You Don't Understand Your Brother's Painstaking Efforts—Swear on Your Dao Heart Not to Harm Her?
You Don’t Understand Your Brother’s Painstaking Efforts—Swear on Your Dao Heart Not to Harm Her?
Gu Xianer was baffled. Why wasn’t Gu Changge staying put on his Supreme Peak? What was he doing running all the way out here?
He had stirred up a hornet’s nest on the Celestial Ancient Continent, and now he was just dumping the mess and walking away from it all?
“Gu Changge, what are you doing here?”
Recovering quickly, the Great Elder stepped forward, emerging from the void with a sweep of his wide sleeves as he spoke.
He had never had a pleasant expression for Gu Changge—not in the past, and not now.
Admiration was admiration, but he could hardly agree with many of Gu Changge’s methods.
Their cultivation philosophies were completely different!
Gu Nanshan’s expression wasn’t too pleasant either, but with Gu Xianer beside him, he still had to put on an appearance of appreciating Gu Changge.
This only made him feel more stifled and depressed inside.
“Naturally, I’m here waiting for the Great Elder and the Ancestor to return, and while I’m at it, to see whether Xianer has been slacking off during this time.”
Gu Changge said with a smile, his figure tall and slender, handsome as jade, his robes wide and flowing, his words carrying an air of natural nobility.
“Xianer, I haven’t seen you for a while, and your cultivation has improved considerably. As your brother, I’m quite gratified.”
As he spoke, he looked toward Gu Xianer, who was secretly shifting her body backward.
Anyone unfamiliar with him would absolutely be deceived by that refined, elegant, smiling face of his.
But Gu Xianer was not.
Her demeanor was cool and indifferent, and she inwardly rolled her eyes slightly.
She refused to believe Gu Changge would be kind enough to come see her. He very likely had some scheme brewing, quietly plotting something.
Gu Xianer still remembered it crystal clear—she had gone with the best of intentions to check on Gu Changge’s injuries.
But not only had he shown no gratitude, he had viciously humiliated her, and on top of that, tricked her, forcing her to get dragged into the Feathered Clan’s assassination attempt.
In Gu Xianer’s little ledger, this debt was recorded in perfect detail, waiting for the day she could collect it back from Gu Changge with interest.
“What, still blaming your brother over what happened that day? I did it for your own good. At such a young age, if you lack tempering, it’ll be hard for you to achieve anything great in the future.”
“When your brother was your age, I had already charged alone into the Boundless Sea...”
“Unlike you, who couldn’t even handle a princess of the Ancient Sea Palace.”
Seeing Gu Xianer’s expression, how could Gu Changge not guess what she was thinking?
At once, he revealed a smile, his demeanor warm and natural.
As he spoke, he even shook his head.
His words sounded quite sincere and earnest, the very picture of an elder brother looking out for Gu Xianer.
Hearing these words.
At this moment, even Gu Nanshan, as the Ancestor, was somewhat stunned.
He had figured that Gu Changge and Gu Xianer were clearly mortal enemies—it would already be good if they didn’t draw blades on each other when they met.
How was it that they now seemed to be on good terms?
Had he really gotten something wrong? Or had Gu Changge already resolved the root of the problem?
Thinking of this, he suddenly felt a flash of understanding.
No wonder Gu Xianer no longer held much hatred or killing intent toward Gu Changge—so it had already been dissolved by him.
For a moment, Gu Nanshan felt rather emotional and gratified.
His anger toward Gu Changge, and his desire to teach him a lesson, faded considerably.
This junior did have some tricks up his sleeve. Putting it that way, he was actually quite capable.
“Gu Changge, stop putting on an act...”
It would have been better if Gu Changge hadn’t spoken—the moment he did, Gu Xianer flared up.
He was truly bringing up exactly what shouldn’t be mentioned. He really was doing this on purpose to anger her...
Gu Xianer gritted her teeth in hatred, barely able to hold back.
Right then, she secretly clenched her silver teeth, glaring fixedly at Gu Changge.
Within her crystalline, beautiful eyes, a piercing chill seeped out.
Like blades of ice, as if to run him through!
Just moments ago, she had been wearing a cheerful smile—this trip to the Celestial Ancient Continent could be called a bountiful harvest.
But in the blink of an eye, her small face was covered in frost, like an iceberg that would never melt for a thousand ages.
“Your brother’s painstaking efforts—you don’t understand them yet.”
Gu Changge shook his head, speaking with some regret and disappointment.
“Ancestor, can you suppress Gu Changge’s cultivation? I want to duel him fair and square, and tear that mouth of his apart!”
Hearing this, Gu Xianer said coldly.
She was thoroughly convinced Gu Changge was deliberately provoking her.
“Xianer, don’t tell me you think that with the Ancestor backing you up, you’ve gotten full of yourself again?”
Gu Changge chuckled lightly, looking as though he didn’t take Gu Xianer seriously at all.
His tone was casual.
This expression made Gu Xianer gnash her teeth in hatred, reminding her of the previous times she had been miserably suppressed by Gu Changge.
“Xianer, ahem, I’m afraid you’ve misunderstood Changge’s painstaking intentions...”
At this point, Gu Nanshan also coughed lightly. Judging from the current situation, the enmity between Gu Xianer and Gu Changge had already been largely resolved.
As the Ancestor, he naturally wanted to see such an outcome.
No matter how much he disliked Gu Changge, he couldn’t actually let the two of them come to blows right now.
So he hurriedly stopped Gu Xianer.
Honestly, even he, as the Ancestor, couldn’t see clearly just how strong Gu Changge was.
As for trump cards—who knew how many Gu Changge possessed?
If Gu Xianer really fought Gu Changge, with her current abilities, she absolutely wouldn’t gain the slightest advantage.
“Ancestor, aren’t you from my branch of the family? Why do you keep siding with Gu Changge at every turn...” Gu Xianer was somewhat exasperated. In front of Gu Changge, she simply couldn’t maintain her usual calm composure.
“The Ancestor is doing this for your own good too,” Gu Nanshan said helplessly.
Listening to the two of them, Gu Changge’s smile didn’t change. He raised his hand, lifted his cup, and brought the wine to his lips.
Inwardly, he had a clear understanding—sure enough, just as he had predicted, no matter how angry Gu Nanshan was with him now, he couldn’t possibly make a move against him.
After all, Gu Nanshan was no fool. Would he really tell Gu Xianer the truth at this point and ruin the current situation?
On the contrary, to maintain the present state of affairs, Gu Nanshan might even have to find ways to give Gu Changge some assists.
Just like now...
“If Xianer doesn’t believe her brother’s words, you can go outside right now and ask around—what exactly is the Ancient Sea Palace doing at this moment?”
Thinking of this, a strange glint flashed through Gu Changge’s eyes, and then he spoke with a slightly troubled expression.
“The Ancient Sea Palace...”
Gu Xianer was slightly taken aback, and many scenes from that time flashed through her mind.
Most of them were actually blurry, but one scene was especially clear.
The sky dark, the earth dim, killing intent boundless—Gu Changge descending from the heavens, standing in front of her.
Only now did Gu Xianer realize that she had personally killed the Seventh Princess of the Ancient Sea Palace on the Celestial Ancient Continent.
Although it had been Gu Changge who suppressed the Seventh Princess at the time, the one who struck the killing blow was her.
She could not escape the blame.
The Ancient Sea Palace would not let this go.
If the Ancient Sea Palace wanted revenge now, they would definitely come for her. Gu Changge was no fool—he hadn’t struck the killing blow back then, had tossed this burden onto her, and then withdrawn cleanly.
“You’re right. The Ancient Sea Palace will definitely come for revenge.”
Hearing this, Gu Xianer nodded. Given her current status and position, the Ancient Sea Palace wouldn’t take her seriously.
But if it had been Gu Changge who killed the Seventh Princess back then, things would be different—the Ancient Sea Palace wouldn’t dare to casually move against Gu Changge in retaliation.
So why had Gu Changge done it that way back then?
What was his goal?
“By this time, the Ancient Sea Palace has probably already come killing their way over. Xianer, you mustn’t let your brother’s painstaking efforts go to waste,” Gu Changge said again.
“Could everything he said be true?” Gu Xianer fell silent, somewhat puzzled.
Put that way, it seemed like Gu Changge had intended to set her up.
But then why, when her life had been in danger, had he been unable to hold back from appearing to save her?
And yet in the end, he had her personally end the Seventh Princess’s life, while he didn’t lift a finger.
In Gu Xianer’s view, there were two possibilities.
One was that Gu Changge purely wanted to watch the show, thought the trouble wasn’t big enough, wanted her to offend the Ancient Sea Palace—but not offend them to the death.
But given Gu Changge’s temperament, was there any power in this world he wouldn’t dare offend?
So the other possibility was that Gu Changge was simply too proud—he was clearly worried about her safety, yet insisted on putting on a high-and-mighty act.
And all of it was just as Gu Changge said—tempering that he had deliberately arranged for her.
She shook her head, tossing all these thoughts out of her mind. Gu Changge’s painstaking efforts? Why would he want to temper her?
Help her grow strong, so that she could then defeat him, even kill him, and avenge the bone-digging?
No normal person would do such a thing.
Had Gu Changge’s ultimate goal all along really been just this?
It had to be said—at this moment, Gu Xianer had fallen into confusion.
If this really was Gu Changge’s goal, then in her eyes it was utterly foolish, completely unlike something Gu Changge’s temperament would do.
Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Gu Changge smiled faintly, then said to the Great Elder, “Actually, there’s another matter for which Changge came this time—I needed to wait for the Great Elder’s return, to discuss it with you.”
“Waiting for this old man’s return—what matter is it?” the Great Elder asked with a frown.
“Naturally, to discuss recent events with the Great Elder. If I remember correctly, the Great Elder once promised to shelter the Celestial Ancient Races... Now that this passage has opened and so many outside orthodoxies have descended, the peace and stability within the Celestial Ancient Continent has long since been destroyed.”
Gu Changge said with a smile, not caring in the slightest about the Great Elder’s increasingly gloomy expression.
“Don’t think this old man doesn’t know—the chief culprit behind all of this is you. Now stop playing the good person in front of me,” the Great Elder coldly interrupted him.
Gu Changge smiled noncommittally. “It’s useless to talk about that now. The Celestial Gate has emerged, shaking all directions. Does the Great Elder truly intend to let so many old fossils rush into its midst? The Celestial Ancient Races being destroyed in this very day is not impossible.”
“As long as the Celestial Ancient Races remain divided for even one day, the turmoil of the Celestial Ancient Continent will not cease for one day. For Skyward Schloss, isn’t this also an opportunity?”
He spoke persuasively, wearing an expression that plainly said, “So what if you know my goal—what can you do about it?”
“Forget it. Skyward Schloss will not interfere in the struggles of any power. This is a tenet passed down since ancient times, and it will not be broken,”
the Great Elder said with a darkened face. Gu Changge’s meaning was already quite clear—he wanted to seize this opportunity to dominate the Celestial Ancient Continent and unify the Celestial Ancient Races.
It was just that Gu Changge had phrased it very tactfully.
What did he mean, an opportunity for Skyward Schloss?
Gu Changge was, after all, now the Successor of Skyward Schloss. What he was doing was plainly borrowing Skyward Schloss’s name to make the many Celestial Ancient Races submit and serve him, just like the Feathered Clan.
The Great Elder had lived for countless years and saw through Gu Changge’s goal almost instantly.
Gu Changge didn’t intend to conceal it either. Hearing this, he still smiled. “Great Elder, don’t be so quick to refuse my request. Speaking of which, you still owe me a favor, don’t you? Have you forgotten?”
“This girl Xianer is, when all is said and done, a member of my Gu Family. If the Great Elder truly wants what’s best for her, you’d do well to carefully consider what I’ve said. Changge really doesn’t want to use that favor to pressure the Great Elder.”
By this point, his meaning was abundantly clear.
No one present was a fool. Gu Nanshan couldn’t help but marvel—he had still underestimated Gu Changge’s audacity!
At the very least, Gu Changge was the first person to ever speak to the Great Elder like this!
The moment Gu Xianer heard Gu Changge drag her into it, she sensed trouble.
“Gu Changge, what are you plotting now?” she stared coldly at him.
Gu Changge ignored her clamor, still wearing a smile as he leisurely sat down on the stone chair.
“This wine has gone cold. What a pity...”
He shook his head slightly, thinking that he shouldn’t have left Yin Mei behind—her skill at warming wine was really quite good.
The Great Elder’s expression stiffened at this, anger hidden in his eyes. “Are you threatening this old man?”
“No, how would Changge dare? The Great Elder shouldn’t casually accuse me of such things,” Gu Changge said with a smile, his mouth refusing to admit to any such thing.
“Hmph!” The Great Elder couldn’t help but snort coldly. If Gu Changge didn’t have this goal, why would he bring up Gu Xianer’s name?
Moreover, bringing up that favor now—wasn’t that the same as saying that if he didn’t agree, Gu Changge would call in that favor?
This was an open scheme he simply could not refuse!
“This Gu Changge fellow is truly ruthless—when he schemes against people, it’s one trap after another.”
Gu Nanshan had naturally heard about this matter from Gu Xianer. Back then, the Great Elder had made a bet with Gu Changge, lost, and owed him a favor—while also giving him the position of Successor.
Today’s scene left him with no choice but to sigh in admiration.
What kind of figure was the Great Elder? Yet he had been eaten alive by Gu Changge, without the slightest room to refute.
In an instant, he felt much more balanced inside. Being schemed against by Gu Changge didn’t seem like such a hard thing to accept after all?
Hmm?
“Great Elder, think it over carefully. Xianer’s current status is very awkward. As her shifu, even if you won’t consider things for her sake, you must consider Skyward Schloss. After all, you don’t dare unify the Celestial Ancient Races—but... I do.”
Gu Changge still wore a faint smile as he continued speaking, simultaneously throwing out his final objective.
“Gu Changge, stop using me to threaten shifu. It won’t work.”
Gu Xianer’s willow brows shot upright, her small face covered in frost, wishing she could pounce on Gu Changge and fight him for a hundred rounds.
Saying such things right in front of her—wasn’t that the same as using her to threaten the Great Elder?
She wasn’t stupid; she could hear the meaning in Gu Changge’s words.
In Gu Xianer’s view, she had already seen through Gu Changge’s thoughts completely, and she didn’t believe he would actually do anything to her.
“This is the first time this old man has seen someone phrase a threat so elegantly and refinedly. Gu Changge, you’re quite capable.”
The Great Elder’s eyes were deep as he spoke in a heavy voice. Faintly, within his eyes appeared visions of heaven and earth shaking, of the universe’s great collapse.
He was truly angry.
“Great Elder, even if you’re angry, it’s useless. After all, you still owe me a favor. If you plan to bully the small as the big, I imagine the Ancestor won’t just stand by and watch, will he?”
Gu Changge remained calm and unhurried as he spoke, though toward the end, he turned with a smile to look at Gu Nanshan.
Without certainty, he naturally wouldn’t have said such things.
Now that he knew Gu Nanshan’s attitude, what did he have left to worry about?
“Your tone is far too bold. As a mere junior, how could you rule over all the Celestial Ancient Races? Even with your status, it can’t be done.” The Great Elder fell silent for a moment before sighing.
“That doesn’t matter,” Gu Changge said with a light smile. “That’s not something the Great Elder needs to worry about.”
“This old man can agree—but you must swear on your Dao Heart that from this day forward, you will not harm Xianer by any means. Additionally, you must acknowledge Xianer’s status.”
After a full half-moment of silence, the Great Elder finally spoke, obvious struggle flashing across his face.
It was clear this decision had been long deliberated.
After all, he had promised the ancestors of the Celestial Ancient Races that he would shelter their peoples. But now the tide of events was set, and with Gu Changge’s coercion on top of it...
The Great Elder could only make his choice reluctantly.
But before that, he had to obtain Gu Changge’s guarantee—and that guarantee was naturally Gu Xianer’s safety.
Gu Xianer would very likely be his last personal disciple.
The Great Elder was generous and upright by nature. Gu Xianer’s greatest enemy was Gu Changge.
Yet Gu Changge’s current attitude was unclear—even he didn’t know what goal Gu Changge harbored.
“Shifu...” Hearing these words, Gu Xianer was stunned for a moment, even forgetting to glare angrily at Gu Changge.
She hadn’t expected the Great Elder to actually compromise with Gu Changge for her sake.
This moved her deeply, a warm current flowing through her heart.
Actually, she felt this was unnecessary. Gu Changge had most likely just casually used her as a talking point.
“Why do you all always harbor such deep malice toward me?”
Hearing the Great Elder’s words, Gu Changge couldn’t help but shake his head slightly, his face showing a seemingly helpless expression as he spoke.
Honestly, the Great Elder’s words were exactly what he wanted.
After all, Gu Changge had never harbored any killing intent toward Gu Xianer, from beginning to end.
The Great Elder and the others were purely too guarded and wary of him.
A demand like this—asking it was the same as not asking at all.
Still, Gu Changge wouldn’t explain anything. That his conduct gave people such an impression was actually quite normal.
“Gu Changge, so do you agree or not?”
Seeing Gu Changge fall silent, the Great Elder’s expression grew stern as he asked again.
If Gu Changge wouldn’t agree to this, then he certainly couldn’t agree to Gu Changge’s demand either.
At this moment, Gu Xianer also looked toward Gu Changge.
Within those eyes like flawless glass, ripples of emotion stirred, hiding small feelings that only she herself knew about.
Actually, she also wanted to know what Gu Changge’s attitude toward her had been all along.
The Great Elder’s words were, in a way, also a test of Gu Changge.
Gu Xianer grew a little nervous.