Young Prodigies Gather at the Thousands Banquet—Naturally, He's Here to See His Fiancée
Young Prodigies Gather at the Thousands Banquet—Naturally, He’s Here to See His Fiancée
Skyward Schloss, Supreme Peak.
The moment the sky-piercing divine light appeared in the depths of Skyward Schloss, Gu Changge noticed it.
However, he knew very well that this was not the sign of the Celestial Path appearing.
If the true Celestial Path were to appear, the spectacle would be absolutely world-shaking—how could it possibly be something a single Elder could conceal? This was most likely just an omen.
Of course, because of this, the matter of Skyward Schloss’s immortal treasure emerging into the world had also caught the attention of the various Dao Lineages and powers, instantly pushing the sect into the eye of the storm.
No matter how domineering the Great Elder was, he couldn’t possibly withstand all the forces of the Beyond’s Inner Domain on his own.
Just the other Cults of Immortality and Supreme Dao Lineages alone accounted for quite a few, not to mention the Ancient Immortal Races and Longevity Families eyeing them like tigers watching their prey.
With such a great opportunity at stake, who would give it up? Everyone wanted a share of the spoils.
The Longevity Gu Family was no exception.
In the end, the Great Elder would choose to compromise.
The depths of Skyward Schloss would be opened to the various powers before long.
On this point, it was excellent news for Gu Changge. He had still been pondering how to sneak his way in, and now the opportunity had delivered itself to his door.
No matter how much the Great Elder disliked him and wanted to make things difficult for him, it wouldn’t amount to much anymore.
On the contrary, when the time came, the old man would probably have to come begging to him.
“When Skyward Schloss faces the disciples of the other Dao Lineages, won’t they have to rely on me to hold up the scene?”
Thinking of this, a playful smile appeared on Gu Changge’s face.
Among all the current disciples of Skyward Schloss, there was probably no one left who dared to oppose him.
The other four of the Five Greatest Direct Disciples—the four strongest Direct Disciples—were all like this as well.
As for the other Direct Disciples, though they had no shortage of tricks up their sleeves, compared to the Five Greatest Direct Disciples, they were even less worth mentioning.
Unless one was like Yin Mei, the Gifted Lady of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan—extremely mysterious, with countless hidden methods.
But no one knew that even she was one of Gu Changge’s people.
“Jin Zhou is in seclusion, and the other two, Tian Yang and Zhong Tianyuan, also went into seclusion after that day. Speaking of which, I practically rule Skyward Schloss with one hand now.”
“All that’s left is to plant my people among the Elders.”
Gu Changge mused as he left the palace.
After that, a host of followers trailed behind him—including quite a few Direct Disciples, Yin Mei among them—as they headed toward the mountain gate with Gu Changge.
During this period, Gu Xianer had been arranged by the Great Elder to stay at the mountain peak, forbidden from coming out until she broke through to the Honoured Lord Realm.
Gu Changge naturally wouldn’t go asking for a snub.
The Great Elder wouldn’t casually let him through again—he might even slap him right out the door.
And when that happened, Gu Xianer, unable to figure things out, would definitely be unable to resist running off to find him.
In all things, a proper measure was enough; going too far was as bad as not going far enough.
Right now, Skyward Ancient City was incredibly lively, with people from every Dao Lineage and great sect arriving. It was the perfect time for him to go meet his “old acquaintances.”
At the same time, he also wanted to find out who this Fortuitous One the System had suddenly notified him about actually was.
He might as well go gather some information.
Since the target was within the range the System had indicated, they presumably wouldn’t be too far from him.
And as Gu Changge set out for Skyward Ancient City, many disciples within the mountain gate were stirred, watching from afar as he departed with his entourage of followers.
They couldn’t help but reveal looks of longing and admiration.
After offending the Great Elder, he could still act with impunity within the sect, and even the various Elders could do nothing about him.
Something like this—only Gu Changge could pull it off.
For a time, news of Direct Disciple Gu’s departure from Skyward Schloss spread far and wide, and many people kept close tabs on his every move.
......
Skyward Gate Tower.
This was a magnificent complex of towers and pavilions in Skyward Ancient City, belonging to the Alliance of Thousand Merchants, backed by numerous Cults of Immortality and possessed of profound foundations.
Ordinarily, it only received great figures and prodigious talents.
This place was colored like a glazed pure land, with irises and orchids carpeting the ground, a refreshing fragrance wafting through the air, and all manner of rare birds and exotic beasts roaming about.
Spiritual mountains wreathed in mist rose one after another, essence qi coiling around their peaks—truly a treasured land for cultivation.
Palaces, towering and grand, sat upon spiritual roots, breathing in and out rosy radiance, dense vapors rising, like a divine court itself.
At this moment, many outstanding young talents had gathered here, all hailing from the various great powers.
Some brought followers, striding with dragon-like steps and tiger-like bearing, brimming with high spirits, divine light shrouding their bodies.
Some had striking, prominent features and defiant countenances, essence qi coiling around them, their blood qi surging.
Others had lovely, beautiful faces, moving like fairy maidens, carrying an otherworldly air.
The emergence of Skyward Schloss’s immortal treasure had alarmed many powers.
But constrained by matters of face, they couldn’t have their great figures rush over in person, so they had sent the elites of their clans and sects instead.
Everyone here was a genius of some renown in the outside world, and there were even several Young Prodigies making an appearance, swiftly heading into the palace and causing a huge sensation.
Skyward Schloss could now be said to have drawn in far too many Cultivators.
Within Skyward Ancient City alone, streaks of divine rainbows could now be seen, along with enormous ships exceeding ten thousand zhang in length, blotting out the sky as they sped in from all directions.
Skyward Gate Tower was backed by the Alliance of Thousand Merchants.
Not only did it house Skyward Ancient City’s largest auction house, it also had the largest merchant emporium, where all manner of spirit pills, precious medicines, manuals of Transcendent techniques, and divine weapon materials could be purchased.
Beyond that, there was the Thousands Banquet, renowned across the heavens—a banquet where prodigies from every path gathered to debate the Dao and contend for the top spot.
Every Thousands Banquet featured good things—either powerful Transcendent treasure techniques or mysterious heavenly arts. Just how great a temptation this held for young prodigies went without saying.
On top of that, it was also a fine opportunity to make one’s name known across the eight directions and shake the world.
Many young prodigies were discussing among themselves, divine light gleaming in their eyes.
“Skyward Schloss’s immortal treasure has emerged into the world. Our sect sent us here this time, so they must be confident they can get us inside,” said a young being with a pair of silver wings growing from his back.
“Otherwise, anyone who isn’t a Skyward Schloss disciple generally can’t get in,” the person beside him nodded.
“I’d say you’re all making this too simple.”
“The depths of Skyward Schloss are said to be a Celestial Ancient Continent—who knows how many opportunities are hidden there? Can any of you say for sure? If it were me, I’d definitely want it all to myself. Why would I share it? You have to know, normally only the Elders and successors of Skyward Schloss are qualified to enter. Even Direct Disciples don’t qualify.”
At this, a young man nearby chimed in upon hearing those words, somewhat disdainful.
His entire body was wreathed in faint violet flames, his face pitch-black, as though he hailed from a land of darkness.
Many people recognized him and couldn’t help but change expression slightly.
This was a prodigy of the Plutonic Land, wielder of an Innate Plutonic Flame—who knew how many enemies had been burned to death by him.
There were even rumors that he was no weaker than some Young Prodigies.
Still, his words won the agreement of quite a few people.
Skyward Schloss’s status was special; the higher-ups of many powers had once emerged from its ranks and retained old ties to it.
They were too embarrassed to speak up themselves, so they had sent some young people over—which, come to think of it, could also be considered a trial for them.
“Speaking of Skyward Schloss, one can’t avoid mentioning the Gu Family’s Young Master these days. With him around, for the rest of the younger generation to snatch opportunities from Skyward Schloss’s hands... I’m afraid that’s impossible...”
A young man with long blue hair shook his head as he spoke, scales growing on his face, divine light flickering faintly—he was from the Ancient Sea Family.
His words instantly silenced many of those present.
Clearly, during this period, they had all heard the news.
Gu Changge!
A Young Prodigy at the mid-stage of the Honoured King Realm!
He had effortlessly crushed Chu Wuji, a prince of the Great Chu Celestial Dynasty who was himself a Young Prodigy—his strength unfathomable.
To his peers, this carried immense deterrence and pressure.
One could even say he was currently an insurmountable mountain!
“However, I did hear that the Gu Family’s Young Master doesn’t get along with Skyward Schloss’s Great Elder. A few days ago he even provoked the Great Elder’s wrath, causing the winds and clouds to change color...”
Someone’s eyes suddenly flickered as he smiled with a strange expression. “It’s not necessarily a given that the Gu Family’s Young Master will stand on Skyward Schloss’s side when the time comes.”
Just then, a commotion suddenly came from outside Skyward Gate Tower.
Everyone involuntarily looked over, and all of them fell into a collective daze.
A breathtakingly beautiful young woman in purple robes came treading through the air.
With every step she took, lotuses of the Great Dao blossomed in the void, blooming one after another.
Divine radiance enveloped her body, her sleeves fluttering, her fair, lustrous face utterly without ripple.
Her eyes were like gemstones, beautiful beyond compare—truly a peerless elegance.
“Who is she?”
For a moment, a huge sensation erupted here, and many young people were stunned, their gazes filled with wonder.
None of them recognized this purple-robed young woman.
“It’s him! The successor of the Ancient Ye Family, Ye Langtian!”
At that moment, someone suddenly cried out, looking toward a valiant young man behind the purple-robed girl.
He stood half a step behind her, clad in golden divine robes as though shrouded in golden divine light, even his hair strands brilliant and crystalline, with phenomena of True Dragons, Vermilion Birds, Black Tortoises, and the like rising and sinking around him.
“Ye Langtian, the one they call the Reincarnation of an Ancient Emperor!”
“Sss! He actually came too—who would’ve thought! Even he has emerged into the world and come to the Boundless Heaven.”
“Looks like the Ancient Ye Family wants a hand in this matter too. Ye Langtian, titled the Reincarnation of an Ancient Emperor, has begun walking the world—the golden age has already begun...”
Within Skyward Gate Tower, many Cultivators couldn’t help but be shaken, casting gazes of awe toward that young man shrouded in divine light.
After all, this was a Young Prodigy said to be on par with Gu Changge, the one of True Celestial Being aptitude—powerful beyond belief.
Very few had ever seen him make a move.
His battle record was sparse.
But every entry in it was glorious.
He had even, just like Gu Changge, defeated a Young Prodigy of higher cultivation than himself, winning as the weaker against the stronger.
Ye Langtian rarely showed himself, yet now he had actually appeared in Skyward Ancient City, and many people immediately connected it to recent events.
“Greetings, Young Master Ye!”
At once, many people cupped their fists toward Ye Langtian in salute, showing their respect.
Ye Langtian also nodded slightly, his attitude neither overbearing nor arrogant.
“Big brother, do you think Gu Changge will come here?”
The purple-robed girl beside Ye Langtian was, of course, Ye Liuli.
Her beautiful eyes swept around the area, and failing to spot Gu Changge’s figure, she couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.
Hearing this, Ye Langtian smiled and said, “As the host of Skyward Schloss, how could Brother Gu possibly fail to show up?”
After that, he introduced Ye Liuli’s identity to the many prodigies present.
Very few people had known that Ye Liuli was actually his own younger sister, fostered in the Overworld in the past and only recently returned to the Ye Family.
Hearing the explanation, quite a few people quickly began to harbor designs.
The little princess of the Ye Family—setting everything else aside, her looks alone were enough to make them drool with desire.
Moreover, if one could become a prized son-in-law of the Ye Family, that would be an even finer thing.
Everyone harbored their own thoughts as they mingled and conversed here.
And just then, another voice came from outside Skyward Gate Tower.
But this time it was accompanied by a mocking laugh. “Ye Langtian, a few days ago, I heard you suffered a huge loss at the hands of a branch-line disciple, and in the end you could only fight him to a draw. Is that news true or false?”
A burly man with conspicuous white markings on his forehead, draped in beast hides, walked in.
A terrifying baleful aura clung to his body, his blood qi fluctuations incredibly vigorous—he was practically a walking furnace striding through the mortal world.
“The White Tiger Clan’s Young Master, Bai Lie! Why is he here too!”
“Sss! Another Young Prodigy!”
Seeing this person, many were shocked once again, unable to help sucking in a cold breath.
Today, Young Prodigies were appearing one after another.
The White Tiger Clan was one of the Ancient Royal Families.
The White Tiger Clan’s Divine Talent was the ultimate Golden Force, capable of annihilating all things and containing dreadful offensive power.
There were even rumors that the destructive power of the White Tiger Clan’s Golden Force ranked among the top three in the Beyond!
Bai Lie, moreover, was the prodigy with the strongest bloodline the White Tiger Clan had seen in nearly ten thousand years, showing signs of atavism.
Compared to other Young Prodigies, his foundation was clearly deeper!
Hearing Bai Lie’s words, a commotion rippled through Skyward Gate Tower for a moment.
This news stunned everyone.
Ye Langtian was a Young Prodigy on par with Gu Changge, titled the Reincarnation of an Ancient Emperor—yet he had suffered a huge loss at the hands of a branch-line clansman, fighting to a draw?
The implications of this matter were simply too astonishing.
Quite a few Young Prodigies emerged from within the palace, their gazes filled with shock.
Hearing these words, Ye Langtian...
He was silent for a moment, a fleeting gloom passing through his eyes, before he said, “I didn’t expect this matter to spread so quickly. Still, that fellow’s methods are indeed bizarre. I was suppressing my cultivation and fighting with my hands tied—otherwise, how could I have let him act so arrogantly?”
These words clearly amounted to an admission of the matter’s truth, instantly setting off huge waves here.
For a time, all of Skyward Gate Tower fell quiet.
Only Bai Lie laughed mockingly. “Of course I know about this matter—after all, Brother Ye Ling and I are on good terms. Of course, I didn’t come here just to be bored and poke at your scars.”
Ye Langtian’s expression turned somewhat gloomy. “Then what are you here for?”
“I’m naturally here to see my fiancée,” Bai Lie said with a grin, clearly immensely pleased with himself.
At these words, many people suddenly understood, and couldn’t help feeling a bit envious.
It was said that Yin Mei, the Nine-Lives Gifted Lady and a Direct Disciple of Skyward Schloss, had entered into a Marriage Agreement with Bai Lie some time ago.
The Gifted Lady of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan, whose beauty outshone the entire region, had been cultivating within Skyward Schloss all along.
Just then, an announcement came from outside Skyward Gate Tower: “The Young Master of the Longevity Gu Family has arrived!”