The two sparred back and forth, locked in a heated and evenly matched contest. Each collision drew gasps of astonishment. Gu Sheng's Ancient Sacred Body displayed astonishing power at critical moments, while Li Xueyue's Jade Maiden Blood Moon Divine Skill was undeniably formidable.

As time progressed, Gu Sheng gradually fell into a disadvantaged position. His cultivation level was, after all, two layers of heaven below Li Xueyue's, and the prolonged battle was beginning to take its toll on him.

"Kid, you're not bad, but if you think you can defeat me, you're still far off," Li Xueyue sneered coldly.

Gu Sheng gritted his teeth; he knew he couldn't give up. He activated the Shadow Concealment Skill, and his figure instantly disappeared from sight, startling Li Xueyue.

"This is... Invisibility Technique?"

Li Xueyue looked around, attempting to locate Gu Sheng's whereabouts. Suddenly, she felt a powerful aura attack from behind.

"Not good!" she thought to herself, quickly turning to block the strike.

It was too late. Gu Sheng's Thirsty Blood Battle Axe descended with overwhelming force. Though Li Xueyue managed to block in time, she was still shaken and forced to retreat several steps.

"You!" Li Xueyue's eyes widened, unable to believe that she had been pushed back by a youth in the Sea Floor Realm First Layer Heaven.

Gu Sheng didn't give her time to recover and launched another attack. His figure darted around the battlefield with incredible speed, each strike swift and precise.

Despite her formidable cultivation level, Li Xueyue appeared flustered under Gu Sheng's relentless assault. She cursed herself inwardly for being careless; she hadn't expected this youth to have so many tricks up his sleeve.

Once again, the two clashed furiously, fighting to the point where heaven and earth seemed to darken. The onlooking crowd was mesmerized; they had never seen such an extraordinary battle.

Xing Lie and his companions were even more thrilled. They knew Gu Sheng still had a chance.

"Bang!"

After an intense collision, both fighters retreated several steps. Li Xueyue panted heavily as she gazed at Gu Sheng, her heart filled with astonishment and unwillingness. "You've won."

Gu Sheng panted as well, but a victorious smile appeared on his face. "Thank you, Li Gang Leader, for yielding."

Suddenly, a change occurred! Li Xueyue abruptly executed a strange movement technique, instantly appearing behind Gu Sheng and striking him unconscious with a palm strike.

"Gu Sheng!" Xing Lie and the others cried out in alarm.

But it was too late—Li Xueyue had already kidnapped Gu Sheng and vanished from the scene.

"Damn! She resorted to dirty tricks!" Xing Lie cursed angrily.

Wu Tianxiong furrowed his brows. "What do we do now?"

"Chase her! We must rescue Gu Sheng!" Kou Hai said resolutely.

Ying Tianxing nodded in agreement. "Absolutely! We can't let Gu Sheng face this danger alone."

The large black dog barked a few times, as if to express its agreement.

Thus, the five companions and the dog set off in pursuit, determined to recover Gu Sheng.

Meanwhile, Gu Sheng had already been brought to a secret dungeon within Jade Maiden Valley by Li Xueyue.

"Oh, you're awake," Li Xueyue remarked coldly as she observed Gu Sheng slowly regaining consciousness. "I'm impressed—you lasted this long against me. I must admit I underestimated you."

"What do you want?" Gu Sheng asked calmly.

"What do I want? Hah! You defeated me, so naturally I'll make you pay the price," Li Xueyue scoffed. "However, if you beg for mercy and pledge allegiance to our Jade Maiden Gang, I might consider sparing you."

"Never!" Gu Sheng replied resolutely. "I would rather die than join your cult!"

Li Xueyue chuckled softly, a sly glint flashing in her eyes. "Fine, you have guts. But you should know, guts won't keep you fed. Sometimes, choosing wisely is more important than effort."

She waved her hand lightly, and her garments transformed into a luxurious red gown that accentuated her alluring figure. Slowly, she approached Gu Sheng, her steps rhythmic and captivating.

"Gu Sheng, you're a clever man. Surely you understand that those who adapt to the times are true heroes. Join us, and you'll become the master of Jade Maiden Valley, standing beside me to enjoy wealth and glory." Li Xueyue's voice was like a celestial melody, as she drew near enough for them to feel each other's breath.

Gu Sheng seemed unmoved. He took a deep breath, activating the Great Prajna Sutra, allowing his mind to quieten. "Li Gang Leader, your offer is indeed tempting. But I have always acted in accordance with my conscience. As for joining your ranks, I must decline."

Li Xueyue's eyes flashed with surprise; she hadn't anticipated Gu Sheng could resist her Bewitching Technique. She stepped back, but her smile remained. "So stubborn. In that case, I'll try another method."

With a wave of her hand, the dungeon was immediately filled with strange smoke. The smoke carried potent enchantment properties, capable of stirring one's deepest desires. Li Xueyue knew Gu Sheng's willpower was strong, but under the influence of this smoke, his clarity would eventually waver.

Gu Sheng felt his mind grow hazy, and the image of Li Xueyue became increasingly mesmerizing before him. He struggled to maintain his composure, but his physical reactions betrayed him.

Li Xueyue noticed and felt a surge of satisfaction. She approached Gu Sheng slowly, speaking softly, "Gu Sheng, just surrender to me."

While speaking, she activated the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, intertwining her hands with Gu Sheng's. An extraordinary force emanated from their palms, instantly creating an illusory realm.

Inside this realm, Gu Sheng and Li Xueyue appeared as a perfect pair. Gu Sheng donned a magnificent dragon robe with a jade crown, exuding majesty and charisma.

As he looked around, he saw a fantastical ancient kingdom—opulent palaces, exquisite gardens, bustling streets—all seemingly real yet distant.

Li Xueyue transformed into an enchanting empress, adorned in a phoenix robe and crown, radiating beauty and nobility. She gazed at Gu Sheng with a touch of tenderness in her eyes. "Your Majesty, this is our kingdom. Will you protect it with me?"

Gu Sheng took a deep breath, striving to remain cognizant of reality. He knew it was an illusion but realized it might grant insight into Li Xueyue's innermost thoughts. Perhaps this could be his chance to escape.

"I will," Gu Sheng replied with a smile.

As time passed, the two shared increasingly sweet moments within the illusory realm. Together, they governed their kingdom, explored majestic landscapes, and relished all the beauty this dreamlike world offered.

Yet, Gu Sheng never forgot his mission. Secretly, he continued cultivating his techniques, seeking ways to shatter the illusion's confines. He leveraged the Gale Nine Swords and Shadow Concealment Skill, relentlessly testing the boundaries of the illusory realm.

Li Xueyue noticed his unusual behavior but did not intervene. Perhaps a part of her hoped Gu Sheng would genuinely fall for her, transcending the tricks of this world.

In the illusory realm, Gu Sheng and Li Xueyue were intertwined in a strange link of affection and rivalry, experiencing an extraordinary connection. Yet, Gu Sheng remained vigilant, determined to seize an opportunity to break free.

One day, Gu Sheng activated the Great Prajna Sutra and Ancient Sacred Body simultaneously while integrating the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra they had practiced together. His Jade Maiden Seven-Colored Sword radiated blinding brilliance, appearing poised to cleave the illusion apart.

"Gu Sheng, what are you doing?" Li Xueyue asked, visibly shocked as she sensed his aura rapidly transforming.

"I'm breaking through this illusion to return to reality," Gu Sheng stated firmly, his gaze resolute and unwavering.

"Do you not love the life we've built here? We could stay together forever," Li Xueyue attempted to convince him, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"An illusion is still just an illusion. Only reality holds true meaning," Gu Sheng declared with resolve. "Besides, I have a mission and responsibility—I can't remain trapped here."

Li Xueyue paused in silence before eventually saying softly, "Very well. If that's your decision, then I'll help you pave the way."

As she spoke, she activated her Blood Moon Divine Skill, her Green Blood Sword clashing with Gu Sheng's Jade Maiden Seven-Colored Sword, emitting a crisp metallic sound.

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