuan... is merely a stepping stone for me to reach a higher realm. In the life-or-death arena, I will surely slay him!"

His voice was calm, yet it contained unparalleled confidence and decisiveness!
It was as if killing a peak Human King Realm expert was a foregone conclusion for him!
Shen Qingtan looked at the man in front of her, who exuded an imposing aura and seemed to have everything under control, and was deeply shocked.

For the first time, she felt so clearly the domineering aura emanating from Gu Sheng! It was a confidence stemming from absolute strength!

"Take care of yourself."

Shen Qingtan finally uttered only two words, but they weighed a ton.

"You too."

Gu Sheng nodded.

"There's no time to lose, you should set off as soon as possible. I will inform Tantai Xueli and have her arrange the reception."

The two stepped out of the quiet room. In the pavilion, Gu Ningshuang and Qin Yurou immediately turned to look at them with concern.

"Frost-like, soft as feathers."

Gu Sheng walked up to them.

"You will leave Great Wilderness City with Sister Qingtan and go to Central Continent."

"Brother! What about you?!"

Gu Ningshuang immediately became anxious.

"Yes, Senior Brother Gu, what are you going to do then?"

Qin Yurou's face was also full of worry.

"I have my own arrangements."

Gu Sheng's tone left no room for argument.

"Zhongzhou is safe, and Linlang Pavilion will protect you. I will come to find you after I have finished dealing with matters here."

"But……"

Gu Ningshuang wanted to say something more.

"obedient!"

Gu Sheng interrupted her, his voice low but carrying an irresistible force.

"Staying here will only distract me. Go to Zhongzhou, cultivate diligently, and wait for me."

Looking at the unwavering resolve in her brother's eyes, Gu Ningshuang's tears welled up, and she finally nodded forcefully.

"Yes! Brother! You must come find us! You must be safe!"

Qin Yurou, her eyes also red, nodded vigorously.

"Senior Brother Gu, take care!"

Gu Sheng raised his hand and gently rubbed Gu Ningshuang's head, then nodded to Qin Yurou.

"rest assured."

He turned to Shen Qingtan.

"I'm counting on you all."

Shen Qingtan nodded solemnly.

"Don't worry. I'll make the arrangements immediately, and we'll set off first thing tomorrow morning."

Gu Sheng said no more, took one last deep look at his sister and Qin Yurou, then turned and strode away. Ying followed closely behind.

Watching Gu Sheng's figure disappear outside the courtyard gate, Gu Ningshuang could no longer hold back and threw herself into Shen Qingtan's arms, sobbing softly.

Qin Yurou also silently wiped the corners of her eyes.

Shen Qingtan gently patted Gu Ningshuang's back, but her gaze beneath the bronze mask was fixed on the direction Gu Sheng had left, her expression complex.

She knew that a storm sweeping across the Eastern Wilderness had been completely unleashed with the return of this man.

All she could do was protect the people he cared about and hold the line for him.

In the basement of the Linglang Pavilion, the warm moonlight flowed across the white jade platform. Tantai Xueli looked at the slightly twisting, scarlet vine in her palm, which exuded a pure bloodthirsty aura. Her beautiful face revealed a rare, heartfelt joy.

"The blood-red branch... it is indeed full of spirituality and moves incredibly fast."

A wisp of moonlight lingered around her fingertips as she gently brushed against the jagged barbs on the surface of the vines. The vines, like a venomous snake being soothed, instantly became docile and even affectionately rubbed against her fingertips.

"Although it is not as powerful as the main vine, it is more agile and unpredictable, making up for my lack of close combat skills, which is just what I need. Gu Sheng, I like this gift very much."

She looked up at Gu Sheng, a genuine smile spreading across her cool eyes, like the first thaw of ice and snow, or the gentle ripples of spring water.

She moved gracefully to Gu Sheng, then suddenly opened her arms and gently hugged him.

It was a brief and gentle embrace, carrying a cool and subtle fragrance, yet containing an indescribable intimacy and trust.

"Thank you."

Tantai Xueli's voice rang in Gu Sheng's ears, clear and melodious as ever, but with an added subtle gentleness.

Gu Sheng's body stiffened slightly, then relaxed and did not push him away.

He could sense Tantai Xueli's complete lack of guarded trust at that moment.

This blood-red branch held extraordinary significance for her. Tantai Xueli quickly released her hand, took a step back, and her face returned to its usual coldness, as if the intimacy just now was merely an illusion.

She looked at the figure standing not far away and gave the order.

"Shadow, tomorrow morning, go to the Holy Academy's Xuanmen to meet Shen Qingtan and her group. Escort them safely to the teleportation array and ensure they leave Great Wilderness City smoothly."

"Yes, Pavilion Master."

Ying bowed and accepted the order, her voice cold and emotionless.

Just then, Ying paused almost imperceptibly, then turned to Gu Sheng, her voice still flat.

"My lord, there is a strange woman outside the pavilion requesting an audience. She claims to be... Situ Qingyue. She is at the peak of the Earth Martial Realm, and her aura is unfamiliar. She is not from any of the known forces in Great Wilderness City."

"Situ Qingyue?"

Gu Sheng frowned slightly.

That name… Situ? A thought flashed through his mind. Could it be…?

Peak Earth Martial Realm?

Tantai Xueli looked surprised, then understood.

"It seems you've come for me. Would you like to see me?"

Gu Sheng hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

"Let her in."

The shadow retreated silently.

A moment later, Ying led a young woman into the underground level.

The girl was about seventeen or eighteen years old. She wore a faded blue cloth dress, had a slender figure and a delicate face. Her brows and eyes showed signs of the hardships and fatigue of a long journey, but her eyes were clear and bright, revealing a stubbornness and tenacity.

Her cultivation level was just as Ying had said, at the peak of the Earth Martial Realm. Her aura was pure, yet it carried an imperceptible... sword intent?
She stepped into the underground space, where spiritual energy was abundant and a sense of oppressive power was palpable. She seemed somewhat uneasy, nervously twisting the hem of her clothes with her hands. But when her gaze fell on Gu Sheng, her eyes instantly burst forth with indescribable excitement and hope!

"You...you are Senior Gu Sheng?"

The girl's voice trembled as she quickly stepped forward and bowed deeply to Gu Sheng.

"Junior Situ Qingyue, Situ Qingfeng... is my brother!"

As expected! Gu Sheng understood immediately. Situ Qingfeng's sister!

"Get up and talk."

Gu Sheng's voice was calm.

"How did you find this place? And how do you know my name?"

Situ Qingyue straightened up, her eyes slightly red, and she struggled to hold back her tears.

"It was... a fairy named Xia who told me! She said my brother was trapped in a secret realm, and it was you... it was you who had a way to save him! She gave me a talisman and said that as long as I follow the talisman's guidance, I can find you!"

I...I followed the talisman all the way from the southern border for almost half a month before...and finally found this place!

Xia Fuqu! Gu Sheng's eyes turned slightly cold.

This woman knows how to save trouble; she just pushed Situ Qingfeng's sister directly to him.

However, Situ Qingyue's ability to trek alone from the edge of the southern border to the Great Wilderness City demonstrates remarkable character and perseverance.

"I already know about your brother's matter."

Gu Sheng looked at the stubborn girl in front of him.

"I will rescue him. You... stay here and wait for news."

"senior!"

Upon hearing this, Situ Qingyue could no longer hold back her tears, which streamed down her face as she bowed deeply once more.

"Thank you so much for your great kindness, senior! Qingyue... Qingyue is willing to serve you like a slave to repay this kindness!"

"It doesn't have to be this way."

Gu Sheng raised his hand in a gesture of support.

“Your brother helped me, so it is only right that I save him. Just wait here in peace.”

He turned to Tantai Xueli.

"Xue Li, this woman..."

"give it to me."

Tantai Xueli's gaze swept over Situ Qingyue, her cool eyes carrying an imperceptible gentleness.

"The young lady has good potential, and her sword intent is already showing. She is a promising talent. Keeping her in my Linglang Pavilion is just what we need to help manage the herb garden. In the meantime... she can also learn something."

Upon hearing this, Situ Qingyue was both surprised and delighted, and immediately bowed deeply to Tantai Xueli.

"Thank you for taking me in, Pavilion Master! Qingyue will do her best!"

Tantai Xueli nodded slightly and gave instructions to the maid beside her.

"Take Qingyue downstairs, arrange her accommodations, and familiarize her with the affairs of the herb garden."

The maidservant stepped forward and led the deeply grateful Situ Qingyue away from the underground level.

After the two left, Tantai Xueli looked at Gu Sheng with a questioning look in her eyes.

"Xia Fuqu... she certainly knows how to give you things to do. But this young lady is indeed quite good. What do you plan to do with her?"

"Let's rescue Situ Qingfeng first."

Gu Sheng's gaze was deep and thoughtful.

"Tomorrow, I will go to that secret realm with Xia Fuqu. Shadow..."

"Rest assured, my lord."

Shadow's voice rang out coldly.

"My subordinates will follow secretly to ensure that nothing goes wrong."

Gu Sheng nodded. With the newly promoted King Realm expert You Ying providing covert support, and Xia Fuqu leading the way, rescuing Situ Qingfeng shouldn't be a problem.

"You are to depart tomorrow, so please rest and recuperate here today."

Tantai Xueli pointed to the white jade platform.

"The spiritual energy here may be beneficial to you."

Gu Sheng did not refuse.

He sat cross-legged on the white jade platform and closed his eyes to regulate his breathing.

The true essence within his body flowed slowly, merging with the rich moonlight spiritual energy around him, repairing the minor damage caused by days of travel and battle, while also preparing for the possible fierce battle tomorrow.

Tantai Xueli walked to the side, took out a communication jade talisman, and began to write as her fingertips glowed.

She wanted to inform her clansmen in Zhongzhou in detail about Gu Ningshuang and the others' trip to Zhongzhou, as well as the arrangements for receiving Situ Qingfeng.

The underground level returned to silence, with only the faint sound of spiritual energy flowing and the two people's calm aura.

Like the most loyal guardian, the shadows disappeared into the corner, their presence concealed, as if they did not exist.

Time passes slowly in silence.

Gu Sheng focused his mind on his body, feeling the flow of true essence and the pulse of the Heavenly Demon Vine.

After absorbing a massive amount of life force to advance, the golden main vine and the scarlet offshoots became even more refined and powerful, and their connection with his mind became increasingly close.

Especially the blood-red vines, although not as spiritual as the main vine, their pure bloodlust and terrifying speed may unleash unexpected power under certain conditions.

After an unknown amount of time, Gu Sheng slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and restrained, his aura harmonious and serene.

He looked at Tantai Xueli, who seemed to have just finished sending a message and was putting away the jade talisman.

"Is everything arranged?"

Gu Sheng asked.

"Ah."

Tantai Xueli nodded.

"Someone from Zhongzhou will meet Ning Shuang and the others. I have also informed them about Situ Qingfeng's situation. Once he is rescued, someone will escort the siblings to Zhongzhou to reunite with him."

"Good work."

Gu Sheng stood up.

There's no need for formalities between us.

Tantai Xueli looked at him, her cool eyes filled with deep meaning.

"Be extra careful on your journey to the secret realm. Xia Fuqu is a woman of deep thoughts and cannot be trusted entirely."

"I know."

Gu Sheng's eyes were sharp.

"She had something to ask for, and I had something to ask for. It was just mutual exploitation."

He said no more, nodded slightly to Tantai Xueli, and turned to walk towards the exit. Ying followed silently. (End of Chapter)

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