Thinking of this, Hua Yunfei couldnât help but let out a long breath.
"Ziyue, since when did Gu Sheng become this powerful?"
Li Xiaoman looked shocked and asked Ji Ziyue beside her.
"I..."
Ji Ziyue hesitated slightly.
She definitely wasnât about to reveal Gu Shengâs secret, especially about him obtaining the Mystic Yellow Power; that was absolutely out of the question.
"I... How would I know? If Iâd known he was this formidable, I wouldnât have stopped my brother."
Ji Ziyue responded casually.
"That guy sure knows how to hide his strength."
"Indeed, seems weâve underestimated him before."
"Itâll be interesting nowâbetween Ji Haoyue and Gu Sheng, who will come out on top?"
Hua Yunfei and the other cultivators exchanged glances and started discussing.
Amidst the lively discussions, Ji Haoyueâs expression turned extremely grim.
He hadnât expected his proud attack to be effortlessly parried by Gu Sheng. This was undoubtedly an insult to him, a provocation against the Ji familyâand a desecration of his very body!
"Youâre courting death!"
A glint of ruthlessness flashed in Ji Haoyueâs eyes.
He resolved to stop holding back and make a full-force attack.
"Moonrise Over the Seaâshatter for me!"
Ji Haoyue roared furiously, his Divine Power surging wildly.
In an instant, the power of Moonrise Over the Sea exploded again.
This time, it was far stronger than before.
Truthfully, this attack carried a measure of personal grudge.
Yet, no matter how much Divine Power Ji Haoyue unleashed, the golden glow remained unwavering as an immovable rock.
Gu Sheng stood calmly within the golden glowâs protection, his expression serene, as though he were merely a bystander.
"This... this is impossible!"
Ji Haoyue felt a trace of fear.
He hadnât anticipated his strength being so pitifully ineffective against Gu Sheng.
"No! No!"
Ji Ziyue was unwilling and tried amplifying her power again, but the result was still the same.
"Enough, Ji Haoyue!"
Just then, a commanding voice rang out.
An elder appeared again, his expression unusually stern.
Everyone followed the voice and looked over to see an elderly figure slowly approaching.
The elder clearly disapproved of Ji Haoyueâs actions.
When Ji Haoyue saw this elder, his expression changed.
Turning his head, Gu Sheng recognized Elder Ji Hong arriving on the scene.
Seeing this elder of the Ji family, Ji Haoyue had no choice but to restrain his Divine Power and bow respectfully.
"Elder, why have you..."
Elder Ji Hong interrupted him, his tone heavy as he said, "Young master, your actions have already violated clan rules. Using your seniority to suppress othersâwhat kind of example is this?"
Ji Haoyue lowered his head, knowing his behavior indeed had been excessive.
"Elder, your admonishment is correct."
Ji Haoyue nodded.
Then Elder Ji Hong turned to Gu Sheng and asked, "Gu Sheng, do you truly have connections to Yan Ruyu of the Demon Clan?"
"Thereâs really no such connection."
Gu Sheng replied and recounted the story of how he had been tricked into Peach Blossom Forest by a rogue Taoist.
But Gu Sheng remained cautious, deliberately omitting the matter of the Devil Emperorâs Heart being stored in his Life Spring.
Otherwise, theyâd surely break his Life Spring to retrieve the Devil Emperorâs Heart.
After his impassioned explanation, the group seemed to believe his tragic tale.
At this moment, Ji Ziyue approached Gu Sheng.
Her eyes brimming with tears, she said angrily, "All of you only know how to bully Gu Sheng; why donât you go wipe out the Demon Clan instead? Honestly!"
Everyone remained silent, seemingly struck at their weak spot.
"Haha..."
Suddenly, Hua Yunfei stepped forward and laughed lightly.
"Elder, it seems this was all a misunderstandingâa misunderstanding among us. No need for things to get so tense."
Hua Yunfei bowed slightly to Elder Ji Hong and then addressed the others.
"Indeed, Brother Haoyue, itâs just a misunderstanding."
"No harm in resolving the misunderstanding. After all, weâre all here because of Senior Brother Hua."
"Yes, letâs all remain calm and composed."
The other cultivators began smoothing things over.
Seeing this, Ji Haoyue couldnât say much more.
Having been bested in strength, losing further in decorum would truly disgrace the Ji family.
"Elder, why have you suddenly come here?"
At this moment, Ji Ziyue walked to Ji Hongâs side and asked.
Ji Hong glanced at Ji Ziyue and said, "Thereâs a situation back in the clan that requires the young masterâs attention."
"Oh?"
Ji Ziyue turned to her brother, "Brother Haoyue, you should hurry back. Otherwise, the elder wouldnât have come here so urgently."
"Alright."
Ji Haoyue nodded and bowed toward Hua Yunfei. "Brother Hua, family matters call for me. Apologies."
"Brother Ji, no need for formality. All is well."
Hua Yunfei returned the gesture.
After saying this, Ji Haoyue scowled at Gu Sheng before leaving with Elder Ji Hong.
With Ji Haoyueâs departure, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
With both Ji Haoyue and Elder Ji Hong gone, the previously tense mood gradually relaxed.
The group sat cross-legged one after another, chatting about history, sharing cultivation experiences.
Gu Sheng preferred tranquility and didnât enjoy such lively gatherings.
"Senior Brother Hua... I have... I have other things to tend to."
Before Gu Sheng could say much, Hua Yunfei seemed to already guess his thoughts.
"Brother Gu, donât leave so soon."
Hua Yunfei smiled and said, "Weâre all curiousâhow did you cultivate to be able to block Brother Jiâs Moonrise Over the Sea?"
Hearing this, the group looked at Gu Sheng with intrigued eyes.
They all knew Ji Haoyueâs strength. For Gu Sheng to counter his attack naturally piqued their curiosity.
"Uh..."
Gu Sheng was at a loss, muttering inwardly, "You people sure are persistent!"
But with the atmosphere heightened this way, leaving without saying anything now seemed impossible.
Of course, Gu Sheng wouldnât be foolish enough to reveal his treasures and secrets.
He thought for a moment and fabricated a story: "Actually, itâs nothing special. I simply picked up a few skills from the Old Madman."
"The Old Madman?"
The group gasped in surprise.
"Yes, that crazy, eccentric Old Madman who roams around randomly."
Gu Sheng continued, "Heâs unfathomably powerful. I barely scratched the surface of his teachings."
Hearing this, the group started a heated discussion, filled with envy.
"Ah, so thatâs it. No wonder Brother Guâs strength is so exceptional!"
"Indeed, learning from the Old Madman is truly enviable."
"Brother Gu, could you teach us too?"
Gu Sheng smiled and said, "Itâs nothing extraordinary, just some basic cultivation techniques. If everyoneâs interested, I can share them."
"Really? Thatâs amazing!"
The group responded excitedly.
Gu Sheng nodded slightly.
"The so-called âWay of Simplicityââcultivation at its core relies on mastering the basics. Perfecting those basics allows one to connect with the Heavenly Dao, harness the energies of Heaven and Earth, and eventually withstand any techniques developed from them..."
Gu Sheng began spouting nonsense.
And surprisingly, his ramblings garnered unanimous approval from the group.
"Brother Guâs perspective is truly profoundââWay of Simplicity,â such depth!"
"Indeed, simplicity holds boundless complexity. I see it now... I understand..."
"Listening to Brother Gu is better than cultivating for a hundred years... Brother Gu, such wisdom!"
The group showered Gu Sheng with praise.
"Uh..."
Gu Sheng was dumbfounded.
How did his nonsense suddenly become pearls of wisdom? It almost made him wonder if heâd unknowingly ascended to a great realm.
But the more things went on, the more Gu Sheng disliked the current scenario.
Resolving to make the situation more ridiculous, Gu Sheng decided to play along and stir things up.
"Hey, actually my achievements in this realm are tied to a certain location."
Leaning forward, Gu Sheng said mysteriously.
The group watched him, their curiosity mounting as if hanging on his every word.
"What location?"
Everyone stared with eager anticipation for his answer.
"Bronze Immortal Palace!"
Gu Sheng slowly uttered these four words.
Beside him, Ji Ziyue heard this and instantly flared with anger.