"Open your eyes wide!"
A woman's stern voice rang out, as cold and clear as a spring.
The distracted soldier quickly turned his head to look at the woman approaching. She was dressed in a full suit of black armor, and her handsome face was outlined with two sword-like eyebrows that gave her a heroic air, and her expression was full of murderous intent.
"My Lord, please forgive me!"
Their faces flushed red as they repeatedly apologized for their oversight.
"How many times has this happened today?"
The woman questioned her, displeased.
"This is absolutely the first time we've made such a mistake."
The soldiers were filled with fear and trepidation.
"I'm asking about the invasion of demonic energy."
The woman frowned, looking very dissatisfied, and her tone became harsher.
"This is the eighth time."
Realizing that she wasn't accusing him, the soldier breathed a sigh of relief, even though her tone became more stern.
Gu Zhong has been guarding the Abyss of Gods and Demons for over a hundred years.
In recent years, the demon realm has been frequently in turmoil, with numerous incidents of attacks on the barrier occurring. Now, the barrier separating the two realms has cracked, and demonic energy has begun to leak out.
This matter is of utmost importance and could disrupt the peace of the Three Realms for tens of thousands of years. It must be reported to the God Emperor in a timely manner.
"Make sure to keep a close watch on this place and do not be negligent again."
She then gave another instruction to the soldier who had made the mistake.
"yes!"
The two soldiers naturally responded in unison.
Having said that, Gu Zhong turned around and headed straight for the heavens without hesitation.
Above the ninth heaven, the majestic Heavenly Gate of the Divine Realm stands tall and resplendent in gold. The gatekeepers, clad in white armor, stand like statues at the entrance.
Upon seeing unfamiliar people attempting to pass through the Heavenly Gate, they dutifully crossed their spears and halberds to block them.
Who goes there?
"General Zhenyuan is concerned about important matters and has to go to the Heavenly Palace to report to the God Emperor."
Gu Zhong raised his hands in a fist and bowed, politely and amicably explaining the reason.
"I have not heard of any decree from the God Emperor. Logically speaking, you should not return to the God Realm without authorization."
Upon hearing her name, the guard frowned slightly, then adopted a cold and unsympathetic demeanor.
"In urgent situations, expediency is necessary; please be lenient."
Gu Zhong sighed, but still explained patiently.
The guard hesitated for a moment, seemingly unsure whether to let her in.
"Oh—isn't this Lord Gu Zhong?"
Just then, a sarcastic voice came from the side.
The guards bowed to the newcomer.
"The Divine Lord of Yangshuo".
"Yangshuo, it's been a long time."
Upon seeing this acquaintance whom he didn't particularly want to see, Gu Zhong nodded slightly, his eyes flickered, but he didn't show any emotion on his face, still greeting him politely and courteously.
"Lord Gu Zhong, what brings you to the Heavenly Gate Palace today?"
Yang Shuo's face was filled with contempt and mockery, and he had an air of superiority.
"Important military matters."
Gu Zhong had no intention of getting entangled with him and only gave a cold reply.
"The God Emperor is busy with countless affairs of state. How can you possibly use some trivial matter as a pretext to see him whenever you want? Don't let her in."
But the annoying man insisted on bothering her and even gave orders to the guards nearby.
The guard's submissive demeanor suggests that he is directly under the command of this person.
"Yang Shuo, I had no idea you were representing the God Emperor?"
Even the most good-tempered person can't help but lose their temper, let alone Gu Zhong, who was no pushover, who immediately retorted with barbed words.
"you!"
Yang Shuo's expression changed. If these words were to get out today, he would inevitably be accused of disrespecting the God Emperor.
"Yes, I don't know either. When did someone dare to disrespect Father? Besides, the matter of Zhenyuan General is definitely a major event concerning the God Realm. How can you stop it just by saying so?"
At this moment, a sweet female voice interrupted their conversation. A woman dressed in white suddenly appeared before the Heavenly Gate.
She smiled charmingly, her bright eyes sparkling with a pure innocence that could instantly win the hearts of anyone who met her for the first time.
—At least that's what Gu Zhong thought the moment he saw her.
"The High Goddess Lingyan".
The guards and Yang Shuo quickly bowed and paid their respects, covered in cold sweat, wondering how long she had been watching them.
As soon as they addressed him that way, Gu Zhong immediately realized what they meant.
This person is none other than the Goddess Lingyan. There is a rumor in the God Realm that she is the reincarnation of the World-Suppressing Divine Pearl. With her around, the God Realm can be protected from harm. Therefore, since her birth, she has been favored by the God Emperor and adopted as his goddaughter.
In the realm of gods, aside from the God Emperor and the Young Lord, everyone has to show her respect.
"Yang Shuo, you are so negligent and irresponsible even when guarding the gate. You can't even do this simple job well. You should go back to your cave and cultivate properly."
Lingyan was very disapproving of Yang Shuo's behavior.
"Please forgive me, God!"
Yang Shuo was terrified. He never expected that his smug expression had been seen by the God Emperor's favorite. These words had almost decided his fate.
"Lord Gu Zhong, what urgent matter do you have to discuss?"
Ling Yan ignored him and turned her gaze to Gu Zhong, who was standing outside the door.
She was dressed in black armor that seemed to have been worn for a long time, looking travel-worn and exhausted, yet still as steadfast and upright as a pine tree.
Such a sharp and resolute temperament could only belong to Gu Zhong, who was known as the God of War.
"This matter must be reported to the God Emperor in person."
Gu Zhong refused to answer without hesitation. This matter should not be publicized. The realms of gods and demons have been at peace for tens of thousands of years. If this sudden change were to become widely known, it would easily cause panic in the realm of gods.
"Then come with me."
Ling Yan nodded, ignoring the disheveled Yang Shuo, and led Gu Zhong into the Heavenly Gate.
He left a resentful look behind him.
"Although Yang Shuo is fond of petty gains, he is not someone who cannot distinguish between what is important and what is not. Why would he make things difficult for you at Tianmen?"
Lingyan was very curious about the minor conflict that had occurred at Tianmen.
"He used to serve as my deputy general, made some mistakes, and was expelled from Zhenyuan Army by me. Now he is just taking revenge for personal grudges."
"Many thanks to the Goddess Lingyan for speaking up for justice. This matter is extremely important and must not be delayed."
As he spoke, Gu Zhong stopped and bowed to Ling Yan.
"Lord Gu Zhong, there's no need to be so polite. You are admired by many lords in our divine realm. Only with the God of War guarding the Abyss of Gods and Demons can the divine realm maintain its peace for ten thousand years. No amount of respect is too much."
Lingyan turned away and waved her hands repeatedly, unwilling to accept such a formal greeting.
"I never imagined I had such a reputation among all the divine lords?"
With his dark eyes, seemingly able to see through people's hearts, fixed on Ling Yan's face, Gu Zhong chuckled softly.
She was well aware of her reputation in the divine realm.
As a descendant of the Asura race, bloodthirstiness and warlike nature are her defining characteristics. Despite her reputation as a war goddess, she still suffers constant neglect. Fortunately, because of his fearsome reputation, no one dares to bully her.
"That's natural."
However, the words spoken by Lingyan did not seem fake at all, but were filled with sincere respect and reverence.
Gu Zhong was taken aback, then shook his head helplessly and smiled wryly.
This Lingyan deity is truly extraordinary—she possesses a certain innocence.
The Nine Heavens Palace, perched atop the highest clouds, is hidden amidst layers of ethereal mist, where celestial music softly plays. From the outside, it exudes an aura of supreme majesty while also conveying a sense of peace, suggesting a balance between leniency and severity.
The white jade floor tiles contain the spiritual essence of the sun and moon, and immortals who walk on them will find their steps blossoming like lotus flowers, with each step contributing to their cultivation.
Upon seeing Lingyan leading someone towards them, the fairy maidservant serving outside the palace gate bowed slightly and greeted her as "Goddess Lingyan".
The God Emperor, who was bowing his head at the crystal table, smiled and raised his head upon hearing the sound. However, his expression stiffened slightly and he looked rather unnatural upon seeing the person she had brought with her.
"Greetings, God Emperor."
Gu Zhong knelt on one knee, bowed his head, and bowed, adopting the demeanor of a respectful subject.
"Gu Zhong, why are you not guarding the Abyss of Gods and Demons, but instead entering the God Realm without being summoned? What important matter do you have to attend to?"
Although he disliked Gu Zhong's unauthorized entry into the God Realm, the God Emperor was not a fool. He knew that she would not return to the God Realm without a reason, and that something big must have happened.
He waved his hand to dismiss those around him, and even Lingyan was driven out of the hall, leaving only one person behind.
Gu Zhong caught a glimpse of a pair of moon-white boots standing on the jade steps out of the corner of his eye. He figured that the person who stayed behind must be the young lord whom the God Emperor had been carefully nurturing in recent years.
"Reporting to the Divine Emperor. Something is amiss in the Abyss of Gods and Demons. In recent years, the Demon Realm has been frequently in turmoil, and demonic energy has repeatedly breached the barrier between gods and demons."
After prolonged impact, a crack has appeared in the barrier today, allowing a considerable amount of demonic energy to attempt to enter the realm of gods.
Although I led my divine troops to stop it in time, this is not a good strategy in the long run. I hope the Divine Emperor will grant me a way to fill the barrier.
Gu Zhong concisely explained the current situation and her purpose for coming here.
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell into a long silence.