CHAPTER 532: CHAPTER 290: THE PRIDE OF TURQUOISE POOL?

In the center of the plaza, the Yaochi Saintess stood high above, adorned in white attire, her flowing hem dancing like an ethereal fairy descending to the mortal realm.

Her eyes were profound, as though capable of seeing through one’s heart. On her stunningly beautiful face, a faint smile lingered, exuding an air both noble and approachable.

"You all performed outstandingly in this trial."

The Yaochi Saintess’s voice was as melodious as heavenly music. "Especially Gu Sheng, who has brought endless honor to our Yaochi Holy Land."

Saying this, her gaze turned to Gu Sheng, her eyes shimmering with admiration and affirmation.

Among the crowd, Gu Sheng stood glowing with golden light, resembling a War God. He raised his head to meet the Yaochi Saintess’s gaze, a surge of inexplicable emotion welling within his heart.

"Gu Sheng, come forward." The Yaochi Saintess gestured gently, her voice soft and gentle.

Gu Sheng took a deep breath and stepped forward, stopping in front of the Yaochi Saintess. He bowed deeply, saying, "Holy Sister, Gu Sheng has fulfilled his duty."

"You have done well, Gu Sheng."

The Yaochi Saintess spoke softly, "From this day forth, you are the pride of our Yaochi Holy Land."

Though their exchanges were brief, every word seemed imbued with infinite meaning.

The restrained grace of the Yaochi Saintess, paired with Gu Sheng’s gaze of reverence and admiration, left everyone present sensing the profound bond between them.

At that moment, a discordant voice abruptly rang out: "Hmph! Gu Sheng is merely a lucky fellow! How does he deserve to be the pride of Yaochi Holy Land?"

The speaker was Elder Ji Pingping of the Mountain Guardians. Her expression was dark and her eyes burned with venomous resentment.

Her nephew Ji Chenfeng had previously suffered a setback at Gu Sheng’s hands, leaving her deeply bitter toward him.

Upon hearing Ji Pingping’s words, the Yaochi Saintess furrowed her brows slightly and responded calmly:

"Elder Ji, Gu Sheng’s strength and talent have been evident to all.

His contributions to Yaochi Holy Land are undeniable. I hope you can prioritize the greater good and not let personal grievances affect the unity of our Holy Land."

Though Ji Pingping harbored dissatisfaction, she dared not act too rashly before the Yaochi Saintess.

"Hmph!"

She let out a cold snort, turning her head away in silence. Gu Sheng, meanwhile, cast a grateful glance at the Yaochi Saintess, his loyalty to Yaochi Holy Land growing ever more resolute.

In the following moments, the Yaochi Saintess began granting rewards to all disciples who participated in the trial, individually offering her encouragement.

When it came to Su Yao, she bestowed an especially generous reward upon her and placed high expectations upon her future endeavors.

Su Yao accepted the rewards, her heart brimming with elation.

She glanced at Gu Sheng, her eyes glimmering with determination.

She knew that all she had received was thanks to Gu Sheng’s unwavering support and encouragement.

Silently, she vowed to herself to cultivate diligently and live up to the expectations of both Gu Sheng and the Yaochi Saintess.

After the trial, the Yaochi Holy Land was flourishing with vitality.

Yet Gu Sheng knew this was merely the beginning.

There remained a long path ahead and greater peaks to conquer.

And his companions here would journey alongside him to forge an even more glorious future.

A few days later, deep within the tranquil halls of Yaochi Holy Land.

Gu Sheng sat alone at a stone table, idly fiddling with a Jade Scroll in his hand, his expression solemn.

The scroll contained records of a profoundly mysterious Cultivation Technique, an unexpected treasure he had acquired in the trial.

As he immersed himself in the wonders of the technique, faint footsteps softly broke his concentration.

Looking up, he saw the Yaochi Saintess slowly approaching, as beautiful as ever—beauty so breathtaking it stole one’s breath away.

"Holy Sister, what brings you here?" Gu Sheng stood to greet her, a sincere smile gracing his face.

In the presence of this noble goddess, he always felt an unfamiliar sense of ease and comfort.

Perhaps this was what people called a meeting of hearts.

"I heard you obtained something extraordinary, so I came to see for myself."

The Yaochi Saintess gently parted her lips to speak, her voice like the soft caress of a spring breeze. She approached Gu Sheng and glanced curiously at the Jade Scroll in his hands. "What Cultivation Technique is this that has captivated you so completely?"

"This is a mystical technique known as the ’Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill,’"

Gu Sheng replied gravely, "It is said that if cultivated to its pinnacle, one may attain sanctified flesh and immortality."

The Yaochi Saintess was visibly moved by this revelation: "A technique of such extraordinary power? Do you know its origins?"

Gu Sheng shook his head. "I do not. I only heard from a senior within the secret realm who mentioned finding it in ancient ruins. Realizing its exceptional nature, I brought it back to seek Holy Sister’s guidance."

With that, he handed the Jade Scroll over to the Yaochi Saintess.

This act was a gesture of unreserved trust and respect.

In this world where strength ruled supreme, such pure and genuine emotions were truly rare.

The Yaochi Saintess understood this well, and thus she deeply treasured her bond with Gu Sheng.

She meticulously examined the Jade Scroll for a moment before speaking: "This ’Nine Revolutions Mysterious Skill’ is indeed an extraordinary treasure.

I have heard its name mentioned in ancient legends.

If cultivated wisely, it could shake the very foundations of the cultivation world."

As she finished, her gaze fell on Gu Sheng, a glint of inexplicable brilliance sparking in her eyes. "Gu Sheng, would you be willing to explore this technique with me?"

This invitation carried with it both a promise and a shared aspiration.

Momentarily stunned, Gu Sheng’s eyes lit up with radiant excitement. He nodded firmly:

"I’m willing! Of course, I’m willing!"

To earn the favor and invitation of the Yaochi Saintess was unquestionably his greatest honor and encouragement.