Ji Yewei sensed Gu Sheng's Divine Thought fluctuation and curiously followed it as they searched together. Soon, she discovered a gigantic Netherworld Sturgeon, resembling a massive black whale, gliding through the depths of the lake.

"Look! There's a Netherworld Sturgeon over there!" Ji Yewei excitedly pointed it out to Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng nodded, a glint flashing in his eyes. "Hmm, looks like we're in for a feast tonight."

With that, he commanded, "Grass Vine, seize it!"

As soon as his voice fell, a thick Grass Vine Demon Soul shot out instantly, like lightning striking into the lake depths. While the Netherworld Sturgeon was enormous, its cultivation remained at only the Seventh Layer Heaven of the Marrow Refining Realm. It sensed the impending threat and struggled desperately, but the Grass Vine Demon Soul displayed an uncanny sentience, tightly wrapping around the sturgeon's body, firmly restraining it.

With relentless force, the Grass Vine Demon Soul dragged the Netherworld Sturgeon toward the shore, leaving a massive water trail across the lake's surface—like a giant black arc slicing through the night sky.

Once the Netherworld Sturgeon was pulled to the shore, Gu Sheng waved his hand lightly, causing the Grass Vine Demon Soul to transform into fine threads, which divided the sturgeon's body effortlessly into pieces. The motions were swift, fluid, and natural, leaving Ji Yewei utterly stunned. She had never seen such a mesmerizing display before, and her heart brimmed with admiration and curiosity toward Gu Sheng.

"How… How did you do that?" she couldn't help but ask.

"This is the special ability of the Grass Vine Demon Soul," Gu Sheng explained. "It can sense living beings' aura and react swiftly."

Ji Yewei nodded, secretly marveling to herself. She watched Gu Sheng busily work, his figure illuminated by the firelight, appearing particularly handsome and graceful. For reasons she couldn't understand, a strange emotion surged within her heart.

Gu Sheng didn't seem to notice Ji Yewei's peculiar feelings; he remained focused on roasting the sturgeon meat, occasionally sprinkling different seasonings. The firelight lit up his face, sketching a resolute yet gentle silhouette.

"Try this," Gu Sheng offered her a piece of roasted sturgeon meat.

Ji Yewei took the meat and gently bit into it. The tender, juicy texture and the bursting aroma made her exclaim in delight: "Wow! This is so delicious!"

Gu Sheng, watching her contented expression, felt a warm sentiment rise in his chest. The two sat by the fire, savoring the sturgeon meat and the tranquil night.

The moonlight spilled across the lake, its shimmering beauty blending seamlessly with the cozy atmosphere by the fire, creating an exquisite painting-like scene.

"Aren't you planning to go home?" Gu Sheng casually asked as he flipped the piece of sturgeon meat in his hand.

Ji Yewei glanced at him, her lips curling into a subtle smile. "Why, do you wish I would?"

"Your family matters are yours alone; it wouldn't be appropriate for me to interfere," Gu Sheng replied flatly, handing Ji Yewei another freshly roasted piece of sturgeon meat. "Here, taste this. How does it compare?"

Ji Yewei took the fragrant piece of sturgeon meat and bit into it lightly, her eyes lighting up with surprise. "Hmm, it's really good! You've got quite the talent."

"Thanks for the compliment," Gu Sheng said with a faint smile, taking a bite of his own piece of sturgeon meat.

After a brief silence, Ji Yewei suddenly spoke: "Actually, it's not that I truly despise the family; I'm just weary of all the scheming and plotting."

"I understand," Gu Sheng nodded. "In large families, such struggles are almost inevitable."

"What about you? Why did you choose this kind of life?" Ji Yewei asked curiously.

Gu Sheng remained silent for a moment before slowly replying: "I… I just want to find something that truly belongs to me."

"Like what?"

"Like freedom, like my true self." Gu Sheng took a deep breath, gazing at the distant starry sky. "You know, sometimes I feel like under this vast sky, everyone is like a lonely star, searching for their rightful place."

Ji Yewei was silent upon hearing this, and she too raised her head to gaze at the stars, a strange sense of resonance filling her heart.

The two remained quietly by the lake, staring up at the sky, their thoughts weighing heavy.

"Gu Sheng, do you think we can truly find our place?" Ji Yewei broke the silence.

"Perhaps we can, perhaps we can't," Gu Sheng sighed. "But at the very least, we're trying."

"What if we never find it?"

"Then we keep searching, until we do," Gu Sheng turned to look into Ji Yewei's eyes. "Life is a journey, and the importance lies not in the destination but in the scenery along the way and the people you meet."

Ji Yewei was moved by Gu Sheng's words. She suddenly felt an impulsive desire to learn more about this man.

"Gu Sheng, why did you choose this kind of life?" she asked again, unable to hold back.

Gu Sheng hesitated for a moment, seemingly lost in recollection. Then, slowly, he shared his story.

He came from a small county, but due to various reasons, he chose to leave and go on a solo journey. In the process, he encountered all kinds of people and experiences, facing countless challenges and hardships. Yet, he never gave up on seeking his dreams and aspirations.

Listening to Gu Sheng's story, Ji Yewei felt as though she was seeing the image of an indomitable, forward-pressing man. A surge of respect and admiration for Gu Sheng welled up in her heart.

Just as the two were confiding in each other, members of the Ji family finally caught up to them.

"Yewei! Finally, we've found you! Come back with us!" A Ji family elder called out coldly.

Ji Yewei's face instantly turned pale. She knew she could no longer evade the family's pursuit. But she truly didn't want to return to that web of intrigue.

"Gu Sheng…" She helplessly turned to look at the man beside her.

Gu Sheng grasped her hand tightly, transferring strength and courage to her. "Don't be afraid; I'm here."

He stood up to face the Ji family elder. "Honorable elders, Yewei doesn't wish to return. Why can't you respect her decision?"

"Hmph! This is a matter concerning the Ji family; it's not for an outsider to meddle!" The elders clearly didn't regard Gu Sheng of any importance.

The tension between the two sides escalated to the brink, as if a single spark could ignite an inevitable clash. Yet, at this critical moment, Ji Yewei suddenly spoke.

"Wanyou Elder, I'm willing to go back with you." Her voice was clear and resolute, instantly dissolving the stalemate.

Ji Wanyou's eyes flashed with a trace of triumph, though she maintained a composed facade. "Oh? Finally come to your senses?"

"Yes, elder," Ji Yewei responded respectfully, giving Gu Sheng a quick glance, "but I have a request. I hope you will agree."

"Speak," Ji Wanyou's eyebrows raised slightly, a hint of suspicion in her expression.

"I would like to invite my friend Gu Sheng to the Ji family as a guest." Ji Yewei smiled. "He saved me, and I wish for the family to treat him well."

Ji Wanyou inwardly rejoiced, as this played into her own motives, so she agreed readily. "Since he's your savior, naturally he'll be treated properly." She turned to Gu Sheng, "Young Master Gu, may I know your thoughts?"

Though Gu Sheng harbored caution in his heart, he maintained an unaffected demeanor outwardly. "Since Miss Yewei invites me, it would be rude to decline."

Thus, the group set off for the Ji residence. The Ji family's grandeur exceeded Gu Sheng's imagination: towering pavilions that pierced the skies, palaces adorned in gold and jade, each corner emanating an ancient family's dignity and depth. The gardens were exceptionally elegant, resembling scenes from an Immortal Realm.

Led by Ji Yewei, Gu Sheng toured the family's remarkable sights. They traversed secluded winding corridors, strolled through fragrant courtyards, each step unveiling breathtaking scenery.

Finally, they arrived before Ji Ruoshui, the family patriarch. Ji Ruoshui was a kind yet imposing elder; as he looked upon the young man before him, his eyes revealed a trace of admiration.

"Young Master Gu, I hear you saved Yewei?" Ji Ruoshui's voice was gentle yet powerful.

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