Chapter 1468: Chapter 757: Setting Up the Formation
A Gate Guard Warrior dressed in gray-brown leather armor was leaning against a wooden table, his eyes coldly scanning him.
"Token."
The warrior lazily extended his hand, not even giving a proper glance.
Gu Sheng furrowed his brows slightly and was about to act when a dissatisfied voice sounded in his mind from the Innate Spirit Embryo.
"How rude! Just a mere gate guard dares to have such an attitude?"
Gu Sheng ignored the Spirit Embryo’s complaint, directly taking out three Low-grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Ring and placing them on the table.
"A three-day city pass."
Only then did the gate guard glance at the Spirit Stones, casually fetching three green-black wooden tokens from under the table and tossing them onto the table with a "bang".
"Take them, no replacements if lost."
The warrior closed his eyes after speaking, showing a disinterested demeanor.
Gu Sheng reached out to take the tokens, feeling a slight coolness, and noticed the intricate patterns carved on their surfaces.
As he stored the tokens into his Storage Ring, one of them suddenly emitted a white light, transforming into an invisible barrier enveloping his body.
"Huh?"
The Innate Spirit Embryo exclaimed in surprise.
"The poison miasma in the Southern Border is so potent that a special restriction is needed just to enter the city?"
Gu Sheng did not respond and simply walked towards the pass.
As he advanced, the faint green mist in the air was pushed away by the invisible barrier, unable to come close.
"If one took an Antitoxic Pill, its effect might not be as good as the city’s restriction."
Gu Sheng finally spoke, his voice deep.
"The Southern Border’s poison miasma lives up to its reputation."
He quickly made his way forward, soon arriving beneath the city wall.
The gray-black city wall, over ten zhang high, was covered with markings of age, with the words "Heavenly Ghost City" carved above the city gate, the strokes sharp like knives.
"Is this gentleman new to Heavenly Ghost City?"
A slightly hoarse voice came from the side.
Gu Sheng turned his head to see a middle-aged man in brown short clothes, looking shrewd, rubbing his hands, and approaching with a face full of smiles.
"I am Zhao Laosan, providing guide services for cultivators new to this place."
The man’s eyes shifted, pausing for a moment on the Storage Ring at Gu Sheng’s waist.
"Does the gentleman need a place to stay or information on the forces within the city?"
Gu Sheng’s eyes twinkled briefly.
"What are your charges?"
Zhao Laosan’s smile widened.
"Depending on the gentleman’s needs, ordinary information costs one Low-grade Spirit Stone, while important news is priced separately. A full-day service is just three Low-grade Spirit Stones."
Gu Sheng directly took out a Mid-grade Spirit Stone from his Storage Ring, flashing it before Zhao Laosan.
"Lead the way to a quiet place to stay. And tell me about the city’s forces."
Zhao Laosan’s eyes lit up, and he quickly reached out to accept the Spirit Stone, nodding and bowing.
"Gentleman, you are straightforward! Please follow me, I know of a quiet inn, perfect for cultivators."
Following Zhao Laosan through several winding streets, Gu Sheng noticed the architectural style of Heavenly Ghost City was quite different from East Desolation.
The houses were mostly stone and wood structures, with high eaves adorned with various oddly-shaped bells and talismans, gently ringing in the breeze.
"These are Detoxification Bells and Anti-Miasma Talismans."
Zhao Laosan noticed Gu Sheng’s gaze and explained.
"There are many poisonous creatures in the Southern Border, and these items can ensure safety."
Before long, the two arrived at a secluded alley, with an inn named "Clear Heart Inn" at the end.
Zhao Laosan was evidently a regular, exchanging a few words with the shopkeeper before leading Gu Sheng upstairs.
"This Quiet Room has soundproof restrictions, so the gentleman can cultivate in peace."
Zhao Laosan opened a carved wooden door, revealing a simple yet clean room inside.
Gu Sheng looked around, nodding slightly.
He sat down beside a wooden chair by the window, gesturing for Zhao Laosan to sit as well.
"Tell me about the forces in Heavenly Ghost City."
Zhao Laosan rubbed his hands and spoke in a lowered voice.
"Heavenly Ghost City is controlled by two major sects: the Heavenly Ghost Sect, the dominant local power, and the Five Poison Divine Sect, which has set up a branch here."
"The Five Poison Divine Sect?"
A sharp light flashed in Gu Sheng’s eyes.
"Tell me more."
"Have you heard of them, gentleman?"
Zhao Laosan seemed surprised, then realized.
"Of course, even though the Five Poison Divine Sect ranks last among the eighteen divine sects in the Southern Border, its reputation is significant. They have branches in East Desolation, West Desert, and even Central Province, specializing in Poison Techniques and Gu Techniques."
Gu Sheng gently tapped his fingers on the table, his mind racing with thoughts.
The Five Poison Divine Sect... could it be related to the Poison Sect that attacked his father Qin Lie in East Desolation years ago?
"Continue,"
he said calmly.
Zhao Laosan nodded.
"In Heavenly Ghost Sect, there is an elder of the Heavenly Martial Realm in seclusion for many years. The Five Poison Divine Sect’s branch is managed by a Squad Leader at the Peak of Earth Martial. Besides, there are several major family clans in the city, like the Li family, the Zhou family, and the Situ family, each having at least one Earth Martial Realm powerhouse."
Gu Sheng assessed inwardly that Heavenly Ghost City should be of mid-to-low level in the Southern Border.
But he didn’t fully trust Zhao Laosan’s words... surely there are hidden powers among the Heavenly Ghost Sect and the Five Poison Divine Sect.
"Where is the branch of the Five Poison Divine Sect located?"
Zhao Laosan’s expression tightened.
"Gentleman, the people of the Five Poison Divine Sect are not to be trifled with. Their means with poison are brutal, even the Heavenly Ghost Sect is wary of them..."
Gu Sheng did not respond, but instead took out two more Mid-grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Ring, placing them on the table.
"These should be enough to buy your information."
Zhao Laosan’s eyes widened at the sight of the Spirit Stones.
For a cultivator at the Innate Realm, two Mid-grade Spirit Stones were a considerable fortune.
"Friend, hold on!"
Just as Gu Sheng exited the Tianyou Inn, he was stopped by a middle-aged man, weathered and weary.
The man looked around furtively, lowering his voice.
"I have news, not sure if it should be told..."
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