Gu Changge Is a Picky One — This Should Make for Quite a Show
Gu Changge Is a Picky One — This Should Make for Quite a Show
Meanwhile, just as Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi were chatting away merrily...
Outside the palace hall, a woman in purple robes hurried in.
The crowd glanced at her, recognized her as Qing Zhu, one of the female officials attending the Empress, and paid her no further mind.
Qing Zhu’s expression was cool and composed as she walked behind Empress Yao Xi and stood together with Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju, her demeanor obedient and deferential.
Empress Yao Xi glanced at her but did not ask why she had left earlier.
However... Gu Changge noticed a trace of unease in the purple-robed woman’s expression. He raised an eyebrow slightly, but said nothing.
“May I ask what brings Young Master Changge to the Demon World this time?”
After their conversation wound down, Empress Yao Xi spoke up, asking with some curiosity.
Although she and Gu Changge had corresponded by letter, he had never mentioned his reason for coming to the Demon World.
This made her quite curious.
Hearing this, Gu Changge set down his wine cup and smiled. “Does Empress Yao Xi know that some time ago, I annihilated Bandit Thirteen in the Chaotic Star Territory?”
Empress Yao Xi nodded. Of course she knew about this matter.
For the one backing Bandit Thirteen turned out to be none other than Bai Kun, the Demon Master — a Remnant of the Five Demon Overlords who had fled the Demon World six thousand years ago.
This had shaken her considerably at the time.
Who could have imagined that all these years, Bai Kun had been hiding in the Chaotic Star Territory?
No wonder the many agents she had dispatched had found no trace of him whatsoever.
But now that Gu Changge had already captured Bai Kun, she naturally had no further need to concern herself with the matter.
“Could it be that Young Master Changge’s visit to the Demon World is because of this matter?”
Empress Yao Xi fell into thoughtful contemplation.
Gu Changge nodded and smiled. “It does indeed have a great deal to do with that matter. But part of it also concerns you, Empress Yao Xi.”
“Concerns me?”
Empress Yao Xi’s delicate brows arched.
However, Gu Changge did not elaborate further.
Empress Yao Xi’s gaze flickered slightly, and she understood that this matter likely involved something of great significance.
To speak of it openly in this setting would indeed be improper, so she asked no further questions.
But Qing Zhu, standing obediently in attendance behind Empress Yao Xi, felt a pang of disappointment at this.
She had thought she might overhear something crucial.
Instead, Gu Changge had said only that much and left it unfinished.
Meanwhile, as Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi conversed...
Down below at the banquet, a breathtakingly beautiful woman in an apricot-yellow gown...
...was speaking with a white-robed elder beside her whose aura was as deep and steady as an abyss, her lovely eyes glancing upward from time to time with curiosity.
Her features were like a painting, as though she had stepped out of an ancient, elegant scroll, carrying a poetic grace about her — gentle and poised.
“Youwei, what do you think of this... legendary Young Master Changge?”
The white-robed elder asked with a faint smile.
The woman in the apricot-yellow gown was none other than Song Youwei, the only daughter of the current Grand Tutor of the Demon World.
She was the most dazzling young prodigy in the Demon World today.
Hearing this, she looked up toward the head of the hall and could not help but smile. “In reply to Father, Youwei believes that purely in terms of appearance and bearing, Young Master Changge could be called a jade-like divine grace, unmatched in all the world.”
“One can only say that Young Master Changge truly lives up to his fame across the Beyond. Whether...”
“...in poise or in speech, not the slightest flaw can be found in him.”
“As for his cultivation, I dare not speak presumptuously. Rumor has it he already possesses power at the Perfect Prodigy level — that is simply inconceivable.”
“Before him, I truly am unworthy of the title of prodigy. And yet, by age, he is clearly about the same as me.”
Her words were simple and direct, her expression perfectly natural, without the slightest hint of flattery or sycophancy.
She was merely stating her honest first impression upon seeing Gu Changge.
Gu Changge was indeed outstanding — outstanding to the point where no flaw could be found, where no prodigy could stand as his equal.
But she harbored no particular designs; at most, it was amazement and admiration.
Song Youwei was no shallow person, and naturally she was not the sort... to fawn over the powerful.
“Given his current might and prestige, across the entire vast Beyond, there truly is no young man more outstanding than him. Even those... leaders of the great sects would pale and dim in comparison before him.”
“I truly cannot fathom how such a monster could exist in this world.”
After hearing this, the white-robed elder nodded in agreement, then sighed with emotion. “In a little while, Youwei, come with me to pay respects to Young Master Changge. Consider it a chance to make your face known to him.”
“If you can have more contact with a figure like him, it would be a good thing for you.”
He said nothing about having Song Youwei curry favor with Gu Changge.
Leaving aside the fact that his own character would never allow such a thing, even Song Youwei herself would refuse — she could never agree to such a request.
Of course, for Gu Changge, who had seen far too many heaven-blessed maidens, Song Youwei likely would not catch his eye either.
“Mm, Youwei will follow Father’s lead.”
Song Youwei nodded, still studying Gu Changge with curiosity.
However, Gu Changge seemed to notice her gaze. He looked over, gave her a slight smile, and nodded faintly.
Song Youwei was somewhat startled, but unlike ordinary women, she did not shyly avert her eyes. Instead, she openly returned his smile and met Gu Changge’s gaze.
Noticing this scene, Empress Yao Xi arched an eyebrow slightly and asked, “Does Young Master Changge know Youwei?”
Gu Changge shook his head slightly. “I do not. I merely felt that compared to other women, she seems somewhat different.”
“She is the Grand Tutor’s only daughter, named Song Youwei, and one of the most dazzling prodigies of our Demon World today.”
Hearing this, Empress Yao Xi nodded and explained.
“Song Youwei — now that is a name full of poetic grace.”
Gu Changge smiled and withdrew his gaze.
Soon after, the welcoming banquet came to an end. Host and guests had all enjoyed themselves, and the many great figures of the Demon World took their leave one after another.
They could well imagine that Gu Changge’s descent upon the Demon World would surely cause an enormous sensation, with unimaginable repercussions.
Today, within the hall, they had heard part of the conversation between Gu Changge and Empress Yao Xi, and understood that Gu Changge had not come to the Demon World without reason.
Thus, it was very likely that unimaginable upheaval would soon sweep through the Demon World, and they needed to make preparations in advance.
However, quite a few of the important ministers whom Empress Yao Xi trusted remained in the hall, bringing their families along, intending to personally pay their respects before Gu Changge and make their faces known.
“This old man is the Grand Tutor of the Demon World. Greetings, Young Master Changge.”
“This is my daughter, named Song Youwei.”
The Grand Tutor was the first to rise with Song Youwei, cupping his hands in salute toward Gu Changge, who sat at the head seat alongside Empress Yao Xi.
As he spoke, he introduced Song Youwei beside him.
Gu Changge nodded slightly, his gaze falling upon them. “Grand Tutor, there is no need for such formality. Empress Yao Xi has already introduced you to Changge just now.”
Then, he looked toward Song Youwei, his smile warm. “Youwei — that is indeed a fine name.”
Song Youwei smiled and curtsied gracefully, poised and proper. “Many thanks for Young Master Changge’s praise.”
After that, the Quelling Chaos King and the others also came forward with their families to pay respects, their attitude markedly more reverent than the Grand Tutor’s.
After all, by seniority, the Grand Tutor was Empress Yao Xi’s teacher.
Whereas they were merely her subordinates.
The Quelling Chaos King was a burly, tall man whose very presence commanded awe without anger.
A scar ran between his brows, adding a few degrees of fierce, savage air to him. His cultivation was at the Sacred King Realm.
Gu Changge nodded to each of them in turn, his expression unchanged, appearing gentle and natural, without the slightest hint of impatience — which left the Quelling Chaos King and the others feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.
Of course, while everyone was paying their respects, Gu Changge was also sizing up the group. Aside from... Song Youwei, everyone else’s Fortuity points were perfectly normal.
The Quelling Chaos King’s Fortuity points were somewhat on the high side, but still fell short of the threshold of a bearer of great Fortuity.
This made Gu Changge focus his attention on Song Youwei.
Generally speaking, those who possessed great Fortuity tended to draw out Fortuitous Ones.
This time, the Demon Overlord’s son might very well be connected to Song Youwei. However, he would not startle the snake in the grass — he would observe for a while first, and investigate her in the meantime.
Soon, everyone had taken their leave, and within the palace hall, only Gu Changge’s people and Empress Yao Xi’s people remained.
“The matter Young Master Changge mentioned just now — may I ask what it is?”
Empress Yao Xi could not help but ask. Earlier, with so many eyes and ears around, she had refrained from asking too much.
But now, everyone remaining here was a confidant of hers, worthy of trust.
Gu Changge glanced at her and smiled, no longer keeping her in suspense. “I wonder if Empress Yao Xi still remembers Jun Bufan?”
“Jun Bufan?”
Empress Yao Xi’s expression shifted slightly. That name — of course she remembered it.
Before her, it could be called something of a taboo.
Her ministers and maids ordinarily dared not utter that name, treating it as an unspeakable secret.
The four female officials behind her — Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju — all showed subtle changes in expression, especially Qing Zhu.
“Is the matter Young Master Changge speaks of related to him?”
Empress Yao Xi’s delicate brows furrowed, her face darkening slightly.
Gu Changge smiled. “Yes. From Bai Kun’s mouth, I learned of an interesting matter. The Solar Demon Overlord once entrusted him with a task — to find a suitable opportunity to deliver a Brocade Bag to a person named Jun Bufan.”
“However, as far as I know, is Jun Bufan not the Solar Demon Overlord’s own son, who died six thousand years ago?”
“So I felt this matter might be of considerable help to the Empress.”
“Jun Bufan — so he really did fake his death!”
After hearing this, a cold glint flickered in Empress Yao Xi’s eyes. Though shaken to her core, she quickly regained her composure.
In truth, ever since she discovered that Jun Bufan’s tomb was completely empty, she had been suspecting exactly this.
“What...”
“He merely faked his death?”
The four female officials — Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju — all stared wide-eyed in shock at this moment.
Qing Zhu’s face turned somewhat pale, though Empress Yao Xi did not notice.
“Many thanks to Young Master Changge for telling me of this matter.”
Empress Yao Xi’s beautiful eyes gazed deeply at Gu Changge.
Although she suspected Gu Changge was still withholding some things from her, for him to have said this much was already the utmost show of good faith.
After all, before this, she and Gu Changge had only met once.
“Empress Yao Xi, there’s no need to be so courteous.”
Gu Changge smiled.
Since he had already said as much, Empress Yao Xi would undoubtedly scour the land for Jun Bufan’s whereabouts next—which, incidentally, would save him some effort.
Empress Yao Xi nodded, then raised her head to glance at the moonlight outside the hall.
“It’s late. Young Master Changge should rest early as well.”
“Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju—these four girls are confidantes I’ve raised since childhood. Pure and untainted, clever and obedient. If Young Master Changge doesn’t mind, let them attend to your bed tonight.”
With that, she gestured toward the four girls—Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju—standing behind her.
Hearing this, the four girls were first stunned.
Then, the faces of Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju all flushed red, and they shyly lowered their heads.
They had never expected Empress Yao Xi to say such a thing.
As the most trusted female officers at the Empress’s side, their status was exceedingly noble throughout the entire Demon World, with few who could compare.
Many great figures and prodigies fawned over them and sought to curry their favor.
Raised by Empress Yao Xi since childhood, the ideology instilled in them was... that everything they did was for the Empress, even if it meant death.
So if one day they were bestowed upon some great figure by the Empress, they wouldn’t dare voice any complaint.
As for someone like Gu Changge, before this, they had never even imagined they would have a day when they could come into contact with him.
At this moment, they were even delighted, full of anticipation.
Unlike the nervous anticipation of Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju, Qing Zhu’s face turned somewhat pale, unease stirring in her heart.
After all, there was already someone she fancied in her heart, so naturally she was unwilling to be given away by Empress Yao Xi to serve in someone’s bed like this.
“Oh?”
Gu Changge hadn’t expected Empress Yao Xi to say such a thing either, and was somewhat surprised.
Although all four girls—Mei, Lan, Zhu, and Ju—possessed devastating beauty rarely seen in the world,
after having grown accustomed to the looks of Yue Mingkong, Jiang Chuchu, and the others, they inevitably gave him a sense of being mere powdered commoners.
He himself was no ascetic monk, no paragon of restraint, but this sort of thing truly failed to stir much... interest in him.
Moreover, he kept feeling that something was off about the purple-dressed girl among the four—she warranted keeping an eye on.
Of course, if Empress Yao Xi herself were willing to attend to his bed, that would be another matter entirely.
Not to mention he still had Jiang Luoshen by his side.
“Empress Yao Xi, let’s drop this matter. This fellow Gu Changge is very picky.”
However, before Gu Changge could open his mouth to refuse, Jiang Luoshen—who had stood to the side with a cold expression, silent all this time—spoke up.
She glanced at Gu Changge, and within her golden eyes, runes seemed to flow, as if she knew exactly what he was thinking.
During this period, Gu Changge had been ordering her around like a laborer, but she was getting used to it. She still had her complaints, though they were no longer as intense as before.
Seeing this scene, she somehow felt deeply uncomfortable in her heart.
With Gu Changge’s status, how could these powdered commoners possibly be worthy of attending his bed?
“Oh? Then it was presumptuous of me.”
Hearing this, Empress Yao Xi glanced at Jiang Luoshen, her expression unchanged.
This princess of the Godly Illusion Clan—she naturally knew of her.
She simply took it as Jiang Luoshen being jealous.
In her view, since Jiang Luoshen followed at Gu Changge’s side and descended to the lower realm with him, their relationship was naturally far from ordinary.
This sort of thing was merely a casual suggestion on her part. With Gu Changge’s status, what kind of woman could he not have?
Hearing this, Qing Mei, Qing Lan, and Qing Ju all felt somewhat disappointed in their hearts, though they dared not show it on their faces.
Qing Zhu, on the other hand... let out a long sigh of relief, her suspended heart finally settling back down.
Afterward, Gu Changge, Jiang Luoshen, and the others headed to the palace arranged by Empress Yao Xi to rest.
Empress Yao Xi, meanwhile, waved for Qing Mei and the others to withdraw, keeping only Qing Zhu behind.
Her face turned very cold, reverting to the imperial majesty she displayed before others.
Qing Zhu felt somewhat apprehensive inside, though her face maintained its composure.
“Speak. What was that just now?”
Empress Yao Xi gave her a faint glance. Although Qing Zhu’s emotional change just now had lasted only an instant, she had still sensed it.
With Qing Zhu’s status, attending Gu Changge’s bed should have been something to be ecstatic about—so how could resistance and unwillingness have arisen instead?
Hearing this, Qing Zhu’s face turned white, and immense terror welled up in her heart.
“This servant knows her error. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
She dropped to her knees with a thud, her voice trembling.
“You have someone you fancy?”
Empress Yao Xi seemed to see through her thoughts at a single glance.
Qing Zhu’s face grew even paler, and she hurriedly shook her head in explanation, “This servant has always been pure and untainted, without the slightest transgression. I wouldn’t dare deceive Your Majesty.”
She knew Empress Yao Xi disliked keeping anyone of impure body by her side.
So although she and Jun Fan shared mutual affection, there had never been the slightest overstepping between them.
Empress Yao Xi, for her part... did not doubt these words.
Qing Zhu had followed her for so long and knew the consequences of deceiving her.
“I’ll give you one chance. Resolve this matter yourself. Otherwise, if I find out who he is, I will not leave his corpse intact.”
“Now, go.”
With that, Empress Yao Xi spoke indifferently, her expression cold without the slightest ripple of emotion—a completely different person from how she had been in front of Gu Changge...
“It seems the people around Empress Yao Xi aren’t entirely trustworthy after all.”
“This son of the Demon Overlord’s methods are quite something.”
After returning to the palace, Gu Changge dispatched people to keep watch on Song Youwei, whom he had seen earlier that day.
He was also keeping an eye on Yao Xi’s confidantes, though he did not warn Empress Yao Xi.
If nothing unexpected happened, he would soon be treated to quite a show.
And quickly, in the blink of an eye, several days passed. News of Gu Changge’s appearance in the Demon World also stirred up a storm across all its domains.
Because the Demon World was unlike the other lower realms—there was mutual exchange between it and the Beyond.
Many events in the Beyond could be learned of in the Demon World with just a little inquiry.
Gu Changge’s reputation was extremely resounding even in the Demon World; many knew of his existence.
However, many were also speculating about the purpose of his trip to the Demon World this time.
For such a major event, there had been no word of it beforehand, which truly shook many of the great clans of the Demon World and took them by surprise.
And during this period, another grand event of the Demon World was proceeding as scheduled.
The Banquet of Prodigies! For all the younger generation of the Demon World, it was... a chance to leap through the dragon’s gate like a carp.
If one could make a name for oneself at this Banquet of Prodigies and catch Empress Yao Xi’s eye, one would surely be granted titles and rank, bringing glory to one’s family.
At this moment, within a cave dwelling at the Black and White Academy, Jun Fan stood with his back to several figures, asking indifferently,
“How is the matter being handled?”
Behind him stood several beings with blurred auras, their features difficult to make out, dressed in loose robes that made them look no different from the elders of the Black and White Academy.
“As per the Young Master’s instructions, we have taken control of the ministers in charge of the imperial wine for this Banquet of Prodigies. Their wives and daughters have all been seized by us and sent to a safe location.”
“With this leverage in hand, we needn’t worry about them defying our orders.”
Hearing this, they reported.
“Good. Although we’ve taken control of the imperial wine, given Yao Xi’s caution over the years, she will certainly have someone test it for poison first.”
Jun Fan nodded slightly, a cold glint flashing through his eyes as he continued, “So this alone isn’t enough. When the time comes, the Banquet of Prodigies will be held on the Sacred Mountain of the Black and White Academy, and all the prominent figures of the Demon World will attend.
The surrounding terrain is open, making it difficult for our people to hide there. Moreover, Yao Xi is cunning by nature and will absolutely dispatch many experts to protect her in secret. So you must conceal yourselves among the crowd and act upon the signal.”
“I have planned this assassination for a long time. No errors will be tolerated.”
“Rest assured, Young Master. Over the years, we have accumulated considerable strength in the shadows, hidden extremely deep, concealed within the various great clans.
And this time at the Banquet of Prodigies, besides... us, the other Remnants of the Five Demon Overlords will also make their move.”
The figure with blurred features, entirely hidden within his robes, spoke, his words carrying confidence.
Hearing this, Jun Fan couldn’t help but nod, his face revealing an even colder killing intent as his fists clenched tight.
“Over six thousand years have passed. Yao Xi’s cultivation is at most at the Sacred Emperor Realm now. Unless she’s had some other fortuitous encounter, it would be difficult for her to reach the Quasi-Nirvana Realm.
But even if she is at the Quasi-Nirvana Realm, it matters not. The Solar Heavenly Blade is a Nirvana Grade Artifact forged by my royal father back then. With Uncle Ye making the move, Yao Xi will not escape her doom this time...”
Afterward, Jun Fan waved for the people behind him to leave, and the cave dwelling returned to dead silence.
He looked beyond the cave dwelling, contemplation flickering in his gaze—he was clearly waiting for something.
These past few days, he had intended to seek out Song Youwei to ask about some matters, but after Song Youwei returned to the Grand Tutor’s residence, she had yet to come to the Black and White Academy, which left him rather disappointed.
“Jun Fan...”
And soon, outside the cave dwelling, a purple-clothed woman arrived belatedly, her features cold and clear, yet carrying a trace of sorrow.
It was none other than Qing Zhu, the female officer at Empress Yao Xi’s side.
“What’s wrong?”
Seeing her expression, Jun Fan was somewhat puzzled. Then, without betraying anything, he handed her the tea he had long since prepared on the stone table. “What happened? Don’t rush. Have a sip of tea first.”
Qing Zhu glanced at him, sighed, took the tea and drank a mouthful, then told him what had happened in the imperial palace that day.
After hearing it all, Jun Fan’s expression turned rather ugly, and he was furious.
“That Yao Xi actually offered you up to attend Gu Changge’s bed just to curry favor with him?”
Qing Zhu nodded, equally angry. “Not only that, the Empress is also... investigating everything about you everywhere.”
Jun Fan’s expression shifted between dark and light, and in the end he let out a deep sigh. “Since she is heartless, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”
“Actually, the reason I sought you out this time is that there’s something I want your help with. As long as this matter succeeds, we won’t have to worry about Yao Xi anymore, nor live in hiding like this.”
“What is it?”
Qing Zhu faintly guessed something in her heart, and her face turned somewhat pale.
“This is a poison I obtained at great cost. Even against... Sacred Emperor Realm cultivators, it has miraculous effect.”
Jun Fan pulled a white porcelain bottle from his bosom, his expression gradually turning solemn. “Of course, you needn’t worry. Used on its own, it’s actually a nourishing elixir powder and won’t be regarded as poison by anyone.
Nor will you be suspected.”
Qing Zhu’s heart trembled violently, her face growing even paler, stormy waves surging in her heart, her fingers trembling.
Poisoning the Empress! Jun Fan actually intended for her to poison the Empress.
“I know you’re in charge of Yao Xi’s daily spirit meals, and at the same time, the elixirs and Divine Source for her cultivation are also under your charge. But this matter is very safe—no one will know.”
“Nor will anyone suspect you. On this point, I can guarantee it.”
Jun Fan stared intently into her eyes, coaxing her step by step.