Light Fortress Chapter 1711 - 379: The Transcendent Closest to God

A sea of fire swirled around the mahogany forest.

Gu Shen eagerly absorbed the source essence that surged forth after the humanoid black hole was shattered.

"The second domain of Chi Huo requires approximately double the source essence of the first domain."

The most challenging feat in existence is the transition from nothingness to being.

The creation of the second domain simply necessitates a greater quantity of source essence than the 'Life Flame,' meaning its actual cultivation difficulty is not as immense as before.

Presently, Gu Shen's 'source essence absorption speed' had been amplified countless times over compared to his pre-breakthrough state.

Furthermore, the expanse of his Spirit Sea had grown to ten times its former magnitude.

Taking the Transcendent from the reboot mission as a benchmark.

The spirit sea belonging to Zhong Yuan, the Fisher whom Gu Shen once revered, was comparable to a 'vast lake.'

Now, with Gu Shen's ascension complete, his spiritual power is equivalent to that of ten Fishers from his past.

This is the true Spirit Sea.

In the subsequent mission within the Disaster Realm, Gu Shen still retained the chance for Shen Li's 'trial,' but he would also intervene to absorb the portion of the black hole's source essence that Shen Li could not manage. An excessive number of dark spots currently plague the Five Continents, and existing personnel are far from sufficient to cleanse them.

Seven days elapsed, and Gu Shen found himself back in Changye.

Little Iron Man was utterly spent, collapsing into slumber directly within the dojo.

Xie Zheng clicked his tongue at the sight.

He was aware of Shen Li and Gu Shen's close relationship, and throughout their years in Changye, Shen Li's involvement was evident in most of the investigation group's minor assignments.

With the Grand Judge assuming office, Shen Li diligently carried out tasks, receiving the endorsement of Mr. Shan.

Gu Shen's intentions were unmistakably clear.

He harbored a protective sentiment towards Shen Li.

Initially, Xie Zheng felt a pang of envy towards this individual and had even considered undertaking missions alongside Mr. Shan.

However, upon witnessing Shen Li's return in such a state of exhaustion, his envy completely evaporated.

Did he venture to the North Continent for combat?

Or perhaps open a gateway to the 'Old World'?

How could he possibly be so utterly drained!

"Sir, the pendant has been mended."

Xie Zheng presented the crucifix pendant, now flawlessly restored. The Power of Destiny had seamlessly reunited the two fractured pieces, rendering it whole once more.

Xie Zheng dared not infuse it with spiritual energy.

Items sealed by destiny are not within the purview of ordinary individuals.

To wield such a destiny-bound artifact requires a robust fate. An individual with a frail destiny who possesses this pendant would invite nothing but calamitous misfortune!

Naturally.

This poses no concern for Xu Fang, as he never truly 'utilized' the pendant.

The pendant itself emanates an uncontrolled flux of destiny's rules.

He was merely a passive recipient, refraining from any active attempts at probing, thus avoiding any cost... yet the corollary is that he only receives inconsequential 'minor boons,' which hold absolutely no significance for a Transcendent; destiny merely bestowed upon him negligible blessings.

The most fortunate occurrence in Xu Fang's existence was encountering Gu Shen. His most profound opportunity arose from entrusting this fractured pendant to Gu Shen.

Gu Shen would certainly not abandon him.

Xu Fang's remaining years would be blessedly secure and content under Changye's safeguarding.

...

...

Gu Shen accepted the pendant and scrutinized it closely; the repaired artifact appeared indistinguishable from its prior state.

Hmm... could it be due to his current lack of 'peril'?

Regardless, donning the complete 'Goddess of Destiny's Sanctuary' instilled a subtle warmth within Gu Shen's heart.

Secure!

He felt profoundly safe at this juncture!

Mu Wanqiu conveyed the news that her arrival at Snow Forbidden City was anticipated in approximately two days, and Gu Shen remained occupied during this interval.

He conferred with Qing Sui, who should now be addressed as the Qingsui Family Head.

Li Qingsui currently holds sole authority within the Li Family.

Gu Shen even disclosed his 'Netherworld King' identity to her, and Shen Li's status as an Angel Envoy was also no longer a secret. Upon securing Qing Sui's affirmation, he formally escorted Little Iron Man to Divine Temple Mountain.

In recent times, Divine Temple Mountain has been without its Protector.

All matters, both grand and minor, have fallen upon Qing Sui to manage independently.

In contrast to Qing Sui, Shen Li finds himself with considerably more leisure.

Should he depart Changye, having this 'Angel Envoy' make frequent visits, the mountain-top flower garden could still be prevented from being overrun by Black Flowers.

The entire mountain was blanketed in Black Flowers; even for Gu Shen now, it would require an extensive period to undertake their pruning.

It might only be after refining the fire seed that the Divine Temple could possibly see daylight once more.

The stationing of Shen Li at Divine Temple Mountain does not truly constitute his exploitation as mere 'Iron Man' labor.

This "Angel Envoy" possesses the ability to eliminate disordered source essence, and this process of refining "Black Flowers" can also be considered a form of cultivation.

The source essence from Divine Temple Mountain is evidently abundant.

Shen Li’s frequent visits, when he wasn't present, did indeed prove beneficial to him.

In Changye, aside from the mountain of accumulated dossiers, there remained a heap of unfinished chores.

All these remaining tasks necessitated Gu Shen’s personal attention.

For instance, the lingering 'factional conflicts' within the headquarters of the Judgement Institute required resolution...

The disputes between figures like Zhou E and Jin Yun had been a long-standing issue within the Judgement Institute; their factional roots ran deep. Before Gu Shen took charge, their conflicts were understandable, but the situation had since evolved.

Gu Shen was adamant about preventing a recurrence of the 'split' that had happened between his teacher and Zhu Wang within the Judgement Institute.

Consequently, after attending to the affairs of the Divine Temple, Gu Shen embarked on a personal journey to visit the dojos of the two highest-ranking judges.

Gu Shen’s first stop was Zhou E’s dojo.

A multitude of disciples had already convened at the dojo of this First Judge, a place brimming with talent. However, Zhou E had been in seclusion for the past few days, declining visitors, and his junior brother was overseeing the dojo. Upon Gu Shen’s arrival, the dojo staff promptly offered tea and seats, though Gu Shen had no intention of prolonging his stay.

He proceeded directly towards Zhou E’s chamber for secluded meditation.

This chamber was fortified with multiple layers of barriers.

Yet, Gu Shen’s 'Qi Huo' detection was unimpeded; through the barriers, he observed Zhou E seated in a cross-legged posture, enveloped by shadows.

Secluded meditation?

Zhou E could not even find inner peace at this moment!

From that day forward.

The standing of Zhou E, the Judge, had drastically declined.

Having once been the frontrunner in the competition for 'Grand Judge,' Zhou E now exhibited a state of deterioration. His 'humiliating defeat' in the Dojo a few days prior had nearly shattered his spiritual will. The visual record of his inability to utter a word in Gu Shen’s presence had circulated internally among the three institutes, transforming the once-prominent First Judge into the 'laughingstock' during his colleagues' informal gatherings.

The term 'laughingstock,' perhaps, was a slight overstatement.

Although Zhou E was rendered speechless before Gu Shen, he still held the position of the strongest individual under the title of Judge at the Judgement Institute...

Transcendents within the three institutes rarely mocked Zhou E for a lack of power.

Most were astounded by how Gu Shen’s current might had truly surpassed all ordinary expectations!

Discussions concerning the deep-water zone had surged to unprecedented levels. Daily, numerous threads emerged, dissecting Gu Shen’s cultivation realm and actual strength. Countless individuals firmly asserted that Gu Shen was now the Transcendent in the Five Continents closest to divinity.

"You have arrived..."

Within the hushed room, Zhou E’s voice emerged, dry and strained.

"Grand Judge, please forgive my inability to greet you outside at this moment."

Gu Shen offered a slight nod and stated impassively, "There is no need for a formal greeting; the ability to converse normally is sufficient."

Zhou E managed a self-deprecating smile and remarked, "It is that time of year again for the internal ranking adjustments within the Judgement Institute. Have you come to inform me of the changes?"

Gu Shen responded with calm detachment, "Your ranking remains first."

"...?"

Zhou E looked up, a furrow of confusion on his brow.

After having incurred Gu Shen’s displeasure, he had fully braced himself for repercussions and accusations.

Yet, none materialized.

The preceding few days had been remarkably tranquil at the Dojo. On several occasions, he had inquired about the Grand Judge’s whereabouts, only to be informed that the Grand Judge had already departed from Changye and was engaged in resolving long-standing cases.

"No changes... I’m still ranked first?"

Zhou E seemed to question his own hearing.

"Your power surpasses Jin Yun's, but only by a slim margin," Gu Shen stated coolly. "Should you continue to confine yourself within the Dojo, it is possible he will soon overtake you."

Zhou E appeared taken aback.

"You are not here to impose a punishment upon me?"

"Punish..."

Gu Shen shook his head and replied, "What is wrong with aspiring for the position of Grand Judge? If you were to face punishment for such ambition... then Jin Yun would also warrant punishment. The vacancy for the highest leadership position in the Judgement Institute has persisted for so many years, making it only natural for all of you to vie for it."

Zhou E murmured, "But I spoke those words within the Dojo."

"What words?"

Gu Shen offered a faint smile and said, "When I confronted you, you were unable to utter a single word, were you not?"

Zhou E was plunged into a state of complete silence.

A self-deprecating laugh escaped him as he dug his fingers into his palm. "It's true... I'm far too behind you. Even though I long to be the Grand Judge, facing you, not a word can I utter. For these past few days, I've even pondered requesting a transfer away from Changye."

Gu Shen inquired, "Why? Simply due to the humiliation at the Dojo?"

Zhou E was left speechless.

"Defeat at my hands is not a disgrace."

Gu Shen stated calmly, "If you intend to surrender due to a setback of this magnitude... then the opportunity to become the Grand Judge will forever elude you. Life stretches on; you must always look forward."

Zhou E raised his head, his eyes clouded with confusion and doubt.

He never imagined Gu Shen would personally come to offer comfort and encouragement.

"But no matter how much effort I put in... I can't measure up to you."

Zhou E spoke with a wry smile, "Currently, everyone outside proclaims you as the Transcendent closest to godhood..."

Affirmative sounds indeed emanated from the deep water region, proving overwhelming.

Despite Gu Shen not paying them particular heed, he still overheard the pronouncements.

To this, he could only offer a helpless sigh internally and let it be.

The Transcendent closest to god? Far from it.

He still had a considerable distance to travel.

Propelled by the grand objective of convergence, Gu Shen’s renown had ascended to its zenith, unseen in the Five Continents for almost a century. He was, without a doubt, the most celebrated Transcendent beneath the divine.

His second domain within Chi Huo remained undeveloped.

Even if the Pure Land failed to establish a second domain, in the future, he would still face the formidable obstacle of 'Integration' before achieving further ascension...

Should he honestly assess his capability to surmount all these hurdles, the moniker 'Transcendent closest to god' would indeed be fitting.

However, at this moment, Gu Shen was aware of several Transcendents who operated on his level, or perhaps even surpassed him.

The three formidable generals from the North Continent, whose fame had long been concealed.

Mr. Tianshui, who, much like the Sky Divine Throne, had defied the limits of life multiple times.

The 'Spring Plow Saint,' rumored to possess the power to single-handedly dismantle all saints within the Holy City.

And, of course, the exceptionally gifted Little Xiuzi... While Bai Xiu's precise strength was unknown to him, Gu Shen held a firm belief that Little Xiuzi had undeniably reached an exceptionally elevated tier among the Titled.

Little Xiuzi had engaged in combat with Mu Wanqiu.

If his might had not already reached a magnitude that Xiao Qiu could not even comprehend,

Mu Wanqiu would not have harbored the ambition to challenge the 'Netherworld King' to witness his true power... It was likely a consequence of Bai Xiu's strike that he began to question his own existence.

Merely considering the individuals Gu Shen could recall at this instant revealed a collective that could rival his own on the battlefield.

Let alone Bai Shu of the complete Reverse Flow, and Mr. Gu Changzhi, who eclipsed Bai Shu without even having fused a fire seed.

This world harbored an abundance of towering peaks.

Though I might be considered one now, I am certainly not the highest summit.

"The Transcendent closest to god? I truly do not deserve such a title..."

Gu Shen's voice penetrated the silence of the room, reaching the bewildered and uncertain Zhou E.

"Zhou E, this is a magnificent era, adorned with countless stars shining resplendently."

"However, even if a star at the apex shines alone, it does not extinguish the radiance of the other stars."

Gu Shen rose and declared before departing, "If your aspiration is to shine, why concern yourself with the brilliance of others?"

...

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(PS: This was originally intended as a complete chapter, but to adhere to my promise of publishing by midnight, I must conclude here. Another complete chapter will follow tonight.)