Chapter 1793 - 909: Innocent Maiden? The Truth Remains Unclear (2)

Chapter 1793: Chapter 909: Innocent Maiden? The Truth Remains Unclear (2)

Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow beneath her eyelids, like a fragile porcelain doll. The light of the array flowed around, as if striving to maintain her life force, flickering like a candle in the wind.

The man walked to the bedside, gazing at the girl’s worsening, unchanged complexion, a hint of pain and helplessness flashing in his eyes, finally turning into a heavy sigh.

...

Tianyuan Emperor City, the top floor of the Ten Thousand Treasures Hall.

The environment here was far more elegant and luxurious than the floors below, with a broad view. Through the huge glazed windows, one could overlook the dazzling lights of more than half the city. A round table of rosewood displayed several exquisite spirit fruit snacks and a pot of aromatic spiritual tea.

Gu Sheng, Tantai Bingyu, Tantai Xueling, and Tantai Xuefei sat around the table, with Gu Yuanyuan and Qidiao Yaoyao sitting quietly at a slightly further lower position.

Tantai Bingyu personally poured tea for Gu Sheng, his conversation remained elegant, but compared to the initial formalities, it was evidently more natural and casual, somewhat restrained, and no longer distant.

Gu Sheng had a favorable impression of him, largely because earlier on the first floor, he hadn’t resorted to overly harsh measures against the seemingly innocent girl due to his eagerness to pursue clues.

After a few casual chats, the topic naturally returned to the "Heavenly Treasure Pool".

Gu Sheng directly expressed his interest.

"To be honest, Brother Bingyu, I am indeed in urgent need of enhancing my strength. I’ve heard that this Heavenly Treasure Pool has extraordinary effects; may I ask for what realm of martial artist is it most effective?"

Tantai Bingyu sipped some tea and smiled.

"Gu, you speak frankly. The Heavenly Treasure Pool contains Origin Power and Dao Fragments, most effective for martial artists below the Peak of Venerable Realm. Especially for body cultivators, or those keen on solidifying their foundation and tempering their bodies, it is practically a Holy Land.

With Gu’s current foundation of Thirty Acupoints Power, if you can endure long enough in the pool, leveraging its vast energy and the baptism of the Dao, perhaps... there is truly hope to forge a ’Great Success Golden Body’ in one go!"

Great Success Golden Body! A spark flashed in Gu Sheng’s eyes.

He was well aware that although his Glazed Golden Body was strong, there was still a distance to truly sanctify his physical form, reaching the indestructible Great Success Realm. If this Heavenly Treasure Pool indeed had such miraculous effects, then the allure was undoubtedly immense for him.

"Such an opportunity is truly tempting."

Gu Sheng nodded, then asked.

"May I know what conditions are required to enter this Heavenly Treasure Pool? Besides the stolen token, are there any other ways?"

Tantai Bingyu put down his teacup, looking at Gu Sheng, his tone sincere.

"If Gu truly wishes to enter, Bingyu might be able to help mediate a little. After all..."

Before he could finish, Gu Sheng shook his head, interrupting him.

"Brother Bingyu’s kindness, I appreciate. However, I wish to strive through my own capabilities. Besides, I just arrived and don’t want to cause the Tantai Family any trouble over this matter."

Tantai Xuefei, listening at the side, couldn’t help but interject.

"Come on, Gu Sheng, don’t be so polite! Our cousin Bingyu’s grandfather is the current Holy Master of the Heavenly Treasure Sacred Land! Getting a token for him, although a bit troublesome, isn’t too difficult!"

Tantai Bingyu glanced helplessly at his outspoken cousin, offering a bitter smile.

"Xuefei... This matter pertains to the allocation of Sacred Land’s resources; even with my grandfather’s connection, there must be certain protocols followed, it can’t be given or taken at will. Nonetheless, since Gu has mentioned it, Bingyu shall try his best."

He paused, looked at Gu Sheng, his gaze sincere.

Gu Sheng insisted, cupped his hands and said.

"Brother Bingyu’s kindness, I’ll remember.

But for this matter, please allow me to find a way on my own."

Tantai Xuefei, seeing this, blinked her eyes, and with a tone carrying some teasing and exploration, said to Tantai Bingyu.

"Cousin, don’t force him! He’s quite stubborn! Besides, he’s done such a big favor for me, has a good relationship with sister Xueling, and saved sister Bingtang, our Tantai family owes him quite a lot of favors indeed, it’s normal he doesn’t want to trouble us further."

Though the words seemed like advice, they actually pointed out Gu Sheng’s deep connection with the Tantai family.

Tantai Bingyu, finishing listening, let his gaze linger on Gu Sheng and his two family sisters, a meaningful glint flashing in his eyes, subsequently smiling as if having suddenly comprehended something, he didn’t insist further.

After pondering for a moment, he said to Gu Sheng.

"Since Gu insists on relying on his own strength, Bingyu shall provide a clear path. Tomorrow evening, my Ten Thousand Treasures Hall will host a monthly auction, during which, a token for the Heavenly Treasure Pool will be offered as the final item for auction. If Gu is interested, perhaps you can give it a try."

Hearing this, Gu Sheng’s eyes revealed a look of interest.

"An auction? That’s indeed a fair way to compete. Thank you, Brother Bingyu, for informing me."

With business done, Tantai Bingyu stood up and apologized.

"Gu, Xueling, Xuefei, there are still matters downstairs that require my attention. Bingyu shall take his leave first. Please make yourselves at home."

He also gave a gentle nod to Gu Yuanyuan and Qidiao Yaoyao before turning to leave.

Gu Sheng, seeing it was getting late, also got up with Gu Yuanyuan and Qidiao Yaoyao to say goodbye.

Yet, as Tantai Bingyu left, he specifically signaled with his eyes for Tantai Xuefei and Tantai Xueling to stay, seemingly having more to discuss.

In the elegant room on the top floor, only the Tantai sisters remained.

In the refined quiet room on the top floor of the Ten Thousand Treasures Hall,

Tantai Bingyu waved his hand, and pure True Qi, like an invisible barrier, completely isolated the interior space.

The gentle smile on his face faded, his gaze carried a scrutiny, falling on the somewhat restless Tantai Xuefei.

"Xuefei," Tantai Bingyu’s voice remained calm, yet carried a non-negotiable seriousness.

"What exactly is your relationship with Gu Sheng? Do not brush me off with those empty words again."

Tantai Xuefei sprang up like a cat whose tail got stepped on, her pretty face slightly red, hastily said.

"Cousin! You... what nonsense are you saying! What kind of relationship could I have with him?! It’s just... just that he helped me restore my cultivation, and I’m just grateful to him! Don’t overthink!"

Tantai Bingyu looked at her anxious denial, but her eyes flickered, gently shook his head, his tone carried a knowing calmness.

"Xuefei, since childhood you couldn’t hide your thoughts. The way you look at him and the tone you use when speaking to him are different from others. Cousin is not a rigid person, if you genuinely have a liking for him, just speak plainly."

"W-who has a liking for him! Cousin, if you speak nonsense again, I...I’ll tell father!"

Tantai Xuefei, a mix of shame and anger, stomped her feet in rebuttal, yet her flushed cheeks and evasive eyes made her appear even more guilty.

Tantai Bingyu, seeing her like this, understood in his heart. This usually fearless and spirited cousin of his, seemed to have genuinely developed feelings for Gu Sheng, and those feelings were likely quite deep.

He didn’t press further, just sighed, and said.

"Enough, you control your own thoughts. However, this matter probably won’t escape Uncle Mingjing’s eyes. Go call Xueling here, I have something to discuss with her."

Tantai Xuefei, like receiving a pardon, quickly nodded, almost escaping out of the quiet room.

...

On the other side, Gu Sheng, after leaving the top floor with Gu Yuanyuan and Qidiao Yaoyao, was respectfully attended by the Deacon of the Ten Thousand Treasures Hall, who arranged a quiet guest courtyard and a quiet room for cultivation for them.

After settling the two disciples, Gu Sheng was about to adjust his breath, when the Heavenly Destiny Star Disc at his waist, which had been dormant, unexpectedly transmitted a subtle yet clear vibration!

His heart stirred immediately, he took out the Star Plate.

On the ancient Compass, the pointer that had always been still, now emitted a gentle and continuous soft light, slightly trembling, pointing in a definite direction—somewhere distant in the sky.

’Last time when Fate’s will descended to suppress the Ancient True Demon, it seemed to be related to this Star Plate’s anomaly...’ Gu Sheng’s eyes narrowed slightly, pondering, ’This time the Star Plate again actively alerts, pointing clearly, could it be something related to the Fate lineage, or something connected to the river of destiny happening again?’

He hesitated no longer, immediately circulating the Dao Body within him, a strand of pure Destiny Dao Rhythm, containing the mysteries of fate and stars, slowly infused into the Heavenly Destiny Star Disc.