"The Clan Leader flatters me; it was merely a coincidence," Gu Sheng replied humbly.

"Hmm, a young man without arrogance or impatience—very good." Ji Ruoshui nodded slightly, "Since you've saved a member of the Ji family, we ought to reward you generously."

Gu Sheng initially wanted to refuse, but Ji Ruoshui insisted on granting him a reward. Under Ji Wanyou's guidance, Gu Sheng was led to the Ji family's treasury.

The doors of the treasury slowly opened, and a mysterious, ancient aura swept over him. Stepping inside, Gu Sheng's eyes instantly lit up. The warehouse brimmed with countless rare treasures—Spirit Stones shimmering with radiance, medicinal herbs emitting rich aromas, and various Magical Treasures and weapons. All these treasures glowed brilliantly, creating a world akin to a fantastical treasure trove.

At the center of this treasure world, one particular Immortal Herb radiating lush green hues stood out conspicuously. Its leaves shimmered faintly, trembling lightly as though imbued with life itself. Within Gu Sheng's Sea of Consciousness, the Grass Vine Demon Soul danced with excitement, as if it had stumbled upon an extraordinary find.

Gu Sheng was captivated by the herb and walked slowly toward it, sensing the powerful Life Force emanating from it. It was a mystic and potent energy, seemingly capable of healing all pain and exhaustion.

"This is…" Gu Sheng gazed at the herb in astonishment, his eyes gleaming with wonder.

"This is a Mid-grade Mystical-level Spirit Grass—the Green Light Spirit Marrow Grass," Ji Wanyou's voice rang beside Gu Sheng's ears, tinged with smugness and pride. "It possesses immense Life Force, capable of swiftly restoring a cultivator's injuries and Spiritual Power."

Gu Sheng's heart stirred; this was exactly what he needed at the moment. Without hesitation, he chose the Green Light Spirit Marrow Grass. At that instant, he felt a mysterious connection form between himself and the herb, sensing the boundless power and Origin of Life contained within it.

.

However, his choice sparked greed in Ji Wanyou's heart. She thought to herself, "Once you leave the Ji family, all of this will belong to me."

Even the steward in charge of the warehouse revealed a greedy and ruthless look. Yet Gu Sheng seemed oblivious to their intentions, calmly carrying the herb as he prepared to leave the treasury, a place both rich with treasures and fraught with danger.

On his way out of the warehouse, Ji Yewei quietly tugged at Gu Sheng's sleeve. "Gu Sheng, be careful. Ji Wanyou, she…"

"I know." Gu Sheng interrupted her with a faint smile, "Don't worry, I'll be cautious."

Their conversation was overheard in snippets by Ji Wanyou, who walked ahead. Her heart burned with rage as she silently cursed, "Brat, once you leave the Ji family, your death is inevitable!"

The night was ink-black, the moon hung high in the sky. As Gu Sheng darted through the darkness, an inexplicable unease brewed within him. He recalled the conversations at the Ji family and the venomous gaze of Ji Wanyou, which seemed to linger before his eyes.

"Hmph, once you leave the Ji family, your death is inevitable!" That sentence echoed in Gu Sheng's mind like a spell.

He knew Ji Wanyou and Ji Jingwei must have laid an ambush along the way, waiting for him to walk straight into their trap. Yet Gu Sheng was not entirely unprepared; he'd been secretly vigilant. Though his cultivation was inferior to theirs, his intelligence and courage were far from lacking.

As Gu Sheng pondered deeply, a surge of intense Spiritual Power suddenly erupted ahead. He looked up to see Ji Wanyou and Ji Jingwei blocking the path, sinister smiles painted across their faces.

"Brat, you've finally arrived!" Ji Wanyou said coldly.

Gu Sheng stopped in his tracks, his gaze firm as he locked onto them. "Ji Wanyou, your Ji family is truly despicable, repaying kindness with vengeance!"

"Hmph, brat, what do you think you are?" Ji Wanyou scoffed disdainfully, "In this world, only the strong survive, while the weak are eliminated. And you—you're the weak!"

Anger flashed in Gu Sheng's eyes briefly, but he knew it was not the time to let it consume him. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.

"Ji Wanyou, since you're intent on killing me, then come!" Gu Sheng declared, his voice resolute. "But I warn you, I, Gu Sheng, am not so easy to deal with!"

As he spoke, golden light surged across his entire body, and the aura of the Ancient Sacred Body erupted instantly.

"Hmph, petty tricks!" Ji Wanyou sneered, her figure vanishing in an instant. In the next moment, she reappeared in front of Gu Sheng, striking her palm toward his chest.

Gu Sheng's figure flickered, deftly evading her strike. At the same time, he countered with a swift sword slash aimed at Ji Wanyou. However, Ji Wanyou's cultivation was profound; she easily avoided the sword while countering with a fierce palm, forcing Gu Sheng back several paces.

"Haha, brat, is that all you've got?" Ji Wanyou mocked.

Gu Sheng did not falter. Though he knew he was no match for Ji Wanyou, he refused to concede defeat.

"Swish!"

He activated his cultivation technique, summoning visions of rivers, mountains, lakes, seas, as well as birds and mythical beasts. The overwhelming aura cascaded outward like tidal waves. Wielding the Jade Maiden Seven-Color Sword, he engaged Ji Wanyou in a breathtaking, life-and-death battle.

Meanwhile, Ji Jingwei joined the fray. Though his cultivation wasn't as advanced as Ji Wanyou's, it was formidable nonetheless. Yet Gu Sheng paid him little notice. Relying on the profound movement technique of the Carefree Ascension Step, Gu Sheng swiftly dodged Ji Jingwei's attacks while unleashing relentless assaults on Ji Wanyou.

The battle raged on in fervent intensity, with dizzying exchanges taking place across sky and earth—akin to clashes between gods.

Unfortunately, Gu Sheng's cultivation was ultimately weaker. Gradually, exhaustion began to tug at him. During one fierce clash, Ji Wanyou struck his chest with a firm palm, causing blood to spill profusely.

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