Chapter 985: Chapter 516: News Spread by the Goblins (Part 2) "As long as we’re willing to do it, there’s still time for everything." Saying this, Gu Sheng glanced at the people who had been rescued from the Soul Refining Cave and then focused his gaze on Huang Shan’s face. "Huang Shan, starting tomorrow, if I entrust you with the heavy responsibility of protecting Stone Village, can you handle it?" Upon hearing this, Huang Shan immediately straightened his back and patted his chest, making a resounding thumping sound. "Brother Sheng, don’t worry, we’ll definitely guard Stone Village well! Even if we must brave fire and water, we will not hesitate!" After he spoke, the others also agreed one after another. Gu Sheng nodded with satisfaction and pointed to several locations in Stone Village. "These places are the weak points of Stone Village. Starting tomorrow, guard these places separately, do your best to fend off attacks from all sides, and buy us time to rebuild Stone Village." "No problem, we’ll definitely give it our all!" "Alright, then tonight everyone should rest well, and tomorrow we’ll exert ourselves to the fullest." "Brother Sheng, let’s guard this place tonight." "No need, the blood aura hasn’t dissipated yet, there won’t be any attacks tonight. You’ve just experienced a battle, so rest well first." The crowd dared not defy Gu Sheng’s words and each found a place to rest. At dawn, Gu Sheng opened his eyes and quietly roamed around every corner of Stone Village. Wherever he went, a pattern appeared on his hand. As each pattern combined, it ultimately formed the full view of the new Stone Village. When the sun rose, Gu Sheng finally stopped. Seeing that he was already on the edge of Stone Village, he leaped to a high place and surveyed the entire Stone Village. Looking at Stone Village and then at the map in his hand, he let out a heavy breath of relief and walked back with large strides. At the resting place, as soon as everyone opened their eyes, they couldn’t see Gu Sheng, and suddenly became anxious. "Brother Sheng’s presence has weakened; he seems to have been gone for a while." Upon careful observation, Shi Lou spoke in a somber voice, which further unsettled everyone’s hearts. "Shi Lou, do you know where Gu Sheng has gone?" Upon hearing this, Shi Lou shook his head. "Brother Sheng’s strength far surpasses mine; I can’t track his whereabouts." "What should we do! How could he suddenly disappear, nothing will happen to him, right?" "The Shadow Tree is still with Gu Sheng; could someone have sensed its presence and targeted him?" With these words, everyone’s heart sank heavily. Huang Shan couldn’t sit still any longer, stood up, and said, "You all stay here; I’ll take people to find Brother Sheng." Seeing him about to leave, Shi Lou hurriedly stopped him. "No, Stone Village isn’t as safe as it used to be. If you leave alone and something happens, what then? Brother Sheng is strong; he will surely return safely. If he comes back and something happens to you, how will I explain to him?" Upon hearing these words, Huang Shan also became anxious. "We’ve been awake for an hour, but Brother Sheng still hasn’t shown up. What if something happens to him? How can you guarantee his safe return? He saved our lives; we’re willing to risk our lives to save him too! Don’t hold me back!" Saying this, Huang Shan forcefully shook off Shi Lou’s hand. Seeing him so impulsive, Shi Lou stepped forward again to block him. Huang Shan felt a touch of anger but held back, barely refraining from striking. As the atmosphere between the two became tense, the crowd quickly intervened. At this moment, Gu Sheng appeared. Approaching from afar, he immediately saw the chaotic crowd. As he puzzled, the crowd shifted, revealing the tense Huang Shan and Shi Lou. "What are you doing?! Stop it!" Hearing Gu Sheng’s voice, the crowd looked over joyfully. Confirming it was him, Shi Lou raced over. "Brother Sheng, where did you go?" After speaking, Huang Shan also rushed over. "Brother Sheng, has someone come to cause trouble?" Seeing their tense expressions, Gu Sheng smiled and shook his head. "No trouble; I went to plan Stone Village. What were you doing earlier, causing this commotion?" Hearing Gu Sheng’s question, the two looked slightly embarrassed. Er Gou stepped forward and explained the cause and effect. Realizing the dispute was because of him, Gu Sheng patted their shoulders. "You didn’t do anything wrong; the fault lies with me. I shouldn’t have left without a word." Upon hearing this, the two waved their hands repeatedly. "No, Brother Sheng, you did nothing wrong. You were considerate of us and Stone Village; we were just too anxious." After Shi Lou spoke, an elder from the village walked over and said, "None of you were wrong; it’s those intruders at fault. If they hadn’t disrupted our peaceful lives, we wouldn’t be so anxious. Gu Sheng, since you planned everything, do you have any thoughts now?" Gu Sheng nodded and waved his hand, displaying the map in mid-air. "Huang Shan, from today, lead people to guard these positions." Gu Sheng accurately marked the spots, and Huang Shan nodded repeatedly. "Alright, we’ll go now." Saying this, he quickly led the group forward. After he left, Gu Sheng looked at the elder from earlier: "Third Elder, today you lead people to this side, clear the place first, then set up Shadow Tree stakes. At least five stakes must be set by nightfall." "Don’t worry; even if it means staying up all night, I can do it!" Third Elder gathered some people and headed straight to the direction Gu Sheng mentioned. As they left, Gu Sheng assigned tasks to others. In the end, only a small group remained by his side. Seeing Gu Sheng silent, Er Gou hurriedly asked, "Brother Sheng, what about us?" "We’ll be responsible for delivering the Shadow Tree wood. Once any foundation is laid, we’ll send the timber to them. Remember, deliver only after the foundation is set, don’t leave it aside for convenience, lest it invites danger." Understanding his meaning, everyone nodded repeatedly. As the sun hung high, all of Stone Village bustled into activity. Approaching noon, none showed any sign of resting. Gu Sheng glanced at the sun in the sky, pondered briefly, then decided not to call a halt. After delivering timber to Third Elder’s side, as he prepared to return, he heard the sounds of fighting in the distance. Halting his steps, he swiftly looked in the direction of the noise. Seeing Huang Shan’s figure, he waved his hand, sending dozens of silver needles flying. Seeing his action, Shi Lou urgently asked, "Brother Sheng, what’s happening over there?" "Someone’s attacking, not sure from which sect." With these words, the surrounding people felt their hearts in their throats. "Brother Sheng, should we go help?" "No need; Huang Shan can handle it. If he struggles, I’ll know. Don’t let outside matters distract you; focus on the construction, and the faster, the better." Everyone nodded, busying themselves anew. Evening came, yet they hadn’t rested. Gu Sheng directly took out several Luminous Pearls, illuminating half of Stone Village. After the last Shadow Tree stake was set at Fifth Elder’s side, everyone finally stopped, weary and out of breath. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎 "Gu Sheng, we’ve set the last piece of wood today." "Great work, everyone. Rest a bit; I’ll go find Huang Shan and the others." Gu Sheng took out some fire-red flowers and distributed them, then headed towards Huang Shan’s location. The closer he approached, the more pungent the scent of blood became. Upon arrival, he realized there’d probably been multiple waves of attackers today. For in front of him lay a pile of corpses, wearing different sect’s attire and tokens. Giving a cursory glance, Gu Sheng called to Huang Shan. "Guarding all day, must be exhausting, right?" Hearing this, Huang Shan and the others shook their heads vigorously. "Brother Sheng, we’re not tired; we’re happy to protect Stone Village." "Have any of you been injured?" As Gu Sheng asked, someone discreetly pulled on their sleeve but loudly replied, "No one is injured; don’t worry, Brother Sheng." Gu Sheng noticed the subtle gesture, and asked Huang Shan to gather everyone here. Once everyone gathered, he directly took out a handful of fire-red flowers. "Thanks for today’s hard work, quickly replenish yourselves with these fire-red flowers."