"Thank you, elders, for your concern and support," Gu Sheng clasped his hands and said, "Our secluded cultivation this time indeed brought some gains, but it was also thanks to the support and shelter from the Demon Clan."

Yu Die nodded in agreement and said, "Yes, thank you to the Demon Clan for giving us this opportunity and platform."

The elders nodded in approval and contentment upon hearing this.

From a distant high platform, Yan Ruyu, who had been silently observing, revealed a satisfied smile. "It seems they've truly succeeded," she thought to herself. "Perhaps this is fate."

With Gu Sheng and Yu Die emerging from seclusion, the shock and awe within the Demon Clan gradually subsided, and the entire Demon Clan territory returned to its usual peace and harmony.

Not long after Gu Sheng returned to the Yaochi Holy Land, he received two special visitors—the Ji family siblings, Ji Xuri and Ji Yewei.

"Gu Sheng, you're back!" Ji Yewei rushed forward enthusiastically into the Yaochi Secret Realm, her face brimming with excitement. "I heard that your secluded cultivation this time yielded great results. Tell me all about it!"

Gu Sheng smiled faintly and was about to speak but was interrupted by a cold voice.

"Gu Sheng, I've long heard of your reputation; today, I've come to challenge you," Ji Xuri said as he walked forward slowly, his eyes glinting with battle intent.

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow, sensing the hostility emanating from Ji Xuri. Yet, he did not retreat but instead responded calmly, "Since Brother Ji has such interest, I naturally oblige."

"Good!" Ji Xuri shouted coldly. His figure vanished in an instant, and when he reappeared, he was already before Gu Sheng, throwing a punch with unstoppable momentum.

Gu Sheng's figure flickered as he skillfully evaded the punch, simultaneously activating his Cultivation Technique. Behind him appeared a vision of golden ocean waves churning. The golden glow of the Ancient Sacred Body flowed, elevating his aura to its peak.

"Well done!" Gu Sheng shouted lowly, striking out with a golden palm to collide against Ji Xuri's fist force, creating a deafening boom.

Ji Xuri staggered, his eyes flashing with a hint of surprise. He hadn't expected Gu Sheng's physical body to be so formidable, capable of meeting him head-on without falling short.

"Interesting." Ji Xuri sneered, his figure disappearing once again, transforming into an afterimage circling around Gu Sheng. Each appearance was accompanied by a fierce attack.

Gu Sheng relied on the robust body of the Ancient Sacred Body and the agile movements of Gale Nine Swords to nullify Ji Xuri's attacks one by one. The battle escalated into a fervent showdown, with the energy fluctuations within the secret realm growing increasingly intense.

"The Rising Sun Over the Sea!" Ji Xuri suddenly shouted, a massive vision of a blazing sun emerging behind him, bearing down on Gu Sheng. This was his ultimate strike, unparalleled in power.

Gu Sheng's face turned solemn, knowing he couldn't take it head-on. Therefore, he activated the Shadow Concealment Skill, disappearing instantly from his original position and reappearing behind Ji Xuri.

"Gale Nine Swords!" Gu Sheng shouted lowly, the Seven-colored Jade Maiden Sword in his hand radiating dazzling light as nine streaks of Sword Qi slashed forth, targeting Ji Xuri's vital spots.

Ji Xuri felt the Sword Qi behind him and swiftly dodged, but still suffered injuries from several strands of Sword Qi cutting through his body. Turning around, his eyes burned with anger. "You dare injure me!"

"In battles, every outcome depends on one's ability," Gu Sheng said calmly. "If Brother Ji is not convinced, feel free to come at me again."

Ji Xuri took a deep breath, understanding that Gu Sheng was far from an easy opponent. Nonetheless, he refused to give up and launched yet another fierce assault. The intensity of their fight surged, every clash sending out thunderous roars.

Yet amidst the fierce combat, Gu Sheng remained composed and calculated. He leveraged his agile movement technique and stalwart body to steadily wear down Ji Xuri's energy. Gradually, Ji Xuri's breathing grew labored.

"Gale Nine Swords—Void Splitter!" Gu Sheng suddenly unleashed a lethal strike. The Seven-colored Jade Maiden Sword emitted dazzling brilliance, slicing through the air with a Sword Qi aimed straight at Ji Xuri's heart.

Ji Xuri was shocked, sensing the mortal threat from this strike. He used every ounce of his strength to evade, though the Sword Qi still tore through his chest, leaving blood flowing freely.

"I've lost…" Ji Xuri struggled to spit out these words before his body collapsed to the ground. His eyes were filled with unwillingness and astonishment—he hadn't anticipated losing to Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng sheathed the Seven-colored Jade Maiden Sword and walked over to Ji Xuri, extending his hand to help him up. "Brother Ji, you let me win."

Ji Xuri said nothing but nodded silently. He understood that Gu Sheng's strength far surpassed his own. This battle gave him a deep realization of his shortcomings.

Meanwhile, Ji Yewei, who had been watching nearby, stood dumbfounded at the scene. She had never seen her brother in such a sorry state, nor had she witnessed such an extraordinary duel. Her admiration for Gu Sheng surged. "Brother Gu Sheng, you're amazing!"

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, "It's merely a friendly spar, not a life-and-death battle. Brother Ji is also very strong; had we truly fought to the death, the outcome would still be uncertain."

Ji Xuri heard this and couldn't help but feel respect for Gu Sheng's magnanimity and demeanor. He stood up and looked deeply at Gu Sheng. "Today's battle has taught me much. Gu Sheng, your strength and spirit have earned my admiration. I hope we can become true friends in the future."

"I hope so too." Gu Sheng extended his hand, firmly grasping Ji Xuri's. "The road ahead is long; let's work hard together."

Ji Xuri, ever prideful, having been defeated by Gu Sheng, turned and left the Yaochi Holy Land.

"Don't mind him; he's likely gone to train in seclusion!"

Ji Yewei knew her brother all too well. From childhood till now, he had only ever known victory, never defeat—at least among those of his age group.

This time, losing to Gu Sheng, someone he didn't regard highly, was intolerable.

Ji Xuri's motto remained: "Where one falls is where one must rise again."

Once her brother had left, Ji Yewei resumed her unruly antics.

"Hmph, my brother is such a sore loser," Ji Yewei muttered, pouting as she watched Ji Xuri's departing figure. Then, she turned with a cheerful look toward Gu Sheng. "But it's fine—he's gone, so we have plenty of time for fun!"

Gu Sheng sighed with a bitter smile, already accustomed to Ji Yewei's rapid swings in mood.

"Alright, since your brother has gone, how about we go boating?" Gu Sheng suggested.

"Yes, yes!" Ji Yewei's eyes lit up immediately, pulling Gu Sheng along as she ran toward the lakeside.

The Turquoise Pool's surface shimmered like a gigantic mirror, reflecting the blue skies, white clouds, and surrounding lush greenery. Gu Sheng and Ji Yewei stepped aboard a small boat powered by Spiritual Energy, gliding slowly toward the center of the lake.

"Gu Sheng, how deep do you think the lake is?" Ji Yewei asked curiously.

"It's said to be bottomless, with no one able to determine its actual depth," Gu Sheng answered while skillfully maneuvering the boat through the lake.

"Wow, really? Then there must be countless mysterious creatures and treasures!" Ji Yewei's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Gu Sheng smiled, not replying, knowing that Ji Yewei's imagination always ran wild.

The small boat drifted across the lake as the two admired the scenery and chatted idly.

"Gu Sheng, what do you think of my brother?" Ji Yewei suddenly asked.

"Your brother is very strong—a worthy opponent," Gu Sheng said sincerely.

"Hmph, of course! My brother is the best!" Ji Yewei said with pride but then frowned. "But this time, he lost to you. He must be feeling very bitter."

"Winning and losing are common in duels; the key is to learn and grow from it," Gu Sheng comforted her.

"You're right; my brother is sure to work even harder," Ji Yewei nodded in agreement and then asked, "What about me?"

"You..." Gu Sheng deliberately paused. "You're also very extraordinary. Among the people I've met, your talent and strength are undoubtedly outstanding."

"Really?" Ji Yewei beamed with joy upon hearing Gu Sheng's praise. "Then do you think we might...?"

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