Light Fortress Chapter 1684 - 365: The Netherworld King’s Generous Reward

It was no wonder. No wonder Mu Wanqiu harbored such resentment when she saw me. Gu Shen let out a soft sigh, understanding that this animosity wasn't solely due to him failing to notify the Angel Envoy of his survival. A significant portion of the reason stemmed from Mu Wanqiu's defeat at the hands of Bai Xiu. "Do you intend to fight within the Pure Land?" Gu Shen asked earnestly. "Regardless, I am the Divine Throne. Your chances of victory here are practically nonexistent..." These words, though blunt, were the unvarnished truth. "What purpose would fighting here serve? Just wait; I myself will come to Changye!" Mu Wanqiu scoffed coldly, uttering this statement before severing the Spiritual Link. "You still owe me two things. We will settle this when we meet!" Only Shen Li remained in the Spiritual Wilderness. "Tsk..." Little Iron Man rubbed his chin, murmuring, "Mu Wanqiu coming to Changye to face you, that's something to anticipate." "Anticipate what?" Gu Shen felt a headache approaching. "How about choosing Spring Rain Temple as the venue? That's where I used to get thrashed." Shen Li coughed. His anticipation was quite clear... he was obviously hoping Mu Wanqiu would be defeated once more. "You'd best hope Mu Wanqiu isn't serious about this. If she comes to Changye to challenge me, I might suggest she linger a few extra days after the duel." Gu Shen stated with sincerity, "Perhaps while she's here, I could offer some guidance for her cultivation." Shen Li stared, bewildered: "???" Little Iron Man looked aghast, already picturing the scenario of Mu Wanqiu suffering a second defeat and then tormenting him. "Don't be like that!" Shen Li exclaimed indignantly. "Didn't you just mention a grand reward?" Gu Shen chuckled, "The Netherworld King's grand reward is guaranteeing that no matter how dire the situation becomes, you absolutely won't be beaten to death." ... ... In the ensuing days, Gu Shen enjoyed a rather peaceful existence. He first reconnected with a few old companions and ventured to the aged alleys of Snow Forbidden City for a hot pot lamb feast. Unfortunately, Chu Ling's Divine Embryo's essence was still in the process of condensing, preventing his appearance at the moment... For the most part, Gu Shen remained at Divine Temple Mountain, endeavoring to uncover the "Black Flower countermeasure" purportedly left by Mr. Gu Changzhi, but to no avail. Perhaps this supposed "countermeasure" necessitated transforming all the Black Flowers into white ones? Or perhaps, he had been overthinking things from the very beginning. Gu Shen's disposition was tranquil; having assumed the role of an observer, his heart seldom stirred. Now, during his meditation and cultivation, he could simultaneously focus on four distinct matters. According to Alf, the god of forge and craftsmen, though not a Divine Throne renowned for combat prowess, had meticulously categorized the cultivation states of Transcendents into several major tiers. Post-"Heart Flow," it extended into endless cascading stages. Concentrating on four tasks simultaneously was likely the concept referred to as "Four-layered Heart Flow." Gu Shen absorbed the essence of the Black Flowers while contemplating the Breath of Autumn. The remaining two mental foci were dedicated to comprehending Life Flame and Pure Land... These two domains had reached the pinnacle of Great Success, finding themselves unable to progress further. Upon mastering the Great Achievement Domain, the circumstances Gu Shen faced were a complete reversal of his prior struggles. Initially, he had been bottlenecked in Chi Huo cultivation. However, now, concerning the second domain of Chi Huo, Gu Shen had a general direction in mind for its expansion, and if all proceeded smoothly, it would not require a lengthy period to condense... The second domain of a Transcendent typically serves to complement the first. Life Flame had yet to acquire the characteristic of "elementalization." The second domain would substantially bolster the attack capabilities of the "fire element" and "spiritual element," as the offensive power of the initial domain was somewhat lacking. Generally, when Gu Shen sought to eliminate adversaries, the Pure Land executed the intent of slaughter and Silent Annihilation more effectively and directly than Chi Huo. Chi Huo leaned towards an auxiliary function, frequently manifesting the effects of "hypnosis." On exceedingly critical occasions, Chi Huo assumed the responsibility of opposing the Pure Land in "elemental repulsion," conjuring forces that disrupted established rules... Such a degree of destructiveness was beyond Chi Huo's independent capacity. Essentially, prior to the unveiling of Chi Huo's second domain, Gu Shen heavily relied on the lethal potential of Pure Land. However, he now acutely sensed the bottleneck in his Pure Land cultivation. Although Pure Land was a Divine Miracle bestowed by Mr. Gu Changzhi, he aspired to expand it in the directions of "slaughter" and "frost," yet he could not progress as fluidly as with Chi Huo. The innate abilities of Transcendents, under these circumstances, demonstrated an advantage that could not be replaced.

Imagine the difference between artificial limbs and one's own flesh and bone. Initially, artificial limbs offer convenience, yet they possess the inability to grow and develop alongside the user. The Chi Huo, having been awakened at the very beginning, has accompanied his power from its inception. This power finds itself in perfect harmony with Gu Shen. Every single obstacle Gu Shen has encountered on his journey forward, Chi Huo has faced right alongside him. Finally, this softly glowing flame, which had accompanied him through the valleys, has now ascended to the mountain's summit. For nascent flames, the most arduous moment is merely the initial spark of ignition. However, once truly kindled and allowed to bloom into a roaring inferno, such a flame can never be extinguished, only intensify its blaze.

...

...

"Gu Shen, you summoned me here... isn't Mu Wanqiu already present?"

Several days subsequently passed.

Shen Li materialized within the Snow Forbidden City, having been arranged to meet Gu Shen by the banks of the Ninghe Bridge. He carefully scanned his immediate surroundings.

"If Mu Wanqiu intended to seek me out, she would have undoubtedly provided prior notification to both Central City and Changye," he mused.

Gu Shen offered a smile and responded, "The captain of the North Continent Investigation Corps embarking on a journey south is certainly no trivial matter... Given your current standing, is it conceivable that you haven't intercepted even the slightest rumor? She has been rather occupied with her corps duties these past few days, and it might be quite some time before she arrives. You can set your mind at ease; she isn't coming to confront me today concerning any arranged duel."

"If not for a duel, then what other reason could there be?"

Shen Li exhaled a breath of relief, though a sense of curiosity lingered.

"Accompany me."

Gu Shen showed no haste in disclosing his intentions, opting instead to embark on a leisurely stroll along the Ning River.

Little Iron Man vehemently shook his head. "Not here; let's seek an alternative location. The Ning River is far too conspicuous."

"The Ning River is too conspicuous?"

Gu Shen chuckled and inquired, "Why so? This is Changye; are you harboring fears of an assassination attempt by a Holy Judge within these very precincts?"

"You are unaware; the peculiar occurrences transpiring these days are considerably more unnerving than any assassination by a Holy Judge..."

Shen Li recounted his recent experiences with a heavy heart.

"Oh?"

Gu Shen's eyebrows arched, and a smile played on his lips. "Did you follow the counsel I offered?"

"As per your advice..."

Shen Li suddenly recollected Gu Shen's parting words before he departed from Changye.

["Upon entering Snow Forbidden City, endeavor to utilize the deserted back alleys."]

"Gu Shen, I may not possess your intellect, but I am hardly foolish—"

Shen Li flashed a grin and declared, "Each time I venture out, I make it a point to traverse the main thoroughfares."

"..."

Gu Shen regarded the Little Iron Man with a look tinged with sympathy. "You take the main road every time you go out?"

"Do you possess any inkling of whom I invariably encounter whenever I emerge?"

Shen Li's tone grew taut with apprehension. "It's Bai Lu! It's always Bai Lu! That utterly unhinged woman; by some inexplicable means, she becomes aware of my movements, and invariably, the moment I step outside, she materializes along my chosen route..."

He discreetly surveyed the surrounding crowd.

Hmm.

The Ning River district was bustling with activity, and no immediate threats were apparent.

Gu Shen remained silent for a brief interval before posing a question. "And so... how did you manage to handle these encounters?"

"Naturally, I made my escape."

Shen Li responded with utmost sincerity. "The Bai Family holds dominion over Changye's Wind Eye; I am no match for Bai Lu's prowess, but surely I can outrun her, can't I? That lunacy-driven woman possesses remarkable speed. While she refrains from making any overt moves in broad daylight, should I opt for the back alleys, she is bound to apprehend me... and then..."

His words faltered and dissolved into silence.

This was prompted by a delicate hand that gently settled upon his shoulder.

A melodious laugh followed in its wake.

"And then?"

Shen Li's hair stood on end; he had been entirely oblivious to Bai Lu's stealthy approach.

"My apologies; I momentarily obscured your Spiritual Sense."

Gu Shen conveyed with genuine earnestness, "I have gleaned certain details regarding the recent occurrences in Changye Village. It seems there may exist a degree of misunderstanding between the two of you... It is hardly beneficial to remain in a perpetual state of evasion, wouldn't you agree? Why not endeavor to resolve these matters definitively today?"

"???"

Shen Li's eyes widened in astonishment as he fixed his gaze upon Gu Shen.

"Gu, you have actually accomplished something commendable for once."

Bai Lu playfully pinched Shen Li's shoulder, casting a complex glance in Gu Shen's direction. She had not yet had the opportunity for a formal introduction since his return to Changye, but the present circumstances were hardly conducive to a proper reunion.

Her presence here today was specifically to locate Shen Li!

Recall the previous banquet.

The incident wherein Shen Li had physically assaulted an officer from the North Continent had indeed generated considerable talk.

Brawls themselves are not particularly extraordinary; the customs of the Frontier and Changye were historically quite boisterous. Given that both parties had mutually agreed to a spar, the matter should have concluded there. The altercation that transpired in the alley previously did not escalate into a dramatic spectacle; the inebriated Northern Continent officer was merely knocked unconscious and subsequently slept off his stupor.

The true source of the 'commotion' stemmed directly from Shen Li's concluding remarks!

He had unequivocally declared, in the presence of onlookers, for the Northern contingent to maintain their distance from Bai Lu!

What sort of proclamation was that? What significance did it truly convey?

Although the attention surrounding Bai Lu had somewhat subsided since that fateful day, her inner peace remained profoundly unsettled...

Her thoughts continually returned to that exasperating individual.

"Why are you attempting to evade me?!"

The woman, now akin to a witch, forcefully grasped Little Iron Man's collar, her voice laced with an aggressive intensity.

A considerable crowd had assembled, drawn by the unfolding events.

"What is it now?"

Shen Li grumbled, "With how you're acting, how can I not try to hide? What crime did I commit to earn such ferocity from you?"

Bai Lu was momentarily stunned by his words.

She observed the numerous eyes fixed upon them near the Ning River and consciously softened her aggressive stance.

Spotting an unoccupied alley in the vicinity, she lowered her voice and issued an instruction, "Follow me."

"Gu Shen, help! Please save me!"

Completely lost in the situation, Shen Li directed a look of bewilderment and desperate appeal towards Gu Shen.

Gu Shen couldn't fathom Bai Lu's unyielding insistence on finding him.

Gu Shen remained rooted to his spot, unmoving.

Under Shen Li’s gaze, which seemed to convey utter desperation.

Gu Shen, his patience worn thin, finally transmitted a message via Spiritual Sense: "I neglected to mention, while you were away from Changye, I attended a banquet and trounced a belligerent officer from the Northern Continent... Ah, and I also extricated this Miss Bai Lu from a difficult predicament."

Shen Li’s expression remained one of utter confusion after receiving the explanation.

"What does anything you did have to do with me?!"

"Hmm... perhaps it might be due to the fact that I employed your identity?"

"???"