"The entire 'transaction' took less than a minute."

"073 is very cautious... Coming all the way, I could only see the shadow of the airship, but one thing can be confirmed: he is indeed a member of the Northern Continent Military Department."

Lu Nanzhi sat in her office, examining the metal box transported from the Northern Continent, and said to the other side of the communicator, "I just don't know if he came in person."

This transaction was actually very successful.

Because what the two sides exchanged was not "objects," but "trust"!

For the lost members of the Guwen Hui (Ancient Text Society), the most difficult part was to place enough trust in the real world. The Northern Continent's airship flew directly to Dadu for the transaction. Ten years ago, in the era before the [Key] appeared, this was actually a very magical thing.

It was just an ordinary transaction.

073 had ten thousand ways to send things to Dadu.

And since he deployed an "airship," it meant... he didn't care.

Gu Shen said softly, "073 is willing to drop the things off, which is enough to show... he saw our sincerity."

The entire top brass of Hua Zhi (Flower Sign) didn't know what the [object] of the transaction was.

Even less clear.

Why Lu Nanzhi had to personally participate in this transaction.

Therefore... they insisted on dispatching relevant personnel, as well as transcendent beings with sufficient strength, to control the transaction site. The current Dadu couldn't withstand a second "Apostle assassination."

If Lu Nanzhi encountered an accident.

Hua Zhi would fall into the greatest crisis in its history.

And this was the reason for the successful transaction.

073 on the airship saw the ambush, but these ambushes were not important... because the identity of "that person" who came to trade with him was too esteemed. In fact, the "ambushes" around Jinqi Mountain were just the tip of the iceberg. Once an unexpected change occurred in this transaction, Cui Zhongcheng's entire set of emergency measures would be implemented immediately.

Everyone was very tense.

Only Madam... she was quite relaxed, even more relaxed than when she participated in the alternate councilor election.

Her trust in 073 was built on years of acquaintance and understanding. 073 entered the meeting room relatively late, but the image he presented was quite reliable. Every time a meeting was held, as long as 073 attended, he was always the one who erased the meeting records and ensured the security of the meeting room.

Some people had never met.

But in reality... they were already old acquaintances.

Lu Nanzhi actually had some small regrets in her heart. She wanted to take advantage of the "transaction" to personally meet the rumored 073, but unfortunately, she herself knew that this was impossible.

Erasing the meeting room records showed that 073 was a very security-conscious person.

For such a person, the probability of showing up in person for the first transaction was too low.

This transaction was the first time that the members of the Guwen Hui, scattered across the five continents after the appearance of the [Key], had a substantial real-world intersection... Before that, everyone tried to restrain themselves, tried to stay away, because "exposure" meant "destruction."

The Federal Council's campaign to suppress the Guwen Hui had been going on for more than a decade.

"In short, this transaction was simpler than I imagined..."

Lu Nanzhi rubbed her brow and said, "I've checked everything in the box. All the materials you need are inside, and there are two copies. Hua Zhi has basically completed the preparation of the other materials... They can be sent to Nagano at any time."

"But... there is a very important issue."

"Countless eyes are watching you in Nagano now."

Madam lightly tapped the table and said in a deep voice, "Your every move is being watched... The [objects] sent by Hua Zhi cannot escape the surveillance of [Wind Eye]."

"Nagano is very big. There are always some places that are blind spots for the eyes."

Gu Shen chuckled softly and said, "Send someone you trust to deliver the things to this place."

After the communication was cut off.

Lu Nanzhi looked at the map coordinates sent by Gu Shen and fell into thought.

Northern Nagano, border highway.

Number 447.

...

...

Shen Li had been "helping out" at the Chunyu Guan (Spring Rain Temple) for almost a week.

It was another completion day... He frowned, looking at the prostrate challengers on the ground, and found that "getting off work" was a bit too early today.

Because very few people came.

Only half of yesterday's number!

Shen Li remembered that when he arrived yesterday, a large group of challengers had gathered in the open space outside the gate, specifically naming Gu Shen to fight... Why were there so few today?

The reason these people could flock here early in the morning was that the iron gate of the Gu family villa area had been demolished, and anyone could enter.

Luo Yu wanted to install another iron gate.

But at Gu Nanfeng's request, the entrance of the villa area was left empty, and the security personnel didn't stop anyone from entering or leaving... because soon, the original iron gate that was torn down would be turned into an iron rod and used on these challengers.

And two hours later, the Gu family would uphold the principle of "all guests are welcome" and send these injured people to the hospital for treatment.

There are always some very strange people in this world.

Seeming to think that it was a bargain, and they might as well take advantage of it... After the news that the Gu family was offering "free treatment after being beaten" spread, the number of people at the Chunyu Guan the next day was even greater than the first day.

And after getting a good beating, some of them realized that "free things are the most expensive."

Shen Li struck very hard.

He didn't care about his reputation at all, nor did he care about the strength of his opponents. Every punch and every blow used twelve percent of his strength... There was no such thing as "friendly sparring" or "stopping at the point."

Either he knocked you down.

Or you knocked him down.

As long as you came here... there was no third possibility.

Even if you saw that the situation was not good and took the initiative to fall down, you would still get hit with a stick.

In the first few days, there were still some "spectators" who liked to watch the excitement in front of the Chunyu Guan gate. They originally thought that they could watch the show while sitting on benches and cracking melon seeds... but without exception, they were all sent to the hospital by Shen Li.

For no other reason.

Shen Li hated "watching the show" the most!

Whenever he thought of the guy "watching the show" in the small courtyard, he felt itchy with anger... He hit the troublemakers outside the door even harder!

Today, Gu Shen was also watching the show.

He even moved a chair to the outside of the courtyard gate, basking in the sun while watching Shen Li "help out."

"Thank you, Brother Shen."

Gu Shen said with a smile, "If this trend continues... it won't be long before my ears will be quiet."

Shen Li snorted coldly, his expression complicated.

Seeing fewer and fewer challengers in front of the Chunyu Guan, he felt a little lost in his heart.

These days, rumors were flying around outside.

Many people said that he was "helping Gu Shen out," but Shen Li didn't care at all!

Fighting here was a legitimate and reasonable "fight," without worrying about being held responsible by the Federal Security Committee, and without worrying about "compensation" or "aftermath" after hitting someone...

For a martial arts fanatic, where could he find such a good "easy job"?

But judging from the current situation... in a few more days, this place would return to tranquility.

At that time, wouldn't he have no one to fight and no fights to make?

But no matter how regretful he was in his heart, Shen Li didn't show it on his face. He still had that disgusted expression, and said coldly, "Heh, I can't wait for it to end sooner..."

"Is that so?"

Gu Shen thought for a while and suddenly asked, "Brother Shen, do you still want to fight me again? This time, I won't use Chihuo (Scarlet Fire)?"

Shen Li narrowed his eyes and asked cautiously, "Are you... serious?"

"Of course I'm serious... but this time, whether I win or lose, you have to promise me one more thing."

Gu Shen earnestly held up a finger and said, "The Chunyu Guan may only be quiet for a while. If there are more challengers in the future, I hope you can still come to help..."

There was nothing to lose whether he won or lost. Was there such a good thing in the world?

Shen Li looked embarrassed.

Although he had said earlier that he wouldn't challenge Gu Shen for a long time.

But when the other party extended an invitation.

His heart was still moved.

Stop pretending. A fool could see that you were a martial arts fanatic who was happy only when fighting... Gu Shen sighed in his heart.

He asked with a smile, "Are you going to fight or not? I'll give you three seconds to consider?"

At the same time, he counted silently in his heart.

Three...

Before he reached two.

Shen Li quickly opened his mouth and shouted loudly, "Fight!"

...

...

Gu Shen had been cultivating quietly at the Chunyu Guan for almost a week.

In a week's time, the source matter that Chihuo had devoured was almost completely digested.

Of course, this also included the source matter expenses for "rainfall" and "loosening the soil" on the Four Seasons Wasteland, and supporting Tie Wu's "life"... In particular, it could be inferred that once the little flame was full, it could maintain about a week of natural consumption.

As the "flame" increased in the future, this time would become longer and longer.

Perhaps one day, Gu Shen would be able to form a virtuous cycle on his own. The [New World] would not need to consume source matter and could spontaneously rain.

The reason he proposed to fight Shen Li again.

One was because... Gu Shen wanted to continue to coax Brother Shen to help him out after this storm.

Second, it was because Gu Shen wanted to cultivate the so-called "infiltration method" of the Northern Continent.

This was what Lu Nanjin, next door at the Fenglai Guan (Wind Come Temple), had always been practicing. The practical faction of the Northern Continent had abandoned the method of relying on Deep Sea trials to improve their strength. They cultivated their acquired awakened abilities into [innate habits] through self-meditation.

Taking Lanqie (Orchid Cutter) as an example.

Lu Nanjin realized the flow of every wisp of wind in "contemplation." This was the most basic thing in Deep Sea trials, and it was no longer difficult for a veteran like her... But after completely abandoning the assistance of the Deep Sea, the previously familiar wind control technique became unfamiliar.

In just half a month.

Lu Nanjin's state of mind became exceptionally calm.

She walked the road she had walked before again... This was something the Deep Sea could not bring her, but it was a real enhancement.

During this time, Gu Shen was practicing the "infiltration method" while running the breathing technique.

He no longer entered the Deep Sea.

Nor did he conduct trials on his abilities.

Even the [Source Code] could not erase his trial records in the Deep Sea. The biggest reason he practiced the "infiltration method" was that he was worried that one day in the future, the Federal Government would be able to easily obtain his ability information from the Deep Sea.

To put it bluntly.

While providing computing power support to transcendent beings, the Deep Sea was also improving the "transcendent pedigree chart," incorporating the development and branches of each ability into the database records.

Chihuo swallowed Tie Wu, the Apostle of Dionysus of the Source Tower.

And he had also plundered Tie Wu's original ability.

If the Deep Sea peered and sensed his [Iron Throne] ability... Gu Shen could not explain this matter.

Therefore.

He could not use the Deep Sea trial method to improve his [Iron Throne] comprehension.

Choosing to practice the "infiltration method" was also a consideration for his future departure from the Twelfth Floor.

The only trouble was crossing the river blindfolded, without knowing its depth.

Gu Shen wanted to test the results of his practice during this period... and Shen Li was the best candidate.

In the small courtyard of Chunyu Guan, the two of them opened a distance.

Shen Li had learned his lesson this time.

He didn't attack directly, and he threw the iron rod outside the door early, put up a fighting stance, and waited for Gu Shen to attack.

If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move.

This was the lesson he had learned after suffering a lot at Gu Shen's hands.

"Don't worry... this time, I won't use Chihuo." Gu Shen shook his head with a smile when he saw this scene.

But Shen Li frowned tightly, without any relaxation.

Not use Chihuo?

Then what would he use to fight him?

He saw Gu Shen gently pick up a wooden branch, twisted it, and the weight was just right.

This fight was for the [Iron Throne].

"Iron filings" surrounded the wood, very weak. As long as he settled his mind, it would become an iron skewer within three seconds.

It was just that Gu Shen didn't do that.

He narrowed his eyes and looked slightly into the distance.

Someone was watching.

Because of the ability of the [Iron-Eating Disciple], the entire small courtyard was shrouded in an environment of iron element chaos, and his [Iron Throne] could be hidden very well.

In the distance, Fenglai Guan.

Luo Yu finished dealing with the aftermath and happened to come to the rooftop. Lu Nanjin and Gu Nanfeng were both "watching" this duel from afar.

"Tsk..."

Fatty Luo leaned on the railing and smiled, "Young Master, what do you think of this fight?"

"It will end quickly."

Gu Nanfeng said softly, "Shen Li should be very angry."

Luo Yu was stunned for a moment, and stroked his chin, "Only a week has passed... the gap between the two shouldn't be that big, right?"

Gu Nanfeng just smiled and shook his head, without saying anything more.

Fatty Luo looked to the other side, the woman who held a wooden knife and was as cold as an iceberg all year round.

Nanjin turned around directly, not even wanting to look at it.

"I'm curious, Shen Li's aura has obviously increased again. It looks like he's stabilized in the sixth layer of the Deep Sea..."

Fatty Luo saw it very clearly. This week, Shen Li had been fighting every day. Every time he fought, this martial arts fanatic's aura would stabilize by three points.

In fact, the Fourth Judge should thank Gu Shen.

Without these hundreds of crushing battles, large and small, at the Chunyu Guan, Shen Li would need a longer time to stabilize his current realm.

"And Gu Shen..."

Fatty Luo looked at Gu Shen and only felt that he could no longer detect the depth of this young man's aura. That wisp of small flame was simply a [lantern], cutting off all external induction.

However.

When looking at Gu Shen.

His iron hand twitched...

Luo Yu frowned and pondered deeply.

And the next moment.

The battle between the two ended very quickly as expected.

Gu Shen took the initiative to attack. He threw the wooden branch, and his speed was extremely fast. The wooden branch shuttled through the small courtyard, and the sound of wind flowed in all directions. At this moment, it was fragmented, stirring up waves of "iron" ripples in the void of just a few dozen meters.

In Luo Yu's view.

This was the wooden branch breaking through Shen Li's surrounding domain.

But what he couldn't understand... without using [Scarlet Fire], this was just an ordinary wooden branch. How could it break through the iron domain of the [Iron-Eating Disciple]?

And Shen Li also moved.

Extremely fast.

A sonic boom sounded in the small courtyard!

He punched and exploded the wooden branch. At the moment of contact, he felt an extremely slight "obstruction." This wooden branch seemed to have turned into a sharp object, but it was instantly dissolved by his fist!

A pool of molten iron exploded out of thin air.

And Shen Li rushed towards Gu Shen like a tiger. Two afterimages overlapped in the courtyard. Gu Shen leaned over, moved, and constantly dodged Shen Li's fist shadows... He didn't use Scarlet Fire to attack, but he read all of the other party's attack intentions and made predictions in advance. Each dodge allowed him to throw random objects as a counterattack.

Stone piers, kettles, rattan chairs, wooden tables.

In just a few dozen seconds, the objects in the Chunyu Guan courtyard were thrown out by Gu Shen one by one, and then punched and exploded by Shen Li one by one!

Iron filings splashed everywhere.

Shen Li slammed a punch towards Gu Shen's face.

For the last punch, Gu Shen did not dodge.

He didn't use Scarlet Fire, nor did he use the ruler, but he just put his hands together, trying to block the punch... Countless iron filings gathered with the [Iron Throne]. At this moment, Shen Li's pupils contracted, and he seemed to feel a force that was extremely similar to his own.

Was it Gu Shen's sealed item?

He subconsciously attributed this power to the mysterious "sealed item."

Then... Shen Li increased his strength!

With a "bang"!

Layers of iron filings exploded, and a figure flew out.

At the last moment, Gu Shen converged the power of the [Iron Throne]. He felt the enormous power of the [Iron-Eating Disciple]. It was not enough for him to rely solely on the [Iron Throne] to withstand the frontal impact.

The iron tide rolled, and dust flew.

Gu Shen flew to the roof of the Chunyu Guan small building and took a deep breath.

This fight had reached this point.

His "purpose" had been achieved.

After the Four Seasons Wasteland accepted Tie Wu, he had mastered the ability to use the [Iron Throne] at will... But it should only be the initial entry-level stage, probably at the second or third layer without relying on Deep Sea practice.

Relying solely on the [Iron Throne], he could negotiate with Shen Li... But if the other party fully exploded.

He could only hide.

He still needed to practice more...

Now that he had measured the depth of his [Iron Throne], there was no point in continuing the fight.

With that in mind.

Gu Shen gently clapped his hands, shook off the dust on his body, and said with a smile, "Brother Shen is amazing, admire, admire... I lost, ashamed, and inferior."

Luo Yu, who was watching the battle at Fenglai Guan, fell into silence. He never expected that what the Young Master said... the battle would end quickly, referred to this kind of ending.

Gu Shen admitted defeat?

Did he want to make Shen Li feel fairer?

Standing downstairs.

Shen Li's expression was first stunned, and then angry!

He roared, "What do you mean?"

Since he was going to fight him, he had to go all out!

How could he keep retreating, keep dodging, and then admit defeat?!

Was he a person who cared about winning or losing?!

Gu Shen was a little helpless: "I have already given my full strength just now... Without using Scarlet Fire, I am indeed not your opponent."

"Who told you to hold back?"

Shen Li was furious and rolled up his sleeves: "Fight! Continue fighting! Show off Scarlet Fire! Today, I just want to knock you down, or be knocked down by you!"

"..."

Gu Shen looked at the martial arts fanatic rolling up his sleeves, seeming to mean that he was going to tear down the whole house.

He sighed softly.

Gu Shen fell from the roof of the Chunyu Guan small building like a swallow.

[Ruler of Truth] plus [Iron Throne] plus [Scarlet Fire]...

All activated!

At the moment of landing, he swept along the ground, and the next moment Shen Li's eyes blurred, and he saw a huge ball of fire reflected quickly in front of him, magnifying, and magnifying again...

Gu Shen punched.

With a "boom."

His entire spirit seemed to be submerged by the fire.

This simple and unadorned punch still hit Shen Li's face.

He fell straight down.