The Plan to Reveal His Edge—A Perfect Whetstone
The Plan to Reveal His Edge—A Perfect Whetstone
“A misunderstanding?”
Hearing Gu Changge say this, Liu Ziyan was honestly completely stunned.
She had always assumed that the reason Gu Changge had summoned her was to ask about Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, which was why she had spoken those words without the slightest hesitation.
From their interaction just now, Gu Changge didn’t seem to have any designs on her either.
But now Gu Changge suddenly said it was all a misunderstanding.
Could that really be true? “Young Master Changge, why do you say that? Weren’t you trying to ask about Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s whereabouts?”
Liu Ziyan’s delicate brows furrowed as she couldn’t help but ask.
Gu Changge gently stroked the white jade teacup, his smile undiminished. “Of course not. As for Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s affairs, I actually learned of them long ago. His whereabouts will come to light sooner or later. Inviting Saintess Ziyan here today truly was just for tea.”
Liu Ziyan still looked half-convinced.
Gu Changge continued to smile, his voice warm and refined. “You’re being too cautious.”
“Of course, you also know that Purple Mansion, in order to shelter Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, would rather offend numerous Dao Lineages and powers than hand over his whereabouts.”
“And as the Saintess of Purple Mansion, if anything happens regarding Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, Purple Mansion will certainly contact you at the first opportunity.”
At these words, Liu Ziyan fell silent. Gu Changge was right—Purple Mansion attached great importance to what had happened in the Black Tortoise Empire.
Even under these circumstances, Heavenly Monarch Ziyang still enjoyed Purple Mansion’s protection, with the faction adopting a stance of being willing to clash against all other Dao Lineages for his sake.
Although she was the Saintess, and her father was even the Sect Leader of Purple Mansion, she still wasn’t valued as highly as Heavenly Monarch Ziyang.
“This kind of grave-digging behavior from Purple Mansion—I’m sure someone as clever as Saintess Ziyan knows what should be done.”
Gu Changge then took a sip of tea, narrowed his eyes, and smiled again.
“Grave-digging?”
Liu Ziyan was slightly taken aback, murmuring those four words to herself.
“Yes, it truly is digging their own grave.”
In her view, if Heavenly Monarch Ziyang really was connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts, and Purple Mansion still insisted on sheltering him, that would absolutely provoke the wrath of the masses.
Even Sky Emperor Mountain, upon learning that Prince Ying was the true Successor of Demonic Arts, had immediately severed ties with him, declaring that Prince Ying had been expelled from the mountain, terrified of getting caught up in any trouble.
From this, the level of seriousness was plain to see.
Being the enemy of the entire world was no mere figure of speech.
If Purple Mansion stubbornly persisted, they would very likely soon face a situation where the whole world stood against them.
Sky Emperor Mountain was currently frustrated with nowhere to vent its fury.
All they lacked was a legitimate opportunity, to say nothing of Purple Mansion’s enemies stirring restlessly in the shadows.
She had felt before that Purple Mansion’s handling of the matter was improper, and now, with Gu Changge’s persuasion, she increasingly... felt that something was wrong.
If Purple Mansion continued down this path, they might well walk the road to annihilation.
“What Young Master Changge says, I actually understand as well. But as the Saintess, within the vast Purple Mansion, my words carry little weight. Even if I lay out the pros and cons, it won’t achieve much.”
Then, Liu Ziyan sighed, somewhat helpless, and turned her bright eyes to stare at Gu Changge. “I ask Young Master Changge for guidance—please point out a path for me.”
Although she had met Heavenly Monarch Ziyang quite a few times, received his pointers, and knew of his Dao Heart, under Gu Changge’s reasoning, her previous firm belief that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang couldn’t possibly be connected to the Successor of Demonic Arts began to waver.
Liu Ziyan was naturally extremely beautiful, with black hair cascading like a waterfall, glossy enough to reflect light, and a slender waist like a willow branch.
Even with her veil on, her skin appeared whiter than snow, as if carved from flawless mutton-fat jade.
Staring at Gu Changge like this now, her gaze unblinking, her radiant beauty was all the more striking.
If any ordinary young prodigy were looked at by her this way, they would have long since lost their composure, but Gu Changge did not.
His gaze was calm, without a ripple, as he merely smiled. “I wouldn’t call it guidance. Saintess Ziyan acts for the future of Purple Mansion, while I act for the sake of the Successor of Demonic Arts. Our interests don’t actually conflict.”
Liu Ziyan nodded. “Young Master Changge’s heart holds all living beings under heaven. Ziyan admires you for it.”
“The tea’s gone cold.”
Gu Changge pointed at the teacup in front of her.
Liu Ziyan shook her head. “I’m in no hurry to drink. Young Master Changge, please stop keeping Ziyan in suspense at a time like this.”
She knew there was enmity between Gu Changge and Heavenly Monarch Ziyang. No matter... what the reason was, Gu Changge couldn’t possibly let him off easily.
And Gu Changge clearly had some method to force Heavenly Monarch Ziyang to reveal himself.
But he just... wouldn’t say it, and instead insisted on inviting her over for tea, making her aware of the dangers of this matter and filling her heart with worry.
This made Liu Ziyan rather annoyed—she felt Gu Changge was doing it on purpose.
But as a Saintess, she naturally possessed a transcendent and gentle grace, so she said no more at this moment.
However, Gu Changge had no intention of explaining. He merely smiled. “Alright, the tea has been drunk. For the next while, Saintess Ziyan, please stay here. Of course, to the outside world, I will say that you have been placed under house arrest by me.”
“House arrest?”
Liu Ziyan glanced at him, her expression somewhat strange. When she had first arrived, she had indeed come with the expectation of being placed under house arrest by Gu Changge.
But now Gu Changge had brewed tea and even treated her with courtesy, showing her great politeness. This reversal made her feel very strange, very unsettled.
Moreover, Gu Changge actually planned to publicly claim he had placed her under house arrest. What was that for? Was it a show for Purple Mansion and the outside world? Liu Ziyan couldn’t figure it out.
“Can Young Master Changge tell me the reason?”
Liu Ziyan was puzzled.
“Does the reason matter? Could it be that Saintess Ziyan actually intends to be placed under house arrest by me?”
Gu Changge smiled, looking at her.
Liu Ziyan fell silent, feeling that Gu Changge’s actions and thoughts were truly impossible to fathom.
This left her deeply helpless. She clearly knew Gu Changge was no good person, yet she simply couldn’t bring herself to hate him.
She even wanted to lend him a hand and help find Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s trail—it was enough to make one gnash their teeth in frustration.
Still, what Gu Changge said was true enough—their positions were actually aligned.
After that, seeing that Liu Ziyan said no more, Gu Changge didn’t say anything further either, and sent people to escort her down.
His goal had more or less been achieved. Purple Mansion’s current Sect Leader doted greatly on his daughter Liu Ziyan.
Although Purple Mansion was currently acting with overwhelming force, intent on sheltering Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, that was only because the voices of opposition had been suppressed.
Liu Ziyan herself was no fool—she knew what course of action would benefit Purple Mansion.
At this point, she would certainly find a way to contact Purple Mansion’s Sect Leader and explain her views along with all the pros and cons.
And once Purple Mansion’s Sect Leader knew his daughter was in Gu Changge’s hands, he would more or less have to hold back out of caution and seriously consider Liu Ziyan’s words.
As long as Purple Mansion showed even the slightest sign of division, the many Dao Lineages of the outside world... would swarm in instantly, like sharks catching the scent of blood.
And this was precisely one of Gu Changge’s goals.
Once Heavenly Monarch Ziyang lost Purple Mansion’s backing, killing him would be nothing more than a single word from Gu Changge.
Secondly, if Purple Mansion insisted on sheltering him...
Then Gu Changge wouldn’t mind revealing his claws—not the powers behind him like the Longevity Gu Family, but the many arrangements he had left on the Celestial Ancient Continent.
The Beyond had been peaceful for far too long.
Gu Changge had actually known all along about Yue Mingkong secretly training the Unrivalled Guards—after all, the training regimen came from him.
He didn’t even need to think about it to know she had obtained it from him in her previous life—or rather, that he had personally taught it to her in that past life.
When the time came, he would only need to say the word, and control of these Unrivalled Guards would surely be handed over to him by Yue Mingkong. Of this, Gu Changge had not the slightest doubt.
He was just waiting to use Purple Mansion to test the strength of this force—as a whetstone, it would serve perfectly.
Having developed for so long, Gu Changge also intended to begin showing the Beyond his edge.
The Demoness of the Demon-Burying Abyss was about to emerge, the Eternal Overcast Kingdom had appeared in the world, the Demon World’s Scion had revealed himself, the Immortal Palace Treasury and the Seven Tools of World Domination... all these signs indicated that the situation in the Beyond would only grow more complicated.
Gu Changge had greater ambitions.
No matter how great his current prestige, even if he could hardly find a match among the younger generation...
In the eyes of those Cults of Immortality and Supreme Dao Lineages, he was still just a junior, not worth taking seriously.
Just like the Successor of Demonic Arts—though he had caused a huge uproar before, with many prodigies dying tragically, many Dao Lineages and great cults still paid no mind.
Only this time, when Sky Emperor Mountain’s Prince Shen met a tragic end and even Gu Changge was “gravely wounded,” did many Dao Lineages finally take notice.
The Successor of Demonic Arts they had previously ignored had actually grown to such an extent.
This matter had already caused panic among many, but the situation wasn’t chaotic enough yet.
Soon after, a piece of news spread through the Black Tortoise Empire, causing a massive sensation. All the prodigies and Cultivators were stunned.
The area where all of Purple Mansion’s disciples resided was now empty and utterly quiet.
Some curious Cultivators went to inquire and investigate, only then learning that not long ago, everyone from Purple Mansion—including their Saintess—had been taken away by a group of prodigies with terrifying auras.
Many recognized that group of... prodigies as Gu Changge’s followers.
Very quickly, news about Purple Mansion’s Saintess was also spread by Gu Changge’s followers, triggering an enormous uproar.
“What? Purple Mansion’s Saintess was taken away on Young Master Changge’s orders and placed under house arrest... Is Young Master Changge taking this chance to provoke Purple Mansion?”
Some prodigies’ eyes went wide, unable to believe it.
Some expressed disbelief, feeling the whole thing was too inconceivable, too reckless.
“This is absolutely true. Besides... the Saintess of Purple Mansion, all the other Purple Mansion disciples were taken away too. I saw it with my own eyes at the palace gates...”
One Cultivator swore with complete conviction, having personally witnessed the whole affair, and even remembered the rather unpleasant expression on the Saintess’s face when she was taken away.
“It’s really true. It seems that to force out Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s whereabouts, Young Master Changge didn’t hesitate to place Purple Mansion’s Saintess under house arrest.”
Everyone was shocked and deeply horrified. Purple Mansion’s Saintess represented the face of Purple Mansion itself.
To be directly taken away by Gu Changge’s followers in broad daylight—this was far too disrespectful to Purple Mansion, no different from slapping Purple Mansion hard across the face.
Of course, considering that this was done on Gu Changge’s orders, many people understood—besides him, few had the guts for such a thing.
However, some doubted that Purple Mansion would care about such provocation. After all, they were dead set on protecting Heavenly Monarch Ziyang.
The Saintess was merely under house arrest—what could happen? Unless Gu Changge truly intended to kill Purple Mansion’s Saintess—but if he did that, how would he be any different from the so-called Successor of Demonic Arts?
As the nearly universally acknowledged leader of the younger generation, Gu Changge couldn’t possibly fail to cherish his own feathers.
What happened next indeed confirmed many Cultivators’ guesses.
Regarding... their Saintess being placed under house arrest, Purple Mansion didn’t care in the slightest. An Elder even personally sent word, hoping Young Master Changge would take good care of their Saintess.
Such a shameless attitude caused an uproar.
Whether Purple Mansion knew Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s whereabouts was beside the point—just this hardline stance of sheltering him was enough to stun many prodigies.
However, Purple Mansion only sent out such words and took no substantive action.
After all, this was a matter of the younger generation. If the older generation rashly intervened, it could lead to an unpredictable and terrible situation.
And among the younger generation, no one could be found who was Gu Changge’s match, so they simply began competing over who had the thicker skin, who was more shameless.
They were also very cautious, knowing their words couldn’t stand up to scrutiny.
But judging from the meaning behind their words, they were dead set on sheltering Heavenly Monarch Ziyang.
Liu Ziyan was currently in Gu Changge’s hands, and they didn’t care at all.
Regarding Purple Mansion’s reply, Gu Changge’s response was also simple: he said he would take good care of Purple Mansion’s Saintess.
He just couldn’t guarantee whether, the next time the Saintess returned to the mountain, she might give Purple Mansion’s Sect Leader a big surprise—like making him a happy grandfather or something.
This statement instantly caused a huge sensation. Many people were dumbfounded, their eyeballs nearly popping out—they hadn’t expected Gu Changge to truly meet tit for tat.
Since Purple Mansion had thrown away all shame—knowing full well that Heavenly Monarch Ziyang had abducted Qing Xiaoyi, yet still insisting on sheltering him—
Gu Changge simply placed their Saintess under house arrest and even claimed he’d give Purple Mansion’s Sect Leader a surprise.
This made many prodigies sweat with embarrassment. Anyway... such words were things they wouldn’t dare say.
“So this is Gu Changge’s plan? Heavenly Monarch Ziyang’s whereabouts are currently unknown—no one knows where he’s hiding.”
“But judging by Purple Mansion’s actions, they can’t possibly care about this matter. Heavenly Monarch Ziyang bears the Chaos Dao Bone, a talent rarely seen in ten thousand ages. Although he lost to Gu Changge, as long as he breaks through and rebuilds, his cultivation is bound to rise to an even higher level.”
“Purple Mansion has always harbored great ambitions, intending to advance further. Heavenly Monarch Ziyang is... their hope...”
Within the residence of the King of Six Crowns, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing toward Gu Changge’s area with a contemplative look, then shook his head.
“Is this Changge-daoxiong’s intention?”
In another residence, the tall, silver-haired Ying Yu, her hair cascading like a waterfall, held a letter in her hand, her face full of astonishment.
It was a letter sent by Gu Changge’s messenger.
She quickly finished reading its contents, her brows knitting tightly.
Just as she had expected, it contained all the information and clues Gu Changge had obtained regarding Heavenly Monarch Ziyang.
“Heavenly Monarch Ziyang colluded with the Successor of Demonic Arts to trap and kill Prince Shen.”
“With Changge-daoxiong taking the lead, it... saves me quite a bit of trouble.”
After reading it, Ying Yu’s jade hand clenched tight, coldness rising within her.
Now that both Prince Ying and Prince Shen were gone, she had naturally become Sky Emperor Mountain’s foremost Successor.
Many matters were handed over to her to handle.
“Purple Mansion is shielding Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, insisting on opposing us all. It’s truly hateful. They must be taught a lesson.”
During this period, Ying Yu had been holding in a bellyful of frustration and fury. Sky Emperor Mountain had become a laughingstock, and as its Successor, she naturally couldn’t escape being mocked and gossiped about.
Soon after, Ying Yu sent the news back to the mountain to inquire about the intentions of those... ancient existences of Sky Emperor Mountain.
At the same time, she also planned to summon the troops Sky Emperor Ying had left for them, to march on Purple Mansion and demand justice.
For a time, the small land of the Black Tortoise Empire grew turbulent with undercurrents, no longer peaceful. Every day, Cultivators could be seen rushing in from all directions, their auras powerful.
The former nobles and high officials of the Black Tortoise Empire tucked their tails between their legs, cowering in their own territories, not daring to go out, terrified of running into those... prodigies they couldn’t afford to offend.
At this moment, in the mountains outside the Black Tortoise Empire.
Gu Xianer’s figure appeared here, her robes fluttering, cold and otherworldly. Every glance and movement carried a detached, frosty air that kept others at bay.
On her shoulder, a Big Red Bird drooped its wings, but its eyes were earnestly searching in all directions.
“Big Red, you’d better look carefully for me. This matter is very important to me.”
Gu Xianer spoke to the Big Red Bird on her shoulder. Although she didn’t know where Heavenly Monarch Ziyang was hiding, she believed he certainly wasn’t far from the Black Tortoise Empire.
As long as they searched carefully, they were bound to find him.
Because at a time like this, Heavenly Monarch Ziyang couldn’t have fled too far—the most dangerous place is... the safest place, as they say.
Unless Heavenly Monarch Ziyang planned to change his identity entirely and no longer remain in the True Immortal Academy.
Qing Xiaoyi’s abduction was inextricably linked to her.
Gu Changge was currently injured and couldn’t move about easily. If she could find Heavenly Monarch Ziyang, she could save him some trouble.
With this thought in mind, Gu Xianer had called over the Big Red Bird.
Because it had a special treasure-seeking talent—whether... hidden Cultivators, or all kinds of heavenly materials and earthly treasures, fortuitous encounters, and so on... nothing escaped its eyes.
“Gah gah...”
Suddenly, the Big Red Bird cried out, its eyes abruptly lighting up.
“Did you find a clue?”
Gu Xianer was somewhat delighted, following its gaze—only for her expression to freeze.
On the cliff face of the mountain peak, a plant of interwoven blue and red, like a star, was radiating a hazy glow, magnificent and strange.
“I asked you to find a person. Who told you to hunt for treasure?”
Her words carried some indignant dissatisfaction—how had she ended up with such an unreliable Big Red Bird?
At these words, the Big Red Bird gave her a rather disdainful look.
“I don’t want it. If we can’t find the person, I don’t want even the most precious divine herb...”
Gu Xianer shook her head, her face carrying a trace of worry.
“This is... a Star-Fire Seed...”
But soon, she took another look and couldn’t help crying out softly in surprise, becoming... quite delighted, her beautiful eyes lighting up.
Only then did she notice that beneath that plant lay a small stone... spraying forth seven-colored auspicious light.
Gu Xianer’s figure flashed as she hurriedly darted over to pluck it, her previously worried mood turning quite pleasant.
Her luck really was quite good.
She hadn’t found the person, but a Star-Fire Seed made her search worthwhile.
However, Gu Xianer didn’t notice.
Behind an ancient tree in the distance, a man of medium build and utterly ordinary features was watching her depart with a face full of complicated emotions, making no move at all.
It was none other than Qin Wuya, the senior disciple who had returned from the Nine Heavens—and also Gu Xianer’s senior brother from her previous life.