Cut the Crap

"In my younger days, I accidentally entered an ancient cave, where I found some fortuitous opportunities and became tainted with a strange aura."

The explanation was reasonable. In the Cultivation World, cultivators often experienced changes in their aura after encountering fortuitous opportunities.

The man's expression eased slightly, but the wariness in his eyes remained.

"Have you seen a young man in his early twenties, at the Earth Palace Realm?"

"No."

Gu Sheng shook his head.

"In this desolate wilderness, you can go days without seeing another person."

The man seemed about to ask more questions when a disciple behind him spoke in a low voice.

"Senior Brother, this man isn't young, and he's only at the Earth Palace Realm. He can't possibly be Gu Sheng. Let's not waste any more time."

Gu Sheng's ears twitched.

They really were hunting him! And they even knew his cultivation and age so clearly. Someone must have leaked the information.

After pondering for a moment, the man waved his hand.

"Let's go. Continue searching. That traitor should be nearby."

The six turned and left.

They did not go far. Instead, they spread out a hundred zhang away, vaguely forming an encirclement.

"Looks like they still haven't completely let their guard down."

Gu Sheng thought to himself.

The night wind carried their hushed conversation.

"That brat really saw Gu Sheng?"

"No mistake. He's the Holy Lord's personal disciple. His Heavenly Eye has never been wrong."

"But we've searched a hundred li around here and haven't even seen a trace of that traitor."

"Unless... he entered Ten Thousand Ghosts Ridge."

Gu Sheng's heart skipped a beat. A personal disciple of the Qinghe Holy Lord? When had his whereabouts been exposed?

There was no time to think. The six were already making their way toward him again.