Perhaps It Will Save a Lot of Trouble — The Advantage of Rebirth
Perhaps It Will Save a Lot of Trouble — The Advantage of Rebirth
“Feiya, you and Young Master Changge are close in age, yet the difference in strength between you two could be called as vast as heaven and earth.”
“Ever since you returned from Kunwu City, you’ve been unable to forget Young Master Changge. Now that he is here in person today, why are you being shy?”
Emperor Yu laughed heartily. Seeing that his many daughters were all somewhat bashful, not quite daring to take the initiative to toast Gu Changge, he turned his gaze toward the Eldest Princess Yu Feiya, whom he valued most.
Yu Feiya wore a plain-colored phoenix robe, a touch of crimson cinnabar adorning her brow, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her nose elegant and refined, her figure graceful and alluring. As she walked lightly, she resembled a swaying immortal blossom, exuding an air of nobility and elegance.
Hearing these words, she was slightly taken aback, not expecting Emperor Yu to say such a thing of his own accord.
But she quickly understood that this was Emperor Yu’s tactful way of telling her to offer a toast.
She rose at once, lifted her cup, and walked toward Gu Changge, poised and composed.
“Father Emperor speaks truly. Young Master Changge has come from afar — Feiya offers you a toast.” she said with a gentle smile.
Seeing this, the ministers’ eyes held strange glints. What did Emperor Yu’s attitude signify? Was he deliberately encouraging the Eldest Princess to associate with Gu Changge, or was he showing goodwill toward Gu Changge?
An emperor’s thoughts were hard to fathom. They merely mused idly in their hearts, not daring to gossip carelessly.
For one thing, Gu Changge already had a Marriage Agreement.
Although the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty and the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty were far apart, their relationship was not exactly friendly.
Secondly, Eldest Princess Yu Feiya herself was deeply doted upon by several of the imperial clan’s Ancestors.
A matter as significant as a marriage agreement could not be decided by a single word from Emperor Yu.
“Back at Kunwu City, I was in a hurry to enter Kun Mountain and had no time to respond to Princess Feiya’s visit. Today, Gu shall punish himself with a cup.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge smiled faintly as well and raised his cup to drink.
“Young Master Changge jests. Please.”
Waves of delicate fragrance drifted over. Yu Feiya’s face was lustrous and fair, her features exquisite, her bright eyes gentle. With both slender hands, she raised her cup and brought it before Gu Changge.
At this sight, Jiang Chuchu lifted her eyes and glanced at Yu Feiya, her expression calm and untroubled.
Even before her, the Saintess of Mortal Palace, Yu Feiya appeared serene and unhurried — such composure was truly beyond what ordinary women could compare to.
“If Feiya could match even one-tenth of Young Master Changge, this Emperor could rest easy about her.”
Seeing this, Emperor Yu smiled, seemingly rather sentimental.
“It has long been said that Princess Feiya’s constitution is mysterious — at her birth, she was granted the teachings of the Great Yu Immortal Scripture. Yet in recent times, word of her crossing hands with anyone has rarely spread outside. Even among her peers, none can fathom her depths.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge smiled faintly and said, “Emperor Yu speaks thus, but I cannot agree.”
He knew Emperor Yu’s thoughts like the back of his hand — the man merely wanted to use Yu Feiya to probe his attitude toward the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
During this period, aside from the outbreak of the Absolute Yin Heaven calamity, the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty had also discovered an ancient world that had never been opened before.
And no other force yet knew of this ancient world’s existence.
To conceal this news, the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty was naturally like a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow, worried that Gu Changge’s purpose in coming was related to this matter.
Emperor Yu’s words served, on one hand, to show goodwill, and on the other, to deduce Gu Changge’s intentions.
He refused to believe Gu Changge had come merely for the Absolute Yin Heaven calamity.
“Haha, Feiya, when you have the chance, you must spend more time with Young Master Changge. You two are close in age — you should have plenty to talk about.”
Hearing this, Emperor Yu laughed noncommittally, deliberately encouraging Yu Feiya to grow closer to Gu Changge.
Though Yu Feiya found her father’s words today somewhat strange,
she still wore a proper smile on her face and replied, “Father Emperor, rest assured — Feiya will.”
In his previous life, it was Emperor Yu who pressured Feiya to associate with Gu Changge, and in this life he was still the same...
Seeing this scene, Tuo Ba Xiaoyao couldn’t help but feel bitterness welling up in his heart, and he kept his head down, drinking cup after cup.
His father, as a subject, dared not say much to Emperor Yu — let alone him in his current position.
In this life, thanks to his rebirth, he understood Yu Feiya fairly well.
He knew her temperament was tranquil and uncontentious. Were it not for Emperor Yu’s pressure, she would absolutely never draw too close to Gu Changge.
And three days from now would be the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty’s tradition — the Hunting Event.
When the time came, following the normal course of events, beings of the Absolute Yin Imperial Clan would appear, and one of their princes would even propose a marriage alliance.
In his previous life, Emperor Yu deliberated for a long time before finally agreeing to the marriage request.
Later, when Gu Changge visited the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty,
Emperor Yu’s stance on that marriage loosened, and he began encouraging Yu Feiya to grow closer to Gu Changge.
In this life, Gu Changge had arrived at the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty ahead of schedule, and the trajectory of many events had been thrown into disarray.
But one thing Tuo Ba Xiaoyao was certain of: at the Hunting Event three days from now, there would be a shocking upheaval.
That imperial uncle who had once competed with Emperor Yu for the throne and lost would send people to assassinate the Second Prince.
That Second Prince was being groomed by Emperor Yu as the future successor — not the slightest mishap could be allowed to befall him.
This upheaval directly led to Emperor Yu’s thunderous rage, with numerous rebellions erupting across Great Yu territory and wars raging on all sides.
And in his previous life, Tuo Ba Xiaoyao only learned afterward that behind that upheaval, that imperial uncle actually had Gu Changge’s shadow behind him.
It was even very likely orchestrated by Gu Changge from a great distance away.
Gu Changge not only plotted for the Sword of World Domination — he also intended to swallow up the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
“I need to warn Feiya to be careful. I can’t let Gu Changge’s scheme succeed,” Tuo Ba Xiaoyao murmured softly in his heart, planning to find Yu Feiya after the banquet ended to talk to her.
Because he was the third son of the Grand General, he had cultivated alongside Yu Feiya and the others at the Dao Academy since childhood.
The two had become acquainted there. Even though in this life he kept his brilliance hidden and remained extremely low-key,
he still frequently associated with Yu Feiya, discussing matters of cultivation.
Yu Feiya was also one of the few people who knew he was hiding his true depths.
The banquet continued. Within the Great Yu palace, pearls and treasures glittered, divine radiance shining brilliantly.
Immortal mist curled in from afar, accompanied by the moving, clear voices of songstresses, making the place seem like a sacred immortal realm.
At every table, meat dishes surging with vital essence were presented, along with crystalline spirit fruits wreathed in glowing mist and delicate fragrance — each aged over a million years.
The assembled ministers reveled, cups crossing in toast, occasionally murmuring in low voices, gazing toward Emperor Yu and Gu Changge at the head seats with expressions of reverence in their eyes.
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao kept his head down, sitting behind his father, silently drinking wine and eating, occasionally exchanging a few words with his elder sister and younger sister beside him.
His father, Tuo Ba Yuntian, was a minister Emperor Yu valued greatly.
Though his appearance was exceedingly refined and scholarly, his strength was not to be underestimated — he had broken through to the Quasi-Nirvana Realm many years ago, otherwise he would not have been qualified to guard a region.
And his younger sister was named Tuo Ba Qingyu.
Though only thirteen years old, she had already grown into a graceful, slender beauty with lovely curves.
However, her temperament was rather cold and proud, and she was a girl of few words, resolved to surpass her father and become an existence of the Nirvana Realm.
“I heard Young Master Changge is only in his twenties, yet his current strength has long since surpassed ordinary True Daoists, pioneering a feat unprecedented in all of history. Just how does he cultivate?”
At this moment, Tuo Ba Qingyu looked up at the white-robed man at the head seat, raising his cup in conversation with Emperor Yu, her gaze carrying a measure of curiosity and puzzlement.
This was her first time seeing Gu Changge in person — before this, she had only heard of him in rumors.
Purely in terms of appearance, it was truly impossible to find the slightest flaw.
Gentle and refined, handsome as jade, even his hair seemed to shimmer brilliantly when he smiled, making it hard to look away.
However, she was not the vulgar, infatuated sort who judged by appearances.
She was merely curious how Gu Changge had managed to achieve such accomplishments at this age.
Explaining it with talent alone was probably no longer sufficient.
The rumor she had heard most often was that Gu Changge was actually the reincarnation of some supreme existence from ancient times.
Possessing the Dao Fruit of a previous life — that was how he could climb to the peak in the shortest possible time.
That was why many Cultivators in the outside world believed Gu Changge was the reincarnation of the Mortal One.
Tuo Ba Qingyu had studied the matter of cultivation deeply.
So she understood that even the reincarnation of the Mortal One could not possibly reach such heights in so short a time.
“If I get the chance, I must ask him for guidance.”
Tuo Ba Qingyu thought secretly in her heart, entirely failing to notice the slight change in expression of her third brother Tuo Ba Xiaoyao beside her.
“Qingyu, you’d better abandon that idea. What kind of person is he, and what kind of person are you? How could he possibly explain cultivation to you?”
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao had naturally heard his sister’s murmuring, and at this moment he couldn’t help but speak in a low voice.
This reminded him of Tuo Ba Qingyu’s tragic fate in his previous life, and a layer of gloom instantly surfaced in his heart.
In his previous life, Tuo Ba Qingyu had tried to approach Gu Changge just like this, only to be captured by him and used to threaten Tuo Ba Xiaoyao into handing over the Sword of World Domination.
This eventually alarmed his father, who rushed to the agreed location to demand her release.
But he was assassinated outside the Imperial Capital, gravely wounded, and after fleeing back to the manor, his cultivation was greatly damaged, his Source nearly destroyed entirely.
“Third Brother, why are you suddenly saying these things? You’re usually not interested in topics like this at all.”
Hearing this, Tuo Ba Qingyu’s face showed some confusion. Why would her somewhat dull-witted third brother suddenly say such things to her?
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao maintained his usual dull expression on his face and said, “I’m just worried about you.”
Tuo Ba Qingyu, however, paid little heed to his words, shaking her head. “Third Brother, rest assured — I know my limits.”
Seeing this, Tuo Ba Xiaoyao sighed inwardly. He held no great authority within the Tuo Ba family.
If his father or eldest brother had said these words, Tuo Ba Qingyu would absolutely have taken them to heart.
And just as Tuo Ba Xiaoyao was pondering in his heart how to make Tuo Ba Qingyu wary of Gu Changge,
Emperor Yu, at the head seat, suddenly chuckled and spoke.
“Young Master Changge rarely visits my Great Yu, and it so happens that three days from now is my Great Yu’s traditional Hunting Event.”
“When the time comes, I might as well invite Young Master Changge to come observe the ceremony together. My beloved ministers can take the opportunity to display the talent and strength of their offspring — if none of you can produce a presentable young talent, I’m afraid Young Master Changge will laugh at us.”
He was speaking to Gu Changge, but at the same time to the assembled ministers in the hall.
At the Hunting Event, all the various powers within Great Yu territory would send disciples to participate — this was the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty’s tradition.
The many ministers present would likewise send their young juniors to participate.
This was not only a chance to make a name for oneself — if one performed outstandingly, one could also gain Emperor Yu’s appreciation, be bestowed cultivation techniques and divine abilities, and even be granted official rank and noble titles.
This time, if Gu Changge were to observe the ceremony, the significance would naturally be entirely different.
The expressions of many ministers stirred with interest — perhaps this was an opportunity for them.
In their view, gaining Gu Changge’s appreciation was even more important than gaining Emperor Yu’s appreciation.
“Since Emperor Yu sincerely invites me, how could I possibly refuse?” Gu Changge said with a smile.
He had been planning to stay at the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty for a while anyway, to have people investigate that ancient world.
This Hunting Event was yet another opportunity.
As he spoke, he swept his gaze downward, letting it pause for an instant on Tuo Ba Xiaoyao.
Even without the System’s reminder, he could tell this fellow was a newly appeared Fortuitous One.
Moreover, his Fortuity carried a rich violet hue — this was no ordinary Fortuitous One.
However, the System had not mentioned what type of Fortuitous One this fellow was, nor given any other hints.
Gu Changge kept a mental note for the time being.
Since dealing with Jiang Chen, the System had not mentioned any Fortuitous One for a long time.
But generally speaking, such Fortuitous Ones should have some kind of connection to him.
After thinking it over, Gu Changge still couldn’t think of anyone who currently had a grudge against him.
There was a faint, barely perceptible sword intent lingering about the fellow...
Could he be connected to the master of the Sword of World Domination?
Gu Changge had some guesses in his heart.
Regarding the whereabouts of the Sword of World Domination, he was actually still waiting for news from Yue Mingkong.
If the master of the Sword of World Domination was in the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, Yue Mingkong should, by all reason, have sent him word.
Or had Yue Mingkong’s memories of her rebirth developed some discrepancies? Or was it some other reason?
Gu Changge planned to have people investigate Tuo Ba Xiaoyao’s background. If he truly was connected to the Sword of World Domination, that would save him quite a bit of trouble.
Afterward, this welcoming banquet came to an end, and the many ministers rose one after another to take their leave, not lingering in the imperial palace.
Emperor Yu specially arranged palace residences for Gu Changge, Jiang Chuchu, and their party, with dedicated attendants to lead them there.
After Gu Changge and the others had all departed, Emperor Yu’s expression shifted subtly, and he asked the old eunuch behind him, “Elder Zhu, were you able to discern Gu Changge’s cultivation?”
Hearing this, the old eunuch who had been standing in attendance behind him shook his head and said, “In reply to Your Majesty, this old servant’s eyes are dull — I truly cannot discern his cultivation. But if it came to a fight to the death, this old servant estimates it would be very difficult to survive at his hands.”
These words made Emperor Yu fall silent for a moment, unconcealable apprehension in his eyes.
The old eunuch behind him was an existence who had followed several generations of emperors.
Back when Emperor Yu was still a young prince, the old eunuch was already a True Daoist.
For even him to speak thus showed how terrifying and dreadful Gu Changge’s strength was.
It was simply unbelievable — this was merely a member of the younger generation, only in his twenties.
“It seems it truly is necessary to have Feiya draw closer to him. Whether now or in the future, this will benefit my Great Yu.”
After pondering for a moment, Emperor Yu said with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
The Beyond’s deep wariness of Gu Changge was not without reason.
Meanwhile, on the other side, after the banquet ended, Yu Feiya was about to return to her own palace, but outside the palace walls, she saw a figure that surprised her somewhat.
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao had not returned to the manor with his father and the others, but was waiting here for Yu Feiya.
“Were you waiting here specifically for me?”
Yu Feiya walked over, accompanied by waves of delicate fragrance, a trace of a smile on her face as she asked.
At this moment, Tuo Ba Xiaoyao’s face bore none of its earlier dullness. His eyes gleamed with sharp light, his bearing extraordinary and distinguished, exuding an aura of confidence and vigor.
He nodded and said, “There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
Yu Feiya was somewhat curious — this was the first time she had seen Tuo Ba Xiaoyao so solemn.
She understood Tuo Ba Xiaoyao fairly well, and knew that the real him differed greatly from how outsiders perceived him.
He was simply too low-key in everyday life.
If it came to true strength, even she had no certainty of completely defeating Tuo Ba Xiaoyao.
“You must be careful of Gu Changge — he is not a good person. At the Hunting Event three days from now, some shocking upheaval may very well occur.”
“I happened to catch wind of something. If an upheaval does occur three days from now, then Gu Changge is the mastermind behind it.”
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao glanced around, and only after seeing no one was nearby did he lower his voice to speak.
These words of his were naturally without evidence, based solely on the memories of his previous life.
But to make Yu Feiya raise her guard against Gu Changge, he could only put it this way.
Even if he was wronging Gu Changge, he didn’t care.
Hearing this, Yu Feiya’s expression grew somewhat grave. If anyone else had said this, she would certainly have thought them mad.
But it was Tuo Ba Xiaoyao saying this now.
Based on her understanding of Tuo Ba Xiaoyao over these years, he was not the type to speak nonsense without basis.
“An upheaval three days from now, orchestrated by Gu Changge? Then what is his goal?”
Her brows furrowed as she considered whether to inform Emperor Yu of this matter.
Tuo Ba Xiaoyao seemed to see through her worries and continued, “You can notify Emperor Yu in advance, have him make more preparations and protect the Second Prince’s safety. I suspect someone intends to assassinate the Second Prince at the Hunting Event.”
He had already revealed so much information.
If it could be stopped in time, that would be a great merit on his part.
Furthermore, Gu Changge would enrage Emperor Yu over the attempt on the Second Prince’s life, and in that case Gu Changge would inevitably end up on the opposing side of the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty.
At that point, even if his possession of the Sword of World Domination were exposed, he would have the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty as his backing, and wouldn’t need to worry too much.
After all, he possessed the memories of his previous life — that was his greatest advantage before Gu Changge.