Chapter 483: Chapter 265: Treasure of the Chu Country Dragon Vein_2 With the infusion of mana, the Spiritual Awareness Ganoderma began to emit a faint glow, streams of life essence continuously pouring into the wooden barrel. Under the nourishment of this life essence, the life fluctuations of the Green Vine’s Demon Soul grew increasingly intense. The Green Vine seemed to sink into an endless dream, dreaming of returning to her homeland—a vibrant and multicolored world. In that world, she was a beloved princess, her mother the esteemed queen. Her queenly mother would always take her through various secret realms, allowing her to experience the wonders and beauty of nature. But beautiful moments were always fleeting. The Green Vine was hunted by an unknown force. She tried her utmost to escape, but in the end, all that remained of her was a wisp of a residual soul, adrift between heaven and earth. Now, nourished by the life essence, the Green Vine’s dream grew increasingly vivid. She could feel her body slowly recovering, a long-lost sense of vitality and energy surging back into her being. As the Spiritual Awareness Ganoderma continued to refine, life essence filled the wooden barrel, nearly overwhelming the array. A large quantity of life essence began to liquefy, becoming a solution within the wooden barrel. This liquid was green as jade, emitting a faint glow, as though it contained boundless life force. Sustained by this life essence, the Green Vine became even more vibrant, her form seemingly reshaped to become tougher and stronger. Her length extended beyond twenty meters and could now split into several segments, each closely linked and resonating with Gu Sheng. Gu Sheng, sensing the changes in the Green Vine, couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy. He knew that the Green Vine’s awakening meant he would soon have a more powerful ally. Gently stroking her vines, he murmured softly: "Green Vine, you’re finally awakening. From now on, we’ll fight side by side, facing the challenges ahead together." The Green Vine seemed to understand Gu Sheng’s words; her vines swayed slightly, as if responding to his expectations. In that moment, a profound connection was forged between Gu Sheng and the Green Vine, making them feel like an inseparable whole. With the Green Vine’s awakening, the entire secret chamber was suffused with a mysterious and enchanting aura. Time flew by, and as the war concluded, Yun Zishuang once again arranged to meet Gu Sheng. Princess Manor. Yun Zishuang approached gracefully, her posture elegant and noble, like a blooming violet exuding a captivating fragrance. She invited Gu Sheng softly, her eyes glimmering with resolve and anticipation. "Gu Sheng, the reason Chu Country is so powerful is all thanks to the mysterious power of the Dragon Vein. If you can help me sever its Dragon Vein, the grand ambition of unifying the land will be within reach." Yun Zishuang’s voice was low and magnetic, laced with an endless allure. Hearing this, Gu Sheng slightly raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t particularly interested in overthrowing Chu Country, but what Yun Zishuang said next stirred something within him. "Chu Country’s Dragon Vein is guarded by the Seven Dragon Balls, each one brimming with boundless vitality, an unparalleled treasure for any cultivator." Yun Zishuang’s tone revealed her deep yearning for the Seven Dragon Balls. A sparkling light flashed in Gu Sheng’s eyes. His interest in the Seven Dragon Balls indeed surpassed his regard for conquering Chu Country. He recalled the transformation of the Green Vine after consuming a Dragon Ball and couldn’t help but feel a fervent desire. Yun Zishuang seemed to read his thoughts, smiling softly like a spring breeze caressing one’s face, intoxicating yet disarming. She moved closer to Gu Sheng, revealing her flawless form with enchanting curves. "If you help me sever the Dragon Vein, this world will belong to both of us. At that time, you can be the emperor, and I, Zishuang, will stay by your side." Her voice was filled with temptation, her eyes radiating hopeful brilliance. Though Gu Sheng’s heart wavered slightly, he wasn’t overtaken by desire. He understood that this was merely Yun Zishuang’s expedient tactic. Dealing with someone as cunning as a tiger was never a wise choice. Yun Zishuang, however, didn’t seem ready to give up. She extended her delicate hand, gently encircling Gu Sheng’s neck, her breath fragrant as orchids. "It’s settled, then!" A tension gripped Gu Sheng’s heart, as he realized just how extraordinary this princess was. Despite his inner turmoil, he maintained a calm façade. He resolved to play along to see whether this princess was truly sincere in her promises. Indeed, after some intimate gestures, Yun Zishuang ultimately stopped short. A faint, cryptic smile played at the corners of her mouth, her eyes sparkling with sly amusement. "As long as you sever Chu Country’s Dragon Vein, this princess will be yours!" Her voice brimmed with both provocation and enticement. Though Gu Sheng’s heart swayed momentarily, he strived to regain his composure. He took a deep breath, steadying the emotions within. "I’ll retrieve the Dragon Balls," he stated, taking the map Yun Zishuang handed to him with resolute determination in his eyes. To ensure absolute success, Yun Zishuang decided to send Shangguan Yudie to assist Gu Sheng. Shangguan Yudie, a woman of extraordinary beauty, appeared ethereal like a fairy descending from the heavens, stunning all who beheld her. Her gaze was deep as the stars, as if capable of ensnaring one’s soul. Her graceful figure swayed like a willow in the wind. As Gu Sheng regarded Shangguan Yudie, a sense of awe welled up within him. He mused, marveling at Yun Zishuang’s cunning—she not only used the Dragon Balls to entice him but also sent such an extraordinary beauty to aid him. However, he was keenly aware that all these efforts were merely to sever Chu Country’s Dragon Vein. In the days that followed, Gu Sheng and Shangguan Yudie embarked on their journey to seek the Dragon Balls together. Following the cryptic map, they delved into the heart of Chu Country, arriving in the depths of an ancient, timeworn ruin. This ruin, seemingly forsaken by time, exuded an aura of age and desolation. Amidst its broken walls and crumbling structures, faint traces of past grandeur could be discerned, though now shrouded in ruin and loneliness. Within the depths of the ruin lay the entrance to Chu Country’s hidden treasure. The entrance was heavily guarded, soldiers stationed in iron armor, the atmosphere tense with killing intent. But Gu Sheng and Shangguan Yudie approached like phantoms. Gu Sheng used Serpent Breath to mask their presence, and the Shadow Concealment Skill rendered them invisible. Meanwhile, Shangguan Yudie transformed into a massive butterfly, fluttering gracefully alongside Gu Sheng as they successfully infiltrated the secret realm. Upon entering, the two were awestruck by the sight that greeted them. It was a world unto itself, separate from the outside, the spiritual energy so dense it nearly condensed into liquid form. Each breath seemed to draw endless vitality into their lungs. Seven towering Holy Mountains stood guard over a mysterious center, emanating radiant light and auspicious energy, as though gods or immortals resided there. "Those Seven Dragon Balls must be located at the center," Gu Sheng said, his gaze resolutely fixed on the radiant core. Shangguan Yudie nodded gently, her butterfly wings quivering slightly, releasing a faint fragrance as though preparing for the adventure ahead. But just as they neared the center, a ferocious Pixiu Beast emerged to block their path. The Pixiu Beast radiated a murderous aura, its flesh as tough as divine steel, its combat prowess terrifyingly potent. It had reached the profound depths of the Marrow Refining Realm, its true power unknowable. "Come forth!" Gu Sheng sneered, his body moving like a shadow as he charged toward the Pixiu Beast. The Pixiu Beast let out a thunderous roar, unleashing scorching Thunder Fire in its attack. The Thunder Fire twisted like serpents, spiraling through the air toward Gu Sheng. Gu Sheng’s figure darted like a phantom, effortlessly dodging the Thunder Fire. "Boom!" Gu Sheng activated his Ancient Sacred Body, golden fist shadows materializing and merging with his solid punches. Seizing the opportunity, he struck, his fist winds sharp as blades, cleaving everything in his path as he aimed for the Pixiu Beast’s vital point. The Pixiu Beast’s body was unimaginably tough, enduring Gu Sheng’s attack without a scratch. It howled skyward, its massive form hurtling toward Gu Sheng. "Watch out for its mists!" Shangguan Yudie reminded him. Gu Sheng nodded; he had been guarding against the Pixiu Beast’s toxic mist all along. He inhaled deeply, releasing Serpent Breath to disperse the surrounding mists instantly. At that moment, Shangguan Yudie, too, unfurled her butterfly wings, unleashing sharp attacks toward the Pixiu Beast. Her strikes were like a fine drizzle, seemingly delicate yet imbued with immense force. "Butterfly Transformation Skill!" Shangguan Yudie shouted, her butterfly wings transforming into countless phantom butterflies, swarming the Pixiu Beast. The phantom butterflies seemed almost alive, fluttering in the air as they steadily drained the Pixiu Beast’s strength.