"Gu Sheng, you're absolutely correct," Wu Tianxiong interjected, "We can't let ourselves become complacent over a single victory. We must continue to work hard to strengthen our abilities to face even greater challenges."

"Indeed," Ying Tianxing sighed, "This world is filled with unknowns and dangers. Only by pressing ever forward can we uncover more truths."

Xing Lie proposed that now that Gu Sheng had his own faction—the Jade Maiden Gang—they could start conducting raids and pillaging operations. There were many small gangs in the Northern Territory; why not rob them, black against black? This would speed up the acquisition of resources.

It would certainly be faster than taking action alone.

"Gu Sheng, what do you think?" Xing Lie's eyes gleamed as he looked at the young man before him.

Gu Sheng furrowed his brow slightly. Wearing plain green robes, his deep-set eyes seemed capable of piercing through all illusions. "Raiding small gangs might swiftly accumulate resources, but it's not a long-term solution, nor is it my wish."

"Your thinking is far too rigid," Kou Hai snapped with dissatisfaction. "In the Northern Territory, the law of the jungle reigns supreme. If you don't seek trouble, trouble will find you."

Ying Tianxing and Wu Tianxiong exchanged glances but said nothing. They knew Gu Sheng had his own plans and principles, and he wouldn't easily compromise them.

"Brother Gu, the ancient mining district and gambling stone squares—both are indeed viable options," Black Emperor mused. "However, Kou Hai isn't entirely wrong either. Having treasure invites trouble; we must be prepared for that."

Gu Sheng nodded. "I understand that, but raiding isn't the fundamental way to solve the problem. We can obtain resources through legitimate means while honing our skills in the process."

"Then tell me, between the gambling stone squares and the ancient mining district, how should we choose?" Xing Lie pressed.

"Both are crucial," Gu Sheng explained. "In the gambling stone squares, we might discover rare treasures; in the ancient mining district, we may unearth ancient legacies and Magical Treasures. We need to pursue both paths simultaneously."

The group nodded in agreement, acknowledging his reasoning.

"But before that, we must first take care of something," Gu Sheng suddenly said, his tone shifting as he flashed a mysterious smile.

"What is it?" Kou Hai asked curiously.

"We must enhance our strength," Gu Sheng said solemnly. "Only by becoming strong ourselves can we establish a foothold in the Northern Territory."

At the base of Jade Maiden Peak, a newly constructed training ground was bustling with activity. Gu Sheng and the members of the Jade Maiden Gang were tirelessly training, their silhouettes outlined with determination against the setting sun.

A few days later, Gu Sheng led the members of the Jade Maiden Gang on their journey to the gambling stone squares and the ancient mining district. Their goal was to seek the legendary opportunities, while also tempering themselves and advancing their cultivation.

The group arrived at Yuelai Gambling Stone Square, which was teeming with activity. People of all types had gathered here.

"Brother Gu, what do you think of this stone?" Xing Lie pointed to a stone with a faint green sheen on its surface.

Gu Sheng leaned in for a closer look, his brow slightly furrowed. "This stone looks extraordinary, but whether it contains anything worthwhile requires careful judgment."

Kou Hai waved it off dismissively. "Brother Gu, you're being overly cautious. In my opinion, this stone is bound to have treasure inside!"

Gu Sheng gave a faint smile. He reached out, lightly touching the stone, and silently chanted a spell. A glimmer of peculiar light flashed in his eyes.

"This stone does indeed contain treasure," Gu Sheng confirmed, "But it's not what we need."

"Oh? And how can you tell?" Xing Lie asked with curiosity.

"Just intuition," Gu Sheng said with a faint smile, offering no further explanation. He walked toward another seemingly plain stone and gave it a light pat. "This is the one."

The group looked at the stone with uncertainty. Its appearance was exceptionally ordinary, showing no special characteristics.

"Open it!" Gu Sheng ordered. The workmen began their task, chiseling away at the stone.

As stone fragments flew, a translucent Spirit Stone gradually emerged. Gasps of amazement arose from the crowd—it was a Spirit Stone of exceptional quality, worth a fortune.

"Brother Gu, how did you do that?" Kou Hai couldn't help but ask.

"Everyone has their own destiny and fortune," Gu Sheng replied, smiling mysteriously. "I just happen to have an eye for discovering beauty."

After hitting a jackpot at the gambling stone square, Gu Sheng and his company set out for the ancient mining district. This rugged terrain was exceptionally harsh, but it was also rich with boundless opportunities and hidden treasures.

"Proceed cautiously, everyone," Gu Sheng advised. "The ancient mining district is fraught with peril. We must remain united."

The group nodded solemnly, following closely behind Gu Sheng as they delved deeper into their exploration.

Soon, they stumbled upon an ancient mine. The cave was dimly lit, with an air permeated by a mysterious aura.

"There's treasure here!" Xing Lie's keen eyes caught sight of a faint glimmer deeper within the cave.

Gu Sheng motioned for everyone to stay vigilant and then led them carefully toward the light source. As they drew closer, they saw a massive Crystal Stone embedded in the wall, radiating a soft glow.

"Is this… the legendary Ancient Divine Crystal?" Kou Hai exclaimed.

Gu Sheng nodded. "Indeed, this is the Ancient Divine Crystal. It contains endless heavenly essence and will greatly aid our cultivation."

The group was overjoyed, but they also understood that such a treasure would not come easily. The cave was likely fraught with unseen dangers.

At that moment, a fierce roar echoed from deeper within the cave. A massive Demon Beast appeared in front of them, its eyes blood-red and fangs bared. Clearly, it too had been drawn by the Crystal's aura.

"Everyone, be careful!" Gu Sheng shouted as his figure vanished in an instant. A second later, he reappeared above the Demon Beast's head, striking downward with his sword!

The beast let out a pained howl but remained standing. It swiped its enormous claws at Gu Sheng, initiating a fierce and perilous battle…

After a grueling fight, Gu Sheng finally slew the beast. The group hurried forward to check on the Ancient Divine Crystal, which remained unharmed, still gleaming enticingly from the rock wall.

"A massive haul!" Xing Lie shouted excitedly.

Gu Sheng, however, wore a grave expression. "This place is not safe for long. We must leave at once."

No sooner had he spoken than hurried footsteps echoed from the cave's entrance. A group of men dressed in black stormed in, their greedy eyes fixed on the Ancient Divine Crystal. Clearly, they were here for the same prize.

"Who are you?" Kou Hai asked warily.

"Hmph! We are members of the Northern Territory's largest bandit group—Black Wind Village," the leader of the black-clad men sneered. "Hand over the Ancient Divine Crystal if you know what's good for you! Otherwise, don't blame us for being ruthless!"

"The largest bandit group in the Northern Territory?" Xing Lie nearly burst into laughter, his tone dripping with mockery. "Hahaha… and what about the Northern Territory's Thirteen Great Bandit Kings? How do you compare to them?"

The leader of the black-clad men faltered. Those who had roamed the Northern Territory long enough certainly knew the terrifying reputation of the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings. Yet, for these people to claim they were related—that sent a chill up his spine.

"Hmph! Don't try to scare us with tales of the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings!" the leader retorted, feigning composure. "Our Black Wind Village doesn't back down from threats! Now hand over the Divine Crystal!"

"Oh? Is that so?" Xing Lie's smile grew colder. "In that case, let's show you what someone with ties to the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings can do!"

Before the leader could react, Xing Lie vanished, reappearing in front of him in an instant. With a single palm strike, the leader was sent stumbling backward.

"You… you're really from the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings?" the leader stammered in fear.

"Hmph! No doubt about it!" Xing Lie replied icily.

Gu Sheng stepped forward, his gaze sharp as a blade. "We are descendants of the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings, and for your Black Wind Village to dare covet what's ours… it seems you've grown tired of living!"

The leader of the black-clad men was now trembling with fear. He realized he'd kicked an iron plate this time. Yet, as the leader of Black Wind Village, he couldn't afford to surrender so easily.

"Hmph! So what if you're connected to the Thirteen Great Bandit Kings? Black Wind Village isn't afraid of a fight!" the leader blustered, though his voice betrayed his unease.

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