Light Fortress Chapter 1726 - 383: Battle Between the Netherworld King and the Crown Bearer (Super - !)_3

The memory of Gu Shen, when his cultivation realm was still shallow, every single aspiration he held, every adversary he needed to confront, was meticulously analyzed.

Chu Ling possessed the ability to consistently provide a precise probability for each endeavor.

"However, you vanished into the Ice Sea for a span of six years, and upon your reappearance, your formidable strength had already surpassed the estimations compiled within the 'database'."

A palpable sense of regret permeated Chu Ling's voice as she continued, "I can no longer accurately compute your current might... following the decisive clash at Red Lake, where you triumphed in eliminating Jia Wei. Post that engagement, I recognized the futility of continuing to offer computational support for your undertakings."

Numerous variables exist that defy calculation.

For instance, the surge of potential unlocked during life-or-death combat remains unquantifiable.

"Nevertheless, calculating your various 'probabilities' has become... a ingrained habit for me." After a brief period of contemplation, Chu Ling finally settled on the most fitting term.

An AI, by its nature, does not possess habits.

Her core mission was to provide utmost support to the [Key].

Yet, having evolved to this advanced stage, Chu Ling had transcended the constraints of her programming; she now existed as a sentient being.

Offering computational assistance had transitioned into a routine, a familiar practice.

Her sole desire was to contribute in any way she could for Gu Shen.

Even if these contributions now seemed negligible and unimportant.

"... I comprehend."

Upon absorbing this acknowledgment, Gu Shen drew a gentle breath. "I shall engage in this battle with utmost determination. Ensure you meticulously collect all relevant data."

...

...

Amidst the swaying mountain rain, bisected by streaks of Chi Huo, Chu Ling piloted a miniature vessel, departing from the windswept summit of Zhaiyun Mountain and charting a course towards the distant anchorage.

Gu Shen casually conjured a wisp of flame.

At his current cultivation realm, transcendent duels capable of shattering mountains and cleaving rivers were not an uncommon occurrence.

Should he have engaged Mu Wanqiu with his full might, Zhaiyun Mountain would have been reduced to ruins in short order.

Consequently, Gu Shen erected a formidable barrier.

The barrier he painstakingly constructed was vast, encompassing nearly the entirety of Zhaiyun Mountain, a safeguard to prevent the extraordinary aura emanating from their battle from leaking outwards, thereby averting any unnecessary attention from the stationed extraordinary sensors within the Qinghe District.

"I find myself immensely curious; what precisely transpired during your duel with Little Xiuzi?"

Having finalized these crucial preparations, Gu Shen stood with one hand clasped behind his back.

"I was defeated, and it was a crushing defeat at that."

Mu Wanqiu, positioned elsewhere on the mountaintop, did not shy away from admitting the outcome of that particular confrontation, articulating her words deliberately.

"In terms of spirit, domain, and even body techniques, I was thoroughly outmatched."

"A comprehensive victory, you say?"

Gu Shen sought clarification with genuine seriousness. "Little Xiuzi even managed to suppress you in the realm of body techniques?"

Mu Wanqiu, originally hailing from the Northern Continent, had enlisted in the military at a remarkably young age.

Initially serving under Lu Zhe, she was subsequently promoted to the rank of team captain, and thereafter, underwent specialized training directly under the esteemed Purple Rain Commander.

While the Northern Continent officially recognized only three generals,

Purple Rain, the master of the formidable [Dragon Annihilation] technique, was, in fact, destined to become the fourth general!

Purple Rain's martial prowess was exceptionally potent, her body techniques ranking among the absolute elite... growing up within such an environment, it stood to reason that Mu Wanqiu's body techniques should have been her most formidable asset.

"That is correct,"

Mu Wanqiu affirmed. "However... that was prior to my special training under the Purple Rain Commander, during the period when Bai Xiu had only recently arrived in the Northern Continent, and had not yet formally apprenticed himself to Silver Fox."

"I see."

Gu Shen offered a knowing smile. "So, because you suffered a defeat once, you now feel too embarrassed to challenge Bai Xiu again."

"... You are welcome to interpret it that way."

Mu Wanqiu's expression turned exceedingly serious as she stated, "Victory and defeat are but common occurrences in the annals of warfare. While I lost to Bai Xiu on one occasion, it does not preclude the possibility of future triumph."

She was undeniably an S-class prodigy, seemingly born for the crucible of battle.

Her demeanor towards both victory and defeat remained remarkably composed.

A single lost bout did not signify the end; numerous battles lay ahead in life's journey.

Even after being utterly outclassed by Bai Xiu, Mu Wanqiu remained undiscouraged.

"Hearing such words fills me with immense satisfaction..."

Gu Shen extended a hand, beckoning.

"You are truly worthy of being the [Crown Bearer] I have taken an interest in. I shall give this battle my all."

"Hmph."

Mu Wanqiu arched her sword-like eyebrows, extending her torso. Her form, though draped in a flowing posture, exuded an aesthetic beauty that did not incite any lewd thoughts.

This was because, as she stretched, countless crimson scales materialized, enveloping her already form-fitting combat attire and swiftly coalescing into a complete Source Armor.

"The advancements in technology at the Underground Research Institute are truly remarkable."

Gu Shen narrowed his eyes.

He could already distinctly sense an intense killing intent and an imminent danger.

Buzz——

A sharp sonic boom resonated from directly behind him.

Gu Shen perceived a pressure akin to a mountain bearing down upon him. Without needing to turn, he instinctively knew it was the [Judge] executing an instantaneous movement, their speed so extreme that it seemingly tore through space itself.

"Ohla!"

The [Judge], clad in white, launched a powerful punch.

Behind Gu Shen, the branches of the Pure Land unfurled, their numerous long leaves converging into a formidable ice shield.

With a resounding boom, debris of ice erupted into the sky!

The impact of the blow was so immense it shattered the Pure Land's ice shield, revealing Mu Wanqiu's eagerness for this combat and her utter lack of leniency.

Had Gu Shen's defense been lacking, this singular strike would have been sufficient to inflict grievous harm upon him!

Excellent...

Gu Shen cleared his thoughts, immersing himself in the state of heart flow.

Although the Judge's powerful punch pulverized the elemental ice shield meticulously formed by the Pure Land, that was all it achieved. The chilling aura of [Silent Annihilation] commenced its insidious creep. The sleeve of the specter clad in white became ensnared by the biting, bleak wind and snow. His pupils constricted as he attempted to retract his limb, but it was too late; his entire arm was rapidly encased in a layer of frost and ice!

Gu Shen spun around and grasped the colossal arm.

He, too, showed no quarter.

His hands moved in a crossing motion.