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

The situation was too critical then, and we didn't have time to think about it. But this time... I just tried to wake it up, and it only glanced at me groggily, yawned, and went back to sleep.

The treasure-hunting mouse reacted very differently on two separate occasions!

Gu Sheng's eyes suddenly sharpened. Combining the obvious signs that the hall had been searched "recently" and the unfamiliar aura lingering in the air, a clear deduction quickly formed in his mind.

There can only be one explanation.

Gu Sheng's voice was deep and resonant, carrying a sense of certainty.

"In this short period of time, someone... or rather, a certain force, has already plundered all the rare and precious materials that might exist in the core area of ​​this secret realm! Not even a trace of valuable spiritual energy fluctuations has been left behind, leaving it as clean as a rice field that has been devoured by the most greedy locusts."

That's why your treasure-hunting mouse isn't reacting at all—because there's 'no more treasure to be found' here.

"Completely looted?"

Shen Qingtan's voice, hidden behind her mask, was filled with surprise and doubt.

"How is that possible? Even if someone got in before us, finding and taking away all the valuable items from such a large core area of ​​the secret realm in such a short time would be no easy task! Unless..."

"Unless the other party has a large number of people, a tight organization, and special means to quickly locate the treasure."

Gu Sheng picked up the conversation, his gaze sweeping over the walls and hidden compartments in the hall that had been violently broken open.

"Moreover, judging from the methods used to destroy these traces of damage, they are brutal and efficient, with a very strong purpose. They are not like the style of ordinary martial artists or sects who explore while being cautious. They are more like... a well-trained 'scavenging team' with a clear objective."

He paused, looked at Tantai Xueli, and offered a further assessment.

"Considering the characteristics of the treasure-hunting rats, and their ability to set up such a high-level mental barrier... those who entered this place before us are very likely... from the 'Holy Land'. Moreover, to ensure the efficiency of the looting and to deal with the potential dangers of the secret realm, there is very likely a true 'Venerable Realm' expert in the team!"

"A holy site?!"

Upon hearing this, Tantai Xueli's delicate body trembled slightly, and her beautiful face instantly became extremely solemn.

She knew all too well what the word "Holy Land" represented in Zhongzhou—a colossal entity that stood above countless sects and aristocratic families, possessing unfathomable depth and power. If it was truly a Holy Land that had its eye on this secret realm and had secretly sent people in to plunder it, then the nature of the matter would be entirely different!

This is not just a simple "intrusion by outsiders," but may involve a power struggle between holy sites, or even a provocation or test of the Tantai family's control over this secret realm.

"Sister Xue Li."

Shen Qingtan looked at Tantai Xueli, her tone tinged with urgency.

"Your Tantai family controls the entrance to this secret realm, haven't you received a single tip-off? Can you contact the outside world immediately, especially Senior Mingjing?"

Gu Ningshuang and Qin Yurou also looked at Tantai Xueli. Faced with the potential forces of the Holy Land, the power of these "younger generation" was clearly insufficient. If they could contact a Holy Realm expert, it would undoubtedly be the safest option.

Tantai Xueli pursed her red lips and said quickly.

“The family did indeed leave a backup plan in this secret realm. My father and another elder of the family, both at the Saint Realm level, left Saint Realm avatar marks at the spatial nodes of this secret realm. I carry a special token, which, if activated with full force, can trigger the avatar mark to sense, and the avatar may be able to descend from afar, or at least transmit information and exert influence.”

A divine incarnation! This is undoubtedly a powerful trump card.

However, Gu Sheng slowly shook his head and said in a deep voice.

"Not for now."

"Brother Gu Sheng?"

Tantai Xueli looked at him in confusion.

"The other party's identity and purpose are unknown. Whether they are truly from the Holy Land is merely my speculation."

Gu Sheng analyzed calmly.

"If we rashly activate the Saintly Avatar, the commotion will be too great and may immediately alert those hidden deep within this place. At that time, if the other party truly belongs to a certain holy land, how will they react when they see us summoning the Saintly Avatar?"
Should they retreat immediately, or risk summoning their own Saint-level power to confront each other? If it escalates into a conflict at the Saint-level, things will escalate significantly, potentially involving a direct conflict between the Tantai family and a certain holy land, with unpredictable consequences.

He looked at Tantai Xueli, his tone both reassuring and resolute.

"Our main purpose for this trip is to explore clues that may be related to the 'Inheritance of the Divine Forger,' not to start a war with anyone. Before the situation is clear, it is not advisable to escalate the situation to the Saint Realm level too early. It is more prudent to first secretly investigate the other party's background and purpose before deciding on the next step."

After listening, Tantai Xueli felt that Gu Sheng's words made sense. The relationships between the holy lands were complex and delicate; a single move could have far-reaching consequences. The avatar left behind by her father was a trump card and a deterrent, and it was indeed not advisable to use it lightly unless absolutely necessary.

She nodded.

"Okay, I'll listen to you."

Just as everyone was discussing and deciding on a plan to explore more carefully and try to avoid potential conflict with the "early arrivals"—

A sudden change has occurred!

"squeak--!!!"

The white treasure-hunting rat, which had been curled up and sleeping soundly in Qin Yurou's palm, suddenly let out a sharp, piercing scream without warning! This sound was completely different from its usual docile appearance; it was filled with extreme excitement and... some indescribable desire!

Suddenly, it stood upright, waving its two little paws excitedly. Its previously closed eyes suddenly opened, bursting out with an unprecedented, almost tangible, dazzling light!
The light was seven-colored, constantly flashing and flowing, like two miniature stars! Its little nose twitched wildly at an astonishing frequency, even looking somewhat comical due to the excessive force, and a rapid "gurgling" sound came from its throat.

"Xiaobai?! What's wrong with you?!"

Qin Yurou was startled and quickly cupped the treasure-hunting mouse in her hands, which was so excited it was almost jumping up. She could clearly feel that the little guy in her palm was trembling slightly all over, an uncontrollable instinctive excitement as if it had discovered a "priceless treasure"!
"This reaction...is unprecedented!"

Qin Yurou looked at Gu Sheng with surprise and uncertainty.

A glint of light flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes! The Treasure-Hunting Rat's strong reaction could only mean one thing—there was something of extremely high quality, of immeasurable value, and possibly even far beyond the realm of ordinary rare and precious materials nearby!
Moreover, the aura or fluctuations of this "thing" were likely completely shielded and hidden by some extremely sophisticated restriction or method, to the point that the treasure-hunting rat was completely unaware of it. Only now, perhaps because the restriction loosened, perhaps because they triggered something, or perhaps because the "thing" itself underwent some change, did the treasure-hunting rat manage to detect that leaked, unparalleled "treasure aura"!
"Follow it!"

Gu Sheng made a decisive decision. Whatever it was, anything that could excite the treasure-hunting rats so much was definitely worth the risk! Perhaps it was their goal, or perhaps it held the key to unlocking the secrets of this place!
However, he was not blinded by the possibility of great treasures. He quickly took out two ancient jade talismans from his storage ring, which were the extremely precious "Great Teleportation Ancient Talismans".

He handed one to Qin Yurou and the other to Shen Qingtan, giving her a serious instruction.

"Yu Rou, Qing Tan, once activated, this talisman can instantly teleport you randomly to a distance of at least a hundred miles outside the secret realm. It is a life-saving escape item. Your cultivation levels are relatively weak, and Yu Rou needs to control the treasure-hunting rat, while Qing Tan is good at adapting to changing circumstances."

If we discover anything or encounter any insurmountable danger later, do not hesitate, and do not worry about us. Activate this talisman immediately and escape the secret realm! Preserve your lives, and we can discuss further once we're out! Understand?

Qin Yurou and Shen Qingtan received the warm yet heavy ancient talisman, and both felt a chill in their hearts, knowing that Gu Sheng was preparing for the worst-case scenario.

The two exchanged a glance, nodded solemnly, and gripped the ancient talisman tightly in their hands.

"understand!"

"go!"

Guided by the eager, almost unbridled White the Treasure-Hunting Mouse, the group didn't linger and quickly left the ransacked main hall, heading deeper into the complex of palaces into a more remote area with lower and more dilapidated buildings.

After winding their way through several corridors almost completely covered by vines, the group arrived at an abandoned hall that looked like a side hall or storeroom.

This hall was much smaller than the main hall, with dilapidated doors and windows, a dark interior, and piles of rotten wood and broken tiles, as if it had been abandoned long ago.

"Squeak! Squeak squeak!"

When the treasure-hunting mouse Xiaobai arrived here, its reaction became even more intense. Its little paws pointed desperately into the depths of the hall, and the seven-colored light in its eyes almost pierced through its body. However, it also seemed somewhat confused and anxious, and its little head kept shaking from side to side.

While trying to comfort Xiaobai, Qin Yurou said to Gu Sheng.

“Young Master Gu, the source of the ‘treasure energy’ that Xiaobai sensed should be somewhere inside here! But… it seems to be covered by a very powerful layer. It can only vaguely smell the ‘odor’ but cannot pinpoint the exact location or sense any clear energy fluctuations, which is why it is in such a hurry.”

"There is a restriction, and it is an extremely sophisticated concealment restriction specifically designed to target perception and detection."

Gu Sheng made a decision instantly.

His gaze swept across the seemingly ordinary, dilapidated hall, his mental energy like the finest comb, slowly scanning every inch of the floor, walls, and even the roof, trying to find any trace of the restriction.

"Xue Li".

Gu Sheng said to Tantai Xueli.

“You set up a mental barrier, enveloping us and isolating us from breath and sound, to prevent anyone from approaching or spying. I will find the location of this barrier.”

Upon hearing this, Tantai Xueli immediately nodded, focused her mind, and powerful spiritual energy began to surge from between her brows, preparing to construct a barrier.

however--

"Hehe, there's no need for that."

A calm, indifferent voice, yet seemingly resonating deep within everyone's soul, suddenly rang out!
As the sound rang out, ripples spread across the previously empty central area of ​​the hall, like waves on water.

The next moment, three figures appeared out of thin air without warning, like ghosts!

The leader was extremely tall and muscular, almost two heads taller than an average person. He had broad shoulders and a thick back, and wore a dark brown outfit made of unknown animal hide. His exposed bronze arms were muscular and exuded explosive power.

He had a rugged face with short, stiff stubble on his chin, and his tiger-like eyes shone with a sharp light, exuding an imposing aura even without anger. Just standing there, he gave off a sense of oppressive weight, as heavy and unshakeable as a mountain.

His voice was deep and weathered, as if it had witnessed countless years, yet it also contained a sharp edge like the clang of metal.

"Since you're here, why sneak around? I'll give you a chance to explain how you found and entered this secret realm. Perhaps... I can show mercy and let one of you five live."

As soon as he finished speaking, a vast and powerful pressure, as solid as iron, erupted from his body like an invisible giant peak, pressing down on Gu Sheng and his group of five!

This oppressive aura not only contained the unique Daoist pressure of a third-level Venerable Realm expert, but also contained an extremely violent blood and qi power. Clearly, this person not only had a profound cultivation of true qi, but also had reached an extremely terrifying level of physical tempering! Wherever the oppressive aura passed, the air seemed to freeze, and the fine dust on the ground was instantly flattened!
Faced with this sudden and terrifying pressure, Gu Sheng's eyes sharpened, and his reaction was extremely fast! He took a half step forward and stood in front of the four women. His powerful true qi at the ninth level of the sect realm and the blood qi that had been tempered by Shi Wufeng's self-destruction surged and exploded at the same time!
"Om-!"

An invisible yet real pale golden aura barrier instantly condensed in front of Gu Sheng! This barrier was not a simple true qi defense, but rather incorporated his martial will, spiritual power, and a trace of the aura of the four Great Daos. Although it was faint, it was exceptionally tough!

"boom!"

The imposing man's overwhelming aura slammed into the pale golden barrier, producing a dull thud! The barrier shook violently, its light flickering, and countless fine cracks appeared, as if it might collapse at any moment, but ultimately... it held on!

The terrifying pressure, enough to make even ordinary peak-level human kings kneel instantly, was firmly kept a foot away from Gu Sheng, and did not affect the four women behind him, including Tantai Xueli, in the slightest!
"Um?!"

For the first time, the burly man showed obvious surprise on his face, his tiger-like eyes fixed on Gu Sheng, as if trying to see through him inside and out.

"A mere sect master... actually managed to withstand my pressure head-on? Interesting."

His voice carried a hint of curiosity, but also a hint of scrutiny.

"Boy, state your name. Which family trained this freak?"

Gu Sheng's face paled slightly, his blood surging within him. He had withstood the pressure of a third-level Venerable Realm expert, and even though the opponent hadn't used his full strength, it had still taken a toll on him. However, his expression remained calm, and he met the burly man's gaze without flinching, asking in return.

"And who are you? Why are you here? This secret realm does not seem to be unclaimed land."

As he spoke, Gu Sheng's gaze also quickly swept over the other two people who had suddenly appeared.

Standing to the left of the burly man was a man completely shrouded in a large black cloak, his face hidden in the deep shadow of his hood, only a vague outline of his jawline visible. (End of Chapter)