Harboring Wild Hopes, the Bold Chen Ning'er — Take a Lesson and Offer Yourself Up
Harboring Wild Hopes, the Bold Chen Ning’er — Take a Lesson and Offer Yourself Up
“Forget it. You few wait here for now. I’ll go report to my master. Whether he sees you or not is his decision.”
“We can’t make that call.”
A creature whose entire body gleamed silver glanced at Chen Ning’er, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and the others at the palace gates, its expression rather impatient.
Only then did it turn and walk into the hall, the coldness and impatience on its face instantly transforming into reverence.
“Much obliged.”
Ji Yaoxing cupped his hands slightly.
“I wonder which faction’s heaven’s chosen has gotten involved in this matter. If that’s the case, the matter of the Tower of World Domination looks to be even more difficult now.”
Hearing these words, Ji Chuyue’s expression at the palace gates couldn’t help but turn slightly solemn.
What worried her most now was... if the Tower of World Domination emerged later and the person before them interfered, how should their Ji Family conduct themselves? Judging from this display, this person’s identity was absolutely no small matter.
This cast a shadow over the hearts of the Ji Family siblings.
The Tower of World Domination concerned the Immortal Palace Treasury, and if the Ji Family behind them wished to restore their former glory, they absolutely had to find the Immortal Palace Ruins.
If they handed the Immortal Palace Ruins over to someone else, how could they be reconciled to it?
However, at this moment, Chen Ning’er’s thoughts differed from theirs.
Her eyes carried a trace of curiosity and a strange gleam.
The Tower of World Domination was important, but it was only a single weapon. Even if it was connected to the Immortal Palace Ruins, one would still need to gather all Seven Tools of World Domination.
Gathering all Seven Tools of World Domination was no different from fishing a needle from the sea — the difficulty went without saying.
The opportunity laid out before her right now, on the other hand, was a chance to touch a level she could never have reached before.
Which was weightier and which was lighter was obvious at a glance.
“Master, people from the Hidden Ji Family and the Hidden Chen Family request an audience outside the palace.”
The silver-gleaming creature stepped into the hall and reported to Gu Changge on the high platform.
“Why not go meet them?”
Gu Changge had naturally heard the words from outside. He set down the teacup in his hand and spoke with considerable interest.
“Not interested.”
Yue Mingkong shook her head, her expression carrying a hint of languor as she lay sideways on the bed, her dark hair spilling down across her brow. There was less of her former coldness and more of a cool detachment, an air of being above worldly strife.
Gu Changge smiled, rose, and walked toward the hall’s exit.
Actually, some time ago, he had already set Yin Mei to investigating the Hidden Ji Family.
The biggest reason was that Gu Changge felt Ji Qingxuan harbored ambition in her heart — she would not be content to be pressured by the Hidden Ji Family forever.
This seed of ambition had already been planted, just waiting for the right moment to break through the soil and sprout.
Ji Qingxuan, who held an unusual fervor for power, would not let such an excellent opportunity slip by.
It just so happened there was this chance to control the Hidden Ji Family. One more chess piece was no bad thing.
“Gu Changge... how could it be him? Why is he here?”
And just as Gu Changge walked out of the great hall, Ji Yaoxing and the others at the gates changed expression, their pupils contracting in utter shock.
“This...”
Ji Chuyue’s small mouth fell open in disbelief as well.
They naturally recognized the young man walking toward them — which was exactly why they were so shocked.
“I heard you all have business with me?”
Gu Changge turned a blind eye to everyone’s shocked expressions, asking with a smile, casual and at ease.
“Greetings, Young Master Changge. I am Ji Yaoxing of the Ji Family.”
Ji Yaoxing cupped his hands. Usually composed and reserved, he was extremely deferential at this moment.
“Ji Chuyue greets Young Master Changge.”
Coming back to her senses, Ji Chuyue’s large, bright eyes seemed to sparkle as she hurriedly paid her respects as well.
None of them had expected to meet Gu Changge here. Hadn’t he just destroyed the Purple Mansion and reportedly returned to the True Immortal Academy? Gu Changge’s appearance was no secret in the Beyond.
Any faction or lineage with some foundation, even if they had never seen him in person, had seen his portrait — precisely to avoid accidentally provoking him one day.
It had to be said, after the destruction of the Purple Mansion, Gu Changge’s might in the Beyond had reached an unprecedented peak.
Even the Sky Emperors, Buddhas, and Ancient Emperors in their youth had nowhere near such might.
“Greetings, Young Master Changge.”
Chen Ning’er’s heart couldn’t help pounding — thump, thump, thump. She forced herself to calm down, revealed what she considered her sweetest smile, and curtsied gracefully to Gu Changge.
In the Beyond today, if there was one young heaven’s chosen known to everyone, it had to be Gu Changge.
So meeting Gu Changge here left Chen Ning’er thrilled and excited, her voice even trembling in a way she couldn’t suppress.
In the past, she had only seen Gu Changge in portraits and Photographic Stones — never in the flesh like today.
It was no exaggeration to say that for the many heavenly daughters of the Beyond, the most ideal and perfect future husband was Gu Changge.
Appearance, temperament, strength, talent, might, background — no matter which aspect, one could find virtually no flaw, nor any man who could compare to him.
Of course, they had self-awareness; they could only fantasize in their hearts, knowing they were far from worthy.
Gu Changge’s smile was warm and gentle as he nodded slightly. “No need for such ceremony, everyone.”
However, he showed no intention of inviting them into the hall.
“So Young Master Changge has also come to this place.”
“No wonder there was such might — how could it have been anyone ordinary?”
Ji Yaoxing smiled bitterly in his heart, feeling that his chances of seizing the Tower of World Domination had grown ever fainter.
It wasn’t that meeting Gu Changge meant he would give up.
Rather, he felt that his own strength fell short of Gu Changge’s by who knew how much — to say nothing of the many powerful followers at Gu Changge’s side.
He could only hope to find the Tower of World Domination before it emerged. That way, even Gu Changge could not claim the moral high ground to snatch it from his hands.
However, Ji Yaoxing had other plans in mind. If Gu Changge was dead set on obtaining the Tower of World Domination, then when the time came, he could offer it up as a borrowed flower for the Buddha.
Though Ji Yaoxing was upright by nature, that didn’t mean he was a fool.
How terrifying Gu Changge’s current might was went without saying — even the Purple Mansion had marched to its destruction because of him.
The Heavenly Ruin Gate’s Sect Master and the others were dumbstruck as well, hardly able to believe it, feeling as if all this were a dream.
Though they were shallow in experience, how could they not know of Gu Changge? To them, he was a figure like a True Dragon of the Nine Heavens.
Before, they had only heard of him in rumors. Who could have imagined there would come a day they’d see him in person? Even now, their heads were still buzzing, unable to calm down, their attitudes reverent to the extreme.
Before such a figure, they were far less than even dust scattered by a flick of a finger.
“Have you all come here for the Tower of World Domination as well?”
Gu Changge asked with a smile.
“I won’t hide it from you, Young Master Changge. We came to this place indeed to search for the Tower of World Domination, but up to now, we still have no leads.”
Ji Yaoxing said with a bitter smile.
“Oh? I thought you all might have some clues. If you do have clues, you might as well tell me — I’m willing to pay a high price for them.”
Gu Changge still smiled, his figure tall and straight, robes fluttering, untouched by a speck of dust.
“If we have any clues, we will certainly inform Young Master Changge.”
Ji Chuyue spoke up at this point as well, her eyes appraising Gu Changge all the while.
In order to leave a good impression on Gu Changge,
she now revealed her true appearance.
A palm-sized little face, skin like snow, large bright eyes, long lashes, slender delicate brows — like an unrestrained spirit of the mountain forests, giving off a natural air.
“Then I’ll trouble you all.”
Gu Changge smiled, his tone casual and natural, without any air of superiority.
Yet from it, everyone could still feel that enormous, chasm-like gap in status.
That transcendent, otherworldly air revealed in his every gesture, that innate immortal grace and nobility — without a deep and terrifying foundation, such bearing could not be cultivated.
“Rest assured, Young Master Changge. If Ning’er obtains any news or clues, I will definitely come inform you at the first moment.”
“Since you also seek the Tower of World Domination, Young Master Changge, Ning’er will certainly order her subordinates to help you search for it as well.”
Chen Ning’er’s heart pounded — thump, thump, thump. Hearing his words, she hurriedly spoke up.
She was only twenty years of age, with a slender figure, skin like congealed cream, eyes like misty autumn waters, and lips like dotted rouge — very beautiful, and very clever. She immediately made her intentions clear while declaring her stance.
She no longer wanted the Tower of World Domination; she only wanted to be of help to Gu Changge.
Although this decision was made on her own authority, without her family’s consent,
Chen Ning’er knew that if the family behind her learned of her decision, they would support it with all their might.
Hearing these words, Ji Yaoxing and Ji Chuyue exchanged a glance, both noting the gravity in each other’s eyes.
In their view, there was nothing improper about Chen Ning’er’s approach.
After all, the Hidden Chen Family was different from the Hidden Ji Family — lacking in foundation, she certainly wouldn’t pass up a chance to curry favor with Gu Changge.
And though the Hidden Ji Family had declined, they still held pride in their hearts.
What’s more, the existence of the Seven Tools of World Domination was their opportunity to rise to power once more. Which mattered more was plain to see.
“Oh? Then I must thank Miss Ning’er.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge seemed somewhat surprised, then looked at her and smiled slightly.
“You’re too kind, Young Master Changge. To be able to serve you is Ning’er’s honor.”
Chen Ning’er’s voice trembled slightly as she hurriedly lowered her head.
She felt her heart beating fast, cold sweat of nervousness breaking out in her palms.
This was Gu Changge taking the initiative to speak to her — it left her somewhat overwhelmed by the honor.
But Young Master Changge’s temperament was truly wonderful, just like the rumors said — amiable, gentle, and refined.
Calling him a jade-like paragon would be no exaggeration. He hadn’t in the slightest looked down on or belittled them because of his status.
This made admiration and a faint, wild hope rise uncontrollably in Chen Ning’er’s heart.
Then again, wasn’t this an opportunity for her? If she could seize it, forget about herself — even the Hidden Chen Family behind her would undergo earth-shaking changes.
Chen Ning’er was quite confident in her own looks.
Thinking of this, she quickly forced herself to calm down, raised her head to look at Gu Changge, and revealed what she considered her sweetest smile.
“Young Master Changge, if there is anything you need done, you can leave it all to Ning’er.”
“I’ve already had my subordinates searching the area around the Sky Jade Mountain Range for a week, so I’m very familiar with it. If the Tower of World Domination shows any unusual activity, I should be the first to know.”
Chen Ning’er’s legs were straight and slender, her skin white as snow.
As she spoke, her face brimmed with smiles, her eyes curving into crescent moons—so sweet and endearing that Ji Chuyue, who knew her personality all too well, couldn’t help but purse her lips in secret disdain.
In the past, Chen Ning’er had been as proud as a swan, her eyes perched atop her head.
None of the many young prodigies had ever caught her eye; only a Young Prodigy like her brother could earn even a sliver of her regard.
Yet now, Chen Ning’er’s fawning behavior was obvious to anyone with eyes.
That said, at a moment like this, even the other heaven-blessed daughters wouldn’t pass up a chance to curry favor with Gu Changge.
The many Chen Family disciples behind Chen Ning’er were also quite envious of her at this moment.
But as members of the Chen Family, if Chen Ning’er could win Gu Changge’s favor, it would be a case of “when one man attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven”—a great thing for all of them.
Thinking this, smug expressions crept onto their faces as they secretly glanced toward the Ji Family members.
The Ji Family members’ expressions turned rather unpleasant at the sight, and they looked toward Ji Chuyue at the front. But as the little princess of the Hidden Ji Family...
Ji Chuyue had revealed her true face only to show respect for Gu Changge; she harbored no other intentions.
Though she was curious about Gu Changge, she had not sunk to the level of fawning over him—she had pride in her bones.
“Since Ning’er guniang puts it that way, then I suppose I should... thank you in advance.”
Hearing Chen Ning’er’s words, Gu Changge smiled with gentle warmth.
It was like a spring breeze brushing past, inspiring an indescribable goodwill.
Chen Ning’er’s face flushed slightly, and she hurriedly waved her hands. “Young Master Changge, you’re too kind. This is Ning’er’s honor.”
As she spoke, she stole another glance at Gu Changge, then mustered her courage and asked, “Young Master Changge, on this trip of yours, Ning’er noticed you don’t seem to have anyone attending to you. If you don’t mind...”
Her words were extremely bold—practically an offer to warm his bed.
Even Ji Chuyue couldn’t help but widen her eyes in shock, finding it unbelievable.
Chen Ning’er was a xiaojie of the Hidden Chen Family, of noble status, with countless suitors. Even among the clansmen behind her, quite a few young men harbored admiration for her.
It was just that she was usually so proud, her eyes atop her head, never taking any of those so-called prodigies seriously.
Who could have imagined she would be so bold today, saying such words to Gu Changge in front of everyone?
Though one could only say Chen Ning’er was daring, never letting a single opportunity slip by.
Otherwise, with her status, she would normally never even get close to Gu Changge.
Ji Chuyue almost admired her for it.
At that moment, hearing those words, many of the followers behind Chen Ning’er had faces that turned ashen and dim.
Their fists clenched tight, thick jealousy and unwillingness surging in their hearts, yet they dared not show it on their faces. Watching the fairy they admired offer herself to another man’s bed right before their eyes—who could endure it? Gu Changge seemed not to have expected Chen Ning’er to say such a thing either.
A perfectly measured trace of surprise appeared on his face.
But before he could speak, a faint voice came from behind him. “No need. He doesn’t mind, but I do.”
Along with the words, a slender figure appeared at the palace entrance.
Dark hair dancing, white robes outshining snow, an immortal countenance like a painting, features of absolute beauty—every glance carried a frost-like coldness, along with a suffocating, terrifying pressure.
Chen Ning’er’s face couldn’t help but pale, her expression frightened, and she involuntarily retreated several steps, a dreadful chill rising up her back.
In that instant, she felt as though she were being watched by a supreme empress, her whole being as insignificant as an ant.
“Crown Heir Mingkong...”
Ji Yaoxing, Ji Chuyue, and the others also changed expression, recognizing the white-clothed woman who had suddenly appeared.
“Mingkong, you frightened her.”
“Didn’t you say you weren’t interested?”
Gu Changge chuckled.
Yue Mingkong gave him a faint glance and said nothing.
That look seemed to say: if I hadn’t come out, were you about to agree to her? Although she knew that given Gu Changge’s character, it was absolutely impossible for him to have any designs on this girl named Chen Ning’er...
Seeing him laughing and chatting with another woman still made her deeply uncomfortable—she wished she could slap the Chen Ning’er before her to death.
Gu Changge’s smile remained unchanged. “Look how scared you’ve made her.”
Yue Mingkong shot him a sidelong glance, still silent.
Only that frost-cold, terrifying aura left everyone present somewhat suffocated, not daring to speak, only daring to think inwardly:
Truly worthy of being called the future Empress—every movement carried such immense, terrifying pressure that it was nearly suffocating.
Even her cultivation was unfathomable.
“It was Ning’er who overstepped. I beg Crown Heir Mingkong to be magnanimous and forgive Ning’er this once.”
Chen Ning’er naturally recognized Yue Mingkong as well. Her face slightly pale, her back a bit cold, she hurriedly apologized.
She knew Yue Mingkong’s identity—the future Empress of the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty, and also Gu Changge’s fiancée, a status noble beyond words.
She had never imagined Yue Mingkong would actually accompany Gu Changge to this place, and she felt some regret in her heart.
She had only dared say those words just now because... she had assumed Gu Changge had brought no maids on this trip.
After all, since when would Gu Changge appear without his maids appearing too?
But who could have known that he indeed had no maids by his side—he had his fiancée instead.
“Ning’er guniang meant well. Mingkong, don’t stoop to her level.”
Seeing this scene, Gu Changge couldn’t help but smile as he mediated.
Yue Mingkong gave him a cold glance, snorted, and her figure vanished from the palace entrance.
She also knew that if she kept this up, it would give people the impression that she was petty.
A mere Chen Ning’er—why should she care so much? Her appearance now was only to let Gu Changge know: while she was around, no other woman should even think of appearing at his side.
“Mingkong’s personality is just... that domineering. My apologies for the spectacle, everyone.”
Gu Changge smiled.
Hearing this, everyone hurriedly waved their hands. “Not at all, Young Master Changge jests...”
“Crown Heir Mingkong is true to her nature—we admire her endlessly.”
“Indeed, Young Master Changge and Crown Heir Mingkong are a perfect match, a pair of immortal lovers—truly the envy of all.”
They spoke up one after another, not daring to utter the slightest disrespect, and inwardly growing even more solemn. Not only had Gu Changge appeared at the Sky Jade Mountain Range, now even Yue Mingkong had shown up. The contest for the Tower of World Domination was becoming... ever more difficult.
Afterward, the visit concluded, and Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and the others took their leave, departing one after another, planning to return and discuss their next steps.
Though Chen Ning’er was still somewhat shaken, she quickly recovered, hope still in her heart.
After all, this was an opportunity she had stumbled upon with great difficulty—how could she give it up so easily? In her view, as long as she could help Gu Changge locate the Tower of World Domination, she was bound to win his regard.
Today’s small setback had not defeated her.
Very soon, she returned to her former faintly proud, swan-like demeanor.
“That man by Ji Chuyue’s side back then must have something special about him. Otherwise, there’s no way the Ji Family siblings would value a mere mortal so highly.”
“When I have time, I’ll have to make my move through him.”
Chen Ning’er narrowed her eyes, her next plan already forming in her mind.
Back at the palace, looking at Yue Mingkong, who was coldly glaring at him, Gu Changge laughed with absolutely no self-awareness. “What’s this? Such a strong sour smell—whose vinegar jar got knocked over?”
Yue Mingkong shot him a look. “In front of me, you’re not allowed to be nice to other women.”
“You really are domineering.”
Gu Changge shook his head, his tone somewhat helpless. “A perfectly good chess piece, scared off by you just like that. She mustered her courage to offer herself to my bed—why don’t you learn from her?”
“I don’t care.”
Yue Mingkong glanced at him, then the corners of her mouth curled up, her voice cold and laced with a trace of killing intent. “If I see it again, I’m afraid I won’t be able to stop myself from slapping her to death.”
Over the following days, the area around the Sky Jade Mountain Range grew increasingly restless. Across the sky, countless Arcane Bridges and Ancient Battle Chariots could be seen rumbling past with thunderous roars.
More and more cultivators and living beings, having learned that the Tower of World Domination was about to emerge here, rushed over.
Besides... the younger generation, many old-generation powerhouses also descended, and even some Sacred Realm existences revealed themselves.
The various powers nearby were all trembling with trepidation, deeply uneasy. When had a remote place like the Sky Jade Mountain Range ever welcomed so many cultivators? On top of that, news of Gu Changge’s presence here also spread, causing a massive uproar.
Many cultivators were shocked and horrified, never expecting that after annihilating the Purple Mansion, Gu Changge would also come to this place, intending to interfere and contend for the Tower of World Domination.
However, some people knew that Gu Changge actually possessed the Flask of World Domination, one of the Seven Tools of World Domination.
That he would come to contend for the Tower of World Domination was no surprise.
Upon hearing this news, quite a few people beat a retreat and chose to leave, knowing they could not out-snatch Gu Changge.
Of course, cultivators harboring such thoughts were still few. The vast majority knew the principle that treasures belong to the virtuous.
When the time came to make a move, it would all depend on one’s own abilities—since when did anyone back down just because someone’s background was terrifying? Meanwhile, on the other side, after bidding farewell to Gu Changge, Ji Chuyue, Ji Yaoxing, and the others did not leave the Heavenly Ruin Gate. Instead, they headed to the Handyman Peak where the handyman disciples resided, intending to find Jiang Chen to discuss matters.
In front of the thatched hut, Jiang Chen sat cross-legged on a bluestone, cultivating and sensing the flow of spiritual energy between heaven and earth.
Hearing Ji Chuyue’s voice from afar, he opened his eyes, a slight smile appearing as he looked over.
“So beautiful!”
However, the moment he saw Ji Chuyue, he couldn’t help but freeze. Even with his formidable composure, he was dazed for a good while.
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