Chapter 850: Chapter 449: Open Slander Having made up his mind, Gu Sheng headed further south. Dense forests, mountains, villages... To hide his tracks, Gu Sheng traveled on foot, avoiding detection by the Holy Master of the Ji family and other powerful members. Several days later, Gu Sheng arrived in a large city in the Southern Domain. The city was bustling with noise, among which were more than a few cultivators. "Whew..." Gu Sheng let out a long sigh, "I’ll stay here for now. If I run into any Ji family members, I can use the same tactic as before when I rallied the cultivators against Ji Hui to avoid trouble." With that, Gu Sheng entered an inn, planning to fill his stomach first. Upon stepping into the inn, a rich aroma of wine and meat hit his nostrils. "I’m really craving it..." Gu Sheng smacked his lips, scanning the surroundings. The inn was lively, with patrons either drinking merrily or conversing in low tones; it was a bustling scene. "Boss, bring a pot of wine and a plate of peanuts first." Gu Sheng called out to the innkeeper at the counter. The innkeeper, a middle-aged man, responded with a warm smile: "Sure thing, sir, just a moment." Gu Sheng found a corner to sit in, sipping his wine while observing his surroundings. He noticed that the inn was bustling, and he didn’t spot any Ji family members. "Looks like the Ji family hasn’t caught wind of my arrival." Gu Sheng thought to himself, secretly relieved. "Sir, here are your peanuts and the Huadiao wine." A waiter brought the food over. "Bring me two pounds of beef and a bowl of noodles with minced meat as well." Seeing no danger, Gu Sheng continued to order. "Nood...noodles with minced meat?" The waiter was slightly taken aback. "What’s the matter?" Gu Sheng looked up and asked. The waiter gave a professional smile and explained, "Sorry, sir, we’re in the south, and we don’t have wheat noodles prepared; would you like to try our rice dishes, which have a distinct flavor?" "Uh..." Gu Sheng was taken aback. Then he suddenly realized he was indeed in the south now. Gu Sheng nodded, understanding the situation. He immediately changed his order: "In that case, bring two bowls of rice." "Alright, two bowls of rice coming right up!" The waiter responded briskly, jotting down Gu Sheng’s order swiftly before hurrying to the kitchen. "Tsk tsk tsk..." Gu Sheng picked up the pot of Huadiao wine and took a gentle sip. The rich taste and fragrance lingered in his mouth. His gaze moved through the inn window toward the bustling street outside, filling him with mixed feelings. Since escaping the Carefree Gate and failing to cross the Void, it all felt like a dream. Everything here was completely different from what he was familiar with. Whether it was local customs or cultural habits, he found them all unfamiliar. Gu Sheng knew he needed to adapt to the local ways now. Only by adjusting to this environment could he survive better. His gaze returned to the tavern, watching the surrounding patrons chatting and laughing, allowing his mood to gradually ease. Soon, the waiter brought two pounds of beef and two bowls of rice. Gu Sheng looked at the steaming rice, and his appetite surged. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦 He picked up his chopsticks, grabbing a piece of beef, eating it along with the peanuts and rice. The savory beef, crispy peanuts, and the soft, sticky rice greatly satisfied Gu Sheng’s taste buds. As he ate, he pondered his next move. The vast East Desolation, where to go? As Gu Sheng was lost in thought, a few people nearby began discussing. "Did you notice? Recently, all the sects seem more on edge." "Aren’t they? All because of that... what was his name? Right, Gu Sheng! That guy named Gu Sheng." "Yeah, I heard too. That guy is really something. Not only did he confront the Ji family, but he also took down two of their elders. He’s no ordinary person..." "Hah! He’ll get what’s coming to him; being wanted throughout the East Desolation is no small matter!" Listening to their discussion, Gu Sheng was secretly surprised. He didn’t expect news of his actions to spread so quickly. Considering the distance, it must be tens of thousands of miles. The only explanation for the news reaching here so fast is the presence of Ji family members! "Whew..." Gu Sheng let out a long breath, quickening his eating pace. It would be too unfortunate to get caught by the Ji family before filling his stomach. "Bang bang bang..." Suddenly, the urgent sound of gongs echoed. "Gu Sheng has been caught! Gu Sheng has been caught!" "Hurry to the scene! Gu Sheng has been caught by the Ji family! The execution is soon!" Shouts rang out from the street. The patrons were taken aback upon hearing this. "What? Gu Sheng has been caught? By the Ji family? And he’s going to be executed?" One patron suddenly stood up, a blank look in his eyes. After being stunned for a couple of seconds, that patron dashed out immediately. "Hey! Why are you in such a hurry?" His companion called out. "Gu Sheng is my idol; I have to see him off!" The patron who had rushed out said without looking back. "Uh...this guy..." His companions were a bit speechless, then followed him out. Gu Sheng glanced around, realizing all the patrons had gone to watch the commotion, leaving him alone. But at this moment, Gu Sheng was truly speechless. Could there be another version of himself? "Waiter! Bill please!" Gu Sheng said and then swiftly left. Just like that, following the crowd, he moved through bustling streets and arrived below a high platform. The platform was surrounded by people, all focusing their gaze upwards, chattering nonstop. "Is that Gu Sheng?" "I’ve never seen him, but I’ve heard of him. He’s a real man!"