"Hmph, you weren't all that mature back then either." Empress Zishuang feigned annoyance, pouting her lips, only to be pulled into Gu Sheng's embrace.

"Alright, alright, it's all my fault." Gu Sheng gently patted Empress Zishuang's back. "Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's discuss the plan ahead."

The two exchanged smiles and began planning their future course of action.

The night grew darker, but Gu Sheng and Empress Zishuang showed no signs of sleepiness. They nestled together in the pavilion, gazing up at the starry sky as if trying to take in the entirety of the cosmos.

The dust on the Red Cloud Continent gradually settled, and Gu Sheng returned to the Yaochi Holy Land with his spoils of war. His silhouette had only just appeared by the Turquoise Pool when it stirred a commotion within the Holy Land.

"Gu Sheng is back!" A crisp cry pierced the tranquil air of the Turquoise Pool, and immediately the Holy Daughter, elders, and numerous disciples emerged from their respective cultivation spots, gathering by the pool.

Gu Sheng smiled at the crowd, holding a radiant treasure box in his hand. Inside were the two thousand Purple Spirit Stones he had brought back from the Red Cloud Continent. The sunlight gleamed upon the stones, radiating a dazzling brilliance that was impossible to ignore.

"This trip to the Red Cloud Continent was extremely fruitful," Gu Sheng said, opening the treasure box. A dense wave of Spiritual Energy surged out instantly.

The Yaochi Saintess' eyes shimmered with delight as she gracefully stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Mr. Gu, about these Purple Spirit Stones…"

"These Purple Spirit Stones are the shared wealth of our Yaochi Holy Land," Gu Sheng interrupted her with a smile. "I plan to distribute them to everyone as encouragement and reward."

Upon hearing this, the Saintess' eyes flashed with gratitude, and she softly said, "Thank you, Mr. Gu."

Though the Yaochi Saintess held the status of Gu Sheng's mentor-like figure, she customarily addressed him as "Mr." or "Master."

Gu Sheng shook his head and began distributing the Purple Spirit Stones. First, he handed a cloth bag containing one thousand stones to the Saintess. "This is your share, Saintess."

The Saintess received the bag, its reassuring weight making her heart swell with emotion. "Senior Brother, this is too much…"

"It's not too much. You deserve it," Gu Sheng said with a grin before turning to distribute the stones among the other disciples and elders.

Su Yao also received a hundred Purple Spirit Stones and laughed cheerfully. "Senior Brother Gu Sheng, you are so generous! With these Spirit Stones, my cultivation is sure to advance to new heights!"

"Cultivate well and don't squander the value of these Spirit Stones," Gu Sheng encouraged.

Soon after, the other elders and disciples received their shares as well, each of them brimming with joy and gratitude. The entire Yaochi Holy Land was immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and harmony.

After distributing the Spirit Stones, Gu Sheng had another thousand remaining. He approached the Grass Vine Demon Soul and handed them to it. "Your contributions in repelling the Holy Demon Clan's attack were invaluable. These Spirit Stones are your reward."

The Grass Vine Demon Soul swayed its leaves, emitting a soft, rustling sound that seemed to convey its joy and gratitude. Slowly, it extended a vine to gently coil around the Purple Spirit Stones. As the stones were consumed, the Grass Vine Demon Soul radiated an even richer Life Force.

The crowd watched this scene in awe and reverence, knowing well that the Grass Vine Demon Soul was one of the Yaochi Holy Land's Guardians. Its power and mystery had always inspired curiosity and admiration, and witnessing its bond and trust with Gu Sheng only deepened their sense of belonging and devotion to the Holy Land.

"Rustle, rustle…" After consuming the Purple Spirit Stones, the Grass Vine Demon Soul emitted a pleasant sound. Its leaves grew lusher and greener, its Life Force even more vigorous. It seemed to be expressing its gratitude and loyalty to Gu Sheng.

Gu Sheng smiled at the transformation of the Grass Vine Demon Soul, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment. He knew that while the journey to the Red Cloud Continent had been fraught with challenges and dangers, the ability to return with spoils and share the joy and success with everyone was one of his proudest and happiest achievements.

The Yaochi Holy Land basked in the joyous and harmonious atmosphere. Everyone reflected on Gu Sheng's generosity and magnanimity and marveled at the Grass Vine Demon Soul's strength and mystique. In this serene and beautiful world, they recognized countless treasures worth cherishing and protecting. They were resolved to work and strive for this peace and beauty!

"Senior Brother Gu, what's our next move?" An elder stepped forward and asked, "Our Yaochi Holy Land has grown significantly in strength. Should we take the initiative to eliminate those lurking threats?"

Gu Sheng shook his head. "Even though our strength has indeed increased, we mustn't rush to act. After all, we don't know if there are even more formidable enemies hidden in the shadows. We need to proceed with greater caution."

The crowd nodded in agreement.

The night deepened, stars glittering like diamonds against a profound abyss of the heavens. The Yaochi Saintess and Gu Sheng sat across from each other, jointly contemplating the enigmatic Dream Butterfly Atlas. Each movement within the atlas seemed to harbor universal mysteries, leading their souls to dance ethereally.

"The Dance of the Dream Butterfly feels so surreal, as though it could transcend the limits of time and space," the Yaochi Saintess murmured, her gaze shimmering with longing for the unknown worlds.

Gu Sheng smiled faintly, his gaze deep and luminous. "Indeed. Each time I cultivate with this Dream Butterfly Atlas, I feel a sense of beauty beyond the mortal realm, as if our souls are resonating with the universe itself."

As their conversation became more profound, their cultivation reached its peak. Each movement within the atlas flowed naturally, as though they had already become one with the cosmos.

When their cultivation session ended, Gu Sheng rose slowly and nodded slightly at the Yaochi Saintess. "That's enough for today. Thank you for your companionship, Saintess."

The Yaochi Saintess smiled in return. "You're too polite, Senior Brother Gu. I've learned a great deal myself."

Gu Sheng turned and left, returning to his dwelling at the Sky Sword Institute. Sitting silently within the Spiritual Gathering Array, he took a deep breath, calming his excited heart. Then, a beam of light flashed from his Storage Ring, and a Golden Body Pill quietly appeared in his hand.

This Golden Body Pill, imbued with boundless Life Essence, was an unexpected find during his adventures. Gu Sheng stared at the pill, his heart brimming with anticipation and awe.

Placing the pill into his mouth, Gu Sheng began his secluded refinement. The pill melted instantly, releasing a fragrant Life Force that filled his mouth with a sweetness akin to spring's essence throughout the Spiritual Gathering Array.

As the pill was refined, Gu Sheng's physique began emanating golden light. The radiance grew ever brighter, dazzling as the sun, illuminating the entire Sky Sword Institute. His body seemed encased in a layer of golden armor, impenetrable and indestructible.

"Buzz, buzz…" Within Gu Sheng's body roared waves of energy, as though torrents cascaded through his meridians without end. His Ancient Sacred Body experienced unparalleled strengthening, becoming tougher and mightier.

That night, strange phenomena unfolded above the Sky Sword Institute. Golden light pierced the heavens, bathing the entire Yaochi Holy Land in its brilliance. Everyone emerged from their cultivation spots, gazing at the magnificent sight above.

"Is that… Senior Brother Gu Sheng's cultivation phenomenon? How astonishing!"

"A golden body, an indestructible Sacred Body—could it be the legendary Ancient Sacred Body?"

"Senior Brother Gu Sheng is truly a prodigy, to have cultivated such a mighty physique!"

The crowd buzzed with admiration for Gu Sheng's achievements. They knew he had surpassed them all, becoming a true powerhouse.

Amid the amazement, the golden body in the sky suddenly extended a massive golden finger. Stretching over three thousand meters long, it towered in the heavens like a majestic mountain peak, exuding an oppressive aura capable of shattering all barriers.

"That's… the Great Wilderness Prison Sky Finger!" someone exclaimed.

The crowd widened their eyes, watching as the enormous golden finger moved slowly across the sky. Wherever it passed, the air seemed torn asunder, forming terrifying whirlwinds.

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