Chapter 255: The Depth of the Sacred Ground

Chapter 255: The Depth of the Sacred Ground

2024-11-08 Author: Ri Yue Qi Tian

In the City Lord's Residence.

Fushen Jun and Gu Qingfeng took their seats. The former City Lord, who was actually an elder of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, now sat in a subordinate position.

There was no other way.

Fushen Jun was a ninth-level Dao Palace realm powerhouse and the master of the Ninth Peak, holding a revered status just below the Saint Lord of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground.

As for the other person.

Although he was not from the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, he was a world-renowned powerhouse, suspected to be on par with a Saint.

Naturally, a mere ordinary elder of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground was nothing in comparison.

"Your reputation, Daoist Brother Gu, has long been known to me. Today, upon meeting you, I realize that the rumors are true!"

Fushen Jun smiled slightly, speaking with great respect to Gu Qingfeng.

Before meeting Gu Qingfeng, Fushen Jun still harbored some doubts about the strength of the First Strongest of the Nine Provinces. However, after truly meeting him, Fushen Jun understood that the rumors were not exaggerated.

In his eyes, the current Gu Qingfeng was like an unfathomable abyss, seemingly ordinary in appearance but containing terrifying destructive power within his body.

Fushen Jun was very certain.

If he were to engage this person in battle, he would surely be the one to fall.

This outcome both shocked and seemed reasonable to Fushen Jun.

After all, this man had the record of destroying a Saint-grade weapon.

"Daoist Brother Fu, you are too kind!"

Gu Qingfeng also spoke courteously.

"Daoist Brother Fu's cultivation is profound. I believe you are only one step away from the semi-Saint realm. When the Great Strife Era arrives, you will surely have a place among the Saints of the world!"

This was not a lie.

With his current discernment, Gu Qingfeng could see that Fushen Jun had a solid foundation, his qi and blood far surpassing that of an ordinary ninth-level Dao Palace realm cultivator.

More importantly, according to Gu Qingfeng's understanding, Fushen Jun was not particularly old.

At least, by the time the Great Strife Era arrives, it would not be a problem.

With his talent and foundation, he had a good chance of achieving the Dao and becoming a Saint in that era.

Gu Qingfeng's words brought a smile to Fushen Jun's face: "I appreciate your kind words, Daoist Brother Gu. This time, you have come to Tai Xu City, perhaps to meet Gu Xuan?"

"That is one of the reasons."

Gu Qingfeng nodded slightly, but he could see through the information panel that Gu Xuan was not currently in the Tai Xu Sacred Ground.

As expected, when Gu Qingfeng mentioned this, Fushen Jun's face showed regret: "Gu Xuan and the other disciples of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground are currently undergoing trials in a secret realm. It might be difficult for him to return in the short term.

If possible, Daoist Brother Gu can follow me to the Ninth Peak of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground and wait for Gu Xuan's return."

Fushen Jun naturally hoped to pull such a powerful figure into the Tai Xu Sacred Ground.

Although Gu Qingfeng was a powerhouse of the Nine Provinces, and his descendants had established the Divine Martial Dynasty, there was no rule that he could not join another force.

Many talented individuals from small forces would try their best to join larger forces, which was a common occurrence.

Of course, it was impossible for Gu Qingfeng to join the Tai Xu Sacred Ground.

With his cultivation, no one in the Tai Xu Sacred Ground had the qualifications to guide him.

However, if he could become a guest scholar or elder of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, it would still be a way to establish a connection.

But in response to Fushen Jun's invitation, Gu Qingfeng shook his head slightly: "I thank Daoist Brother Fu for your kindness, but I have other matters to attend to and cannot go to the Tai Xu Sacred Ground."

Upon hearing this, Fushen Jun's expression changed: "I wonder what matters Daoist Brother Gu has. Although the Tai Xu Sacred Ground is not rich in heritage, it does have some roots in the Eastern Domain.

If you need help, the Tai Xu Sacred Ground can lend a hand!"

"This is a matter between my Gu family and the forces of the Southern Domain. It would not be right to involve the Tai Xu Sacred Ground."

Gu Qingfeng shook his head in refusal.

However, when he mentioned the Southern Domain forces, Fushen Jun's expression changed repeatedly.

The master of the Ninth Peak did not expect that the Gu family would have ties with the forces of the Southern Domain.

Seeming to understand Fushen Jun's confusion, Gu Qingfeng did not hide anything and spoke directly.

"I have a third son who is not very capable. He was surrounded and attacked by many forces in the Southern Domain, and later disappeared after entering an ancient teleportation array. As his father, I cannot sit idly by."

"Bold indeed! Which forces dared to attack Daoist Brother Gu's offspring!"

Fushen Jun's face turned cold, seemingly extremely angry about the matter.

Gu Qingfeng said, "Many forces were involved, with the Gu Huang Sacred Ground being the main enemy. Therefore, I have come here to use the teleportation array of Tai Xu City to visit the Gu Huang Sacred Ground!"

"Gu Huang Sacred Ground!"

Upon hearing this name, Fushen Jun's expression became much more serious.

"Is Daoist Brother Gu planning to take action against the Gu Huang Sacred Ground?"

"Of course."

"The Gu Huang Sacred Ground has a profound heritage. Ten thousand years ago, a Saint King realm powerhouse emerged from it. Although that Saint King has undoubtedly perished, the heritage remains.

It's not that I underestimate Daoist Brother Gu, but the heritage of these ancient sacred grounds is not as simple as it appears on the surface.

If Daoist Brother Gu truly intends to take action, you should think it over carefully!"

Upon learning that Gu Qingfeng planned to act against the Gu Huang Sacred Ground, Fushen Jun's initial anger subsided. His expression turned serious, and he shared his thoughts.

Gu Qingfeng asked, "Does Daoist Brother Fu know something?"

Hearing this, Fushen Jun pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.

"Very well, Gu Xuan is a true disciple of the Ninth Peak, so Daoist Brother Gu is also considered a part of the Ninth Peak. There are some secrets that I have no need to hide."

At this point, Fushen Jun's gaze became more serious as he looked at Gu Qingfeng.

"Does Daoist Brother Gu think that ancient sacred grounds like our Tai Xu Sacred Ground have managed to maintain their legacy for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years without a reason?"

"Please enlighten me, Daoist Brother Fu!"

Gu Qingfeng's expression became more serious.

He understood that he might learn some secrets.

Although his secret agents had infiltrated the Ancient Desolate Realm, the information they could gather was mostly surface-level. Probing deeper into the hidden secrets was far more challenging.

Fushen Jun said, "All ancient forces with long-lasting legacies actually have their own profound heritage. In the case of our Tai Xu Sacred Ground, there is a Saint who still exists!"

"A Saint!?"

Gu Qingfeng's expression changed slightly.

"From what I know, there should not be any Saints in this era!"

"Daoist Brother Gu is correct. This era should not have any Saints emerging. But what if these Saints are not from this era?"

Fushen Jun's counter-question made Gu Qingfeng fall into deep thought.

Then, Fushen Jun continued, "Every ancient sacred ground actually possesses the means to seal themselves. Any powerhouse whose lifespan has not run out can seal themselves, waiting for the right opportunity."

"Under normal circumstances, only those at the Saint realm or higher are worth sealing."

"However, some extraordinary prodigies, due to the wrong timing of their emergence, will also be sealed by their forces at great cost, waiting for the Great Strife Era to arrive before they can re-emerge and compete."

"However, this sealing technique has its drawbacks. Once sealed, it is very difficult to act again. If they force themselves to awaken and act, they will need to pay a much greater price to re-seal themselves."

"Our Tai Xu Sacred Ground has a Saint in a state of slumber. As an even more ancient sacred ground, the Gu Huang Sacred Ground must have more Saints in slumber. It's possible that even a Great Saint could emerge.

Daoist Brother Gu's strength is indeed formidable, but if you face a Great Saint, you might not be able to retreat unscathed."

"Therefore, if you plan to take action against the Gu Huang Sacred Ground, you should think it over carefully!"

Fushen Jun naturally did not want Gu Qingfeng to fall at the hands of the Gu Huang Sacred Ground. After all, a living Gu Qingfeng was more valuable to the Tai Xu Sacred Ground than a dead one.

With the Great Strife Era approaching, the Tai Xu Sacred Ground needed to rally all the forces it could.

Otherwise, when the time came, the Tai Xu Sacred Ground might not fare well.

Despite its ancient heritage and the presence of a sleeping Saint, the Great Strife Era would see no shortage of Saints, and even some prodigies might reach the Great Saint realm or even higher, such as the Saint King realm.

Therefore, Fushen Jun did not want Gu Qingfeng to go to the Gu Huang Sacred Ground to meet his end.

Indeed!

It would be a suicide mission!

In Fushen Jun's eyes, Gu Qingfeng's current actions were tantamount to courting death.

However, out of respect for Gu Qingfeng, he spoke in a more tactful manner.

"Thank you for your concern, Daoist Brother Fu. However, I have already made up my mind. Although Gu Xiu is not particularly capable, he is still my son, and I cannot allow others to bully him."

"Once this matter is resolved, I will definitely visit the Tai Xu Sacred Ground to see Daoist Brother Fu!"

Gu Qingfeng did not intend to back down despite Fushen Jun's good intentions. From Fushen Jun's words, he gained a better understanding of the Gu Huang Sacred Ground's strength.

Seeing Gu Qingfeng's determination, Fushen Jun decided not to continue his persuasion.

After a brief conversation, Gu Qingfeng got up to take his leave.

Once Gu Qingfeng had departed, Fushen Jun returned to the Tai Xu Sacred Ground and directly met with the Saint Lord of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground.

After Fushen Jun recounted everything, Yan Lingyun, the Saint Lord of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, raised an eyebrow.

"Peak Master Fu, what are your thoughts on the strength of that Overlord Blade?"

"Deep and unfathomable!"

Fushen Jun used only four words to describe it.

He then added, "If that person doesn't perish, when the Great Strife Era arrives, he will certainly not just stop at the Saint realm!"

"To receive such high praise from Peak Master Fu, it seems this person is indeed remarkable."

Yan Lingyun nodded slightly.

He did not doubt Fushen Jun's judgment. If this person could be described as "deep and unfathomable" by Fushen Jun, his strength must be considerable.

Subsequently, Yan Lingyun said, "Unfortunately, the heritage of our Tai Xu Sacred Ground is not as profound as that of the Ancient Desolate Realm, especially after the calamity caused by demons and devils in the past, which severely weakened our Sacred Ground.

"Now, although we have a Saint who is self-sealed, that is the last of our heritage.

"Moreover, the lifespans of these sleeping Saints are not long. If we were to force their awakening, it is uncertain whether they could last until the Great Strife Era arrives."

Yan Lingyun understood Fushen Jun's intentions, which were to have the Tai Xu Sacred Ground step in to at least ensure Gu Qingfeng's safety.

However, as the Saint Lord, Yan Lingyun had to consider the broader implications.

It was undeniable that the Gu family had a descendant who had joined the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, making their relationship rather close. Additionally, Gu Qingfeng's strength and potential were worth the Tai Xu Sacred Ground's investment.

But if it affected the Sacred Ground's heritage, it needed careful consideration.

Fushen Jun was well aware of this.

His purpose in coming was merely to inform Yan Lingyun of the matter and await his decision.

After a moment, Yan Lingyun said, "Since the Saint cannot be awakened, I will take the Tai Xu Ancient Mirror to the Southern Domain. You will accompany me!"

"Tai Xu Ancient Mirror!!"

Upon hearing this, Fushen Jun was instantly stunned.

The Tai Xu Ancient Mirror was the supreme treasure of the Tai Xu Sacred Ground, a Great Saint weapon left behind by a Great Saint in the past, not to be used lightly.

Now that Yan Lingyun was willing to use the Great Saint weapon, it was clear he saw a bright future for Gu Qingfeng.

...

The mountain peaks soared into the sky, as if supporting the heavens. Layer upon layer of peaks and ridges, with magnificent palaces and pavilions visible through the mist. Occasionally, spiritual beasts and birds gathered, and cultivators transformed into rainbow lights and disappeared.

This was the Ancient Desolate Realm, an ancient force in the Southern Domain of the Desolate World.

On this day, the void suddenly collapsed and fragmented, and a terrifying palm descended upon the Ancient Desolate Realm, as if intent on eradicating it entirely.

At the same time, divine light erupted from the Ancient Desolate Realm, forming an oval-shaped barrier that enveloped the entire sacred ground.

When the palm struck the barrier, it caused violent tremors. In the shocked gazes of the numerous cultivators, countless cracks appeared, rapidly spreading everywhere.

" Boom ——"

When the cracks reached a critical point, the barrier shattered with a thunderous boom.

"Who dares to cause trouble at our Ancient Desolate Realm!!"

As the barrier shattered, several dozen powerful auras erupted from the Ancient Desolate Realm. Mighty figures tore through the void and appeared, their eyes filled with anger and shock.

The protective array of the Ancient Desolate Realm was a Saint-level existence. Only a Saint could hope to shake it, let alone break it instantly.

The instant destruction of the array naturally left these powerful figures stunned.

At that moment, the void fragmented again, and a figure in a green robe slowly emerged.

"Who are you, and why are you causing trouble at our Ancient Desolate Realm!"

Qin Jun, the Saint Lord of the Ancient Desolate Realm, looked at the cultivator with an extremely cold expression, but did not immediately attack.

The person before him gave him a deep and unfathomable feeling, and the fact that he had broken the sacred ground's array in a single move made Qin Jun secretly wary.

Gu Qingfeng stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly, "I am Gu Qingfeng!"

Hearing this name, a hint of confusion appeared on Qin Jun's face. Then, he seemed to recall something, and his gaze toward Gu Qingfeng became even more serious.

"You are Gu Qingfeng!"

"Our Ancient Desolate Realm has no grudges or favors with the Divine Martial Dynasty. Why have you suddenly come here and broken our array?"

"If you cannot give us a satisfactory explanation, this matter will not be easily resolved!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end