"Then letâs move up."
"There is no map further up."
"No worries, as long as we can find Chimu Peak, I will find a way to locate the Spirit Grass."
Understanding what he meant, Lan Yao nodded.
"Anyway, Iâm sticking with you. Where you go, I go. We share good fortune and hardship alike."
Hearing this, Gu Sheng smiled.
"Alright, then accompany me to Heisha Sect first. Once we deal with them, weâll head to Chimu Peak."
"No problem."
After setting the itinerary, Gu Sheng called Shi Lou and others to discuss his plan.
Before the group could react, he spoke earnestly again: "The danger at Chimu Peak has been explained by the Third Elder. Whether you want to accompany me, itâs your decision. Donât feel compelled. Since it concerns life and death, you must consider carefully."
After he finished, Shi Lou stepped forward directly.
"Brother Sheng, Iâll follow you. Itâs not just a small Chimu Peak; even if itâs the mountain of blades and the sea of fire, Iâll follow you there."
"Iâll go too. You saved my life, and at that time, I swore I would stick by your side. My oath remains unchanged."
As Huang Shanâs words fell, those who had emerged from the Soul Training Cave nodded repeatedly.
Er Gou stood aside, looking at them helplessly.
"Weâre going to find Spirit Grass, not necessarily seeking death. Whatâs with the solemn attitude?"
"Weâre expressing our stance to reassure Brother Sheng."
"Brother Sheng trusts us quite a lot. Otherwise, why would he bring us? Brother Sheng, isnât that right?"
Looking at Er Gou, Gu Sheng nodded with a smile.
"I am indeed quite confident in you all, but this time weâre not only heading to Chimu Peak; we must also deal with Heisha Sect."
"Brother Sheng, have you finally decided to eliminate the roots?"
"Yes, Heisha Sect has been watching us like a hawk. If we leave, they will surely attack again. Although Stone Village has defenses, relying solely on defense wonât work. If they keep attacking, they will succeed eventually. This trouble is of our own making; we canât let the others in Stone Village bear it."
Understanding his meaning, Er Gou nodded forcefully.
"Brother Sheng is right. Since they humiliate us like this, we should kill them all and make sure they vanish from this world forever. Brother Sheng, when do we set off?"
"First, go back and pack. We leave at dawn tomorrow."
Upon hearing they would set off tomorrow, several people couldnât contain their excitement, hurrying to pack.
Turning to Lan Yao, Gu Sheng asked, "Youâve been out for so long, are you sure you donât need to inform the Elf Clan?"
"No worries, my brother is busy and doesnât have time to care for me."
"Your brother is...?"
"The Clan Leader of the Elf Clan. With his backing, I pretend to be a spoiled child, otherwise why do you think Iâm so idle?"
Realizing what was going on, Gu Sheng smiled.
"So you know youâre a spoiled child; your self-awareness is pretty clear."
Hearing this, Lan Yao was speechless.
"I finally know why Er Gou and the others are so annoying; turns out they learned from you. Truly, youâre influenced by those around you!"
"Well, you better be careful."
Lan Yao: "..."
That night, the Third Elder prepared a feast for them and opened a fine bottle of wine, announcing their departure to Chimu Peak.
Upon hearing they were really going, everyone surrounded them closely, constantly advising on safety matters.
Listening to everyoneâs words, Gu Sheng felt extreme warmth in his heart.
As everyone toasted repeatedly, the Third Elder stopped them.
"They are leaving tomorrow, so letâs just have a taste."
Everyone complied, urging them to rest in their rooms.
The following morning, Gu Sheng and the others rose early, intending to leave quietly, but as soon as they stepped out, the old and young of Stone Village were already waiting at their doorstep.
After repeated advice and farewells, Gu Sheng and the others finally left.
After walking a distance, Gu Sheng turned back again, finding everyone still behind him, their figures already minuscule, yet he could feel their gazes on him.
Suddenly, Gu Sheng felt a peculiar warmth in his heart, making his heart warm and his eyes sting.
He stood high, waving hard at the distance before leading his team onto another path.
Much later, Gu Sheng finally settled his emotions.
"Lan Yao, how much further?"
"About half a dayâs journey left, Gu Sheng, are we acting today?"
"If we can reach by evening, then annihilation is our goal."
Hearing this, everyoneâs spirits lifted.
As they walked, they planned the operation. By the time they reached Heisha Sect, roles were clearly defined.
Watching Heisha Sect from afar, Gu Shengâs face was already marked with the intent to kill.
"Capture the leader first. Once inside, we kill Zhang Ping first, then the others."
Upon hearing his words, everyone nodded immediately.
At this point, Lan Yao called his subordinates, pointing at Heisha Sect: "You guys go scout, see how many people Heisha Sect has, Zhang Pingâs specific location, and whether there are masters by his side."
Following his orders, a few from the Elf Clan immediately set off.
Gu Sheng and the others stayed to recover strength. Within the short span of an hour, everyone was back to peak condition.
As soon as they opened their eyes, the Elf Clan returned excitedly.
"Boss, Zhang Ping is in the main residence, accompanied by numerous women, and besides, there are two big protectors."
Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng raised his eyebrows.
"Zhang Ping has two major protectors by his side? How strong are they?"
The group thought carefully but were unsure how to express it.
Impatient, Lan Yao directly asked, "Are they stronger than you at your peak?"
"At peak state, they might be a bit stronger, but with women by their side, surely by nightfall theyâll be weakened, then itâs uncertain whoâs stronger."
Understanding their implication, Gu Sheng smiled.
"Then wait till night; once theyâre weakened, it will be easier to kill them."
Lan Yao nodded, instructing his men: "Continue watching them, signal once they fall asleep."
The Elf Clan set out once more, while Gu Sheng and the team advanced a bit.
Given Zhang Ping was occupied, he likely wouldnât have the mind for outside affairs. Approaching a bit closer surely wouldnât draw attention.
Finally, waiting till the full moon at midnight, they received the Elf Clanâs signal.
"Gu Sheng, my men signaled â letâs move!"
Finally hearing these words, everyone drew their weapons and marched angrily towards Heisha Sect.
Guided by the Elf Clan, they walked a secluded path, leading directly to where Zhang Ping resided.
Seeing two sleepy guards at the door, Shi Lou was about to act when Gu Sheng stopped him.
Gu Sheng flicked his fingers, a wisp of smoke drifting out and the two inhaled, promptly collapsing straight on the ground.
"Shi Lou, kill them directly, the rest follow me inside."
Shi Lou swiftly rushed forward, while Gu Sheng led the group into Zhang Pingâs house.
With the resolve of annihilation, they immediately followed the aura and found Zhang Ping.
Just as the Elf Clan described, he was indeed accompanied by several women.
A bed full of people, utterly disgraceful.
Feeling the unfamiliar aura, Zhang Ping abruptly opened his eyes wide.
Meeting Gu Shengâs gaze, he hadnât even registered yet.
"This dream is too vivid!"
In an instant, Gu Sheng laughed coldly.
"Zhang Ping, is it that you canât face reality anymore?"
Clearly hearing Gu Shengâs voice, Zhang Ping scrambled up, using the women as a shield!
The women began awakening, seeing Gu Sheng and others with murderous intent and screamed one after another.
Hearing the piercing cries, Gu Sheng narrowed his eyes slightly, swinging his sword swiftly!