The trio ascended to the fifth floor. The Cloud Garden Hall was vast and tranquil. The moment they stepped inside, they were greeted by verdant scenery, lush greenery, blooming flowers, fragrant herbs. Gentle spiritual qi permeated the air, enhanced by a special artifact. A perfect place for rest and peace.
"Uncle, it's not as crowded as I thought." Shen Lin said as she looked around in surprise.
"Little Lin, not just anyone can enter the Cloud Garden. We were only allowed in because of the invitation." Shen Shou sighed quietly, his gaze drifting toward Li Shenrong as faint worry flashed in his eyes.
A man in a plain robe walked over and bowed.
"Welcome. The banquet has yet to begin, but my master is waiting inside."
"Alright, alright." Shen Shou replied quickly.
"This way, please."
They followed the young man deeper into the hall, arriving before a secluded chamber. Inside, a man in golden robes sat cross legged on a cushion, his eyes gleaming with divine light. Facing him, Shen Shou felt a heart palpitating fear.
"This humble one greets Lord Gu Zhen!" Shen Shou hurriedly bowed.
Gu Zhen was a top rank demi god realm expert of the Gu family. His influence and authority within the middle territory was immense. As a member of the Shen family which was a subordinate of the Gu family, Shen Shou naturally recognised him. Standing before such expert Shen Shou inwardly felt nervous and panic.
Gu Zhen's gaze settled on Li Shenrong, quietly assessing him. Li Shenrong however was nonchalant as he sat down with cool demeanour.
After a moment, Gu Zhen withdrew his gaze and smiled lightly. "Everyone, please be seated."
"Haha, Lord Gu Zhen is too courteous." Shen Shou spoke, even though he was nervous he didn't stutter, after all the fatty was a shrewd merchant.
"You must be the young Li Shenrong I have heard so much about." Gu Zhen said.
"That would be me," Li Shenrong replied with a faint smile.
Gu Zhen's cultivation was at the Demi God realm but he didn't release any aura or pressure at all. A single Demi God could flatten half of the Eastern territory by himself. Yet Gu Zhen appeared very amicable.
Shen Shou secretly sighed, "This must be the demeanour of an expert."
"Let's cut to the chase. I have invited you three here specifically for you." Gu Zhen said, "I have seen your battle against Gu Tian. You are indeed a rare genius, able to ignore major realms, attaining victory. Though you are at the late stage of Heaven congregation realm, your battle prowess far surpasses that. You didn't go all out then, did you?" He took a deep look at Li Shenrong, asking.
"To be honest, dealing with Gu Tian wasn't that difficult." Li Shenrong answered calmly.
Gu Zhen laughed, clearly not offended by his indifference. A trace of admiration flickered in his eyes.
"I have a proposal for you little friend Li, are you willing to hear it?" He spoke mildly.
"I am all ears."
"As you can see, the Sacred sword ground will never let go of this hatred because that Xu Lang's brother is a core disciple. His strength could be said to be top notch among the younger generation. You killing his brother means a blood feud." Gu Zhen slowly sipped his wine. "I appreciate talent very much, i don't want an exceptional genius like you to die early. Join our Gu clan." Gu Zhen stared directly at him.
"Are you saying the Gu clan can protect me from the Sacred sword grounds hunt?" Li Shenrong inquired.
Gu Zhen shook his head, "We naturally can't directly protect you from them because the Sacred sword ground is too powerful but….someone can."
He paused, then said, "Behind the Gu family stands the Ancient Blazing Heaven Star Dynasty."
"I never heard of it." Li Shenrong shook his head with indifferent expression.
Meanwhile Shen Shou's eyes nearly popped out. "Ancient Blazing Heaven Star Dynasty?! Isn't that just a legend?!"
Gu Zhen chuckled proudly. "It's no legend. The Ancient Blazing Heaven Star Dynasty exists in another realm, cut off from this world. An imperial lineage from the antiquity era. They withdrew from the world long ago, so few even know the name. Recently, our Gu family established contact with them. They are searching for youths with exceptional talent."
"Little friend Li fits the criteria perfectly."
Li Shenrong spoke lightly, "So if I join the Gu family, I'll be sent to the Dynasty as a seed to be groomed?"
"You are partially right." Gu Zhen nodded. "Joining the Ancient Blazing Heaven star dynasty will not be easy. Their requirements are extremely difficult to fulfil. After numerous trials, competing with other heaven's favourite sons and prodigies you might obtain the chance." Gu Zhen stared at Li Shenrong. Seeing his flat face, he continued.
"I know you're from the Illusory Dao Sect, but your ties with them are shallow. They're a new force, still weathering storms. And the Eastern Territory is far from peaceful. The White Spring Fiend Sect is rapidly rising. But if you join our Gu family, you'll gain an opportunity others can only dream of."
Shen Shou and Shen Lin both had expectant look on their face. If Li Shenrong joined the Gu clan then the calamity could be resolved. Shen Shou was almost sure that unless Li Shenrong was a full, he wouldn't reject such opportunity.
"I understand your intent Lord Gu but….. i already joined the Illusory Dao sect and have no intention of leaving." Li Shenrong shook his head, saying.
Shen Shou and Shen Lin both stared incredulously as if thinking if he had some screw loose.
Gu Zhen's tone remained calm. "There's no need to refuse so quickly. Take your time to think."
"Young Master Li, it's a once in a lifetime chance! You must seize it!" Shen Shou whispered anxiously.
Li Shenrong's eyes flickered then he smiled as if understood something. "Let me guess. It wasn't only the Gu family that made contact with the Dynasty. Other powers did as well. And the Gu family doesn't have confidence in defeating a certain genius or perhaps several. So to secure a spot, you're searching outside for talent. Am I right?"