Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

"Legend has it that the environment within the six sacred lands is somewhat similar to that of ancient times, forming a world of their own, making cultivation much easier than in the Kyushu. Let us not mention the martial artists of the Heavenly Man Realm within them, but there are definitely those in the Divine Intent Realm, and more than one at that,"

Upon hearing this, Gu Chen's expression became solemn. No wonder the six sacred lands had always remained detached and superior to the entire Kyushu, even possessing not just one, but several martial artists of the Divine Intent Realm, considered the finest in the world.

The Crown Prince let out a long sigh and said, "Twenty-three years ago, our Emperor went alone to the six sacred lands, wishing to uncover the truth. But for reasons unknown, he eventually withdrew. Knowing Father's personality, it must have been that he encountered martial artists of his own level, and not just one. Moreover, he must have learned some secrets there."

Even the Great Emperor of Da Xia, reputed as the once-in-an-eternity monarch of Kyushu, had found himself unable to deal with the six sacred lands, let alone others.

The power of the six sacred lands could truly be described as terrifying to the extreme.

Gu Chen felt a sense of alarm within himself.

Moreover, even three hundred years ago, the leader of the Six Union God Sect, Dugu Yun, who had a cultivation level in the Divine Intent Realm and who once dominated an era, his fall was also deeply connected with the six sacred lands.

The Crown Prince said, "Now that you mention the six sacred lands, I recall the intelligence I received. Before long, the six sacred lands might send their disciples to travel around the world. When that happens, Kyushu may well be swept into a storm."

"Is that really so?" Gu Chen raised his eyebrows in surprise, not expecting the detached six sacred lands to "descend" to the mortal plane.

The Crown Prince said, "It's just their disciples. Every few decades they do this since the martial way cannot be cultivated in isolation. The six sacred lands are no exception. Every few decades, their disciples come down the mountain to experience the myriad facets of Kyushu and the mundane world to temper their hearts."

"Perhaps, you may even cross paths with them then, and you must be extremely cautious," the Crown Prince cautioned.

Gu Chen was taken aback and nodded, saying, "Thank you for the information, Your Highness. Gu Chen understands."

The Crown Prince nodded slightly, then suddenly changed his expression and sighed, saying, "Nowadays, Kyushu is in great turmoil, the Emperor is missing, and after this war with the barbarian tribes and the demonic cult, Da Xia has suffered substantial losses. Under both internal and external troubles, the pressure in my heart is indeed immense."

Gu Chen nodded in understanding.

The Crown Prince looked at Gu Chen with a serious tone and said earnestly, "I've placed great hope in you. Though I am a few years your senior, we are of the same generation. I hope that in the future, we can join hands to repel all foreign enemies and restore a time of peace and prosperity to this land, where the people no longer need to live in fear and there are no wars. That is my deepest wish.

I hope to accomplish this together with you."

The Tower Supervisor in attendance, Imperial Eunuch Huang, stood behind the Crown Prince like a wooden stake. Having grown up with the Crown Prince, he knew well that the Crown Prince had opened his heart to Gu Chen.

Familiar with the Crown Prince's personality, he knew that the Crown Prince hoped Gu Chen could become a powerful ally for Da Xia, akin to the Grand Commanders of the Jing Tian and Mingjing Departments or the Tower Supervisor of the Qintian Monitor.

Gu Chen could also see the Crown Prince's words were genuine, with no hint of insincerity. Such a Crown Prince, though not comparable to the Emperor of Da Xia, could still be considered a wise ruler.

Therefore, in response to the Crown Prince's words, Gu Chen answered with a firm tone, declaring resolutely, "As your servant, I shall not fail Your Highness's expectations!"

"Good!"

Seeing Gu Chen's assent, the Crown Prince was overjoyed. Through this exchange, their relationship had become much closer. In fact, Gu Chen's response could be seen as him joining the Crown Prince's camp, becoming one of his people.

Currently, the Crown Prince had too few people he could truly rely on, only Da Xia's most loyal and dedicated officials were obedient to him, such as the Duke of the Liang State.

Yet now, with the Duke of the Liang State gone, the Crown Prince's influence in the court had significantly weakened. Otherwise, the Marquis of Wuwei and Uncle Dingyuan would not have dared to oppose his decision to confer a title openly that day.

Even on that day, had King Huai not given his nod of approval, his attempt to confer a title on Gu Chen would have been impossible!

As the Crown Prince of Da Xia, Ji Yuan was, of course, extremely discontent with his limited power and had always been cultivating his own loyal followers, though without much success so far.

Seeing the exceptional Gu Chen willing to help him, why wouldn't the Crown Prince be overjoyed? In his view, as long as Gu Chen lived, there was a great chance that he could become another Grand Commander of the Jing Tian Department, helping him stabilize the realm.

At that moment, an imperial bodyguard entered the study, bowed with fist clasped, and said, "Your Highness, the eldest prince has come to visit."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince frowned slightly and asked, "Why is he coming at this late hour?"

"Perhaps he has some urgent matter. Does Marquis of Wu'an need to excuse himself?" inquired Imperial Eunuch Huang, the omnipresent companion of the Eastern Palace.

The Crown Prince shook his head and said, "There's no need for that. There is nothing to hide from Gu Chen. Let us all meet him together."

Then, turning to Gu Chen, the Crown Prince asked, "Gu Chen, would you care to join me in meeting the eldest prince?"

It was evident that the Crown Prince held Gu Chen in high esteem. If Gu Chen accompanied the Crown Prince, the eldest prince would clearly understand that Gu Chen had become the Crown Prince's man. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

This, in turn, meant that the eldest prince, who also aspired to the throne, would certainly target Gu Chen behind the scenes.

Gu Chen smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness, please lead the way."

Seeing Gu Chen agree, the Crown Prince also smiled knowingly. The two walked almost shoulder to shoulder, with the towering figure of the Tower Supervisor silently following behind them.

In the main hall of the Eastern Palace, the eldest prince was waiting alone. He didn't come by himself, but all those who accompanied him waited outside.

Thinking of all he would gain once tonight's plans were successful, the eldest prince felt a surge of excitement.

Soon enough, he saw the Crown Prince and Gu Chen coming from the study.

Feigning confusion, the eldest prince addressed the Crown Prince, "Fourth brother, why is Gu Chen here with you so late at night?"

The Crown Prince's brow furrowed at the address. From the way he was called, it was clear that the eldest prince had little respect for him. Although the eldest prince was much older and the legitimate eldest son, the Crown Prince was still the heir apparent, and by all rights and reason, should have been addressed as 'Your Highness' upon meeting.

"I brought Gu Chen here to learn about the details of the battle at Yan State. May I ask what matters bring my royal brother here so late at night?" asked the Crown Prince with a furrowed brow.

The eldest prince appeared regretful and said, "Alas, our great loss at Yan State has severely weakened our nation's strength. I've come to consult with you, my younger brother, about this matter."

Suppressing his displeasure, the Crown Prince kept his tone neutral, "I will handle this matter myself, no need for my royal brother to trouble yourself. If there's nothing else, it's getting late; you should return and rest."