“Achoo…”

“Achoo!”

Gu Shen sneezed twice in a row.

“One sneeze, a scolding; two sneezes, someone’s thinking of you… Someone’s missing you.”

Chu Ling’s voice echoed in the mental link, followed by a perfectly timed addition: “That person isn’t me.”

Is that so?

Gu Shen’s expression was a little strange as he rubbed his nose.

He pushed open the courtyard gate, and a spring breeze caressed his face.

After several heavy snowfalls, Nagano had finally bid farewell to the harsh winter. The snow melted, willow trees sprouted buds, winter departed, and spring arrived. It was the perfect time for quiet cultivation in the second month of the lunar calendar, when the grass grew and the orioles flew. The Spring Rain Pavilion had finally quieted down recently. Surely no one would be thinking of him, right?

Snow Forbidden City was bustling these past few days.

It was the time of the year again for the Newcomer Tournament.

Because a certain peerless genius wasn’t participating, the young disciples from the Three Institutes and Five Great Families had all signed up at the last minute… They must be fighting fiercely right now.

But the villa district was quite the opposite.

Luo Yu was busy investigating cases, Gu Nanfeng had taken Tsukumo-oni off to who-knows-where, and after the Newcomer Tournament started, the Spring Rain Pavilion had no challengers. Shen Li hadn’t come by in the past few days either. So the entire villa district was empty, except for Senior Sister Lu from the Wind Pavilion, who was still quietly practicing her sword techniques.

A rare moment of tranquility.

Gu Shen’s state of mind was exceptionally serene.

He had gone to the Tundra for a few days not long ago, and a thick layer of snow had piled up in the Spring Rain Pavilion’s courtyard. Gu Shen began to clear the snow, then took out the ancient Wen array patterns of the Pure Grave, quietly studying them alone in the courtyard.

Before he knew it, time flew by.

Studying ancient Wen and deciphering array diagrams consumed the most mental energy and time… Often, immersing oneself in them would make half a day pass in a flash. Ordinary people weren’t even qualified to study “ancient Wen.” Without the support of powerful breathing techniques and mental strength, even with the determination to forget food and sleep, they wouldn’t have the stamina to stay up all night.

When he looked up again, it was already evening.

Much of the frozen snow in the courtyard had melted, and the earlier sunlight falling on him now carried a hint of cold evening chill.

Gu Shen put on a thin coat, preparing to continue his “late-night battle.” If the days could continue to be this peaceful… that would be a wonderful thing.

He was happy to have some peace and quiet.

He was also too lazy to pay attention to how the geniuses in Nagano were fighting for their dreams of the Seed of Fire.

“Gu Shen!”

A burst of noise.

A flurry of shattered snow fell from the courtyard gate.

Along with the shattered snow, a familiar female voice floated into the courtyard.

The woman, draped in a black feather cloak, entered the courtyard without ceremony. She sat across from Gu Shen at the stone table, gritting her teeth and saying, “You clearly said before that I had a premonition of great misfortune… You… you were lying to me!”

The two words Bai Lu shouted before entering the courtyard were quite loud, but after catching sight of the wooden sword suspended in the Wind Pavilion, she lowered her voice in the latter half of her sentence, filled with anger.

“A premonition of great misfortune…”

Gu Shen was first stunned for a moment. After sizing up the other person, he remembered his initial offhand prophecy. He smiled and said, “Miss Bai, why be so angry?”

“I’ve been quietly cultivating in the clan hall for a long time… precisely because I was worried about encountering misfortune.”

Bai Lu, who was very wary of the word “ominous,” had been drinking tea and reading books under the ginkgo tree in the clan hall these past few days, quietly cultivating her mind, until she vaguely sensed something was wrong today.

She said coldly, “But I took a walk outside today and didn’t encounter anything ‘ominous.’”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” Gu Shen said lightly, “The word ‘divination’ is originally about seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune. How can it accurately determine blessings and disasters… Since you’ve been behaving yourself in the clan hall and quietly cultivating for a few days, maybe that’s why you avoided the misfortune that you were originally supposed to have.”

Bai Lu stared angrily at the young man before her.

These past few days, Nagano City had been peaceful and uneventful. What misfortune was there?

Now that she thought about it… what ominousness and great misfortune, were all just nonsense that Gu Shen made up on the spot!

But since Gu Shen wouldn’t admit it, there was nothing she could do.

“You’ve come all this way, just to come and question me?” Gu Shen brushed off the ancient Wen diagrams and said softly, “If there’s nothing else, Miss Bai can go back. I’m still busy.”

Gu Shen had a lot of experience dealing with Bai Lu.

He was always too lazy to say much.

The other party was the Bai family’s young mistress, with a noble status, so he still had to pay some attention. But after saying what needed to be said, Gu Shen directly issued an eviction order.

“Wait… wait!”

Bai Lu’s expression changed instantly. She was originally the “little tyrant” of Nagano, and everyone in Snow Forbidden City was afraid of her, but she had run into a “big ruthless person” like Gu Shen, who wouldn’t respond to either soft or hard tactics.

If they didn’t agree, he would just ask her to leave.

A wicked person still needed a more wicked person to grind them down.

Her tone softened, and she said sincerely, “I was rude about what happened before. I apologize to you.”

Gu Shen frowned.

He looked at Bai Lu, his expression a little strange.

Apologize?

He wouldn’t be surprised to hear that word from anyone else… but hearing it from Bai Lu’s mouth made Gu Shen a little unaccustomed.

“Has the sun risen in the west?”

Gu Shen put away the ancient Wen diagrams, glanced at the wooden sword suspended above the Wind Pavilion, and said lightly, “If you have something to say, just say it.”

“Alright.” Bai Lu sighed softly. “The real reason I came all this way is to find out… what exactly happened in the Pure Grave? Did you and Kosode meet?”

Kosode was very unhappy with the Elders Council because of the assassination attempt.

Although this matter had been suppressed and hadn’t spread in Snow Forbidden City… the news that Bai Kosode wouldn’t be participating in the Newcomer Tournament still caused a stir. Many people began to speculate whether Bai Kosode had a rift or disagreement with the Bai family.

After thinking it over, she decided to come to Gu Shen and ask for the truth.

The rumors about Bai Kosode in Snow Forbidden City these past few days had also reached Gu Shen’s ears. From the two names pointed out by Master Chino, and the recent anomalies in the Bai family’s clan hall, Gu Shen could roughly guess what had happened to Bai Kosode, and the general situation within the Bai family now.

Guessing was one thing, but this was a private matter of the Bai family, and Gu Shen wasn’t interested in interfering too much.

“You should ask Bai Kosode about this matter.” He said with a faint smile, “I heard that you two grew up together in Snow Forbidden City and are considered childhood friends. Why ask me about the Bai family’s affairs?”

Bai Lu pinched her sleeve, rendered speechless by the question.

“Actually, nothing happened in the Pure Grave.” Gu Shen said frankly, “Bai Kosode and I met for the first time. We chatted for a few words in the Pure Grave, but we didn’t fight.”

“Is that so…”

Bai Lu murmured softly, still pinching her sleeve.

She was hesitating whether to continue speaking.

In fact, she also knew that it was impolite of her to come to Gu Shen so rashly and ask about Bai Kosode’s affairs.

Now, all of Nagano was discussing what exactly had happened in the Pure Grave.

Most people were focused on… why Gu Shen and Bai Kosode didn’t fight.

But in reality, Bai Lu wasn’t focused on this matter… or rather, she probably knew the reason why the two didn’t fight.

In just one day.

Kosode had found the identity of the Life-Devoter and the mastermind behind the Tundra assassination… This was something that the Elders Council hadn’t been able to do. If anyone could do it,

Then, looking at Nagano, it seemed that only the Gravekeeper, Master Chino, could divine the future.

Taking a deep breath.

Bai Lu had been building up to this for a long time, and finally made up her mind. She looked directly at Gu Shen and said slowly, “In the beginning, I just thought it was interesting, fun… The reason I reached that deal with Han Dang wasn’t because I really cared about those vulgar things, but just because I wanted to see what the so-called ‘S-rank’ was like.”

Gu Shen raised his eyebrows slightly.

His expression was calm as he took a sip of water.

He quietly listened to Bai Lu’s words.

“Now that I think about it, what I did before… was inappropriate in many ways. I apologize to you.”

Saying these words was really not easy for Bai Lu.

But after saying them, she felt a sense of relief.

Bai Lu said seriously, “Thank you for helping Kosode.”

Although she was a crazy woman.

She wasn’t stupid.

Gu Shen knew that with Bai Kosode’s personality, she wouldn’t say much.

Then Bai Lu must have guessed what roughly happened in the Pure Grave.

“He already expressed his gratitude for the matter in the Pure Grave.”

Gu Shen didn’t say anything. He slowly stood up, took a few steps, and then looked back and said, “As for your apology, I’ll accept it. There’s no need… I didn’t take your little tricks to heart.”

Bai Lu was stunned.

Subconsciously, a hint of anger appeared on her pretty face.

Gu Shen turned around and returned to the house, saying lightly, “Miss Bai, it’s getting late. Hurry back, lest others misunderstand. When you leave… remember to close the courtyard gate for me.”

Bai Lu was silent and silent again.

The anger in her eyes slowly disappeared, gradually becoming complicated.

……

……

Good things don’t last long.

The days of quiet cultivation didn’t last long.

The day after Gu Shen returned to Nagano, the Spring Rain Pavilion immediately had guests, but it was no longer the scene of “ill-wishers” from yesterday.

This time it was old acquaintances.

Gong Zi, Shen Li, and Mu Nan had somehow gotten together… The three of them appeared in front of the Spring Rain Pavilion with great understanding, and then habitually opened the door to drink tea and bask in the sun.

Gu Shen looked at the three people who had taken over as hosts, and for a moment didn’t know what to say.

“Little Gu, it’s a pity you didn’t go to Snow Forbidden City yesterday.” Mu Nan was radiant and exaggerated. “You didn’t see it, but Old Gong defeated many opponents along the way, sweeping through the Three Institutes and Five Great Families… That Seed of Fire dream must be his.”

“Preliminary rounds, preliminary rounds, nothing to mention…”

Gong Zi smiled slightly, then said angrily, “How many times have I told you, don’t call me Old Gong!”

Shen Li drank tea on the side and said seriously to Gu Shen, “Although it sounds a bit exaggerated, this guy does have a few tricks up his sleeve. If there are no accidents… he’ll be the champion of this Newcomer Tournament.”

Gong Zi seemed unreliable usually, but in reality, his strength wasn’t bad.

He was just born at the wrong time.

Bai Kosode’s appearance made all the geniuses in Snow Forbidden City unable to breathe.

“There are still a few rounds left. This time, there are fewer opponents with Bai Kosode, so it’s much easier… but winning the championship isn’t easy either.” Gong Zi shook his head, his expression serious. “Under the Door of Justice Zhu Wang, there’s someone named ‘Lian Zhou’ whose strength is not bad. He’s already at the seventh level of the Deep Sea, so he shouldn’t be underestimated.”

“Are there third-stage transcendents in this Newcomer Tournament?” Gu Shen was a little surprised.

Having just finished a fight in the Tundra, he was very clear about how big the gap was between these two levels of transcendents.

This was almost an insurmountable boundary.

The Newcomer Tournament was a “ring competition” with many rules and restrictions. Participants only needed to stop when they had made their point, to determine victory or defeat.

Under such conditions, even if there were some “forbidden methods,” they couldn’t be used to their full potential. If he were to fight a so-called seventh-level transcendent now… he would likely be at a disadvantage.

“In the past, the peak of the sixth level was enough to win.”

Gong Zi said solemnly, “It’s just that because of Bai Kosode… the geniuses of Snow Forbidden City have also become particularly diligent. Several transcendents at the seventh-level have appeared in this Newcomer Tournament.”

This was the truth.

Bai Kosode’s appearance made all the geniuses in Snow Forbidden City feel the pressure.

This was a “brilliant” era. In addition to Bai Kosode, who was shining brightly on the mountain peak, many people were also glowing with heat and light.

“As far as I know, in addition to that ‘Lian Zhou,’ there’s another third-stage transcendent in the Commandment.” Gong Zi’s expression was solemn. “If I want to win the ‘Seed of Fire Dream,’ I have to defeat them.”

There was one more thing that surprised Gu Shen.

That was Gong Zi’s strength… had actually reached the seventh level.

Scarlet Flame’s detection ability was always very strong. He hadn’t been able to see through Gong Zi’s depth in several meetings. He hadn’t expected that the twenty-year-old Gong family’s young master could cultivate to such a level.

“Although the biggest boss isn’t participating, it’s not easy to get the Seed of Fire Dream.”

Gong Zi took a deep breath and smiled, “I still want to try… if there’s a chance to comprehend the dream left by the Divine Seat. What if I succeed?”

In recent years, the level of the Newcomer Tournament was getting higher and higher, and the overall cultivation strength of the younger generation in Snow Forbidden City was also getting stronger.

But even so, none of the champions of the Newcomer Tournament had been able to successfully comprehend the Seed of Fire Dream.

All failed.

Some people even felt frustrated and disheartened because of their failure to comprehend it.

Before he fell asleep, Gu Changzhi’s Seed of Fire Dream, left to Nagano, was more of a cruel reality than “hope.”

Becoming a Divine Seat was truly difficult.

Even the first hurdle, among thousands and tens of thousands of people, might not have even one person who could step forward.

“Keep a calm mind. Winning the championship or comprehending the dream, neither is as important as your own cultivation.” Gu Shen patted Gong Zi on the shoulder and said, “You just mentioned… Zhu Wang has a disciple named ‘Lian Zhou.’”

Gong Zi smiled.

“I knew you would pay attention to this guy…” He had investigated Gu Shen’s file very carefully, so he naturally knew some of the troubles the latter had encountered after coming to Nagano.

Most of them were from Mr. Tree’s “opponent” door.

“Zhu Wang is now a prominent figure in Nagano City. His disciples are full of geniuses. First, there was Han Dang, and now there’s Lian Zhou. Although they aren’t top geniuses like you and Bai Kosode, they’re strong enough.”

Gong Zi slowly opened his mouth.

“The East Continent Federation has already announced Mr. Tree’s matter to the Three Institutes. Tree and Tian Tong, these two title holders, have embarked on the ‘new voyage’ in the Moon-Cloaked City disaster area. I’m afraid there won’t even be any news for a year or two… In view of the emergency situation, the council decided to grant Zhu Wang the title of Temporary Grand Arbiter.”

“Although he’s a Temporary Grand Arbiter, he really has power. I heard that Zhu Wang is planning to add a Grand Arbiter seat to the agenda… If this agenda passes, then the Tribunal will have more than one Grand Arbiter.”

Hearing this, Gu Shen already understood: “…Then Zhu Wang’s temporary position will completely become a formal seat.”

“That’s right.”

Gong Zi said calmly, “If Lian Zhou wins the Newcomer Tournament, then Zhu Wang’s reputation will reach its peak, and he’ll be able to sit more firmly in the Grand Arbiter position. The meaning of the Newcomer Tournament isn’t just the Seed of Fire Dream. Although this is a session where Bai Kosode isn’t participating, it’s the highest-value session to date… Everyone wants to compete for a ranking, the higher the better.”

Gu Shen narrowed his eyes and slowly asked, “Are you confident you can win?”

“If it’s a head-on confrontation, of course, there’s no problem.”

Gong Zi smiled, “If I don’t even have the confidence to beat a guy like that… why would I bother trying to snatch the Seed of Fire Dream?”

“Head-on confrontation…”

Gu Shen keenly caught the key point in this sentence.

“I’ve collected all the confrontation videos of Lian Zhou in this Newcomer Tournament.” Gong Zi summoned a mental image. He said in a deep voice, “This guy’s strength is indeed very strong… but I always feel like there’s something strange…”

Gu Shen began to watch these videos.

Because it was a ring battle, the venue was limited, and the recorded shots were stable and clear. This series of confrontations could be seen very clearly.

The strength of Lian Zhou’s opponents varied.

There were rogue cultivators at the third level of the Deep Sea, with limited talent, whose age had reached the final limit for registration. They were forced to participate in the Newcomer Tournament, wanting to try their luck to see if they could go a few more rounds and be noticed by the Three Institutes and Five Great Families. As a result, they encountered Lian Zhou, and the ending was undoubtedly a one-round tour.

There were also young geniuses whose strength had reached the fifth level of the Deep Sea, which was quite good.

All of these people were resolved by Lian Zhou in one minute!

And what Lian Zhou did… was very simple. He just bowed before the fight, and after the referee announced the start of the fight, he maintained a distance and stood in place.

Then the video fell into stillness… After a brief few seconds, or tens of seconds, the combatant’s clothes were instantly torn to shreds, and hundreds of bloody gashes burst open, splattering blood.

This was actually a rather bloody scene.

Against Lian Zhou, no matter what level the opponent was… the ending was the same.

In the end, they were urgently carried away for treatment.

Because Lian Zhou’s methods were too cruel… there had been dropouts. As long as he stepped onto the ring, his opponent would announce their withdrawal.

Gu Shen’s expression became more and more solemn as he watched these videos.

“This is the reason I came to the Spring Rain Pavilion today.” Gong Zi exhaled softly, and seriously asked, “I want to ask you to take a look, what method is Lian Zhou using… is it a mental attack or a domain?”

Although he had the belief that he would win, Gong Zi always felt a bit strange in his heart after seeing these images.

Gu Shen was a mental-type expert, so perhaps he could see something.

“It doesn’t seem like mental power…”

Gu Shen watched it repeatedly several times, slowing it down with Chu Ling, and couldn’t see anything…

If it was a domain, ability, then there should be a premonition of its activation.

As for mental attacks… his own Scarlet Flame needed a medium to detonate the body.

“It’s more like… a seal, a very powerful seal, the kind that can directly tear flesh.” Gu Shen frowned and said, “Do you have a countermeasure?”

“Only one seal is allowed to be brought to this competition.” Gong Zi hesitated and said, “Perhaps I can ask my family for a protective treasure.”

“Is that so…”

Gu Shen thought for a moment and said seriously, “I’ll lend you a treasure that isn’t a seal… You can wear it on your body. If it’s a physical attack, it can definitely withstand it.”

“Treasure?” Gong Zi was stunned, a little disbelieving. “A treasure that isn’t a seal?”

Gu Shen went into the house.

When he came out again, he was holding a suit of armor with a shimmering, cold light.