CHAPTER 469: CHAPTER 258 CHAOTIC GREEN LOTUS_2

Everyone nodded in agreement upon hearing this. Chu Haoran’s eyes lit up, and he said, "Senior Brother Gu, I’ve always wanted to consult you about cultivation. Would you kindly enlighten me?"

Gu Sheng smiled and said, "Junior Brother, you’re too polite. We can simply exchange insights."

Amid jovial laughter, the group decided to hold a barbecue feast to celebrate their recent cultivation achievements.

Gu Sheng took out the prey from his Storage Ring: bear meat, rabbit meat, deer meat... The tantalizing aroma wafted through the air, making everyone’s mouth water.

With skilled movements, he flipped the meat on the grill, enhancing the fragrance with a secret blend of modern seasonings. The delicious scent wafted out, drawing everyone in closer.

"Junior Brother Gu, your cooking skills are getting more exquisite by the day!" Lin Miaomiao praised.

Gu Sheng laughed and said, "You’re too kind, Senior Sister. It’s just some simple techniques."

Huang Miaoyin laughed heartily and remarked, "Junior Brother Gu, if your skills are ’simple,’ then ours don’t even qualify as basic!"

Everyone burst into laughter at her words. Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile and continued grilling.

Just then, Mu Tiantian arrived.

She had come looking for Gu Sheng, and by now, she was a regular visitor at the Holy Pill Sect. Her presence had long ceased to surprise anyone, even Gu Sheng.

Holding a beautifully crafted invitation in her hand, she approached Gu Sheng respectfully and said:

"Young Master Gu, this is an invitation from Princess Zishuang. Please accept it."

Gu Sheng took the invitation and opened it. It read:

"Young Master Gu Sheng, you are cordially invited to my flower-viewing banquet, where we shall admire rare flowers and savor fine wine and delicacies together."

He smiled faintly and said, "Many thanks to the Princess for her kind invitation. I will surely attend as promised."

Upon hearing this, everyone expressed their congratulations.

Chu Haoran even jumped up in excitement, saying, "Senior Brother Gu, you must take us along to experience such elegance!"

Gu Sheng nodded and said with a smile, "That could be arranged, but I wonder if the Princess might not be pleased?"

His comment left even Mu Tiantian a bit embarrassed. She replied hesitatingly, "This matter... Don’t worry. You all can arrive first, and I’ll inform the Princess. Even if she doesn’t entertain you, I’ll take care of you..."

Lin Miaomiao, being tactful, remarked, "Oh, come on! It was just a suggestion. That kind of occasion... It’s best to let Junior Brother Gu attend alone!"

Everyone chimed in agreement.

For common folks, occasions with nobles were often more uneasy than enjoyable.

Amid laughter and chatter, the barbecue feast continued.

Under the flickering firelight, their youthful and vibrant faces shone brightly, as if the joy and warmth of that moment could last forever.

The next morning, as the dawn rose, Gu Sheng headed alone to the Princess’s flower-viewing banquet as scheduled. The royal garden was filled with blooming flowers, their fragrances diffusing throughout the air, creating an extraordinary spectacle.

Pavilions and towers dotted the landscape, with winding paths leading deeper into secluded elegance—a reflection of royal grandeur and sophistication everywhere.

As Gu Sheng stepped into the garden, he saw Princess Yun Zishuang waiting amidst the sea of blossoms.

Clad in luxurious attire, her breathtaking beauty resembled a celestial maiden descended to earth. Upon seeing Gu Sheng, she smiled faintly, her eyes flickering with a trace of cunning.

"Young Master Gu, you have arrived," Yun Zishuang said softly, her voice as melodious as a lark’s song.

Gu Sheng cupped his hands respectfully and said, "I dare not disobey the Princess’s invitation."

The two walked side by side, wandering through the sea of flowers.

Yun Zishuang occasionally pointed to various exotic blooms, introducing their names and unique traits to Gu Sheng.

Although Gu Sheng had little interest in such matters, he could only feign interest and respond perfunctorily.

"Young Master Gu, what do you think of these flowers?" Yun Zishuang suddenly asked.

Gu Sheng’s heart stirred, realizing that the Princess was testing him.

After a brief pause, he replied, "The flowers in the Princess’s garden are all exquisite treasures of the world, breathtakingly beautiful."

Yun Zishuang’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction at his reply. She said, "Since that’s the case, allow me to compose a poem about flower appreciation. I’d like your opinion, Young Master Gu."

Gu Sheng inwardly sighed but had no choice but to agree.

Yun Zishuang promptly recited: "Hundreds of flowers compete in spring’s warmth, their fragrance intoxicates the soul. If you ask which bloom reigns supreme, none surpasses the graceful peony."

After hearing this, Gu Sheng secretly shook his head. Although the poem was ornate, its meaning was shallow and lacked originality.

Still, given the circumstances, Gu Sheng was compelled to offer praise. "The Princess’s literary talent is extraordinary; this poem is truly outstanding."

Yun Zishuang, delighted, said, "Young Master Gu flatters me. Would you be willing to compose a flower-appreciation poem as well, so that I may witness your talent?"

Gu Sheng sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn’t escape this today.

Gazing at the lotus pond nearby, he pondered briefly before reciting: "Lotus blossoms uniquely aglow, pure amidst mud they rise. Gracefully poised upon the water, domineering charm beneath azure skies."

Yun Zishuang, upon hearing his poem, was visibly moved, her eyes filled with admiration. She exclaimed, "Young Master Gu, your talent is truly exceptional. This poem possesses profound imagery, captivating the soul."

Gu Sheng secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling he had managed to pass this hurdle.

Shua!

Suddenly, a flash of light flickered.

While reciting the poem, Gu Sheng’s Vajra Demon Suppression Bell glowed briefly at his brow, which greatly surprised him. Fortunately, the Princess didn’t notice.

However, Yun Zishuang appeared uninterested in concluding the matter.

She continued, "Young Master Gu, with such remarkable talent, it would be my honor if you would serve me."

Gu Sheng immediately understood the Princess’s intentions to recruit him. He gracefully declined, saying, "You overpraise me, Princess.

I am accustomed to living freely like a wandering cloud and a wild crane, disliking constraints. If the Princess ever needs assistance, she’d merely have to ask."

Although disappointment flickered in Yun Zishuang’s eyes, she did not give up.

As the day waned, the two arrived at a pavilion surrounded by sumptuous dishes, their aroma tantalizing.

Yun Zishuang invited Gu Sheng to sit, and the two began sampling the exquisite cuisine.

"Young Master Gu, how do you find these dishes?" Yun Zishuang queried.

Taking a moment to savor the flavors, Gu Sheng remarked, "The chefs here at the Princess’s residence are indeed masterful. These dishes are a feast for the senses, truly unforgettable."

Yun Zishuang beamed proudly, saying, "Would the Young Master consider staying here long-term to enjoy such delicacies and marvel at the sights with me?"

Gu Sheng chuckled bitterly inwardly, recognizing yet another attempt at probing him. He set down his chopsticks and replied solemnly:

"I appreciate the Princess’s kindness, but I still prefer a life of freedom and unrestrained wandering. Nonetheless, if the Princess ever requires help, please do not hesitate to ask."

Yun Zishuang couldn’t hide her disappointment once more.

She understood that if she could recruit Gu Sheng, his immense talent and strength would significantly bolster her influence.

Thus, she continued chatting with him, looking for opportunities to build rapport.

Gu Sheng, however, maintained a measured distance, refusing to let himself be pulled in.

He knew that there was an unbridgeable gap between himself and the Princess.

When night arrived, Gu Sheng bid farewell to the Princess and departed the royal garden.

Gazing up at the twinkling stars in the night sky, Gu Sheng’s heart brimmed with anticipation and hope for the future.

Back at the Holy Pill Sect, Gu Sheng anxiously dove into studying the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell.

In the past, no matter how he attempted to activate it, the bell remained lifeless, as though inert.

It was only in life-and-death moments that the bell responded passively, unveiling its unfathomable powers.

Gu Sheng murmured to himself: "Lotus blossoms uniquely aglow, pure amidst mud they rise. Gracefully poised upon the water, domineering charm beneath azure skies..."

With the poem’s recitation, the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell started resonating, its engravings intertwining to reveal a map of the Red Cloud Continent.

"Buzz—"

One specific location on the map glowed brilliantly, pulsating intensely.

Gu Sheng’s intuition sparked; he knew that place held secrets intimately linked to the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell.

"Green Lotus Valley!" he exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The following morning, as the first light of dawn broke, Gu Sheng set off alone for Green Lotus Valley.

The sights within the valley were breathtaking. Lotus leaves blanketed the sky, their verdant hues stretching endlessly like an ocean.

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves, causing them to sway lightly, as if a boundless green wave surged across the land.

With each step Gu Sheng took further into the valley, the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell’s reactions became increasingly intense.

But as he stepped into the heart of the valley, a vine suddenly shot out from the lotus leaves, wrapping tightly around him.

Gu Sheng struggled fiercely, but the vine was as unyielding as iron chains. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t break free.

Looking around, Gu Sheng noticed countless scattered bones across the valley, creating a ghastly scene.

On many of these bones, withered vines still coiled, as if lamenting the tragic battles of the past.