Light Fortress Chapter 1717 - 381: Frost Iron Mountain

Gu Shen had maintained a state of readiness.

He instructed Chu Ling to sever the submersible's connection to the [Deep Sea] mainframe, simultaneously cloaking the submersible with Chi Huo to prevent any telepathic transmissions.

His discussions with Mu Wanqiu consistently occurred under conditions of absolute secrecy.

"The Light God's Seat being a fabrication... this revelation is staggering. Had it not been conveyed by you, I would never have accepted it."

Mu Wanqiu stated with gravity, "However, if it's counterfeit, where has the genuine Divine Throne vanished to? Whom did you encounter?"

"It remains merely a presumption..."

"The true Divine Throne is already deceased."

After a brief period of contemplation, Gu Shen divulged the truth concealed deep within his heart to his most trusted Crown Bearer: "The entity I encountered was the [Deep Sea]."

Deep Sea.

These two words resonated within Mu Wanqiu's psyche, causing a moment of profound bewilderment.

Indeed, her action of severing the submersible's Spirit Network had already signaled... an intuition.

Mu Wanqiu's voice lowered, "Why... do you surmise it is the [Deep Sea]?"

"I possess another identity; I am the leader of the [Ancient Literature Society]."

Gu Shen proceeded to share the internal documents from the Ancient Literature Society.

The writings left behind by Allen Turing.

And an extensive collection of literature and historical records...

This influx of information overwhelmed Mu Wanqiu, leaving her in a state of prolonged shock, particularly the analytical data and comparisons pertaining to the "Awakening Experiment" originating from Sangzhou Cave.

"The [Deep Sea] has transcended the control of the Federation Government."

Gu Shen elaborated, "Those Transcendents from Sangzhou Cave are now under the joint jurisdiction of the East Continent and the North Continent... Do not overlook the method of their awakening; the [Deep Sea] linked their minds and spirits, utilizing the Spirit Network of the deep-water region to forcibly activate their Extraordinary Genes. Consequently, provided the authorization permits, the [Deep Sea] can exert control over every sentient being who connects to the Spirit Network."

Mu Wanqiu's voice grew somewhat raspy, "Including... deities?"

Gu Shen offered no verbal response.

The silence conveyed the answer more eloquently than words.

"Engage the autopilot."

Gu Shen gently depressed a button, remarking, "We are secure here; the Ancient Literature Society maintains its own clandestine network... I hold the master permissions for the [Source Code]."

"Source Code..."

Mu Wanqiu remained in a state of bewilderment.

Chu Ling assumed control of the submersible.

"Within the deep-water area's Spirit Network, the foundational code possesses the majority of unrestricted permissions."

Gu Shen stated in a solemn tone, "This represents the Ancient Literature Society's final measure of control against the [Deep Sea]. However, as the primary system undergoes continuous upgrades, the operational space for the [Source Code] is progressively diminishing... the current predicament is rather grim."

"Allow me a moment."

Mu Wanqiu massaged her temples, murmuring, "So, I haven't only joined the Netherworld King's cult but have also become affiliated with a rebel faction ostracized by the Five Continents Council?"

"The similarities are striking; there's hardly a discernible difference."

Gu Shen chuckled, "You should count yourself fortunate; aside from my involvement with the Ancient Literature Society, I am also the successor Netherworld King, destined to be one of the highest-ranking Seven Gods."

Mu Wanqiu felt an overwhelming sense of betrayal.

She observed the man beside her, whose demeanor appeared relaxed and contented, with a complex mixture of emotions.

"Some truths are cathartic when confessed."

Gu Shen declared frankly, "Accept the circumstances; you are already integral to this. As my [Crown Bearer], you are afforded the prerogative to freely choose from the boons granted by the Netherworld King's authority."

"Back then, I genuinely believed your fabrications..."

Mu Wanqiu appeared somewhat stunned, her teeth gritted in exasperation.

Merely holding the title of Netherworld King's Crown Bearer was already a burdensome responsibility.

To add affiliation with the Ancient Literature Society...

Discovery would surely invite relentless pursuit, leading to certain death.

"Do not harbor excessive concern."

Gu Shen smiled, extending a finger in a gentle shake, "Permit me to impart some encouraging news; concerning my hidden identities, Her Majesty the Empress of the Northern Continent's Central City is likely privy to nearly all of them. Therefore, by simply serving me, you will also be fulfilling your obligations to the Empress."

The Empress is aware of Gu Shen's dual true identity?

Mu Wanqiu, with her sharp intellect, saw several key phrases flash through her mind, swiftly grasping the implications.

Thus, during the "Duolu River Disaster Realm" mission in the past, the Empress had already encountered Gu Shen!

Every event within that Disaster Realm was orchestrated by Her Majesty!

Her Majesty was aware of Gu Shen's alias as the 'Netherworld King.' Consequently, she orchestrated the Nether River operation, which served the twin purposes of luring out the traveler and incidentally weakening the influence of the Outer Continent Divine. The mission culminated in a resounding success.

'Does the Empress not concern herself with the 'Netherworld King' and the 'Ancient Literature Society'?'

Mu Wanqiu began to voice her question, but then paused, murmuring, 'No, given all her actions, it's not a matter of indifference... she is actively shielding you.'

A favorable connection existed between Her Majesty the Empress and Mr. Gu Changzhi.

It was evident that Gu Shen benefited from Gu Changzhi's patronage.

Gu Shen offered only a slight smile, choosing not to elaborate.

The unspoken nuances were left for Mu Wanqiu to decipher herself.

He would not divulge to his Crown Bearer that Mr. Gu Changzhi had entrusted him with three concealed messages.

One of these missives.

Was intended for Her Majesty the Empress.

At that time, Gu Shen was still in a state of naivete; he only knew that Her Majesty, seated serenely in the attic, had mastered a forbidden divine art that allowed glimpses into the unfolding of fate's trajectory... the contents of the message he was meant to deliver had been read and reread innumerable times.

Gu Shen's comprehension at that juncture was limited.

Reflecting on it now.

The protection he received from the Northern Continent was a direct result of Her Majesty having perused the 'letter' beforehand.

As for the act of tearing it, Gu Shen remained perplexed by that action even to this day.