The Hidden Celestial An Clan, Saving Someone Who Shouldn't Have Been Saved
The Hidden Celestial An Clan, Saving Someone Who Shouldn’t Have Been Saved
The news of the demoness in red reappearing in the Beyond could be said to have shaken everyone.
After the battle at Divine City back then, the demoness in red had vanished without a trace, leaving no sign of her whereabouts.
All the Dao lineages and forces that had gone to participate in the Demon Slaying Event returned in defeat, suffering heavy losses, with very few surviving.
Many Cultivators were speculating about where the demoness in red had ultimately gone. Some suspected that she had also been severely wounded and was recuperating somewhere.
Others said that after that battle, the demoness in red had actually been destroyed, which was why there had been no movement from her for so long.
Rumors of every kind circulated—it was truly a case of everyone having their own version.
Now, the matter of the demoness in red establishing a Devil Mountain at the peak of the Endless Sea was no different from a meteor crashing into the deep ocean, setting off monstrous waves.
Cultivators had witnessed it with their own eyes: at the peak of the Endless Sea, boundless demonic energy surged and churned, blotting out the sun and moon, turning everything within tens of millions of miles into darkness.
Stars fell one after another from beyond the realm, rising and sinking there, transforming into star islands shrouded in the Mists of Chaos—utterly terrifying.
Such a phenomenon shook everyone. Many Dao lineages even dispatched powerful experts to investigate, attempting to spy out the demoness in red’s intentions.
If she merely intended to establish a Devil Mountain, that would be fine. What they feared was her world-shaking ferocity erupting once more into boundless slaughter.
At present, the Beyond was at the critical juncture of its campaign against the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, and could not spare much military force to crusade against the demoness in red.
Moreover, after the previous Demon Slaying Event, the terror of the demoness in red had become deeply rooted in the hearts of the many Dao lineages and forces of the Beyond.
No one was willing to provoke her lightly.
The Devil Mountain stood towering at the peak of the Endless Sea, with grand and ancient palaces rising from the ground one after another.
Heavenly towers descended, divine halls stood erect, hazy and indistinct, like the burial ground of all living beings from ancient mythology.
Hordes of demons converged upon it. That place had already transformed into a demonic domain comparable to the Demon-Burying Abyss, its demonic energy soaring to the heavens, suppressing tens of millions of miles.
Numerous peerless demons heeded the demoness in red’s call and lay dormant there, their ferocious might intimidating all the heavens. Cultivators and living beings passing by all trembled with fear.
However, the demoness in red seemed to have recovered much of her sanity.
The many forces and Dao lineages that had worried she would once again unleash boundless slaughter saw no movement from her, and gradually set their minds at ease, focusing on attacking the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.
At present, the Beyond was not peaceful. Especially after the annihilation of the Nine Great Mountains, Gu Changge’s name spread throughout the heavens, triggering enormous sensation.
The many Supreme Dao Lineages and Cults of Immortality were all shocked and horrified by this.
By now, Gu Changge had already become an invincible young myth in the eyes of countless Cultivators and living beings of the Beyond.
At merely twenty-some years of age, his cultivation already suppressed the current era, with no one able to match him.
Striking down Sacred Emperor Realm beings, raising an army to annihilate the Nine Great Mountains—the many rumors swept out like a storm, causing the younger generation to tremble in despair, already unable to glimpse even the slightest trace of his back.
For the older generation, Gu Changge’s name made them even more apprehensive, finding it profoundly inconceivable.
Some even felt they were witnessing the birth of a legend with their own eyes. In the historical records of future eras, Gu Changge would absolutely have a bold and colorful stroke.
Such glory could not be exaggerated even if described as unparalleled in the world.
In the many Overworlds as well, countless living beings chanted his name. It was said that hearing and chanting his true name could protect one’s Original Soul from destruction.
His age, in the eyes of many ancient existences, could already be disregarded.
The members of the younger generation who had once crossed hands with Gu Changge, such as the King of Six Crowns and the Phoenix Lady—
Though their natural talent was powerful, compared to Gu Changge they fell far short. The gap was like a chasm between heaven and earth; they could hardly even see his back.
In the eyes of many Cultivators, the only member of the younger generation who might possibly rival Gu Changge now was perhaps the Successor of Demonic Arts who had escaped from his hands multiple times.
However, the Successor of Demonic Arts had already vanished for quite a long time, no longer as rampant as before.
In the view of many Cultivators, the Successor of Demonic Arts likely knew he was no match for Gu Changge now, and so chose to lie low and retreat, avoiding any encounter with him.
Boom—
At this moment, massive Ancient Battleships swept across the heavens, dense and innumerable, blotting out the sky, casting endless shadows below as they traversed toward the location of the Boundary Marker Sea.
Ancient war horns sounded, carrying vast armies of the Beyond, preparing to launch a grand assault.
These Ancient Battleships bore mighty auras, capable of shuttling through the passages between worlds, terrifying beyond measure, carving open everything within the chaos.
The powerful beings of the many Overworlds all sensed this aura, and some could not help but tremble.
One battleship, noticeably larger and more ancient than the rest, was wreathed in immortal mist, with palaces stretching in clusters, Mystic Mountains rising one after another, immortal islands floating in the air, and silver waterfalls cascading like silk ribbons—like an ancient continent unto itself.
Unlike the other Ancient Battleships, this one was populated mostly by young faces.
Besides the prodigies of the current generation, there were also some ancient freaks who had only recently emerged into the world.
For instance, descendants of the Ancient Immortal Races, with terrifying auras and blood energy surging to the heavens, each possessing their own residences.
At their doorways stood powerful followers and attendants, each a cut stronger than ordinary experts, their strength having reached the Sacred Realm.
The True Immortal Academy, the Skyward Schloss, the Sky Demon Tower, the Holy King Palace, the War Immortal Manor—the many forces dedicated to cultivating the younger generation had all gathered here.
These beings and Cultivators could be called the most outstanding members of the younger generation across all the heavens of the Beyond—a true gathering of stars.
In this great war to crusade against the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, these members of the younger generation would all participate.
As was customary, before the passage of the Aether Abyss stabilized, the younger generations of both sides would fight first, or the somewhat older generations would battle.
The supreme beings who would ultimately decide the outcome would not easily take action.
This was because before the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, the rules of heaven and earth were incomplete. It was still the point where the spatial barriers of the two worlds collided, the Great Dao in chaos, making it difficult for many supreme beings to exert their peak strength.
Once, it was precisely for this reason that quite a few supreme beings had fallen, their blood spilled before the Aether Abyss.
But this time, all the Dao lineages and forces of the Beyond’s heavens moved in unison, their momentum shaking the heavens.
Before the Boundary Marker Sea, supreme beings had already manifested their Dharma Bodies and departed.
“Xianer meimei, we meet again.”
At this moment, atop a mountain peak wreathed in crimson auspicious light and shrouded in immortal mist—
A young woman with a slender, tall figure, a face of pure and otherworldly beauty, dressed in a flowing fairy gown with wide sleeves, so beautiful that not a single flaw could be found, sat cross-legged in cultivation.
Auspicious light shimmered across her body; every pore seemed to glow, as if statues of fairy maidens within were chanting ancient scriptures, further setting off her snow-white, flawless skin with its crystalline luster, so delicate it seemed it would break at a touch.
Her whole being carried an immortal aura, cool and aloof, but the space between her brows was cold as frost, giving off an unapproachable air.
Not far from the young woman, there was also a Big Red Bird, its eyes slanted as it sized up a silver-haired young woman walking toward her.
How many times has this been now, that she’s deliberately come looking for her?
Hearing these words, Gu Xianer opened her eyes.
Toward the silver-haired young woman before her, she seemed quite familiar—but more than that, slightly impatient.
“Isn’t this just proof that we’re fated? How can you call it deliberately seeking you out?”
Hearing this, the silver-haired young woman giggled, giving off an innocent and carefree feeling.
Her figure was stunning, her curves exquisite and alluring, and she had a flawlessly delicate face.
Her skin was white as porcelain, fine as jade, in no way inferior to Gu Xianer’s.
Moreover, her eyes were like pale red glazed glass, gorgeous and beautiful.
When they blinked and fluttered, she looked so endearing and pitiful that one truly couldn’t find any reason to dislike her.
Atop her head was a pair of inconspicuous rose-red horns, revealing her non-human identity.
The two appeared to be about the same age.
“Speak. What exactly do you want from me?”
Gu Xianer glanced at the silver-haired young woman and spoke indifferently.
The silver-haired young woman before her was named An Yan, and behind her stood the Hidden Celestial An Clan.
The depth and terror of their foundation ranked among the very best even in the Beyond, enough to place in the foremost ranks.
It was only because their bloodline was so powerful that their clan members were relatively few—somewhat similar to the Godly Illusion Clan.
However, compared to the Godly Illusion Clan, the Hidden Celestial Clan was even more mysterious and low-key. In recent years, only one or two clan members had walked about in the outside world.
This time, with the Beyond raising its army to attack the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, the An Clan naturally wanted to stick a hand in and get a share of the spoils.
That was why they had sent out clan members to participate.
However, Gu Xianer and An Yan had not met here.
Rather, it was earlier, when she had left Peach Village and, following her shifus’ instructions, gone to Ascension Island to cultivate and attempt to break through the extreme limit of her realm—that was where she had encountered An Yan.
At the time, upon learning her identity, An Yan had developed great interest in Gu Xianer and shamelessly latched onto her.
Afterward, the two explored some secret realms and ruins together, and also joined forces to compete for rare treasures at auctions. Through this back-and-forth, they became familiar with each other.
“Can’t I come see you just because I want to? You make it sound like I can’t look for you unless I need something.”
Hearing this, An Yan rolled her eyes and plopped herself down beside Gu Xianer of her own accord, sitting very close to her.
Gu Xianer glanced at her and shifted to the side, saying, “Stay away from me.”
“Hmph, what a heartless person. Have you forgotten which person was almost smashed to pieces by that Sacred King Realm ferocious beast that day? If I hadn’t brought out my formation at the critical moment, grass would probably be growing on your grave by now.”
Seeing her look of disdain, An Yan grew somewhat annoyed, huffing and muttering under her breath.
Hearing this, Gu Xianer wasn’t angered in the slightest. She merely said indifferently, “Rest assured, even without you, I would have survived that day. The life-saving items I carry are no fewer than yours.”
“Oh right, I almost forgot about your identity. You’re the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family—how could you possibly lack life-saving items?”
An Yan’s expression changed in a flash, instantly turning into a grinning face.
“Besides, no one in the Beyond can match the current glory of your Gu Changge. He’s your cousin, and they say he treats you extremely well—so how could you lack treasures?”
Hearing these words, Gu Xianer’s delicate brows furrowed slightly.
“My life-saving items were not given to me by Gu Changge. It’d be good enough if I didn’t rob him of his things.”
When Gu Changge was mentioned, her words carried a resentment she could hardly conceal.
However, in front of An Yan, she maintained her usual ethereal, immortal bearing, revealing not the slightest trace of indignation.
Hearing this, An Yan put on a shocked expression, her crystalline, glass-like eyes widening.
“Don’t the rumors all say Gu Changge treats you very well? Why would you rob him of his things?”
She seemed unable to believe it, quite curious, as if hearing such words for the first time.
“And the rumors all say Gu Changge is this and that, made out to be so miraculous—I thought it was all true.”
Gu Xianer let out a snort through her nose and said, “Rumors are just rumors. Everything must be seen with one’s own eyes to be true. Speaking of which, why have you been mentioning that guy so much lately?”
An Yan giggled and said, “Isn’t it just curiosity? You and I are so close, and every day I hear all kinds of rumors about Gu Changge. They say even the Nine Great Mountains were annihilated by him.”
“And aren’t I your friend? Since he’s your cousin, I couldn’t help wanting to ask.”
“Is that so?”
Gu Xianer turned her head and looked deeply at her, as if trying to see through her purpose.
“Fine, fine. Actually, I just heard that in this campaign against the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, we’ll be fighting the prodigies from over there, and I’m a bit worried something might go wrong.”
“Isn’t Gu Changge over there? If something unexpected happens, I’d want you to come save me.”
“You know, I’ve only just emerged into the world, and my combat experience is pitifully scarce. How could I be a match for those vicious prodigies of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains?”
An Yan seemed unable to withstand that gaze of hers, shook her head, and confessed honestly.
“Rest assured. For the sake of our acquaintance, when the time comes, I won’t stand by and watch you die.”
Seeing her speak frankly, Gu Xianer didn’t press the matter further.
“With those words from you, I can rest easy.”
“Taking this opportunity, I can also get a look at that cousin of yours.”
“Alright, I won’t disturb your cultivation any longer. I look forward to the day I see you suppress Gu Changge.”
Seeing her promise, An Yan’s face broke into a smile. Then she rose to take her leave, seemingly very happy, skipping away with a bounce in her step.
After watching her leave, Gu Xianer’s dark brows furrowed, and she beckoned the Big Red Bird over from not far away.
“Big Red, why do I feel like her getting close to me seems to have some ulterior motive?”
She said somewhat uncertainly, but no matter how she thought about it, she couldn’t figure out An Yan’s purpose in approaching her.
Hearing this, the Big Red Bird gave her a sidelong glance and nodded its head, looking as if telling her to be more careful.
“Then why exactly is she getting close to me?”
Gu Xianer’s dark brows knitted tightly, still unable to figure it out.
In terms of status, An Yan was a princess of the Hidden Celestial Clan, in no way inferior to her.
Could it really be as An Yan had just said—that she merely wanted Gu Xianer to help her during the great war? Or perhaps to get close to Gu Changge?
But Gu Xianer felt things weren’t that simple.
However, unable to figure it out, she stopped dwelling on it. She then resumed her cultivation, waves of auspicious light emanating from her body as she prepared for this campaign against the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.
Meanwhile, on the other side, after leaving this mountain range—
An Yan returned to the cave dwelling where she currently resided. The innocent, carefree demeanor she had shown before Gu Xianer had already vanished, her face bearing little expression.
“Xiaojie, is what you’re doing really alright?”
Before her stood an old servant with a stooped figure, sunken eyes, high cheekbones, and horns likewise growing from his head, unable to conceal an aura vast as the ocean.
“There’s no problem. From my investigations over this long period, Gu Xianer can be said to be one of the people closest to Gu Changge. In a certain sense, Gu Xianer is more like his forbidden possession—his exclusive treasure.”
“The Gu Changge that Gu Xianer knows is far more real than any of the rumors. That alone is excellent proof. If Gu Xianer weren’t important to him, how would someone like him so readily reveal his true face?”
“As long as I build a good relationship with Gu Xianer, I can naturally enter Gu Changge’s line of sight, and even make contact with him.”
Hearing this, An Yan shook her head, a contemplative air surfacing on her face that didn’t match her appearance.
The current her was steady and reserved, utterly different from how she appeared before Gu Xianer—truly two completely different faces.
“Since Xiaojie says so, then this old servant can rest assured. Gu Changge is a very dangerous person. If Xiaojie wishes to get close to him, you must be doubly cautious—absolutely no carelessness or negligence.”
Hearing this, the old servant also looked as if a great weight had been lifted from his chest.
An Yan nodded, then her expression turned slightly grave as she said, “Of course I’m clear on this. Although Gu Xianer looks like someone untouched by the mortal world—”
“She’s actually very smart. She’s probably already seen through some things.”
At this point, she sighed. “But she didn’t make things difficult for me. If there weren’t so much danger and trouble, being able to make a friend like her would actually be quite nice.”
“These years have truly been hard on you, Xiaojie. The Eldest Miss grows more powerful by the day; her authority within the clan already rivals that of the Master. In this old servant’s view, in just a few more years, the entire An Clan will likely fall under the Eldest Miss’s control.”
“When that time comes, Xiaojie, your position within the clan will truly become impossible.”
Hearing these words, the old servant’s expression was somewhat sorrowful, but more than that, heartache.
All these years, Xiaojie had survived in the cracks of the family, treading on thin ice, careful at every step.
Not only did she have to deal with the Eldest Miss’s persecution, she also had to remain constantly vigilant against the covetous eyes of the other branches of the clan toward the inheritance.
Even her father, the Master of the clan, turned a blind eye to her, paying her no heed whatsoever.
“If the Madam were still here, how could she have allowed the Eldest Miss to dominate everything with one hand?” The old servant’s voice trembled, his words unable to conceal his grief and anger.
An Yan shook her head and said, “There’s no need to say more of these things. I’m well aware of it all. And you needn’t be so disheartened either. After all, this time it was An Xi who courted death herself—she saved someone she shouldn’t have saved, and let me overhear those words.”
“So what if it’s the Hidden Celestial Bloodline? In the Beyond of today, even if a True Immortal were to reappear, it would be of no use.”
Toward the end, she couldn’t help but sneer coldly, seemingly full of confidence.
Soon, one Ancient Battleship after another traversed the firmament, smashing open the horizon, wreathed in endless auspicious light, crossing over the vast and boundless Boundary Marker Sea. Giant waves surged to the heavens, crashing down ceaselessly, as if about to shatter the world itself.
The incomparably vast army of the Beyond stretched on without end, blotting out everything, its numbers exceeding ten million, heading toward the location of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.
And beyond the Aether Abyss, great fog billowed to the heavens, shrouding the sky, as countless sounds of slaughter rang out.
Numerous Ancient Battleships hovered there, their numbers impossible to count, the great army pressing in.
The surrounding universes all rumbled and trembled from this terrifying momentum.
Within a palace, Gu Changge’s figure was hazy as he sat cross-legged, Chaos Energy pervading the air. Around him, it was as if three thousand ancient worlds revolved, with infinite divine spirits flickering in and out of visibility, silver light shining brilliantly, immortal and indestructible.
A drop of True Blood could be seen surfacing beneath his chest, seemingly Illuminating the Skies and all worlds, spanning the long river of time, collapsing the order of heaven and earth, transforming into an ocean-vast aura that he absorbed strand by strand.
A drop of unimaginable Forbidden True Blood.
Watching all of this, the Sky Deer Goddess’s expression shook greatly, a feeling of alarm and dread rising in her heart, not daring to draw close in the slightest.