Chapter 477 - 242: The Return of Yuzhi and the Nanzhao Gu King

Chapter 477: Chapter 242: The Return of Yuzhi and the Nanzhao Gu King

On the border of Ning’an Prefecture, in the Yunze Waters.

Mist hung heavy over the water, and reeds grew in dense thickets.

A figure in a light cyan, close-fitting robe—voluptuous yet light on her feet—darted out from a hidden patch of reeds and landed steadily on a reef half-submerged in the water.

The cyan-robed figure came to a slow stop, raising a hand to press against her left shoulder, which still ached faintly. She glanced back into the depths of the marsh, the tension in her heart finally easing as she let out a long, cloudy breath.

This was none other than Sun Yuzhi, the Vice Governor of the Jingwu Bureau, who had been away from Ning’an Prefecture for over a month.

After a moment of regulating her breathing, she felt the True Essence in her body gradually calm down. The searing pain in her meridians, which had been corroded by some sort of sinister, cold Demon Fire, was temporarily suppressed. Having confirmed that there were no signs of pursuers, Sun Yuzhi delayed no longer. She got her bearings and sped off toward Ning’an Prefecture City.

At this moment, the aura around her was condensed and profound, a qualitative change from before she had left.

She had, in fact, successfully broken through her bottleneck and stepped into the Divine Communication stage of the late Profound Mastery Realm.

Her Spirit Platform was established, her Divine Fire was newly ignited, and although her Divine Sense was not yet fully stable, she could already extend it outwards to perceive her surroundings. Her strength had increased dramatically.

Sun Yuzhi was in such a hurry to return for two reasons. First, she naturally wanted to escape any potential pursuers and dangers, and to return to the relative familiarity of Ning’an Territory as quickly as possible.

Second, she was worried about Chen Sheng.

Before she left, Chen Sheng’s relationship with the Nie Family had been delicate, bordering on hostile. Moreover, the Vast Sea Sect was watching him like a tiger stalking its prey.

Although she knew Chen Sheng was extraordinary in both his methods and his wits, it was hard for one person to stand alone, and she couldn’t help but worry.

Now that she had successfully broken through, if she could return in time, even if she couldn’t change the overall situation, she could at least become a force by Chen Sheng’s side that could not be ignored, lending him some much-needed confidence and support.

However, when a travel-worn Sun Yuzhi finally rushed back to Ning’an Prefecture, the news she heard left her momentarily stunned on the spot.

’Not only has Chen Sheng not fallen out with the Nie Family, he’s actually formally engaged to their legitimate daughter, Nie Lingxi? And the news has spread all over Ning’an?’

’This... while unexpected, is still within the realm of comprehension.’

But then came the rest.

Golden Spring Temple was annihilated!

Qingfeng Temple was massacred!

Entire sects exterminated, not even a chicken or dog was spared!

And the one who orchestrated these two bloody massacres was none other than the new Ning’an Inspector, Chen Sheng!

It was even rumored that Monk Kongxu, the abbot of Golden Spring Temple who was at the peak of Profound Mastery, had also died at Chen Sheng’s hands in a direct confrontation!

Each piece of news was like a clap of thunder, exploding one after another in her mind.

It was enough to leave Sun Yuzhi in a daze.

’What in the world happened?’

’She had only been gone for a little over a month.’

’The young man who once needed her protection now possessed the power and audacity to annihilate two century-old sects with a flip of his hand?’

’Could it be that his strength had already surpassed hers?’

’Then what was the point of her risking everything to break through?’

Of course, Sun Yuzhi could accept all of this.

After all, Chen Sheng had been stronger than her to begin with!

Immediately, Sun Yuzhi rushed to the Jingwu Bureau, wanting to understand the specifics of the situation.

When Governor Nie Xuanfeng saw Sun Yuzhi return safely and with her cultivation greatly improved, he also breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn’t hide anything when she asked her questions.

He recounted in full detail the dramatic changes that had occurred in Ning’an over the past month, especially Chen Sheng’s actions.

From Nie Xiangjun’s test that day to Chen Sheng’s engagement with Nie Lingxi.

From his promotion to Inspector where he took full command, to his decisive mobilization of troops to destroy Golden Spring Temple and then annihilate Qingfeng Temple with lightning speed.

From his direct suppression and killing of Monk Kongxu, to how his might now terrified Ning’an and his fame had spread to Yunzhou...

Every single event, every single detail, sent waves crashing through Sun Yuzhi’s heart, leaving her shaken beyond words.

The image of that young man became clearer than ever in her mind, yet it also seemed to be shrouded in a fog she could not see through.

His rate of growth, his decisiveness in killing, his meticulous scheming—all of it far exceeded Sun Yuzhi’s previous understanding of him.

"Ahem... Vice Envoy Sun."

Seeing her remain silent for a long time after he finished, her expression complex, Nie Xuanfeng assumed she harbored ill feelings about Chen Sheng’s marriage alliance with the Nie Family. He cleared his throat and began to explain carefully:

"About this marriage alliance..."

"Where is Chen Sheng now?"

Sun Yuzhi suddenly cut him off.

Nie Xuanfeng was slightly taken aback, but then he answered:

"Golden Spring Temple, at the bottom of the Demon Suppression Tower."

Sun Yuzhi nodded. Without another word, she simply clasped her fist in a salute.

"This subordinate takes her leave."

Before her voice had even faded, Sun Yuzhi’s figure transformed into a streak of pale cyan light, shooting up into the sky. She sped directly toward Golden Spring Mountain, disappearing over the horizon in an instant.

...

[Mental Realm Second Realm (249/1000)]

[Nine Steps to Heaven, Minor Achievement (102/500)]

[Blood Slaughter Floating Light Body, Perfection (1888/2000)]

[Six Paths True Scripture - Profound Mastery Chapter, Great Success (55/1000)]

Inside the Golden Spring Spirit Pool, Chen Sheng’s expression flickered as he looked at the changes on his Celestial Book Panel.

Overall, he was relatively satisfied with his recent progress.

Although his progress hadn’t been staggering since his breakthrough, it wasn’t slow either, thanks to the support of various resources. In fact, it could even be called rapid, especially his Body Technique, the Nine Steps to Heaven.

Perhaps because he had a solid foundation from the Blood Slaughter Floating Light Body technique, his progress was truly remarkable.

The only regrettable thing was that Sun Yuzhi had not yet returned, and he was unable to open the Storage Treasure to use the Seven-leaf Thunder Ginseng inside for his cultivation.

Otherwise, his cultivation speed would be even faster.

Although Nie Xuanfeng was also at the late Profound Mastery Realm and possessed Divine Sense, Chen Sheng trusted Sun Yuzhi more. She was one of his own people; after all, they were the ones who truly knew each other inside and out.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, as Chen Sheng was lost in thought, he sensed some movement outside. His brow furrowed slightly. He looked up to see the stone door being pushed open, and a figure in a light cyan long dress walked in.