Different Paths

A figure appeared out of thin air in the center of the hall. His violet-gold python robe fluttered without wind, while faint dragon-shaped currents of energy coiled around him.

The Town South King, Nangong Tiance, stood with his hands behind his back. His lightning-sharp gaze swept across the crowd, and no one dared meet his eyes.

Gu Sheng clasped his hands slightly.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, on breaking through your shackles and entering a new realm."

"Congratulations, Your Highness!"

Only then did the crowd snap out of their daze and offer their congratulations in unison, their voices making the hall's beams and pillars hum.

The Town South King raised a hand in a token gesture.

"Please rise, everyone."

His gaze lingered on Gu Sheng for a moment.

"Friend Gu, could I have a word with you in private?"

The corners of Gu Sheng's lips lifted slightly.

"It would be my honor."

The two left the main hall one after the other, passed through the corridors, and arrived at the secluded little courtyard.

The old plum tree still stood in the courtyard, though a few fallen leaves now lay atop the stone table beneath it.

With a sweep of his sleeve, the Town South King sent the leaves rising without wind and drifting to one side.

He stared directly into Gu Sheng's eyes.

"Who exactly are you, young friend?"

Unhurriedly, Gu Sheng sat on a stone stool and lightly tapped the tabletop with his fingertips.

"Why does Your Highness say that? I am merely an ordinary young man traveling the world."

"An ordinary young man?"

The Town South King chuckled, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes.

"An ordinary young man who could see through the flaw in my cultivation technique at a glance and help me break through a bottleneck of