The mountain bandits of Black Wind Village fell to their knees, clutching their heads in fear, terrified that Gu Sheng and his companions would slaughter them mercilessly. They had committed numerous heinous acts, but at this moment, they resembled lambs awaiting slaughter, utterly powerless to resist.

Gu Sheng gazed coldly at the bandits, his eyes devoid of any pity or sympathy. He knew these men deserved their fate—their hands were stained with the blood of innocent people. However, he also understood that now was not the time for indiscriminate killing. He waved his hand, signaling his companions to cease their attack.

"Hand over your treasures and all of your valuables!" Gu Sheng commanded coolly. His voice was not loud, yet it carried an unmistakable authority and domineering presence.

The mountain bandits of Black Wind Village complied at his command, scrambling to surrender their possessions and treasures. In a short time, a massive heap of gold, silver, and rare materials lay before Gu Sheng and his companions. These ill-gotten gains, plundered through robbery, were now their last hope for survival.

Gu Sheng nodded slightly as he inspected the treasures, then gestured for everyone to depart. They didn't linger for long and soon disappeared into the darkness of the night. Before leaving, Gu Sheng intentionally set fire to the camp of Black Wind Village as punishment for their evildoings.

The abrupt assault inflicted devastating losses on Black Wind Village's mountain bandits. Not only did they lose all their treasures, but they also lost control over the region. Meanwhile, Gu Sheng and his companions returned triumphant, having both eradicated a public menace and gained tremendous spoils.

On the way back to Jade Maiden Peak, the group excitedly discussed the raid.

"Gu Brother, you're truly remarkable! To think you came up with such a brilliant plan!" Xing Lie exclaimed, slapping Gu Sheng on the shoulder with excitement.

"Indeed! Gu Brother, your cultivation is extraordinary, and your wisdom and courage are unparalleled. You're truly a model for us all!" Kou Hai added sincerely.

The Grass Vine Demon Soul's transformation

"Today's gains are the fruit of everyone's effort. The credit for this success belongs to all, not just myself," Gu Sheng said with a warm smile as his gaze swept across his companions. His distribution plan satisfied everyone, even the ordinary members of the Jade Maiden Gang, who received generous rewards.

"Gu Brother, you're always so thoughtful," Kou Hai said with a laugh, playing with the Spirit Stones he had been allocated, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"This is what everyone rightly deserves." Gu Sheng waved dismissively, his gaze shifting to the Spirit Stones in his hand, already devising a plan in his mind. He needed the Spirit Stones to nourish his Grass Vine Demon Soul.

As night fell, Gu Sheng sat alone in a quiet chamber surrounded by glowing Spirit Stones. He took a deep breath, arranging the Spirit Stones around him and forming a sealing gesture with his hands before activating his Cultivation Technique. Spiritual Power surged within him, crashing like raging waves.

As time passed, the spiritual energy within the Spirit Stones gradually flowed into the Grass Vine Demon Soul. The originally thumb-sized, reddish Grass Vine Demon Soul began to transform under the abundant nourishment. Its color shifted from red to yellow, its size grew visibly, and eventually, it expanded to three fingers wide and an astonishing length of over four thousand meters.

Gu Sheng's eyes shone with delight. He could feel the Grass Vine Demon Soul's power growing rapidly, a surge of strength coursing through his body. He attempted to split the Grass Vine Demon Soul; it instantly fractured into countless fine vines, each infused with immense corrosive power.

"This corrosive force is incredibly potent!" Gu Sheng marveled. To test this newfound power, he ventured into the Ice Forest for a trial.

Within the Ice Forest, Demon Beasts roamed freely. Sensing Gu Sheng's aura, numerous ferocious creatures launched attacks against him. Yet in the face of the Grass Vine Demon Soul, these beasts crumbled like paper, instantly corroded into bare bones.

An enormous Mammoth Divine Elephant at the Sea Floor Realm's First Level lasted only seconds under the Grass Vine Demon Soul's assault before disintegrating into a pile of white bones visible to the naked eye, leaving no trace behind!

"The power of this Grass Vine Demon Soul is truly terrifying," Gu Sheng mused, gazing at the bones before him. He knew he had discovered a precious treasure this time.

However, just as Gu Sheng prepared to leave the Ice Forest, he suddenly sensed an overwhelmingly powerful aura approaching rapidly. The sheer intensity of the aura made him feel a twinge of alarm.

"Could it be…" Gu Sheng's thoughts turned grim as he immediately blurred into motion, swiftly departing the scene.

Meanwhile, deep within the Ice Forest, a pair of scarlet eyes slowly opened, radiating a sharp killing intent. "Heh heh, who would have thought that this little Northern Territory would harbor such an interesting lad. That Grass Vine Demon Soul—I'll take it!"

Several days later, Gu Sheng returned to Jade Maiden Peak, sharing news of the Grass Vine Demon Soul's transformation with his comrades. Upon hearing his report, shock filled their faces. They recognized that Gu Sheng had gained a formidable asset but also worried for him, knowing such power would undoubtedly attract countless covetous eyes and fierce contention.

"Gu Brother, you must act cautiously in the future," Xing Lie advised, "This kind of power, while immense, will bring endless trouble to you."

"Rest assured, Brother Xing," Gu Sheng replied with a confident smile, "I know what I'm doing." His steadfast gaze swept toward the distant horizon, already formulating new plans in his heart. He understood that the road ahead was long, but he was determined to walk it and carve out his path to glory!

In the days that followed, Gu Sheng did not slacken his cultivation despite acquiring the Grass Vine Demon Soul. Instead, he diligently worked to enhance his strength.

Gu Sheng knew that true power could only stem from his own growth. Only by being strong himself could he face any dangers ahead and protect those he cared about.

At the same time, he began experimenting with fusing the Grass Vine Demon Soul's abilities with his Cultivation Technique, aiming to develop his own unique Martial Technique.

One day, while Gu Sheng was cultivating in his quiet chamber, hurried footsteps suddenly echoed. He opened his eyes to see Kou Hai rushing in urgently.

"Gu Brother, it's bad!" Kou Hai panted heavily, "Outside… there's a group of people claiming they've come for you!"

"For me?" Gu Sheng frowned, a sense of foreboding welling up within him. "Who are they?"

"I don't know—they said they're looking for you," Kou Hai shook his head. "They seem very strong. Should we hide for now?"

"Hide? Why should we hide?" Gu Sheng stood up, his eyes flashing with cold determination. "I want to see exactly why they're here for me!" With that, he strode out of the chamber toward the mountain gate.

The Jade Maiden Gang followed suit, knowing that this matter wouldn't be simple.

At the mountain gate, Gu Sheng saw a group of people waiting for them. At the forefront was a middle-aged man clad in lavish robes, holding a golden longsword, exuding an extraordinary presence.

"You're the descendants of the Northern Territory's Thirteen Great Bandits?" The middle-aged man stared at Gu Sheng and his companions coldly before his gaze settled on Gu Sheng. "You must be Gu Sheng?"

"Indeed." Gu Sheng nodded. "I am Gu Sheng. May I know the reason for your visit?" Despite sensing the potent aura emanating from the man, his face remained unwavering.

Gu Sheng knew he could not afford to retreat—showing weakness now would expose vulnerabilities.

"Hmph! You truly don't know why we are here?" The man snorted coldly. "Hand over your Grass Vine Demon Soul, and we'll spare your life!" His tone brimmed with threat and killing intent. Clearly, they had come for Gu Sheng's Grass Vine Demon Soul.

"Oh? You want my Grass Vine Demon Soul?" Gu Sheng chuckled, his eyes glinting with mockery. "Then let's see if you have what it takes to claim it!"

With that, he activated his Cultivation Technique, preparing for battle. Gu Sheng knew this fight was inevitable, and he intended to test the extent of his newly enhanced Grass Vine Demon Soul's strength.

The atmosphere instantly turned tense—a fierce battle was on the verge of erupting!

The members of the Jade Maiden Gang readied themselves for combat, understanding that only unity could see them through this calamity. Gu Sheng stood at the forefront, intent on proving the honor and dignity of the Northern Territory's Thirteen Great Bandits' descendants through his strength!

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