CHAPTER 540: CHAPTER 294: HEROES OF THE TURQUOISE POOL

After a few rounds of drinks, Yan Ruyu suddenly stood up. She swept her gaze across the crowd and said, "Today’s victory belongs to all of us in the Demon Clan."

"But I must warn you, the Destruction Hall will not let this go easily. We have to stand united to fend off their next wave of attacks."

Her words silenced everyone present, but soon, they erupted into even louder cheers.

They knew Yan Ruyu was speaking the truth, but they also believed that under her leadership, the Demon Clan could overcome these challenges.

After the banquet concluded, Yan Ruyu sought out Gu Sheng alone.

She took him to a small pavilion deep within the Flowers Valley, where the surroundings were secluded, leaving only the two of them.

"Young Master Gu, do you know? I actually envy you," Yan Ruyu suddenly remarked.

Gu Sheng was taken aback and asked in confusion, "Envy me? Why?"

Yan Ruyu let out a bitter laugh and said, "As the Holy Master of the Demon Clan, I carry the hopes of my entire people. Yet, my experience is lacking, my strength insufficient, and my reputation falls short. Sometimes, I truly feel exhausted and wish I had someone to confide in."

Listening to her words, Gu Sheng felt a surge of tenderness rise in his heart.

He reached out and gently held Yan Ruyu’s hand, saying, "Holy Master, you are not fighting alone. You have us, and the entire Demon Clan is behind you."

Yan Ruyu felt the warmth of Gu Sheng’s palm, and in that moment, her emotional defenses seemed to crumble.

Teary-eyed, she looked at Gu Sheng and said, "Thank you, Young Master Gu. Having you by my side makes me feel much better."

The two sat quietly together, like a perfect pair.

As night deepened, their hearts drew closer...

The next morning, Gu Sheng woke up from his drunken haze. He found himself on a soft bed, with Yan Ruyu sleeping soundly at the edge of the bed.

Gu Sheng rose carefully, afraid to disturb Yan Ruyu.

After dressing, he walked to the window and gazed at the rising sun outside, filled with emotions.

The events of the previous night felt vivid yet disjointed in his memory, leaving him unsure of what had transpired.

"Shouldn’t experiences like this be savored deeply? How could I not remember anything?"

Perhaps, nothing truly happened after all.

Gu Sheng couldn’t help but laugh at himself for being so muddled.

How could he lose track at such an important moment?

"That wine..."

Suddenly, Gu Sheng thought to himself: In a tribe like the Demon Clan, what kind of divine wine could they not have? Enough to make even a Martial Artist lose track—it’s certainly possible.

At this moment, Yan Ruyu also stirred awake.

Seeing Gu Sheng standing by the window, she lowered her head shyly.

But soon, she lifted her gaze with newfound courage, looking directly into Gu Sheng’s eyes.

"Young Master Gu, you’re awake," Yan Ruyu said softly.

"Yes, Holy Master, you’ve awoken too." Gu Sheng turned and smiled at Yan Ruyu, "About last night..."

Yan Ruyu interrupted him, saying, "Let’s leave last night’s matter behind. As leaders of the Demon Clan, we cannot indulge in matters of the heart."

Gu Sheng was stunned for a moment, then laughed in agreement.

The two had intended to enter the newly appeared secret realm in Flowers Valley, but their plans were disrupted by the Black Mountain Old Demon and subsequent attacks from black-robed figures of the Destruction Hall, twists and turns at every step.

Now those adversaries had been dealt with, and Yan Ruyu decided to resume her exploration with Gu Sheng.

Together, Gu Sheng and Yan Ruyu stepped into the Flowers Valley’s secret realm.

The area opened into a Stone Forest, with stalagmites thrusting toward the sky. Bathed in sunlight, they shimmered like crystals, surrounded by Immortal Herbs and Spiritual Medicine. Immortal Energy lingered in the air, purple mist swirling, auspicious clouds stretching endlessly, and radiance flooding the scene.

Sparkling lakes like gemstones, verdant mountains—it was a paradise on earth.

The two released their Divine Thought simultaneously and quickly detected a nearby cavern containing a coffin emanating an overpowering aura, suffocating yet mysterious.

Yan Ruyu’s serene eyes flickered coldly as she slightly parted her crimson lips, her voice crisp like icy streams striking stones: "This secret realm seems to harbor some immense mystery. That coffin is no ordinary object."

Gu Sheng nodded, his gaze firm and piercing through the layers of fog. "Indeed, this coffin is identical to what I once witnessed in the Crimson Cloud Abyss. There’s definitely more to this—I’m determined to uncover its secrets."

"Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll accompany you." With those words, Yan Ruyu joined him as they ventured to the dark mountain’s cavern.

The cavern was deep and oppressive, its chill cutting to the bone.

Walking cautiously, the two navigated the path, Gu Sheng leading Yan Ruyu.

Suddenly, a frigid beam of light shot from the depths, illuminating the coffin, magnifying its enigmatic air.

"Watch out!" Gu Sheng exclaimed, darting forward to shield Yan Ruyu and intercepting the icy radiance.

Touched by his gesture, Yan Ruyu gazed at Gu Sheng, her eyes softening with a hint of warmth. "You..."

"I’m fine." Gu Sheng reassured her with a faint smile, shaking his head. "Let’s keep moving—the answer lies just ahead."

Continuing their journey, they finally reached the coffin. Its ancient and weathered appearance exuded a deep, dark glow.

The surface was inscribed with countless runes, each carrying a seemingly infinite mystery.

Gu Sheng stared at the coffin, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

He extended his hand, gently brushing against the runes.

In an instant, an immense power surged into his body, attempting to tear his very soul apart.

"Ah!"

Gu Sheng cried out in pain but maintained a resolute gaze.

He seemed to see a figure inside the coffin beckoning him, inviting him to explore realms yet unknown.

"Gu Sheng!" Yan Ruyu exclaimed in alarm, rushing to assist him, only to be repelled by an invisible force.