The two confided in each other, expressing their longing over the past days. They exchanged their experiences and insights during this time, deeply admiring each other's courage and wisdom. Especially Su Xian, who was full of admiration for Gu Sheng.

Under the influence of the alcohol, the two gradually entered a slightly intoxicated state. They began cultivating the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra, pressing their palms together as their True Qi intertwined, forming a mysterious virtual world.

In this virtual world, it was as if they were transported back to the moment they first met—going from strangers to familiar acquaintances to deep love, vividly reliving the entire process. Accompanied by the ambiguous martial dual cultivation, their bond grew stronger.

"Gu Sheng, I feel as if our souls are now closer than ever," Su Xian said, gazing at Gu Sheng with deep affection.

"Indeed, it feels as though we've become one," Gu Sheng replied.

When the two awoke from the virtual world, they found themselves lying on a large bed. Crimson candles burned brilliantly, illuminating their joyful smiles. That night, they held each other tenderly, savoring this rare tranquility and happiness.

"Gu Sheng, I will always support you," Su Xian whispered while snuggling into Gu Sheng's embrace.

"And I will always protect you. Every moment with you is the most precious time of my life," Gu Sheng responded deeply.

As the night deepened, the Fire Domain Holy City fell into silence. Yet, Gu Sheng and Su Xian's hearts brimmed with anticipation and hope for the future.

A week later, Gu Sheng returned to Guardian City.

In his residence within Guardian City, Gu Sheng received a special guest—Linghu Qingwan. She wore a flowing green dress, appearing as an ethereal fairy descending into the mortal world, her beauty unworldly.

"Gu Sheng, I heard of your return and hurried over immediately," Linghu Qingwan said with a smile.

"Miss Linghu, a rare guest indeed," Gu Sheng greeted her, a glimmer of delight in his eyes. "May I ask what brings you to visit today?"

"I heard of your and Su Xian the Holy Master's extraordinary deeds and found myself inspired. I've come seeking to discuss the path of cultivation with you," Linghu Qingwan admitted candidly.

Gu Sheng's heart stirred at her words and he extended an invitation: "Since Miss Linghu is so inclined, I happen to know of a place suitable for cultivation. Would you be interested in accompanying me?"

"Oh? Where might that be?" Linghu Qingwan asked curiously.

"The Giant Sword Secret Realm," Gu Sheng replied with a mysterious smile.

The two eagerly agreed and promptly ventured to the Giant Sword Secret Realm. Hidden within the Void, entry to this realm required special techniques. Upon entering, they were overwhelmed by the sight before them.

The realm was filled with towering giant swords, each emanating a sharp aura. Between the swords lay vast stretches of vibrant lotus leaves that seemed to span endlessly from sky to ground. As the breeze swept through, the lotus leaves swayed gently, as if whispering secrets.

"This is truly an excellent place for cultivation," Linghu Qingwan marveled.

Gu Sheng nodded, then unleashed his Grass Vine Demon Soul. The grass vine danced through the air, transforming instantly into blooming lotus flowers that radiated dazzling light. Next, he tossed over a thousand Purple Spirit Stones and a thousand stalks of Gathering Spirit Grass. These treasures hovered in the air before being absorbed one by one by the grass vine lotus flowers.

"Let us cultivate here," Gu Sheng said, and together they glided across the lotus leaves in a small boat. Closing their eyes, they began dual cultivation of the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra.

As the Heart Sutra activated, their consciousness gradually entered a mysterious virtual world. Within it, they found themselves rowing a small boat across a lotus pond surrounded by hazy moonlight and delicate drizzle, adding a touch of poetic charm to the scene.

On the boat, they drank tea, sipped wine, held hands… everything flowed naturally like a pair of lovers. Amid this idyllic scenery, their affection deepened.

"Gu Sheng, I feel as if I've entered a dreamlike world," Linghu Qingwan whispered.

"Indeed. This virtual world is crafted from our own hearts. Here, we can fully immerse ourselves in this tranquility and beauty," Gu Sheng replied.

As time passed, Linghu Qingwan suddenly felt a surge of immense power within her body. To her joy, she discovered that her cultivation had unknowingly broken through to the Sea Floor Realm's First Layer Heaven! Meanwhile, her Grass Vine Demon Soul turned to a green hue, its energy surging stronger than ever.

In that instant, lightning flashed and thunder roared, multitudes of phenomena erupted, shaking the entire secret realm. Linghu Qingwan, feeling the boundless power coursing through her body, overflowed with joy and gratitude. She knew all this was thanks to the opportunity and creation Gu Sheng had brought her.

"Gu Sheng, thank you," Linghu Qingwan said warmly, gazing at Gu Sheng with deep emotion. "You've shown me the joy and strength of cultivation."

"There's no need for thanks between us," Gu Sheng said with a smile. "If you're willing, we can continue cultivating together, exploring even broader horizons."

Amid the tranquil lotus pond, the two exchanged smiles, as if the entire world had faded away, leaving only the serenity of their shared space.

Just as Gu Sheng and Linghu Qingwan set foot outside the Giant Sword Secret Realm, Gu Sheng received a transmission via Gu Wan's jade slip. His expression instantly turned grave as he looked at Linghu Qingwan and said solemnly, "Guardian City has been attacked by the Holy Demon Body. I must go immediately."

"I'll go with you," Linghu Qingwan said decisively.

The two swiftly hurried toward Guardian City. Upon arrival, they found the entire city shrouded in black smoke, engulfed in the chaos of war. The city's defensive Spirit Energy shield trembled under relentless assaults from the Holy Demon Clan.

"Boom—"

From the sky, massive black mountains continuously slammed down, seemingly intent on obliterating the entire city. Above the black mountains, a familiar figure emerged.

"Zhao Honglie!" Gu Sheng gritted his teeth as he uttered the name. This maniac who had vanished for years now reappeared in such a devastating manner.

Standing atop a black mountain, Zhao Honglie gazed coldly at Gu Sheng, sneering, "Gu Sheng, long time no see. Do you still remember me?"

"Of course I remember you," Gu Sheng replied icily. "Back when you betrayed the Human Clan and joined the Holy Demon Clan, we became mortal enemies."

"Ha! Mortal enemies? How laughable," Zhao Honglie scoffed mockingly. "You think reaching the Sea Floor Realm's Fifth Level is enough to challenge me? I'm at the Ninth Level."

As he spoke, Zhao Honglie's Holy Demon Body emitted even denser black qi, as though it could consume the entire sky. His cultivation technique activated, fully revealing the might of the Holy Demon Mountain Crushing Fist. Each punch he threw summoned a black mountain to smash everything in its path.

Gu Sheng took a deep breath, knowing this battle would be exceedingly tough. Yet he did not retreat; he activated his cultivation technique and prepared to fight. Behind him, visions of rivers, mountains, lakes, seas, mythical birds, and beasts emerged. Golden waves surged endlessly as his aura reached towering heights. With the activation of the Ancient Sacred Body, his entire body became radiant gold, sparkling like a War God descending upon the world.

"Gale Nine Swords!" Gu Sheng shouted, and his Seven-colored Jade Maiden Sword instantly transformed into nine beams of sword light, slashing toward Zhao Honglie. Simultaneously, he moved like a shadow, executing a combination of the Shadow Concealment Skill and Carefree Ascension Step, making it impossible for Zhao Honglie to pinpoint his location.

Zhao Honglie sneered, "Tricks of the trade." He swung his fist, shattering the nine sword beams effortlessly. In a flash, he appeared before Gu Sheng, delivering a punch toward his chest. But Gu Sheng was prepared; he activated his Grass Vine Demon Soul, and the seven-thousand-meter-long vine instantly coiled around Zhao Honglie's arm, attempting to corrode his Holy Demon Body. At the same time, he struck out with a golden palm to counter Zhao Honglie's attack.

"Boom!"

The clash of forces erupted into a deafening roar.

Both Gu Sheng and Zhao Honglie retreated several steps to stabilize their footing.

This initial exchange ended in a draw, but Gu Sheng knew he couldn't drag the battle out. He had to find an opening quickly.

With this in mind, he launched his next attack, slashing Zhao Honglie's neck and legs simultaneously with the Seven-colored Jade Maiden Sword and Thirsty Blood Battle Axe.

Zhao Honglie sneered again, dodging both lethal strikes with a swift movement and countering with a punch aimed at Gu Sheng's abdomen.

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