What a Fine Display of Offering a Woman for Glory — The Greatest Taboo Is Throwing an Egg at a Stone
What a Fine Display of Offering a Woman for Glory — The Greatest Taboo Is Throwing an Egg at a Stone
Boom!!
A fluctuation as vast as a boundless ocean swept in from outside the hall, as if an entire stretch of azure sky was about to collapse and crash down, smashing this place to ruins.
One after another, blurry yet terrifying figures emerged outside the Sky Deer Divine Hall, their faces cold and indifferent, like supreme sculptures that had stood unchanged since time immemorial.
They stared coldly into the great hall, their auras deep as abysses and oppressive as prisons, giving the distinct impression that they would strike to kill at the slightest disagreement.
“Gu Changge, what is the meaning of this?”
The expressions of everyone inside the Sky Deer Divine Hall changed drastically. Many Domain Masters and Wasteland Leaders immediately summoned forth their own magical artifacts.
Mighty fluctuations arose, with dazzling, resplendent radiance manifesting.
The leaders of the other clans also brought out their weapons, talismans, and the like, their faces grave and utterly vigilant.
If Gu Changge was truly determined to keep all of them here.
Then their only option now was to fight to the death — they would not choose to surrender without a struggle.
Seeing this scene, Gu Changge paid it no mind. A faint smile on his face, he said, “I gave all of you a chance. You simply failed to cherish it.”
“Since that’s the case, don’t blame me.”
“What kind of chance do you call that?”
“If you want us to surrender, just say it outright. What Peace Treaty is this?”
Many Domain Masters wore ugly expressions, some even flustered and exasperated, feeling deeply insulted.
The Great Cloud Domain Master, the Crimson Shack Domain Master, and the others all had equally dark and gloomy faces.
Gu Changge had not the slightest bit of sincerity — he was merely using this as bait, hoping to catch them all in one net.
In their eyes, this Peace Treaty was nothing but a complete sham.
“Don’t tell me you’re actually fantasizing that I would order a withdrawal at a time like this?”
“Do you really think such a good thing exists in this world?”
Gu Changge shook his head lightly, a trace of faint mockery on his face.
In his view, these people’s thinking was no different from dreaming. The Beyond had expended such enormous effort to breach Sky Deer City and fight its way into the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.
And yet they still thought this Peace Treaty would let them pay nothing at all in exchange for the Beyond withdrawing its troops?
Wasn’t that thinking far too highly of him — or of the other sects and orthodoxies of the Beyond?
“You’re right. The Beyond went to such great lengths to breach the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains — how could it possibly withdraw without doing anything?”
At this moment, the First Mountain Elder seemed to ponder for a while, then sighed and nodded in agreement.
“If the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were to become a subordinate lower world of the Beyond, it could actually quell some of the chaos and reduce many unnecessary casualties.”
His words seemed to be an explanation to himself, yet also seemed directed at the leaders of the many great sects of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.
In truth, those who had been furious and unwilling just now were only the majority.
There was still a small portion who, from the very beginning, had been willing to surrender.
It was only because the various Domain Masters and the leaders of the remaining Three War God Clans had not expressed their stance that they had chosen to remain silent.
Now, the First Mountain Elder’s words stirred something in their hearts — perhaps this Peace Treaty was not so unacceptable after all.
After all, only two paths lay before the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains: submit, or be annihilated.
How many people in this world truly held an attitude of preferring death over surrender?
Clearly, such people were far too few. Many clan leaders had expressed outrage just now merely to test whether there was any room for negotiation.
It was a tactic of retreating by advancing.
“First Mountain Elder, what do you mean by that...”
The Great Cloud Domain Master’s expression shook. He had not expected the First Mountain Elder to take this attitude — it seemed he too was contemplating the possibility of this so-called Peace Treaty.
“At this point, we don’t have many choices left.”
The First Mountain Elder seemed to know what they were thinking. Helpless, he sighed.
“It seems you’re a smart man after all.”
Gu Changge laughed, narrowing his eyes as he studied the First Mountain Elder with considerable interest.
He sensed there might be more to the First Mountain Elder’s words than met the eye — somewhat different from what he had anticipated.
But this worked out fine. It fit right into his plans.
“We will consider the Peace Treaty that Young Master Gu has proposed. But could you grant us some time?”
The First Mountain Elder spoke, appearing very calm, as if he genuinely intended to give the matter serious consideration.
“Granting you time is fine, but my patience has never been very good.”
Gu Changge nodded lightly.
He was rather curious what the First Mountain Elder intended to do by stalling for time. Could he be planning to rescue the Second Mountain Elder and the others?
Or perhaps to rescue Luo Feng?
But no matter which possibility it was, Gu Changge would certainly not let him continue living.
“Three days. Young Master Gu only needs to give us three days. Three days from now, in this very hall, we will give you an answer. How does that sound?”
The First Mountain Elder spoke, perfectly calm.
The hearts of the other Wasteland Leaders and Domain Masters trembled. They opened their mouths, wanting to say something, but in the end closed them again.
They had not expected that, in the end, the First Mountain Elder would say such a thing.
But looking at it now, it seemed they truly had no other choice.
These three days would at least give them time to think carefully about whether to accept or not.
“Three days?”
Gu Changge raised an eyebrow slightly, then said indifferently, “Fine. But during these three days, none of you may leave Sky Deer City. If I discover anyone intending to leave, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”
“No problem. Within these three days, we will certainly not wander about.”
The First Mountain Elder nodded without much hesitation.
He was now the backbone in the hearts of everyone from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. With him at the head, the others naturally followed his judgment.
The various Domain Masters and Wasteland Leaders exchanged glances. At this point, there was no other choice.
After that, tranquility returned to the great hall, and the tense, sword-drawn atmosphere from before seemed like an illusion.
Everyone took their seats once more, though their hearts were each occupied with different thoughts, and even the finest delicacies and rare wines were hard to swallow.
At the banquet, dancing girls fluttered about gracefully, lithe and enchanting, like celestial maidens of the Nine Heavens descended to the mortal world — a sight of overwhelming beauty.
At the head seat, Gu Changge seemed entirely unbothered by this little interlude, a smile on his face.
From time to time he exchanged a few words with the Sky Deer Goddess beside him, appearing relaxed and at ease in everyone’s eyes.
Many clan leaders had been quietly observing Gu Changge’s expression. Their hearts stirred, and they softly gave instructions to the clansmen beside them.
Whether this method would work or not, they would only know after trying.
“Junior Brother Xiao Yang, you mustn’t act impulsively anymore. You must understand that your actions now concern the survival of the billions upon billions of living beings of the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.”
“If your actions anger Gu Changge and he orders everyone here to be slaughtered, you will become the sinner of the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains.”
At the banquet, Gu Wudi spoke persuasively to Xiao Yang, whose face was gloomy as he drank his sorrows away in silence, putting on the appearance of well-meaning concern.
Hearing these words, the other clan leaders’ eyes flickered. Their brows furrowed slightly as they looked at Xiao Yang, feeling he might very well ruin things.
But with the First Mountain Elder still present, it was not their place to blame Xiao Yang.
“I know that. This isn’t something I need you to teach me.”
Xiao Yang was somewhat displeased with Gu Wudi. Hearing this, his brow furrowed and his tone was far from polite.
Although sharing hardships during this period had somewhat improved his attitude toward Gu Wudi, it had not reached the point where Gu Wudi could lecture him.
Hearing this, a shadow of gloom flashed through the depths of Gu Wudi’s eyes.
But on his face he maintained an expression of sighing concern for Xiao Yang, shaking his head.
He secretly glanced at Gu Changge seated at the head. Seeing that Gu Changge appeared not to have noticed this side, the gloom in his heart deepened.
He had endured this Xiao Yang for a very long time. If not for having to heed Gu Changge’s orders, he would have long since made a move to finish Xiao Yang off.
But without Gu Changge’s order to act, he dared not make any rash moves.
However, Gu Wudi knew that on this trip to Sky Deer City, Xiao Yang likely would not live much longer.
Soon after, the banquet came to an end. The people of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, having escaped danger, let out long sighs of relief and were all led away by the Gu Family’s servants to arranged quarters for rest.
Gu Changge had given them three days — that meant three days of breathing room.
Three days from now, they would give Gu Changge their answer here, and the fate of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains would be decided.
“Uncle...”
Among the people of the Great Cloud Domain, Fairy Qingyue, whose expression was cool and quiet, suddenly glanced at the Great Cloud Domain Master at this moment and spoke softly.
“I understand. It’s been hard on you.”
The Great Cloud Domain Master sighed inwardly, somewhat pained, but his expression gradually grew firm as he nodded.
“Young Master Changge, please wait. This old man still has some matters he would like to discuss with Young Master Changge in private.”
He took the initiative to speak, addressing Gu Changge, who was about to depart from the head seat, before the shocked gazes of quite a few people.
“What is the Great Cloud Domain Master trying to do?”
“His son Zhao Yunze was struck down and killed by Gu Changge’s own hand — the deep hatred between them is impossible to erase. For him to ask Gu Changge to stay at a time like this, could he be planning to seize the chance for revenge?”
Many were shocked, speculating inwardly, though they felt the Great Cloud Domain Master would not have such audacity or capability.
Even the First Mountain Elder’s brow furrowed, worried that the Great Cloud Domain Master might ruin his grand plan.
Within Sky Deer City as it now stood, let alone him alone, even if everyone attacked together, they would likely find it hard to harm Gu Changge — let alone take revenge.
At this moment, everyone could only hope the Great Cloud Domain Master would not do something foolish.
“Oh? What matter does the Great Cloud Domain Master have?” Hearing this, Gu Changge smiled faintly, stopped, and looked down from the head seat.
If he remembered correctly, this Great Cloud Domain Master’s son, Zhao Yunze, had been killed by his own hand.
Something like that — he could endure it?
The Great Cloud Domain Master deeply concealed the hatred in his eyes and cupped his hands. “There are some matters I would like to discuss with Young Master Changge in private.”
For the sake of the Great Cloud Domain, at this moment he could only bury his son-killing hatred deep down, not daring to reveal it.
“What matter requires a private discussion?”
Gu Changge smiled, but did not refuse his request.
Seeing this, the others’ eyes flickered. Not daring to linger, they were led away by the Gu Family’s servants, departing the Sky Deer Divine Hall.
Quite a few people, however, noticed Fairy Qingyue at the Great Cloud Domain Master’s side and cursed inwardly — what a fine old thing, actually offering up a woman to curry favor and glory.
In their view, Fairy Qingyue was Zhao Yunze’s beloved; the two had even intended to become engaged.
Now, with Zhao Yunze dead, the Great Cloud Domain Master was actually planning to offer up Fairy Qingyue in exchange for the safety of the Great Cloud Domain.
With such conduct, if his son learned of it in the underworld, could he ever rest in peace?
Soon, only the Great Cloud Domain Master, Fairy Qingyue behind him, Gu Changge, and the Sky Deer Goddess remained — four people in total.
“Speak. What is your matter?”
Gu Changge’s gaze carried a trace of keen interest as it fell upon Fairy Qingyue. He had faintly guessed the Great Cloud Domain Master’s purpose.
This gave him a rather strange feeling.
This Great Cloud Domain Master was quite the enduring character — to actually take the initiative to offer up a beauty in an attempt to curry his favor.
He just didn’t know whether malicious intent was hidden within.
“Qingyue greets Young Master Changge.”
Before the Great Cloud Domain Master could answer, Fairy Qingyue at his side had already stepped forward, bowing to Gu Changge with a measure of respect.
Gu Changge nodded slightly. “So this is the matter you wanted to discuss with me in private?”
The Great Cloud Domain Master’s fists clenched tightly beneath his sleeves, but his face still wore an ingratiating smile. “I have heard that Young Master Changge is surrounded by many beauties of heavenly grace, so I imagine you would be rather interested in fair ladies. Qingyue is the publicly acknowledged number one beauty of my Great Cloud Domain these many years, so...”
He did not finish his sentence, but at this point, anyone with any sense understood what he meant.
The Sky Deer Goddess’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. She was somewhat surprised as well — she had not expected that even a figure like the Great Cloud Domain Master would, in the end, abandon his son-killing vengeance and sink to the point of offering a woman for glory.
Though the Great Cloud Domain Master’s face wore a fawning smile, his heart was filled with humiliation, and he wished he could leave the great hall at once.
He did not even know how, when he eventually died of old age, he would face his son in the underworld.
Although this matter was entirely Fairy Qingyue’s own obstinate decision — he had never forced her, and had never even harbored such a thought —
This matter had, after all, passed through his hands.
From this day forth, in the eyes of many, he, the Great Cloud Domain Master, would likely become a true woman-offering, glory-seeking coward who clung to life.
“The number one beauty of the Great Cloud Domain?”
Gu Changge looked Fairy Qingyue up and down, the expression in his eyes somewhat unreadable.
At this moment, neither the Great Cloud Domain Master nor Fairy Qingyue could guess what he was thinking.
“Yes.” The Great Cloud Domain Master answered, steeling himself.
“However, from what I’ve learned during this time, isn’t the number one beauty of the Great Cloud Domain rather close with your son Zhao Yunze? It wouldn’t happen to be her, would it?”
Gu Changge smiled faintly, asking with a strange look in his eyes.
He truly had not expected such boldness — either there was some scheme at play, or this man was extraordinarily enduring.
“I will not hide it from Young Master Changge. Qingyue and Yunze were indeed on good terms, but the two were merely friends, with nothing improper between them.”
Before the Great Cloud Domain Master could speak, it was Fairy Qingyue who answered first, her expression cool, as if she did not want Gu Changge to misunderstand anything.
“Interesting.”
Gu Changge smiled and asked, “So you want me to spare the Great Cloud Domain just like that?”
“We wouldn’t dare presume. Regarding the Peace Treaty that Young Master Changge has established this time, our Great Cloud Domain will certainly cooperate with all our strength, without any disloyalty.” The Great Cloud Domain Master hurriedly replied.
“Oh? If that’s the case, then all the better.”
Gu Changge nodded, speaking casually.
The Great Cloud Domain Master then seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. After giving Fairy Qingyue a meaningful look, he withdrew first, and the Gu Family servants outside the hall led him toward another area.
“I killed Zhao Yunze. Do you not intend to avenge him?”
After the Great Cloud Domain Master left, a faint, light smile on his face, Gu Changge stared at Fairy Qingyue before him.
Fairy Qingyue’s expression was very calm. She shook her head and explained, “With my strength, how could I possibly avenge him? That is a hopeless matter to begin with. Young Master Changge, you worry too much.”
“Now that the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains are in the midst of storm and upheaval, Qingyue is like a leaf of duckweed, merely wishing to find someone to rely upon.”
“Is that so?”
Gu Changge smiled dismissively. “But from you, I sense an enormous killing intent. It seems you want to kill me — and that killing intent far exceeds anyone else’s.”
Fairy Qingyue’s expression shifted slightly, as if she could not comprehend why Gu Changge would say such a thing. Then she quickly returned to normal. “Why would Young Master Changge say such a thing? If you are displeased with Qingyue, you may...”
But Gu Changge waved his hand, not letting her finish. He smiled faintly. “Do you know what an assassin’s greatest taboo is?”
Qingyue still wore the appearance of not understanding what Gu Changge was talking about. Puzzled, she said, “Young Master Changge, you worry too much. Qingyue is no assassin.”
“An assassin’s greatest taboo is, naturally, throwing an egg at a stone.”
The smile on Gu Changge’s face vanished, suddenly turning somewhat cold. He struck out directly with a palm — with a boom, it slammed into Fairy Qingyue’s body, causing her to cough up great mouthfuls of blood as she was sent flying.
At that moment, a broken stone stele fell out of her sleeve with a clang.
Countless dazzling, resplendent runes shone upon it, seemingly ready to ignite at any moment, containing incomparably terrifying power.
At this sight, all the color drained from her face. Her entire person went pale and dazed, unable to believe it.
“Trying to assassinate me with a broken Immortal Stele?”
Gu Changge shook his head, his eyes cold and fathomless. Without needing his instruction, the Sky Deer Goddess behind him moved, drifting forth like a wisp of wind and swiftly seizing Fairy Qingyue.
“Gu Changge, you commit every evil imaginable, you’ve lost all conscience — sooner or later you will suffer retribution...”
“Even as a ghost, I will never let you go.”
Seeing her scheme exposed, Fairy Qingyue — covered in blood, her hair disheveled — raised her head and could not help but shriek and howl like a vengeful ghost, her eyes brimming with hatred and fury.
She did not understand where she had gone wrong, how Gu Changge had seen through her trick.
But she knew that today she could not escape death — and with her plan failed, she would drag the entire Great Cloud Domain down with her.