Chapter 696: Chapter 372: Seizing the Source "Gu Sheng, do you understand the importance of the ’Source’?" Lin Qingyu spoke slowly, "If you are willing to exchange the ’Source’ for ten lifetimes of blessings, I can arrange it for you." Gu Sheng looked into Lin Qingyu’s clear eyes, his heart momentarily dazed. But he quickly regained his senses, firmly shook his head, and said, "Miss Lin, I appreciate your kindness, but the ’Source’ holds immense significance for me. I cannot trade it." Lin Qingyu let out a soft sigh and said no more. Gu Sheng watched Lin Qingyu’s departing figure, his heart chilled, and he inwardly lamented the unpredictability of human nature! Within a dozen days, Gu Sheng’s cultivation advanced rapidly. He secluded himself in the bamboo grove to refine his skills, constantly pushing his limits. That mysterious ’Source’ also seemed to resonate with him in some inexplicable way, making his cultivation path smoother and unhindered. But good times never last, and as Gu Sheng’s reputation grew in the Ziyang Grotto Heaven, trouble inevitably followed. A conspiracy targeting him was quietly brewing. The night was like ink, a crescent moon hung high in the sky. Gu Sheng sat cross-legged deep within the bamboo grove, surrounded by streams of spiritual energy seeping into his body. Suddenly, hurried footsteps shattered the nighttime silence. "Gu Sheng! Come out and face your death!" A haughty voice echoed through the bamboo grove. Gu Sheng slowly opened his eyes, a cold glint flashing across his face. He stood up and walked out of the bamboo grove, only to see several black-clad cultivators glaring at him menacingly. "Who are you? Why do you trouble me?" Gu Sheng asked coldly. "Haha! You dare ask who we are? We are elite disciples of the Ziyang Grotto Heaven! You’ve offended the wrong people within the Grotto Heaven, and now it’s your time to die!" One of the black-clad cultivators sneered viciously. Gu Sheng’s heart sank. He knew these individuals were after the ’Source’ he possessed. He took a deep breath, secretly circulating his inner power, and prepared for the imminent battle. "Hmph! Want my life? Let’s see whose life is taken!" Gu Sheng shouted coldly, and his figure instantly disappeared from where he stood. The black-clad cultivators were momentarily stunned but quickly reacted, chasing after him. A heart-pounding clash unfolded under the veil of night. Relying on his agile movement technique and formidable cultivation, Gu Sheng engaged the black-clad cultivators in a fierce fight. Every punch and kick he delivered carried tremendous force, leaving the black-clad cultivators flustered and defensive. "Bang—" One black-clad cultivator was struck squarely in the chest by Gu Sheng’s punch and sent flying backward. Seeing this, the remaining cultivators retreated with fear written on their faces. "You are no match for me. Leave while you still can!" Gu Sheng said coldly. The black-clad cultivators exchanged glances, a flicker of unwillingness and dread flashing in their eyes. They understood that their mission had failed today, and persisting further would only lead to destruction. Reluctantly, they turned and disappeared into the night. Gu Sheng watched the departing black-clad cultivators and let out a quiet breath of relief. "Whew—" A gust of wind swept through the bamboo grove of the Ziyang Grotto Heaven, the rustling leaves murmuring secrets untold. Gu Sheng stood deep within the bamboo grove, his expression calm, though the determination in his eyes was unmistakable. Around him, Lin Qingyu and several young disciples persisted in persuading him to relinquish the mysterious ’Source.’ "Gu Sheng, are you truly willing to risk everything for this ’Source’?" Lin Qingyu’s voice was soft yet tinged with worry, "For a mortal to possess it, it will only invite endless disaster." "Miss Lin, my mind is made up." Gu Sheng’s voice was resolute and fearless, "This ’Source’ doesn’t merely represent wealth to me—it is the key to my cultivation." The other disciples implored him one after another, their words full of urgency and concern, but Gu Sheng merely smiled and shook his head, expressing gratitude without yielding. Just then, the sound of commotion arrived from outside the bamboo grove. A knight, astride a strange beast, stormed into the Ziyang Grotto Heaven with overwhelming momentum. "Who dares trespass on my Ziyang Grotto Heaven!" The second strongest of the Grotto Heaven instantly appeared, engaging the knight in combat. Gu Sheng’s eyes sparkled with calculation; he realized this was an excellent opportunity to slip away. Taking a deep breath, he secretly activated his powers and prepared to leave amidst the chaos. "Boom—" A thunderous sound erupted as the knight was subdued by the expert and confined within a stone prison. Seizing the chance, Gu Sheng slipped away unnoticed, only to realize someone was tracking him. "Hmph! After my ’Source,’ are you?" Gu Sheng muttered inwardly as he concealed himself behind a massive rock, ready to deliver a lethal strike to the pursuer. The stalker moved closer and closer. Gu Sheng circulated his cultivation technique, his entire body glowing with a golden radiance. A potent aura emanated from him as he suddenly leapt out and struck with a palm, instantly dispatching the tracker with his golden hand. Gu Sheng’s actions continued without pause. Sensing others approaching from the rear, he accelerated his escape without turning back. During his flight, Gu Sheng continuously harnessed his cultivation technique, conjuring visions of vast landscapes, seas, and mystical beasts. Golden waves surged, his aura radiating unparalleled majesty. His Ancient Sacred Body gleamed brilliantly, embodying the presence of a War God descending to the mortal world. "Whoosh—" A sword gleam streaked through the air as Gu Sheng drew his Earth-level low-grade Treasure, the Mystical Sky Sword. Sword Qi roared and pulsed, intimidating all who approached. Swinging his sword, Gu Sheng cut down the obstacles in his path and forged ahead. "Where do you think you’re going!" A cold voice rang out as Lin Qingyu’s senior brother blocked his route. Greed sparkled in the man’s eyes; he was clearly after the ’Source’ as well. Gu Sheng smirked coldly, his figure weaving like the wind. The Mystical Sky Sword in his hand traced a flawless arc, aiming directly for his opponent’s vital spot. Startled, the senior brother frantically swung his sword in defense—but it was already too late.