CHAPTER 474: CHAPTER 261: THE MYSTERIOUS TREASURE OF CHU COUNTRY

The Art of War by Sun Tzu emphasizes using orthodox strategies for engagement and unorthodox approaches for triumph. Gu Sheng decided to act as the cavalry to support Lin Tianhao’s company.

He departed with only Huang Miaoyin by his side.

By relying on the perception of the Green Vine Demon Soul, he could sense the conditions within a few kilometers’ radius, particularly the movements of large armies, which were exceptionally distinct.

The night was as dark as ink, deep and mysterious.

Gu Sheng and Huang Miaoyin silently ventured deep into the heartlands of Chu Country, with every step precariously teetering on the edge of danger.

"Legend has it, the heartlands of Chu Country are an ancient ruin from primordial times, concealing countless secrets."

Huang Miaoyin whispered, her eyes shimmering with curiosity and reverence.

As the granddaughter of Huang Yuncheng, the Peak Master of Spirit Pill Peak, her knowledge of hidden tales far surpassed that of ordinary people.

This was also why Gu Sheng chose to bring only her along.

Gu Sheng’s gaze was sharp and penetrating; he could feel a primordial and powerful aura permeating the air, as if something ancient was awakening.

Suddenly, a strong fluctuation pulsed from the distance. Shortly after, several figures streaked through the air, landing before the two of them.

"You dare trespass into Chu Country’s heartlands? Truly audacious beyond measure!"

The leader was a burly man whose eyes gleamed with a cold light, his voice ice-cold.

Gu Sheng’s heart tightened; he knew this encounter might spell disaster.

Yet, he felt no fear and instead stepped forward to confront them.

"I’ve come here to seek what belongs to me."

Gu Sheng’s voice was calm, yet each word carried resolute determination and confidence.

"Courting death!"

The burly man roared furiously, his figure blurring as he charged toward Gu Sheng.

Behind him, several of Chu Country’s princes followed closely, unleashing a formidable aura.

Gu Sheng’s eyes glimmered with a trace of coldness. His figure flickered, and he engaged the burly man in battle.

Huang Miaoyin provided support from the side, her movements nimble and graceful, each strike impeccably placed.

The battle was fierce and ruthless; as Gu Sheng struggled against the burly man in an evenly matched fight, he simultaneously protected Huang Miaoyin’s safety.

"Deng deng deng..."

Huang Miaoyin activated the Miao Yin Pipa, the sound of galloping hooves resonating as if thousands of troops were charging.

Dozens of Martial Artists became alert, while three aristocratic young men dressed in lavish robes immediately withdrew.

Illusion Realm, after all, was an illusion; its bewildering effect wouldn’t last long. Gu Sheng was aware that prolonging the fight wasn’t a solution; he needed to end it quickly.

At that moment, the Green Vine Demon Soul suddenly became restless, as if sensing something.

Gu Sheng acted decisively, channeling the Demon Soul’s power. A green vine burst out of the ground, instantly extending toward the burly man to entangle him.

The burly man’s expression changed as he sensed the immense power of the Green Vine Demon Soul.

But it was too late for him to escape; he could only brace himself to endure the attack.

"Bang!" A loud explosion echoed as the burly man was tightly ensnared by the Green Vine Demon Soul, unable to move.

Gu Sheng seized the opportunity to launch a punch, sending the man flying.

Seeing their leader defeated, the other princes of Chu Country retreated in terror.

Gu Sheng had no intention of letting them go. He moved swiftly and targeted one of the princes.

"Spare me! I’m willing to pay any price!"

The prince cried out in panic.

This was Chu Xuan, a prince of Chu Country.

Gu Sheng halted his steps, looking at the prince with a trace of amusement in his eyes.

"Oh? What price are you willing to pay?" Gu Sheng asked coolly.

"I... I can offer you endless gold and silver treasures, and help you gain high status within Chu Country!" Chu Xuan said eagerly.

Gu Sheng shook his head; he had no interest in these offers.

He stopped only because he had thought of an even better plan.

"I don’t need those things."

Gu Sheng said coldly, "But if you’re willing to become my bargaining chip, perhaps I can spare your life."

Chu Xuan froze, unable to fathom Gu Sheng’s demand.

Yet at this moment, he had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, capturing the prince in preparation to leave this perilous area.

Huang Miaoyin stood by, her gaze flickering with complicated emotions.

Meanwhile, on another battlefield, Lin Tianhao and his group faced an assault by ten thousand cavalrymen.

Though these cavalrymen had limited cultivation, their sheer numbers and momentum were overwhelming.

Undeterred, Lin Tianhao and his companions fought resolutely, each strike devastating, swiftly decimating the cavalry ranks.

Gu Sheng had not forgotten the larger battle’s dynamics. He dispatched the Green Vine Demon Soul to assist in repelling the enemy forces.

The Green Vine Demon Soul, with its immense power, also consumed corpses to amass life force.

In the heat of the battlefield, it became a rampaging green dragon, wreaking havoc among the enemy ranks, devouring all life in its wake.

In the rear, Princess Zishuang received the gift Gu Sheng sent—Prince Chu Xuan.

Her lips curved into a satisfied smile, her eyes glinting with crafty light. She promptly summoned diplomatic envoys to initiate negotiations with Chu Country.

At the negotiation table, Princess Zishuang used Prince Chu Xuan as leverage, forcing Emperor Chu Tianshu of Chu Country to withdraw his troops and relinquish the seventy-two cities of Yan Yun that were previously annexed.

Her tone was strong and resolute, each word imbued with threats and pressure.

Sitting on his dragon throne, Emperor Chu Tianshu’s face was as dark as water.

As the ruler of Chu Country, he never imagined being so coerced by a woman. His eyes burned with anger and resentment, yet what prevailed was a sense of helplessness and compromise.

Taking a deep breath, he said in a deep voice:

"Princess Zishuang, do you truly think Chu Country fears your Liang? The humiliation of today shall be etched in my memory, and I will return it a hundredfold in the future!"

Upon hearing this, Princess Zishuang remained indifferent. She let out a soft laugh and said:

"Chu Tianshu, if you have the ability, come and reclaim it. But today, you must comply with my demands—withdraw your troops and yield the cities."