CHAPTER 487: CHAPTER 267 CHU COUNTRY SPIRITUAL ENERGY DEPLETION_2

The two exchanged glances, smiles breaking across their faces, and the sense of disappointment within them gradually dissipated.

Gu Sheng and Shangguan Yudie departed from Chu Country’s treasure secret realm in somber silence, unable to locate more Dragon Balls, leaving a trace of regret in their hearts.

They were unaware that this endeavor had inadvertently triggered a series of strange phenomena in Chu Country.

With two fewer Dragon Balls, the royal cultivation grounds of Chu Country suddenly experienced a sharp decline in Spiritual Energy. The once-rich cultivation environment now retained only five-sevenths of its former strength.

Chu Tianshu, the ruler of Chu Country’s royal family, was infuriated when he realized the cultivation grounds’ abrupt change. He vowed to uncover the truth and bring the mastermind behind this to justice.

After extensive investigation, Chu Tianshu uncovered illusion recordings within the secret realm, unmistakably showing Gu Sheng’s silhouette.

His fury surged. He immediately declared Gu Sheng a royal enemy, an enemy of Chu Country, and swore to capture him no matter the cost.

Gu Sheng and Shangguan Yudie had already disappeared without a trace.

Meanwhile, Chu Country’s landscape began undergoing relentless transformations.

The lush, verdant vegetation started withering; patches of green faded away, replaced by desolation and decay.

The rivers began to dry up; previously roaring torrents now waned into weak trickles, as if lamenting the sorrow of the earth.

Animals showed signs of erratic behavior; the distinction between day and night blurred, and they darted about in panic, seemingly in search of a safe haven.

Chu Country’s land had transformed overnight into a barren and eerie wasteland.

The people grew uneasy, their voices filled with speculation and fear as uncertainty loomed over the cause of these phenomena.

"What can be done? Chu Country has always enjoyed favorable weather and bountiful harvests. How could such anomalies arise now?" an elder remarked anxiously.

"I heard it’s because Gu Sheng stole the Dragon Balls, weakening the Spiritual Energy, which led to all these changes," someone nearby muttered quietly.

"Gu Sheng? That legendary prodigy? Why would he do such a thing?" the elder asked in bewilderment.

"Who knows? Perhaps for his own selfish interests.

It’s a pity. Such innate talent, yet he’s chosen this path," another sighed.

Standing atop the royal palace, Chu Tianshu gazed across the land of Chu Country, his eyes flickering with unwavering determination as he confronted the unfolding calamities.

He was certain that everything stemmed from Gu Sheng’s actions. He had to hunt him down and uphold justice for Chu Country.

Gu Sheng and Shangguan Yudie had escaped Chu Country, their whereabouts shrouded in mystery.

Chu Tianshu was aware this pursuit would be grueling and lengthy, but he was resolute. No matter how far or secluded, he vowed to bring Gu Sheng to justice.

In her opulent palace, Princess Zishuang summoned Gu Sheng. Her eyes sparkled with an enigmatic gleam, hinting at a profound intention.

"Gu Sheng, you’ve truly impressed me. You’ve succeeded in seizing the Dragon Ball and severed part of Chu Country’s Dragon Vein."

Princess Zishuang’s voice was crisp and melodious yet carried an undeniable authority.

Gu Sheng offered a faint smile and said, "Your Highness, you flatter me. I merely acquired a single Dragon Ball."

However, Princess Zishuang shifted her tone,

and said, "But reports from my scouts indicate that Chu Country lost two Dragon Balls, not merely one. Since you’ve taken one, would you consider gifting me the other?"

Gu Sheng’s heart stirred; he hadn’t anticipated the princess’s intelligence and her ability to gather such precise information.

He knew Princess Zishuang possessed formidable cultivation and would naturally desire such a rare treasure.

But he had already handed over the Dragon Ball to Qingteng for refinement and could only reply apologetically,

"Your Highness, I regret to inform you that the Dragon Ball has been refined by Qingteng and can no longer be gifted."

Upon hearing this, Princess Zishuang’s eyes betrayed a flicker of disappointment, but she quickly returned to her composed demeanor.

With a light laugh, she replied, "If that’s the case, so be it. Gu Sheng, you’ve done a remarkable service. What reward would you like?"

Gu Sheng fell silent for a moment before responding, "Your Highness, I seek nothing else but to have Shangguan Yudie by my side."

Princess Zishuang frowned slightly and said, "Yudie is a maid from my manor. How can I just give her away so easily? You’re quite bold in your request."

Gu Sheng’s chest tightened, but he didn’t relent, saying,

"Your Highness, I hold Yudie in the highest regard and wish to treat her with utmost sincerity. I beseech Your Highness to grant my wish."

Princess Zishuang studied Gu Sheng’s resolute gaze, her own thoughts wavering.

Teasingly, she said, "Gu Sheng, you’re quick, aren’t you? Already so fond of Yudie? Why don’t I have the same luck with you?"

Gu Sheng, caught off guard, became visibly embarrassed and struggled to respond.

Seeing his reaction, Princess Zishuang chuckled and said,

"Fine, fine. Since you’re so earnest, I’ll grant you this request. But as Yudie is a servant of my manor, I can’t simply give her away. I can, however, allow her to visit you frequently to deliver my tasks. If you perform satisfactorily, I might reconsider giving her to you in the future."

Gu Sheng’s heart leaped with joy as he quickly expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Your Highness, for your generosity!"

Princess Zishuang fixed her penetrating gaze on Gu Sheng and said, "Gu Sheng, now that you’ve demonstrated your potential, I’ll give you another opportunity. I want you to locate the remaining five Dragon Balls. If you succeed, I’ll grant Yudie to you as your reward."

Gu Sheng’s eyes glinted with determination as he bowed and said,

"Your Highness, I am willing to search for the Dragon Balls. But the current remaining seven Holy Mountains show no signs of them. Where should I begin?"

Princess Zishuang smiled faintly and said, "You needn’t worry. I’ll mobilize the royal Sky Net Organization to investigate the Dragon Balls’ whereabouts. Your task is to cooperate fully and locate them quickly."

Gu Sheng’s mind raced as he realized the power backing Princess Zishuang. With her help, the search for the Dragon Balls might indeed progress swiftly.

He pledged fervently, "Rest assured, Your Highness, I will do my utmost to cooperate and locate the Dragon Balls swiftly."

Princess Zishuang nodded approvingly and remarked, "Good. Gu Sheng, you haven’t disappointed me. Remember, your performance will dictate whether you can have Yudie. I await your good news."

Gu Sheng felt a surge of passion. He understood that this was a rare opportunity—and a formidable challenge.

Drawing a deep breath, he declared, "Your Highness, I give you my word: I will do my best!"

Gu Sheng’s promise was not an empty one.

Princess Zishuang nodded contentedly before turning to leave.

Left alone, Gu Sheng’s eyes gleamed with resolute determination as he began organizing his thoughts.

The allure of the Dragon Balls was immense—not only for their cultivation value but for their potential role in fulfilling certain goals.

Gu Sheng knew he had to seize this opportunity—to not only locate the Dragon Balls but also secure them for himself.

His plan was already forming: he would rely on his intelligence and skills to cooperate with Princess Zishuang and the royal Sky Net Organization in their hunt for the Dragon Balls.

Gu Sheng spent several days recuperating at the Holy Pill Sect, his wounds completely healed.

During this time, Mu Tiantian and Mu Yuanyuan took turns looking after him, filling his days with warmth and solace.

Today, responding to Mu Tiantian’s invitation, he attended Da Liang’s royal auction.

The auction venue, located within the outer walls of the imperial city, was majestic and dazzling beyond compare.

Entering the venue, Gu Sheng was struck by the ornate carvings and glittering decorations, feeling as though he had stepped into an Immortal Realm.

At the center of the venue stood an enormous auction stage, showcasing an array of rare treasures that shimmered and sparkled, captivating the eyes of all present.

Seated in a refined private booth, Gu Sheng rested his chin on his hand, his gaze brimming with anticipation. This

time, armed with one million taels of gold, he was determined to acquire all Spiritual Medicines and pills to make a bold show of his wealth and ambition.

The auction began in earnest, each item making its grand debut.

Each time a Spiritual Medicine or pill appeared, Gu Sheng unhesitatingly placed a bid, securing them for a heavy price.

Earth core orchids, century-old cardamom, three-hundred-year-old Chinese angelica, millennia-old fleeceflower root, million-year frozen ice, Mystical Level Yellow Ginseng, two-thousand-year-old ginseng, South Sea Spirit Dragon—any medicinal herb capable of enhancing cultivation was purchased by Gu Sheng.

By midway through the auction, he had already spent hundreds of thousands of gold, amassing virtually all Spiritual Medicine-related treasures.

His actions quickly drew the attention of those present, who cast admiring and envious glances his way.