"By the way, Brother Gu," Wu Tianxiong suddenly spoke with a serious expression, "have you noticed that the Shaking Light Saintessâ strength seems to have increased significantly all of a sudden? At the time of the trade gathering, although she wasnât weak, she definitely wasnât at her current level."
Gu Sheng nodded, his brows deeply furrowed: "Iâve noticed this as well. Itâs truly strange; how could her strength improve so drastically in such a short time? Could it be that the Shaking Light Sacred Land has some kind of Secret Technique or ancient legacy?"
Ying Tianxing pondered for a moment and said slowly, "The Shaking Light Sacred Land, as an ancient legacy, has profound foundations. It wouldnât be unusual for them to possess some Secret Techniques or inheritances unknown to us. This reminds us that we should never underestimate any opponent."
"Exactly," Gu Sheng took a deep breath, his eyes sparkling with determination, "This exploration of the Primordial Mining Region means weâll not only face external enemies but also internal challenges. We must stand united and work together if we want to make it through."
The others nodded one after another, expressing their agreement. They knew that as the teamâs leader, Gu Sheng possessed not only immense strength but also extraordinary wisdom and courage. Under his leadership, they were confident in facing any challenges!
However, just as everyone was preparing to rest, a chilling voice abruptly pierced through the quiet night: "Gu Sheng! Did you think you could escape?"
Startled, everyone looked up to see the Shaking Light Saintess descending from above with a group of disciples from the Shaking Light Sacred Land, surrounding the group of five.
"Hahaha!" The Shaking Light Saintess sneered coldly, "Search high and low only to find it effortlessly! Gu Sheng, this time, even wings wonât help you escape!"
Gu Sheng and the others exchanged glances, their expressions solemn. They knew that breaking through this encirclement wouldnât be easy. Even so, they would not give up any chance to survive!
"Brothers! Fight side by side!" Gu Sheng roared, charging toward the Shaking Light Saintess. The other four followed suit, activating their Martial Techniques and rushing into battle with the enemy.
For a moment, sparks flew, and Sword Qi crisscrossed! Both sides engaged in a breathtaking aerial battle! Though the five were formidable, they were struggling under the sheer number of their opponents. Gradually, they began to falter, slipping into a bitter fight...
After days of continuous battles, Gu Sheng was exhausted and unwilling to continue the fight. He unleashed the Green Vine Demon Soul, wrapping his companions tightly and burrowing underground to escape quickly.
Underground was virtually the domain of the Green Vine Demon Soul, and the Shaking Light Saintess and her group were soon left far behind.
Under the dim night and faint starlight, Gu Sheng and his companions weaved through the underground like fish, relying on the power of the Green Vine Demon Soul.
"Hahaha, Brother Gu, your Green Vine Demon Soul is truly a marvel!" Wu Tianxiong couldnât help but exclaim, his eyes glinting with admiration. "If our Thirteen Bandits had such a Demon Soul, wouldnât we dominate the Northern Territory like a tiger with wings?"
Kou Hai also grinned and said, "Youâre absolutely right! Brother Gu, your methods truly opened our eyes. Perhaps we should all learn these subterranean skills from youâwho knows, we might carve out an entirely new battlefield!"
Xing Lieâs eyes gleamed with excitement as if he could already envision the Thirteen Bandits shaking the world under Gu Shengâs leadership. "Brother Gu, when we return, we must celebrate properly. Youâre the great benefactor of the Thirteen Bandits!"
Ying Tianxing nodded in agreement: "Brother Guâs abilities are indeed impressive. The powers of this Green Vine Demon Soul are probably one of a kind in the entire Northern Territory. With it, our Thirteen Bandits will move even more efficiently in the future."
Gu Sheng smiled faintly and shook his head: "You fellows flatter me. This Green Vine Demon Soul may be miraculous, but itâs not omnipotent. To truly establish ourselves in the Northern Territory, we must depend on our strength and wisdom."
The five chatted as they hurried underground, their moods light and carefree as if theyâd forgotten the days of exhaustion and peril they had just endured.
"By the way, Brother Gu," Xing Lie suddenly remembered something, "when are we heading to the Primordial Mining Region? Iâve been craving the treasures there for a long time!"
Gu Sheng chuckled at the mention: "Once this turmoil settles down, weâll head to the Primordial Mining Region. Surely, there are countless treasures and opportunities hidden there, just waiting for us to discover."
"Great! Itâs a deal!" the four chimed in unison, their eyes ablaze with anticipation.
---
Soon after, the five emerged from the ground into a dense forest. Freeing themselves from the Green Vineâs embrace, they stretched and moved around to loosen up.
"Phew, finally escaped," Wu Tianxiong stretched lazily and remarked, "This time, we really owe it to Brother Guâs Green Vine Demon Soul!"
Kou Hai nodded in agreement: "Exactly. Without Brother Gu, we wouldâve been done for at the hands of the Shaking Light Saintess and her group."
Xing Lie declared with brimming bravado: "Hmph, the Shaking Light Saintess and her lackeys arenât all that impressive. When our Thirteen Bandits rise to power, weâll teach them a proper lesson!"
Gu Sheng smiled slightly but stayed silent. He knew Xing Lie had a fearless personality, and that was precisely what he admired in him.
"By the way, Brother Wu," Ying Tianxing suddenly asked, "you mentioned before that you left the Wu family. Can you tell us your story? Weâve all been curious about why you turned your back on them."
Wu Tianxiong froze for a moment before chuckling bitterly and shaking his head. "Thereâs not much to tell. I was a collateral descendant of the Wu family. For various reasons, I fell out with the family and left."
"What kind of reasons?" Xing Lie asked curiously, "Was it because the family mistreated you?"
"More or less." Wu Tianxiong didnât want to delve too deeply into the topic and shifted the focus. "By the way, Xing Lie, you mentioned before that Brother Guâs Original Skill was extraordinary and helped you earn a fortune. When are we going to cash in again?"
"That depends on Brother Gu!" Xing Lie grinned mischievously, passing the question to Gu Sheng.
"You guys mentioned the Thirteen Bandits earlierâcan you tell me more about them? Iâm quite intrigued." Gu Sheng redirected the question back.
"Sure!" Xing Lie perked up immediately with excitement, "The Thirteen Bandits are one of the most legendary outlaw groups in the Northern Territory! My grandfather Xing Tian was the first leader of the Thirteen Bandits, and he was an extraordinary figure."
Xing Lieâs expression was tinged with pride as he paused briefly before recounting the tales of the Thirteen Bandits with enthusiasm.
"Back in the day, the Thirteen Bandits dominated the Northern Territory, causing headaches for all the major factions. Although they were nominally one group, they operated independently and rarely interfered with one another. Each faction had its own leader and sphere of influence, with distinct styles of operation."
"Take the âHeavenly Punishment Gangâ led by my grandfather Xing Tian," Xing Lie continued, "They were notorious for their ferocity and ruthlessness, targeting wealthy families for plunder and resorting to any means necessary. However,"
he shifted his tone, "my grandfather was still a man of principles and boundaries. He never harmed ordinary civilians or provoked influential factions with deep foundations."
Gu Sheng listened intently, nodding in agreement from time to time: "He truly was a remarkable figure."
Kou Hai couldnât resist interjecting: "Speaking of the Thirteen Bandits, how could we not mention my grandfather Kou Tian and the âSky Stealing Gangâ? They were the most mysterious and low-profile of the group. The Sky Stealing Gang consisted of handpicked elites, formidable in both strength and intellect. They specialized in stealth and assassination, always completing their missions without a trace before vanishing."
Ying Tianxing joined in: "And letâs not forget my father Ying Shanlong and the âMountain Dragon Gang.â The Mountain Dragon Gang was the newest rising power, with members who lived in the mountains and excelled at guerrilla warfare and forest combat. Their movements were so elusive that they were impossible to guard against."
Listening to their stories, Gu Shengâs interest in the legendary tales of the Thirteen Bandits deepened. He sighed, "Who wouldâve thought that the Northern Territory had such legendary outlaw groups? If I ever get the chance, Iâd love to meet the leaders in person and learn from them."