Light Fortress Chapter 1699 - 375: Grand Judge (Finale)

"An apprenticeship..."

Gu Shen looked towards Xie Zheng, a smile gracing his lips. "You journeyed to Changye solely for this purpose, did you not?"

Xie Zheng offered an awkward chuckle. "Naturally... not entirely."

His acquaintance with Mu Qingyang began during a period of adversity; Mu Qingyang was then merely a less prominent member of the Mu Family, and Xie Zheng himself was likewise obscure... Later, Mu Qingyang gradually carved out a name for himself within the Jiuning District, and as trusted brethren, he extended considerable resources and assistance to Xie Zheng.

Gu Shen perceived the truth of the matter.

This Xie Zheng was in possession of a profoundly enigmatic "Forging Inheritance."

"Brother Mu extended an invitation for my return to Changye," Xie Zheng confided quietly. "Alas, my arrival coincided with an unfortunate turn of events..."

Previously, Qi He had held Xie Zheng in mild contempt, deeming him incapable of eloquent speech.

Yet, this assessment proved inaccurate.

It was simply that Xie Zheng did not perceive the need for guarded language when addressing Qi He.

In this present moment, however, he grasped the import of discretion.

He understood that sometimes, conveying only half the truth suffices.

"I comprehend," Gu Shen stated, a knowing smile returning. The situation was clear to him... Following the resolution of their shared responsibilities in the past, Gu Shen had hastily departed southward to undertake the Sangzhou Cave mission.

That expedition constituted a "final farewell."

Mu Qingyang had relied upon Gu Shen’s backing, but Xie Zheng had arrived a step too late.

Despite the Mu Family’s machinations placing Xie Zheng within the Judgement Institute as a Judge, his original hopes for further progression... remained unfulfilled.

Gu Shen had perished within the Sangzhou Cave.

"Esteemed Mr. Xiao Gu... I carry certain secrets, the disclosure of which is presently inadvisable. These matters, even to Brother Mu, I have divulged little of," Xie Zheng conveyed, his gaze lowering. He transmitted his thoughts discreetly: "I seek your 'sanctuary.’ Within Changye City, save for yourself, there is scarcely another I can truly trust."

Gu Shen’s mental reply was calm. "You appear to possess some familiarity with Divination Skill, do you not?"

Xie Zheng’s head snapped up, astonishment evident in his expression.

Yet, he swiftly recalled that the Mr. Xiao Gu before him was a preeminent master of Divination Skill.

"Indeed..." Xie Zheng sighed. "It seems nothing escapes your perception. However, concerning divination and allied arts, my knowledge is rudimentary; it cannot compare to your own, as the true successor."

True successor?

Gu Shen offered a faint smile, choosing to obscure his accomplishments and offer no clarification.

It was apparent that fate’s golden threads were entwined with Xie Zheng himself; Chu Ling had previously informed Gu Shen, through her observations, that the practice of any "destiny-type divination technique" left discernible traces.

Certain truths could not remain concealed.

"My expectations for you are high, yet you need not address me as ‘teacher’; you possess unrestricted access to Qingzhong Cemetery," Gu Shen declared slowly. "Whether it pertains to Divination Skill or other disciplines... if you possess the desire to learn, I shall impart my knowledge to you."

These words sent a tremor of excitement through the assembled crowd in the dojo.

"..."

Both Zhou E and Qi He fell into a profound silence.

Was this not the formal acceptance of a disciple? Was this not precisely the acceptance of a disciple!!

Xie Zheng’s head rose, his eyes fixed on Gu Shen with disbelief.

Without hesitation, he whispered, "My deepest gratitude... Mr. Xiao Gu!"

Gu Shen likely did not desire the title of ‘teacher,’ perhaps due to their comparable ages?

However, Xie Zheng’s intention to apprentice stemmed not from a pursuit of renown.

While others might interpret these words as mere tokens of respect... to Xie Zheng, they signified the profound bond of a student to his master.

He remained indifferent to the interpretations of others.

"The current ‘recruitment trial,’ this entire situation requires a comprehensive explanation for everyone present –" Gu Shen turned, dispelling the oppressive aura emanating from the Great Achievement Domains by dismissing Pure Land and Chi Huo; the tension that had permeated the dojo instantly evaporated.

His gaze shifted towards the young man standing nearby, who clutched a black folding knife with palpable intensity. Gu Shen projected calming Divine Thought towards him.

Following the acceptance of Xie Zheng, Gu Shen casually flicked a wisp of Chi Huo towards Liu Quan. The young man, standing before him, found it difficult to process the day’s events, which felt akin to a dream. He had not only gained a teacher but also... a teacher’s teacher?

Would addressing him as ‘master grandmaster’ be appropriate?

Liu Quan anxiously held the strand of flame, his turbulent emotions settling instantaneously, becoming as serene as flowing water.

"Mr. Du Wei, it has been a considerable time since our last encounter."

"I shall personally guarantee that Liu Quan will not exhibit any symptoms of ‘spirit out of control.’"

Gu Shen turned his head toward Du Wei, a smile playing on his lips as he inquired, "Should this assurance hold true, is continued monitoring and control still deemed necessary? If such measures are indeed required, I shall formally petition the council for a ‘pardon order.’"

"Naturally, it is entirely unnecessary," Du Wei replied swiftly, shaking his head with earnestness. "Your personal vouching is sufficient; there is no need for any pardon order."

He fully grasped the unspoken implication within Gu Shen’s words.

Not long ago, Zhou Jiren had initiated the process for a ‘pardon order’ to safeguard Gu Shen.

Now, history was repeating itself.

The fledgling sapling from yesteryear had matured into a towering, sky-reaching tree; the actions Gu Shen had taken today mirrored the support Mr. Shu had provided a decade prior.

The crucial difference was that Gu Shen’s current influence vastly surpassed that of Zhou Jiren!

Elder Shu commanded immense power, and the disciples under his tutelage were equally formidable. Nevertheless, his connections to several Changye families were merely conventional. This led to his position as a Grand Judge being marginalized from the central authority by Zhu Wang. Currently, Gu Shen has personally overseen the internal integration of the East Continent and forged a robust alliance between the two continents.

The five great families, including Huazhi Nanwan, are now obligated to show deference to Gu Shen.

His words carry the weight of a pardon decree!

"Excellent."

Receiving the affirmation from the vice president of the Security Committee, Gu Shen gave a nod. He continued, "This is a separate issue. Today, during the Judge's challenge, Xie Zheng employed the 'Taboo Seal.' According to Changye's laws, without a suitable guarantor, he is subject to examination and surveillance. Am I qualified to oversee this?"