Completely Unwashable Now, More Dangerous Than the Successor of Demonic Arts
Completely Unwashable Now, More Dangerous Than the Successor of Demonic Arts
“Young Master Gu.”
Ying Yu was startled as well, her silver eyes widening.
She hadn’t expected Gu Changge to come here, let alone stand in front of them.
Was he going to intervene and save them once again?
“Greetings, Young Master Changge!”
The people of Sky Emperor Mountain weren’t fools at this moment either. Seeing that Gu Changge seemed intent on stepping in to resolve the situation, they all spoke up in greeting, their attitudes extremely respectful.
The black-clothed man Ah Gu, in particular, was visibly excited.
Sky Emperor Mountain and Gu Changge were supposed to be on opposing sides.
Yet at this moment, he was willing to step forward and act on their behalf.
It reminded him of the scene in the pavilion last time—if not for Gu Changge back then, they would have long since incurred the wrath of the masses.
Young Master Changge truly was magnanimous and gracious in character. No wonder so many Young Prodigies were willing to follow him of their own accord.
“Miss Ying Yu.”
Gu Changge turned around, looked at the somewhat astonished Ying Yu, nodded slightly, and returned a smile.
His voice was as calm and gentle as ever, making one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze, with not the slightest flaw to be found.
“Gu Changge...”
Ying Shuang, half his body blown apart and slowly healing, let out a faintly trembling voice.
Only now did he react, and a dreadful chill crept up his back, his hands and feet even colder than before.
This was his first time seeing Gu Changge.
Before this, he had only heard of him through rumors.
Back when he was still that horse-feeding servant, he had heard of Gu Changge from Miss Yin Mei’s lips, and knew this was a figure whose fame shook the eight directions.
The power and influence he possessed were such that even Miss Yin Mei couldn’t help but admire him.
Truth be told, the person he had envied and resented most back then was Gu Changge.
Prince Ying, Ying Shuang, only came second.
He would rather face Wang Zijin, the Successor of Mortal Palace, than face Gu Changge.
Although this man wore a smile, looking like a jade-like gentleman of unmatched elegance, his level of terror exceeded Wang Zijin’s by a hundred, a thousand times over.
That was his intuition.
Gu Changge had very likely long since learned of his greatest weakness.
“Eight-Nine-Three”—that was why he had never dared to face Gu Changge directly.
Moreover, Ying Shuang felt that the timing of Gu Changge’s appearance was far too coincidental.
It all seemed as though he and Wang Zijin had deliberately arranged it together.
“Gu Changge, are you going to stop me?”
Wang Zijin’s expression showed a trace of surprise; she hadn’t expected Gu Changge to suddenly appear.
She had assumed he would honestly stay hidden in the shadows, planning to watch the show all along.
Since he was going to show himself, why hadn’t he discussed it with her beforehand?
Or was Gu Changge actually using her as well? Or was this merely a spur-of-the-moment decision on his part?
Wang Zijin felt she needed to let Gu Changge know that although she was moved by him, that didn’t mean she would let him lead her by the nose in everything.
“How about we put a stop to today’s matter for now?”
“Whether Prince Ying is the Successor of Demonic Arts remains open to discussion.”
How could Gu Changge not know what Wang Zijin was thinking? Still, his face maintained its smile. “Saintess Zijin, do me this favor.”
“I refuse.”
Wang Zijin shook her head, her expression turning somewhat cold and aloof. Then she looked toward Ying Yu and said with some interest, “Could it be that you’ve taken a fancy to this girl, protecting her time and again?”
“The abnormality on Prince Ying is so obvious—surely Brother Gu isn’t blind to it?”
She couldn’t understand why the usually cold and ruthless Gu Changge would act this way.
Was he putting on an act?
But why would he put on an act for Ying Yu? What was he plotting?
Wang Zijin felt she was increasingly unable to fathom Gu Changge’s thoughts. He was simply too unpredictable.
“I merely feel there’s something fishy about this matter. Of course, Miss Ying Yu’s temperament is indeed straightforward and sincere, and I don’t wish to see her implicated without cause.”
Gu Changge spoke with perfect composure, standing in front of Wang Zijin.
His words startled Ying Yu behind him, and then, thinking of something, her face couldn’t help but flush slightly.
Ying Shuang’s expression, on the other hand, turned somewhat gloomy, though it lasted only an instant. He quickly returned to a calm demeanor, revealing no emotion.
During this period, he had indeed honed his composure quite well.
“Fine. Since Young Master Gu Changge has said so, what can I do? When the time comes, I probably couldn’t beat you anyway.”
Wang Zijin was quite carefree at this point, looking somewhat helpless.
Gu Changge’s sudden defection had caught her off guard.
But considering this was simply the man’s nature, she couldn’t say much more.
After all, in her current state—to put it in the terms of her previous life—she was essentially courting Gu Changge, so what harm was there in accommodating him a little?
Besides, she was telling the truth. If Gu Changge was determined to protect the people of Sky Emperor Mountain, with her current strength, she very likely wasn’t his match.
Gu Changge was far from as simple as he appeared on the surface.
Sometimes she even wondered whether Gu Changge’s identity was that of some hidden bigshot.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll remember this favor.”
Gu Changge’s voice carried a touch more mirth.
“Eh...”
“Spare me, spare me. You being polite with me really feels unnatural.”
Wang Zijin waved her hand, looking somewhat disgusted.
Gu Changge’s tone made her uncomfortable all over, though on reflection—was he perhaps a little moved right now?
With that thought, her figure flickered, dissipating like a wisp of green smoke, and she quickly vanished without a trace.
The onlookers nearby watched this scene with varied expressions, some sighing with emotion and envy.
It seemed the Successor of Mortal Palace and Young Master Changge were on quite good terms, quite close even—otherwise they wouldn’t converse in such a manner.
The Successor of Mortal Palace stood high above, her status transcendent.
Not to mention that behind Wang Zijin stood the Longevity Wang Family.
Ordinarily, it was difficult for the average person to even catch a glimpse of her. Only in a place like the Eternal Overcast Battlefield, where the younger generation gathered, could one see her like this.
As for suspecting that Gu Changge and Wang Zijin were putting on an act?
Aside from Ying Shuang, no one had even considered that possibility.
Gu Changge had thought of all this, which was exactly why he hadn’t mentioned it to Wang Zijin beforehand—he was afraid of any slip-ups.
“Thank you for resolving the situation, Young Master Gu.”
“Thank you for resolving the situation, Young Master Changge.”
Seeing Wang Zijin leave, the people of Sky Emperor Mountain couldn’t help but breathe sighs of relief, their hearts settling. The pressure the Successor of Mortal Palace had put on them was simply too great.
If Ying Shuang hadn’t slipped up,
they wouldn’t have ended up in such a sorry state today.
Normally, Sky Emperor Mountain was like a Holy Land among the ancient myriad races—revered by all races, worshipped by all.
They could only say their luck was terrible. Whether in status or strength, Wang Zijin was among the very top tier, and they were utterly unable to withstand her.
“It’s nothing.”
“Though, seeing you today, Brother Ying, your condition seems... off?”
Gu Changge waved his hand, his expression carrying a trace of scrutiny as he looked toward Ying Shuang, who was recovering from his injuries.
Ying Shuang felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze, but still strove to maintain a calm facade.
“Greetings, Brother Gu.”
He gave Gu Changge a slight bow. “Thank you for your righteous intervention today, Brother Gu. If ever you need anything in the future...”
“No need.”
Gu Changge cut him off with a chuckle. “With Brother Ying in this state, I have a feeling that day will never come.”
Ying Shuang’s expression froze. He hadn’t expected him to be so blunt, showing no courtesy at all.
Sensing that Gu Changge seemed rather unimpressed with her brother,
Ying Yu quickly spoke up, saying softly,
“Young Master Gu, great kindness needs no words of thanks. You have helped us many times. If you ever need anything in the future, you need only send word.”
“As long as it is within our power, Sky Emperor Mountain will spare no effort.”
She felt that Gu Changge had intervened for her sake.
First telling her the location of the Eternal Overcast Battlefield, then stepping in to save them.
If someone claimed Gu Changge had no ulterior motive, she wouldn’t believe it.
“Speaking of which, this matter arose because of me. Had I not told you the entrance to this place, you wouldn’t have encountered Saintess Zijin.”
Seeing that Ying Yu seemed to have something to say, Gu Changge spoke again, offering an explanation.
“Mainly, I was afraid you’d misunderstand and think I had other motives in telling you the entrance. I’m the sort of person who doesn’t like being misunderstood.”
Hearing this, Ying Yu and the others were somewhat enlightened.
“So that’s how it is.”
“Young Master Gu overthinks it. We aren’t the sort to measure a gentleman’s heart with a villain’s yardstick.”
They hurriedly spoke up.
Ying Shuang, meanwhile, grew ever gloomier inside.
So it was Gu Changge who had revealed the entrance to the Eternal Overcast Battlefield. He truly had no good intentions, and now he was here playing the good guy.
And yet Ying Yu looked utterly convinced.
“Has Brother Ying switched to cultivating some other technique? Your current strength, in my eyes, doesn’t quite match you.”
At this moment, Gu Changge suddenly looked at Ying Shuang and asked with some surprise, “You don’t seem to be deliberately feigning weakness. Or did something go wrong in your cultivation?”
“For instance, some problem with your divine soul during cultivation...”
“Switched techniques?”
Hearing Gu Changge’s words, everyone was somewhat astonished.
Ying Shuang was the successor of Sky Emperor Mountain—the Transcendent techniques and inheritances he had learned were too many to count. What technique in this world could possibly be worth him switching to?
But the next moment, they thought of the recent rumors, and their expressions changed drastically. Taboo Demonic Arts!
Those four words were like an invisible, terrifying mountain pressing down on their heads, nearly robbing them of breath.
“Brother Gu, what do you mean by that?”
“Why would I switch techniques?”
Ying Shuang hadn’t expected Gu Changge to be so direct—he was all but asking whether he had cultivated the Taboo Demonic Arts. His expression turned somewhat ugly.
Still, he calmed down and retorted thus.
As for the line about problems with his divine soul—it made his heart lurch violently, nearly buckling his legs, for it touched upon his greatest secret.
Gu Changge really did know. That was why he had spoken of it so pointedly.
“Oh, then it seems I was overthinking it.”
Gu Changge laughed casually.
“Brother did indeed tell me that something went wrong with his divine soul during cultivation, and he lost part of his memories...”
At this moment, Ying Yu, faintly sensing something amiss, couldn’t help but murmur. In her eyes, strands of silver light seemed to emerge, one after another, astonishingly sharp.
“What?”
“There’s such a thing?”
The people of Sky Emperor Mountain were all utterly shocked. This was the first they’d heard of it, and they turned incredulous gazes toward Ying Shuang.
What exactly had happened during this period?
Gu Changge’s expression immediately turned intrigued.
Ying Shuang, knowing this matter could no longer be concealed, simply nodded and said, “A while ago, something did go wrong in my cultivation, and I accidentally severed part of my memories...”
The divine weapon still resided within his soul.
So Ying Shuang was very calm, unafraid of anyone doubting his true identity. After all, that was the symbol and recognition of his identity—a divine artifact forged by Sky Emperor Ying himself.
With this explanation, who could doubt his true identity?
Even Gu Changge, who knew his weakness, couldn’t possibly expose his origins at this point...
Hearing Ying Shuang’s words,
the expressions of the Sky Emperor Mountain crowd turned uncertain. Ying Shuang had never mentioned a word of this matter before.
Now he suddenly brought it up—what was his aim?
Most likely, he had no choice.
Taboo Demonic Arts!
Almost instantly, those four words surfaced in their minds, setting off monstrous waves in their hearts.
Before this, they had always believed Ying Shuang had been wronged.
But now, all these signs indicated that he was inextricably linked to the Taboo Demonic Arts.
Even Ying Yu couldn’t help but feel chills run down her back.
Ying Shuang had hidden it far too deeply. Was he really planning to drag all of Sky Emperor Mountain down with him?
Seeing that the timing was about right,
Gu Changge, wearing a smile, rose and took his leave without saying anything more.
“Take care, Young Master Changge!”
“Today’s great kindness cannot be repaid in words!”
The people of Sky Emperor Mountain all spoke up, immensely grateful to Gu Changge. Not only had he intervened to save them, but now he had also opened their eyes.
Gu Changge smiled and, seemingly out of goodwill, offered a reminder: “Oh, right—Brother Ying had best be careful. Saintess Zijin could come knocking at any time.”
“She isn’t as reasonable as I am.”
With that,
he took a single step, the void blurred, and he had already left the place.
It was as if he had come here merely to play peacemaker, and incidentally ask Ying Shuang a few questions.
Of course, Ying Shuang had indeed been overthinking.
Gu Changge had no intention whatsoever of exposing his true identity. To Gu Changge, whether it was Ying Shuang or the horse-feeding servant, it was all the same—both were scapegoats taking the fall for him.
His goal was merely to cement Ying Shuang’s status as the suspect Successor of Demonic Arts just a tiny bit more!
To the point of being black as coal, forever unwashable.
Yet Ying Shuang had been worrying the whole time that Gu Changge would expose his identity.
As for whether he was the Successor of Demonic Arts or whatever—to him, none of it mattered as much as his current identity.
<*Ding!* The Body Possession-type Fortuitous One, Ying Shuang, has fallen under the suspicion of Sky Emperor Mountain. His Fortuity has suffered significant damage...>
The System’s notifications kept ringing in his mind.
The smile in Gu Changge’s heart grew wider.
“What exactly does Gu Changge mean?”
“Did he retreat in the face of difficulty, knowing he couldn’t expose my identity?”
Watching Gu Changge’s figure disappear, Ying Shuang couldn’t help but exhale in relief, though his back was already drenched in cold sweat.
That man was truly terrifying! He hadn’t even lifted a finger, yet he exuded an incomparably dreadful pressure.
What he didn’t know was that the Sky Emperor Mountain people beside him were already looking at him differently—their eyes filled with wariness, suspicion, and fear.
Even Ying Yu had grown guarded against him.
The other young beings nearby also wore varied expressions at this moment, their eyes flickering.
They had naturally heard every word of the exchange between Gu Changge and Ying Shuang just now.
Successor of Demonic Arts!
Now it seemed Prince Ying, Ying Shuang, was inextricably tied to those five words, even though he had been desperately concealing it, never revealing the slightest fluctuation of the Taboo Demonic Arts.
This was something he could never wash clean!
......
“You’ve watched long enough. Time to come out, isn’t it?”
After leaving the area where Ying Shuang and the others were, Gu Changge’s figure appeared atop a withered, desolate mountain peak, and he spoke in a perfectly leisurely manner.
“So this was your goal.”
Wang Zijin’s figure materialized behind him.
Her expression held both strangeness and astonishment.
She hadn’t actually gone far, secretly observing Gu Changge’s actions all along, wanting to know what he was up to.
And so she had witnessed Gu Changge coaxing quite a few words out of Ying Shuang’s mouth.
And those very words were enough to ensure Ying Shuang could never again wash away the suspicion of being the Successor of Demonic Arts.
Even she, a Transmigrator, couldn’t help but marvel.
Gu Changge’s methods were far more astonishing than she had imagined.
This man was more dangerous than the Successor of Demonic Arts!
“What does Saintess Zijin plan to do next?”
At this point, Gu Changge put on a thoughtful expression.
“Naturally, I’ll wait for Prince Ying to reveal his true colors, then deal with him all at once. Though this matter will probably have to be handed over to Jiang Chuchu.”
Wang Zijin answered after some thought. Her attack just now had largely been to vent her anger.
When it came to actually dealing with the Successor of Demonic Arts, she felt Jiang Chuchu was the more professional one.
“But that girl Jiang Chuchu ran off to the Eternal Overcast all by herself. Who knows how she’s doing now.”
“How about we go look for her? It seems pretty dangerous in there.”
Wang Zijin thought it over and asked with some concern. She didn’t really know how things stood between Gu Changge and Jiang Chuchu.
By all accounts, the two had met twice.
Many people even believed Jiang Chuchu and Gu Changge were on quite good terms—otherwise she wouldn’t have repeatedly expressed her admiration and praise for Gu Changge to the outside world.
But whenever she mentioned Gu Changge in front of Jiang Chuchu, Jiang Chuchu’s expression turned icy cold, who knows how many times colder than usual.
“Oh, in that case, I shan’t get involved afterward.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge shook his head, looking as though he had other matters to attend to.
He had set his sights on a few talented ancient freaks, and knowing they were currently in the Eternal Overcast Battlefield, he planned to seize the opportunity to break through to the Intermediate Sacred Noble Realm.