Tantai Xueling’s ears turned red, and she stomped her foot.

"I’m just afraid there will be no one to spar with me if you die!"

After saying that, she turned around and ran to her room, her skirt lifting to reveal a glimpse of her fair calf.

Gu Sheng shook his head with a smile and watched her figure disappear at the end of the corridor before he turned and headed towards the fifth floor of the Linyin Pavilion.

As he stepped onto the stairs leading to the fifth floor, Gu Sheng clearly felt that the fluctuation of spiritual energy around him had changed.

Each step seemed to be imbued with some kind of array, giving a strange and solid sensation underfoot.

When he crossed the last step, he suddenly felt two invisible strands of spiritual power envelop him like a web, locking onto him completely.

"Who goes there?"

A hoarse voice called out from the shadows.

Gu Sheng’s pupils contracted slightly.

Despite his perception, he hadn’t detected anyone on this floor! He steadied his nerves and spoke in a deep voice.

"Gu Sheng, bearer of a Linyin Pavilion Guest Minister Token."

Two figures emerged from the darkness.

On the left was a hunched old man with a face full of wrinkles but eyes that shone with an intimidating brightness; on the right was a burly middle-aged man with a hideous scar stretching from his forehead to his chin.

Upon seeing Gu Sheng, both men bowed in greeting simultaneously.

"Ah, it’s Young Master Gu."

Gu Sheng was even more surprised in his heart.

The auras of these two were as deep as an abyss, definitely experts above the Golden Core Stage! He calmly took out his token and handed it over.

"I need your help with two matters."

The old man took the token and gently brushed it with his fingers, making it glow faintly.

"Please speak, Young Master Gu."

"The first matter is about Xie Qingxuan of the Xie family in Huang City."

Gu Sheng spoke calmly.

"She is being forced into a marriage alliance, and I need to know all the information about the alliance partner."

The scarred man’s brows rose.

"The Xie family? Is that the small family renowned for their alchemy?"

Gu Sheng nodded.

"Exactly."

"The second matter."

Gu Sheng took out a pitch-black scythe from his storage bag, the blade still stained with dark red blood.

"This is a weapon used by an evil cultivator I killed outside the city yesterday. I suspect there’s an organization behind him, and I need you to find out his background."

The old man took the scythe, his withered fingers lightly stroking the blade, a spark in his eyes.

"Such a heavy resentment... This weapon has drunk the blood of at least a hundred people."

"If there is indeed an organization behind this,"

Gu Sheng added.

"Do not launch a direct assault. Deliver the information to the Great Wilderness Holy Academy for handling."

The scarred man grinned, his scar contorting with the smile.

"Young Master Gu is indeed cautious. True, when dealing with evil cultivators, those old fellows at the Holy Academy are more adept."

Gu Sheng nodded slightly, turned to leave, but suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"How quickly can you have information on Xie Qingxuan?"

"Within two hours."

The old man replied.

"Send it to the Linyin Pavilion in Huang City."

After speaking, Gu Sheng strode away.

Not until Gu Sheng’s figure vanished at the staircase did the scarred man rub his chin and comment.

"This lad is quite something, actually sensing our presence."

The old man squinted his eyes.

"The aura around him... is interesting."

As Gu Sheng reached the first-floor hall, he saw Tantai Xueling leaning against the pillar by the stairway, waiting for him.

She had changed into a black strapless gown, making her skin seem as white as snow. Her damp long hair draped over her shoulders, with water droplets still streaking from the ends, clearly having just bathed.

"Why are you..."

For a moment, Gu Sheng was at a loss for words.

Tantai Xueling tilted her head, her eyes filled with a mischievous smile.

"What, don’t recognize me?"

She gave a light spin, her skirt blooming like a black lotus.

"Does it look good?"

Gu Sheng cleared his throat.

"What are you doing here?"

"Of course, I’m going to Huang City with you!"

Tantai Xueling hopped over to his side, a faint scent of jasmine wafting from her.

"I’m personally escorting you, aren’t you touched?"

Gu Sheng looked at her helplessly.

"It’s too dangerous."

"Hmph!"

Tantai Xueling puffed out her cheeks.

"I’m the young lady of Linyin Pavilion; you may not necessarily be better than me when it comes to intelligence and escaping skills!"

Seeing that Gu Sheng seemed ready to say something, she suddenly put away her playful expression and spoke seriously.

"Gu Sheng, I know what you’re planning to do. Special-level sects are not to be trifled with; an extra person means extra support."

Gu Sheng looked into her resolute eyes and finally sighed.

"Suit yourself."

Tantai Xueling’s face instantly brightened with a delighted smile, the speed of her change in expression left Gu Sheng awed.

"That’s more like it! Don’t worry, I won’t drag you down!"

She leaned closer to Gu Sheng’s ear and whispered.

"Besides, I’ve already arranged everything over at Huang City, Xiao Yun and Hong Ya are waiting."

Her warm breath brushed against his ear, making Gu Sheng’s ears turn slightly hot as he discreetly pulled away.

"You’re quick with your actions."

"Naturally!"

Tantai Xueling raised her chin proudly.

"When have I ever been slow at doing things?"

The two arrived in front of the Transmission Array, and Tantai Xueling suddenly grabbed Gu Sheng’s sleeve.

"Wait a moment."

She retrieved a Jade Pendant from her Storage Bag and stood on tiptoe to tie it around Gu Sheng’s waist.

"This is an amulet, it can block an attack from someone at the Golden Core Stage."

Gu Sheng lowered his head and looked at her serious profile, her long eyelashes cast a shadow under the light.

He softly said.

"Thank you."

Tantai Xueling finished tying the Jade Pendant, and as she met his gaze, she suddenly released her grip in a slight panic.

"Let’s go, go! If we delay any longer, it’ll get dark!"

The light of the Teleportation Array gradually faded, and the figures of Gu Sheng and Tantai Xueling appeared on the Transmission Platform near the Linyin Pavilion branch in Huang City.

Gu Sheng looked around, only to see a bustling Transmission Plaza filled with Martial Artists of various attires, even more lively and prosperous than the Underground City.

"Great Wilderness City truly lives up to its name."

Gu Sheng exclaimed.

Tantai Xueling took out a thin, translucent mask from her sleeve and gently placed it over her face.

Her stunningly beautiful face immediately became ordinary, even the extraordinary aura disappeared, making her look like a common passerby.

Gu Sheng raised an eyebrow.

"What’s this?"

"Linyin Pavilion holds a special status in Great Wilderness City. If I show my true face, it might cause unnecessary trouble."

Tantai Xueling’s voice also turned plain.

"This makes things more convenient."

Gu Sheng nodded understandingly.

"Understood."

The two walked side by side towards the Linyin Pavilion branch, a magnificent seven-story building with the golden words "Linyin Pavilion" shimmering under the sunlight above the grand entrance.

Two guards with stable auras stood at the entrance, and as the two approached, one of them immediately stepped forward.

"Honored guests, what can I assist you with?"

The guard inquired respectfully.

Gu Sheng was about to speak when the guard’s eyes suddenly lit up.

"Are you Young Master Gu Sheng? Manager Xiao has been waiting in the private room for a while, please follow me."

Gu Sheng lightly nodded and was about to step forward, but the guard hesitated as he looked at Tantai Xueling.

"And this person is..."

"One of my people."

Gu Sheng replied succinctly.

The guard appeared troubled.

"Manager Xiao specifically instructed that this matter is important, unrelated individuals..."

"No worries."

Gu Sheng interrupted.

"Lead the way."

The guard dared not to speak further and respectfully led the two through the main hall, ascending to the third floor where they stopped in front of an elegantly decorated room.

After a gentle knock on the door, a steady male voice answered from inside.

"Come in."

Upon entering, they saw a middle-aged man in a brocade robe and a charming, mature lady sitting by the tea table.

Seeing Gu Sheng, both stood up immediately to greet him.

"Young Master Gu, you’re finally here."

Xiao Yun cupped his hands, but his gaze involuntarily drifted to Tantai Xueling behind Gu Sheng.

Hong Ya’s reaction was more straightforward; she first looked surprised, then quickly approached and bowed deeply.

"Second Pavilion Master! How come..."

Xiao Yun was shocked, nearly dropping the teacup in his hand.

"Second, Second Pavilion Master?"

Tantai Xueling waved her hand.

"No need for formalities, I’m just out relaxing. Act like you haven’t seen me."

Xiao Yun’s forehead already showed sweat, and he nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, yes..."

Gu Sheng paid no heed to this and immediately asked.