"What makes you say that?" Gu Zhen raised an eyebrow.
Li Shenrong chuckled softly. "It's not that hard to deduce. The Gu family is strong, but compared to an imperial lineage, you're still too small. If a force like yours could send one or two seedlings into an imperial lineage and establish ties, your status and influence would skyrocket."
He leaned back slightly, speaking unhurriedly, "According to my knowledge, imperial lineages only open their doors for a short period of time. Picking talented people, injecting new blood to the sect, not from a single family or sect, but through open competition. Talents from all over the world compete for the chance to enter. The trials are harsh, but your Gu family certainly doesn't lack geniuses, so there's no reason for you to be so patient with an outsider like me unless something has you worried."
His gaze met Gu Zhen's as he continued. "Which means one thing, your opponent has someone or perhaps more than one who can suppress all the geniuses in your family. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so eager to take the risk of drawing me in."
Gu Zhen's eyes flashed, staring intently at Li Shenrong.
After a while he nodded, "It is as you said. The Zhang family, our mortal enemy, gave birth to a supreme genius. He suppressed all of the younger generation, unable to raise their heads. If this goes on, we will definitely lose the spot to enter the dynasty."
"Forgive me for declining Lord Gu." Li Shenrong said as the light in Gu Zhen's eyes dimmed but Li Shenrong continued to say, "But, i don't mind helping you secure the spot."
Gu Zhen's eyes lit up. "Oh? You're willing to represent the Gu family?"
"In name only," Li Shenrong said calmly. "If I enter the Dynasty, your Gu family will naturally share in the benefits."
Gu Zhen took a deep look at him before saying. "So young, yet so perceptive. Whether martial arts or intellect you are indeed extraordinary."
Then he laughed. "I've already suppressed the news of Xu Lang's death. By the time they find out, it'll be too late, haha!"
The worry in Shen Shou's eyes vanished. "Lord Gu is wise." He started flattering him. The endless amount of shamelessly flattering made Shen Lin blush with shame.
"Alright, the banquet is about to start."
Following behind Gu Zhen they entered the hall which was already full of people.
Many were shocked to see Li Shenrong walking alongside Gu Zhen, after all, he had killed a Gu family elder.
Gu Zhen didn't even mention anything about killing Gu Tian, from his words it could be understood that he had even watched silently when Gu Tian was killed. Which means Gu Zhen and Gu Tian wasn't in the same camp. Big families like this are complicated, having several factions. Gu Tian was unlucky, he wanted to scheme, wanting to drag Gu Zhen into taking action but Gu Zhen was simply more ruthless and indifferent.
Still many people feared to interact with Li Shenrong. After all the Sacred Sword ground was no joke. It was an overlord level force.
Suddenly a loud laughter echoed as a simple looking man strode in. His steps were full of arrogance, expression fierce.
"What a good Gu family. Daring to shelter the murderer of my Sect's disciple." He gazed at Gu Zhen and spoke.
Gu Zhen frowned. "This will be troublesome. How did he appear here!"
He thought to himself before sending a mental message to his aide. "Didn't you confirm there were no Sacred Sword ground's people on board?"
"My lord, I was certain… I don't know how he got here." the aide replied anxiously.
Gu Zhen stood and smiled calmly. "I wasn't aware an esteemed outer elder of the Sacred Sword Ground was visiting, or I would have welcomed you personally."
"Cut the crap! Gu Zhen, that kid killed a disciple of my sect yet you invited him to your banquet, sheltering him. What is your intention?" The Sacred sword ground elder uttered coldly.
"I value talent. Everyone knows that." Gu Zhen replied leisurely. "He had a small conflict with an elder of my family, that's all. As for your disciple's death, I have no knowledge of it."
Sacred Sword ground elder was furious as he angrily stared at him. "You think you can distort the truth? Many of the people here had witnessed the murder of my sect's disciple." Saying this his eyes swept over everyone.
Everyone: *_*
The hall was silent. Not a single person spoke out.
Gu Zhen's lips curled up.
Seeing that no one was speaking out the elder felt ashamed and angry.
His aura flared, causing the protective barrier to tremble violently. As an outer elder of the sacred sword ground, his cultivation wasn't weak. He was a late stage Dao sovereign.
Gu Zhen remained seated, his voice was calm but cold. "Be mindful of where you are, Daoist Hei Cheng. If you damage this airship, don't blame me for being impolite." As he said this, Gi Zhen's aura bore down on him. Under the pressure of a Demi-god, Hei Cheng's face paled. He tactfully restrained his aura, no longer overbearing as before.
No matter how angry he was, he couldn't afford to offend the divinity of a Demi-God.
"Fine, Gu Zhen, the Gu family, I'll remember this. As for that brat, i will see how long you can protect him. The Gu family shall bear the wrath of my Sacred Sword ground." With a final glare, Hei Cheng strode out.
The guests sighed in relief.
"Thank you all." Gu Zhen said with a cupped fist. "The Gu family will remember today's support."
"Lord Gu, think nothing of it. We've long disliked the Sacred Sword Ground. You did well to put them in their place!"
Everyone laughed cheerfully.
The banquet ended and Li Shenrong returned to his room. "Brother Li, are you really going to join the Gu clan?" Shen Lin asked curiously, her eyes shining with interest.
"As I said, I'll only be joining in name. I'll participate in the competition and secure a spot for them. Besides, I have my own matters to attend to in the Ancient Blazing Heaven Star Dynasty," he replied calmly.
"Huh… what kind of matters?" She blinked innocently and tilting her head.
Li Shenrong couldn't help but give a knock on her forehead as he laughed. "Little girl you are far too curious!"
"Ouch…" Shen Lin pouted, her eyes misting up as she rubbed her forehead.
Shen Shou, meanwhile, was laughing heartily at the side, his entire face blooming with glee. His chubby cheeks quivered like jelly, as though he was already dreaming of a future free from calamity.