Demon Slaying, Gaining 60 Years of Cultivation From the Start

Gu Chen had no knowledge of the happenings in the Jianghu, nor was he interested in finding out what was on other people's minds.

He was also unaware that Emperor Toumuer of the Da Yuan had been terrified upon receiving the news.

At present, Gu Chen harbored no desire to kill his way into Da Yuan, after all, the Da Yuan National Teacher Shiba Shitu was only in seclusion, not dead.

Gu Chen had the power to reach the capital of Da Yuan, but once he went there, if Shiba Shitu came out of seclusion, it would be no different from walking into a trap.

The reason Emperor Toumuer reacted in such a way was purely out of fear and panic.

With a bit of calm, he would realize that Gu Chen would definitely not go to the great palace of Da Yuan to kill him.

Several days later, Gu Chen returned to Tiandu and met with Qin Wu, recounting the events in detail to him.

Meanwhile, upon learning of the news, Qin Wu had already sent people to those sects for a thorough investigation.

"From now on, the entire Jianghu will look to you as its leader, and you will be the uncrowned king of the Central Plains Jianghu," Qin Wu said to Gu Chen.

He had not expected that Gu Chen would achieve such a feat in such a short time.
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In Gu Chen, he saw a reflection of the former Emperor of Da Xia.

With his own power subduing the entire Jianghu, how similar it was to the actions of the Emperor of Da Xia. The only difference was the age between Gu Chen and the Emperor.

Hearing this, Gu Chen showed no surprise but shook his head with a tinge of regret, saying, "It's a pity that I wasn't able to successfully kill the Blood Demon Xiao Yuntian this time; he managed to escape."

Qin Wu smiled slightly and said, "There's no need for that. You've done very well this time. I didn't expect you to truly persuade the elder Celestial Master of Dragon and Tiger Mountain."

The Dragon and Tiger Mountain Celestial Master Church was not weak, boasting five innate realm martial arts grandmasters, and not to mention the elder Celestial Master, a being nearly at the Coagulation Field, a half-step away from transcending. Their assistance was of great benefit to Da Xia at this time.

"Though we didn't kill the Blood Demon Xiao Yuntian, this devilish monk won't be able to recover any time soon, so it's almost no different from being dead," Qin Wu said with a smile.

Gu Chen nodded slightly and responded, "That may be so, but if more demon spirits continue to descend, and Xiao Yuntian succeeds in merging with a powerful one, his wounds will heal in an instant."

Upon hearing this, Qin Wu's expression also turned grave as he said, "Indeed, that's troublesome."

Qin Wu was aware of the difficulties posed by underworld-level demon spirits, almost immortal. It was only Gu Chen who could deal with them; others from the Jing Tian Department would struggle greatly.

If more powerful demon spirits were to descend in the future, the Jing Tian Department couldn't predict the loss of their ranks, while the devilish sect could merge with them and continuously grow stronger, in a clear case of unequally matched gains and losses.

The more this continued, the greater the power disparity between Da Xia and the devilish sect would become until, in the end, once the leaders such as Dugu Yun emerged from seclusion, the fate of both Da Xia and all of Jiuzhou would be certain.

Fortunately, Da Xia now had hope, and that hope was Gu Chen.

With this thought, Qin Wu's gaze instinctively focused on Gu Chen.

"What are your plans next?" asked Qin Wu, Deputy Commander of the Jing Tian Department.

Upon being asked, Gu Chen's expression turned serious, and he replied, "To await the second celestial anomaly's arrival and make preparations ahead of time."

Hearing his answer, Qin Wu nodded, his expression gradually becoming serious. With their cultivation and realm, both he and Gu Chen could faintly sense the gradual changes in the world, indicating that the second anomaly would commence soon, bringing more demon spirits with it.

What Gu Chen needed to do was to race against the clock with the Six Union God Sect. The devilish sect sought to capture and merge with demon spirits, while Gu Chen aimed to kill all of them before they could be captured by the devilish sect.

At this moment, Gu Chen remembered something and said to Qin Wu, "By the way, Commander Qin, there's something else we need to pay attention to."

"Go ahead," Qin Wu nodded.

"Keep an eye on the movements of those from the higher realms. They have come to Jiuzhou with a specific purpose. The ones who appeared at the palace were just the first batch. Stronger individuals will follow. These people are arrogant and act without restraint, and they merit caution. If you notice any activity on their part, inform me immediately, and I will handle it."

"Understood. I'll keep that in mind," said Qin Wu, his expression growing somber as he took the matter to heart.

The prodigies from the higher realms were exceptionally strong and unpredictable, and within all of Da Xia, there were few who could deal with them. Gu Chen was the most appropriate person to handle this group.

"Oh, by the way," said Qin Wu, stopping Gu Chen who was about to leave, a hint of a smile on his face, "I have some good news for you."

"Oh?" Gu Chen paused, curious. Good news? What could it be?

Qin Wu smiled and said, "Unless something unexpected happens, the new Emperor will soon appoint you as the Thirteenth Guardian General of Da Xia."

"Now that your military achievements are known to all under heaven, with such strength that even transcendental realm grandmasters can be subdued, King Huai naturally can't keep finding pretexts to delay. If even you do not qualify, then there is no one in all the lands who does."

Hearing that he was soon to be appointed the Thirteenth Guardian General of Da Xia, Gu Chen didn't feel much excitement in his heart. Fame wasn't that significant to him. What preoccupied his mind was how to resolve the chaotic situation in Jiuzhou and how to increase his cultivation and strength as quickly as possible.

However, Gu Chen was also aware that he was indeed no longer suited to continue his role as a marshal of the Jing Tian Department, for there had never been a marshal within the department who had attained the Divine realm since its establishment.

And just as expected, when Gu Chen returned home, Eunuch Huang was already waiting there with the news that Emperor Ji Yuan intended to appoint him as a Protector on the following day's early court session.

Since the appointment of a Protector was of crucial importance, not only would Gu Chen be in attendance tomorrow, but also Qin Wu, the Deputy Leader of the Jing Tian Department, and all four Supervising Enforces of the Mingjing Department would take their places as well.

Upon learning that Gu Chen was to be appointed Protector, his second uncle, Gu Chengfeng, was so excited that he couldn't sleep at all that night.

The next day, early in the morning, at the imperial palace.

Atop the gilded throne, the new Emperor Ji Yuan, clad in the dragon robe and wearing a coronet, sat with a majestic demeanor as he looked down upon the assembled ministers.

"This morning's early court, I have a significant announcement," said Ji Yuan slowly. "Marquis Gu Chen has already reached the pinnacle of martial arts as a grandmaster of Divine realm, but due to certain reasons, he continues to serve as a marshal in the Jing Tian Department, a circumstance unprecedented since the founding of Da Xia.

Therefore, today, I intend to appoint Marquis Gu Chen as the thirteenth Protector of Da Xia!"

Ji Yuan's words were resonant and powerful as his imposing gaze swept across his ministers. "Do any of you have objections?" he asked.

Of course, his gaze was primarily fixed on King Huai. He was curious to see what excuse his uncle would use this time to prevent Gu Chen's appointment as the thirteenth Protector of Da Xia.

But this time, King Huai was calm and composed, standing quietly without uttering a word.

With King Huai silent, naturally, no one among the ministers spoke; they all stood with lowered heads and demure eyes.

This also indicated the extent of King Huai's influence in the court. One could say that the throne room was dominated by King Huai, who firmly controlled it.

On the surface, it appeared that Emperor Ji Yuan was seated at the place of honor, but in reality, it was King Huai who had always been in charge of state affairs and controlled the National Artifacts.

At that moment, Qin Wu, the Deputy Leader of the Jing Tian Department, stepped forward with a solemn expression and fist clasped. "Your Majesty is wise; I have no objections," he said in a deep voice.

Hearing this, Ji Yuan nodded slowly and turned his gaze to King Huai, asking, "Uncle Wang, do you have any objections this time?"

As he spoke, Ji Yuan's gaze became somewhat fierce; he did not believe King Huai would refuse again.

Hearing his name called by Ji Yuan, King Huai remained composed and indifferently uttered a single word, "Agreeable."

Seeing this, Emperor Ji Yuan furrowed his brow as King Huai's attitude hardly resembled that of a subject. Their roles seemed to have switched.

Taking a deep breath to suppress the emotions in his heart, Ji Yuan glanced at Eunuch Huang standing beside him. Eunuch Huang then understood and promptly began to read the imperial edict.

The content of the imperial edict was simple: It briefly described the achievements Gu Chen had made in the Jing Tian Department, his current strength, and his renown throughout the land. The position of Protector was well-deserved by Gu Chen.

When the reading of the imperial edict concluded, Ji Yuan spoke in a stern voice, "Since none of you have any contrary opinions, summon Marquis Gu Chen to the court."

"Summon Marquis Gu Chen to enter the court!" Eunuch Huang's high-pitched voice rang out, carrying far beyond the throne room.

Soon, everyone in the throne room saw a figure with a tall stature and a robust body, his black hair hanging loose like a wild dragon, slowly making his way into the great hall.

"Your servant, Marquis Gu Chen, pays respect to Your Majesty!" Gu Chen bowed slightly with fists clasped.

"Marquis, you are exempt from the formalities."

Emperor Ji Yuan raised his hand in a helping motion, and his face showed a clear smile upon seeing Gu Chen. "Marquis Gu Chen, at such a young age you have reached the Divine realm in martial arts and have become a top grandmaster in the martial world. Furthermore, you have made significant contributions to Da Xia in the fight against the Six Union God Sect among many other matters.

Today, grateful for all you have done for Da Xia, I hereby appoint you as the thirteenth Protector of Da Xia. Are you willing to accept this?"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, your servant is willing!" Gu Chen said with a solemn expression, expressing his willingness.

Ji Yuan nodded, speaking gravely, "The land of the nine provinces is in chaos, and a great calamity is impending. I hope, Marquis Gu Chen, that you will help Da Xia suppress chaos throughout the land, eliminate the malfeasant, clear away all evil spirits of the nine provinces, and restore peace and order. Marquis, do you have the confidence to do this?"

"Your servant will not fail the trust Your Majesty has placed in me!" Gu Chen's response was loud and resolute. With his tall stature and handsome face, eyes shining like stars, he exuded a powerful confidence, unyielding and determined.

In that moment, the ministers looked on from the sidelines, some moved by the firm conviction emanating from the young figure at the forefront.

Even King Huai, upon witnessing such a Gu Chen, found his pupils dilating for an instant, affected by the strong belief that radiated from him, momentarily taken aback.

There was such purity in that belief that it left King Huai somewhat bewildered, as if it brought something back to his mind.

Emperor Ji Yuan, seated on the dragon throne, feeling elated by Gu Chen's words, had a look of excitement on his face. His emotions surged as he said, "Excellent! I believe that, Marquis Gu Chen, you will indeed achieve this and become the pillar stone not only for Da Xia but for the entire nine provinces. I believe that day is not far away!"

"I hereby declare, from this day forward, Marquis Gu Chen is the thirteenth Protector of Da Xia!"

"Your servant, receives the decree!"