Chapter 278: Identity Revealed, Journey to the East Sea

At the beginning of this year, Gu Mo killed the Jiang Emperor and, with Ye Jinglan, massacred the imperial city of Jiang. This included many civil and military officials of Jiang, though most of them were actually killed when the Jiang Emperor ordered indiscriminate attacks by his army.

This incident directly led to the collapse of Jiang. With no emperor or officials, and critically, the revelation that the Jiang Emperor had colluded with Ye Nantian to massacre hundreds of thousands of common people, Jiang instantly disintegrated, and regional lords declared themselves kings.

Under these circumstances, Emperor Xiao Zhaolin of Chu was "invited" by a branch of Jiang's imperial family to "help" quell the internal rebellion. Coincidentally, at the same time, the Qiang Kingdom also received an invitation from another faction of Jiang's imperial family, claiming to be the legitimate line, to suppress the unrest.

However, one detail differed: regarding the Jiang Emperor's death, Chu vigorously publicized Gu Mo's assassination of the Jiang Emperor in the imperial city of Jiang. They did not exaggerate or embellish the story, simply recounting the events as they happened.

Consequently, Gu Mo's reputation in Chu was quite good. While many condemned him as the butcher who initiated an era of chaos, just as many considered him worthy of being called the world's greatest hero and a true knight-errant. They believed he championed justice for the common people, even storming the imperial palace to rectify an injustice against innocent foreign citizens.

Moreover, Chu was inherently warlike, and many people were eager for such an opportunity. Gu Mo's killing of the Jiang Emperor created this very chance, leading many to be quite grateful to him.

However, the Qiang Kingdom was different from Chu. Qiang lacked sufficient foundation, unlike Chu which had accumulated resources over two generations of emperors. Qiang's national treasury had long been depleted by the previous emperor, and the current emperor had been embroiled in a power struggle with the empress dowager for years, leaving the treasury perpetually empty.

With the imperial family's dispute only recently concluded and domestic unrest barely settled, the country was in a state of reconstruction, and almost no one desired war. Therefore, regarding Gu Mo's assassination of the Jiang Emperor and the ensuing chaos, the Qiang court adopted a suppressive stance. They prevented the news from spreading within Qiang, instead publicly emphasizing that Chu was seeking passage to attack Qiang. This was done to unite the people against an external threat and prevent anyone from exploiting the situation, lest citizens blame Gu Mo and trigger internal strife.

This explains why Qu Heng was unaware of what had happened in Jiang.

For ordinary martial artists and common people throughout the Qiang Kingdom, there was no way to know what was happening outside. Not to mention other countries, even between two neighboring counties, if the government intended to control public opinion and information, most ordinary citizens would remain ignorant.

As they walked, Qu Heng continued, "Over three hundred thousand troops are being deployed to Jiang. Besides massive taxation, commoners from all over the country are being conscripted for logistical support. If the government's claim of three hundred thousand troops is true, it means over a million logistical laborers are needed. This expenditure and personnel demand are simply immense.

And that's not all. Once the war truly begins, all border defenses must be strengthened. Repairing fortifications and intensifying training also require vast sums of money and logistical personnel. Consequently, government taxes are currently very high; agricultural taxes alone are nowhere near enough.

With no other options, the government began levying money from merchants. In just one month, half the shops in Linjiang City closed, and many trading firms collapsed. Furthermore, there were other repercussions. The imperial court primarily drew personnel from the Six Gates and the Garrison Army to serve as reserve troops for the campaign in Jiang and to bolster border defenses. This severely reduced the local governments' ability to manage the martial arts world.

The number of outlaws and bandits in various regions surged. Many martial arts sects secretly engaged in banditry. Some sects, unable to pay taxes, simply declared their disbandment, and their disciples, after changing clothes, would seize a hill and begin plundering. To make matters worse, something happened at Mount Longhu, which is now sealed off. This caused various major martial arts factions to become restless, leading to even greater chaos in the martial arts world, making business much harder. As you can see, Linjiang City has become quite desolate."

Gu Chudong remarked in surprise, "I never would have guessed, Uncle Qu. You rarely discuss national affairs, but when you do, you speak so articulately and analyze things so thoroughly!"

Qu Heng waved his hand, saying, "It's not that I analyze things so thoroughly. These matters are being discussed everywhere in the martial arts world now, and I just hear what they say. Recently, many new people have joined the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency. When there are more people, someone is bound to analyze information about national affairs."

Gu Chudong asked, "That's right, why are so many people coming to the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency? I even saw Xie Zaiyuan. Did the Pingnan Escort Agency no longer want him?"

Qu Heng explained, "It's not that the Pingnan Escort Agency didn't want him; it's that the Pingnan Escort Agency has essentially collapsed. The current situation is too chaotic. Several major escort agencies are failing and on the verge of bankruptcy. They can only conduct business within Linjiang Commandery. Outside, there are bandits and outlaws everywhere who disregard codes of conduct, making business impossible.

However, throughout Linjiang Commandery, only the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency can still operate successfully. Back then, Gu Mo, you became famous after the battle at Fengming Ferry, and Tang Buyi risked offending the entire martial arts world by standing by you, earning himself the reputation of 'Timely Rain of Linjiang.'

In recent years, the 'Timely Rain of Linjiang' reputation has grown louder and louder. He has made many friends in the martial arts world, and thanks to you, Gu Mo, everyone is willing to give him some face. Tang Buyi is known for seizing opportunities; when others make polite remarks, he uses it as an excuse to make connections. He genuinely knows how to handle things, and indeed, he has made many friends, virtually across Yunzhou, with friends in various factions.

Then, he brought those friends in as partners and was very generous with sharing profits. In just a few years, he established branches for the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency in various locations. So, now, while other escort agencies are failing, the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency can still thrive because the majority of the profits from its local branches go to local martial arts veterans. Previously, members of the Tang family didn't support Tang Buyi's actions and even had conflicts, but Tang Buyi persisted. Now, they understand that Tang Buyi's vision was truly far-sighted. Nowadays, escorts from all those other agencies want to join the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency!"

Gu Mo nodded slightly, saying, "Tang Buyi is truly skilled at doing business..."

Just as he spoke, a voice from the inner courtyard called out, "Brother Gu!"

Immediately after, Tang Buyi rushed out from the inner courtyard, embraced Gu Mo, and patted his shoulder vigorously, saying, "You've been gone for over a year! I thought you weren't coming back this year!"

Gu Mo patted Tang Buyi and replied, "Congratulations! You must have proven your capabilities to your father by now. It seems your wishes have come true!"

Tang Buyi sighed softly, saying, "I've just come to understand more and more how difficult it was for my father."

Gu Mo was slightly taken aback and observed Tang Buyi. Although it had only been a year and a half since they last met, Tang Buyi's demeanor had clearly changed significantly. He no longer had his former frivolity and had become very composed.

Tang Buyi then cupped his hands to Gu Chudong, saying, "Sister Chudong, long time no see."

Gu Chudong said with a smile, "Seeing you so serious, I'm still a bit unaccustomed to it!"

Tang Buyi chuckled, "Well, Sister Chudong, you'll have to get used to it from now on. I'm afraid I won't be able to be like I used to be anymore."

"Why?" Gu Chudong asked.

Tang Buyi smiled slightly, "You've returned just in time. If you have no urgent business, please stay a while longer. I'm getting married next month."

"Congratulations," Gu Mo chuckled, "Which maiden did you manage to 'harm'?"

Tang Buyi replied, "Brother Gu, do you still remember the Three Rivers Gang?"

Gu Mo nodded, "Of course, I remember. The foremost martial arts power in Linjiang Commandery, its leader Xiao Jinghong, an unparalleled expert below the Grandmaster level in Yunzhou. He was one of those who fought me at the Battle of Fengming Ferry that year..." At this point, Gu Mo paused slightly, then said, "Don't tell me... you're marrying his daughter?"

Tang Buyi nodded, "Exactly."

Gu Mo and Gu Chudong were both stunned. They recalled Tang Buyi's solemn vows from a few years ago that he would never marry for alliance and would only marry someone he loved. Now, he was marrying Xiao Jinghong's daughter, making it difficult not to see it as a strategic marriage.

Tang Buyi guessed Gu Mo and Gu Chudong's thoughts and chuckled, "It's primarily an alliance through marriage, but I also like her very much. We decided to get married after getting to know each other for a while. Although the alliance was what brought us together, fortunately, we found each other compatible after meeting."

"Then congratulations," Gu Mo said, cupping his hands. "I will definitely attend your wedding."

Tang Buyi chuckled, "Having Brother Gu and Sister Chudong attend my wedding will be enough for me to boast about for a lifetime! By the way, when did you two get back?"

"Just arrived."

"Come, come, come, let's go inside! I'll hold a welcome banquet for you!"

Their first meal back in Linjiang City was at the Everlasting Wind Escort Agency. Afterward, Gu Mo and Gu Chudong returned home.

As soon as they got home, Gu Chudong immediately went to the courtyard pond to check on her fish and turtle. The two fish had grown significantly, but the turtle remained unchanged.

There were no weeds or much dust in the courtyard because Qu Xiao often came to help Gu Chudong feed the fish and would tidy up. However, since no one had lived there for a long time and Linjiang Commandery was rainy, the house had developed an odor and was extremely humid.

Thus, the usefulness of the Gouchen Demonic Blade was demonstrated once again. Gu Chudong held the Gouchen Demonic Blade, drying, dehumidifying, and deodorizing room by room. It had to be said, the Gouchen Demonic Blade was truly effective.

Not long after Gu Mo and Gu Chudong returned home, two visitors arrived: Wang Ziyang, the Prefect of Linjiang Commandery, and Chu Yuan, the Inspector of the Six Gates in Linjiang Commandery.

Gu Mo and Chu Yuan were good friends, and he had interacted frequently with Wang Ziyang; they were all old acquaintances. Although they hadn't seen each other for over a year, they weren't strangers. However, Gu Mo's current status was different from a year and a half ago, especially his title as the Great Hero of the Nation personally bestowed by the Qiang Emperor, which made Chu Yuan and Wang Ziyang, as officials, feel somewhat constrained.

Both of them arrived with gifts.

One of the gifts was tea. Gu Mo immediately unpacked it, took a teapot from the room, boiled water with his internal energy to sterilize it, and then brewed a pot of tea. Internal energy proved quite useful, sterilizing and brewing tea in one swift, efficient motion.

The three of them drank tea and chatted, while Gu Chudong had gone out to find Qu Xiao. As Gu Mo and the others talked, their conversation naturally drifted to the great battle between the Qiang and Chu Kingdoms in Jiang.

As high-ranking officials, their understanding of the inside story was naturally far beyond Qu Heng's, and they possessed deeper knowledge of the battle's details.

Both expressed great concern when discussing this war.

Chu Yuan said in a deep voice, "This war, with its battlefield set in Jiang, might seem to significantly reduce its impact on our citizens, but that's merely superficial. Deploying a large army far into Jiang means the cost of this war will be several times that of a typical conflict. The money, logistical labor, military supplies, and so on, will far exceed expectations."

Wang Ziyang added, "Furthermore, fighting in Jiang means both generals and soldiers face the risk of unfamiliar environments, once again increasing the unpredictable factors of war. Although the battlefield isn't on our home soil, its actual impact is greater than if Chu had truly advanced to our borders."

Gu Mo asked doubtfully, "If that's the case, why not wait for Chu to come through and fight at our borders instead?"

Wang Ziyang explained, "Fighting in Jiang is an inevitable trend for both our Great Qiang and Chu. Chu has always been eyeing us, and various noble families are eager to wage war. Chu cannot miss such an opportunity, and even Emperor Xiao Zhaolin cannot stop it.

As for us, we are in a very passive position. If we were to stand by and watch Jiang be annexed by Chu, we would be in trouble. Afterward, Chu would be able to advance or retreat as they pleased, constantly keeping our Great Qiang under threat. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for our Great Qiang. Overall, we cannot win a war of attrition against Chu.

Therefore, this confrontation in Jiang is our greatest chance. We are fighting at an exorbitant cost, but Chu also faces extremely high costs. They can only afford this one campaign. If they are defeated this time, they will not have the strength to fight again for at least ten years.

So, this battle will directly be a national war. Neither our Great Qiang nor Chu can afford to lose, but we can afford to lose even less. If Chu loses, it merely depletes their national treasury. If we lose, our common people will already have been completely drained."

Gu Mo frowned slightly, saying, "So, the battle in Jiang is essentially a war for the fate of our nations?"

"Precisely," Wang Ziyang confirmed. "This year, Chu and our Great Qiang are actively preparing for war. It's expected that full-scale war will break out around April or May next year. Once our two nations clash, other states won't remain peaceful either, especially Later Qin. Our Great Qiang and Chu have reached a consensus not to allow Later Qin to watch from the sidelines. When the three greatest powers of the age are at war, how can smaller nations stay calm?"

The words of the Jiang Emperor, spoken just before his death, suddenly echoed in Gu Mo's mind: "If you kill me now, Jiang will become the source of war, inevitably ushering in the greatest era of chaos in seven hundred years. As its initiator, you will bear eternal infamy. Are you truly prepared?"

Whether he was prepared or not, Gu Mo hadn't truly considered it.

It was simply a peculiar feeling to suddenly realize he had indeed initiated an era of chaos.

Although he knew the era of chaos was inevitable, it felt remarkably strange to be the one to personally usher it in.

After a moment of reflection, Chu Yuan suddenly spoke, "Oh, Great Hero Gu, we've found news about your parents!"

Gu Mo was slightly startled, a complex mix of emotions surging within him. Over a decade ago, he had left his hometown with his sister, enduring countless hardships, all with the goal of finding his parents. It wasn't until he met Qu Heng that they slowly stabilized. Later, after awakening his innate wisdom, he had actually overlooked the matter; he had the ability to search but had not deliberately pursued it.

Gu Chudong had not mentioned it again either.

Because both siblings felt it no longer held meaning.

"How are they?" Gu Mo asked.

"They have passed away," Chu Yuan said. "Your parents were disciples of the Golden Blade Sect in Wu Commandery. Tired of the disputes in the martial arts world, they came to Linjiang Commandery to live in seclusion, where they later gave birth to you and Heroine Gu Chudong.

Later, an rival force to the Golden Blade Sect, called the Black Mountain Gang, rose to power and began a purge against the Golden Blade Sect. They tracked down your parents' whereabouts. Your parents, left with no choice, left you and your sister at home, drawing away their enemies by returning to the Golden Blade Sect.

Subsequently, the Golden Blade Sect and the Black Mountain Gang engaged in a fierce battle, in which both your parents died. They are now buried on Golden Blade Mountain in Wu Commandery. Both the Golden Blade Sect and the Black Mountain Gang were severely weakened after that conflict and were gradually absorbed by other forces. Today, neither the Golden Blade Sect nor the Black Mountain Gang exist in Wu Commandery."

Gu Mo sighed softly.

This was why he and Gu Chudong felt it was meaningless. Since ancient times, the martial arts world had been tumultuous; countless individuals had rushed into it one after another, yet only a very small number managed to find a good end and withdraw peacefully.

Gu Mo and his sister Gu Chudong had gradually understood, ever since they started wandering the martial arts world with Qu Heng that year, that their parents must have died within it, returning to the fate of those in the martial arts world.

After staying in Linjiang City for a few days, Gu Mo and Gu Chudong traveled to Wu Commandery, found their parents' graves, and paid their respects.

Perhaps it was because they had long been mentally prepared, or perhaps the hardships of their childhood had already eroded those emotions, or perhaps they could no longer recall their parents' voices or appearances...

When Gu Mo and Gu Chudong went to pay their respects, their emotions were calm, without much fluctuation.

After paying their respects, the siblings returned to Linjiang City and attended Tang Buyi's wedding.

This return to Linjiang City was Gu Mo's most settled period in several years. He wasn't in a hurry to leave, primarily because he hadn't received any news of wanted criminals that piqued his interest. So, he simply stayed home and diligently taught Gu Chudong cultivation.

Gu Chudong's innate talent had already become extraordinary, enhanced by the cultivation of the Bright Jade Skill, Muscle-Changing Scripture, Marrow-Cleansing Scripture, and various elixirs and heavenly treasures. Now, with the relic gifted by Grandmaster Liansheng and a season's Enlightenment Fruit from Mount Longhu, Gu Chudong's cultivation naturally advanced by leaps and bounds.

Time passed quickly.

Although Gu Mo, the world's greatest martial artist, was inactive in the martial arts world, it remained a turbulent place, especially in the Qiang Kingdom. Due to Mount Longhu's sealing, conflicts in the martial arts world grew increasingly fierce, and various heroes constantly emerged.

For example, the Canglan Sword Sect saw a change in leadership, with former Senior Disciple Shang Buyu becoming the new sect leader, and after several consecutive major battles, he leaped into the top five of Yunzhou's Heavenly Ranking. Another example: the eldest daughter of the Yun family, one of the seven great martial arts families, became the Yun family head and an imperial merchant, immediately elevating the Yun family to the head of the seven great families, and so on.

While the martial arts world was in turmoil, the common people grew increasingly suppressed. Imperial taxes soared, and the number of conscripted laborers multiplied. On the government side, more and more personnel were drawn from the Six Gates and the Garrison Army. People's livelihoods gradually withered, order became increasingly chaotic, and the government's governance became stretched thin.

In April of the following year, the Jiang battlefield erupted. Jiang split into Northern Jiang and Southern Jiang, backed by Chu and Qiang respectively. The two great armies began their war, and the situation on the battlefield changed rapidly, while the domestic situation became increasingly unstable. Subsequently, many smaller nations were drawn into the conflict, and Later Qin was, as expected, embroiled in the fighting. The era of chaos had truly begun.

Gu Mo remained in Linjiang City, only leaving briefly a few times to eliminate some wanted criminals and find auxiliary elixirs for Gu Chudong. He keenly observed the changes in Linjiang City, watching it gradually decline into a state of withered livelihoods and near desolation.

It wasn't due to slothful governance by officials; rather, under the strain of this national war, such phenomena were an inevitable trend that human effort simply couldn't alter, irrespective of the competence of local officials.

Over the past year or so, Gu Mo successfully helped Gu Chudong achieve Great Perfection in the Eight Notes of the Heavenly Dragon and the Ambidextrous Technique. The Tai Xuan Sutra, though progressing more slowly, had also reached Minor Accomplishment.

Afterwards, in early July, Gu Mo took Gu Chudong to the Qiang Kingdom's capital and settled her there. This time, he did not allow Gu Chudong to accompany him to Penglai Island in the Eastern Sea. After all, it concerned legendary taboos, and it had already been confirmed by the Penglai Island envoys that Jiang Ruoxu would also be there, meaning there would be two taboos on Penglai Island. If a conflict broke out, it could very well put Gu Chudong in danger. Therefore, Gu Mo did not let Gu Chudong accompany him on this trip.

Theoretically, Gu Chudong, with her Great Perfection Eight Notes of the Heavenly Dragon and Heavenly Devil Zither, along with the Ambidextrous Technique, Great Perfection Bright Jade Skill, Exterminating Cross Blade Art, and the Gouchen Demonic Blade, was no weaker than any of the top ten Grandmasters in the Qiang Kingdom.

But there was no need to take the risk.

With the Qiang Emperor, Ye Jinglan, Zhuo Qingfeng, Su Ziyou, and Wang Zhenge—the Six Gates' top divine constable whom he met at Mount Longhu—protecting Gu Chudong's safety in the Qiang capital, Gu Mo could confidently venture to the Eastern Sea.

Outside the capital's city gates, Ye Jinglan, Zhuo Qingfeng, Su Ziyou, Li Li, and Gu Chudong—five people in total—saw Gu Mo off.

"While I am away, I entrust my sister to your care," Gu Mo said, cupping his hands.

Li Li patted her chest and assured, "Don't worry, I'm a princess, and Chudong is my good sister. Who would dare bully her?"

Zhuo Qingfeng chuckled, "Speaking of which, with Sister Chudong's martial arts skills, I doubt anyone could bully her. There aren't many in the entire capital who could defeat her. Moreover, when it comes to fighting, there's also Old Ye. Just two days ago, Old Ye was bragging to me, saying there are only three people in the entire Qiang Kingdom he can't defeat!"

Ye Jinglan pursed his lips and said, "I wasn't bragging."

Gu Mo looked at Ye Jinglan, chuckling, "Old Ye, we agreed to have a fight earlier. Shall we set a time?"

Ye Jinglan quickly waved his hand, saying, "Forget it, forget it. I was too arrogant before."

"Did you take care of that matter?" Gu Mo asked.

Ye Jinglan handed the reins to Zhuo Qingfeng, then hooked Gu Mo's shoulder and walked aside, whispering, "I've successfully fused that drop of Qilin's heart blood, which I got from Ye Nantian, into my body. No joke, I'm now filled with Qilin blood, and even some of my bones have changed."

Gu Mo asked in surprise, "And you still say there are three people you can't defeat? You're almost mutated into a Qilin. Even if it's Grandmaster Zhang, you might not be able to defeat him, right?"

Ye Jinglan chuckled, "I didn't say Zhang Daoyi was among the three I couldn't defeat. You're one, and there are two others."

"Who?" Gu Mo asked.

Ye Jinglan thought for a moment and said, "I won't hide it from you. One is that old fellow who used Ye Nantian and me for experiments to implant Qilin blood. I can't reveal who he is; I promised him that. The second is the tenth of the Thirteen Taboos—the Plague God."

Gu Mo raised an eyebrow. This Plague God was a wanted criminal he was very interested in:Wanted Target: Plague GodMission Level: Eight StarsMission Reward: Max-level Scroll of the God of War

Currently, he had gathered information on countless wanted criminals, but very few of the corresponding rewards could still help his cultivation. However, the Plague God's Scroll of the God of War was one of the rare martial arts techniques that could enhance his martial arts cultivation.

The Scroll of the God of War, with its forty-nine bas-reliefs, represented forty-nine martial arts principles. It could be applied to any martial art, embodying the essence of a realm, not merely a specific technique, but a profound understanding of the fundamental nature of martial arts.

And what Gu Mo was now pursuing was the ascension of martial arts to a higher dimension.

Last year, during his seclusion on Mount Longhu, he had elevated his application of martial arts to an extreme. He could now imbue countless mysteries into every casual movement and every single move, reaching the pinnacle of human martial arts.

Therefore, a dimensional ascension was needed, and the Scroll of the God of War could serve this purpose for him now.

"Where is the Plague God?" Gu Mo asked.

"I can't say for now," Ye Jinglan replied. "It's not that I'm unwilling to tell you, but primarily because it's impossible to find, and we wouldn't dare confront it. Fighting the Plague God now would undoubtedly lead to widespread devastation."

"When will you be able to tell me?" Gu Mo asked.

Ye Jinglan pondered for a moment, then said, "Probably after you return from Penglai Island!"

"That works out perfectly," Gu Mo chuckled.

Ye Jinglan added, "I have one more thing to advise you: once you go to Penglai Island, you must be careful and try not to initiate any conflict on the island. The forbidden Jade Capital is real, and as a taboo, its true power is unknown to us.

Besides that, the two island masters are old monsters who have lived for hundreds of years, and their strength is terrifyingly unknown. So, if you offend them on the island, you'll be in trouble. For hundreds of years, the island has opened once every thirty years, and no one has ever dared to fight on it."

Gu Mo chuckled lightly, saying, "I'll be careful."

Ye Jinglan was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "Old Gu, the tendons in my left hand were once severed years ago. Although they healed later, they never fully recovered. Relatively speaking, my left hand is my weakest point."

Gu Mo asked in confusion, "Why are you telling me this?"

Ye Jinglan explained, "I'm about to lead troops to the northern desert. In this war with Chu, the national treasury is empty and won't last long. His Majesty has ordered me to take troops to the northern desert to see if we can find the Blazing Ruins and uncover its treasures."

"And then?" Gu Mo asked, "What does this have to do with your hand tendons?"

Ye Jinglan chuckled, "Not much connection, it's just that the Blazing Ruins are not simple. And as I told you before, I'm at risk of going berserk. If I truly go berserk someday, I will definitely transform into a Qilin. You must remember the weakness in my left hand; that's where you can kill me then!"

Gu Mo chuckled, "I think you'll be fine; after all, you're Ye Jinglan. By the way, if you encounter a conflict between divinity and humanity in your cultivation, remember to follow your true self. Don't deliberately dwell on humanity and divinity. Remember, there's no absolute divinity or humanity in this world!"

"Alright."

Then, Gu Mo patted Ye Jinglan's shoulder and walked over to bid farewell to Zhuo Qingfeng and the others with cupped hands.

"Take care, and return soon."

"Have a safe journey!"

Gu Mo returned their gestures one by one, finally reaching out to pat Gu Chudong's head.

Gu Chudong pouted and said, "Brother, I'm not a child anymore!"

"Then why are you getting teary-eyed?" Gu Mo chuckled.

Gu Chudong pouted, "It's the first time I'm separating from you, so I'm not used to it!"

"I'll be back soon."

"I know, I'll wait for you!"

"Alright."

Gu Mo smiled faintly, turned, and walked away. The Taixu Sword on his back instantly flew out of its scabbard, transforming into a streak of light that soared to his feet, then in a flash, carried Gu Mo straight into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

The Eastern Sea was located at the border of Tianzhou. Gu Mo departed from the capital and arrived in just half an hour. On the eastern coast, Gu Mo reached the shore that the two Penglai Island envoys had previously mentioned, and from a distance, he saw a hazy sea fog.

He took out the Penglai Token, channeled a stream of internal energy into it, and in the next instant, through the hazy sea fog, a colossal sea vessel faintly appeared. The sea fog grew thicker, subtly radiating spiritual power. Without the Penglai Token in hand, even an ordinary person standing before the ship would not be able to see it.

The ship docked, and two young individuals, a man and a woman, dressed in Penglai Island attire, disembarked and invited Gu Mo aboard.

As soon as Gu Mo boarded, he heard a familiar voice: "Gu Mo, you've finally arrived. You're the least enthusiastic one."

Gu Mo looked up and saw Zhang Daoyi. Beside him was Qi Tianshu, and another lean old man with a goatee stood nearby. The old man held a cloth sail in his hand, a string of bronze coins hung from his waist, and his face was creased with a fawning smile.

"Great Hero Gu, long time no see." Qi Tianshu also saluted Gu Mo.

"Old Heavenly Master, Sect Leader Qi!"

Gu Mo returned their salutations to Zhang Daoyi and Qi Tianshu.

Immediately, Zhang Daoyi introduced the lean old man with the goatee to Gu Mo, saying, "This old immortal is Shen Yao's master, Ji Wusuan, known as the foremost diviner in the world."

Ji Wusuan hastily cupped his hands and said, "Great Hero Gu, I've long admired you. It is my fortune to meet you today. I've long heard that Great Hero Gu is dashing, possesses unparalleled grace, and an extraordinary aura. Seeing you today truly proves that hearing a hundred times is not as good as seeing once. You are indeed as handsome as a jade tree facing the wind, refined and elegant, with an imposing presence, unprecedented and unsurpassed..."

Gu Mo listened with a bewildered expression, completely unable to understand what Ji Wusuan was trying to do. The flattery was utterly artless, making him feel very awkward.

Zhang Daoyi pushed Ji Wusuan aside and told Gu Mo, "Don't mind him. This old man is a compulsive gambler. As soon as we boarded, he made a bet with me."

"Bet on what?" Gu Mo asked, puzzled.

"He bet on which of us would still be alive to see Penglai Island open next," Zhang Daoyi said. "After this old fellow cast a divination, he insisted that this is the last time Penglai Island will open, claiming something big is going to happen. He's flattering you now so he can latch onto you when trouble arises!"

Gu Mo looked at Ji Wusuan, cupping his hands, and asked, "What did you see, venerable sir?"

Ji Wusuan shook his head and said, "I didn't see much, only that the divination showed this is the last time Penglai Island will open. Penglai Island faces a catastrophe; I saw the entire island plunged into chaos and suffering!"