Chapter 1 Wind and Snow

The scene projected by the Pure Land quickly dissipated in the wind.

This wasn't intentional on Gu Shen's part.

Rather, his current "spiritual power" was limited by his physical body. Being able to summon the projection of the Pure Land was already his limit.

"Zou Hai... is still alive?"

Lin Lin was dazed for a long time before he came back to his senses and asked, "Is it the power of the King of the Underworld?"

Before Gu Shen could answer, the Purple Rain Legion Commander spoke. Thirty years ago, the King of the Underworld had a significant impact on the Northern Continent.

…She was very familiar with this terrifying power of "resurrecting the dead."

However, the aura of Netherfire released by Gu Shen was completely different from that of the King of the Underworld back then.

The aura emanating from the King of the Underworld back then was chilling and terrifying.

But Gu Shen's aura now felt "warm."

Perhaps it was because the flame between Gu Shen's eyebrows was not just Netherfire?

Looking closely, the fire between Gu Shen's eyebrows had only a wisp of fine black, with more of a gentle, fiery red color.

"Zou Hai, and those warriors of Gu Fort..."

Gu Shen said softly, "Their souls are still there.

I have collected all of their spirits. In theory, they are not considered 'dead people.'"

But they shouldn't be considered alive either.

"This is the legendary power of the King of the Underworld that can save the dead from death..."

The Purple Rain Legion Commander sighed softly, "Many people thought this was ominous and a disaster, but only Her Majesty the Queen believed that this was light in the darkness, hope in despair.”

Indeed, Lin Lin's originally dim eyes immediately gained some luster after hearing Gu Shen's answer.

The thing he regretted and felt most pained about was leaving Gu Fort.

He knew... even if he stayed here, he couldn't change anything.

But this was the place he had been stationed for twenty years, and these comrades were like his "family." Nothing was more painful than watching the source energy storm raze this place to the ground.

He would rather have been buried in this storm himself. "So, they still have a chance... to come back to life?"

Lin Lin looked at Gu Shen with hope. Gu Shen wanted to nod very much.

But... he ultimately shook his head.

"Lin Lin, I can't lie to you. The possibility of them coming back to life is almost zero. Even the 'King of the Underworld' has no way to truly resurrect the dead."

"Gods cannot contend with the iron laws of life and death." Even gods will experience birth, old age, sickness, and death.

How could melting a spark of fire break the greatest law between heaven and earth?

Lin Lin's body trembled slightly, but the fire in his eyes did not dissipate. He did not give up hope because of Gu Shen's answer.

As the garrison commander of Gu Fort, he had long been prepared to "die in battle."

The others in the fortress were naturally the same.

How could there be no sacrifice in guarding the throat of the Northern Continent?

Being able to see the images of these comrades, even if it was just the remaining spiritual will, was already a great comfort! "Hoo..."

Lin Lin pinched his palm hard to sober himself up. He said hoarsely, "Sorry, I was a little out of control just now."

He was now the commander of the Central City Legion, responsible for assisting the Purple Rain Legion Commander in handling the war details of the four major legions.

He came to Gu Fort for a memorial service.

And now... there was no better result for the memorial service than this!

"Speaking of which, you came to Gu Fort not just to collect these 'souls,' right?"

The Purple Rain Legion Commander raised her eyebrows and looked at Gu Shen. She always felt it wasn't that simple.

"Indeed, it's not."

Gu Shen smiled softly and said, "I'm waiting for someone."

"Waiting for someone?"

The Purple Rain Legion Commander was stunned for a second. She hadn't heard that anyone was coming to the Northern Continent...

"You're waiting for Bai Xiu and Gu Xiaoman, right?"

Lin Lin guessed another reason for Gu Shen's stay at Gu Fort.

Bai Xiu suffered a minor injury in the battle at Rhein Harbor and even missed the meeting of the Heavenly Sheath Strike. He should have recovered seventy or eighty percent of his strength these days.

If Gu Shen was waiting for someone...

Then... it could only be these two.

As soon as he said this, the sound of piercing air rang out behind Lin Lin and the Purple Rain Legion Commander. The two turned around. The sound of piercing air was not the sound of a source energy boat sailing.

Rather, it was a ray of lightning traversing above the clouds at an extremely fast speed.

The Thunder Realm Walker was holding Gu Xiaoman in his arms, and Bai Xiu unfolded two dazzling lightning wings, gliding like a falcon.

After the great battle, having just recovered from his serious injuries, Little Xiu Zi's expression was still slightly pale, but his energy had recovered to seventy percent. He quickly locked onto the coordinates of the Gu Fort ruins and then landed.

"Brother Lin, Legion Commander."

Bai Xiu landed slowly and steadily with Gu Xiaoman.

Xiaoman bowed very sensibly. She had already begun to perform the ancient etiquette of Changye.

The Purple Rain Legion Commander looked at the little girl with joy in her eyes and asked with a smile, "This is the legendary 'Lord of Wine'?"

"That's right."

Gu Shen also smiled and explained seriously, "The flames of war have begun, and Xiaoman is not safe in the Central Continent. Even if she escapes, Deep Sea will definitely formulate various plans to attack her."

As the most suitable candidate for the Wine Fire Seed.

In Deep Sea’s plan, there were only two endings for Gu Xiaoman: either inherit the fire seed and become the new god of the Source Tower, or die without leaving any impact.

Once Gu Xiaoman was allowed to live...

This would inevitably become a major future disaster for the Source Tower!

With Gu Xiaoman's sensitivity to the Wine Fire Seed, she might become the third god cultivated by the Three Continents Alliance!

"Initial is indeed the most suitable place for her."

Lin Lin said in a deep voice, "The Five Continents will fall into extreme turmoil and chaos next... No matter where you stay, it can't be considered truly safe."

"Actually... I'm not afraid."

Gu Xiaoman took a deep breath and said at this moment, "As long as I'm not in the Central Continent, I can stay anywhere!" Her training in the Source Tower had always been cruel.

The strong selection system promoted by Qinglong was like "raising gu," putting thousands of gu worms together to kill each other. The one that ultimately won was the gu king. Gu Xiaoman was the "gu king" among her peers. If it weren't for the impact of the Cicada Wing City event, she would have inherited the position of the Red Dragon's apostle and become the new head of the Four Apostles.

According to Mr. Tianshui's original plan, Gu Xiaoman would have had the opportunity to touch the "Wine Fire Seed" for the first time at this time.

Unfortunately, plans could not keep up with changes.

Now, Gu Xiaoman could only escape the Central Continent... As for touching the fire seed, that was something to consider after she had grown stronger.

"Staying in the Five Continents is not as simple as you think."

Bai Xiu shook his head. He pressed Xiaoman's shoulder and said softly, "It's too difficult to guard against Deep Sea wanting to kill someone..."

Human computing power could not compare with this super AI.

Moreover, before the new mental network covered the Three Continents, the Three Continents Alliance would always face the risk of mental infiltration by Deep Sea...

The longer Gu Xiaoman stayed in the Five Continents, the more dangerous it would be.

"Initial has excellent dojos and sufficient resources."

Little Xiu Zi said gently, "I will accompany you in your cultivation."

Bai Xiu's injuries had not fully healed.

However, as soon as he regained control of the Thunder Realm Walker, he hurriedly brought Xiaoman here.

Because he was also very anxious...

He was eager to find the legendary Extinguished Candle.

Of course, Little Xiu Zi wanted to be promoted to God, but in the absence of extra fire seeds, this was simply wishful thinking.

Even wanting to touch "Origin" a little was hopeless.

For him, at the current stage, he wanted to enhance his combat power.

The biggest hope was really Extinguished Candle. Xiaoman blinked. For her, it didn't matter where she stayed.

Initial or the Eastern Continent was fine.

It's just that... now, the most important people to her were all on Initial, she had no reason to refuse.

The little fellow said seriously, "I am willing to go to Initial...

...There is a master on Initial, and there is also Brother Gu Shen."

But when she said the latter, her tone paused. Gu Xiaoman looked at the "child" in front of her with a complex expression. The word "brother" was said with some hesitation.

Gu Shen looked much younger than her now.

She was already used to calling him "brother," but now she couldn't say it.

Gu Shen saw the little fellow's concerns.

He sighed helplessly and said, "Just call me by my name."

Seeing this scene, Bai Xiu, who was always serious, couldn't help but chuckle.

The Purple Rain Legion Commander also couldn't help but smile.

"Besides taking in wandering souls and picking up people... there is actually a serious matter this time."

Gu Shen said seriously, "Lin Lin, I originally wanted to transmit a message to you through mental link, but since we met today, I'll say it all together."

Initial had been docked in the Old World for more than ten days.

Afo was willing to leave the East Sea for two reasons: one was the persuasion of the Lord of Love, and the other was "Gu Xiaoman"!

Now that he had successfully received Gu Xiaoman, according to Afo's plan, Initial would follow the path of the immigrants from the Northern Continent fortresses in the past, sailing far away. It wanted to trace the traces of the Lord of Melting Iron and see if the master had left anything behind... Of course, out of support for Gu Shen and Gu Xiaoman, it would leave some Red Shadows and resources to help the Three Continents Alliance gain an advantage in the Southern Continent War!

"Initial will leave a large amount of resources to the Three Continents Alliance, including Black Silver, Miraculous Silver, and the Lord of Melting Iron's remaining combat machines."

Gu Shen said solemnly, "I will personally take these materials and deliver them to the Northern Continent."

The best "recipient" in his mind was actually Lin Lin.

For the Three Continents Alliance, before the gods grow up, the biggest weapon in this war is the "Red Shadow"!

Placed in a specific environment, the combat power that a Red Shadow can unleash is comparable to that of a titled expert!

Of course... Red Shadows also have flaws.

The Red Shadows on Initial are all under the mental control of "Afo." Once they leave Initial, their "flexibility" will inevitably be affected. In the absence of the Three Continents Alliance being able to use Deep Sea to assist, the combat power of the Red Shadows will decrease by one level. But even so, this is still a war weapon that transcends the era.

Once the Red Shadows intervene in the Southern Continent War, the number of transcendent sacrifices of the Three Continents Alliance will be greatly reduced.

"In that case, why not deliver them immediately? I'll wait for you here."

Lin Lin's expression was serious.

For the Three Continents Alliance, the help provided by Initial was extremely great.

With these words, Little Xiu Zi immediately opened the Thunder Domain, and under Gu Shen's fiery protection, led Xiaoman into the Gu Fort ruins where the Heavenly Sheath fragments were flying.

On Initial, a total of ten Red Shadows were neatly arranged on the snowfield.

"Xiaoman, I've finally waited for you!"

Afo, who had been waiting for a long time, saw the three of them return and directly ignored Gu Shen and Bai Xiu. It excitedly circled Gu Xiaoman, and when it saw the little fellow return safe and sound, it breathed a long sigh of relief before starting to introduce how to use the Red Shadows.

On Initial, there were almost no restrictions on using the Red Shadows.

Because when the Lord of Melting Iron made this machine, the biggest use he envisioned was self-defense.

So, in the basic program settings of "Red Shadow," there was no option to leave Initial... Afo made some modifications and changed the master of these ten Red Shadows.

"Now, I have changed the masters of these ten Red Shadows to you three."

Afo said solemnly, "In other words, once you leave Initial, these ten Red Shadows will only listen to your three commands. The price for this high combat power is that you need to provide flexible commands at all times. If you want this thing to play a sufficient role on the battlefield, then you need to maintain constant mental attention to it..."

War is not just fighting in a cage.

If you want to get the Red Shadows involved in the war, you will inevitably have to pay the price.

This is very reasonable.

"You mean... I have to be distracted at all times, maintain control of the 'Red Shadows,' and conduct mental commands?"

Gu Xiaoman was stunned.

This was the first time she had heard such an outrageous condition. The cultivation of the Source Tower did not emphasize the state of mind, so Gu Xiaoman did not know about the existence of "mind flow."

"Initial and the Three Continents Alliance have successfully established a mental link."

Afo said, "You can have mental meetings with the Five Continents at any time. The mental imprint of the Red Shadows was personally forged by the master back then. Even if we are in the Old World, and the distance is very far, it will not break easily.

It mistakenly thought that Xiaoman was worried about the "connection" problem.

"Just treat it as part of your daily practice."

Gu Shen looked at Xiaoman and briefly explained the existence of mind flow.

"The strongest strength of the Wine God is 'spirit.' If you want to inherit the Wine Fire Seed, you must temper your spirit to a strong enough degree."

He stretched out five fingers and clenched them gently. After Afo modified the command.

Gu Shen felt that the ten Red Shadows in front of him had a mysterious connection with him.

After he clenched his fist, seven of the Red Shadows also clenched their fists.

With a bang!

Just by clenching their fists, a crisp sonic boom sounded on the snowfield of Initial, showing how terrifying the physical strength of the Red Shadows was.

"Seven strands of mind flow..." Bai Xiu's eyes lit up.

He looked at Gu Shen, and didn't expect Gu Shen's mental cultivation to have broken through once again after melting the Netherfire!

Seven strands of mind flow had already reached the peak level of General Silver Fox back then!

This guy's mental talent was terrifyingly strong!

"Before you have the ability to take over these Red Shadows, Little Xiu Zi and I will be responsible for taking over part of them to connect to the Five Continents battlefield."

Gu Shen retracted his spirit and said softly, "In the future, as your spirit becomes stronger and stronger, the ownership of these Red Shadows will gradually be transferred to you."

"That's right, that's my arrangement."

Afo said with a smile, "There are enough Red Shadows on Initial, but these are not products of the Five Continents era, so there is no point in sending more."

Ten Red Shadows, Gu Shen seven, Bai Xiu two, Gu Xiaoman one. As it stands now, ten Red Shadows is enough.

If the three of them want to travel far away from the Five Continents in the future, they can also maintain contact with the Five Continents through the "Red Shadows."