Chapter 722: Chapter 385: The Crystal Coffin Under the Cold Pool In an instant, Gu Sheng was pulled aside by two elderly women, who inspected him thoroughly from head to toe. Afterward, the two elderly women immediately showed expressions of surprise. "He can be used as a Holy Artifact." One of the elderly women responded. "Indeed, unparalleled through the ages." The other elderly woman echoed. Yan Ruyu nodded contentedly. Bai Yiyi, standing at the side, also revealed a smile on her face. "Looks like we didn’t choose the wrong person." Yan Ruyu said softly, speaking almost casually, "Young Master Zhou, if there’s anything you need or any dissatisfaction, you can tell Yiyi. She’ll fulfill all your requests, but on the condition that you stay here obediently and refrain from other actions." "Wait! Did I mishear? Are you planning to confine me?" Gu Sheng was somewhat impatient. But it seemed Yan Ruyu had no intention of explaining further and was already preparing to leave. "Hey! Yan Ruyu! Wait!" Gu Sheng called out twice, but Yan Ruyu ignored him and departed with the two elderly women who inspected his body. Bai Yiyi remained standing, laughing softly, "Young Master Zhou, you’re the first person bold enough to speak to Her Highness like that." "Tch, I couldn’t care less. But what exactly do you mean? Can you tell me?" Gu Sheng asked with a puzzled expression. Bai Yiyi couldn’t help but chuckle lightly as she saw the mixture of curiosity and hesitation on Gu Sheng’s face. She stepped toward Gu Sheng slowly, her tone gentle yet unyielding, "Young Master Gu, perhaps you’re unaware. What we seek is for you to become the host of the Devil Emperor’s Heart." "What?" Gu Sheng frowned deeply, a sense of inexplicable unease welling up in his heart. He almost instinctively stepped back, his voice trembling slightly, "The Devil Emperor’s Heart? I must have misheard!" Bai Yiyi gently shook her head, seemingly unsurprised by Gu Sheng’s reaction. Patiently, she explained, "The Devil Emperor’s Heart contains infinite power and wisdom. Ordinary cultivators, whether at the far shore of enlightenment or beyond it, cannot even approach it!" "Hmm, I know that much." Gu Sheng nodded. Bai Yiyi, intrigued by Gu Sheng’s casual response, asked, "Oh? You’ve witnessed it?" "Yes." "What did you feel?" "Two words: terrifying." Gu Sheng exhaled deeply, as though conjuring the memory of seeing the Devil Emperor’s Heart firsthand. Bai Yiyi smiled faintly and continued, "Once you become the host of the Devil Emperor’s Heart, its Divine Power will nourish your body, complementing one another perfectly—wouldn’t that be ideal?" Gu Sheng furrowed his brow again and responded firmly, "No, I can’t agree. Divine Power may be desirable, but if it comes at the cost of losing myself, I’d rather refuse." Bai Yiyi didn’t appear disappointed, merely sighing softly. "Young Master Gu, perhaps you don’t know. Becoming the host of the Devil Emperor’s Heart not only grants you Divine Power, but Her Highness Yan Ruyu will marry you and spend the rest of your lives together." Upon hearing this, Gu Sheng’s heart raced furiously. In his eyes, Yan Ruyu’s beauty, wisdom, and strength were exactly what he dreamed of. However, being the host of the Devil Emperor’s Heart meant losing his identity, which terrified him. Gu Sheng took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. Then, with a slight tremble in his voice, he asked, "Her Highness Yan Ruyu... she’s truly willing to marry me?" Bai Yiyi nodded, her serious gaze revealing no hint of doubt, "Of course. Her Highness never goes back on her word. Her admiration and trust in you are unquestionable." Gu Sheng fell silent, his inner struggle between power and freedom, beauty and selfhood growing stronger. He knew Yan Ruyu’s willingness to marry him was a tremendous temptation. But equally, once he became the host of the Devil Emperor’s Heart, he would no longer be himself. After a long time, Gu Sheng finally spoke, his voice tinged with helplessness, "Bai Yiyi, I need time. I can’t make such a rash decision." "Young Master Gu, I understand your concerns, but remember, Her Highness’s patience is not limitless. If you make up your mind, you can come find me at any time." Bai Yiyi nodded understandingly as she spoke. Watching Bai Yiyi leave, Gu Sheng plunged into a sea of contemplation. Two days passed, and though Yan Ruyu’s beauty was unmatched, staying here indefinitely wasn’t an option. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚 When he thought of the freedom waiting outside, Gu Sheng decided to make a daring escape. As night fell, Gu Sheng’s heart burned as brightly as daylight. This was the yearning for freedom igniting within him. He quietly slipped out of the hut that had bound him, holding only one thought in his mind—escape this enchanted peach blossom grove and regain his freedom. The peach blossom forest, bathed in moonlight, appeared particularly charming, with each flower exuding an alluring fragrance. "Hah..." Gu Sheng took a deep breath and stepped into what seemed to be a soft and inviting sea of flowers. He was unaware, however, that he was walking into a meticulously arranged trap. "Shhh!" As soon as his foot touched the ground, the surrounding peach blossoms seemed to come alive. Countless branches stretched out like serpents, weaving invisible nets that ensnared him entirely. Gu Sheng’s heart tightened as he began searching for an escape. Yet no matter how he ran, no matter how he changed direction, it seemed he kept circling back to the same spot. He had thought the traps set during the day might be removed at night, but to his surprise, they became even more inescapable. Gradually, Gu Sheng’s strength was drained as sweat soaked through his clothes. Unbeknownst to him, as the first ray of sunlight pierced through the treetops and illuminated the peach blossom forest, Gu Sheng despondently discovered that he had stamped out a circular clearing around him.