Gu Changge's Final Plan, an Indispensable Piece
Gu Changge’s Final Plan, an Indispensable Piece
“Father, tell me this isn’t true. How could Xiao Fan possibly be...”
Inside the Heavenly Prison, the entire household of the Quelling Chaos King’s residence had been locked up.
This included the Quelling Chaos King’s wife, his eldest son Jun Ping, his second daughter Jun Yao, and the rest of the Jun Family’s upper ranks.
At first, everyone had been utterly bewildered, completely at a loss as to what was happening. Out of nowhere, a great army had stormed in, surrounded the Jun Residence, and then everyone had been thrown into the Heavenly Prison.
Here, they finally saw the pillar of the Quelling Chaos King’s household—the Quelling Chaos King himself.
But now he looked as though he had aged decades overnight, utterly dispirited and haggard, his face full of worry, his brow never once unfurrowing.
“It’s true. Her Majesty the Empress somehow obtained evidence of Xiao Fan’s betrayal. By now, every civil and military official in the court knows of it. The glory of our Jun Family ends today, never to return.”
Hearing Jun Yao’s words, the Quelling Chaos King glanced at her and sighed, his expression steeped in deep dejection and helplessness.
Even now, his head was still a muddled fog; he hadn’t fully processed it. Today’s events had struck him far too hard.
The Quelling Chaos King felt both helpless and furious. He never imagined that Jun Fan would secretly plot behind all their backs to assassinate Her Majesty the Empress.
Once something like this was exposed, it would doom the entire Quelling Chaos King’s household!
“How is that possible? Xiao Fan admired Her Majesty the Empress. How could he do something like this...”
“Could there be some misunderstanding?”
Jun Yao’s face had gone pale, her voice trembling. Even with the confirmed answer, she still couldn’t believe it.
In her memory, Jun Fan was a confident, steady young man. Though he could be a bit arrogant and prideful at times, given his talent and cultivation, that hardly counted for anything.
There was no way he would do something like this—especially while hiding it from all of them.
“Xiao Fan hid it from me so deeply.”
Jun Fan’s elder brother Jun Ping spoke up, letting out a deep sigh of his own.
In appearance, he was much like the Quelling Chaos King—extremely tall and burly, carrying the fierce air of a bandit.
The rest of the Jun Family’s upper ranks were equally shaken, their hearts palpitating at the news.
Before this, none of them had ever imagined that Jun Fan’s hidden identity would turn out to be Jun Bufan—the biological son of the Solar Demon Overlord of old.
Many couldn’t help but feel resentment toward Jun Fan. For a catastrophe that implicated the entire clan, he hadn’t shown them the slightest consideration.
No wonder Jun Fan hadn’t returned to the Imperial Capital this time and had instead found an excuse to leave. He must have known about this long ago and used it to flee the disaster.
Of course, many were also speculating that the real Jun Fan was already dead—that the one now occupying his body was actually someone from over six thousand years ago.
“What’s done is done. Say no more.”
“Now we can only wait and see how Her Majesty the Empress decides to handle this. If her anger subsides, she might just release us. Something like this... I believe Her Majesty is only... momentarily furious.”
“My loyalty to her is as clear as the sun and moon. Her Majesty the Empress is not an unreasonable person.”
Soon, the Quelling Chaos King waved his hand, telling everyone to calm down.
Even so, he wasn’t certain of Empress Yao Xi’s final stance.
After all, the implications of this matter were far too great. If Gu Changge hadn’t suddenly descended upon the Demon World, Her Majesty the Empress would almost certainly have met with disaster, her very life at stake.
Of course, what filled his heart most was rage—rage at Jun Fan’s betrayal and deception.
Once something like this was discovered, it would inevitably bring calamity upon the entire clan.
“How did everything suddenly turn out like this in a single day...”
Jun Yao’s lips were pale, her slender hands clenched tight. She had been quietly tending to the flower teas she cultivated, planning to let Gu Changge sample them the next time they met.
Now, thrown into prison, she had no idea how things would unfold from here.
From the noble daughter of the Quelling Chaos King to a prisoner whose life hung in the balance.
This enormous fall left her momentarily lost and at a loss.
Still, she was no ordinary person. She quickly steadied herself, reasoning that no amount of panic would help in a situation like this.
She didn’t want to blame Jun Fan. Judging by his usual behavior, he had never shown anything out of the ordinary.
How could he, out of nowhere, become the biological son of the Solar Demon Overlord—Jun Bufan, who had died six thousand years ago?
Just as the Jun Family members sat shrouded in gloom, footsteps suddenly sounded from outside the Heavenly Prison.
The many jailers all changed expression, lowering their heads in unison with respectful deference.
A man in black robes walked in, his bearing transcendent and mysterious, carrying an innate nobility.
“Young Master Changge...”
Jun Yao’s face showed faint surprise. She never expected to see Gu Changge here.
Could it be that, upon learning of this matter, he had come to the Heavenly Prison to visit her?
At this thought, Jun Yao’s heart began pounding uncontrollably, and a shy look crept across her face.
The many Jun Family members were also stunned by the sight, then one after another they saluted across the prison bars. “We greet Young Master Changge...”
“Greetings, Young Master Changge.”
Delight surfaced on the Quelling Chaos King’s face as well, and he hurriedly saluted.
Gu Changge had actually come here—in his view, this could only be because of his daughter Jun Yao.
It seemed that after his daughter’s recent contact with Gu Changge, she truly had won his favor—enough for Gu Changge to personally come to a place like this to visit her.
This filled the Quelling Chaos King’s heart with hope. In the current Demon World, if there was one person who could save him, it was absolutely Gu Changge.
Even the Grand Tutor, who had taught Her Majesty the Empress since childhood, would never dare to provoke Her Majesty’s displeasure at a juncture like this.
But Gu Changge was different.
He was on intimate terms with Empress Yao Xi, and he was her savior. If he personally stepped forward, Empress Yao Xi would absolutely agree.
“Young Master Changge, why have you come here?”
A rosy glow surfaced on Jun Yao’s jade-like face as she looked at him somewhat shyly.
Gu Changge nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the many Jun Family members, a trace of understanding seeming to flicker across his face. Then he spoke to her. “I just learned of this matter from Yao Xi. I had thought it might be some misunderstanding, but I also saw that Photographic Stone...”
At this point, he sighed and continued.
The Jun Family members’ expressions dimmed. Naturally, they understood what Gu Changge meant.
If even he said so, then Jun Fan being the Solar Demon Overlord’s son was likely set in stone—an unchangeable fact.
Jun Yao’s expression also dimmed somewhat. “I’m sorry... to have made Young Master Changge worry.”
Gu Changge shook his head slightly. “Jun Yao-guniang, there’s no need for that. None of you need to worry either. I believe that once Yao Xi’s anger gradually fades after some time, she will release you.”
Hearing this, the Jun Family members’ hearts eased somewhat, and joy showed on the Quelling Chaos King’s face.
Since even Gu Changge had personally said so, then Empress Yao Xi would surely release them in the end.
“Mm, mm. Thank you for the trouble, Young Master Changge—to actually come tell me this in person over such a matter...”
Hearing Gu Changge’s words, Jun Yao’s heart settled somewhat as well. Her voice was shy, her cheeks slightly red.
“I didn’t want you to worry too much. Rest assured—with me here, nothing will happen to you.”
Gu Changge said with a smile.
With that, he nodded slightly toward the Quelling Chaos King and the others, then turned and walked out of the Heavenly Prison without lingering.
“Mm...”
Jun Yao’s heart thumped wildly at Gu Changge’s words, her head spinning. She gazed dazedly at his departing figure until not a trace of him remained, only then coming back to her senses.
“It’s all thanks to you, Yao’er. If not for you, your father truly wouldn’t know what to do about this mess...”
“Come, tell me—just how far have things progressed between you and Young Master Changge, that he would personally come to visit you? Yao’er, how could you not tell your father about something this important before...”
The Quelling Chaos King looked at Jun Yao with a face full of delight.
In his view, although Jun Yao’s temperament could be a bit willful at ordinary times,
her looks were absolutely beyond reproach. In the entire vast Imperial Capital, aside from Her Majesty the Empress, the only one who could compare with her was Song Youwei.
Moreover, he’d heard that Gu Changge was fond of tea, and Jun Yao had studied the Dao of Tea deeply. That she could win Gu Changge’s favor was hardly impossible.
Hearing this, Jun Yao said somewhat flusteredly, “Father, what nonsense are you spouting? I merely have some knowledge of the Dao of Tea, and Young Master Changge happens to be interested in it. It’s nothing like what you’re imagining. Otherwise, with looks like mine, how could I possibly catch Young Master Changge’s eye?”
Though she said this, she was secretly rather pleased inside.
To this, the Quelling Chaos King merely laughed dismissively. “I know, I know. You girls have thin skin. But it would be even better if your relationship with Young Master Changge grew a little closer.”
If Jun Yao could become his Concubine, then even if he no longer held the title of Quelling Chaos King, the Jun Family would instantly become one of the top great clans in the entire vast Demon World—even Empress Yao Xi would have to give him some face.
Of course, such an ancestral-graves-smoking stroke of fortune was something he could only dream about.
Given Jun Yao’s status, even reaching up, she wouldn’t quite... qualify.
What he was really thinking was this: if Jun Yao were to become intimate with Gu Changge and bear his child, then given the might of the Longevity Gu Family, they would absolutely never allow a direct-line descendant to be left adrift outside.
In that way, his Jun Family would naturally be able to latch onto that connection.
At this moment, the Jun Family members all looked at Jun Yao with envy. Judging by Gu Changge’s attitude toward her just now, it was clear enough that Jun Yao held no small weight in his heart.
Otherwise, given Gu Changge’s status, why would he condescend to come to a place like this, and even tell Jun Yao not to worry?
Outside the Heavenly Prison, Empress Yao Xi had long been waiting for Gu Changge. Seeing him emerge, she couldn’t help but ask, “You plan to use the Jun Family to find Jun Bufan?”
She had more or less seen through Gu Changge’s intentions.
Gu Changge glanced at her and said casually, “No. The Jun Family can’t find Jun Bufan. Even if he learns of this, he won’t care. Do you really think Jun Bufan cares about the lives of the Jun Family?”
Hearing this, Empress Yao Xi nodded thoughtfully. “Then what is your purpose in doing this?”
If Jun Bufan cared about the Jun Family’s survival, he naturally wouldn’t have used this identity to plot and attempt to assassinate her.
“My purpose in doing this is, of course, to help you resolve your troubles.”
Gu Changge said with a smile.
Empress Yao Xi stared at him for a moment, then finally asked no more. Since Gu Changge was unwilling to elaborate, asking further would be pointless.
Besides, Gu Changge capturing Jun Bufan was indeed helping her resolve a problem.
The matter of the Quelling Chaos King’s entire household being imprisoned caused quite a stir in the Imperial Capital. Many speculated that the Quelling Chaos King had bungled his duties and incurred Her Majesty the Empress’s suppression.
However, in the vast Nine Realms of the Demon World, such a matter couldn’t cause much of a sensation.
It was like a small pebble tossed into a lake, stirring a few ripples before calm quickly returned.
Over the following days, Gu Changge would visit Jun Yao at the Heavenly Prison from time to time, making her feel that he was quite invested in her affairs.
While grateful, the Jun Family members also breathed a huge sigh of relief, feeling that the day they would see daylight again was not far off.
Then, seeing that the timing was finally right, Gu Changge arrived with a heavy expression and tightly furrowed brows, and at the same time ordered that Jun Yao be released.
Jun Yao was pleasantly surprised, but more than that, she was puzzled—why had only she been released, with no concern shown for her clansmen?
“Young Master Changge, what is going on?”
Jun Yao was confused, especially sensing that Gu Changge’s mood seemed rather heavy.
Gu Changge looked at her and sighed softly. “During this time, I’ve investigated everything thoroughly. Jun Fan is no longer the person he once was. The current him has likely long since undergone Body Possession by the Demon Overlord’s son from six thousand years ago.”
“What...”
Jun Yao’s face went white at his words. Though she had long guessed at this possibility,
hearing it from Gu Changge’s own mouth was like a bolt of thunder, making her heart tremble, unable to suppress her grief.
“Yao Xi is still in a rage right now, and I can’t talk her out of it. But after thinking it over, she has decided to give you all a chance to atone for your crimes through merit.”
Gu Changge glanced at Jun Yao, then continued.
Jun Yao forcibly suppressed the grief in her heart and couldn’t help asking, “What does Her Majesty the Empress want us to do?”
The Jun Fan of old would never have done something that plunged his family into peril. So she knew that the current Jun Fan was no longer the original Jun Fan—he was merely wearing Jun Fan’s skin.
Her real little brother had, in effect, already died at the hands of Jun Bufan, the Demon Overlord’s son from six thousand years ago!
This was a debt of vengeance she would repay no matter what!
“Yao Xi senses that Jun Fan is secretly plotting something big, an attempt to throw the Demon World into chaos. Right now, perhaps only you can stop all of this... Truth be told, I don’t want you to take this risk either.”
Gu Changge’s tone carried a hint of helplessness.
Jun Yao had already calmed down by now. Hearing this, she said firmly, “I’m not afraid of danger. As long as I can save my family and avenge my brother, I’m willing to do anything.”
Gu Changge sighed, then drew from his sleeve a crystalline Jade Talisman flowing with divine light, and said, “In that case, I won’t try to dissuade you further, Jun Yao-guniang. This is a Jade Talisman containing a full-powered strike of mine. As long as you crush it when you encounter danger, it should keep your life safe. Moreover, once you crush this talisman, I’ll sense your location and can rush to your rescue at the first moment.”
At this, Jun Yao was first stunned, then boundless gratitude welled up in her heart as she accepted the Jade Talisman.
“I understand. For such great kindness from Young Master Changge, Jun Yao no longer knows how she could ever repay you.”
Gu Changge waved his hand, then said gravely, “Jun Yao-guniang, there’s no need for that. Consider it repayment for that cup of tea back then. This matter is of great importance. I’ll go over the details with you in a moment—you must remember them well, or it will cost you your life.”
“You must understand—the current Jun Fan is no longer the brother you once knew. The moment you threaten his interests, he won’t spare a thought for you or the family behind you.”
Jun Yao nodded heavily, her expression solemn.
After that, Gu Changge began explaining to her what she needed to do, according to his original plan.
Jun Yao now had no doubts whatsoever about his words. Though it sounded somewhat complicated, as long as she didn’t give herself away, there would be no problem.
“I understand. Rest assured, Young Master Changge.”
Gu Changge smiled. “Then take care of yourself.”
With that, he took Jun Yao and left the Imperial Capital, waiting at a long-calculated location for a certain figure to arrive.
In Gu Changge’s plan, Jun Yao played a major role—one that could even determine success or failure.
Since the Gates of Life were currently guarded by Jun Bufan’s sister Jun Ruoxi, then the Gates of Death would surely be found by Jun Bufan in the end—let alone the fact that he still held that key in his hand.
Gu Changge intended to locate the Gates of Death through Jun Bufan, so before that, he could not alert the snake by beating the grass...
“Father, is everything you said... true?”
At this moment, within the Grand Tutor’s residence, Song Youwei’s eyes were wide, finding it hard to believe.
Hearing this, the Grand Tutor let out a long sigh. “I didn’t believe it at the time either, but that Photographic Stone cannot be faked.”
Although Her Majesty the Empress had ordered that this matter not be spread, he couldn’t withstand Song Youwei’s persistent pestering.
He could only tell her about it.
Still, Song Youwei was clever and wouldn’t casually spread such a thing, so he was fairly at ease.
“So that’s the reason.”
Song Youwei still found it somewhat unbelievable, her expression dazed.
Hesitation and conflict stirred in her heart, and in the end she let out a deep sigh.
Just moments ago, she had received a message from Jun Fan, saying he had discovered a ruin and inviting her to go explore it together.
Song Youwei was deeply versed in arrays and runes, and her attainments in studying ancient artifacts and ruins were considerable—she herself was quite interested in such things.
Jun Fan would often invite her along.
But now, suddenly hearing this news truly shook her to the core. For a moment her mind was in chaos, and she didn’t know what to do.
Jun Fan was actually Jun Bufan—the Demon Overlord’s son from six thousand years ago, the fiancé poisoned to death by Her Majesty the Empress...
Which meant the assassination at the summit of the Sacred Mountain some time ago had actually been orchestrated by Jun Fan himself, and the current plight of the Quelling Chaos King’s household was also implicated because of him.
No wonder she had felt at the time that something was off about Jun Fan’s expression. So this was the reason behind it all.
“Father, I won’t tell anyone about this. But I need to go out for a while...”
Then, Song Youwei calmed down and looked at the Grand Tutor as she spoke.
She had still decided to go find Jun Fan and personally ask him his reasons. She refused to believe Jun Fan was some great villain. The Demon World today was peaceful, stable, and prosperous.
Her Majesty the Empress could be said to deserve enormous credit for that.
Did Jun Fan truly intend to destroy all of this? Or was it merely to take revenge on Her Majesty the Empress for the grudge of six thousand years ago?
There were many things she had to ask Jun Fan face to face.
The Grand Tutor’s brow furrowed. Looking at Song Youwei’s expression, he faintly guessed her intentions.
Song Youwei and Jun Fan were the closest of friends. With something this huge happening, it was impossible for her not to worry, not to care.