CHAPTER 470: CHAPTER 259 MEETING AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE IN A FOREIGN LAND

"Sizzle, sizzle, sizzle..."

Beside Gu Sheng, tendrils of lotus vines squirmed slowly, their target unmistakably a dragon-boned golden snake.

The golden snake, wrapped in vines, visibly transformed into a skeleton at a frightening speed.

Gu Sheng’s heart filled with dread, and he hastily activated the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell, but strangely, the bell remained unresponsive.

He tried to summon the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll, but his body was restrained by the vines, rendering him incapable of moving.

Just as despair was about to consume him, an unforeseen change occurred.

The vines dragging him forward suddenly prostrated themselves upon passing over a patch of lotus leaves, as though they had encountered their sovereign.

Immediately after, the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell emanated brilliant golden light, and one by one, runic swastikas began to circulate, radiating boundless vitality.

This vitality streamed ceaselessly into the bell, gradually transforming it into a golden seed.

Even more wondrously, the vine restraining Gu Sheng began to dissolve into green vital energy, which was rapidly absorbed by the golden seed.

As the vitality of the vine was completely drained, the golden seed became increasingly radiant until it finally cracked open, and from within emerged a green lotus shoot, brimming with life.

"Dong, dong, dong..."

The resonant tolling of the bell echoed throughout the valley, rendering the eerie and mystical scene even more chilling.

Cold sweat drenched Gu Sheng as the vines binding him dissipated without a trace and the prostrate lotus leaves stood upright once more. Only then did he snap back to reality.

To his astonishment, the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell had returned to its original form, as if nothing had happened.

Gu Sheng’s heart was filled with exhilaration.

He realized that the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell, originally a seed of the Chaotic Green Lotus, had now absorbed a trace of chaotic vitality in Green Lotus Valley, activating it and sprouting the green lotus shoot.

This was undoubtedly a significant fortuitous encounter on his path of cultivation, one that added infinite possibilities to his future.

With eager anticipation, Gu Sheng opened his Martial Arts panel, discovering a new option:

Demon Soul: Chaotic Green Lotus.

"Is this the legendary Demon Soul?"

In later years, Gu Sheng, having read many fantasy novels, knew that in many fantasy worlds, Demon Souls existed—only prodigious talents of unparalleled aptitude could activate them.

He had never expected that he, too, possessed a Demon Soul!

"Seems my aptitude isn’t too bad after all!" Gu Sheng murmured to himself.

Upon returning from Green Lotus Valley, Gu Sheng’s heart was brimming with mystery and joy. Grasping the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell infused with chaotic vitality, he was filled with hope for the future.

But peaceful days did not last for long.

One day, the Crown Prince Yun Tingyu personally visited him, graciously inviting Gu Sheng for an audience at the palace.

Gu Sheng’s heart stirred, silently remarking, "Surely, the Crown Prince has motives behind this."

Yun Tingyu smiled warmly, though the depth in his eyes belied his true intentions.

He spoke directly, "Gu Sheng, you’ve been making waves in the Holy Pill Sect lately, which I greatly admire. Would you consider aiding me in my endeavors?"

Gu Sheng nodded slightly and replied, "Your Highness speaks too highly of me. I’ve merely been fortunate. If there is any way I can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask."

Yun Tingyu’s eyes sparkled with delight momentarily, but his tone shifted as he said, "Gu Sheng, are you aware that Princess Zishuang is not as simple as she appears on the surface? Her mind is scheming, her methods ruthless—you must remain vigilant."

Gu Sheng’s thoughts stirred, but he maintained an expression of placid neutrality.

He responded with a smile, "Your Highness worries unnecessarily. My interactions with Her Highness are limited; as long as I adhere to my duties, I imagine there will be no issues."

Yun Tingyu’s gaze flickered with a hint of disappointment, but he persisted doggedly:

"Gu Sheng, if you were to stand with me, together, we could rule the kingdom of Da Liang. What do you say?"

Gu Sheng inwardly sneered, remarking to himself, "Indeed, the Crown Prince’s ambitions run deep—he seeks to enlist me for his own schemes."

Outwardly unperturbed, he replied, "Your Highness flatters me. I am merely a cultivator with no interest in courtly politics. My sole wish is to advance in my practice and safeguard Da Liang’s peace."

Seeing Gu Sheng’s resolute stance, Yun Tingyu refrained from pressuring further. Though discontent, he knew better than to push too hard.

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries before parting ways.

Not long after his return to the Holy Pill Sect, Gu Sheng received an invitation from Princess Zishuang.

Baffled, he wondered what business Her Highness had with him.

Upon entering the palace, Princess Zishuang was already waiting.

As she saw Gu Sheng, her gaze momentarily flickered with a trace of complexity.

She spoke bluntly, "Gu Sheng, Da Liang is about to send troops to counter the Chu Country’s invasion. I wish to ask you to join the expedition."

Gu Sheng’s thoughts churned upon hearing this.

He understood that this was an opportunity to serve his nation and to test his strength in true battle.

Considering his recent activation of the Demon Soul, Gu Sheng felt a surge of confidence. Without hesitation, he replied, "Your Highness, I am willing to join the expedition and contribute my humble efforts to Da Liang."

Princess Zishuang’s eyes shone with a glimmer of approval as she responded, "Very well, you have not disappointed my expectations. This journey will be fraught with danger—you must proceed with caution."

Gu Sheng felt gratitude and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I will do my utmost to honor my mission."

They deliberated further on some details before parting ways.

Gu Sheng’s heart brimmed with anticipation and excitement, for he knew he was embarking on a journey filled with formidable challenges and boundless opportunities.

With only a few days left before the war, Gu Sheng chose not to spend his time cultivating at the Holy Pill Sect. Instead, he ventured into the mystical beast forest.

This type of forest was a domain only strong cultivators of the Marrow Refining Realm dared to enter.

As a Martial Artist at the peak of the Golden Bone Realm, Gu Sheng was confident in his ability to explore such a place.

Entering the mystical beast forest alone, the sight before his eyes seemed like an ethereal dream.