Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

Gu Chen descended from the Star Gazing Platform and after distancing himself from the Qintian Monitor, he noticed an elder standing not far away, his eyes lowered, as if waiting for something.

It was none other than King Huai's former personal guard—Mr. Gongsun.

In fact, before he left, the Tower Supervisor had already informed Gu Chen that King Huai wished to meet with him.

Mr. Gongsun, not having received permission from the Tower Supervisor, was clearly unable to approach the Qintian Monitor and thus could only wait here.

"I have seen Lord Wu'an." Upon seeing Gu Chen, Mr. Gongsun immediately clasped his fist and performed a greeting.

At this moment, Mr. Gongsun's gaze was somewhat complex, because when he first met Gu Chen, Gu Chen was only at the External Qi State, and their statuses differed greatly. He had utterly disregarded Gu Chen then.

And when he saw Gu Chen for the second time, Gu Chen had reached the Innate State, the same as him, which made Mr. Gongsun dare not show any contempt.

Now, upon their third encounter, Gu Chen had comprehended the Divine Way of martial arts, becoming a top-tier Grandmaster in the Nine Provinces, with a status so significant he could overlook all under heaven.

Such a rate of progress was simply too astounding, Mr. Gongsun couldn't help but sigh with emotion, as if those past events had occurred only yesterday.

"Lead the way." Gu Chen didn't bother with pleasantries, speaking directly.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Gongsun stood startled for a moment, then swiftly reacted, promptly leading Gu Chen to Prince Huai's Mansion.

Just like their previous encounter, it was still in that study where Gu Chen met with the current foremost prince of Da Xia, and now the ruler in power, King Huai.

Compared to their last meeting, King Huai looked much younger; even the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes had disappeared, and the greying at his temples had reverted back to a jet-black color, his hair somewhat thicker, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Your Highness, Lord Wu'an has arrived," Mr. Gongsun said with a bow.

"Mmm, you may leave us," King Huai gestured, and Mr. Gongsun immediately withdrew.

Gu Chen, clad in black, stood tall with a muscular build, his surging life force contained within, gazing at King Huai.

Indeed, just as the Tower Supervisor had mentioned not long ago, King Huai's strength was unfathomable. Even though Gu Chen had reached the Divine Realm and achieved the status of a top-tier Grandmaster, he still couldn't gauge the depth of King Huai's power.

Gu Chen felt like the person before him was like an abyssal sea—inscrutable—standing there like a towering mountain, inspiring awe and fear.

The Coagulation Field, it must be the Coagulation Field!

Having reached such a level as Gu Chen had, to still induce such a feeling in him, not even a Divine Realm Grandmaster at the peak of perfection would suffice. Only the most powerful among the Coagulation Field could do so.

King Huai had hidden his power so deeply for so many years. What could be the reason that he no longer concealed it?

Seeing Gu Chen examining him, King Huai was not annoyed; he simply smiled faintly and said, "Sit."

This time, the atmosphere between them seemed much more relaxed than before. However, having learned of King Huai's true strength, Gu Chen had actually become even more wary of him.

"I am indeed curious. Facing three Divine Realm martial artists from the Demon Sect, including a top-tier Grandmaster in the late stage of the Divine Realm, how did you manage to escape with your life and even break through to the Divine Realm?" King Huai looked at Gu Chen, his gaze intense as though trying to see through him.

Upon seeing this, Gu Chen's heart tightened, suspecting King Huai might already be aware of the events in Youzhou and was harbouring doubts about him.

Clearly, King Huai believed that the spiritual treasures of the Spirit Realm were in Gu Chen's possession. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Gu Chen didn't respond. Fearing that he might reveal something due to a slip of the tongue, he simply said, "Your Highness called me here today just to inquire about this matter?"

"I am indeed very curious. I have pondered deeply and cannot find a solution myself. If I were in your situation, I wouldn't have found a way either. Under such circumstances, anyone would undoubtedly face certain death.

How did you manage to escape, and furthermore, even achieve the status of a top-tier Grandmaster?" King Huai's gaze bore into Gu Chen, shining with a probing light, as if determined to question him to the very end.

Gu Chen's expression remained calm as he replied, "Why does Your Highness bother asking about an outcome that was already destined?"

Seeing that Gu Chen was unwilling to give a direct answer, King Huai simply smiled faintly, not pressing further. Instead, he said, "Would you be willing to become the thirteenth Protectorate Marshal for Da Xia?"

"It's not about whether I am willing, but whether Your Highness is willing," answered Gu Chen, his loose hair framing his bright eyes, meeting King Huai's gaze head-on.

Just as King Huai was about to say something, Gu Chen cut him off, "If Your Highness still wishes to speak of persuading me to join you, then let's avoid it. I have said before, Gu Chen will not submit to anyone."

At his words, King Huai nodded slightly, saying, "I admit, last time I underestimated you by trying to make you submit to me. I did not expect your growth rate to be so rapid, to reach the Divine Realm in such a short time. This time, I extend a sincere invitation to you, to join my camp and work with me. What do you say?"

At this moment, King Huai's gaze was sincere, and he wore a smile on his face, awaiting Gu Chen's agreement.

In his view, with such earnestness, Gu Chen would have no reason to refuse. After all, with his level of cultivation, to work together with Gu Chen was already a condescension.

Throughout the whole world, the whole Nine Provinces, how many could be found at the Coagulation Field?

But to think, Gu Chen still declined. He shook his head and said, "I'm sorry, Your Highness. I have no such intentions."

The atmosphere in the study suddenly became tense, as if the air itself was congealing. Gu Chen sensed a tremendous pressure that shocked him to the core.