Light Fortress Chapter 1712 - 380: A Stern Warning

Following his departure from the Dojo of Judge Zhou E, Gu Shen proceeded to the Dojo of Second Judge Jin Yun.

A stark contrast to the previously suppressed Zhou E, Jin Yun now appeared to be reveling in his newfound freedom. For years, he had lived under Zhou E's shadow. Had Gu Shen not returned, the position of Grand Judge would undoubtedly have fallen into Zhou E's grasp.

However, Gu Shen's arrival was not for commendation. At that very moment, within Jin Yun's Dojo, numerous colleagues from the Judgement Institute were engaged in discussions on the Dao, with Jin Yun among them.

Upon Gu Shen's appearance, all present rose in respect. Yet, Gu Shen had no time for pleasantries. "Judge Jin Yun, are you available at this moment?" he inquired directly, addressing Jin Yun by name.

"Indeed, most certainly," Jin Yun responded with a beaming countenance, his spirits visibly lifted. The personal presence of the Grand Judge at his Dojo could only signify good tidings in his estimation.

"Excellent," Gu Shen replied with a smile. "As I have just assumed the position of Grand Judge, I've heard it's the usual time for the Judges' ranking rotation this year." Jin Yun, recognizing that a Grand Judge would not seek him out for such a trivial matter, blinked and began to surmise the Grand Judge's intentions.

His smile undiminished, Jin Yun deliberately posed a question, "That is correct, it is indeed time for the ranking reassignment... what are you implying by this?"

"As the 'Grand Judge,' I possess the authority to determine the seating order of the Judges' Dojos under my purview," Gu Shen stated calmly. "In simpler terms, with my approval, you can bypass the need to challenge Zhou E and ascend directly to the First Judge position."

Jin Yun drew a quiet breath, his neck craning forward in anticipation. "Let us proceed," Gu Shen declared, already selecting an arena. He stepped onto the platform, glancing back at Jin Yun before beckoning him with a hand. "Let me assess the current level of your Cultivation Realm."

Jin Yun was utterly taken aback. "???" he thought. How could this be? Shouldn't the Grand Judge be announcing his promotion, ending his perpetual status as the 'eternal number two'? Instead, he was being asked to demonstrate his cultivation prowess!

He had witnessed the recording of Zhou E's humiliating defeat in his own Dojo, overwhelmed by Gu Shen. Jin Yun himself had sparred with Zhou E multiple times, always falling just short of victory. If he were in Zhou E's shoes, he doubted he would fare any better.

During this period, hearing the lively gossip throughout Snow Forbidden City's three official institutes about that day's 'recording,' Jin Yun had felt an inexplicable sense of relief. He had never imagined he too would become a 'lucky recipient' of Gu Shen's attention, much like Zhou E.

"Proceed," Gu Shen urged, his expression unreadable. "Do you mean to tell me you are incapable of even stepping onto the platform?"

The Domain had yet to be unleashed, yet the Grand Judge's imposing pressure already permeated the air. Jin Yun’s smile faltered; under the immense pressure, he forced himself onto the arena, all eyes in the Dojo fixed upon them.

"Hiss!" Gu Shen pressed two fingers together, flicking out a wisp of scorching fire. Instantly, a slender line of flame traced the edges of the arena, coalescing into a magnificent, radiant barrier of fire. Completing this, he clasped his hands behind his back and stated plainly, "Give it your all; do not hold back for fear of injuring others."

That single act was enough to set the entire Dojo ablaze with excitement. What an display of sheer arrogance! Jin Yun, a peak fourth-rank Transcendent, could obliterate a small city in moments with his two Great Achievement Domains. He was even confident he could injure a legendary Titled expert if he unleashed his full power.

"Very well!" With Zhou E's prior experience serving as a cautionary tale, Jin Yun took a deep breath. He understood that his only course of action was to fight with everything he had! Was it truly just a battle? Could Gu Shen, the esteemed Grand Judge, truly intend to beat him severely?

"Mr. Xiao Gu… you had best be cautious!" Jin Yun raised a palm. From across the Dojo, a streak of silver light shot over. With a sound like a blade drawn from its sheath and piercing the void, a straight long saber materialized, enveloped by a dark, conspicuous wind dancing wildly.

"First Domain, [Wind Dancer]!" His innate ability, akin to [Lan Qie], was of the wind element. With his fierce cry, countless gusts of wind surged throughout the entire Dojo.

The Judge’s robe adorning Jin Yun fluttered violently, snapping like whips. Yet, these numerous demonic winds were unlike the natural gusts that [Lan Qie] manipulated; they emanated from the killing intent within Jin Yun’s Spirit Sea, manifesting externally in the void with a pitch-black hue. Each wisp of wind acted as a blade, slicing through the very fabric of the Dojo's space!

"Boom—"

Gu Shen remained still, his hands clasped behind his back.

A tendril of his Spirit extended, accompanied by a faint rumbling sound.

The Fire of Vitality unfurled, spanning hundreds of meters to engulf the entire Dojo. Tiny flames descended before the brows of the hundreds observing the spectacle.

Each miniscule flame trailed a wisp of Spirit.

The black wind blades conjured by Jin Yun managed only to agitate the air within the arena, their piercing shrieks filling the space. The vast majority of the spectators perceived nothing more than a loud, turbulent wind within the Dojo; they remained oblivious to the true ferocity of [Wind Dancer]!

"...Not bad, continue."

Gu Shen offered a smile and a word of encouragement.

"Second Domain... [Blade Rift]!"

Jin Yun tightened his grip on the long saber with one hand, his entire aura escalating as the countless gales converged around him!

His second Domain necessitated continuous power accumulation, a persistent buildup.

In actual combat, this was a demanding Domain that only intensified its strength the longer the engagement persisted!

Since embarking on his cultivation path, he had never experienced a battle so seamless!

The entire Dojo was now imbued with the wind element, making Jin Yun feel as though he were the sovereign of this realm. He felt an unprecedented surge of power—he was convinced that a mere casual swing of his saber could effortlessly cleave the entire Dojo in two!