I saw a guard warrior wearing gray-brown leather armor leaning against the wooden table, looking at him with cold eyes.
"Token."
The warrior stretched out his hand lazily, without even looking at him.
Gu Sheng frowned slightly, but before he could move, Innate Spirit Embryo's dissatisfied voice sounded in his mind.
"This guy is so rude! How dare a mere guard have such an attitude?"
Gu Sheng ignored the spirit fetus's complaints and directly took out three pieces of low-grade Spirit Stone from the storage ring and placed them on the table.
"A three-day order to enter the city."
The gatekeeper warrior then raised his eyes and glanced at the spirit stone, then took out three blue-black wooden tokens from under the table and threw them on the table with a "snap" sound.
"Take it, don't replace it if you throw it away."
After the warrior finished speaking, he closed his eyes, looking like he didn't want to talk more.
Gu Sheng stretched out his hand to take the token, which was slightly cold and had complex patterns engraved on the surface.
The moment he put the tokens into the storage ring, one of them suddenly lit up with a white light and turned into an invisible barrier covering his whole body.
"Huh?"
Innate Spirit Embryo was surprised.
"The poisonous miasma in southern Xinjiang is so powerful that even entering the city requires special restrictions and isolation?"
Gu Sheng didn't answer, but just walked towards the pass.
As he advanced, the faint green mist in the surrounding air was pushed away by an invisible barrier, making it impossible to get close.
"If you take the poison-preventing pill, I'm afraid the effect won't be as good as the ban in this city."
Gu Sheng finally spoke, his voice low.
"The poisonous miasma in southern Xinjiang is well-deserved."
He walked forward quickly and soon came to the bottom of the city wall.
The gray-black city wall, which is more than ten feet high, is covered with traces of erosion over time. The three characters "Tianyou City" are engraved with dragons and phoenixes on top of the city gate, and the pen is as sharp as a knife.
"This young master is new to Tianyou City?"
A slightly hoarse voice came from the side.
Gu Sheng turned around and saw a middle-aged man with a shrewd face wearing a brown shorts, rubbing his hands and approaching with a smile on his face.
"Zhao Laosan, I provide guide services specifically for monks who are new to the area."
The man's eyes rolled around, and his gaze lingered on the storage ring around Gu Sheng's waist for a moment.
"Master, do you need a place to stay? Or do you want to know the distribution of forces in the city?"
Gu Sheng's eyes flashed slightly.
"How much does it cost?"
Zhao Laosan smiles even brighter.
"Depending on your needs, I will give you one low-grade Spirit Stone for general information, and extra for important information. If you want a free service, three low-grade Spirit Stone will suffice."
Gu Sheng took out a mid-grade Spirit Stone directly from the storage ring and waved it in front of Zhao Laosan's eyes.
"Lead the way and find a quiet place to stay. By the way, let's talk about the forces in the city."
Zhao Laosan's eyes lit up, he quickly reached out to take the spirit stone, nodded and bowed.
"Young master, please come with me. I know that Dao Yi's Qingjing Inn is the most suitable for those who practice."
Following Zhao Laosan through several winding streets, Gu Sheng noticed that the architectural style of Tianyou City was very different from Eastern Wasteland.
Most of the houses are made of stone and wood, with high eaves and various strange bells and charms hung on them, which ring gently in the wind.
"These are the poison-repelling bell and the miasma-avoiding charm."
Zhao Laosan noticed Gu Sheng's gaze and explained.
"There are many poisonous insects in southern Xinjiang, these items can keep you safe."
Not long after, the two came to a secluded alley, at the end of which there was an inn named "Qingxin Inn".
Zhao Laosan was obviously a regular customer. After whispering a few words with the shopkeeper, he led Gu Sheng up to the second floor.
"This quiet room is soundproofed, so you can practice with peace of mind."
Zhao Laosan Pushed open a carved wooden door, revealing a simple but clean room inside.
Gu Sheng looked around and nodded slightly.
He walked to the wooden chair by the window and sat down, motioning for Zhao Laosan to sit down too.
"Tell me about the power of Tianyou City."
Zhao Laosan rubbed his hands and lowered his voice.
"Tianyou City is controlled by two major sects. One is Tianyou Sect, which is the dominant local force; the other is Five Poisons Divine Cult, which has a branch here."
"Five Poisons Divine Cult?"
Gu Sheng's eyes flashed.
"Tell me more about it."
"Master, have you heard of it?"
Zhao Laosan was a little surprised, and then suddenly realized.
"Yes, Five Poisons Divine Cult ranks last among the eighteen major religious sects in southern Xinjiang, but its reputation is not small. They have halls in Eastern Wasteland, Western Desert and even Central Continent, specializing in poison skills and Gu technique."
Gu Sheng tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thoughts swirling in his heart.
Is there any connection between Five Poisons Divine Cult and Five Poisons Sect who attacked his father Qin Lie in Eastern Wasteland?
"Go on."
His voice was calm.
Zhao Laosan nodded.
"In the Tianyou Sect, Heavenly Martial Realm ancestor is sitting in charge, and it is said that he has been in seclusion for many years. Five Poisons Divine Cult is at the helm of, a peak earth martial artist. Branch Master is in charge. In addition, there are several big families in the city, such as the Li family, Zhou Family, and Situ Family, each of which has at least one strong Earth Martial Realm."
Gu Sheng secretly assessed that this Tianyou City should be at the middle and lower reaches in southern Xinjiang.
But he did not completely believe that Zhao Laosan said that Tianyou Sect and Five Poisons Divine Cult must have hidden strong men.
"Five Poisons Divine Cult Where is the helm?"
Zhao Laosan looked tense.
"Sir, the people of Five Poisons Divine Cult are not easy to deal with. They use poisonous methods to be cruel, and even Tianyou Sect is afraid of them."
Gu Sheng did not answer, but took out two more mid-grade Spirit Stone from the storage ring and placed them on the table.
"These should be enough to buy your information."
Zhao Laosan's eyes widened when he saw the spirit stone.
For a Xiantian realm warrior, two mid-grade Spirit Stone are already a considerable fortune.
"Fellow Daoist, stay!"
Gu Sheng As soon as he walked out of Tianyou Inn, he was stopped by a middle-aged man with a weathered face.
The man looked around and lowered his voice.
"I have some news, I don't know if I should tell it or not."
Gu Sheng raised his eyebrows and threw out a piece of mid-grade Spirit Stone.
"Speak directly if you have anything to say."
The middle-aged man hurriedly caught the spirit stone with joy in his eyes, but then hesitated.
"I'm afraid this news is not worth so much."
"Whether it's worth it or not, I have the final say."
Gu Sheng said lightly.
"If you don't say anything, I'll leave."
"Yes yes yes!"
The middle-aged man quickly came closer.
"A small secret realm has appeared in the poisonous miasma in the north of the city, hidden in a ruined temple. The people at the helm of the Tianyou Sect and Five Poisons Divine Cult have passed away. It is said that the qualifications will be auctioned tonight at Heavenly Nether Market."
Gu Sheng's eyes flashed.
"Interesting. Exact location?"
"Thirty miles deep in the poisonous miasma, there is a ruined 'Wusheng Temple'."
The middle-aged man swallowed.
"But the poisonous miasma is very strange. Without special means, ordinary monks can't survive even half a quarter of an hour."
Gu Sheng nodded, then took out another High-grade Spirit Stone and stuffed it into the opponent's hand.
"I accept this news."
The middle-aged man's hands holding the spirit stone were shaking.
"This, this is too much."
"If I gain something in the secret realm, I won't treat you badly."
Gu Sheng patted his shoulder, turned and left.
The middle-aged man stood there, looking at Gu Sheng's back, with both gratitude and guilt in his eyes.
Returning to the inn room, Gu Sheng set up a soundproof barrier and took out a crystal clear jade embryo from his arms.
"Old man, stop pretending to be asleep."
The jade fetus trembled slightly, and a lazy sound came out.
"Boy, what trouble have you gotten into again?"
"There is a secret realm in the poisonous miasma in the north of the city."
Gu Sheng sat down cross-legged.
"Tianyou Sect and Five Poisons Divine Cult are both targeting."
"Tsk, tsk, are you the reincarnation of a troublemaker?"
Innate Spirit Embryo sneered.
"You can run into trouble wherever you go."
Gu Sheng had a cold look in his eyes.
"I suspect someone is targeting me."
"Oh?"
Innate Spirit Embryo is interested.
"Tell me about it."
"I have never set foot in southern Xinjiang, but I felt like I was being watched as soon as I entered the city."
Gu Sheng tapped his fingertips on the table.
"Other than Five Poisons Sect that Old Undeads, I can't think of anyone else."
Innate Spirit Embryo was silent for a moment.
"You mean ancestor Five Poisons Sect?"
"It's probably him."
Gu Sheng sneered.
"I've wiped out his entire family. It would be strange if he didn't use some back-up tactics."
"Then what are you going to do? Hide?"
"Hide?"
Gu Sheng stood up, fighting spirit surging in his eyes.
"Now that I've met him, why not take the initiative to lure him out. This secret realm is just what I want!"
As night fell, Gu Sheng changed into an inconspicuous gray robe, put on an ordinary mask, and walked towards Heavenly Nether Market.
Two guards with cold auras stood at the gate of Fangshi. When they saw Gu Sheng, they stretched out their hands to stop them.
"Please show me your invitation."
Gu Sheng slipped out a jade plaque from his sleeve. This was a token he got from the middle-aged man during the day.
After the guard checks, step aside.
"Please."
Heavenly Nether Market The lights inside are bright but there are few people around. Obviously not everyone can come in.
Gu Sheng walked straight to the black pavilion in the center and said to the maid at the door.
"I want to see the boss."
The maid looked him over.
"The boss is busy with business."
A piece of High-grade Spirit Stone fell into her hands.
The maid's face changed slightly and she whispered.
"Please come with me."
After passing through several restrictions, Gu Sheng was taken to an elegant room.
The interior furnishings are simple, with only a black jade table and table, and a middle-aged man with a sinister face sitting behind it.
"Master Mo Lingfang?"
Gu Sheng Get straight to the point.
The middle-aged man raised his eyes, his eyes like knives.
"Your Excellency?"
"Buyer."
Gu Sheng sat directly opposite him.
"I want a place in the secret realm."
Mo Ling's eyes were filled with surprise.
"Three hundred thousand low-grade Spirit Stone, the price set by the Tianyou Sect, no bargaining."
Gu Sheng Without saying anything, he took out a storage ring and pushed it over.
"Thirty High-grade Spirit Stone, please inspect the goods."
Mo Ling's consciousness swept away and his face changed slightly.
"Your Majesty, please be happy."
He put away the ring and took out a bloody jade slip.
"Tomorrow at 12:00, take this thing and gather at 'Miasma Tower' in the north of the city."
Gu Sheng put away the jade slips but did not get up.
"The boss is well-informed and I want to inquire about something."
Mo Ling narrowed his eyes.
"It depends on what it is."
"Tianyou City, are there any warriors who are not quite right lately?"
Gu Sheng Tap your fingertips lightly on the table.
"Especially the ones that interest me."
Mo Ling pondered for a moment.
"Three days ago, several warriors from Eastern Wasteland were picked up by the Tianyou Sect's senior officials as soon as they arrived."
"Eastern Wasteland?"
Gu Sheng's eyes flashed.
"What's the origin?"
"Not sure."
Mo Ling shook his head.
"I only know that it comes from powerful forces in the sect realm."
Gu Sheng thoughtfully.
"Five Poisons Divine Cult Where is this side? Who is the strongest person in charge?"
"Blood Centipede Protector."
Mo Ling lowered his voice.
"Five Poisons Divine Cult is one of the seventy-two guardians. He has an insidious character and will definitely retaliate. Your Excellency, it is best not to provoke him."
"Blood Centipede Protector."
Gu Sheng repeated softly, with a cold light flashing in his eyes.
"What kind of cultivation is he?"
"At the peak of the golden elixir, it is said that half of the foot has already stepped into the Nascent Soul."
Mo Ling looked at Gu Sheng meaningfully.
"What, your Excellency has an old relationship with him?"
Gu Sheng is noncommittal.
"The last question. Blood Centipede Protector, does he wear a bronze mask all year round?"
Mo Ling's body stiffened slightly.
"You know him?"
"It's indeed him!"
Gu Sheng sneered in his heart, stood up and clasped his fists.
"Thank you, Boss, for clearing up the confusion."
After leaving Heavenly Nether Market, Gu Sheng did not go back to the inn directly. Instead, he walked around the city a few times and made sure that no one was following him before quietly returning.
"Are you sure?"
Innate Spirit Embryo asked.
"The ancestor Five Poisons Sect is Blood Centipede Protector."
Gu Sheng took off his outer robe, revealing the thirty-six defensive talismans hidden inside.
"He recognized me."
Gu Sheng walked out of Heavenly Nether Market and looked up at the sky.
The sun sets in the west, dyeing the entire city a bloody color.
The corners of his mouth were raised slightly, and there was a coldness in his eyes.
"Since you like stalking so much, don't blame me for being rude."
He no longer concealed his aura, and the true energy surged around his body, like an unsheathed sword, its sharp edge revealed.
Gu Sheng strode towards the outside of the city, the ground shaking slightly with every step he took.
"Coming."
Gu Sheng thought to himself, he clearly sensed that the cold air behind him that was as cold as a poisonous snake was approaching quickly. In addition, there were several weaker but equally sinister breaths.
"Five Poisons Divine Cult people really can't hold it anymore."
Gu Sheng deliberately slowed down and came to a deserted valley outside the city.
The open terrain here is perfect for dealing with these tails.
He stopped and turned to face the empty path.
"Aren't you tired after following me for so long?"
Gu Sheng's voice was cold and echoed in the valley.
After a moment of silence, a hoarse and unpleasant laughter sounded.
"Jie Jie Jie, boy, your perception is very sharp."
A skinny old man in black robes walked out of the shadows. His face was criss-crossed with wrinkles, like dry tree bark, but his eyes glowed with a strange green light.
Behind the old man, seven warriors also dressed in black appeared one after another, surrounding Gu Sheng in a fan shape.
"Blood Centipede Protector, the ancestor of the Five Poisons Sect, I have admired your name for a long time."
Gu Sheng sounded calm, as if he was talking about the weather.
Blood Centipede Protector's eyes flashed green.
"Do you know me?"
"It's hard not to recognize an old poisonous person who hides in the dark and shoots cold arrows."
Gu Sheng sneered.
"You've been staring at me since the auction started. Do you really think I don't know?"
Blood Centipede Protector's face darkened.
"You're arrogant! Since you took the initiative to send me here, don't even think about leaving alive!"
Before he finished speaking, he waved his skinny palm violently, and a stream of jet-black air roared out, turning into a ferocious centipede shape in the air and heading towards Gu Sheng's face.
Gu Sheng didn't dodge or evade, just blew lightly.
It seemed like a random blow, but it contained majestic true energy. The black centipede was instantly blown away and turned into nothing.
"Is that all you have?"
Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.
Blood Centipede Protector's face changed slightly, then he said with a sinister smile.
"Set up the formation!"
The seven warriors in black moved at the same time, forming seals with their hands and chanting words.
In an instant, seven lines of poisonous smoke of different colors rose from their bodies, intertwining into a large net in the air, covering Gu Sheng.
"Five Poisons Bone Erosion Array!"
Blood Centipede Protector shouted sharply.