Gu Shen encounters Xu Fang, a man from the Judgement Institute with the ability [Spiritual Eyes]. Xu Fang recognizes Gu Shen as an outsider and reveals a broken pendant he found, which Gu Shen realizes is the lost part of his own Goddess of Destiny's Sanctuary pendant. Xu Fang, unaware of its true value, offers Gu Shen a bottle of wine as a gift. Meanwhile, Xu Fang and Old Yu were betting on the outcome of a trial involving their respective disciples, and Gu Shen decides to join the bet.
"4Xiao Gu, this item is far too precious; I genuinely cannot accept it."
Xu Fang swiftly shook his head, stating, "Typically, when we engage in bets, we wager on trivial matters, usually involving a bit of extra cash or similar worldly possessions."
"Worldly possessions..."
Upon hearing this, Gu Shen felt a pang of helplessness, as it turned out he possessed very few worldly items. He had initially intended to offer some red silver.
However, after a thorough search of his Pure Land, the lowest grade of Mithril he had on hand was purple silver.
Xu Fang chuckled, proposing, "How about this: if you lose the wager, you simply guide us on an enjoyable tour of Changye? The previous recruitment drives were quite hectic. Once this is concluded, we intend to linger in Snow Forbidden City for a number of days."
"Absolutely," Gu Shen affirmed with warmth. "As fellow residents of Qinghe, I will make all the arrangements for your food, drink, lodging, and transportation within Changye."
Xu Fang let out a hearty laugh and inquired, "And if you emerge victorious in the bet, Brother Gu, what would be your desire?"
"I seek nothing in return," Gu Shen responded with a smile. "My sole wish is to forge a friendship; it has been quite some time since I encountered someone from my hometown. Should the opportunity arise in the future, perhaps when you return to Qing River, you might consider visiting my hometown and, if convenient, offering some care to my 'family.'"
"That is easily said," Xu Fang readily agreed, then asked with a touch of curiosity, "Xiao Gu, your family did not accompany you to Changye?"
"Well... they are not related to me by blood, nor are they transcendents," Gu Shen mused for a moment before explaining. "Therefore, since my arrival in Changye, I have not brought them along."
"I see," Xu Fang replied, nodding in understanding. "That is quite understandable."
The realm of transcendents is inherently fraught with peril.
Many Awakeners elect to remain in their homeland, unwilling to part from their cherished loved ones, thereby keeping the 'transcendent mystery' a closely guarded secret while simultaneously safeguarding their homeland.
Gu Shen harbored no desire to expose the orphanage that had nurtured him to such dangers.
In truth, the modest courtyard in Wulaoshan had long been under the watchful care of Cui Zhongcheng and the Huazhi Group, and it was likely thriving. There was no need for Xu Fang and Old Yu to continue their oversight.
Considering Gu Shen's current standing, it was highly improbable that anyone would dare to threaten his 'family.'
However, he was disinclined to use the pendant as a stake in the bet.
A gentleman might covet wealth, but he acquires it through upright means; although Gu Shen did not profess to be a gentleman, he certainly would not resort to theft or deceit.
"The transcendents from Qinghe have consistently supported one another; emerging from humble origins, we must band together for mutual warmth," Xu Fang stated gravely. "Brother Gu, I am acquainted with several young individuals from Qinghe who are currently active in Changye; I shall furnish you with their contact details presently. While they may not be exceptionally powerful figures, they are fellow natives. Given that you are navigating Changye alone without any established support, cultivating additional acquaintances who can offer assistance would be advantageous."
"Very well... I shall trouble you then," Gu Shen replied with a smile, not refusing the offer.
Xu Fang transmitted a strand of spiritual message containing the contact information of several young individuals.
Gu Shen perused the details with his Heart Lake.
"They are indeed quite young; the eldest is around twenty years of age, while the youngest is a boy of fourteen or fifteen."
Chu Ling couldn't help but let out a chuckle upon seeing this, remarking, "In reality, who is being looked after here?"
"Xu Fang is not a bad sort," Gu Shen commented calmly. "I surmise they are all from Green River Court; as a transcendent instructor, he likely trains one or two disciples for Changye annually, and the youngest one is undoubtedly his favored student."
Indeed.
"Ahem, the youngest, 'Su Hang,' is someone I dispatched to Changye last year... that one might require Brother Gu's assistance in looking after him," Xu Fang admitted, blinking. "This young lad possesses considerable talent, achieving a B+ rating in the elemental category. I hear the Third Judge Wutuo holds him in high regard, and he is likely to be taken on as an apprentice within a couple of years."
Wutuo. The mention of this name.
Gu Shen's expression shifted to one of subtle complexity.
This is far from an ideal choice for a mentor!
Fortunately, Chu Ling had already located Su Hang, and the young lad was safe, remaining unaffected by the recent turmoil surrounding the 'defection.' This was primarily due to his tender age, as he was still undergoing training at the Third Judgement Court dojo, neither officially apprenticed nor dispatched for missions.
This development, in fact, boded well.
Because, at present, within the Judgement Institute, the so-called 'Third Judgment Faction' had ceased to exist.
Wutuo had effectively dismantled this faction's top-tier warriors before subsequently defecting.
This information had not yet permeated throughout the East Continent; only the highest echelons were privy to it, leaving lesser figures like Xu Fang completely unaware of the true circumstances.
"Understood, I will see to it," Gu Shen conveyed with a smile. "Chu Ling, I may require a small favor from you."
"What are you saying? Your concerns are my concerns."
Chu Ling articulated warmly, "I shall make contact with the Li and Mu Families on your behalf, preparing emails to Li Qingsui and Mu Qingyang..."
Gu Shen's standing is exceedingly high, thus making direct arrangements would be improper, potentially drawing undue scrutiny.
However, the Li and Mu Families are different; the five great families also possess considerable standing, and these two families are regularly involved in managing the 'Convergence' project, a venture that requires capable individuals. Should these aspiring youths perform admirably in 'Convergence,' they would naturally be bestowed with the appropriate accolades and further resources.
"Excellent. Wutuo's youngest, Su Hang, is indeed remarkably gifted..."
Gu Shen declared, "With Wutuo no longer with us, he is free to seek a new mentor. Once the Gu Family's envoy arrives, I will personally facilitate an introduction."
A prime candidate had already formed in Gu Shen's mind: Zhong Fan.
Chu Ling grasped the intention immediately, "You intend to recommend the young prodigy to Zhong Fan? That is genuinely an outstanding selection."
In mere moments, the destinies of these individuals underwent a profound shift.
Yet, Xu Fang remained oblivious to the unfolding events.
He even dismissed Gu Shen's assurance of
With a casual tone, Qi He remarked, "If there were truly auditors, we would undoubtedly receive prior notification. Rest assured... The truly powerful individuals wouldn't concern themselves with minor trials like these."
"That's true," Xie Zheng responded with a slightly forced laugh, admitting, "I was merely overthinking things."
"Is this something you should be preoccupied with?" Qi He inquired, his expression unreadable. "Consider this for yourself: how many years has it been since the Eighteen Judgement Dojo last sought new recruits? Was this particular recruitment drive initiated by Mu Qingyang? Without the influx of fresh talent, the Eighteen Dojo risks dissolution due to a dwindling number of members."
"Ha... haha..." Xie Zheng let out another awkward chuckle.
Indeed, that was the reality of the situation.
"Allow me to inform you in advance," Qi He continued in a detached manner, "I intend to secure the first place in this recruitment trial. Since your dojo isn't genuinely recruiting, I advise you not to vie with me for this."
"I am genuinely seeking to recruit disciples," Xie Zheng stated after a moment of contemplation, not readily agreeing. He gazed at Qi He with sincerity and added, "However, do not fret, I am not like you. Rankings do not concern me; my sole focus is on whether individuals are fated to be with us. If their fate aligns, I will accept them; otherwise, even if they achieve first place, they will not garner a second glance from me."
"..."
Qi He regarded the earnest young man with a touch of pity, remaining silent.
Fate?
Does he believe he's some kind of Divination Inheritor?
