In the virtual world, the two engaged in a fierce battle, their dual swords combining as Sword Qi surged throughout the space. Gu Sheng activated the Great Prajna Sutra and his Ancient Sacred Body, sending out golden palms and fists that continuously collided with Li Xueyue's swordsmanship, erupting dazzling sparks.

As time passed, Gu Sheng gradually gained the upper hand. His swordsmanship and physical strength grew increasingly overwhelming, as if he were about to tear this illusory world apart. Li Xueyue, under Gu Sheng's offensive, began to show signs of exhaustion.

"Boom!"

With a thunderous impact, Gu Sheng shattered the barrier of the virtual world with a single sword strike. The two simultaneously burst out of the illusory realm and returned to reality.

Covered in sweat, the two exchanged glances, as though a tacit bond had formed after surviving a life-and-death struggle. Li Xueyue realized that she had developed deep feelings for Gu Sheng during their battle. She was willing to submit to him, to become his woman.

"Gu Sheng, you've won." Li Xueyue softly whispered, "I'm willing to follow you, no matter where you go."

Gu Sheng smiled faintly and reached out to grasp Li Xueyue's hand, "Thank you, Xueyue. Let's face the challenges ahead together."

Their hands clasped tightly, as if to fuse their strengths into one. They knew that although the experience in the virtual world was merely a dream, that dream made them cherish each other even more in reality.

Outside the dungeon, chaos had already broken out. The disciples of Jade Maiden Valley, sensing the powerful energy fluctuations emanating from within, rushed to investigate. But when they saw Gu Sheng and Li Xueyue walking out hand-in-hand, they were all stunned.

"What… what is happening here?" One disciple stared wide-eyed, hardly able to believe the scene before her.

"Why is our Gang Leader with this man?" Another disciple asked in shock and puzzlement, her voice filled with confusion and disbelief.

"Did the Valley Master submit to him?" Such speculations spread among the disciples, yet none dared to approach Li Xueyue directly for answers.

After that illusory world adventure, Gu Sheng and Li Xueyue walked side by side out of the dungeon, their relationship seeming to have undergone a subtle transformation. The disciples of Jade Maiden Valley murmured among themselves, but upon meeting Li Xueyue's cold and resolute gaze, they chose to remain silent.

Gu Sheng did not linger in Jade Maiden Valley for long. He had his own mission and responsibilities—Jade Maiden Valley was simply another force he wielded, to be called upon when needed. Before leaving, he deeply looked at Li Xueyue one last time, their gazes meeting in midair with an unspoken understanding.

Carrying the sense of accomplishment from subduing Jade Maiden Valley, Gu Sheng returned to his team. Xing Lie, Wu Tianxiong, Ying Tianxing, Kou Hai, and the sharp-witted big black dog all gathered around him, their faces brimming with curiosity and anticipation.

"Brother Gu, you were truly phenomenal this time!" Xing Lie spoke first, his voice filled with admiration. "Quick, tell us, how did you manage to subdue Jade Maiden Valley? Has Li Xueyue started seeing you in an entirely different light now?"

Gu Sheng smiled faintly. He knew Xing Lie's penchant for gossip, as well as his companions' intense curiosity about the matter. Slowly, he began recounting the tale of his and Li Xueyue's adventure within the virtual world.

He described how they faced difficulties, supported each other, and finally emerged from the challenge-filled, opportunity-laden virtual realm.

"Wow, that was utterly thrilling!" Xing Lie couldn't hold back his awe after hearing the story. "Brother Gu, you're truly our role model! Li Xueyue must regard you quite differently now!"

"Hmph, obviously," Kou Hai chimed in. "Brother Gu's charm and strength are unmatched."

"By the way," Xing Lie's eyes suddenly flashed with a sly glint, "Brother Gu, since you now command Jade Maiden Valley, can't you arrange for me to take a few of their disciples as my concubines?"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone burst into laughter. Xing Lie's greed and bluntness never failed to entertain the group.

"Xing Lie, Xing Lie, you're truly insatiable, biting off more than you can chew!" Kou Hai teased, "Have you even looked at yourself lately? Dreaming of taking advantage of Jade Maiden Valley?"

"Hmph, every disciple of Jade Maiden Valley is exceptionally beautiful. Do you think someone like you is worthy?" Ying Tianxing joined in with the mockery.

Despite the teasing, Xing Lie wasn't discouraged. Grinning, he shamelessly replied, "You're all just jealous of me! When Brother Gu really does introduce me to a few Jade Maiden Valley disciples, don't you go regretting it!"

"Haha, you better keep dreaming!" Kou Hai laughed, "Brother Gu isn't going to agree to that so easily."

Another bout of laughter ensued, with Xing Lie's proposal becoming a lighthearted joke that added to the festive atmosphere of the reunion.

Looking at his joyful companions, Gu Sheng felt a deep warmth in his heart. He knew that no matter how many difficulties and challenges lay ahead, as long as these dependable companions were by his side, he would have boundless strength and courage to face it all.

"Alright, enough joking around," Gu Sheng smiled, interrupting their laughter. "We still have more important tasks to accomplish. Jade Maiden Valley was just a small interlude in our journey; greater challenges are still waiting for us."

Upon hearing Gu Sheng's words, everyone sobered up and their expressions grew serious. They knew he was right—the road ahead was long and fraught with hardship. Only through unity and solidarity could they hope to navigate it successfully.

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