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

But then, an even more terrifying thought popped into her head.

"Wait! You...you were only around the first level of the Heavenly Martial Realm two or three months ago in the Southern Imperial City, according to the intelligence we obtained! How could you possibly break through to the peak of the ninth level of the Heavenly Martial Realm in such a short period of time?! This...this is simply impossible!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng's lips curled into a meaningful smile, and he casually dropped an even more bombshell.

"Two or three months? Perhaps. But do you know that when I first arrived in Great Wilderness City eleven months ago, I was only at the first level of the Acquired Realm?"

"Eleven months...from the first level of the Heavenly Martial Realm to the peak of the ninth level?!"

Upon hearing this, not only was Nangong Yuexia completely stunned, but even Situ Qingfeng, who was watching from the side, gasped sharply, his eyes almost popping out of their sockets!
Although he knew Gu Sheng cultivated quickly, he never expected it to be so incredibly fast, so unbelievably! This couldn't be described as genius; this was simply monstrous! A monster!

Ignoring their shock, Gu Sheng continued, his tone carrying a convincing certainty.

"Therefore, there is no need to judge me by common sense. If this trip goes smoothly and we obtain the items in the secret realm, I am confident that within a month, I will have the combat power to directly confront a King Realm expert. Within half a year, it is not an exaggeration to say that I will be able to rival a low-level Venerable."

He looked at Nangong Yuexia again, his gaze sharp.

"Now, I'm giving you one more chance to choose. Do you choose to go to war with me, risking your life and the lives of those behind you, or... accept my support, and together we will rule Zixia, and even look down upon the Southern Frontier?"

Nangong Yuexia fell silent.

Looking at Gu Sheng's calm yet infinitely confident face, recalling the terrifying strength and heaven-defying cultivation speed he had just displayed, and weighing the enormous temptation he had offered... the scales in her heart had already completely tipped.

She knew that this was an unprecedented opportunity, but also a huge risk.

But compared to the vague "revenge for her adoptive father" and the tangible benefits and power right in front of her... she knew what she should choose.

A moment later, she raised her head, all hesitation and struggle in her eyes fading away, replaced by a resolute determination.

She bowed slightly to Gu Sheng, performing the courtesy of a subordinate greeting a superior, her voice clear and strong.

"Yuexia...is willing to serve Young Master Gu!"

Gu Sheng's face showed a satisfied expression, and he nodded slightly.

"Very good. A man who knows the times is a hero."

He paused, his tone turning serious.

"Now that we've chosen to cooperate, I need you to tell me the truth about the Zhennan Prince's Mansion."

Nangong Yuexia straightened up, somewhat puzzled.

"What would you like to ask, Young Master Gu? I will answer all your questions about the Prince's residence."

Gu Sheng's gaze was deep, and he directly pointed out the key point.

"As far as I know, the relationship between Nangong Tianze and you so-called 'adopted sons and daughters' does not seem to be as harmonious as it appears on the surface."

Is there some hidden reason behind his adoption of you, the children of those who died in battle?

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yuexia was stunned! She hadn't expected Gu Sheng to ask about this core secret! A struggle flashed in her eyes, but thinking of the choice she had already made and Gu Sheng's unfathomable methods, she finally gritted her teeth and said.

"Young Master Gu is astute. I have been secretly investigating this matter for many years and have made some progress. We... are very likely not the orphans of those who died in battle. The vast majority of us, including myself, are promising talents with good cultivation potential, either bribed or directly captured by Nangong Tiance's people!"

Gu Sheng seemed unsurprised and nodded.

"Just as I suspected. I had already guessed it."

Therefore, my killing of Nangong Tianze doesn't necessarily mean there's a deep-seated blood feud between us. In fact, for those of you who were forcibly brought here, I might even be indirectly avenging you.

He looked at Nangong Yuexia, his tone becoming more gentle.

“I know that many of you may have long forgotten your childhood, or have developed a distorted loyalty to Nangong Tiance under the brainwashing of the Prince’s Mansion over the years.”

But interests and power are always the strongest bonds that hold relationships together. You chose me because I can give you what you want, and I understand that very well.

Nangong Yuexia remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

“Young Master Gu is absolutely right. The past is past, and Yuexia… values ​​the future more.”

Just as Nangong Yuexia was slightly stunned, her mind relaxing a little as she reminisced about the past—

A sudden change occurred!

Gu Sheng made a sudden move without any warning! His right hand was as fast as lightning, his index finger seemed to traverse space, and he pointed out in an instant, pressing it precisely on Nangong Yuexia's smooth brow!

A cold and eerie power, like an invisible seed, instantly penetrated her skin and was directly imprinted deep within her consciousness!
"you!"

Nangong Yuexia's expression changed drastically. She took a step back, and her internal energy instinctively tried to erupt in resistance, but she found that the power was like a bone-deep infection, deeply rooted and having formed a strange connection with the origin of her soul, which was impossible to remove!

She looked at Gu Sheng with a mixture of shock and anger, her voice trembling with resentment.

"Gu Sheng! What did you do to me?!"

Gu Sheng slowly withdrew his finger, his expression calm and composed, as if he had just done something insignificant.

"It's nothing, just a small safeguard."

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable coldness.

"To prevent you from having second thoughts in the future, or betraying me at some crucial moment."

This 'soul imprint' won't normally have any effect on you; in fact, it can even help you withstand some fatal soul attacks.

He looked at Nangong Yuexia with deep eyes and continued speaking.

"As long as you work for me without any ulterior motives, it will never be triggered and will be beneficial to you."

But if you ever dare to betray us in the slightest…

Gu Sheng's voice suddenly turned cold, like ice that had stood for millennia.

"Then, no matter where you are or how high your cultivation level is, with just a thought, I can make you... vanish from your soul and never be reborn!"

Nangong Yuexia felt the eerie mark in her sea of ​​consciousness, like a sword hanging overhead, and when she heard Gu Sheng's chilling words, her face instantly turned deathly pale.

Looking at Gu Sheng's calm yet infinitely authoritative face, the faint trust that had just arisen in her heart due to cooperation was instantly replaced by immense fear and coldness.

She finally realized that cooperating with this young man was not as simple as she had imagined.

This is not just a transaction, but a gamble that involves mortgaging one's soul!

Gu Sheng did not explain all the effects and triggering conditions of the Soul Imprint. Some things are better left unsaid, leaving enough room for imagination, which can be more deterrent.

He believed that with Nangong Yuexia's intelligence, she would surely understand the danger involved.

Nangong Yuexia's eyes shifted slightly, and her fingertips unconsciously touched her brow, where a trace of coolness seemed to linger.

She truly understood and realized that at this moment, she was at the mercy of others, and any objection would be futile and might even lead to her immediate death.

She forced down the humiliation and chill in her heart, forced a relatively calm expression onto her face, and asked, "I understand."

So, what exactly does Young Master Gu need me to do next?

Seeing that she wisely stopped dwelling on the matter of the soul imprint, Gu Sheng directly gave the order.

"Three days later, arrange for Situ Qingfeng and me to go to Golden Wing Ridge under legitimate identities."

"can."

Nangong Yuexia nodded.

"I will make the arrangements."

Gu Sheng continued.

"To the outside world, you need to announce in the name of the Zixia Divine Sect that it is you, Nangong Yuexia, who are cooperating with Situ Qingfeng, the son of Situ Ting, one of the top ten masters in the Southern Frontier, to jointly explore the newly discovered secret realm of Golden Wing Ridge."

Using this as a pretext, they tried to win over other religious forces that were on good terms with the Zixia Cult or who wanted a share of the profits, to go along and muddy the waters.

A knowing glint flashed in Nangong Yuexia's eyes. This was to take advantage of the situation and create chaos, making it easier for them to fish in troubled waters.

“Furthermore,” Gu Sheng’s tone turned cold, tinged with calculation.

"You need to prepare a 'scapegoat' in advance. Ideally... someone from the Xia Guang City Lord's faction."

"Whether inside or outside the secret realm, you need to create the illusion that I have an affair with someone from the City Lord's Mansion, or even that we're fighting each other over unequal distribution of profits. You should know better than me how to do that."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yuexia was taken aback at first, then her eyes flashed with a sharp light! She instantly understood Gu Sheng's intention! This was not only to confuse the public, but also to divert trouble and take the opportunity to strike at the Lord of Xiaguang City! If handled properly, she might even be able to seize the actual power of Xiaguang City from the Lord's Mansion and put it under her control!
"Young Master Gu's plan... is brilliant!"

Nangong Yuexia couldn't help but praise him, her fear of Gu Sheng deepening. This young man was not only incredibly strong, but also so meticulous and ruthless.

Gu Sheng merely glanced at her indifferently, his tone flat and unchanging.

"It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Originally, I had already planned how to get away after killing you if we couldn't reach an agreement."

Upon hearing this, Nangong Yuexia's delicate body trembled almost imperceptibly, and a layer of cold sweat instantly seeped out from her back.

She had no doubt about the truth of Gu Sheng's words.

She gave a wry smile, her tone carrying a hint of genuine admiration.

Even my godfather mentioned many times before his death that you, Gu Sheng, are a man of deep thoughts and unpredictable methods, and are definitely not someone to be underestimated.

Now it seems her godfather was right. Yuexia... is convinced.

Gu Sheng said no more, and led Situ Qingfeng, who was already deeply moved by what he had seen, away from the courtyard.

……

Three days passed by in a flash.

On the morning of the fourth day, just as dawn was breaking, a warrior from the royal palace arrived at the inn where Gu Sheng was staying and respectfully delivered a message.

"Young Master Gu, Elder Yuexia instructed me to inform you that everything is ready. In half an hour, the Zixia Divine Sect's team will gather at the South Gate and depart for Golden Wing Ridge."

Gu Sheng nodded and asked.

"How's the publicity going regarding the Golden Wing Ridge Secret Realm?"

The warrior replied.

"As instructed by the elder, the message has been sent out. It has been confirmed that the Heavenly Fire Divine Sect, the Glazed Glass Divine Sect, and the Longevity Divine Sect will all send teams to meet us on the outskirts of Golden Wing Ridge, intending to get a share of the spoils."

Furthermore, according to reliable sources, the beloved little princess of the Five Poisons Sect seems to be very interested in the secret realm and may accompany them.

"The little princess of the Five Poisons Sect?"

Gu Sheng's eyes flickered slightly as he noted this information. The Five Poisons Sect wielded considerable power in the Southern Frontier, and their methods of using poison were unpredictable and treacherous; they needed to be wary.

"What about my identity and that of my companions?"

Gu Sheng asked again.

"Young master, the identity you have been assigned is that of a newly recruited advisor in the city lord's mansion named 'Yun Qing,' who is skilled in formations and geomancy, and has therefore been sent to assist in this exploration of the secret realm."

These are the relevant identity documents, and... a portrait of Mr. 'Yun Qing' circulating within the City Lord's Mansion.

As the martial artist spoke, he handed over a document and a scroll.

Gu Sheng took the scroll and unfolded it. He saw a middle-aged scholar with a thin face and three long wisps of beard, who looked only three-tenths like him. It was obvious that Nangong Yuexia had done something to make it easier for him to disguise himself.

At this moment, the warrior from the royal palace hesitated for a moment, but still couldn't help asking cautiously.

"Young Master Gu, please forgive my impertinence... but I feel that your aura seems even more unfathomable than it was three days ago. Is it just my imagination?"

Gu Sheng glanced at him, knowing that this was probably a test at Nangong Yuexia's behest.

He did not get angry; instead, he readily admitted it.

"Your perception is correct."

Before he finished speaking, a thought stirred within him. Without making any gesture, a very faint, almost imperceptible, glassy luster appeared beneath his skin, naturally revealing a sense of perfect harmony and indestructibility.

The warrior from the royal palace suddenly contracted his pupils and gasped in shock.

"This...this is?! Radiant Crystal Light! Your Golden Crystal Body...is complete?!"

"It's not fully accomplished yet, but it's achieved a solid foundation."

Gu Sheng dispelled the precious light, his tone indifferent.

"Nowadays, unless a peak expert of the Sect Realm who has comprehended the true meaning of the laws wields a divine weapon and attacks with all their might, ordinary experts of the Sect Realm will find it difficult to break through my defenses."

His gaze swept over the shocked martial artist, his tone turning cold and carrying a hint of warning.

"Go back and tell Nangong Yuexia that there's no need to bother testing her anymore. What I want is an obedient and useful pawn, not a 'partner' that I need to be constantly on guard against and scheming against."

She's not qualified yet.

Upon hearing this, the martial artist's face instantly turned extremely ugly, but he dared not utter a single word of rebuttal. He could only lower his head, stammer in agreement, and then hurriedly leave.

Not long after he left, Situ Qingfeng pushed open the door and walked in, a hint of worry on his face.

"Brother Gu, I don't think Nangong Yuexia and her men are truly loyal. If we use them like this, will they...?"

Gu Sheng interrupted him, his tone carrying an all-knowing calmness.

"I've investigated Nangong Yuexia and her so-called 'confidants of the Prince's Mansion.' Eight or nine out of ten of them lack genuine loyalty to Nangong Tianze; their loyalty is more a matter of shared interests and years of habit. I don't need their sincere allegiance; I only need Nangong Yuexia to be a dutiful pawn while she's still useful. As for loyalty? It's meaningless." (End of Chapter)