Light Fortress Chapter 1688 - 369: Lost Fate

"Xie Zheng’s combat prowess is quite formidable."

From his seat among the spectators, Gu Shen retracted his gaze. Even with the spiritual concealment items hindering his perception, Gu Shen could vaguely sense the potent soul force emanating from Xie Zheng. Despite being ranked last, this young man likely possessed comprehension of two distinct domains.

A prodigy brought forth from the Tundra Region by Mu Qingyang...

The mention of Mu Qingyang brought a flicker of wistful remembrance to Gu Shen’s eyes. He certainly hadn't forgotten this true comrade-in-arms from their shared battles in the Tundra.

Having been reassigned from Jiuning back to Changye to spearhead the convergence project, Mu Qingyang now stood as the heir to the Mu Family's leadership in Changye. His demanding obligations meant he had only managed to send a few spiritual messages from the deep water zone, and the two had yet to reunite in person.

"Hey there, young brother."

A voice interjected, pulling Gu Shen from his reverie. Glancing up, he saw Xu Fang, who had just been conversing with Old Yu, settling down beside him.

The Transcendent leader from the Qinghe District offered a smile and produced a small, sealed bottle of wine from his pocket. The vessel was flat, holding perhaps one to two hundred milliliters, and possessed a delicate appearance, adorned with an etched

Gu Shen had initially surmised the missing fragment of his pendant was located in the vast expanse beyond Beizhou, the Old World. To his surprise, it was here all along.

There was no arduous battle, no diligent exploration, absolutely nothing of the sort.

Just as its name suggested, carrying the implication of 'destiny', their meeting occurred in such an ordinary, unremarkable fashion.

"Today, this little trinket here prompted me to have a word with you, and it would be fitting to offer a small token."

Xu Fang let out a chuckle, "It dawned on me right away; young friend, you must hail from Qinghe. The locals of Changye can be quite unapproachable. I've attempted to strike up conversations, but they simply paid me no mind."

In reality, the people of Changye were quite amiable...

It was merely that Xu Fang possessed a more 'enthusiastic' disposition, bordering on a social catastrophe.

Gu Shen couldn't help but offer a silent sigh.

Xu Fang was clearly an individual of integrity, possessing a direct nature and a kind soul, devoid of any ulterior motives. Fortuitously, he had acquired 'destiny-type' sealing artifacts, yet he remained blissfully unaware of their hidden significance.

However, this circumstance was also beneficial.

"Brother Xu Fang... I cannot accept your gift without offering something in return."

Gu Shen met Xu Fang's gaze and uttered words that carried a subtle double meaning, then accepted the bottle of wine, inquiring with genuine earnestness, "Is there anything you require my assistance with?"

"Haha, this wine isn't particularly extraordinary,"

Xu Fang replied with evident pleasure. "It's an imitation of 'Lion Awakening Wine'; the authentic vintage has long since ceased production. This batch was brewed by the Transcendents from our region."

After a period of conversation, and having confirmed that Gu Shen accepted his offering, he promptly beckoned Old Yu to join them.

Old Yu, who had been standing somewhat awkwardly at a distance, displayed a fleeting expression of surprise and disbelief when Xu Fang signaled him, before slowly approaching.

"We are all from Qinghe, there's no need for any embarrassment."

Xu Fang rose, gently urged Old Yu to take a seat, and inquired with a laugh, "Young friend, by what name shall we address you?"

A brief pause ensued.

Gu Shen responded politely, "My surname is Gu... you may simply call me Xiao Gu."

"Gu, a prominent surname!"

Xu Fang, unperturbed, offered a lighthearted jest.

After all, the surname Gu was quite common throughout this world.

He grinned broadly, "Xiao Gu, while Changye boasts many individuals with the esteemed surname Gu, none can rival the one hailing from the Qinghe District—"

His unspoken implication was Gu Shen himself!

The most electrifying news circulating within the Deep Water Zone of the Five Continents currently was the revelation that Gu Shen was not deceased!

Not only had he survived, but his capabilities had also experienced a substantial augmentation!

Transcendent cultivators across all Five Continents had avidly observed the recorded footage of Gu Shen's formidable duel against Jia Wei at Red Lake... a confrontation that resembled nothing less than a clash of deities!

Furthermore, within the hearts of the Qinghe District's Transcendents, Gu Shen was revered as their embodiment of pride.

Hailing from humble origins, he had ascended to his current stature.

Having vanquished the most potent Titled cultivator of the West Continent, to what unimaginable heights had Gu Shen's power now soared? And when would the Federation bestow upon him an official title? These were the burning questions on everyone's minds.

"..."

Gu Shen felt a touch of awkwardness, responding only with a gentle smile.

Xu Fang's eyes blinked, and he abruptly posed a direct question, "Brother Gu, may I inquire with blunt honesty... are you currently a disciple under any Judge within Changye?"

Gu Shen contemplated the question seriously.

Indeed, his mentor, Zhou Jiren, held the esteemed position of Grand Judge. The title 'Grand Judge' differed by only a single word from 'Judge,' yet represented a fundamentally distinct level of authority.

Moreover, his mentor had departed the Five Continents a considerable time ago, leaving the position vacant.

He provided a truthful response, "Well... I am not."

Upon hearing this, Old Yu's demeanor shifted to one of clear disappointment. Xu Fang, however, patted the former's leg and, with a knowing smile, extended two fingers, rhythmically rubbing their pads, "Remember to transfer the funds to me later."

Gu Shen chuckled with a sense of helpless amusement, "So, you two were engaged in a bet?"

"Hehe..."

Xu Fang let out a soft laugh. "The disciples I have guided are already participating on stage; one must find some form of entertainment."

As he spoke, he idly flicked his tarnished silver pendant, producing a faint, clear chime.

The 'entertainment' provided by his pendant today was, quite possibly, this very wager.

With the 'inspiration' afforded by the pendant, his success rate in betting was virtually unblemished.

"Would you care to place another wager?"

Xu Fang draped an arm around Old Yu's shoulder, a grin spreading across his face. "Let's bet on whose disciple, your 'Guan Ji' or my 'Lian Du', will achieve a higher ranking in the forthcoming trials... should you emerge victorious, the previous lost bet will be nullified; however, if you lose, once this recruitment concludes, I shall escort our disciples to the most opulent restaurant in Changye for a most extravagant treat at your expense."

For Transcendents at the Sixth Layer of Deep Water, even within less prominent locales... financial concerns were virtually nonexistent.

With the consistent salary from the Judgement Institute, stipends from the Federation Government, and the occasional rewards from completed tasks, they were assured of lifelong financial security.

This particular bet was motivated purely by personal pride.

Old Yu, with his gentle disposition, doesn't fall for the bait. Instead, he calmly states, "Guan Ji and Lian Du possess comparable strength. The match table for this recruitment trial is randomly assigned; who ranks higher is purely a matter of luck... Who can rival your luck in this regard?"

Every year's recruitment cycle features powerful "seed contenders."

Qinghe District's Bai Ba City is, after all, a small locale...

If they happen to face these "seed contenders" prematurely, their journey might conclude swiftly, rendering the so-called ranking truly dependent on fortunate circumstances.

Speaking of which.

Old Yu's gaze drifted towards the pendant adorning Xu Fang's neck.

This seemingly insignificant trinket, Xu Fang often showcased it to Old Yu... Old Yu was well aware that despite its worn appearance, the pendant possessed the peculiar ability to offer "inspiration" cues.

However, its reliability was inconsistent, only occasionally triggering inspiration passively.

Perhaps Xu Fang was currently "borrowing the fox's might to intimidate the tiger," and hadn't yet received any alerts from the pendant.

"What you're saying holds truth, so, are you placing a bet or not?"

Xu Fang chirped with a grin, "If you lack confidence, you're free to back out; however, I'm affording you a mere ten seconds to decide, after which the offer expires."

Old Yu's brow furrowed, prompting a reassessment of his contemplation.

"May I participate in this wager?"

At this precise moment, Gu Shen interjected.

He produced a melted crystal of Purple Silver from his person, meekly stating, "Throughout my time here, I haven't cultivated many friendships within the Judgement Institute. This is my inaugural visit to the dojo for observation, and I truly hadn't anticipated encountering fellow townsfolk... Brother Xu Fang, this is my first venture into betting with another; consider it a gesture of camaraderie. I wonder if this piece of Purple Silver suffices as stakes for the bet?"

Upon witnessing this palm-sized Purple Silver crystal.

Both Xu Fang and Old Yu were momentarily rendered speechless.

...

...

(PS: Gratitude to the Silver Alliance member who sustains themselves with white porridge in Bai Continent for the generous reward! Join the group post-haste! I shall endeavor to add three Chapters in honor of this Silver Alliance, though I may not manage more today; the completion will occur at the latest within the span of a week!)