Zeng Gu stepped into the grand hall, the sound of a conversation floating to his ears. His brows lifted slightly, his voice as melodious as the strings of a harp.

"I advise you all not to hold too high expectations. Although he is powerful, the strength of the Gu Chi lineage has already surpassed your imagination."

Before anyone could ask, Gu Zheng's words flowed like a stream. "In the past, several Gu Masters joined forces but were still unable to eradicate the Gu Chi lineage. They have survived in Mount Insect King for countless years, amassing immeasurable power. You should know that the Gu insects in Mount Insect King are as endless as the stars. The types they command are unknown to us, and with their abilities varying so greatly, they are impossible to defend against. What's more, Mount Insect King is perpetually shrouded in a sinister miasma. Even if he is a Heaven-Melding expert, I fear he is still wandering within the mountain at this very moment."

Zeng Gu's gaze was like the first light of dawn. "I foresee that he may ultimately choose to join forces with our Gu Master inheritance to annihilate the Gu Chi lineage together. Only a Gu Master can uncover the secrets to defeating another Gu Master! Of course, that's assuming he hasn't already made contact with the Gu Chi lineage. Otherwise, I'm afraid... his fate will fall into darkness!"

Having said this, Zeng Gu fell silent. Upon hearing his words, everyone was lost in deep thought, and Zeng Gu was satisfied with this reaction.

"Brother, you're finally back!"

However, before Zeng Gu's satisfaction could fully bloom, Huang Hua cried out in surprise and quickly rushed past him toward the person at his back. Kuang Nie, Kuang Long, and the others also rose and walked toward the space behind Zeng Gu.

Zeng Gu froze. He turned his head and saw Chen Zheng.

"Brother, how was the trip? What did you gain?" Huang Hua asked eagerly.

"Everything has been settled. You no longer have to worry about the threat from the Gu Chi lineage," Chen Zheng replied with a slight nod.

What exactly is going on? Could they have vanished from the river of history? No, how could that be possible? Elder Gu Qing went with them. They must have found some secret weapon to subdue the Gu Chi lineage! Everything will be clear once Elder Gu Qing returns in triumph!

With these thoughts, Zeng Gu finally found an answer that satisfied him.

However, the reactions of Huang Hua and the others were starkly different. In their eyes, Chen Zheng's words meant he had successfully eliminated the Gu Chi lineage.

Zeng Gu ignored their excitement, shot Huang Hua a look one reserves for an idiot, and turned to leave. The pressure emanating from Chen Zheng was too intense; he didn't want to stay a moment longer.

Zeng Gu was led by Kuang Nie to a quiet courtyard, his heart filled with doubt. He simply could not believe that Chen Zheng could have single-handedly destroyed the Gu Chi lineage.

As night fell, however, neither Elder Gu Qing nor Yue Gao appeared. He tried to send a message to the Gu Qing lineage, only to learn they had already returned home, promising to visit Nanhai Stockade again the next day. Zeng Gu found this troubling, but he chose to set his doubts aside and drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, as Zeng Gu stepped out of his room, someone rushed toward him, nearly colliding with him. Zeng Gu quickly took a step back and steadied the man.

"What's the matter?" Zeng Gu asked with a frown.

"Ah! It's you, esteemed Gu Master! My apologies, my apologies! I am in a great hurry, I'm so sorry!" the man said, hastily explaining after he recognized Zeng Gu. "Actually, your lineage's Elder Gu Qing is waiting outside the stockade. He asked me to inform the Stockade Leader!"

"Hmm?"

Zeng Gu was clearly surprised. Just as he was about to ask more, the villager had already hurried off, his words lingering in the air. "Esteemed Gu Master, forgive me for running off, but the matter is urgent!"

Zeng Gu was stunned once more, his mind filled with confusion. What in the world is going on? The Grand Elder is personally visiting this tiny Nanhai Stockade, and he needs to be announced? What a joke!

With a heart full of puzzlement, Zeng Gu strode out from the shadows of Nanhai Stockade. However, when his steps halted before the stockade gate, an astonishing scene unfolded before him.

His Grand Elder, normally a figure of immense majesty, now stood outside the gate with profound deference. He was flanked by the Grand Elders of the Gu Yun and Gu Hei lineages, their figures exuding an extraordinary solemnity.

A flicker of shock flashed through Zeng Gu's eyes; he almost wondered if he was dreaming. There stood his Grand Elder, alongside the Grand Elders of the Gu Yun and Gu Hei lineages. These three figures, who enjoyed exalted status in the lands of the Southern Barbarians, appeared utterly unusual at this moment. They stood with their heads bowed and gazes lowered. Each was accompanied by a mysterious person holding a tray veiled with red cloth, piquing one's curiosity about the secrets hidden within.

Zeng Gu blinked hard, trying to dispel the illusion, but the scene remained unchanged. Helpless, he stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Grand Elder, you..."

"Don't block the way. Get to the back!"

Chao Gu's voice was as cold as a winter wind, making Zeng Gu shiver involuntarily. He stood frozen for a moment before silently retreating. His gaze, as if drawn by a spell, remained locked on Yue Gao, who was holding one of the trays, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"You'll see what this is all about soon enough," Yue Gao said cryptically, a slight smile on his lips.

Zeng Gu shook his head helplessly and settled in to wait.

「At that moment, in Chen Zheng's small courtyard.」

Kuang Nie strode in like a brisk wind. "Lord Chen Zheng, the Grand Elders of the Gu Qing, Gu Yun, and Gu Hei lineages are outside the stockade requesting an audience!"

"Oh? What brings them here?" Chen Zheng asked, a faint ripple of interest in his heart.

"I do not know, but it is said they have brought some precious gifts," Kuang Nie replied respectfully.

After a moment's thought, Chen Zheng decided, "Then let them in."

"As you command!" Kuang Nie bowed respectfully and then hurried away.

He arrived at the stockade gates as swiftly as the wind. "Stockade Leader Kuang, you've finally arrived!" Chao Gu greeted him with overflowing enthusiasm.

This gesture both surprised and delighted Kuang Nie. This was the Grand Elder of the Gu Qing lineage, a god-like existence in the lands of the Southern Barbarians. On an ordinary day, even if several stockade leaders gathered together, his disciples might not deign to speak with them. Yet now, Chao Gu greeted him like a long-lost friend, his enthusiasm boundless.

Unable to withstand Chao Gu's effusive welcome, Kuang Nie quickly said, "Elder Chao Gu, Lord Chen Zheng has been waiting. Please, follow me inside."

"Is that so? I am deeply grateful for the Stockade Leader's generosity! The Gu Qing lineage will be forever loyal to you!" Chao Gu exclaimed ecstatically, his words making Kuang Nie's heart pound.

"Elder Chao Gu, you praise me too highly," Kuang Nie replied humbly.

"No, I speak the truth. I will arrange for Yue Gao and Zeng Gu to be permanently stationed at Nanhai Stockade. Should any enemy threaten this place, they will protect you," Chao Gu said with conviction. "Stockade Leader Kuang, you cannot refuse. Now, let us go see Lord Chen Zheng."

After speaking, Chao Gu took hold of Shi Xun and Qing Pan and led them away.

Kuang Nie stood frozen, but the voices from behind only deepened his bewilderment.

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