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

Her gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife, no longer looking at Situ Qingfeng, but fixed on the "servant" who had been meek and obedient. Her voice was cold and sharp, like ice colliding.

"You! Raise your head! Tell me, where did you get this jade pendant from?! Gu—Qing—Yun!"

She uttered the last three words almost through gritted teeth, each word distinct and deliberate, her voice containing suppressed rage and a hint of disbelief and shock.

Having his identity directly exposed, Gu Sheng paused slightly in his teacup, then slowly raised his head.

On that ordinary face, a pair of eyes, like a bottomless, icy pool, calmly met Nangong Yuexia's gaze, which was almost spitting fire.

He gently put down the teacup, his movements unhurried, as if the oppressive aura that enveloped his entire body and was enough to shatter the bones of an ordinary Heavenly Martial Realm warrior did not exist at all.

He stood up, met Nangong Yuexia's gaze calmly, and spoke indifferently.

"Elder Yuexia, it's been a long time. It seems that your ability to rise to the position of elder in the Zixia Divine Sect after decades of infiltration is not entirely due to luck."

These words struck Nangong Yuexia like a thunderbolt, causing her pupils to shrink sharply! This was one of her deepest secrets!

"You are indeed not dead!"

Nangong Yuexia's true energy surged, and a tangible purple glow gathered in her palm, her killing intent undisguisedly enveloping Gu Sheng.

"You actually dare to show your face in front of me?! Do you know how much investigation and suppression I suffered after the death of the Prince of Zhennan, all because of my past connection with you and that girl Muxue?! I almost..."

"You can't kill me."

Gu Sheng interrupted her directly, his tone still calm, yet carrying a chilling certainty.

"Besides, I can control your life and death. So, I'm not afraid."

"Insanity!"

Nangong Yuexia was so angry that she laughed instead.

"You? A wretched child who plotted against the prince? Believe me, if I just shout and reveal your presence, I won't even need to lift a finger. The Purple Cloud Cult, and everyone in the entire Southern Frontier who wants you dead, will tear you to pieces! You will absolutely not leave Xiaguang City alive!"

Faced with this blatant threat, Gu Sheng showed no fear, but instead revealed an almost mocking smile.

"You can try. But before you betray me, think about it: if I dared to come here, wouldn't I have a backup plan?"

He took a small step forward, getting closer to Nangong Yuexia, his voice low, yet like a devil's whisper, clearly reaching her ears.

I had already made arrangements before I arrived.

Right now, they might be outside Zixia Residence, or near the City Lord's Mansion, watching you intently, Nangong Yuexia! If you make the slightest move, revealing any clue that you intend to report me, whether you succeed or not…

Evidence about your true identity and certain 'private deals' between you and the late Prince Zhennan will immediately appear on the desks of your adversaries, such as the deputy sect leader or the punishment hall of the Zixia Divine Cult.

Do you think, at that time, you will watch me die first, or will you be the first to be accused of 'treason' and 'murdering the prince,' and fall into an abyss of no return?
Nangong Yuexia's pupils suddenly shrank to the size of pinpoints, and her blood seemed to freeze at that moment!

She knew full well that Gu Sheng's words were true! The Zixia Divine Cult was riddled with factions, and there were quite a few people who coveted her position and wanted to bring her down.

After the death of the Prince of Zhennan, although she temporarily cleared most of the suspicions through years of maneuvering and decisive disassociation, she still walked on thin ice, her status far diminished. Any "evidence" unfavorable to her, even mere speculation, would be enough for her adversaries to use as a pretext to launch an attack and plunge her into utter ruin!
She stared intently at Gu Sheng, her chest heaving violently, the true energy gathered in her palm flickering uncertainly, revealing her extreme inner struggle and anger, but in the end, the surging true energy slowly subsided.

She dared not gamble! She had already experienced Gu Sheng's ruthlessness and scheming firsthand!

Seeing Nangong Yuexia's reaction, Gu Sheng knew that she had made her choice.

He took a step back, regaining his previous calm, as if the murderous conversation had never happened.

"I need to go somewhere, and I must go openly and legitimately in the name of the Zixia Cult."

Gu Sheng made his request directly.

"In exchange, I will support you within the Zixia Divine Cult. I will help you clear away obstacles so that you can not only secure your current position, but also have the opportunity in the future... to control the entire Zixia Divine Cult."

Nangong Yuexia frowned deeply. The temptation Gu Sheng had offered was undeniably immense. To control the Zixia Divine Sect was a goal she had never dared to dream of even after years of lurking in the shadows.

She looked at Gu Sheng, this young man seemed to be shrouded in a fog, making him completely unfathomable to her.

She believed that Gu Sheng was no ordinary person; if he had the means to kill the Prince of Zhennan, there must be unimaginable power behind him.

However, negotiating with a tiger carries enormous risks.

She remained silent for a moment, not immediately overwhelmed by the "pie in the sky" she had been promised, and said in a deep voice.

"This matter is of great importance, and I need time to consider it."

"can."

Gu Sheng seemed to have anticipated her answer.

"I will give you one day. I will return to this place at this time tomorrow to hear your answer."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more, turned around and walked straight out of the quiet room without any hesitation.

Seeing this, Situ Qingfeng quickly put away his folding fan and followed after him. He admired Gu Sheng's methods of combining threats and inducements, and was even more alarmed by Gu Sheng's ambition to "control the Zixia Divine Sect".

After leaving the quiet room, Situ Qingfeng immediately sent a telepathic message to Gu Sheng, his tone filled with lingering fear and worry.

"Brother Gu, are you so sure she won't leak our information? What if she takes a risk..."

Gu Sheng walked calmly along the elegant corridor inside Zixia Residence, responding telepathically with a confident tone.

"She is a smart person, but also someone who values ​​her life and craves power."

She wouldn't act rashly until she was absolutely certain she could eliminate me without getting herself into trouble. Besides…”

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of cold indifference that seemed to see right through people.

"Do you really think that the relationship between the Prince of Zhennan and his so-called adopted sons and daughters is as harmonious as it seems on the surface? It's nothing more than mutual exploitation, maintaining a fragile balance. For her, the death of the Prince of Zhennan might not be a bad thing... a relief and an opportunity."

She needs a strong external force to help her gain a foothold now, and I happen to be able to provide her with what she needs most.

Upon hearing this, Situ Qingfeng seemed to be deep in thought and said no more.

He realized that he still knew far too little about the sordid and complex inner workings of these forces in the southern border regions.

The two silently followed the path they had come from, quickly heading towards the exit of Zixia Residence. The guards and staff they encountered along the way seemed to have received some kind of tacit instruction; although their eyes lingered on them, they did not approach to question or stop them, allowing them to leave unimpeded.

Stepping out of the imposing gates of Zixia Residence and back into the bustling streets of Xiaguang City, Situ Qingfeng finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He subconsciously looked around, and with a martial artist's keen senses, he vaguely sensed several faint gazes cast upon them from different directions. "Brother Gu, it seems someone is watching us..."

Situ Qingfeng couldn't help but send another telepathic reminder, his body tensing slightly.

However, Gu Sheng seemed completely oblivious, his expression remaining calm and his pace unchanged, only replying with a faint remark.

"It's alright, as expected."

He and Situ Qingfeng did not linger on the street, nor did they try to shake off any potential spies. Instead, they went straight to a nearby inn that looked to be of medium size and unremarkable, asked for two superior rooms, and checked in.

Situ Qingfeng carefully observed the situation, repeatedly trying to warn Gu Sheng about the subtle surveillance, but seeing Gu Sheng's calm and composed expression, as if he had everything under control, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He chose to trust Gu Sheng's judgment, but he never dared to relax his vigilance.

……

Inside the tranquil and elegant room of Zixia Residence.

Nangong Yuexia remained seated alone at the table, her fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant engraved with the character "Nan." Her expression was complex and shifting, clearly indicating that she was in a state of extreme inner turmoil and struggle. Cooperating with Gu Sheng was tantamount to seeking help from a tiger. This man was cunning, ruthless, and the mastermind behind the murder of the Prince of Zhennan. If things were exposed, she would be doomed.

But refusing him… considering Gu Sheng’s chilling threat and the immense temptation of “controlling the Zixia Divine Sect” he offered, she found herself unable to decide. Power and risk, like two ends of a scale, swayed violently in her heart.

Time slipped away silently.

After an unknown amount of time, there was a gentle knock on the door of the quiet room. Then, a middle-aged woman dressed in ordinary maid's clothes, with an ordinary face but eyes that showed a composure beyond her years, walked in carrying a pot of freshly brewed spiritual tea.

She was Nangong Yuexia's confidante and had followed her for many years.

"Elder, you have been sitting here for nearly two hours."

The middle-aged woman gently placed the teapot on the table and reminded her in a gentle voice.

"But what difficult problem have you encountered?"

Nangong Yuexia snapped out of her daze, rubbed her slightly swollen temples, and sighed.

"Two hours have passed... We have indeed encountered a thorny issue."

She looked at the middle-aged woman, her eyes seeking her opinion.

"Granny, tell me... should I cooperate with that person?"

Upon hearing this, the middle-aged woman showed little surprise and cautiously whispered.

"I am merely a servant and dare not make such important decisions for the elders."

However… I have heard that that person… has a very deep grudge with you, sir.

Elder, you know better than anyone the current situation of the Prince's Mansion. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter, each going their own way, and even fighting against each other.

When the master was alive, he could still control things, but now... alas.

She paused, observed Nangong Yuexia's expression, and continued cautiously.

"If this old servant dares to presume to speak, the current situation presents both crisis and opportunity for the elder. If that person... can truly keep his word and help the elder escape his current predicament, or even... go further."

Therefore, cooperating with him might not be entirely without merit. After all, in this southern border region, strength and power are the foundation for survival.

These words were like the last straw, weighing down on Nangong Yuexia's wavering balance.

The struggle in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by a resolute and determined look.

Yes, the Prince of Zhennan is dead, and the old ties of the Prince's Mansion have long since faded. Now, her first priority is to survive better in the Zixia Divine Sect and in this southern border region, and climb higher! Gu Sheng is certainly dangerous, but the strength he has shown and the power behind him may be exactly the kind of help she needs right now!

"I understand."

Nangong Yuexia took a deep breath, her eyes regaining their usual shrewdness and decisiveness.

She reached out and picked up a small silver bell from the corner of the table, and gently shook it.

jingle……

Before the crisp sound of the bell had completely faded, a blurry figure appeared silently in the shadowy corner of the quiet room, like a ghost. He knelt on one knee, his aura restrained, revealing himself to be a powerful expert at the Grandmaster level!
"Find the whereabouts of Young Master Situ and his servants who visited today, and convey my message," Nangong Yuexia said in a cold voice, carrying an unquestionable command.

"Please ask them to come to Zixia Residence again tomorrow morning."

"Yes!"

The figure responded softly, and just as it had come, silently blended into the shadows and disappeared.

……

Gu Sheng stayed at an inn, in an ordinary superior room.

Situ Qingfeng was restless, like an ant on a hot pan.

He paced back and forth in his room, occasionally grabbing a few mouthfuls of cold tea from the table, but he still couldn't suppress the anxiety in his heart. Gu Sheng had been silent since entering the next room, neither speaking to him nor knowing what he was doing inside.

The subtle, persistent stares from outside made him feel uneasy, worried that his whereabouts had been completely exposed and that he might be surrounded and attacked at any moment.

"What exactly is Brother Gu plotting? He won't even tell us! It's driving me crazy!"

Situ Qingfeng scratched his head, muttering to himself.

at this time--

call!
A figure, like a ghost, appeared without warning, passing directly through the window and silently appearing in the center of the room! This person was shrouded in a faint shadow, his aura obscure, giving people a sense of unfathomable depth.

Situ Qingfeng's hair stood on end instantly! Without thinking, his inner energy erupted, golden light appeared around him, and strange and complex golden patterns flickered on his arms. A wild and fierce aura was faintly visible, and he was ready to fight with all his might, even at the cost of activating some kind of secret technique!

"Who?!"

Situ Qingfeng shouted sternly, his eyes fixed warily on the uninvited guest.

The figure in the shadows did not show any hostility, but spoke in a calm and indifferent tone.

"Young Master Situ, there is no need to be nervous. I have come on the orders of Elder Yuexia to convey a message. Please come to Zixia Residence again tomorrow morning with your servants."

Upon hearing this, Situ Qingfeng's heart skipped a beat, and his tense muscles relaxed slightly, but his vigilance remained. He confirmed, "..." (End of Chapter)