CHAPTER 466: CHAPTER 257: THE TWIN HEROES OF THE JADE MAIDEN

Gu Sheng was unfazed as he activated the Ancient Sacred Body; his flesh shimmered with golden light, like a golden War God.

"Boom~"

He smiled faintly, and a golden shadow of his fist swept out in an instant, seemingly giving Gu Sheng the upper hand.

Lin Tianhao did not give up. He fought back with all his might to resist Gu Sheng’s attacks, while seeking an opportunity to counterattack.

"Clang~"

During a fierce exchange, Lin Tianhao successfully reversed the tide of battle, his Sword Qi slashing through the air, aiming straight for Gu Sheng’s vital point.

Just when everyone believed Lin Tianhao was about to win, Gu Sheng’s body radiated dazzling golden light once again.

He took a deep breath, and a golden palm emerged instantly, descending with overwhelming power.

"Great Vajra Palm, stabilize Heaven and Earth!"

Gu Sheng roared wrathfully as his golden palm smashed down onto Lin Tianhao like heaven collapsing and earth shattering.

Lin Tianhao gave it his all to block the attack, yet he still couldn’t withstand the overwhelming force.

With a deafening bang, Lin Tianhao was struck by Gu Sheng’s golden palm and sent flying, landing heavily on the ground.

The martial arena went silent as everyone was awestruck by Gu Sheng’s strength.

However, Gu Sheng did not let pride get the better of him. He walked over, helped Lin Tianhao up, and the two exchanged a smile and shook hands in reconciliation.

"Gu Sheng, you are indeed strong. I’ve lost." Lin Tianhao said with a bitter smile.

"Tianhao, you are remarkable too. Let’s fight again next time!" Gu Sheng responded with a smile.

Their interaction surprised everyone present, stirring admiration for their skills and demeanor.

Among the female disciples, there was no shortage of infatuation for Gu Sheng. Princess Zishuang’s eyes shone brightly with a secret resolve to engage with Gu Sheng more.

Linghu Qingwan, as Gu Sheng’s close friend, had long regarded him as hers and loudly exclaimed, "Gu Sheng, you didn’t disappoint me—you’re truly amazing!"

Mu Yuanyuan, Mu Tiantian, Lin Miaomiao, and other female disciples also secretly cast admiring glances at Gu Sheng, expressing their affection.

"Such an outstanding man, and fair ladies always deserve a chance!" Mu Tiantian teased, playfully voicing the thoughts of the gathered women.

"Hehehe..."

Her playful remark caused the women to erupt in cheerful, bell-like laughter.

The martial arts tournament concluded with Lin Tianhao and Gu Sheng’s pinnacle battle.

The Emperor personally awarded the top eight contestants.

In eighth place, Lin Qingyu of Haoyang Sect received one Spirit Stone and twenty thousand taels of Gold.

Lin Qingyu, as Lin Tianhao’s younger sister and Lin Zhenghao’s daughter, was not dissatisfied with the twenty thousand taels of Gold, but who would complain about having too much money?

"Keep up the hard work!" Emperor Yun Wu personally handed the polished Spirit Stone and Gold to Lin Qingyu.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"In third place, Peng Xiao of Thousand Poison Sect received four Spirit Stones and two hundred thousand taels of Gold."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"In second place, Lin Tianhao of Haoyang Sect received six Spirit Stones, fifty thousand taels of Gold, and was granted the title of Marquis Gaoyang."

"In first place, Gu Sheng of Holy Pill Sect received ten Spirit Stones and the title of Champion Marquis."

The two thanked the Emperor but didn’t let their success lead to excessive pride.

For Lin Tianhao, compared to the over two thousand Spirit Stones he brought back from the Red Cloud Secret Domain, these six Spirit Stones seemed trivial. Fifty thousand taels of Gold, however, might have some utility.

As for the title of Marquis Gaoyang, it was essentially honorary—useful but not indispensable.

Nonetheless, it had its benefits, such as preferential treatment when entering royal territories, additional respect, and a significant elevation of his status within the family.

For Gu Sheng, the Spirit Stones were somewhat valuable, the Gold was very useful, and as for the title of Champion Marquis, it was like a hidden ace, possibly proving quite advantageous in the future.

To onlookers, whether they were ordinary citizens or scions of noble families, envy was inevitable.

After the tournament, as evening fell, the palace square was lit up brightly, but the excitement and discussions among the crowd remained unabated.

Li Xuandao, a disciple of Mad Saber Sect, gripped his heavy saber tightly, envy glinting in his eyes: "Hmph, Lin Tianhao and Gu Sheng—truly dragons among men. When will we ever bask in such glory?"

Zhang Jian of Giant Sword Sect furrowed his brows but couldn’t help but exclaim: "Gu Sheng is unparalleled in swordsmanship and physique; the name Champion Marquis is well and truly deserved."

Peng Xiao of Thousand Poison Sect, though he had taken third place, felt a hint of dissatisfaction in his heart: "Lin Tianhao, Gu Sheng, just wait—someday I will surpass you both!"

Young Master Zhan Ruotian of the Governor Mansion stood with deep-set eyes, seemingly lost in thought: "Marquis Gaoyang, Champion Marquis—this isn’t merely glory; it represents power and status. I wonder when our Governor Mansion will produce such figures."

The disciples of Haoyang Sect erupted in cheers, especially the younger ones, gazing at Lin Tianhao with eyes full of adoration: "Senior Brother Tianhao truly is the shining light of our Haoyang Sect!"

The disciples of Holy Pill Sect brimmed with pride, knowing that Gu Sheng’s achievement wasn’t merely his own glory, but that of their entire sect.

Among the Qian family’s children, hushed whispers spread: "Look at Lin Tianhao—he doesn’t even care about the Spirit Stones. It’s a rich man’s world, and we can’t understand it."

The daughters of the Mu family gazed starry-eyed, seemingly entranced by Lin Tianhao and Gu Sheng’s magnificence: "To marry such heroes—what a happiness that would be!"

The Zhou and Wu family’s disciples exchanged awkward glances, internally relieved: "Luckily, we didn’t participate in this tournament, or we’d have been utterly embarrassed!"

The square buzzed with conversation, everyone marveling at the results of the tournament—awed, envious, and full of aspirations. Amid the chatter, Lin Tianhao and Gu Sheng’s figures seemed to transcend the mundane, becoming legends in the eyes of the people.

Amid the joyful laughter, some discordant voices lurked.