CHAPTER 497: CHAPTER 272 PRINCESS ZISHUANG’S AMBITION_2

After some pleasantries, Magistrate Liu invited Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng to his manor for a private conversation.

Back at Gu’s Manor, the villagers continued their gathering, celebrating this rare and joyous occasion.

In the manor, Magistrate Liu hosted a banquet for Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng, where they talked about various experiences during the war against Chu Country and the recent developments in Canghai Prefecture.

Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng also shared insights from their cultivation and travels, making the atmosphere lively and harmonious.

Midway through the banquet, Magistrate Liu suddenly mentioned, "General Gu, I heard you’ve recently acquired a Divine Artifact. Might I have the honor of seeing it?"

Gu Xiaojiang smiled slightly and took out a radiantly glowing treasure from his robes—it was the Divine Artifact he had obtained during the war against Chu Country.

Upon seeing it, a hint of astonishment flashed in Magistrate Liu’s eyes, and he could not stop praising it.

After a few rounds of wine and an array of dishes, Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng bid farewell to Magistrate Liu, planning to return to Gu’s Manor to continue celebrating with their relatives and friends.

Magistrate Liu personally escorted the two out of the manor and promised that they would meet again in the near future.

Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng returned to Gu’s Manor, where the villagers remained as enthusiastic as ever, laughter and joy filling the air.

In this jubilant atmosphere, Gu Xiaojiang and Gu Sheng felt the warmth of their hometown and the power of familial love, their hearts brimming with contentment and happiness.

Night fell, and Gu’s Manor was brightly lit with a merry crowd. The festive ambiance continued to escalate.

However, behind this revelry, the Clan Leader and several elders looked somewhat awkward and uneasy.

Back then, for the sake of the family’s interests, they had driven away the gifted Gu Sheng, causing Gu’s Manor to lose a great talent and suffer substantial losses.

Now, witnessing Gu Sheng return with the honor of a Great General, they had no choice but to swallow their pride and approach him with goodwill.

"Lord Gu Sheng, you are magnanimous. The past was our fault entirely. Please forgive us,"

the Clan Leader said sincerely, leading the way.

Gu Sheng responded with a faint smile, his gaze carrying a slight hint of disdain.

He had no desire to dwell on old grievances with these individuals and only wished for Gu’s Manor to develop harmoniously.

"Let bygones be bygones. We must look forward now,"

Gu Sheng said, his tone expressing detachment and broad-mindedness.

However, the Clan Leader and elders could not help but feel some apprehension in their hearts.

They were well aware of Gu Sheng’s talent and strength, as well as his breadth of mind and wisdom.

Although they outwardly treated Gu Sheng with goodwill, their minds were still riddled with calculations and plots.

After dismissing the Clan Leader and elders, Gu Sheng finally reunited with Gu Daniu’s family.

Though unrelated by blood, this family meant more to Gu Sheng than mere kinship. They had grown up together, braved storms side by side, and witnessed each other’s growth and transformation.

"Asheng, you’re finally back!" Gu Daniu said excitedly, tears glimmering in his eyes.

Gu Sheng smiled, patting Gu Daniu’s shoulder, and said, "Yes, I’m back. You’ve all worked hard these years."

After eating demon wolf meat, Gu Daniu and his wife had also gained the ability to cultivate.

Though their cultivation level was not high, they were able to protect themselves within Canghe County.

Meanwhile, Gu Wan had grown rapidly over the years. Now a strapping young man, his cultivation had reached the Bronze Bone Realm, making him a skilled martial artist in Canghe County.

"Asheng, look how promising Wan’er has become—it’s thanks to you!" Gu Daniu’s wife said gratefully.

Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile and said, "It’s all his own hard work. I merely provided some guidance."

Gu Wan stood by, his face lit with pride and joy.

He understood that his growth was inseparable from Gu Sheng’s nurturing and guidance.

Now, having become a true martial artist, he could bring honor and dignity to the family.

"Asheng, I won’t let you down," Gu Wan said firmly.

Gu Sheng nodded, his gaze filled with satisfaction and hope.

He knew Gu Wan had boundless potential and a bright future. With continued effort in cultivation, he would undoubtedly become a great figure.

As the night grew deep, the celebrations at Gu’s Manor showed no sign of slowing.

The reunion between Gu Sheng and Gu Daniu’s family became the most heartwarming and touching scene of the festivities.

Under the ink-like night sky covered in stars, the ruins of Chu Country’s royal palace were shrouded by dense clouds.

The defeated emperor of Chu Country, Chu Tianshu, though stripped of his former glory, still harbored a fierce flame of defiance in his eyes.

"As long as I, Chu Tianshu, draw breath, I shall never let Chu Country perish under my watch!"

he roared, his voice resolute with determination.

Beside him stood a middle-aged man in a red robe with a sinister air—the Fire Domain Supreme and leader of the Cult of Fire. He smiled faintly, as though everything was within his grasp.

"Chu Tianshu, your ambition is well understood by the Cult of Fire.

Offer your country’s riches and pledge to share the world with my cult; I shall assist you in reclaiming your nation."

Chu Tianshu’s eyes flashed with ruthlessness as he nodded his agreement.

From then on, the Cult of Fire expanded its influence rapidly within Chu Country, recruiting martial artists everywhere and growing in strength.

All this was silently observed by one man—Gu Sheng.

Standing atop a mountain peak, Gu Sheng gazed solemnly toward the direction of Chu Country’s royal palace.

Clad in azure robes, with sword-like brows and starry eyes, his demeanor was transcendent. His cultivation had reached the peak of the Golden Bone Realm, his Ancient Sacred Body glowing with golden light, resembling an indomitable War God.

"The Cult of Fire, Chu Tianshu—you seek to plunge the people into despair,"

Gu Sheng sighed softly, a trace of worry flickering in his eyes.

Beside him, Princess Zishuang stood equally troubled.

She was aware of Gu Sheng’s abilities but also understood the formidable strength of the Cult of Fire.

"Gu Sheng, what should we do? Chu Tianshu has gone mad; he’s willing to collude with the tiger to restore his nation."

Gu Sheng took a deep breath, his gaze resolute.

"Strength is the key to solving all problems. Princess, I must focus on cultivating and enhancing my power."

Princess Zishuang nodded, her eyes reflecting determination. She knew Gu Sheng would never disappoint her.

Gu Sheng turned and left, leaving behind a golden silhouette.

He understood that the days ahead would be the toughest journey of his life.

But he believed that as long as he was strong enough, he could protect everything he cherished.

Across every corner of Chu Country, discussions of the Cult of Fire grew increasingly intense.

People were both frightened and curious about the changes this enigmatic sect might bring.

As the night deepened, Gu Sheng sat cross-legged, entering cultivation.

Under the moonlight, his figure appeared ever firm, like an eternal mountain safeguarding this land.

Princess Zishuang held a small Dragon Ball in her palm, gently touching it with her jade-like fingers. The ball seemed to come alive, trembling faintly and emitting a soft glow.

As she gazed at the thumb-sized Dragon Ball, her eyes glimmered with resoluteness.

"Gu Sheng, do you think this Dragon Ball is different from the previous four?"

Princess Zishuang’s voice was crisp and calm, penetrating the soul.

Gu Sheng nodded slightly, pondered for a moment, then said:

"Princess, while this Dragon Ball’s aura is similar to the previous four, it seems purer. I suspect there are still other Dragon Balls within Chu Country."

Princess Zishuang sighed lightly, a hint of worry etched between her brows. "The Dragon Ball Chu Xingchen summoned last time had astonishing strength. I’m concerned that the remnants of Chu Country are still plotting to revive their nation."

Gu Sheng’s eyes gleamed cold:

"Rest assured, Princess. Once we locate the remaining Dragon Balls, Chu Country will lose any chance of revival."

At that moment, a Sky Net Organization spy rushed over, kneeling before Princess Zishuang and reporting respectfully:

"Princess, Jiang Yunfei and Lu Biluo have found traces of Chu Xingchen and his followers. They are searching for Dragon Balls in a hidden location."

Princess Zishuang’s eyes lit up with joy:

"Excellent! Inform Jiang Yunfei and Lu Biluo to lead us there—we’ll go in person."

Gu Sheng also rose to his feet, his eyes shining with anticipation:

"Finally, we’ll take action. Princess, let’s head out."

A group quickly departed the palace and sped toward where Jiang Yunfei and Lu Biluo awaited.

Soon after, they arrived at a mist-shrouded valley.

Jiang Yunfei and Lu Biluo had long been waiting there. Upon seeing Princess Zishuang and Gu Sheng arrive, they hurried forward to greet them.