Chapter 1000: Chapter 1000

Chapter 1000: Chapter 155: Becoming a Legend

The Ancient Literature Society was never a well-known powerful organization among the people.

Before they could truly ignite a “blazing inferno,” they were extinguished by the Deep Sea.

As embers, being able to stubbornly continue burning was already quite difficult.

Retrospectively… can they spark another inferno?

In the courtyard of Xuankong Mountain, Gu Shen was silent for a small moment.

The matter Chu Ling spoke of.

He indeed needs to prepare himself mentally.

Throughout this past year, he has been making similar preparations for this matter… his cultivation realm, the responsibilities he wishes to shoulder, these are not things that can be easily enhanced or undertaken.

Chu Ling saw that Gu Shen was not speaking anymore, so she quietly asked, “A week later, when the list is out… do you want to see it?”

Gu Shen’s response was without hesitation.

He silently clenched his fist, hoarsely saying, “But that guy with the code name ‘031’… you don’t have to look for him.”

“I probably know who he is.”

Gu Shen once again put forth a request for an “audience with the Empress.”

After the Holy Judge left the courtyard, he had only this one important matter left.

But the response from the Lord of the Legion was to “wait.”

Thus, Gu Shen had no choice but to continue meditating in the courtyard, but actually, for him, staying at the Xuankong Mountain courtyard didn’t make much difference. Because even if he returned to the East Continent, he would only be going back and forth between Divine Temple Mountain and Qingzhong Cemetery.

Cultivation is such a monotonous and dull affair.

However, Gu Shen had already determined his “contemplative direction,” and he began to focus on exploring his own “blazing fire.”

If Mu Wanqiu’s speculative direction is correct—

Then he still has one more opportunity to comprehend the “Domain Embryo”!

His own “blazing fire” hasn’t yet formed its exclusive domain!

While meditating in the courtyard, Chu Ling reminded Gu Shen there was an “important” email in his mailbox.

It was Duke Xiang Chen sending an invitation once again.

Because of the pressure from the Holy Judge, Gu Shen had been shutting himself off for cultivation recently, declining all invitations, and those “Northern Continent nobles” awaiting silently chose not to disturb anymore. After the Holy Judge left, they became active again.

Gu Shen wouldn’t pay any heed to these people.

But he agreed to a meeting with “Duke Xiang Chen.”

This was, in fact, an invitation sent by Duke Xiang Chen on behalf of his disciple, Li Bing. The gathering place was also in Xiang Chen’s estate.

The reason Gu Shen agreed wasn’t just because of the Duke’s good reputation and noble character.

he had taken a liking to the “ancient texts” in Duke Xiang Chen’s house!

Duke Xiang Chen was skilled in teaching disciples, with students spread all over the world. He was even an old friend of Qianye… Among the Five Continents, those who could become “friends” with Master Qianye were few and far between.

At the agreed time and place, Gu Shen arrived on time as promised.

Duke Xiang Chen’s estate is located in the suburbs outside the main city of Central City, not far from Xuankong Mountain.

This Duke does not pursue “power” or “status.”

So his estate, aside from a few attendants and servants rewarded by the royal family, is quite modest. Upon entering the garden, there was a designated person leading Gu Shen forward, passing through a few flower beds and an artificial hill, with a symbolic “brief admiration,” before reaching the main hall.

Duke Xiang Chen sat at the main seat, composed and at ease.

As for the actual initiator of this invitation, the “Dongning City” guardian, Li Bing, stood solemnly beside his teacher.

Gu Shen entered the hall, greeted with the customary bow of Changye, “Mr. Li.”

Xiang Chen smiled while stroking his beard, gesturing for Gu Shen to sit without ceremony.

Li Bing beside him was flattered by the title “Mr. Li,” and quickly bowed in return… The young man was very respectful, clearly valuing his teacher and the way of respect, even the etiquette of returning the greeting was strictly in accordance with the standards of Snow Forbidden City.

All these details were noted by Gu Shen.

After he sat down, a table nearby already had hot tea prepared.

Sipping gently, Gu Shen did not beat around the bush and directly asked with a smile: “Duke Xiang Chen, may I know the reason for your invitation today?” Read full story at NovelHub(.)net

If you wish to arrange a meeting, it doesn’t necessarily have to be at a banquet.

Given Duke Xiang Chen’s status, it’s not difficult to meet me.

To invite me in front of so many people is rather odd…

“Mr. Xiao Gu is a smart man,” Xiang Chen said with a smile. “Actually, today’s invitation is not for me but for my disciple…”

He stood up and reintroduced to Gu Shen: “Li Bing, valued by Lord ‘Silver Fox’ of the Second Army, was transferred to Dongning City Fortress last year to oversee and lead the operations. It is a small fortress, not large, but it is a ‘key city’ connecting the main wing and flanks.”

Gu Shen listened intently and scrutinized slightly.

The young man named “Li Bing,” with clear eyes, had a youthful smile. He seemed to be of a similar age to Gu Shen… At this age, holding the position of “Dongning City Protector” implies considerable capability.

Moreover, attending the banquet at the Central City Underground Research Institute is enough to attest to his excellence.

But, what does this have to do with me?

His eyes showed a trace of confusion.

“Mr. Xiao Gu, the purpose of this invitation… is quite simple.”

Xiang Chen saw the intent in Gu Shen’s eyes, so he got straight to the point: “Over the years, the Northern Continent’s Four Great Armies, plus the Investigation Corps… the number of Transcendents has been dwindling. As the environment of the [Old World] becomes increasingly harsh, the difficulty of outbound missions has risen, and the various fortresses and armies are facing manpower shortages.”

Upon hearing this, Gu Shen squinted his eyes.

He could roughly guess the topic of this invitation—

“In the past, Light City would send a large number of ‘Transcendents’ to various fortresses.” Xiang Chen’s expression was complex as he slowly explained: “But starting a few years ago, support from the West Continent has also been decreasing. Light City began to cultivate ‘Holy Judges’ extensively, increasing pressure on the Northern Continent Fortress. The council has discussed this multiple times, but it’s never been resolved…”

Gu Shen couldn’t help but sigh lightly in his heart.

Duke Xiang Chen truly is a “Saint.”

Hoping the council can fix these issues… is quite naive.

The relationship between the Lin Family and Light City has changed; the decisions made by the Light God’s Seat in recent years have made this clear… If he really wanted to bind interests with the Lin Family, how could the Light Goddess ever talk of “repentance” in marriage?

From Gu Shen’s understanding of the Divine Thrones, everything that happens can be seen as a conspiracy.

After all… in a sense, the Divine Thrones are the supreme chess players, the rulers controlling everything.

Every “incident” in this game is something he’s allowed and hoped to happen.

“So, you hope to relieve the pressure through ‘East Continent.'”

Gu Shen uncovered Xiang Chen’s intention and said slowly: “And finding me is better and more effective than finding someone else…”

Currently in East Continent, the north and south are controlled by the Flower Flags and the Five Families.

If one understands East Continent’s recent development history, they’d realize… Gu Shen is the only person whose influence can “radiate” to the two super districts of Changye Great Capital.

From humble beginnings in Qing River, fully supported by Flower Flags, disciple of Master Qianye, inheritor of divination skills…

Gu Shen holds top-notch “influence” and “appeal” in the East Continent Nine Districts.

Li Bing stepped forward and gently spoke: “Mr. Gu Shen, your visit to the Northern Continent is already significant ‘promotion.’ If you can encourage East Continent’s youth to hone themselves with the Northern Continent Army, the fortress’s pressure will soon be relieved.”

Gu Changzhi passed away.

East Continent needs a new “soul”—

Nowadays, the Bai Shu Divine Throne is not suitable as the new “soul.” He’s from the same era as Gu Changzhi, and as the tide passes, East Continent requires a new “hero.” This hero is best a young person.

This hero now has a suitable candidate.

“To be frank, you will become a living ‘legend.'”

Li Bing stared into Gu Shen’s eyes, finally meeting the young genius from Qing River, his voice slightly uncontrolled with excitement: “I know your deeds; those in East Continent are needless to mention… You solved the ‘Maze’ task in Gu Castle, miraculously returned from the Storm with elite members of the Investigation Corps, dissolved the ‘Spirit Crisis’ at Gu Castle Fortress, and then went to ‘Duolu River’ with Northern Continent captains for a mission, capturing the [Old World] Divine Throne together with Her Majesty…”

“Stop, stop… please stop for a moment.”

Gu Shen couldn’t help but interrupt Li Bing.

Gu Shen doesn’t like such accolades.

He never intended to become a “legend,” to be worshipped… yet the young man’s eyes showed obvious fervor. If he didn’t interrupt, Li Bing might grow increasingly “excited.”

Gu Shen frowned and said: “Mr. Li, you don’t need to say more… If you wish to promote in East Continent and summon more Transcendents to the Northern Continent, I am not opposed. But what I did in the Northern Continent need not be used as ‘promotion’ material. If Transcendents from East Continent really come to the Northern Continent Fortress, they should not be seeking a manufactured ‘legend;’ they should have their own enlightenment.”

Li Bing was slightly taken aback.

“Li Bing, calm yourself.”

With Xiang Chen’s reminder, he recognized his momentary lapse, bowed his head again, and silently stepped back.

“Mr. Xiao Gu, please forgive him… After all, he is still too young.”

Xiang Chen stood up promptly to ease the atmosphere, the elderly Northern Continent Duke’s voice smooth: “So, regarding this matter… what is your opinion?”

“I will help, but not by calling forth recruits. I can ensure that this concern will gain the attention of Her Majesty the Empress and the Bai Shu Divine Throne; they will establish separate contact.”

Gu Shen calmly replied: “In events that propel continents forward, the individual will of people like you and me cannot be decisive… The more fervent one is, the more likely mistakes will occur. I think it’s not only Mr. Li who needs to stay calm, but also Duke Xiang Chen.”