CHAPTER 472: CHAPTER 260 DEEP INTO THE HINTERLANDS OF CHU COUNTRY

He was clad in the battle armor of the Red Cloud Guard, radiating heroic vigor. His cultivation had reached the early stage of the Marrow Refining Realm, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Gu Sheng smiled slightly and walked toward Gu Xiaojiang.

Their gazes met in mid-air, as if an invisible bond was tightly connecting them.

"Xiao Jiang, it has been many years. You’ve grown into a true warrior."

There was sincere admiration in Gu Sheng’s voice.

Gu Xiaojiang stepped forward excitedly, grabbing Gu Sheng’s hand: "Gu Sheng, it’s really you! I never thought I’d meet you here. I’m so overwhelmed!"

The two exchanged smiles, as if returning to the days when they trained and ventured together. Side by side, they left the venue and headed to the Fragrant Pavilion in Dragon City, intending to eat, chat, and reminisce about their homeland.

Inside the Fragrant Pavilion, the air was filled with enticing aromas. The table was laden with fine liquor and exquisite dishes. Gu Xiaojiang eagerly began recounting his experiences in the Red Cloud Guard to Gu Sheng.

"Gu Sheng, did you know? I’ve faced countless life-and-death trials in the Red Cloud Guard. During the war with Chu Country, I risked my life three times, each time narrowly escaping death."

Gu Xiaojiang’s eyes revealed a hint of lingering fear, but even more so, they shone with determination and courage.

Gu Sheng listened silently, his heart surging with admiration.

He knew how much hardship and effort Gu Xiaojiang must have endured to make it this far.

"Then how did you breakthrough to the Marrow Refining Realm?" Gu Sheng asked curiously.

Gu Xiaojiang took a deep breath, as if reliving that thrilling moment:

"During a fierce battle with a Chu Country expert, I was surrounded and on the brink of death.

At that moment, I felt an unprecedented sense of crisis. The power within me seemed to be unleashed. In the end, I broke through to the Marrow Refining Realm amidst life and death and managed to escape."

After hearing this, Gu Sheng remained silent for a moment, then raised his cup to toast Gu Xiaojiang:

"Xiao Jiang, you’ve truly outdone yourself! Your growth and breakthroughs are the greatest repayment to our Canghe County."

The two raised their cups, celebrating with fine wine.

They then began chatting about everything under the heavens. Gu Sheng listened to Gu Xiaojiang recount his years of experiences while sharing tales of his own.

"Gu Sheng, I’ve long heard of your legend. You’re now a celebrated figure on the Red Cloud Continent, truly admirable."

Gu Xiaojiang spoke from the heart.

Gu Sheng gave a faint smile: "These are mere fleeting reputations. Xiao Jiang, you are what makes me proud. Your growth and progress are the true pride of Canghe County."

The two exchanged smiles, their hearts filled with genuine affection.

They made a pact to return to Canghe County one day if the opportunity arose and to revisit the land that nurtured them.

The confrontation between the Red Cloud Guard and the Chu Country’s grand army loomed like two colossal dragons coiled across the plains, exuding overwhelming momentum.

Gu Xiaojiang stood in the ranks of the Red Cloud Guard, his gaze steadfast and his heart brimming with a thirst for victory.

The allied forces of Liang were vast, with Iron Bone, Silver Bone, and Golden Bone Martial Artists surging like a tide. The Marrow Refining Realm experts shone brilliantly like stars.

Although the Chu Country’s army was slightly outnumbered, their momentum was no less imposing. Between the standoff, an invisible force seemed to ripple through the air.

On the eve of this massive battle, Gu Sheng of the Holy Pill Sect and Lin Tianhao of the Haoyang Sect joined forces, their figures standing out prominently within the allied troops.

Gu Sheng’s eyes sparkled with intelligence as he devised a surprising strategy: to flank the Chu army and launch a direct strike at their base to perform a "besiege Wei to rescue Zhao" maneuver.

However, just as they were about to act, a chilling aura suddenly swept over the battlefield.

The Thousand Poison Sect had made their appearance, slinking in the darkness like venomous serpents waiting to strike their prey.

"Thousand Poison Sect, how despicable! Feeding on Liang’s resources while siding with Chu—this is the epitome of double-dealing treachery!"

Gu Sheng coldly condemned the Thousand Poison Sect’s crimes, his voice icy and piercing.

The Wind Elder of the Thousand Poison Sect let out a sinister laugh, his tone oozing malice:

"What a joke. On the Red Cloud Continent, sects are independent of the court. All we do is business—taking money to eliminate calamities. Didn’t your father teach you that?"

Gu Sheng’s brow arched, his voice tinged with disdain:

"Oh, taking money to eliminate calamities, is it? Let me ask you, isn’t most of the Thousand Poison Sect based on Liang’s lands? Has Liang ever taxed you? Or should we call it biting the hand that feeds you?"

Each side’s words were drenched with explosive tension, and hatred ignited in that instant.

A red-haired man from the Thousand Poison Sect furrowed his brow, battle intent surging. The Dark Blood Saber in his hand gleamed with an eerie light, blood flowing like a sinister stream.

"Swoosh!"

A crimson saber beam slashed toward the crowd, only to be deflected by Lin Tianhao’s swift sword strike.

The two sides instantly squared off, and a bloody battle was about to break out.

Gu Sheng moved like lightning as he charged toward the Thousand Poison Sect’s warriors. Each of his strikes was like a thunderous force, shaking the souls of all who witnessed.

In an instant, he cut down three peak Golden Bone Realm warriors, his momentum unstoppable.

The Wind Elder’s face turned grim. He moved with astonishing speed, but Gu Sheng’s Vine Demon Soul clung to him like a bone-eating parasite, burrowing into his abdomen and gnawing at his internal organs.

Wracked with pain, the Wind Elder’s speed plummeted, his face contorting in agony.

"Gu Sheng, how dare you do this to me!"

The Wind Elder roared in fury, his eyes aflame with rage and unwillingness.

Gu Sheng sneered coldly, his voice sharp and mocking:

"Wind Elder, your Thousand Poison Sect is treacherous and despicable. Today, I, Gu Sheng, will make you pay the price!"

With that, Gu Sheng activated his Ancient Sacred Body, his flesh radiating with brilliant golden light. As the glow peaked, he unleashed the Great Vajra Palm.

The golden palm descended like a mighty mountain, crushing the Wind Elder beneath its overwhelming power like a paper figure torn apart.