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

Qi Diaoyao was far more knowledgeable than Gu Yuanyuan, but she was even more shocked at this moment.

She came from the Five Poisons Sect in the Southern Frontier and had seen a bit of the world, but the grandeur of the Tianjia Private Room still shocked her.

This isn't just a private room; it's a mobile treasure trove! The cost of building just one such private room is probably equivalent to more than half of the total assets of the Five Poisons Sect!

And this is just one of the ten private rooms with the character "天" (tian, meaning heaven) in the Wanbao Hall of Tianyuan Imperial City... The gap between Zhongzhou and Nanjiang, the disparity between top-tier forces and local powerful sects, appears so naked and direct at this moment.

She thought to herself that even the most powerful sect in the Southern Frontier, the Longevity Cult, might not be able to match the luxury of its core stronghold here.

Gu Sheng remained calm, as if everything before him was just ordinary.

He began to speak.

"This place is not only rich in spiritual energy, but also naturally generates Daoist energy due to the gathering of a large number of precious materials. Even if you do not cultivate deliberately, you will be unconsciously cleansed by this energy, which will solidify your foundation and remove impurities, greatly benefiting your future cultivation. Please sit down as you please, there is no need to be reserved."

Upon hearing this, the two women snapped out of their shock and nodded quickly. With a mix of curiosity and caution, they walked to the soft chairs near the huge crystal curtain wall in front of them and sat down.

After Elder Liu saw that Gu Sheng and the other two were settled, he prepared to take his leave.

“Young Master Gu, if you need anything, simply press the jade bell beside your chair, and a maid will come to attend to your needs. The catalog of auction items is already placed on the table; you may take a look first. I will not disturb you any longer.”

"Thank you for your help, Elder Liu."

Gu Sheng nodded his thanks.

Elder Liu bowed gracefully and was about to leave when she saw that Gu Sheng did not immediately look through the picture book, but instead spoke again.

"Elder Liu, please wait."

Elder Liu paused, turned around, and asked with a smile.

"Does Young Master Gu have any further instructions?"

Gu Sheng looked at her and got straight to the point.

"There is indeed something I wish to discuss with your esteemed court. I possess some items that I acquired by chance from ruins, including several rare but unique fragments of secret techniques, a few ancient elixir formulas, and some ancient artifacts of unknown purpose but made of special materials."

I wonder if Wanbaodian is willing to purchase it, or if we could barter for spirit stones? I intend to bid on one or two items I desire at the auction, but I fear I lack sufficient spirit stones.

He spoke frankly and stated his intentions directly.

Upon hearing this, Elder Liu's professional smile remained unchanged, but his eyes subtly revealed a hint of doubt and curiosity.

As an elder in charge of the auction, she had handled countless rare treasures and cultivation techniques. Ordinary "obtains from relics" might not even catch the eye of the Myriad Treasures Hall, let alone be directly exchanged for a large amount of spirit stones. However, the person in front of her was a distinguished guest personally looked after by the Hall Master, so she naturally dared not neglect him.

She smiled and agreed, her tone still respectful.

"Since Young Master Gu has this intention, Wanbao Hall would naturally welcome it. Our hall does indeed have the service of appraising and exchanging treasures, but..."

She paused slightly, as if considering her words.

"Young master, the amount of spirit stones you require must be considerable, and ordinary items may not be enough to offset it. May I ask what grade and type of the secret techniques and pill formulas you mentioned? What is so special about those ancient artifacts? I would like to inform the appraiser in advance so as not to delay your time."

Her words were tactful, but she was actually asking whether the "weight" of the item in Gu Sheng's hands was enough for Wanbaodian to initiate a high-level appraisal process, or even alarm those arrogant masters in the hall.

Gu Sheng naturally understood her implied meaning, but his expression remained unchanged, and he simply said calmly.

"As for the grade... it will at least be no lower than the Earth Rank. As for the specifics, we will need your master to personally assess it. Elder Liu, please make the arrangements."

His tone was calm, yet it exuded an undeniable confidence.

Elder Liu's heart skipped a beat. No less than Earth-rank? That would be a treasure that could greatly benefit even a Venerable Realm cultivator! If that were the case, and there was more than one... the "relics" that this Young Master Gu spoke of were probably extraordinary! The smile on her face faded slightly, replaced by a hint of seriousness.

"Please wait a moment, young master. I will go and invite some of the best appraisers in the palace to come over and appraise your treasures in the quiet room next door. How does that sound?"

"can."

Gu Sheng gave a concise response.

Elder Liu said no more, gave a hasty bow, and quickly left the Tianjia Private Room, his steps even faster than when he came.

She needed to report this matter immediately and seek help from those masters who were rarely seen. If Gu Sheng's words were true, then this exchange might actually be a significant opportunity!

Inside the private room, Gu Yuanyuan and Qi Diaoyao both looked at Gu Sheng with curiosity in their eyes.

Gu Sheng simply smiled at them, signaling them to calm down, and then calmly walked to the main seat and sat down. He reached out and picked up the heavy auction catalog on the table, which was sealed with some kind of fragrant sandalwood and had pages that felt warm to the touch, and slowly opened it.

Even before the auction officially began, an appraisal and transaction of the "obtained from the ruins" had already quietly commenced. Below, the auction hall was already bustling with activity as cultivators from all sides filed in, eagerly anticipating the upcoming contest for wealth and opportunity.

Behind the crystal curtain wall of the private room in Tianjia, Gu Sheng's gaze calmly swept over the dazzling array of treasure names and descriptions in the catalog, finally settling on a few items marked "Tianyuan Treasure Pool Access Tokens," his eyes deep and thoughtful.

Elder Liu's words about the 30 million top-grade spirit stones on credit clearly implied his intention to help and support Gu Sheng. In her view, this was both a sign of the Palace Master Tantai Mingjing's high regard for and investment in Gu Sheng, and a blatant, unspoken form of support.

If an ordinary cultivator received such generous treatment, they would most likely be moved to tears, or at least remember it.

However, Gu Sheng's reaction was beyond her expectations.

Gu Sheng listened calmly, showing neither surprise nor apprehension. After a moment's thought, he spoke.

“Uncle Jing’s kindness is appreciated. However, the path of cultivation ultimately requires personal tempering. The things needed should be earned through one’s own efforts to be truly secure. I will note down this debt for now, and if we truly reach the end of our rope, we can shamelessly lend it to you then.”

His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear and firm, conveying an undeniable resolve. It wasn't an ungrateful refusal, but rather a confidence and pride that came from the depths of his being—he was determined to compete for what he wanted through his own abilities.

Upon hearing this, Elder Liu's eyes flashed with surprise, which quickly turned into a barely perceptible expression of admiration.

She has seen too many so-called geniuses who rely on the strong and rise to power, but she rarely sees young people who can still maintain their original intentions and insist on moving forward independently in the face of such tempting assistance.

This mindset is far more valuable than talent.

Her smile became more genuine, and she nodded.

“Young Master Gu’s ambition is commendable, I understand. In that case, if you need to exchange for spirit stones, you may wish to visit the ‘Treasure Appraisal Hall’ in this hall. There are specialists there to appraise treasures for guests, and the valuations are fair. You can directly exchange them for spirit stones and deposit them into your exclusive crystal card for use in the hall. You can also withdraw them after the auction, which is very convenient.”

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder Liu."

Gu Sheng bowed and expressed his gratitude.

"Young master, please walk straight along this corridor and turn right at the end. You will see a quiet courtyard with a jade plaque bearing the character 'Jian' hanging on it. I still need to attend to matters concerning the auction, so I will take my leave now."

Elder Liu pointed out the direction and then hurriedly left.

Gu Sheng gave Gu Yuanyuan and Qi Diao Yaoyao a few instructions, telling them to stay in the private room to rest and get used to the environment. He then left the luxurious Tianjia area following Elder Liu's guidance.

The interior of the Wanbao Hall is complex, resembling a maze, but the signage is clear.

Gu Sheng walked through several corridors and, sure enough, turned right at the end, where he saw a courtyard that was completely different from the magnificent buildings in the other areas. The courtyard gate was simple and unadorned, with only a jade plaque hanging there, its surface a vibrant green and engraved with the ancient character "鉴" (jian, meaning "to appraise"). The door was ajar, exuding a serene atmosphere.

Pushing open the door, you'll find the courtyard isn't large, with several clumps of rare, tranquil green bamboo planted inside. The babbling sound of flowing water seems to come from nowhere, instantly calming the mind.

Opposite the courtyard is a row of several independent meditation rooms. One of these rooms is quite unique; its doors and windows are not made of wood, but rather a transparent crystal barrier that resembles flowing water, completely sealing off the room and isolating it from the outside world.

Gu Sheng's gaze fell on the crystal barrier.

The barrier appeared as thin as a cicada's wing, crystal clear, allowing a clear view of the room's interior—an elderly man with a long beard almost reaching his waist and a gaunt face, sitting cross-legged on a futon, his eyes slightly closed, as if dozing. The old man wore a simple gray robe, his presence utterly absent, seemingly blending into his surroundings, easily overlooked without close inspection.

However, Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow slightly.

He quietly extended a wisp of his terrestrial, yet materialized, ninth-grade spiritual power, like an invisible thread, gently touching the transparent crystal barrier.

"Om..."

A very faint tremor, like the plucking of a harp string, resounded in Gu Sheng's mind.

His spiritual power, which was enough to easily penetrate the isolation array set up by an ordinary Venerable Realm cultivator, was like light encountering a prism the moment it touched the crystal barrier. It was refracted, deflected, and bounced away by a gentle yet irresistible force, unable to penetrate the barrier even a fraction, let alone probe the old man's true nature inside the room.

"What a peculiar material... It not only completely blocks spiritual energy detection, but also refracts and reflects it. This is definitely not an ordinary isolation formation; it's more like a special magic weapon of extremely high grade!"

Gu Sheng felt a chill run down his spine. The Wanbao Palace's resources were indeed unfathomable; even the security of its appraisal department was so astonishing.

Seemingly disturbed by Gu Sheng's probing mental power, the long-bearded old man who had been resting with his eyes closed in the crystal room suddenly twitched his eyelids and then slowly opened them.

What kind of eyes were those? At first glance, they appeared cloudy, as if covered by the dust of time, but upon closer inspection, it seemed as if galaxies flowed and swirled deep within their pupils, the fleeting phantoms of the universe's birth and death flashing by, so profound they sent shivers down one's spine. The gaze, calm and detached, pierced through the crystal barrier and landed on Gu Sheng.

The instant their eyes met, a chill ran through Gu Sheng's heart! It was as if he had been glanced at by a sleeping ancient beast, or as if he were alone on an ancient ice plain. An invisible, vast pressure, surpassing even the Venerable Realm, though not actually released, made his soul tremble instinctively.

A half-saint! And a powerful half-saint who is only one step away from the true saint realm, whose aura is perfectly harmonious and restrained, and who has almost touched the origin of the laws! His strength is definitely far beyond that of Tantai Bingyu, whom he had seen before!

Gu Sheng made a judgment instantly, his vigilance rising to its peak. Could a mere old man presiding over the appraisal department of the Wanbao Hall really be such a terrifying figure?

The old man seemed to glance at the newcomer casually, confirming that the newcomer meant no harm and that the crystal barrier's defense mechanism had not been triggered. He then slowly shifted his gaze, returning to his calm, seemingly detached state of slumber, as if the dramatic eye contact had never occurred.

Gu Sheng suppressed the turmoil in his heart and was about to step forward to ask.

Just then, a series of cold, heavy footsteps, carrying an undisguised chilling killing intent, came from the direction of the courtyard gate and quickly approached.

Gu Sheng turned around.

The newcomer was a young man with snow-white hair, a sinister face, and sharp eyes. He was none other than Shi Wufeng, the Holy Son of the Myriad Manifestations Holy Land! His aura surged, and although he tried to suppress it, the sharpness of a top genius was intertwined with the resentment left by yesterday's crushing defeat, forming an extremely oppressive aura.

Shi Wufeng walked straight to Gu Sheng and stopped a few feet away. His eyes were fixed on Gu Sheng like a venomous snake, and his voice was so cold that it could shatter ice.

"Gu Sheng! You've kept this Holy Son waiting!"

Gu Sheng's expression was indifferent, as if he were looking at an insignificant passerby.

"Why do you say that, Master Shi? I don't recall ever agreeing with you on a time to meet."

Stop pretending to be confused!

Anger surged in Shi Wufeng's eyes.

"I, the Holy Son, have been waiting in the quiet room as promised, but you have not arrived yet, instead you are leisurely strolling around here! Are you deliberately making fun of me?!"

Yesterday's defeat had already humiliated him, leaving him seething with resentment. He had been ordered to come today, ostensibly for "discussions," but in reality, he wanted to observe Gu Sheng closely and find an opportunity to test or pressure him. Unexpectedly, after sitting for a long time, he learned that Gu Sheng had gone to the appraisal office, which made him feel slighted once again, further fueling his anger.

Why wait for a defeated general?

Gu Sheng's tone remained calm, yet it was like a sharp thorn that pierced Shi Wufeng's most painful spot.

"If you have something to say, say it now."

"you--!"

Shi Wufeng was extremely angry, and his aura suddenly exploded, causing a powerful spiritual energy wave to ripple outwards. The green bamboo in the courtyard swayed without wind, rustling softly.

He seemed determined to disregard the situation and take action immediately!
However, just as his energy reached its peak—

"Humph."

A faint, ancient, and calm hum, seemingly containing the ultimate truth of heaven and earth, resounded directly in the depths of Shi Wufeng's consciousness, like a morning bell and evening drum.

"puff!"

Shi Wufeng's face suddenly turned pale. The surging energy around him seemed to be squeezed by an invisible giant hand, instantly subsiding. He groaned, took half a step back, and a look of horror flashed across his eyes.

He looked in horror at the long-bearded old man inside the crystal room, whose eyes were still closed, as if he hadn't done anything.

But the cold, ruthless, invisible aura enveloping him, seemingly capable of crushing him at any moment, clearly warned him—if he dared to make a move within the Wanbao Hall, he would be met with thunderous suppression in the next instant! (End of Chapter)