CHAPTER 481: CHAPTER 264: THE FALL OF GU SHENG_2

At that moment, he recalled the four red fruits.

These fruits contained an intense essence of life, perhaps they could awaken the vine spirit.

Gu Sheng, without hesitation, took out the fruits and began refining them.

A dense pulse of life essence spread out, seemingly potent enough to burst the entire secret chamber. Gu Sheng took a deep breath and placed the refined fruit essence into the wooden barrel.

Despite the intensity of the life essence, the vine spirit showed no signs of awakening.

Gu Sheng’s heart grew anxious; he realized the vine’s injuries were far more severe than he had initially estimated.

"Vine spirit, you must hold on!" Gu Sheng murmured softly, a flash of determination in his eyes.

Just then, the vine in the wooden barrel twitched slightly.

Though it was merely a faint tremor, it revived Gu Sheng’s hope. He continued to inject life essence, eagerly awaiting the vine’s awakening.

With Gu Sheng’s unrelenting efforts, the vine’s wounds healed rapidly, and its fragmented portions began to restructure.

Its leaves regained a vibrant emerald hue, appearing even more lively than before.

"Oh Vine, just when will you finally awaken?"

Gu Sheng gazed at the still-slumbering spiritual plant in his hands, filled with anticipation and anxiety.

Suddenly, a dreamy voice resonated in his mind:

"The Southern Sea Abyss, where the Spiritual Awakening Herb grows—perhaps it can awaken the vine’s spirit." The voice belonged to that mysterious white-haired elder who had often appeared in Gu Sheng’s thoughts since his Divine Thought had been activated.

Gu Sheng wanted to ask more questions, but the elder fell into a long silence as if retreating into the void.

Just then, Mu Yuanyuan stormed into the room in a fiery manner, pouting:

"Gu Sheng, you always bring Linghu Qingwan and the others for trials—this time you have to take me too!"

Gu Sheng smiled wryly and shook his head, "Yuanyuan, the journey to the Southern Sea this time is extraordinary; I fear I may not be able to take care of you."

Mu Yuanyuan, however, scoffed, her tone bold and resolute as she declared:

"A path of cultivation is filled with the unknown and danger. I’ve long been prepared to sacrifice myself if needed!"

Beside her, Mu Tiantian chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah, Brother Gu Sheng, you should bring us along!"

Gu Sheng, feeling helpless, conceded helplessly, "Next trial, Tiantian, I promise to take you; this trip truly isn’t suitable."

Although Mu Tiantian felt a twinge of disappointment, her mood quickly shifted, and she remarked:

"If you two get hold of any treasures during this trip, you better auction them for me, alright? I’ll make a trade profit!" Gu Sheng nodded in agreement.

Soon after, following the map provided by the white-haired elder, Gu Sheng set out for the Southern Sea Abyss together with Mu Yuanyuan.

This was a magnificent little world, vibrant with greenery and teeming with vitality.

Together, they followed a winding path through this idyllic paradise, when abruptly, a series of silvery laughter rang out.

Gu Sheng’s Divine Thought swept the area and discovered that, in a celestial pool ahead, seven graceful celestial maidens were joyfully bathing.

He quickly retracted his Divine Thought, but had accidentally disturbed the celestial maidens.

"How dare you, lecher! Peeping on our bath!" The leading maiden shouted furiously.

Mu Yuanyuan hurried forward to explain, but the celestial maidens were unrelenting. They flew out of the water and encircled Gu Sheng tightly.

One of the celestial maidens coyly declared, "An explanation isn’t enough—you’ll still need to give us an account!"

The other celestial maidens chimed in, and a chaotic mix of jealousy and complaints filled the air by the celestial pool.

"Humph! Since you’re somewhat good-looking, why don’t you stay and be our male servant?" A voluptuous celestial maiden teased with a grin.

"Tch! You think you’re worthy? Such a pretty boy should belong to me!" Another strikingly beautiful celestial maiden retorted.

Gu Sheng smiled bitterly and braved himself to explain:

"Esteemed celestial maidens, I entered here by mistake and meant no offense. Please, I implore you all to spare me."

Mu Yuanyuan continued to mediate, but the celestial maidens refused to listen. Using a Weaver Fairy Net, they tightly bound Gu Sheng and brought him back to Linghua Palace.

Within the palace, Gu Sheng and Mu Yuanyuan were locked away together.

Palace Master Ying Yue intended to test Gu Sheng’s character and deliberately laced their food with Yin Yang Harmony Powder.

After consuming the meal, the effects of the powder began to manifest.

Mu Yuanyuan lost her composure, throwing herself at Gu Sheng, clinging onto him tightly.

Gu Sheng activated the Great Prajna Sutra, exerting immense effort to suppress the lust-filled urges surging within him. Yet his body acted involuntarily, entwining with Mu Yuanyuan.

This scene did not escape Ying Yue’s gaze; her eyes reflected approval.

She concluded that Gu Sheng’s ability to maintain composure under the influence of the drug was evidence he wasn’t an uncontrollable lecher.

Ying Yue regarded Gu Sheng with a glimmer of admiration. "To stay composed in such circumstances—well done."

Gu Sheng breathed a sigh of relief and quickly bowed in gratitude toward Ying Yue.

Ying Yue smiled faintly and nodded, then invited him to a banquet in Linghua Palace for further discussions.

During the feast, Gu Sheng explained the purpose of his journey.

Ying Yue listened intently, then revealed the location of the Spiritual Awakening Herb and details about the demon beast guarding it.

The Spiritual Awakening Herb resided in Spiritual Awakening Valley, where the spiritual energy was dozens of times denser than elsewhere.

However, it was protected by an immensely powerful demon beast whose cultivation was at the peak of the Marrow Refining Realm.

Though Gu Sheng’s cultivation was only at the Golden Bone Realm, he resolved to venture to Spiritual Awakening Valley in search of the herb.

Determination flickered in Gu Sheng’s eyes. "No matter what, I must give it a try!"

Ying Yue looked at him with appreciation. "Brave spirit you have. Still, be cautious—the guardian beast is not to be trifled with."

Gu Sheng nodded in acknowledgment, his mind already formulating a plan.

Having finalized their intent, Gu Sheng and Mu Yuanyuan bid farewell to Ying Yue.

Watching Gu Sheng’s departing figure, Ying Yue sighed softly, "I hope you succeed."

Gu Sheng and Mu Yuanyuan advanced shoulder-to-shoulder, deeper into Spiritual Awakening Valley.

Along the way, the two chatted and laughed, growing increasingly close—almost like lovers caught in the throes of romance.

The spiritual energy in the valley thickened noticeably, almost as if the air itself were flowing with liquid essence. Gu Sheng couldn’t help but wonder if a colossal spiritual ore vein lay hidden here.

"Gu Sheng, the aura here feels odd; we should stay alert."

Mu Yuanyuan grasped the Demon Suppressing Illusion Bell firmly, her gaze vigilant against any lurking dangers.

Gu Sheng nodded and spread his Divine Thought to scan the surroundings for threats.

Suddenly, a massive tentacle shot out from the deep waters, moving as quick as lightning toward them.

"Watch out!" Gu Sheng shouted, pulling Mu Yuanyuan aside swiftly.

Yet the tentacle was incredibly fast, wrapping them tightly in an instant.

Bound by the tentacle’s grip, the world around them plunged into suffocating darkness.

Mu Yuanyuan immediately shook the Demon Suppressing Illusion Bell, attempting to weave an illusion to perplex their foe. However, the strength of the Blue Sea Whisker Demon obliterated the illusion almost instantaneously.

"This Blue Sea Whisker Demon’s power is indeed terrifying—we must find a way to escape." Gu Sheng remarked in a grave tone.

Mu Yuanyuan nodded, realizing it was now imperative for them to rely on teamwork to face their mighty adversary.

She shook the Demon Suppressing Illusion Bell once more while reciting a spell, striving to summon a more formidable illusion.

At that moment, Gu Sheng felt the grip of the tentacle loosen slightly.

Seizing the chance, he broke free with a sudden burst of force, gold light flashed, and a long sword materialized in his hand.

"Yuanyuan, I’ll draw its attention; you focus on attacking its weak spot!"

Gu Sheng shouted aloud, sword swinging fiercely at the tentacle of the Blue Sea Whisker Demon.

The tentacle, though extremely resilient, gradually began to show gashes under Gu Sheng’s relentless strikes.

The Blue Sea Whisker Demon roared furiously, whipping more tentacles toward Gu Sheng.

Mu Yuanyuan, seeing her chance, quickly shook the Demon Suppressing Illusion Bell, creating a dense veil of fog.

Concealed by the mist, she stealthily approached the Blue Sea Whisker Demon, skillfully searching for its weak point.

"I found it!"

Joy surged through Mu Yuanyuan; she discovered a thinner spot on the Blue Sea Whisker Demon’s abdomen.

Without hesitation, she swung the Demon Suppressing Illusion Bell, releasing a beam of golden light toward the spot.

"Clink!"

The golden beam struck the Blue Sea Whisker Demon’s abdomen and resonated with a crisp sound.

The Blue Sea Whisker Demon screeched in agony, its gigantic form trembling violently.

Gu Sheng capitalized on the moment, attacking with renewed vigor, finally severing one of its massive tentacles.

The Blue Sea Whisker Demon, though gravely wounded, remained formidable and swiftly began to recover.

"Gu Sheng, we must coordinate our attacks on its weak spot—only then can we defeat it!" Mu Yuanyuan shouted.

Gu Sheng nodded, and the duo launched an assault on the abdomen of the Blue Sea Whisker Demon.

Their combined strength of golden light and sword energy surged together, forming an overwhelming wave of force.