Perhaps This Is Your Chance, Big Sister — A Welcoming Banquet
Perhaps This Is Your Chance, Big Sister — A Welcoming Banquet
Outside the walls of the Great Yu Imperial Capital, countless Cultivators and living beings had gathered, and the clamor of voices filled the air.
Some had received word and rushed out from the Imperial Capital on purpose.
Most of them were young people, all craning their necks in anticipation, gazing at the distant sky, immensely curious about what kind of person could warrant such importance from the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
One had to know that nearly all the princes and princesses were waiting there, and among them was even an old Imperial Ancestor with the strength of a True Daoist, not to mention the rest of the imperial family of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
Every single one of them was an existence who could summon wind and rain within the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty—a single stamp of their foot would trigger a great earthquake.
Above the sky, clouds and mist swirled like a celestial realm, where one powerful expert after another stood waiting solemnly and respectfully.
The Eldest Princess of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, Yu Feiya, and her younger brother Yu Ming were also among them.
At this moment, Yu Ming gazed into the distance, a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth as he said in a low voice to his imperial sister,
“Big Sister, Gu Changge suddenly coming to our Great Yu—perhaps this is an opportunity for you. You have to seize it well.”
“Last time at Kunwu City, I heard you went to visit him but were turned away at the door. This time he’s coming to our Great Yu, so he must have important matters to discuss.”
The Great Yu Celestial Dynasty had long since received word that Gu Changge and the Saintess of Mortal Palace would be heading to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty to investigate the outbreak of the Absolute Yin Heaven calamity.
That was why they had come to wait here so early, fearing any lapse in etiquette.
By all reason and sentiment, Gu Changge’s current status was in no way inferior to that of the head of the Longevity Gu Family.
If not for Emperor Yu being tied up with numerous affairs and unable to get away, he would have personally come here to wait.
Seeing that his imperial sister paid him no mind whatsoever, Yu Ming was not discouraged and continued, “I know you’re proud and lofty, Big Sister, but you have to think about it—in a few years, Father Emperor will surely arrange a marriage for you. When that time comes, which prodigy could possibly catch your eye?”
In his heart, his imperial sister was no longer young.
According to imperial customs, she could be betrothed at any moment.
Since ancient times, imperial families have been heartless. Even though his sister’s talent was formidable and her future achievements unimaginable,
Emperor Yu was currently at his peak, and in his eyes, Yu Feiya and the others were ultimately still not fully grown—unable to escape the same fate as the other princesses.
So compared to the other Young Prodigies, Yu Ming leaned more toward Gu Changge.
Yu Feiya remained silent, paying no heed to her younger brother’s nonsense.
Her previous visit to Gu Changge had only been to inquire about that Wordless Heavenly Tome.
But since Gu Changge had not received her, she could only let it go, and afterward led her clansmen back to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty without heading to Kun Mountain.
What Yu Ming spoke of was, in her view, unrealistic. First of all, she felt neither fondness nor dislike toward Gu Changge—the two of them were not even acquainted.
Secondly, Gu Changge already had a Marriage Agreement, and the foundation of the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty was in no way inferior to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty—if anything, it surpassed it.
As the Eldest Princess of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, if her intentions toward Gu Changge were too obvious, what would that one from the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty think?
It might even end up sowing enmity between the two Celestial Dynasties.
“Yu Ming, do not say such things again. Befriending him is fine, but do not harbor other designs. Gu Changge already has a Marriage Agreement—how could the pearl of our Great Yu become his concubine?”
The old Imperial Ancestor, who had been silent all this time, opened his eyes upon hearing Yu Ming’s words and spoke indifferently.
Yu Ming knew that this old Imperial Ancestor doted on and cherished his imperial sister greatly, and naturally would not allow her to suffer the slightest grievance.
Let alone on a matter as significant as marriage.
At that, he gave an awkward laugh and brought the topic up no more.
And just as the people of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty were speaking in low voices,
in the distant sky, several flying vessels trailing streams of radiant light and wreathed in immortal mist descended,
crossing tens of thousands of miles in the blink of an eye, flashing past in an instant, traversing the firmament.
Upon these flying vessels, the banners of the Mortal Palace swayed, exuding an ancient aura.
Seeing this, the people of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty dared not be negligent and all stepped forward.
“Those are the flying vessels of the Mortal Palace. Could it be that powerful figures from the Mortal Palace are coming to observe this Hunting Event?”
“But that shouldn’t be right. In the past, the Mortal Palace has always remained aloof from worldly affairs—they would never be interested in something like this.”
Outside the Great Yu Imperial Capital, many young Cultivators were utterly shocked, finding it hard to believe.
But soon after, when they saw the figures emerging from the flying vessels, they all understood.
Immediately, a huge commotion erupted on the spot.
Forces from all over the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty fell into extreme delight and excitement.
Many even felt that if Gu Changge were to observe this Hunting Event,
and their disciples performed outstandingly in it, they might catch Gu Changge’s eye and from then on rise to meteoric success, leaping through the dragon gate like a carp.
“No wonder the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty attaches such importance to this. I just never expected that at this time, Young Master Changge would personally grace this place.”
“Perhaps he’ll also attend this Hunting Event to observe the ceremony—that would be a great opportunity for all of us!”
The elders of the various forces murmured softly, their gazes filled with excitement.
For the many young prodigies, Gu Changge was absolutely the undisputed leader of his generation in the current Beyond.
His cultivation suppressed all his peers; none could hope to catch up to him.
Now that he had appeared in the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, many young prodigies who revered him deeply felt their hearts surge with emotion.
The many heavenly blessed maidens, moreover, gazed with unusual brilliance in their eyes, staring fixedly at the transcendent figure upon the flying vessel without blinking.
It had to be said that witnessing Gu Changge’s true countenance with their own eyes,
for many young Cultivators, was comparable to seeing an Immortal Scripture—they were tremendously excited.
Given their status and position, they normally had no way to come into contact with Gu Changge, let alone see him in person at such close range.
Soon, news of Gu Changge’s appearance here spread, sparking enormous discussion.
However, he only appeared briefly before being welcomed in by the crowd of imperial experts of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
The many Cultivators who rushed over after hearing the news could only sigh incessantly, regretting that they had not seen him in person.
Of course, Gu Changge had come together with the Mortal Palace, and many speculated that his purpose in coming should be related to the Absolute Yin Heaven calamity.
Aboard the Mortal Palace’s flying vessel, everyone had also seen the figure of the Saintess of Mortal Palace, which was why they guessed as much.
“Gu Changge? Why would he come to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty? By all reason, he shouldn’t...”
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao had likewise received the news, and at this moment his entire expression darkened.
He paced back and forth within the General Residence, appearing extremely uneasy.
According to his original memories, Gu Changge would not come to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty at this time.
Rather, it should have been a prince of the Eternal Overcast Kingdom who appeared, attempting to propose marriage to the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
But before that prince of the Eternal Overcast Kingdom had even shown up, Gu Changge had arrived first, which left Tuo Ba Xiaoyao faintly uneasy.
As the third son of the General Residence, he naturally had to participate in this Hunting Event as well.
So it was very likely that at that time, he would come face to face with Gu Changge in this life.
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao was also uncertain whether Gu Changge could discern that the Sword of World Domination was on his person.
Although he had already refined the Sword of World Domination into the Primordial Foetal Sword of World Domination, which could isolate all perception and aura,
he still could not rest easy.
“Third Brother, Emperor Yu is hosting a banquet for the ministers to receive Young Master Changge. Father received orders and told me to come fetch you.”
“All the ministers of Great Yu must bring their families along. Prepare yourself—the carriage is already waiting outside the residence.”
While Tuo Ba Xiaoyao was restless and fidgeting, a tall, slender, and movingly beautiful woman walked in from outside the courtyard, graceful and elegant, with stunning features like a painting, possessing a blend of heroic spirit and cold allure.
She spoke to Tuo Ba Xiaoyao, and as if afraid he would refuse to go, she deliberately stared at him several times.
The newcomer was none other than Tuo Ba Xiaoyao’s second elder sister, Tuo Ba Lingqiong.
She currently served as a lecturer at the Thousand Dao Academy, was outstandingly talented, and had numerous suitors in the Great Yu Imperial Capital.
“Emperor Yu is hosting a banquet for the ministers, and I have to go too?” Tuo Ba Xiaoyao was stunned at her words, then grew even more uneasy, his heart filled with intense resistance.
Tuo Ba Lingqiong nodded and said, “Big Brother is currently not in the Imperial Capital. If you don’t go, then our General Residence will have no men present besides Father.”
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao fell silent.
If he did not go, his father might incur Emperor Yu’s blame and lose face before the assembled ministers.
To defy an imperial decree at a time like this would be disrespect toward Emperor Yu and contempt toward Gu Changge.
In the entire vast Beyond, no one dared treat Gu Changge this way, let alone within the borders of Great Yu.
“I know you don’t like such occasions, but there’s no helping it. For this matter, I even pushed aside my duties at the Thousand Dao Academy,” Tuo Ba Lingqiong said with a sigh. In truth, she did not like such occasions either.
But the one coming was Gu Changge, whom Emperor Yu valued immensely.
If not for being tied down with important affairs, Emperor Yu would even have wanted to personally go outside the city to welcome him.
As his subjects, how could they refuse?
“I understand.”
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao nodded, comforting himself in his heart.
As long as he was careful, he was certain Gu Changge would not discover that the Sword of World Domination was on him.
“Young Master Changge has traveled hundreds of millions of miles to come here—it is truly an honor for our Great Yu.”
Above the sky, several divine rainbows streaked past, with rosy clouds emerging beneath their feet and luminous mist billowing.
The old Imperial Ancestor of Great Yu spoke with a smile on his face, conversing with Gu Changge beside him.
The rest of the imperial family all fell behind, unqualified to stand alongside the two of them.
Yu Feiya, Yu Ming, and the other members of the younger generation stood even further back, assuming the posture of juniors.
Although Gu Changge was about the same age as them, he now already needed to be treated as a peer of their old Ancestor.
This left many of the proud and arrogant princes feeling unwilling in their hearts, yet there was nothing they could do.
“Qianbei flatters me. Changge has come here actually to investigate the matter of the Absolute Yin Heaven calamity. This matter endangers all living beings under heaven. As the Mortal One of this era, how could I stand by and do nothing?”
Gu Changge, dressed all in white, likewise spoke with a smile.
His body seemed to surge with a hazy, indistinct radiance, and it was as if three thousand ancient great worlds were rising and falling within him.
His terrifying and vast aura made the imperial family members following behind him feel their hearts palpitate with fear, a sense of suffocating dread.
“Young Master Changge shoulders the burden of all living beings, and the breadth of your Dao Heart leaves this old man in admiration—truly admirable. Regarding this Absolute Yin Heaven calamity, our Great Yu actually sent people to investigate as well, but up until now, we have found nothing amiss.”
The old Imperial Ancestor of Great Yu wore an expression full of praise, then sighed somewhat.
Gu Changge nodded, then continued, “However, I have heard that beings of the Eternal Overcast Kingdom have emerged into the world. This matter is of great consequence and must be treated with caution.”
Hearing this, the old Imperial Ancestor of Great Yu also said with a solemn expression, “Young Master Changge speaks truly. If the Eternal Overcast Kingdom emerges into the world, that would absolutely be an ominous sign.”
As they spoke, the rosy clouds crossed tens of thousands of miles, heading toward the depths of the Imperial Capital.
Below, countless Cultivators and living beings raised their heads to watch this scene, all revealing expressions of reverence.
By the time Gu Changge arrived at the Great Yu Imperial Capital, Emperor Yu had already issued a decree to host a banquet for the ministers,
so the news had already spread throughout the entire Imperial Capital.
As far as the eye could see, the Great Yu Imperial Capital was a sight of myriad wonders, incomparably magnificent, entirely different from what was seen outside.
Above the sky sat numerous divine peaks and immortal islands, scattered like stars across a chessboard, too many to count, like a pure land of the heavens.
Deeper within stood many palaces, with carved beams and painted rafters, arranged in dense rows.
Colorful mist curled about, auspicious clouds enshrouded everything—a scene of immortal paradise.
Various ancient pavilions resembled divine mountains from primordial times, magnificent and towering, grand and lofty.
Many soldiers rushed about within, patrolling every region.
Soon, traveling all the way across nearly a million miles, the group arrived at the Great Yu Imperial Palace.
Here, radiance soared into the heavens, numerous great stars rose and fell in the sky above, Chaos Energy surged, fully displaying the might and grandeur of an immortal dynasty.
At the entrance of the palace, two crouching primordial ferocious beasts stood guard, their auras having shockingly reached the Quasi-Nirvana Realm—incomparably powerful.
The great hall within was a world unto itself, like a small world of its own, with clouds and mist swirling, carved beams and painted rafters, glittering gold, and an imperial majesty permeating the air.
A banquet had long been laid out here, with many beautiful maids moving to and fro, singing and dancing as they served wine and spiritual delicacies.
The many ministers of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty had also arrived early with their families, all waiting here in utter silence.
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao kept his head lowered, standing behind his father and elder sister.
Only occasionally did he raise his head to glance forward, looking at the great enemy of his previous life, not daring to reveal the slightest abnormality.
At the seat of honor sat the current Emperor Yu of Great Yu, dressed in dragon robes, his features blurred, his aura ethereal and profound, with a retinue of imperial consorts standing behind him.
At this moment, wearing a smile, he saw Gu Changge enter the hall and rose to welcome him.
“Young Master Changge has come from afar, travel-worn and weary. This Emperor has prepared a banquet to welcome Young Master Changge and wash away the dust of your journey,” Emperor Yu said with a smile.
“Changge greets Emperor Yu.”
Seeing this, Gu Changge likewise returned the courtesy with a smile. “Your Majesty is too courteous. This trip may cause much disturbance—I hope Your Majesty will not take offense.”
“Young Master Changge, what are you saying...”
Hearing this, Emperor Yu laughed heartily and waved his hand, and then the two exchanged further pleasantries before taking their seats. Seeing this, the various ministers present also spoke up one after another, whether sincerely or not, all paying their respects to Gu Changge.
As the successor of a Longevity Family and a Cult of Immortality, Gu Changge’s current status was enough for him to sit as an equal with Emperor Yu.
They naturally dared not show the slightest disrespect.
The banquet soon began, with Gu Changge and Emperor Yu sharing the same table.
Beside him, Jiang Chuchu wore a plain veil, her expression cold and calm, as if she were in another world entirely, seemingly paying no mind to anything happening within the great hall.
But this also caused quite a few princesses who had intended to toast Gu Changge to shrink back hesitantly.
Seeing this scene, Emperor Yu could not help but laugh heartily, then turned his gaze toward his most valued Eldest Princess, Yu Feiya.