Light Fortress Chapter 1715 - 380: A Lesson (Extended - )

That harsh slap must have left an indelible mark on Jin Yun. Anyone in his shoes would grasp Gu Shen’s unspoken message after such an incident. Within the confines of the Judgement Institute, duels and challenges were permissible, but 'factional conflicts' were strictly forbidden!

"An 'North Continent Energy Boat' is approaching the northern border of Changye," Chu Ling's voice resonated within Gu Shen’s Heart Lake. Simultaneously, she projected the visuals captured by the [Wind Eye]. A compact energy vessel was accelerating along the dome’s expanse.

"Mu Wanqiu." Gu Shen identified the owner of the energy boat with a single glance. He let out a sigh and remarked with a hint of exasperation, "Even with [Pure Land] available for communication, she insists on not using it. Is she perhaps concerned I might evade the confrontation?"

"Mu Wanqiu is on Changye's approved list, but the North Continent Energy Boat requires authorization to enter Changye Territory. Bai Chen is moving to intercept," Chu Ling reported. "Bai Chen is currently attempting to establish communication with the energy boat."

"I request a temporary connection with Bai Chen." With a focused thought, Gu Shen accessed the prison institute's spirit network, directly addressing Bai Chen of the Bai Family. "Brother Bai Chen, it’s Gu Shen—" By virtue of seniority, Gu Shen was obligated to address Bai Chen as 'brother.' Bai Chen had already attained a titled rank when Gu Shen first arrived in Changye.

"Gu Shen?" Bai Chen was just about to proceed to greet the energy boat. Mu Wanqiu, being a distinguished guest of considerable standing, had not received prior notification from Central City. According to protocol, he needed to verify her purpose.

"My apologies, I neglected to notify Changye in advance." Gu Shen chuckled and added, "Mu Wanqiu was invited by me, so permit me to handle the 'welcoming' arrangements for this energy boat."

"I understand." Upon hearing Gu Shen’s explanation, Bai Chen laughed and offered no further objections. Gu Shen now held the official position of Grand Judge at the Judgement Institute headquarters, while Bai Chen remained a deputy to Mr. Shan. In terms of rank, Bai Chen was subordinate to Gu Shen, thus he had no qualms about transferring the responsibility.

Following the conclusion of their conversation, Gu Shen immediately mounted his [Truth] iron sword and hastened towards Changye's northern frontier.

Yellow sand swirled as an energy boat settled beside a modest hill. The main hatch opened, and a woman adorned in crimson source armor raised her head. A glint of silver light swiftly traversed the iron dome amidst the swirling sand. Gu Shen descended from the brilliance of the [Truth] sword.

"Well, well, well, you've become the celebrated [Judge] of the North Continent," Gu Shen began with a teasing tone. "Setting aside that prestigious title, you're also a team captain within the Investigation Corps. With such a prominent identity, wouldn't you require a permit to travel south to Changye? Tread carefully, or Changye might just unleash a Heavenly Sheath Weapon upon you!"

Mu Wanqiu’s title mirrored her exceptional capabilities. [Judge]! It was an honor of immense significance! S-level abilities possessed a distinct inherent quality... Thus, the [Judge] title she had earned would undoubtedly etch a profound mark in the annals of the North Continent!

"The paperwork from Deep Sea is notoriously sluggish." Mu Wanqiu's brow furrowed. "I've been exceptionally busy lately. The application was submitted before my departure south... It likely won't reach its destination until tomorrow."

"Is the urgency truly that great?" Gu Shen inquired with a sigh.

"It is urgent if I intend to engage you in combat." With a decisive *bang*, Mu Wanqiu sealed the energy boat's cabin, her eyes beginning to gleam. "Seize the opportune moment rather than deferring for another day..."

The northern reaches of Changye presented a rather desolate panorama. Numerous barren mountains dotted the landscape, rendering it an ideal locale for combat! After a swift survey of her surroundings, Mu Wanqiu commenced a series of stretches.

*Crackling and popping* sounds emanated from her movements, causing Gu Shen to frown. "Hold on! You're not contemplating a fight right now, are you?"

"Naturally. Otherwise, when? Do you have any idea how difficult it is to secure leave from the Investigation Corps!" Mu Wanqiu stated, her expression shifting to a frown as she adopted a combat stance. A colossal, white-clad judge materialized behind her.

Six years prior, Xiao Qiu's manifestation was not nearly as formidable! Truly an S-level prodigy! The moment Gu Shen laid eyes upon this [Judge] manifestation, his conclusion was firm. Mu Wanqiu's true power undoubtedly ranked among the elite titled cultivators! While her youth might preclude her from surpassing Jia Wei at this juncture, she was indisputably more formidable than individuals like Cloud Tiger and Xuan Turtle!

"Boom!" Mu Wanqiu surged forward impulsively, unleashing a powerful punch directly at Gu Shen. "Ora!"

With a low cry, the judge's white robes billowed in the wind as the Silent Annihilation Domain of Great Success expanded. Gripping an illusory white wolf hair brush, the towering judge drew it like a firearm, directing the immense killing intent and deadly aura of judgment toward Gu Shen!

Gu Shen neither retreated nor dodged.

He reached out and caught Mu Wanqiu’s fist directly!

A muffled thud echoed.

The physical clash between the two erupted.

Gu Shen took a slight step back, but only one.

Meanwhile, the overwhelming aura from the [Judge] descended.

Gu Shen lifted his head and sighed.

He felt no pain whatsoever.

This assault originated from the [Judge]...

The Silent Annihilation Domain, which Mu Wanqiu used to crush others, had absolutely zero effect on Gu Shen.

Having perfectly navigated the Great Cold phase, Gu Shen calmly absorbed the judge’s murderous intent emanating from the brush.

This was because he was the Netherworld King.

In the next instant, [Pure Land] spread outwards.

A layer of azure frost coated the source armor on Mu Wanqiu’s lower legs.

Gu Shen gradually released Mu Wanqiu’s fist, remarking with a hint of regret, "Is there any point in continuing this fight? I don't believe so... Your preferred methods are ineffective against me."

"Crack!"

Mu Wanqiu leaned forward, her body encased by the Pure Land's ice. Despite forcefully yanking her legs free, new blue frost immediately reformed.

Gu Shen drifted back several dozen meters.

He chuckled, stating, "Alright, alright, I understand you wish to spar with me... I promise you, I will go all out, holding nothing back, but not at this moment."

"Not now?"

Mu Wanqiu knitted her brows and inquired, "What do you imply?"

"As my chosen [Crown Supporter], you have yet to fulfill your duties as an [Angel Envoy]."

Gu Shen crossed his arms with a serious expression, "I require your accompaniment on a journey to Qinghe District; consider it a joint mission."

Mu Wanqiu narrowed her eyes.

Qinghe District—she recognized it as a somewhat underdeveloped region in Jiangnan.

With Gu Shen's current prowess, he could traverse the entirety of the Five Continents with ease, even the [Old World].

What purpose would a trip to Qinghe District serve? And why would he need her company?

She cautiously questioned, "What mission is this?"

"Confidential for the time being."

Gu Shen beamed, "For now, you simply need to give me your answer: will you go, or will you not?"

Mu Wanqiu gazed at Gu Shen for a considerable duration.

She surveyed their desolate, sandy surroundings; if a true battle were to commence, this location wasn't ideal either.

"I will go."

Mu Wanqiu declared, "However, you must also promise me one thing."

Gu Shen retracted [Pure Land] and responded with a sigh, "Come now, I've already agreed to a proper fight with you, and you still have further demands?"

"Do not forget, this is something you owe me."

Mu Wanqiu irritably brushed the snow from her person and earnestly stated, "Consider this my second request: after this task is concluded, accompany me to the North Continent."

"I am aware I likely cannot defeat you."

"I simply wish to witness the disparity between our strengths..."

Mu Wanqiu took a deep breath and asked with sincerity, "Bai Xiu is currently training under the Silver Fox General; Gu Shen, don't you wish to know how much Little Xiuzi has developed?"

......(Chapter complete! Requesting monthly votes! Goodnight, everyone!)