Making You Carry the Blame for So Long, I Feel a Bit Bad About It — Let Me Set You Free
Making You Carry the Blame for So Long, I Feel a Bit Bad About It — Let Me Set You Free
The news that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang had abducted Qing Xiaoyi quickly spread throughout the Azure Dragon Empire, and even traveled toward the other trial grounds, causing a massive uproar like an earthquake.
The prodigies and Cultivators who heard the news were all collectively stunned, unable to believe it.
Because who would dare spread such a thing carelessly?
Without evidence, it would be no different from slander — after all, Heavenly Monarch Ziyang was no ordinary person.
A Ranked Disciple of the True Immortal Academy, once the number one of the Beyond, an ancient monstrosity of Purple Mansion.
Spreading such rumors was no different from making a mortal enemy of him.
After offending Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, could an ordinary person still have any way to survive?
But very soon, Photographic Stones from when the various Elders conducted their investigation were released, circulating among the major markets and shops, drawing numerous prodigies to scramble for them.
Whether a Photographic Stone was fake or not, anyone with discerning eyes could tell at a glance.
So when the records within spread, all four corners fell silent — a dead silence.
Whether young prodigies or other Cultivators just there for the spectacle, all of them couldn’t help but feel a chill down their backs and shudder.
Anyone who knew even a little about this matter would realize that it was already an almost unchangeable fact.
The mysterious person who had abducted Qing Xiaoyi back then had clearly planned it long in advance.
If not for Qing Feng possessing a divine artifact like the Flask of World Domination, he would have been smashed to pieces under that palm strike long ago, body and soul annihilated.
Who could have foreseen such a thing as possessing a divine artifact? One could only call it heaven-defying fortune!
And it was precisely because of the Flask of World Domination’s existence that clues were finally found — based on the flask’s divine might, the situation at the time was reconstructed.
After all, when it came to Chaos Force, besides Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, who else could wield it?
A being with such talent could not possibly be some nameless nobody.
Not to mention that Chaos Force was incomparably rare — even across ten thousand ages, one might not find a single wielder.
All these years, only Heavenly Monarch Ziyang alone possessed such talent.
The sensation caused by this news was simply too enormous.
“Heavenly Monarch Ziyang made a move to abduct Qing Xiaoyi?”
Yue Mingkong’s beautiful eyes narrowed slightly. She instantly concluded that such a thing could not have been done by Heavenly Monarch Ziyang — he had merely been thrown out to take the fall once again.
As for who wanted to frame him.
Besides her fiancé, who else had such methods?
“Could this Heavenly Monarch Ziyang have some connection with the Successor of Demonic Arts?”
“Qing Xiaoyi? I remember she seems to have some kind of Celestial Demonic Physique?”
Wang Zijin glanced at Yue Mingkong and couldn’t help but mutter.
The two had been assigned to the same squad, and neither could stand the sight of the other.
Wang Zijin, a Transmigrator, could not see through Yue Mingkong.
Yue Mingkong, a regressor, likewise had no memories whatsoever concerning Wang Zijin.
If there was one sole topic between the two of them, it was when Gu Changge came up — Wang Zijin always liked to mention that Gu Changge still owed her a favor.
Then Yue Mingkong would lightly reply that favors Gu Changge owed by his own ability were ones he would never repay.
As a result, the enmity between the two showed a trend of growing deeper and deeper.
Yue Mingkong said Wang Zijin was merely a chess piece Gu Changge was using, one he could discard at will.
Wang Zijin would retort that she was perfectly willing.
With such daily routines, the many heaven’s pride daughters who had chosen to follow them found it unbearably miserable.
“Could Heavenly Monarch Ziyang be connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts, and Ying Shuang secretly sought him out?”
“No wonder there were recent reports of the Successor of Demonic Arts appearing in the Black Tortoise Empire — so this was the reason.”
Prince Shen rode the Four-Spirit Battle Chariot, his gaze like heavenly blades, his spirit vigorous, runes flickering around him, his figure tall and martial, bearing a presence that won hearts.
“Amitabha. This demon-subduing mission — allow this humble monk to accompany Prince Shen.”
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, rode a Golden-Winged Roc, Buddhist light shining, his bearing solemn and dignified as he spoke.
His previous mount, the golden nine-headed lion, had not left with him this time, instead remaining within the True Immortal Academy.
Behind the two of them followed quite a few prodigies.
Whether Prince Shen or Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, both wished to locate the Successor of Demonic Arts — one to wash away the humiliation of Sky Emperor Mountain, the other to eliminate demons and defend the Dao.
And among the various ancient empires, prodigies everywhere were discussing this matter, incomparably shocked, their hearts unable to settle for a long time.
“No one would have thought that Qing Feng actually possessed the Flask of World Domination. Such profound fortune — he truly was not fated to die!”
“Indeed. Even when Heavenly Monarch Ziyang struck back then, he probably never imagined such a thing would happen — that the guy would actually survive in the end.”
“I heard this matter alarmed Young Master Changge. He rushed to the Azure Dragon Empire overnight, even setting aside matters in the Vermilion Bird Empire.”
“After all, Gu Xianer is there — it’s only natural Young Master Changge would hurry over. I heard that if he hadn’t rushed there, those Elders weren’t even planning to make this matter public...”
“Since it involves Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, it’s normal for the Elders to be apprehensive.”
“Thanks to Young Master Changge, we learned of this matter — otherwise we might have been kept in the dark the whole time.”
Some prodigies sighed with emotion. No matter what, this matter had been personally confirmed by the various Elders — even if Heavenly Monarch Ziyang wanted to deny it now, it would be useless.
Quite a few prodigies, however, noticed that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang had not been in the Black Tortoise Empire during this period — he had publicly claimed to be off tracking the Successor of Demonic Arts.
But who would have thought this was merely his ploy to slip away — that in the end he had gone to the Azure Dragon Empire to abduct Qing Xiaoyi, bearer of the Celestial Demonic Physique.
As for why Heavenly Monarch Ziyang would abduct Qing Xiaoyi?
There were many speculations, the most shocking and unsettling of which was that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang was actually connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts — or rather, that they were secretly working together.
He abducted Qing Xiaoyi in order to help the Successor of Demonic Arts collect the Sources of prodigies.
Of course, there was another theory — that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang was actually doing it to avenge the humiliation Gu Changge had inflicted on him back then.
Because back then, before the various Elders of the True Immortal Academy, Gu Changge had sworn with certainty that he would look after the siblings Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng.
Now that something had happened to Qing Xiaoyi, how would Gu Changge account for it to the Elders?
The words spoken that day would, in the end, slap his own face.
Quite a few prodigies speculated that this might well be Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s goal.
In short, rumors and theories of every kind abounded — but not a single person suspected that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang had been wronged.
Even the disciples of Purple Mansion were stunned for a time, finding this result hard to believe, yet powerless to argue against it.
If the rumors were false, then why hadn’t Heavenly Monarch Ziyang come out to defend himself and prove it?
The current Saintess of Purple Mansion was named Ziyan.
Veiled in plain gauze, her purple hair like silk, gleaming enough to reflect light.
Her delicate brows furrowed tightly as she planned to use Communication Runes to inform Heavenly Monarch Ziyang of this matter — though she herself wasn’t sure whether he had been wronged or not.
However, after the message was sent, it sank like a stone into the sea, without the slightest response.
This caused a faint unease to grow in her heart. Could Heavenly Monarch Ziyang really be like this — hiding away in some secret corner at this very moment?
Black Tortoise Empire.
Within a manor.
The King of Six Crowns, who had been meditating cross-legged on a bluestone, opened his eyes. Hearing the report of the subordinate beside him, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply in admiration.
“As expected of Gu Changge — he discovered the truth of the matter this quickly.”
At first, he had been somewhat worried — worried that he might have overestimated Gu Changge, worried that Gu Changge would be kept in the dark.
But unexpectedly, so quickly, Gu Changge had already seen through to the truth. Although the process relied somewhat on the luck of the Flask of World Domination, it was still enough to prove Gu Changge’s capability.
This left the King of Six Crowns far from disappointed.
“Daren, did you already know it was Heavenly Monarch Ziyang who made the move?”
Hearing the King of Six Crowns’ words, the subordinate beside him asked with a face full of shock.
He held boundless admiration and reverence for the King of Six Crowns, and ordinarily would never doubt his words.
He hadn’t expected that while the outside world was in an uproar over this news, the King of Six Crowns would wear an expression of having known all along.
“Of this, I naturally knew.”
The King of Six Crowns smiled, full of calm confidence, and didn’t bother explaining much further.
“As expected of Daren!”
Hearing this, the subordinate’s eyes filled with reverence, not doubting the truth of the King of Six Crowns’ words in the slightest.
In his heart, the King of Six Crowns’ words were practically no different from laws and rules!
Afterward, this subordinate took his leave, and very soon, from his mouth, this news spread as well.
From the very beginning, the King of Six Crowns had actually known it was Heavenly Monarch Ziyang who abducted Qing Xiaoyi — even earlier than Gu Changge!
This news quickly rocked the entire Black Tortoise Empire. With Heavenly Monarch Ziyang absent, the King of Six Crowns, Jun Yao, was now the backbone of the many True Immortal Academy prodigies.
Not to mention that the King of Six Crowns’ might far exceeded that of Heavenly Monarch Ziyang.
Once these words of his came out, they immediately stirred up great waves.
“He knew even before Young Master Changge?”
“How is that possible? Then why didn’t he say anything before? Was he deliberately being mysterious, or did he have some other purpose?”
Many prodigies began speculating, but none doubted the truth of the King of Six Crowns’ words.
Instead, they began imagining all sorts of possibilities — had the King of Six Crowns actually been guarding against Heavenly Monarch Ziyang all along?
Or did the King of Six Crowns know something?
Had he seen through Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s every move like a blazing fire all this time?
In short, all kinds of rumors and news spread, and Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s abduction of Qing Xiaoyi became common knowledge.
And precisely because of this matter.
Gu Changge, leading his many followers, traveled all the way from the Azure Dragon Empire and arrived at the Black Tortoise Empire.
The gazes of countless prodigies all converged here — even the seemingly unworldly Yue Mingkong, Wang Zijin, the Phoenix Lady, and others turned their attention over.
Hong long long!
Above the firmament, divine rainbows streaked one after another, resplendent and dazzling, illuminating all directions.
Cultivators hurried over from all sides, riding clouds and mists, while many prodigies piloted various artifacts and mounts, rushing to the Black Tortoise Empire.
They had all heard that Gu Changge had arrived here, and came to join the excitement — and incidentally to find out why Heavenly Monarch Ziyang had abducted Qing Xiaoyi.
Surely he wasn’t truly connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts?
For a time, winds and clouds shifted over the Black Tortoise Empire, the focus of ten thousand eyes.
Cultivators came and went along the streets, prodigies of every race gathered — incomparably lively. One could see many primordial beings, their blood qi powerful, reduced to pulling carriages as mounts.
A tall young man, whose very hair seemed to burn, was walking through this place.
It was none other than Ying Shuang.
“So Heavenly Monarch Ziyang went to abduct Qing Xiaoyi...”
“He wasn’t chasing after Gu Changge.”
“But why would he do this?”
Hearing the various news around him, Ying Shuang was somewhat puzzled. As the scapegoat for the Successor of Demonic Arts, he paid particular attention to such matters.
In the end, after thinking it over and over, he still couldn’t figure out why Heavenly Monarch Ziyang would do such a thing.
Though if it was related to the Successor of Demonic Arts, then it was related to the true Successor of Demonic Arts, Gu Changge — it had nothing to do with him, a mere scapegoat.
“Sooner or later, I will expose everything Gu Changge has done to the world. Everything he framed me for will be repaid in full!”
Thinking of this, Ying Shuang clenched his fists, hatred flashing through his eyes before being deeply concealed.
The person he hated most was, without question, Gu Changge!
“I still have matters today. I wonder what Yin Mei wants, inviting me to the teahouse?”
“Could it be because of these recent events?”
Very soon, Ying Shuang cast this matter aside. He couldn’t help but reveal a bit of a smile as he strode toward a teahouse.
Because there were more important matters waiting for him.
Under his relentless pestering, Yin Mei had finally stopped driving him away the moment she saw him, as she had before.
·········
Although she still wore an impatient, disgusted look toward him, Ying Shuang felt this was progress. One day, he would move Yin Mei’s heart.
A day like today, for instance, was a sign that his relationship with Yin Mei had advanced a step further.
And very soon, Ying Shuang arrived at that teahouse.
At a window seat on the second floor.
A woman dressed in white was propping her chin on a pale, delicate hand, gazing out the window as if something weighed on her mind.
She was very beautiful — a beauty tinged with allure, but more than that, a kind of flawlessness. Her figure was graceful, her skin shimmering with a lustrous glow, moving beyond compare.
“Yin Mei.”
Ying Shuang couldn’t help but speak, somewhat excited. He tried to calm himself down, but couldn’t manage it.
Because Yin Mei was simply too beautiful.
Back when he was still a horse-feeding servant boy, he could only steal glances at her in secret.
How could that compare to now — looking at her openly and rightfully.
“You’re here?”
Yin Mei furrowed her brows and said indifferently, “Do you know why I asked for you?”
“This...”
Ying Shuang paused, not expecting Yin Mei to be so direct, getting straight to it the moment he arrived. At this point, he could only shake his head. “I don’t know.”
“Is that so?”
Yin Mei looked at his expression with a somewhat meaningful gaze, then sipped her tea on her own.
“But I know what you’re interested in.”
Ying Shuang didn’t know Yin Mei’s purpose in meeting him, but guessed it was most likely to threaten and warn him to stay away from her in the future.
So at this moment, seeing her fall silent, he took the initiative to speak, intending to bring up a certain matter.
“Oh? What matter?”
Yin Mei looked at him with a trace of surprise.
“The matter of the Successor of Demonic Arts.”
Ying Shuang answered. He planned to seize this rare opportunity today to lay this matter bare to Yin Mei.
Otherwise, who knew if such a chance would come again.
“The matter of the Successor of Demonic Arts?”
Yin Mei’s expression shifted slightly, but she didn’t appear very shocked. She asked in return, “How much do you know about it?”
............
“I know more than you do.”
Ying Shuang greatly enjoyed the way Yin Mei was looking at him directly. Hearing this, he smiled and said, “I even know who the true Successor of Demonic Arts is — though you probably won’t believe it if I say it.”
“However, for the sake of your safety, I’ve decided I must say it. Whether you believe it or not is up to you.”
“In any case, there’s no way I would ever harm you.”
Hearing this, Yin Mei gave a soft scoff and said indifferently, “Then go ahead and say it.”
Ying Shuang smiled with great composure, and practically word by word, he said, “The Successor of Demonic Arts... is actually Gu Changge.”
The moment these words left his mouth, he prepared to see shock, or anger, fury, disbelief on Yin Mei’s face.
Yin Mei might even throw him out because of it.
But to his surprise, Yin Mei appeared utterly calm.
One could even say completely unruffled — not the least bit surprised.
“You’re not shocked? Or you don’t believe it?”
At this point, it was Ying Shuang’s turn to be somewhat shocked and surprised. He felt Yin Mei’s reaction was far too abnormal.
By all reason, shouldn’t she be shocked and disbelieving?
Why did she look even calmer than he was?
“Not shocked, because I already know.”
Yin Mei nodded, quite frankly.
“What... you know?”
Hearing this, Ying Shuang froze. In an instant, a terrifying chill shot from his spine straight up to the crown of his head.
Although he was infatuated with Yin Mei, he was not the least bit stupid.
“Then why did you ask me to come?”
Ying Shuang forced his voice to stay calm, but a tremor still escaped it.
“Because it was I who wanted to find you.”
At this moment, another voice, carrying a faint smile, sounded from behind Ying Shuang.
In that instant, the top of his skull nearly lifted off, his four limbs went ice-cold, as if he had fallen into a frozen cellar.
He didn’t even dare turn his head to look.
“Master, you’ve come?”
Yin Mei revealed a smile and hurriedly rose to welcome him.
Hearing these words, how could Ying Shuang not understand? His countenance changed drastically, instantly draining of all color.
His entire person was practically like a clay sculpture, unable to move at all.
The confident composure from moments ago crumbled in an instant, and indescribable fear instantly engulfed him.
So from beginning to end, Yin Mei had been Gu Changge’s person.
Only he had been so stupid — kept in the dark the whole time without ever realizing it.
“Should I call you Prince Ying? Or horse-feeding servant boy? Or perhaps... the scapegoat?”
Gu Changge walked over at his leisure, passing by the rigid Ying Shuang to sit down. He picked up the steaming teacup on the table, took a light sip, and asked with great interest.
“You...”
“You know everything?”
Ying Shuang’s voice trembled. Though he deliberately tried to calm himself, terror swept through him, making even his calves quiver.
“That’s right, I know everything.”
“It has been that way from the very start.”
Gu Changge smiled lightly. “Making you carry the blame for so long — I do feel a bit bad about it.”
“So today, I’ve come to set you free.”
He spoke very simply, even raising the teacup to his lips and blowing at the steam rising from it.
But Ying Shuang’s entire being had gone dumb with shock, his body ice-cold, trembling with unparalleled fear.
After all, no matter how he disguised himself, in essence he was merely a horse-feeding servant boy with good luck.
Faced with such a situation, in the end, what could he do besides feel fear?
“Gu Changge, I’ll fight you to the death!”
Hearing that Gu Changge intended to finish him off, Ying Shuang no longer sat waiting for death with his hands tied. Gritting his teeth, he roared in fury.
All the hatred, killing intent, and rage of this period erupted at once.
Within his eyes, terrifying phantom images burst forth. Immediately after, multi-colored light shot skyward — the power within Sky Emperor Ying’s Bloodline, provoked, seemed to revive.