NOVEL NEXT Chapter 322: Peacock King Seizes the Fruit
The Peacock King looked at Gu Sheng, his eyes flashing with a hint of admiration. He nodded slowly and said, "You are quite gifted. Your future is promising. Cultivate well; do not disappoint me."
As he finished speaking, he placed the Demon Emperor's heart into his Storage Ring. Then, with a wave of his finger, he left all the remaining Divine Spring Immortal Herbs and Spirit Pills in the cauldron to Gu Sheng.
"These are yours now. I hope they can assist you in reaching greater heights," the Peacock King said with a smile. Then he turned around, transformed into a dazzling peacock light shadow, and vanished from the spot.
Gu Sheng watched the Peacock King depart, his heart filled with gratitude and respect. He took a deep breath and began refining the treasures within the cauldron.
The cultivation materials were numerous, each containing powerful energy. Gu Sheng focused his thoughts and released the Grass Vine Demon Soul, instructing it to quickly corrode the treasures.
"Zzzzz…" As the Grass Vine Demon Soul devoured, the treasures began to disappear visibly. During this process, the Grass Vine Demon Soul grew stronger, its length gradually increasing, and its color began to change.
Not long after, the Grass Vine Demon Soul expanded to over 5,000 meters in length, coiling inside the cauldron like a giant dragon. Its color changed from yellow to deep purple, radiating a mysterious and potent aura.
At the same time, Gu Sheng sensed changes within his body. His Ancient Sacred Body, nourished by the Grass Vine Demon Soul, became tougher, as if forged by golden light. He stretched out his palm, seeing golden radiance flowing on it, like a layer of golden armor.
"So this is the power of the Ancient Sacred Body?" Gu Sheng murmured to himself, feeling his strength rapidly increasing.
Just then, deep inside the underground palace, there was a sudden disturbance. A powerful aura was rapidly approaching, as if some terrifying presence was awakening.
Gu Sheng frowned, an ominous premonition surging in his heart. He immediately stowed the cauldron and Grass Vine Demon Soul, then turned his vigilant gaze to the depths of the underground palace.
"Hehehe… I didn't expect there to be such delicious food here!" A sinister voice echoed within the underground palace, followed by a shadow flying out from the depths, charging straight at Gu Sheng.
Gu Sheng's figure flashed, evading the shadow's attack. When he looked closely, he saw it was a massive black bat whose cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Sea Floor Realm. Its red eyes glowed with bloodlust, exuding ferocity.
"So it's a Bat Demon!" Gu Sheng sneered, "Since you're courting death, I'll grant your wish!"
With that, he activated his Cultivation Technique and struck with his golden palm towards the Bat Demon. However, the Bat Demon was no ordinary opponent; it waved its wings and dodged Gu Sheng's attack.
"Hehehe… You've enraged me, boy!"
The Bat Demon roared in anger and lunged at Gu Sheng again. A fierce battle ensued between the two within the underground palace.
Although Gu Sheng had just broken through, his strength had significantly increased. With the Ancient Sacred Body's augmentation, he didn't fear the Bat Demon. He unleashed the Gale Nine Swords against it.
"Whizz, whizz, whizz…"
Nine golden Sword Qi streaked through the air, aiming straight for the Bat Demon. Despite its agility, the sharpness of the nine sword strikes forced the Bat Demon to retreat.
"Ahhh—"
A miserable scream rang out as one of the Sword Qi struck the Bat Demon, leaving a large wound on its body. It stared at Gu Sheng in terror, as though he were some kind of monster.
Gu Sheng didn't give it a chance to recover. He struck again with his golden palm, this time with full force, crushing the Bat Demon to death on the ground.
After killing the Bat Demon, Gu Sheng finally exhaled deeply. He felt his internal energy gradually stabilizing, and the Ancient Sacred Body growing even tougher.
"Truly a blessing in disguise!" Gu Sheng sighed. Looking towards the depths of the underground palace, anticipation stirred within his heart.
This time, Gu Sheng had broken through to the Second Layer Heaven of the Sea Floor Realm. His Ancient Sacred Body had become sturdier, and the Grass Vine Demon Soul extended to over 5,000 meters.
The rewards were plentiful.
"Boom—"
Thunder resonated across the sky. A figure streaked through the clouds like a meteor, descending straight into the Yaochi Holy Land.
Gu Sheng, the pride of Yaochi Holy Land, returned after training in the Taichu Ancient Mine with the cultivation of the Second Layer Heaven of the Sea Floor Realm, stirring excitement throughout the Holy Land. His return brought not only a breakthrough but also a collection of rare treasures.
"Gu Senior Brother has returned!"
"Greetings to Gu Senior Brother!"
Within the Holy Land, cheers erupted as disciples rushed to surround Gu Sheng, eager to witness his glory.
Gu Sheng smiled gently. Tall and handsome, with an air of heroism in his brows, he looked like a triumphant hero returning from battle.
"Everyone, quiet down. During my training in the Taichu Ancient Mine, I made some gains that I wish to share with all of you," Gu Sheng declared. His voice was strong and resonant, carrying throughout the Yaochi Holy Land.
He then distributed the treasures he had brought back from the Taichu Ancient Mine to the disciples of the Holy Land. Every treasure held immense power, filling the disciples with joy.
"Gu Senior Brother, is this really for us?" a disciple asked excitedly, holding the treasure in their hands.
"Yes, you are all the pride of Yaochi Holy Land. These treasures should be shared among you," Gu Sheng replied with a smile.
After distributing the treasures, Gu Sheng approached the Yaochi Saintess. She wore a white dress, elegant and pure as though she were a celestial maiden descended to earth.
"Saintess, this is for you." Gu Sheng handed over a treasure imbued with mysterious brilliance—the Qionghua Immortal Bottle.