Light Fortress
Chapter 326 - 21: A Call from Qingzhong (2nd update, requesting monthly votes)

Chapter 326: Chapter 21: A Call from Qingzhong (2nd update, requesting monthly votes)

"I’d like to take a look at the Grain Rain Volume."

How could this guy shamelessly say that?

This was Fatty Luo’s first reaction as he watched Gu Shen with a complex expression... silently elevating Brother Gu’s level of shamelessness to the same level as his own.

Today, Gu Shen had essentially swollen the faces of the Li Yu lineage.

In the end, the Grand Judge had to step in to save the day... only to have Shen Li saved, and now Gu Shen was trying to take advantage too?

After some deep thought, Fatty Luo somewhat understood.

He suddenly grasped Gu Shen’s intention.

The disgrace of the disciples of the Fourth Judge was actually self-inflicted, and for Gu Shen... there really wasn’t a choice, which the Grand Judge probably understood as well.

So with the fight over, and Shen Li saved, the accounts between the two sides were probably settled.

After the incident, Li Yu would settle the internal scores with his disciples.

And Gu Shen demanding the Grain Rain Volume at this time... might seem "shameless," but was actually a very cunning move.

If it hadn’t been in a public venue that attracted the attention of millions, his "demand" would have gone unnoticed, and the prison could have a hundred ways to refuse without needing to give a clear reason.

Just needing an ambiguous attitude.

Just like what Li Yu had said earlier... not letting you see the Grain Rain Volume just means no.

But now it was different.

The Grand Judge needed to give an answer.

Even if it was a rejection, a reasoning was necessary.

...

...

Mr. Shan squinted his eyes, deeply gazing at Gu Shen.

He observed this young man, a young man with a straight back and who spoke with justified confidence.

It had been many years since he had seen such an outspoken youngster.

"I’m sorry... I cannot grant your request," he said in front of everyone.

Gu Shen’s expression didn’t change.

The Grand Judge’s response wasn’t unexpected to Gu Shen; he had known coming to Changye that viewing the Grain Rain Volume wouldn’t be smooth... but now the question was, what reason would the Grand Judge provide!

Gu Shen asked without humility or arrogance, "Then... why not?"

"There are many reasons."

"To pick one, let’s talk about the prison’s rules... to view the Grain Rain Volume, one needs certain merits and ratings," Mr. Shan said lightly. "This is an artefact left by Mr. Gu Changzhi, and we need to follow his wishes. This is a rule that hasn’t changed for twenty years and everyone must abide by it."

He paused briefly.

"Although you hold an S-rating... you are ultimately not a part of the prison, and the Judgement Institute’s rating system doesn’t work the same way here," Mr. Shan said regretfully shaking his head.

This was an unassailable reason for refusal.

At least Gu Shen could think of no retort.

The Grand Judge paused, meaningfully stating, "Another reason... how long have you been cultivating? Half a year?"

Gu Shen was silent for a few seconds before responding, "Less than half a year."

"Such astonishing talent... to defeat Shen Li in less than six months," Mr. Shan commented in an emotionless compliment, then slowly added, "Across the Five Continents, those who can cultivate multiple breathing techniques are exceedingly rare. I believe you could be one of them in the future... but I don’t think you can digest the Jingzhe Scroll in just half a year. In other words, as an elder, denying you access to the Grain Rain Volume is also a form of reasonable protection."

Gu Shen was left speechless.

"If Zhou Jiren were to return to Changye and insists on bringing you to view the Grain Rain Volume... of course, I would have no objections, but since you alone made the request to view the Grain Rain Volume, if I agreed..."

The Grand Judge chuckled, "If something were to happen, I couldn’t bear the consequences."

You require a reason.

Then I will give you a reason.

"Alright... do you have anything else to say?" Mr. Shan asked indifferently.

"..." Gu Shen had nothing to respond with.

Mr. Shan’s response was impeccable.

Under the "insistence" of the Grand Judge, it seemed all he could do was wait for his teacher’s return.

As for whether things were as Mr. Shan described... After Zhou Jiren returned to Changye, whether he would be able to smoothly see the Grain Rain Volume still had a big question mark over it.

Just as Gu Shen was preparing to conclude, the Gu Family Young Master, who had been watching the whole scene while holding a wooden sword, leisurely began to speak.

"Wait a moment..."

Mr. Shan was momentarily taken aback.

Gu Nanfeng then pulled out a Flower Cat Wooden Token from his person, an object that contained an ancient seal. Upon its removal, a thread of spiritual power began to swirl within it... Gu Shen felt the familiar Extraordinary Aura.

Gu Nanfeng smiled and said, "Mr. Shan... I forgot to tell you, there was an ’audience’ today. Though they were not present, they have been watching all along."

The Grand Judge’s expression turned strange, as he immediately recognized the origin of the Flower Cat Wooden Token!

This wooden token... was a sealing artifact of the Tomb Guardian!

The Tomb Guardian had been paying attention to this place all along?

"Master..."

Gu Nanfeng, holding the wooden token, seemed to be conversing with someone far away. He looked up at Mr. Shan and asked with a teasing tone, "Are you sure you want to chat with Mr. Shan? Yes... There are many people here."

He quietly awaited the reply.

Seconds later, Gu Nanfeng smiled and said, "Alright... I understand."

As his voice settled—

Lan Qie echoed throughout the Taoist School!

Bai Chen and several accomplished judges from the institute all had solemn expressions, staring incredulously at the master of the thousands of swirling winds.

After leaving Changye for eight years... had Gu Nanfeng’s power reached such a level?

Countless ethereal winds resonated within the Taoist School, eventually sketching out a scene of a lone tree in the wilderness. This was the spiritual imagery Gu Nanfeng saw upon holding the wooden token; now, he used Lan Qie as a medium to convey the scene in his mind.

In a sense.

This was also the only way outsiders could see the Tomb Guardian without entering Qingzhong, despite the dense blockage of Extraordinary Essence.

Vast spiritual power was seeping out of that wooden token.

This level of spiritual power dispersion was unmistakable; the Grand Judge’s expression became very grave as he gazed deeply at the masked woman, who emerged in the swirling winds of Lan Qie.

Wilderness. Old tree. Inverted figure.

The Tomb Guardian sat on a tree branch, her world seeming to be upside down.

Although he knew... that what was before him was just a virtual scene woven by spiritual power and Lan Qie, Mr. Shan still wore a solemn expression as he greeted reverently, "Master Qianye, long time no see... I hope all is well."

Inside Qingzhong, due to the digestion of Extraordinary Essence, it was mostly closed off.

Seeing the Tomb Guardian was exceedingly difficult, even for him as the Grand Judge from the institute.

The inverted Tomb Guardian simply nodded slightly and hummed in response, acknowledging Mr. Shan’s greeting.

Her voice was clear and cold, echoing throughout the whole Taoist School.

"Let Gu Shen comprehend the Grain Rain Volume."

"This is Mr. Gu Changzhi’s intention!"

...

...

(Continuing to ask for monthly tickets! More coming in the morning!)