Casually Pinning the Blame with Masterful Skill, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk Incurs Public Wrath
Casually Pinning the Blame with Masterful Skill, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk Incurs Public Wrath
“Prince Shen has fallen...”
The moment the King of Six Crowns uttered these words, the place plunged into dead silence. The expressions of many changed drastically, filled with shock and fear.
If there had still been people doubting whether the matter was true just moments ago, it was now practically confirmed.
After all, it wasn’t just the Phoenix Lady who felt this way—even the usually low-key and mysterious King of Six Crowns said the same.
What other possibility could there be? Neither of them was the type to speak carelessly.
“This...”
“Prince Shen really fell here...? No way, Prince Shen is the successor of Sky Emperor Mountain, the Sky Emperor’s own son, immensely powerful with countless trump cards. How could he...”
“The Successor of Demonic Arts schemed to trap and kill everyone this time—how truly ruthless!”
The many young prodigies who heard these words were all stunned, their scalps tingling as a chill swept through their entire bodies.
Someone couldn’t help but murmur, their voice trembling.
“Impossible. Master is so powerful, and he even has the Sacred Emperor Realm artifact bestowed by the Sky Emperor protecting him. How could he possibly fall here...”
“This must be fake. Master must still be somewhere else right now—he never came here.”
Hearing this, Prince Shen’s group of followers felt as if struck by lightning. They stood frozen for a long moment, their faces pale with fright, unable to believe it.
In their eyes, Prince Shen was an existence destined to be invincible, one who would sweep through this era unopposed and reach the absolute peak.
How could he possibly fall at the hands of the Successor of Demonic Arts?
They dared not imagine what consequences would follow once Sky Emperor Mountain learned of this.
Describing it as world-shaking waves and boundless earthquakes would probably not be an exaggeration.
“Sigh...”
“After all, even Young Master Changge was severely wounded. It’s not impossible that Prince Shen fell here.”
Many sighed, their gazes heavy and their hearts conflicted, all sensing what was about to happen next.
The Beyond, which had been calm for so long, would absolutely be stirred up once again because of this incident.
“Given that even someone of Gu Changge’s strength ended up like this, it seems Ying Shuang truly cannot be underestimated.”
The King of Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, and the others paid no more attention to Prince Shen’s followers. They quickly turned their attention toward Gu Changge, their expressions varied, and then with a flicker of movement, walked over.
“Amitabha, fellow Daoists, you’ve arrived at quite the opportune moment.”
“Unfortunately, Prince Shen has already fallen victim to the Successor of Demonic Arts’ poisonous hand...”
On the other side, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, whose injuries had mostly healed, also walked over.
As he strode forward, there were traces of blood on his monk’s robes, Buddhist light faintly flickering. He pressed his palms together in greeting to the King of Six Crowns and the others.
There was a certain transcendent air about him.
Hearing him say this, the young prodigies who still held onto considerable hope had their expressions dim.
“Does Jin Chan the Chosen Monk know the full story of what happened?”
The Phoenix Lady couldn’t help but ask.
Tall and statuesque, with long, straight legs, she was much taller than the average female cultivator, and when she spoke, she exuded an indescribable pressure.
“I know a little. When this humble monk rushed over, Prince Shen had already tragically fallen to the enemy’s poisonous hand, and even Young Master Changge was already severely wounded.”
“As for what happened before that, this humble monk knows nothing at all.”
Hearing this, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk smiled faintly, his answer watertight and flawless.
“Is that so? Even Jin Chan the Chosen Monk doesn’t know what happened here before? No wonder Jin Chan the Chosen Monk is in such good condition, without any serious injuries.”
The King of Six Crowns’ eyes gleamed with a strange light as he looked Jin Chan up and down, speaking with considerable interest.
In his view, Jin Chan’s cultivation and strength were at most on par with Prince Shen’s.
Back then, he had clearly rushed in together with Prince Shen first, while Gu Changge was the last one to chase in after them.
Yet in the end, Prince Shen died, Gu Changge was severely wounded, while he emerged unscathed, without even serious injuries.
This point was truly peculiar. Either he had hidden his strength deeply.
Or else he hadn’t participated in that great battle at all and had found a place to hide.
Jin Chan’s explanation was nothing more than an excuse to avoid admitting that he had sensed danger at the time and chosen to retreat.
Many people thought of this point, their expressions shifting slightly, but none said it aloud—they all saw it clearly in their hearts.
Hearing this, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk wasn’t surprised in the slightest and still smiled. “This humble monk also deeply regrets not arriving sooner.”
Afterward, the group headed together toward the place where Gu Changge was recuperating, but that stretch of mountains was almost entirely occupied by his followers.
Everyone’s gazes vigilantly swept the surroundings, guarding against anyone suddenly launching a sneak attack on the severely wounded Gu Changge at this moment.
After all, who knew whether the Successor of Demonic Arts had any allies still lying in wait.
Numerous treasures and divine artifacts shrouded the heavens and earth with their radiance—one could even see many Transcendent grade weapons rising and falling, draping down multicolored auspicious light and mist, exuding dangerous auras.
Gu Xianer, Yin Mei, and the others had rushed over the moment they arrived at this place.
At this moment, they all watched Gu Changge with worried expressions.
Even Gu Xianer, who was usually accustomed to bickering with Gu Changge, had her jade hands wrung together.
Anxious and deeply unsettled.
This was the first time she had ever seen Gu Changge injured so severely.
But at this moment, she didn’t know how to help him. She could only watch as he continuously fought against the Demonic Arts energy within his body, his face calm yet incomparably pale.
This reminded her of the time back at Skyward Schloss.
To repay her for the bone-digging grudge of the past, Gu Changge had let her strike to kill him, then made no resistance whatsoever, forcibly enduring her blade.
That blade had been just like this—it nearly pierced and tore through his entire body, the wounds horrifying to behold.
“Changge shixiong’s cultivation is powerful and his foundation is deep. This bit of injury shouldn’t be a problem.”
At this moment, it was Yin Mei who calmed down instead, speaking words of comfort to her.
This made Gu Xianer nod, the expression on her jade-like face easing slightly.
But she had another worry—if Gu Changge’s injuries were this severe and he couldn’t suppress his Demonic Heart, causing his Demonic Energy to erupt, what then?
When that time came, aside from Gu Changge himself, probably no one here would be able to help him.
“How is Changge daoxiong’s condition?”
The Phoenix Lady, the King of Six Crowns, and the others quickly arrived here as well.
The one who spoke was the Phoenix Lady, strands of divine light flowing in her eyes.
Runes like those of a Celestial Phoenix flickered one after another as she examined Gu Changge’s current condition.
The King of Six Crowns did the same, divine radiance flickering in his eyes, various runes circulating.
He carefully probed Gu Changge’s aura, and finally shook his head slightly in his heart, discovering that Gu Changge had indeed wounded his Source.
Moreover, because Gu Changge had just used a Forbidden Technique, burning his Source and Blood Essence, his injuries were compounded upon injuries—there was no telling when he would recover.
This was far more severe than what he had guessed on his way here.
“The Successor of Demonic Arts’ scheme really succeeded this time. Gu Changge probably won’t be able to use his magic power for at least half a month.”
“With Prince Shen’s fall, Sky Emperor Mountain is bound to be furious, but there’s nothing they can do. After all, Prince Ying was once a successor of Sky Emperor Mountain too...”
The King of Six Crowns pondered in his heart, glancing at Jin Chan the Chosen Monk with a somewhat strange look.
He found the monk’s expression exceptionally calm, Buddhist light faintly flickering, seemingly not very concerned about Gu Changge’s injuries.
Or perhaps he had already known all of this beforehand.
“Amitabha. Young Master Changge, in order to resist the Successor of Demonic Arts, did not hesitate to burn his Source despite being severely wounded. Such breadth of heart and righteousness—this humble monk is truly filled with admiration.”
At this moment, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk smiled faintly and spoke.
Then, from within his Buddhist robes, he took out a crystal-clear, pale yellow pill. Numerous Buddhist lights shone upon it, radiating seven-colored brilliance, appearing quite miraculous.
A holy and luminous aura even permeated the void.
It was as if numerous accomplished eminent monks were sitting cross-legged there, chanting to guide the departed and dispel all evil.
“This is the Sacred Buddhist Pill unique to Buddhist Mountain, refined by numerous accomplished eminent monks using the power of merit. It is supremely firm and yang, and works wonders in dispelling all kinds of evil and demonic energy.”
“Perhaps it will be of considerable help to Young Master Changge’s injuries.”
Gu Changge sat cross-legged there, his expression calm and unruffled, wisps of black mist coiling around him, giving him a somewhat sinister air.
However, aside from his severe injuries, nothing else unusual could be seen on him.
Hearing these words, he opened his eyes and glanced over indifferently. “I appreciate Jin Chan the Chosen Monk’s kind intentions, but you’d better keep this Sacred Buddhist Pill for your own use next time.”
“The next time the Chosen Monk encounters the Successor of Demonic Arts, you may not be as lucky as you were today.”
Though he spoke lightly, the expressions of many prodigies changed.
None of those present were fools—they all heard Gu Changge’s dissatisfaction with Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, along with his faint mockery.
This made many people frown, and they began imagining the cause of it all.
The King of Six Crowns also narrowed his eyes, quite intrigued. He vaguely guessed the reason Gu Changge spoke this way.
“What happened?”
“Why does Young Master Changge treat Jin Chan the Chosen Monk with such an attitude?”
Many prodigies looked over, their expressions puzzled, feeling that this must be inextricably linked to Jin Chan the Chosen Monk.
Gu Xianer, the Phoenix Lady, and the others also stared at Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, seemingly waiting for him to give an explanation.
“Yes, what exactly happened back then? Why did Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, who went in first, come out completely unharmed, while Young Master Changge was severely wounded instead?”
“Could it be that the Successor of Demonic Arts didn’t make a move against Jin Chan the Chosen Monk?”
When everyone had first rushed over, they happened to witness Gu Changge forcibly activating his Source, burning his Blood Essence, and unleashing a terrifying strike to drive back the Successor of Demonic Arts.
At that time, many people hadn’t noticed Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, nor did they know what he had been doing then.
Thinking of this, quite a few prodigies guessed something and began to feel contempt and disdain toward him.
As the Chosen Monk, he had failed to step forward at the critical moment, instead letting the severely wounded Young Master Changge force himself to act.
By comparison, although Gu Changge was usually domineering, his righteous actions commanded even greater admiration.
“Many thanks for Changge daoxiong’s concern. However, this humble monk still has quite a few Sacred Buddhist Pills. If I’m unlucky enough to encounter the Successor of Demonic Arts next time, I’ll have ways to deal with it.”
Jin Chan the Chosen Monk hadn’t expected Gu Changge to say such a thing. His expression shifted slightly, but he quickly recovered his composure and smiled faintly.
“Jin Chan the Chosen Monk really was quite lucky this time. Who would have thought that you all would split up back then?”
Gu Changge sighed softly, not denying it.
Then, he made to rise, but it seemed to aggravate his injuries. His face paled again, and he coughed up blood from his mouth, appearing even weaker.
This sight made the hearts of many heavenly maidens clench tight.
Was this still the Young Master Changge they knew and admired? At this moment, he seemed more like a banished immortal fallen into the mortal world, having suffered endless hardships.
“Gu Changge, are you alright?” Gu Xianer hurried over to support him, her worry plain on her face.
“I’m fine. What could possibly be wrong with me?”
Gu Changge looked at her and smiled faintly, but before he could finish speaking, more blood seeped from the corner of his mouth, his face growing ever paler.
“Stop talking. You’re still putting on a brave face at a time like this.”
Gu Xianer’s heart ached a little. She took out a clean silk handkerchief and wiped away the blood for him.
The crowd’s expressions varied at the sight.
Many people knew of Gu Xianer’s identity and origins, so they weren’t particularly surprised.
“Young Master Changge speaks truly. This humble monk should have stayed together with Prince Shen back then. If we hadn’t split up, he wouldn’t have fallen victim to such a vicious hand.”
Hearing this, Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, also sighed. He hadn’t expected Gu Changge to say such a thing—could this be considered an explanation on his behalf?
These words left the crowd somewhat puzzled.
“Since the Chosen Monk Jin Chan knew all along that this was the Successor of Demonic Arts’ scheme, why didn’t you stop Prince Shen?”
Then, ignoring Gu Xianer’s glare at him, Gu Changge asked the question with perfect composure.
When it came to pinning labels on people, he was practiced and polished—a true master of the craft.
Prince Shen had met with disaster.
The Successor of Demonic Arts bore the brunt of the blame, but Ying Shuang’s position was somewhat awkward—after all, he had once been a successor of Sky Emperor Mountain.
At a time like this, Gu Changge naturally had to find a way for Sky Emperor Mountain to build momentum. No matter how one looked at it, Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, was the best choice.
On the other hand, the Floating Buddhist Temple had been built by Buddhist Mountain to stand watch over the abnormal movements of the Demon-Burying Abyss.
Gu Changge’s move against Jin Chan was also made with his subsequent plans in mind.
“Gu Changge, can you stop talking already? You’re injured this badly...” Gu Xianer said in a low voice.
“What does Young Master Changge mean by this?”
Hearing this, Jin Chan’s expression shifted slightly, but he maintained his composure.
He knew Gu Changge had come to call him to account. Back then, he had indeed known it was all the Successor of Demonic Arts’ scheme, yet he hadn’t intervened.
He had felt Prince Shen was overestimating himself, and knew the prince wouldn’t listen to him anyway.
Stopping him would have been utterly useless.
Rather than wasting time, better to let him fend for himself.
But now, with Gu Changge refusing to let the matter go, it was tantamount to instantly shoving him into the eye of the storm.
“The Chosen Monk Jin Chan knew all along that this was the Successor of Demonic Arts’ scheme?”
The Phoenix Lady, Ying Yu, and the others all changed expression in unison. Only the King of Six Crowns remained unmoved, as if he had guessed it long ago.
The many prodigies present also grew angry at these words, looking at Jin Chan with great hostility, demanding an explanation.
Especially Prince Shen’s band of followers.
Since Jin Chan knew this would be a conspiracy, why hadn’t he stopped it?
Wasn’t this deliberately trying to get Prince Shen and Gu Changge killed?
No wonder Gu Changge had treated him that way just now.
“As a Buddhist monk, and the successor of Buddhist Mountain no less, instead of holding compassion in your heart, you harbor such vicious intentions...”
“Chosen Monk Jin Chan, aren’t you going to explain yourself?”
The prodigies of Sky Emperor Mountain couldn’t help but shout their questions. Ordinarily, they would never have dared to berate Jin Chan like this.
But today, with Prince Shen slain, their own fates wouldn’t be much better—so naturally, they feared nothing.
“Why does Young Master Changge say such a thing?”
Jin Chan asked again, his gaze calmly resting on Gu Changge.
He paid no heed to anyone else.
“Monks do not speak false words. I hope the Chosen Monk Jin Chan will speak frankly of all this, and give Prince Shen an accounting.”
Gu Changge met his gaze calmly.
Seeing him ignore her, Gu Xianer was secretly annoyed, but knowing he was gravely injured, she decided not to hold it against him.
At this moment, the gaze she turned on Jin Chan also carried a faint hostility.
“We beg Young Master Changge to seek justice for our master!”
“We implore Young Master Changge to seek justice for our master!”
Putong!
At this sight, the prodigies of Sky Emperor Mountain all dropped to their knees. Knowing Jin Chan would pay them no mind, they begged Gu Changge to seek justice for the fallen Prince Shen.
They knew that here and now, no one but Gu Changge could win justice for Prince Shen.
Buddhist Mountain, which stood behind Jin Chan, held a status no weaker than Sky Emperor Mountain.
The King of Six Crowns and the others all looked on like bystanders enjoying a show.
Though Prince Shen’s fall was tied to the Successor of Demonic Arts, on the other hand, Jin Chan bore a share of the connection as well.
“All of you, rise. Regarding Prince Shen’s matter, I’m afraid there is truly nothing I can do.”
Gu Changge glanced at them and sighed, speaking with some helplessness.
“Young Master Changge truly predicts things like a prophet.”
“This humble monk did indeed guess back then that all of this was the Successor of Demonic Arts’ conspiracy...”
At this, Jin Chan also sighed. Monks do not speak false words—though his temperament differed from other monks, he still had to observe the many precepts.
Lying would mean breaking his vows.
The many profound Buddhist teachings he had cultivated for years would all go to waste.
Hearing this, everyone’s pupils contracted. None had expected Jin Chan to admit it so frankly—it genuinely shocked them.
“It seems Prince Shen didn’t die unjustly after all.” The King of Six Crowns smiled; he had anticipated all of this long ago.
Though Jin Chan was a monk, he was in truth exceedingly shrewd.
Faced with the Successor of Demonic Arts’ conspiracy, he had chosen to retreat, while Prince Shen had failed to perceive any of it.
“My master had no grievance or enmity with you, Chosen Monk Jin Chan—why did you harm him?”
The prodigies of Sky Emperor Mountain glared at Jin Chan with even greater fury and hatred, demanding an accounting.
“Prince Shen insisted on courting death himself—what does that have to do with this humble monk? Given the circumstances at the time, even if I had tried to dissuade him, he couldn’t have been dissuaded.”
“Everyone, please accept my condolences.” Jin Chan answered with an unchanged expression.
At this response, many prodigies grew furious once more. Compared to Jin Chan’s usual solemn, dignified bearing, these words now seemed utterly hypocritical.
Watching someone die without lifting a finger—in his mouth, that became “couldn’t be persuaded”?
Prince Shen was no fool. Had he known this was a conspiracy, he would surely have chosen to retreat rather than march to his death.
Gu Changge, by contrast, had been gravely wounded multiple times over the matter of the Successor of Demonic Arts.
Ordinarily domineering in conduct, yet faced with such a great cause, he had stepped forward without hesitation—earning the admiration of many prodigies.
Now, by comparison, even more prodigies were won over by Gu Changge.
What Jin Chan had said had already provoked public outrage!
Even the Phoenix Lady and the King of Six Crowns found it difficult to say anything at this point.
Seeing that quite a few people, filled with righteous indignation, were about to make a move to avenge Prince Shen, Gu Changge waved his hand at this moment and said with some resignation,
“Forget it. Since the Chosen Monk Jin Chan has put it that way, this matter can’t be blamed on him.”
“After all, whether to inform and dissuade or not truly cannot be forced upon anyone.”
The hatred had been stoked about enough—Gu Changge naturally knew the wisdom of quitting while ahead.
By this point, in the eyes of many prodigies, Prince Shen’s death was inextricably linked to Jin Chan.
And though his words seemed to be placating the crowd, in reality they were pouring oil on the fire.
A monk should hold compassion in his heart—yet with Jin Chan behaving this way, one couldn’t help but wonder whether there was some enmity between him and Prince Shen.
Otherwise, why would he have watched with open eyes as Prince Shen marched to his death?
From this day forward, conflict between Sky Emperor Mountain and Buddhist Mountain was inevitable.
This was exactly what Gu Changge wanted to see.
Though the prodigies of Sky Emperor Mountain were unwilling to let it rest at his words, they didn’t dare say more. Since Gu Changge had spoken thus, if they still failed to appreciate the favor, it would be slapping Gu Changge in the face.
Afterward, they transmitted word of what had happened here back to Sky Emperor Mountain. With such a momentous event, Sky Emperor Mountain should already have learned of it.
The moment Prince Shen’s Life Talisman shattered, Sky Emperor Mountain would have sensed it.
“Since Young Master Changge is no longer in serious danger, this humble monk shall take his leave first.”
“The Successor of Demonic Arts has grown into a formidable force—I’m afraid he won’t be easy to deal with from now on.”
Jin Chan spoke with perfect composure. Then, seeing Gu Changge nod, he smiled faintly. Buddhist light emerged beneath his feet, and he departed riding a cloud of Buddhist radiance.
He seemed entirely indifferent to how the many prodigies viewed him.
“The Chosen Monk Jin Chan hides his thoughts deep—he’s not someone easy to get along with.”
The Phoenix Lady and the others thought to themselves, their feelings complicated. Then they too bid Gu Changge farewell, planning to leave first.
In any case, the matter of the Successor of Demonic Arts was bound to shake the world once more.
Gu Changge naturally made no effort to keep them. After all, this was still the place where the Eternal Devouring Qi had erupted—not the safety of the outside world.
He could guess what everyone was thinking.
“Don’t worry. Injuries like this will heal before long—they won’t affect me.”
“Let’s leave this place as well.”
Gu Changge smiled faintly at Gu Xianer, Yin Mei, and the others.
Afterward, the crowd of prodigies transformed into divine rainbows and rode divine mists, departing one after another (of the money).
Very quickly, word of what had happened here spread rapidly through their mouths, as if it had grown wings.
The instant the news got out, it triggered an incomparably terrifying earthquake.
Not only was the True Immortal Academy shaken—the entire Beyond, including its many Supreme Dao Lineages and Cults of Immortality, was struck dumb with astonishment, setting off boundless waves.
No one had imagined that a perfectly ordinary trial would drag out so many horrifying matters.
Prince Shen had fallen!
Gu Changge’s Source had been damaged, leaving him gravely wounded!
Either piece of news alone was enough to make every Cultivator and living being tremble, chills running through their bodies.
The audacity of the Successor of Demonic Arts left everyone horrified and panicked—everyone felt endangered.
In the eyes of many Cultivators, the Successor of Demonic Arts scheming to trap and kill so many prodigies this time—wasn’t that also a provocation against the many Dao lineages and powers of the current Beyond?
For a time, quite a few lineages and powers began considering whether to dispatch their clan’s experts to track down the Successor of Demonic Arts.
The level of caution regarding this matter rose to an unimaginable degree.
Upon receiving the news, the True Immortal Academy also dispatched Elders to rush over. Though the trial was not yet over, layers of shadow had already been cast over the hearts of the many prodigies.
And through this incident, Gu Changge’s fame and prestige once again reached a new peak.
Jin Chan, for his part, shouldered no small amount of infamy—though he himself seemed utterly unconcerned by it.
Back at the Black Tortoise Empire.
Gu Changge naturally dismissed everyone, including Gu Xianer and Yin Mei. His public claim at this time was that he was entering closed-door cultivation to heal, and he would see no outsiders.
His injuries were faked convincingly—even a Sacred Emperor Realm expert couldn’t discern their true nature—so Gu Changge had nothing to hide on that front.
All the prodigies had clearly witnessed the course of events back then.
Even if his true identity were exposed in the future, many would likely suspect he had been wronged and framed.
In any case, whoever wanted to visit him received the same uniform excuse: he was in closed-door recuperation.
And no one at a time like this would be stupid enough to try barging in directly—unless they truly intended to court death against everyone’s fury.
During this period, matters remained turbulent. The rulers of the various ancient empires were especially anxious and restless, terrified of being dragged into it.
However, Yin Mei guessed at Gu Changge’s intentions.
She cooperated fully, leading Gu Xianer and Gu Changge’s many followers, and mobilizing the power of the Alliance of Thousand Merchants to begin investigating Qing Xiaoyi’s whereabouts.
Gu Changge hadn’t forgotten about that fellow Heavenly Monarch Ziyang either.
With such a huge incident erupting, Heavenly Monarch Ziyang was like a clay Buddha crossing a river—unable to save even himself.
Though he had yet to show himself, he had presumably received the news by now—his face livid with rage, mad with hatred, not daring to appear.
Then, taking advantage of the great chaos, Gu Changge quietly left the Black Tortoise Empire and hurried toward the Eternal Overcast where Jiang Chuchu was.
Because in the message she had sent, there was news of the Source of the Eternal Overcast!
He might as well collect it along the way, and arrange and set up some plans in the meantime.