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

"The three holy lands have mobilized such a large force, even at the risk of friction with the Tantai family, in order to blockade and infiltrate this place. What they are looking for is definitely not an ordinary treasure. Perhaps... it is a truly precious treasure that even Saint Realm experts would covet, or it is related to some major secret."

Upon hearing this, Tantai Xueli looked at Gu Sheng with her beautiful eyes and asked softly.

"Brother Gu Sheng, just now...did my mother...say something to you in private?"

She was perceptive; the seemingly indifferent glance her mother gave her before leaving, and Gu Sheng's subtle reaction during his conversation with Yuwen Ruo, all gave her some clues.

Gu Sheng nodded, making no attempt to hide anything.

“Senior Mingjing did indeed transmit her voice to me. She frankly stated that the items sought by the three holy lands would also be of great use to the Tantai family. She hoped that… I could find a way to obtain them.”

"what?!"

Tantai Xueli, Gu Ningshuang, Shen Qingtan, and Qin Yurou all gasped in unison, their faces showing surprise. Tantai Xueli was especially anxious.

“My mother… how could she entrust such a dangerous task to you? People from the three holy lands are right in front of us, and there are even Saint Realm avatars secretly watching us…”

"She didn't insist; she just proposed a deal."

Gu Sheng interrupted her, his tone remaining calm.

"If I successfully obtain that item and hand it over to the Tantai family, she will do three things for me unconditionally. If I fail to obtain it, but can ensure that it does not fall into the hands of any of the three holy lands, I will also receive a promise from her."

"Three things? One promise?"

Shen Qingtan's voice, hidden behind her mask, was filled with shock.

"Palace Master Tantai's promise... this is truly an incredible gesture! But... what exactly is it? Why would even a Saint Realm cultivator value it so much?"

Gu Sheng shook his head.

"Senior Mingjing didn't say it explicitly, only that it was related to 'space' and 'creation.' As for the specifics, we'll probably have to explore them ourselves, or... just wait and see."

Tantai Xueli's pretty face was full of worry. She stepped forward, grabbed Gu Sheng's sleeve, and said in an urgent voice.

“Brother Gu Sheng, this is too dangerous! Yuwen Ruo and those three are no pushovers, especially Yuwen Ruo and the demoness from the Heavenly Charm Holy Land. They seem even more dangerous and unpredictable than that brute! Moreover, they all possess the vessels to represent Saint Realm incarnations. If things change, they could summon Saint Realm power at any time!”

As she spoke, she unhesitatingly took a light purple jade pendant, tied with a red string, from her neck and placed it in Gu Sheng's hand.

"This is a life-saving item bestowed upon me by our ancestor, containing a trace of his power! Take it! If you are in danger, crush it immediately! Our ancestor will surely protect you!"

Gu Sheng looked at the jade pendant in his palm, which still carried the warmth of Tantai Xueli's body and a faint fragrance. He felt a warmth in his heart, but then shook his head and gently pushed the jade pendant back into Tantai Xueli's hand.

"Xue Li, I appreciate your kindness. But you can keep this object for yourself."

Gu Sheng looked into her worried eyes, his tone gentle yet firm.

“I am confident in my ability to protect myself. You need it even more to protect Ning Shuang, Qing Tan, and Yu Rou. Their cultivation is still weak, and this secret realm is fraught with danger, so they need this talisman even more. As for me... don't you trust my abilities?”

Tantai Xueli held the jade pendant that had been pushed back, feeling the lingering warmth of Gu Sheng's body on it, her fingertips trembling slightly.

She looked up and met Gu Sheng's deep and calm eyes, which contained a reassuring and powerful confidence.

The worry in her eyes hadn't completely disappeared, but it had transformed into a deeper emotion.

She gently bit her lower lip and whispered.

“It’s not that I don’t trust you… it’s just that Mother… is very calculating and has a long-term vision. I’m worried…”

"Are you worried that I'll be used as a pawn by her?"

Gu Sheng smiled, his tone slightly playful.

"Don't worry, I know how to handle things with the Holy Realm. You should be more worried about your second uncle, though? I see he's taking good care of that 'girl' you sent."

Upon hearing this, Tantai Xueli was slightly taken aback. She then recalled the mysterious girl that Gu Sheng had asked her to send to Wanbaodian for treatment, as well as her aunt's always indifferent and businesslike nature, and a trace of doubt arose in her heart. But at this moment, she was more concerned about Gu Sheng's safety.

She took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and put the jade pendant back on. The worry in her beautiful eyes was gradually replaced by a firm trust.

She looked at Gu Sheng and said softly.

"Brother Gu Sheng, you must be careful. If things are hopeless, don't be reckless. No matter how important the treasure is, it's not as important as your safety."

Gu Sheng nodded and gave her a reassuring look.

Tantai Xueli then turned to Gu Ningshuang, Shen Qingtan, and Qin Yurou, and said in a deep voice.

"Sister Ning Shuang, Qing Tan, and Yu Rou, the people from the three holy lands have clear objectives, and they shouldn't be harassing the outside world for a while."

This sea of ​​flowers is rich in spiritual energy. Although there are poisonous vines and demonic plants, my Heavenly Demon Vine provides a protective barrier, making it relatively safe. You should find a place here to cultivate and stabilize your cultivation, while also keeping an eye on your surroundings. Brother Gu Sheng and I… have some things to discuss.”

Gu Ningshuang glanced at Gu Sheng with her cool eyes, her gaze filled with deep concern, but she was always a woman of few words, and simply responded softly.

"Ah."

He then added, his voice soft but carrying an undeniable firmness: "Gu Sheng, be careful."

Shen Qingtan and Qin Yurou nodded in agreement. They knew that they would probably have little say in what was to come, so staying here to cultivate and remain on guard was the best option.

Gu Sheng thought for a moment, then took something out of his storage ring and handed it to Gu Ningshuang.

It was a small sword, no bigger than the palm of your hand, with a warm, jade-like luster and an ancient design. The blade was naturally engraved with some indescribable and mysterious patterns, faintly exuding a subtle yet incredibly pure swordsmanship.

"Ning Shuang, this is for you."

Gu Shengdao.

"This was given to you by the Holy Lord of Juque. It contains a trace of his sword dao insights and original sword qi. Since you specialize in sword dao, this item should be of some help to you. You may gain something by studying it here."

Gu Ningshuang looked at the small jade sword, a flicker of emotion flashing in her cold eyes.

She could naturally sense the precious sword intent contained within it, which was undoubtedly a godsend for her.

She did not refuse, but extended her fair hand and carefully accepted it, holding it in her palm, feeling the cool touch and the vast sword aura within, and nodded gently to Gu Sheng.

Thank you.

Just as everyone had made arrangements and the atmosphere had eased slightly—

"boom!!!"

An indescribable, earth-shattering roar suddenly came from the depths of the secret realm, from the direction of the tallest and most dilapidated main hall in the very center of that palace complex!
Immediately afterwards, a dazzling radiance, as brilliant as the sun descending and too dazzling to look at directly, suddenly burst forth from the depths of that great hall, instantly illuminating half of the sky above the secret realm!
The light was pure, intense, and contained an indescribable ancient and sacred aura, as if some being that had been dormant for eternity had awakened at this moment!

Deep within the secret realm, the moment the dazzling, pure white, blazing light, as brilliant as the sun descending, shot into the sky from the highest, dilapidated hall, Gu Sheng's heart skipped a beat!
The keen perception bestowed upon him by the Dao of Fate, combined with Tantai Mingjing's previous subtle hints—"related to space and creation"—and the ancient, sacred, and seemingly all-encompassing aura contained within this radiance, which seemed capable of cleansing all filth and nurturing infinite possibilities, instantly confirmed his suspicions.

The source of this astonishing phenomenon is that "thing" that Tantai Mingjing was willing to secretly contend with the three holy lands and even make a heavy promise to obtain! This thing does indeed exist in the core of this place!

In a flash, Gu Sheng's mind raced. Tantai Mingjing's conditions echoed clearly in his ears.

Obtaining this item entitles you to three unconditional promises; even if you fail to obtain it, you will still receive one promise as long as you ensure that it does not fall into the hands of the three holy lands.

If such treasures are truly related to supreme rules like "space" and "creation," their value is immeasurable! If I can seize this opportunity to acquire them, I will not only gain real benefits but also receive a favor from a powerful Saint Realm expert. I might even be able to establish a closer connection with the Tantai family through this, achieving multiple benefits in one fell swoop!
The risks are enormous, but the opportunities are unprecedented! The path of cultivation is inherently about contending with fate, destiny, and opportunities with others! How can one succeed if one hesitates and looks back?
"go!"

Without the slightest hesitation, a fierce glint flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes, and his true energy erupted. His figure shot out like an arrow, instantly defying gravity and transforming into a dazzling pale golden streak of light. He tore through the air and sped towards the brightly lit, dilapidated main hall at top speed! His speed was so great that he left a clear sonic boom cloud in his wake!
However, at the same time that Gu Sheng set off, three other streaks of light of different colors also shot into the sky from other directions in the main hall area, almost one after another, as if summoned, with their target also pointing directly to the source of the light!

It was Yuwen Ruo from the Divine Profound Holy Land, Mei Qi from the Heavenly Charm Holy Land, and the burly man, Gu Chi, whose throat had been sealed by Gu Sheng's sword and whose eyes were now filled with a fierce light that was almost tangible!
At this crucial moment when the treasure has appeared, the three parties have finally torn away the fragile and hypocritical veil of peace that was previously maintained by the negotiations of the Holy Realm!

"Stop him! This item must not fall into the hands of anyone else, especially not Gu Sheng!"

Yuwen Ruo's cold and urgent voice rang out directly in the minds of Gu Chi and Mei Qi through some secret method.

While activating his escape light with all his might, he quickly transmitted commands through his voice. The stiff smile that was usually on his face had long since disappeared, replaced by a resolute determination and gloom.

"The feigned compliance just now was merely a temporary measure. Now that the treasure has appeared, there is no room for maneuver! My master is stationed outside the entrance to the secret realm, keeping the Tantai family in check."

As long as a direct battle at the Saint Realm level doesn't break out, the Saint Realm members of the Tantai family will find it difficult to interfere in this junior conflict! Senior Brother Gu Chi, you have an old grudge against Gu Sheng, this is the perfect opportunity… to kill him! Eliminate future troubles forever!

"Heh heh... Just what I wanted!"

The Bone Demon let out a ferocious laugh that sounded like sand rubbing against each other from its throat. It already hated Gu Sheng to the core, and now that it had received Yuwen Ruo's clear order to kill him, it became even more ferocious!
He immediately changed the direction of his escape light, no longer rushing straight towards the main hall, but instead drawing a sharp arc, carrying overwhelming killing intent, like a ferocious bird pouncing on its prey, directly meeting Gu Sheng's pale golden escape light that was rushing towards him!

"Gu Sheng, you brat! Prepare to die!"

With a roar, the burly figure of the Bone Demon suddenly stopped in mid-air, his right hand reaching out and grasping at the air! The ghost-headed greatsword that had drunk countless blood and exuded murderous aura reappeared, and he held it firmly in his hand!
Dark red blood light flowed across the blade like a living thing, the viscous bloody aura mixed with the chilling killing intent, forming a suffocating blood-red domain that illuminated the entire hundred-zhang space around him in a crimson glow! He poured his berserk true energy, the power of a third-level Venerable Realm expert, into it without reservation, the blade pointing directly at Gu Sheng, locking onto his aura, intending to cut him in two!

Faced with this menacing interception, Gu Sheng's eyes were cold, but his heart remained unusually calm.

He instantly understood the current situation.

Both sides have sacred realms behind them, and Yuwen Ku and Tantai Mingjing must be confronting and restraining each other outside the secret realm or at a higher level.

This is an unspoken rule, and also a bottom line—unless absolutely necessary, or if there is a fundamental conflict of interest, powerful beings in the Saint Realm usually will not directly intervene in the battles of juniors, as that would be tantamount to completely breaking off relations, with unpredictable consequences.

Therefore, the crimson jade talisman in Gu Chi's hand, which seals the power of the Saint Realm, will most likely be secretly influenced or restricted by rules by Tantai Mingjing, making it difficult to use easily.

Similarly, if he were to use the jade pendant that Tantai Xue Li had given him as the vessel of Ancestor Tantai, the opponent, being at the Saint Realm, would inevitably react, making it difficult for him to create an opportunity to kill the opponent in one strike or seize the treasure.

Therefore, the real competition lies among these "younger generation" members!
"Trying to stop me? You're not qualified!"

Gu Sheng snorted coldly in his heart. Facing the blood-red blade light and overwhelming killing intent rushing towards him, he not only did not slow down, but also pushed the powerful true qi of the ninth level of the sect realm in his body to the extreme. The Thirty-Six Cave Heaven Divine Techniques were running wildly, and the physical power of the forty-five acupoints of his body suddenly burst forth!
A pale golden aura of blood and qi shot into the sky, making him appear like a golden war god! His speed surged again in an instant, his figure as fast as a ghost, leaving countless afterimages, as he tried to break through the bone demon's interception with absolute speed!
"Trying to rely on speed? Wishful thinking!"

Upon seeing this, a cold glint flashed in the eyes of the Bone Demon.

He knew full well that Gu Sheng was physically formidable, and that he might not have the upper hand in close combat. The humiliation of being killed by a single sword strike last time was partly due to underestimating his opponent and being careless, but it also demonstrated the ferocity of his opponent in close combat.

Without hesitation, he shifted his feet, his body as slippery as an eel, and rapidly retreated in mid-air, instantly creating a distance of more than three hundred feet between himself and Gu Sheng! At the same time, he swung his ghost-head broadsword fiercely!
"Blood Prison Killing Intent Slash!"

This time, what he unleashed was not a tangible blade of energy, but rather streaks of dark red blade light condensed from the most refined "killing intent" and "fierce aura"!
These blade lights are formless and intangible, yet far more unpredictable and difficult to defend against than tangible blade energy, for they attack not only the physical body, but also the martial artist's spirit, will, and even… Dao heart! This is a manifestation of a Venerable Realm cultivator beginning to touch upon and utilize the power of "Dao Rhythm"! Killing intent Dao Rhythm, primarily offensive, erodes the mind and corrupts all things! (End of Chapter)