Chapter 436: Chapter 242: Heroes Compete for Hegemony Wen Mingyan clearly understood the severity of the situation and immediately escorted Gu Sheng away, rushing back to the Holy Pill Sect. At the same time, he instructed Lin Miaomiao and others to act separately, creating a false impression to make the major factions believe Gu Sheng was still inside. The greatest loss this time was suffered by the Governor Mansion—not only did they gain nothing, but they also lost the mansion’s most talented individual, Lu Shu. Jiang Bai, the Governor Mansion Master, was furious, yet like the chief steward, his focus was on the Mystical-level Treasures: the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell and the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll. "Jiang He, you are to lead people immediately to intercept Gu Sheng!" "Yes!" Jiang He responded solemnly, took his leave, and hurried away with Lu Yun, Lu Feng, and others. "Holy Pill Sect!" After the crowd dispersed, Jiang Bai pondered for a moment and quickly devised a plan. He decided to employ a dual approach, waiting patiently for the perfect opportunity. The Qian family compound. Qian Duoduo placed all the blame on the Mad Saber Sect, but the Qian family’s Family Head’s attention wasn’t on the Mad Saber Sect—it was on the Holy Pill Sect. He immediately dispatched skilled experts from the family, waiting for an opportunity to fish in troubled waters and seize some profit. The Wu family, Zhou family, and Mu family all began their moves as well. There were rumors that Lin Tianhao had united with Gu Sheng and returned with numerous treasures, including thousands of Spirit Stones. In this wave of chaos, even if one only managed to grab a single Spirit Stone, it would be a significant gain. For a time, forces from all across the Jianghu converged upon the Holy Pill Sect. After Wen Mingyan left with Gu Sheng, Lin Miaomiao divided their group into three or four teams, each departing boldly and purposefully. Along the way, they attracted many Martial Artists and various sects and factions, including Golden Bone Realm experts. It must be said—Lin Miaomiao’s maneuver greatly eased the pressure on Gu Sheng and his companions. Along the journey, they encountered only Jiang Bai, who was practically stationed at the gates of the Holy Pill Sect. Seeing Wen Mingyan and Gu Sheng, Jiang Bai immediately brandished the Po Jun Sword. "Whoosh!" A sword beam several meters long whizzed through the air. Wen Mingyan and Gu Sheng simultaneously unsheathed their weapons. Their longswords shimmered in unison, unleashing waves of sword energy and fierce winds. "Clang!" The clash of three swords reverberated. Gu Sheng felt his hands go numb, and the Water Cold Sword was nearly sent flying. If not for Wen Mingyan absorbing most of the force, he couldn’t imagine what could have happened. He could have summoned the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll, but concerned about a show of treasure inviting disaster, Gu Sheng hesitated, fearing it would harm both himself and Peak Master Wen. "Jiang Mansion Master, are you intending to make enemies with my Holy Pill Sect?" Wen Mingyan, sensing Jiang Bai’s hostility, attempted to stall him, hoping reinforcements from the Holy Pill Sect would arrive. He had already sent word back to the sect. "Capture him!" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 Jiang Bai’s eyes locked onto Gu Sheng, his tone resolute. "Gu Sheng killed Lu Shu—this Mansion Master naturally must capture him to atone for her death!" "Do you have evidence?" Wen Mingyan retorted. "I have witnesses! Lu Yun and Lu Feng from the Governor Mansion clearly saw Gu Sheng chasing Lu Shu!" As he spoke, Jiang Bai swung his sword once more. "Clang!" Their longswords collided again, and sparks flew like lightning. Ripples of energy spread outward. Taking advantage of the exchange, Gu Sheng seized the moment to bolt. "A dignified Mansion Master, actually believing his disciples’ one-sided story—spreading this would only invite mockery!" Wen Mingyan sneered. "Clang!" Gu Sheng activated his Gravity Field before swinging his sword to block. Under the crushing pressure of the Gravity Field, Jiang Bai suddenly felt as though a massive mountain had pinned him down. His movements became sluggish, as if an old man had stumbled into a swamp—unable to muster any strength. Even so, Gu Sheng’s hands cracked from the strain, and his entire body was sent flying over ten meters, blood spilling from the corners of his mouth. Along the way, his earlier wounds had mostly healed, but now they reopened again. "You dare act wild against me with mere Golden Bone cultivation?!" Jiang Bai channeled his Spiritual Power to the limit, swinging the Po Jun Sword mercilessly at Gu Sheng. Each strike was truly lethal. "Clang!" Wen Mingyan intercepted once again. Feeling a sharp pain in his hand, Wen Mingyan’s lips twitched, revealing traces of blood. "You are no match for me!" Jiang Bai bellowed, "If you don’t want to die, stay out of this!" He plunged forward with another strike, adding, "This brat has Lu Shu’s mark on him—even if he erased it, traces remain!" Prestigious families often used secret techniques to mark their prey, each clan’s method unique. The Governor Mansion’s marking technique was especially refined—even if erased, faint remnants could still be discovered. "Ridiculous! Having a mark doesn’t necessarily mean Gu Sheng killed Lu Shu!" Wen Mingyan struggled to fend off the relentless attacks, visibly approaching exhaustion. Gu Sheng, with no other choice, summoned the Demon Suppression Golden Scroll. A colossal force field enveloped them, as though an enormous mountain was pressing down. "Demon Suppression Golden Scroll!" Seeing the brilliant golden light emanating from the scroll, Jiang Bai’s eyes flared with greed. Ignoring the crushing gravity, he summoned all his Spiritual Power and lunged toward Gu Sheng. Despite the overwhelming pressure, his movements, while stilted, were far superior to Gu Sheng’s. "Stop!" Wen Mingyan shouted as he struggled to intercept, seeing Jiang Bai about to reach Gu Sheng. "Whoosh!" Jiang Bai ignored Wen Mingyan’s cries, swinging the Po Jun Sword for another strike. As the fierce blade descended, the center of Gu Sheng’s forehead gleamed brightly, and the Vajra Demon Suppression Bell materialized. "Bang!" A glowing swastika symbol blocked the Po Jun Sword as Gu Sheng counterattacked with the Water Cold Sword. In mere seconds, the two clashed dozens of times, neither able to gain the upper hand. Even Wen Mingyan, assisting on the side, was stunned. The Vajra Demon Suppression Bell and Demon Suppression Golden Scroll were truly extraordinary treasures. Jiang Bai’s gaze grew even more fiery. He unleashed every possible attack in his arsenal but still failed to overcome Gu Sheng. At this moment, Lu Junyi arrived with reinforcements from the Golden Core Sect. "Bang!" Brandishing an iron staff, Lu Junyi joined the battle, delivering a devastating blow to Jiang Bai. Jiang Bai’s right hand was nearly broken by the strike, forcing him to leap into the air and flee to safety.