CHAPTER 475: CHAPTER 261: THE MYSTERIOUS TREASURE OF CHU COUNTRY_2

The envoys of the two nations engaged in fierce debates at the negotiation table, but under the overwhelming pressure of Princess Zishuang, Chu Country was forced to compromise. The war temporarily came to an end, yet the enmity between the two nations remained unresolved.

"Chu Tianshu places too much importance on Prince Chu Xuan, planning to let him inherit the throne. That’s why he agreed to withdraw troops!"

This was the general consensus among the people.

Gu Sheng paid no heed to such matters, his heart unable to calm for a long time.

During this time, he leveraged the Demon Soul of the Green Vines to uncover a shocking secret and forced Prince Chu Xuan to cooperate in his future plans — that was the condition for sparing Chu Xuan’s life.

Soon, he would embark on an exploration of this secret.

Among the three kingdoms, why did Chu Country rise above the rest and dare to confront two enemies simultaneously? It turned out they were hiding a monumental secret.

With Liang and Qi Countries joining forces, Chu was pushed to the brink of despair. The emperors of the two nations raised their cups in celebration, as if the world was already in their grasp.

However, though Chu Country was defeated, they never uttered a word of surrender. In Chu Tianshu’s eyes burned the flames of revenge—a vow to wash away disgrace.

A disciple of the Mad Saber Sect, wielding a massive blade, sneered disdainfully:

"Chu Country? Hmph, just a jumping clown yet daring to claim dominance? Now that they’ve lost, let’s see what waves they can make next!"

The disciple of the Giant Sword Sect also chuckled coldly:

"Chu Country has long lost its former vigor. This defeat marks the beginning of their decline. Our Giant Sword Sect is the one destined for future supremacy!"

However, the disciples of the Governor Mansion frowned deeply:

"Chu Country has profound foundations; it won’t collapse overnight. Though defeated, Chu Tianshu harbors ambitious aspirations and won’t settle without retribution."

Amid the debates, the disciples of the Thousand Poison Sect, the Zhou family, and the Wu family stood by Chu Country.

A disciple of the Thousand Poison Sect said with chilling laughter:

"If Chu Country falls, we too would struggle to survive on our own. Liang and Qi nations harbor wolfish ambitions; we must lend Chu Country a helping hand!"

Disciples of the Zhou family and the Wu family echoed their agreement, and the atmosphere grew tense.

In this ever-changing storm, disciples of the Holy Pill Sect started discussing Gu Sheng’s contributions.

Lin Miaomiao’s beautiful eyes sparkled as she praised, "Senior Brother Gu Sheng is truly the pride of our Holy Pill Sect. During the war, he used the Demon Soul of the Green Vines to save countless fellow disciples’ lives."

Huang Miaoyin nodded in affirmation: "Not only that, Senior Brother Gu Sheng also captured Chu Country’s Prince Chu Xuan, whose value proved pivotal in forcing Chu Country to retreat."

Yet the world’s discussions stirred dissatisfaction among others.

A disciple of the Qian family sneered: "Hmph, Holy Pill Sect merely stole the limelight. On the battlefield, which family didn’t contribute their efforts?"

A disciple of the Mu family scoffed in agreement: "Exactly, as if all the credit belongs to Holy Pill Sect alone!"

Lin Miaomiao furrowed her brows upon hearing this, about to argue, but Huang Miaoyin tugged her back.

Huang gently shook her head, signaling for Lin Miaomiao not to dispute.

She knew that in this moment, arguments held no meaning; only strength could command respect.

In the royal palace of Chu, Chu Tianshu stood alone atop a high platform, gazing down at the ministers below.

His eyes gleamed with determination, as if he had already envisioned the victory of the future.

He understood that reclaiming everything lost required the aid of allies who shared his vision. The Thousand Poison Sect, the Zhou family, and the Wu family were precisely the forces he had chosen.

The rescued prince seemed like a completely different person, his soul unsettled.

"Possessed by a spirit!"

Each time Chu Xuan thought back to that moment, he felt overwhelming dread.

In truth, Gu Sheng merely allowed the Demon Soul of the Green Vines to attach itself to him for a conversation. Yet even this frightened Chu Xuan into submitting to Gu Sheng wholeheartedly.

Through this, Gu Sheng uncovered Chu Country’s earth-shattering secret.

Based on the information provided by Chu Xuan, Gu Sheng formulated his plan.

Under the dark ink of the night, deep within the palace, Gu Sheng—disguised as a concubine—walked gracefully through the corridors.

Her figure was enchanting, her face alluring, and each movement exuded a distinct charm.

But within her heart, devoid of ripples, lay only steadfast conviction and the goal soon to be achieved.

"Your Majesty, tonight I’ve prepared special tea for you. Would Your Majesty have the leisure to enjoy it with me?"

Gu Sheng, in her guise as a concubine, spoke softly, her voice alluring and her gaze flashing with captivating light.

The Emperor of Chu’s eyes flickered with desire. He laughed heartily and said:

"Beloved concubine, how could I refuse such thoughtfulness?"

The two walked side by side, entering a luxuriously adorned secret chamber.

The room was filled with aromatic fragrances and flickering candlelight, creating an ambiguous and mysterious atmosphere.

Gu Sheng parted her delicate lips and poured the tea for the Emperor. Her fingers "inadvertently" brushed against his hand, sending a subtle ripple through his heart.

"Your Majesty, this tea is handmade by me. It can ease your worries and help you sleep peacefully."

Gu Sheng’s voice was low and magnetic, as if gently brushing past the Emperor’s ears.

The Emperor’s gaze grew increasingly hazy. He seemed entirely drawn into Gu Sheng’s voice and charm, forgetting both his identity and purpose.

"Beloved concubine, you are truly my flower of understanding," he said as he wrapped his arms around Gu Sheng’s waist, drawing her into his embrace.

Gu Sheng’s heart surged. She knew this was her opportunity.

She smiled gently, placing her arms around the Emperor’s neck and resting her cheek against his chest.

"Your Majesty, I have something to ask of you," Gu Sheng spoke with a hint of allure and plea in her voice.

"Oh? What is it, beloved concubine?" The Emperor’s voice carried a trace of intoxication.

"I wish to explore that secret chamber. Would Your Majesty grant me this request?" Gu Sheng seized the chance to express her desire.

The Emperor was momentarily stunned, but quickly succumbed to Gu Sheng’s charm, nodding in agreement: "Very well, I’ll take you there."

Gu Sheng rejoiced inwardly, knowing she had already succeeded halfway.

Clinging close to the Emperor, she accompanied him to the chamber’s entrance.

Inside the chamber, dark and mysterious, Gu Sheng began carefully searching for the enigmatic treasure left behind by the founding emperor. Meanwhile, the Emperor, entirely entranced by Gu Sheng, leaned against a corner, his gaze hazily fixated on her busy figure.

The deeper they went, the more the space expanded until it opened into a small world.

The Bewitching Technique taught by Huang Miaoyin was like a mind-altering drug, but its effects would soon fade, leaving Gu Sheng no time to delay her investigation.

Returning to the Eastern Palace courtyard, Gu Sheng produced a jade key and handed it to Chu Xuan.

"How’s this? Is this the key to your treasure chamber?" Gu Sheng asked smugly.

"You... stole the key?" Chu Xuan could hardly believe his eyes.

"A replica!"

With Helian’s Weapon Casting Skill, replicating a key was a simple task for Gu Sheng.

Chu Xuan felt reassured; knowing the key was a replica, he no longer worried about the Emperor discovering it.

The three stealthily entered the chamber, unlocked it with the jade key, and stepped inside.

Within was a small world—a hidden realm.

The Demon Soul of the Green Vines became unnervingly excited, almost violent.

"Master, I sense something precious. I feel drawn to it!"

Gu Sheng’s eyes lit up as he encouraged the Demon Soul to locate the treasure.

The Demon Soul transformed into a streak of light, dashing forward, with Gu Sheng and Chu Xuan close behind.

Following the Demon Soul, the two arrived at a dazzling world.

The radiant world was dreamlike, as though stepping into another plane of existence.

The Demon Soul streaked through this realm, with Gu Sheng and Chu Xuan weaving amidst light and shadow.

All around, brilliant rays of light converged and auspicious energy surged.

Unusual flowers and grasses grew everywhere, emanating fragrances that uplifted the spirit.

In the distance, a majestic mountain towered into the skies. Its peak shrouded in mist, it seemed as if immortals cultivated upon its summit.

"So this is Chu Country’s hidden realm? It’s truly extraordinary!"

Gu Sheng exclaimed in awe, his eyes brimming with excitement.

But Chu Xuan appeared distracted, staring at the glorious scene before him with complicated emotions surging within.

The treasures of this realm formed Chu Country’s foundational strength, the cornerstone of their dominance. Yet now, their secrets risked falling into Gu Sheng’s hands—an unbearable thought for Chu Xuan.

The Demon Soul halted amidst a cascade of light and pointed forward excitedly:

"Master, it’s there! I can feel the energies of the treasure!"

Gu Sheng and Chu Xuan looked ahead, where a stone platform stood. Atop the platform lay a Dragon Ball, radiating richly vibrant life energy, as though housing boundless vitality within.

"It truly is a rare treasure!"

Gu Sheng’s eyes gleamed as he reached out for the Dragon Ball.

At that very moment, an immense restrictive power emerged from the Dragon Ball’s surroundings, forming an invisible barrier that blocked Gu Sheng’s hand.