Light Fortress Chapter 1703 - 376: Forging Inheritance (Extended - )

A historic moment unfolded today at the headquarters of the Judgement Institute, witnessed by numerous attendees. The investiture of the [Bastion] and the Grand Judge occurred simultaneously.

Judges stepped forward individually to extend their congratulations to Gu Shen. Jin Yun approached Gu Shen, offered his felicitations, and then extended a strand of Spirit to Xie Zheng.

"Junior brother Xie Zheng, should you encounter any difficulties within the Judgement Institute from this point forward, do not hesitate to seek me out!"

In the years since his arrival in Changye, Xie Zheng had endured considerable hardship. Being a man of few words, he was unaccustomed to bothering others even when facing problems. His closest confidant, Mu Qingyang, had already provided substantial assistance over these years, leaving Xie Zheng feeling too embarrassed to continue imposing on Mu Qingyang.

Consequently, during the factional conflict between Zhou E and Jin Yun for the position of "Grand Judge," he found himself caught in the crossfire, often bearing the brunt from both sides. However, circumstances had now shifted dramatically. With Gu Shen's appointment as Grand Judge, Xie Zheng's standing had soared. Based solely on the words just spoken, his troubles were likely over. Who in the entirety of Changye Court would dare to make his life difficult any longer?

Overwhelmed by the flood of congratulations, Xie Zheng felt momentarily dazed, unused to such attention, a sentiment even more pronounced in the younger Liu Quan, who had only recently arrived in Changye.

"If you are not comfortable here, return to your Dojo and await me," Gu Shen said gently, patting Xie Zheng on the shoulder. "Take this young man with you."

With those words, Xie Zheng departed as if fleeing.

Before long, the Dojo became increasingly crowded. Many Transcendents gathered around Gu Shen, who had now emerged as the leading figure of the new generation in the East Continent, an idol to countless Transcendents. His duel at Red Lake, in particular, had thrust him directly into the spotlight.

Coincidentally, today was also the day for recruitment and trials, drawing youths from all major regions of the East Continent. They swarmed around Gu Shen, their eyes alight with hope, eager for an autograph, a word of encouragement, or a photograph.

The security inspectors at headquarters initially intended to disperse the throng.

However, Gu Shen signaled otherwise.

He individually attended to their requests.

This process concluded nearly an hour later.

Gu Shen finally found an opportunity to extricate himself. His gaze swept towards the spectator stands, where he spotted two familiar figures. Noticing Old Yu and Xu Fang preparing to depart once the situation had stabilized, he had promptly sent them a voice transmission, prompting them to wait.

The Dojo was currently at its peak of crowdedness.

Gu Shen navigated through the throng to reach the spectator seating area.

"My apologies for the wait."

As Old Yu and Xu Fang rose to greet him, Gu Shen gently pressed them down with his hand, smiling. "As fellow townsmen, you two elder brothers need not stand on such ceremony."

"Mr. Xiao Gu..."

Xu Fang's expression was one of considerable awkwardness. He recalled his recent conversation with Gu Shen and felt an overwhelming sense of unreality. He had just been casually conversing with the East Province Grand Judge, addressing him as a brother, and had even offered to look after this Titled Transcendent. Xu Fang's aged face flushed beet red; he wished he could vanish into thin air.

"These two pieces of Purple Silver are a token of my appreciation for you both, elder brothers. Please do not think little of them."

Gu Shen produced two Purple Silver crystals.

Both Old Yu and Xu Fang were taken aback. The intrinsic value of Purple Silver was considerable, but what truly mattered was the sentiment behind Gu Shen's gesture at this moment.

The crowd in the Dojo, numbering in the hundreds, witnessed this exchange. While they might not have understood the reason for Gu Shen's gift of Purple Silver, they recognized that these two low-ranking Judgement Envoys from Qing River were receiving 'special treatment' from Gu Shen. Because of Gu Shen's actions today, they would undoubtedly garner favor from all quarters.

"Please accept them."

Gu Shen handed over the two Purple Silver crystals and stated sincerely, "Changye is vast, yet we were able to meet—this is truly a profound twist of fate. Therefore, regarding my earlier offer to arrange a meal and a tour of the Snow Forbidden City... I stand by every word."

Old Yu and Xu Fang exchanged glances, both rendered speechless.

"It is just that, having only recently assumed the position of 'Grand Judge,' there will likely be many minor matters requiring my attention, and I may not be able to personally attend to your hosting."

Gu Shen paused before continuing, "I shall arrange for attendants to look after you. Please do not hesitate to make your needs known."

"Mr. Xiao Gu, this is truly... truly an excessive imposition..."

Realizing Gu Shen’s true identity, Xu Fang felt a sudden unease, unable to maintain his previous casual demeanor. His words became noticeably awkward.

"Brother Xu Fang, it’s really nothing," Gu Shen replied, shaking his head. "However, I do have a rather unreasonable request."

"An unreasonable request?" Xu Fang was taken aback. He wondered what the Grand Judge could possibly need from him.

"I wish to trade a few items for the 'pendant' you currently hold," Gu Shen stated calmly. "Starting today, the Changye Court headquarters will grant you Judge-level access to our Dojo. You and your Disciples will be able to utilize Changye’s cultivation resources. Furthermore, I will personally escort you to the headquarters to choose a complete 'Spring Breathing' technique, along with an A-rank Sealed Artifact that complements your attributes."

Xu Fang was utterly astonished. He stared at Gu Shen in disbelief, his hand subconsciously clutching the pendant.

"All of that... in exchange for this?" The offers Gu Shen presented felt like an unbelievable windfall to Xu Fang.

"Precisely," Gu Shen confirmed with a nod. "To be entirely honest, this pendant holds immense significance for me. It’s far more than just a common 'lucky charm'; I have been searching for it for many years."

Xu Fang’s expression shifted to one of profound complexity.

"Naturally, you are free to refuse," Gu Shen offered with a smile. "My promises will stand regardless of your decision. Consider them a token of my sincerity. You may continue residing in Changye, or you can return to Qing River and live as you please."