Chapter 1369: Chapter 708: Peak (Part 2)
The morning light gently reveals, the mountain gate of the Emperor Sect shrouded in a thin mist.
Gu Sheng stands before the gate, rubbing the storage ring handed to him by Long Yundao yesterday, its surface carved with intricate engravings, radiating a faint purple glow in the morning light.
"A top-grade Earth Rank storage ring, Elder Long is generous this time."
Gu Sheng’s lips slightly curl as he slides the ring onto the ring finger of his left hand. As soon as the ring touches his skin, it automatically adjusts its size for a perfect fit.
He takes out another piece, an ancient-looking jade pendant, which is the disguise treasure "Thousand Faces." The pendant is icy to the touch, and Gu Sheng channels spiritual power into it. The pendant immediately emits a gentle white glow, enveloping him entirely.
Once the light fades, standing in place is now an ordinary-looking young man, whose features are unremarkable, blending into a crowd and easily forgotten. Except for those eyes, still as profound and mysterious as a deep pool.
"This should avoid drawing attention."
Gu Sheng touches his unfamiliar face, nodding in satisfaction, and steps down the mountain.
He has barely walked out of the mountain gate when he suddenly stops. Not far ahead, a slender figure stands with her back to him, a simple bag slung over her shoulder, and her black hair gently lifted by the wind.
As if sensing movement behind, the person turns around, revealing a remarkably beautiful face — it’s Ye Jianjia.
Today, she is not wearing the attire of an Emperor Sect disciple but a plain, elegant light green long dress with a silver ribbon tied at her waist, enhancing her snowy skin.
"Gu... Gu Senior Brother."
Ye Jianjia sees Gu Sheng in his disguised form and is momentarily surprised, then recognizes him by his aura, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"I consulted with Master, hoping... hoping to go out and train with you."
Gu Sheng frowns slightly.
"How did you know I was leaving the sect today?"
"I saw Elder Long looking for you yesterday and heard you were going out on business, so I guessed."
Ye Jianjia purses her lips, her voice gentle.
"Now that Master has broken through to the Heavenly Martial Realm, the Emperor Sect has entered a growth phase. I think... it’s time to go out and train."
The mountain wind brushes past, lifting a few strands of Ye Jianjia’s hair.
She reaches out to tuck the stray hairs behind her ear and continues.
"Besides, I want to become stronger. Staying by Gu Senior Brother’s side offers more opportunities."
Gu Sheng remains silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face for several breaths.
Ye Jianjia feels somewhat uncomfortable under his scrutiny yet stubbornly holds his gaze.
"The outside world is more dangerous than you imagine."
Gu Sheng finally speaks, his voice deep.
"Death can come at any moment."
Determination shines in Ye Jianjia’s eyes.
"I’m not afraid. During my time in the Emperor Sect, I’m no longer that naive little girl."
As she speaks, her right hand gently caresses her waist, where a short sword becomes faintly visible.
It is the Earth Rank spiritual artifact "Qingshuang" that Gu Sheng gifted her before, now refined to be in perfect harmony with her spirit.
Seeing her stubborn demeanor, Gu Sheng suddenly recalls meeting her — that isolated young girl at the Ye Family. In a short time, she has indeed grown a lot.
"As you wish."
Gu Sheng nods in the end.
"But remember, when encountering danger, survival is priority."
Ye Jianjia’s eyes immediately sparkle, nodding vigorously.
"Okay! I’ll listen to Gu Senior Brother!"
The two of them set off together, soon arriving at Huang City in the Great Wilderness City. The city gates are bustling with martial artists in diverse attires, mingling, some exuding powerful auras.
"Let’s go to Linyin Pavilion first."
Gu Sheng speaks, guiding Ye Jianjia through the busy streets, effortlessly arriving before a magnificent edifice.
In front of Linyin Pavilion stand two stone lions, lifelike and vibrant, with red gemstones embedded in their eyes, emitting a faint pressure.
It’s Ye Jianjia’s first time at such a place, and she unconsciously moves closer to Gu Sheng nervously.
"Don’t be afraid, just follow me."
Gu Sheng quietly reassures her, stepping into the pavilion.
The interior of Linyin Pavilion is lavishly decorated, with all sorts of rare treasures displayed in transparent crystal cabinets, gleaming alluringly. Several richly dressed guests are carefully selecting items, accompanied by respectful attendants.
Gu Sheng does not linger on the first floor and walks directly to the counter. The clerk behind the counter is organizing account books, without looking up he says.
"What do you need, esteemed guest? Our pavilion has everything you could wish for, as long as you’re willing to pay."
Gu Sheng does not reply but rather takes out a dark gold token from his coat and gently places it on the counter. The token is engraved with a simple "Xiao" character surrounded by intricate runes.
The clerk’s peripheral vision catches the token, causing his body to stiffen, and he immediately looks up, his face full of respectful smiles.
"Distinguished guest, this insignificant one failed to recognize Mount Tai, please wait a moment!"
He carefully picks up the token to inspect it, confirming its authenticity, his attitude now even more humble.
"What service does our distinguished guest require? I shall fetch the steward right away."
"No need to disturb the steward."
Gu Sheng retrieved the Token.
"Summon Bai Lingtong to the Quiet Room on the second floor to meet me."
The attendant looked troubled.
"This... Lord Bai Lingtong is out today..."
Gu Sheng’s eyes turned cold.
"Tell him the owner of the Token seeks him."
Cold sweat broke out on the attendant’s forehead, and he nodded repeatedly.
"Yes, yes, yes, I’ll send word immediately! The distinguished guest may wait in the Quiet Room on the second floor; tea and fruit will be served promptly!"
Gu Sheng said no more and led Ye Jianjia upstairs. The Quiet Room was elegantly decorated, with landscape paintings hanging on the walls and a faint incense burning in the corners. Soon, a maid brought Spiritual Tea and Spirit Fruit, respectfully retreated.
"Brother Gu, that Token..."
Ye Jianjia asked curiously.
"It’s from a friend."
Gu Sheng replied casually, offering no further explanation.
About a quarter of an hour later, the door of the Quiet Room was gently knocked, followed by a slender middle-aged man entering.
He wore a brand new brocade robe, adorned with several gemstone rings on his fingers, and a fine Jade Pendant hanging from his waist, projecting an image of wealth.
"I wonder who our distinguished guest is..."
Bai Lingtong walked in with a wide smile, his gaze sweeping over Gu Sheng and Ye Jianjia with a hint of perplexity.
Gu Sheng did not rise, but spoke indifferently.
"Bai Lingtong, it’s been half a month since we last met, and you’ve been doing quite well."
At the sound of the familiar voice, Bai Lingtong’s expression changed dramatically, then he quickly put on an even more ingratiating smile.
"So it’s Gu... Lord Gu! It’s my fault for not recognizing you immediately!"
He strode forward swiftly, bowing in salutation.
"If you have orders, just send a message, and I will return to the Emperor Sect to report at once. No need for you to come personally..."
Gu Sheng raised his hand to cut off his flattery.
"I have three matters to inquire about."
Bai Lingtong immediately straightened his expression.
"Please speak, my lord. I will tell all I know!"
"First, how is the condition of the Ye Family?"
Gu Sheng got straight to the point.
Upon hearing this, Bai Lingtong instinctively glanced at Ye Jianjia beside him. Although she was disguised at the moment, given Gu Sheng’s question, Bai Lingtong immediately guessed her identity.
"Well..."
Bai Lingtong measured his words.
"After suffering setbacks in the Emperor Sect, Xuanxu Sect directed some of their anger towards the Ye Family. Ye Family Master, Ye Xiong Feng, has been detained by Xuanxu Sect, and most of the Ye Family’s businesses have collapsed..."
Ye Jianjia trembled, her fingers unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes.
Bai Lingtong noticed and quickly added.
"However, due to a marriage connection between Ye Family and Xuanxu Sect, the Sect Leader cherishes his reputation and, for the sake of preserving the Sect’s image, has not completely destroyed the Ye Family yet."
Gu Sheng nodded and continued to ask.
"Second, what recent activities has the Sun and Moon Sect undertaken?"
Upon mentioning the Sun and Moon Sect, Bai Lingtong brightened up.
"Reportedly, the Sun and Moon Sect is soon hosting a hunting festival to determine the Sect Master successor. Xu Hansong is quite favored at the moment!"
"Xu Hansong?"
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.
"Wasn’t his cultivation ruined by me?"
Bai Lingtong lowered his voice.
"It is said that after being brought back to the Sect, he encountered a great opportunity, not only recovering his cultivation but also connecting with an Inner Courtyard disciple of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy, becoming their spokesperson in Great Wilderness City. With this relationship, he is highly likely to seize the successor position."
"Can an Inner Courtyard disciple sway the heirship of a first-class Sect?"
Gu Sheng was visibly surprised.
Bai Lingtong spoke with an air of mystery.
"You may not be aware, my lord, that the Inner Courtyard of the Great Wilderness Holy Academy is extremely elusive. It is rumored that the Academy can compare to the Holy Land, precisely because of the Inner Courtyard’s existence. Each Inner Courtyard disciple is an absolute prodigy, and the forces behind them are intricately complex..."
