Just a Bunch of Bugs, Because They Blocked the Way
Just a Bunch of Bugs, Because They Blocked the Way
680 I Have to Go Find Him, The Crisis of the Blue Flood Ancient World Group (Please Subscribe)
On the island, immortal qi curled and divine light shone brilliantly. Everywhere was filled with light and mist, dreamlike and illusory, like a fairyland. Auspicious beasts sang in harmony, birds soared, verdant pines and ancient trees stood tall, and wondrous stones jutted out.
The ancient well-like spiritual pool was clear and crystalline, wreathed in curling qi, with a strange and ineffable rhythm interweaving with Principles of Dao.
Xianer murmured as if in a daze, her small face pale from sheer disbelief. She froze on the spot, as if struck by lightning.
The somewhat scruffy Big Red Bird glanced sideways at her, seemingly quite disdainful of her reaction.
“You silly girl, what exactly did you see in there? Why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
The voice coming from its beak was extremely childish. Then it waddled step by step toward the spiritual pool.
What exactly Xianer had seen, it wasn’t too clear either, because it couldn’t see anything itself.
The origins of the Lake of Rebirth were extremely mysterious and profound. There was a saying that it was forged in a very ancient era by a supreme Mighty-Transcendent proficient in the Principles of Time and Reincarnation.
The Big Red Bird’s origins were not simple either. It knew many secrets and had some understanding of the various mysterious places of the Beyond.
That was why it had brought Xianer here to try their luck, to see if they could find anything good.
Xianer and it had accidentally triggered the trial formation left behind by this place’s former owner, and had become trapped on the island.
If not for Xianer’s extraordinary talent and formidable strength, they probably wouldn’t have been able to break through these Restrictions and Array Patterns in a short time.
As for this Lake of Rebirth, it was only after the Big Red Bird had examined it for a long while that it finally recognized it.
At first, it hadn’t quite believed it either. How could a divine object like the Lake of Rebirth appear in a place like this?
One had to know that even beings who had fully transformed into immortals would have no secrets whatsoever before the Lake of Rebirth—their past lives and futures would be laid bare.
The current Gu Xianer was only at the Sacred Realm cultivation level, so naturally she could not escape the mysterious power of the Lake of Rebirth, nor could she hide from it.
“Why is it like this...”
“Why would the future be like this...”
However, at this moment, Gu Xianer seemed to still not have recovered from her earlier state. She kept murmuring, unable to comprehend the scene she had witnessed.
“What exactly did you see, girl?”
The Big Red Bird came over and asked in great confusion.
Gu Xianer’s small face was pale, and her expression seemed somewhat pained.
She shook her head, then suddenly grabbed the Big Red Bird’s wing and said, “Quick, tell me—what I saw was all fake, none of it was real!”
The Big Red Bird looked exasperated and said, “What exactly did you see in there? How could you react so strongly?”
“This really is the Lake of Rebirth. It can reflect the future. Even if you don’t believe it, what you saw is indeed real.”
Hearing the Big Red Bird say this, Gu Xianer seemed to deflate all at once, slumping down dejectedly.
On her pure, immortal-like little face, tears began to flow, a sight that would tug at anyone’s heart.
“This isn’t real... How could Gu Changge become like that...”
“He wouldn’t be like this.”
She murmured as if in a trance, her words trembling uncontrollably, as if in immense pain, her voice carrying a sobbing tone.
“The future you saw—it’s related to that fellow Gu Changge?”
Hearing these words, the Big Red Bird’s eyes widened in shock.
It was well-informed and of mysterious origins, but it had never seen anyone as unfathomable and inscrutable as Gu Changge—someone impossible to deduce or fathom.
That was why it had always wanted Gu Xianer to stay away from Gu Changge, feeling that his motives were impure and his intentions sinister.
But Gu Xianer had never taken its words to heart, and instead cared about Gu Changge immensely, keeping him in her heart.
“You... what exactly did you see in the Lake of Rebirth?”
The Big Red Bird’s expression grew grave as it asked again.
Gu Xianer shook her head and said no more. She sat on the ground for a good while before she seemed to recover, though her eyes remained red.
“I’m going to find him.”
She raised her stunningly beautiful little face and gazed into the distance as she spoke. Her porcelain-like skin glowed with a lustrous sheen, with tear stains not yet dry.
Gu Changge did not yet know that in a distant land, Gu Xianer, having glimpsed a sliver of the future, had been deeply shaken and was now planning to come find him.
At present, he was following Qing’er toward the Battle Arena deep within the main city of Vermilion Bird Hall in the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds.
The sky had darkened, and the entire ancient city appeared majestic and ancient.
Among the various pavilions and palaces, lights blazed brilliantly, with dazzling lightning radiance permeating the air.
The taverns and restaurants on both sides had hung up lanterns, their flames burning bright, casting a warm glow.
Besides the Cultivators and beings residing here, the most numerous figures on the streets were the patrol guards responsible for inspection and maintaining the rules of this place.
They rode terrifying fierce beasts, rampaging unimpeded, and all pedestrians had to make way.
“The Battle Arena—besides those vicious men accumulating points, there are also quite a few sinners sent in by various Dao lineages and powers to atone for their crimes.”
On the road, Qing’er, lightly made up, with a slender figure and an even more exquisitely beautiful face, led the way for Gu Changge while explaining to him.
“Around the Battle Arena, there are actually many dungeons.”
“Imprisoned within are sinners from ancient clans, supreme orthodoxies, Ancient Royal Families, and even immortal Dao lineages.”
“For various reasons, they must come here to earn the corresponding points to exchange for certain things before they can be pardoned and released.”
“Of course, there’s also a saying that these people are Deathsworn of the lineages behind them, which is why they’re specifically trained within the Battle Arena.”
“Here, these sinners slaughter each other for the entertainment or gambling of other Cultivators. Or they catch the eye of guests who buy them, plant Slave Marks on them, and make them slaves and servants for the rest of their lives. Of course, there are also guests who personally enter the arena to fight death row prisoners, honing their life-and-death skills.”
Seeing Gu Changge nod, Qing’er smiled and continued explaining.
They walked along the city’s main road. Though it was night, the surroundings were brightly lit, extremely luminous.
Many of the patrol guards recognized Qing’er’s identity, so they were extremely shocked, never expecting that even she would personally accompany another young man.
Although Gu Changge had not used secret arts to conceal his true appearance, at his current realm, unless he willed it, no one could see his face clearly.
The crowd could not make out Gu Changge’s appearance, but through Qing’er’s attitude, they could vaguely guess at his identity. Their expressions grew even more reverent, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.
Gu Changge was quite satisfied with this. He actually didn’t want to be too high-profile, otherwise it would cause this place to become packed to bursting, and it would easily alert his quarry.
However, since he had already appeared in the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, the Dao lineages and powers behind him were probably watching him constantly.
The Battle Arena was located in the deepest part of the main city. It was actually a small island where several grandmaster formation masters had spent tens of thousands of years of effort, nearly locking down the earth’s spiritual qi and the rules of heaven and earth.
However, along the way one needed to cross a boundless lake, which held many dangers.
It was said to have been built at enormous expense by the various powers behind the Battle Arena, with several extremely powerful Array Patterns inscribed within.
The lake also housed many ferocious exotic beasts. Even Sacred Realm Cultivators forcing their way through would be severely injured.
The night grew deeper, and many figures hurried over from all directions.
Divine light shot skyward from this place, Array Patterns lit up, flickering with killing intent. A layer of mist rose over the lake, its shimmering waves like shattered silver.
Jade boats and wind vessels sailed past at great speed, heading toward the small island at the lake’s center.
Many more Cultivators were still on their way.
However, without a certain level of cultivation, crossing this emerald lake would likely result in being torn apart by the exotic beasts underwater.
Enormous black shadows swam beneath the water, waiting to devour anyone, so everyone was extremely cautious. If one accidentally fell into the water, no one would save them.
Among these Cultivators, many actually came from the Overworld, having come here to broaden their horizons.
They wanted to know just how brutal the slaughter within the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds truly was.
The group from the Blue Flood Ancient World was currently here, including Lu Ming and Xue Yan from the Mysterious Rainbow Sect, as well as young seeds from other powers. Their expressions were all grave, and they were extremely careful.
They had all chosen to join Vermilion Bird Hall, not wanting to collide with the ancient worlds they had been hostile to before.
Compared to the other halls, Vermilion Bird Hall’s environment was indeed much more peaceful.
It was said this was because the master behind Vermilion Bird Hall was a woman, whose methods were far gentler compared to the other masters.
“In a moment, all of you follow behind me. After entering the Battle Arena, just watch quietly.”
“Remember, you must not get into conflicts with anyone.”
“No matter what happens, you must endure it. Otherwise, if a life-and-death conflict breaks out, I won’t be able to protect you.”
Lu Ming, Xue Yan, and the other young prodigies of the Blue Flood Ancient World were all following behind a scholarly-robed man, vaguely regarding him as their leader.
The scholarly-robed man’s expression was extremely grave. All along the way, he had been constantly warning everyone, worried they would cause trouble here.
He told them again and again, being incomparably cautious.
Although his ancestors had connections to the Blue Flood Ancient World, and he had now accepted many benefits from the group to help them here,
in the vast Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, he was just an insignificant nobody who dared not offend anyone.
All he could do was serve as a guide.
Right now, his palms were covered in cold sweat. He felt that among these prodigies behind him, quite a few were thorny troublemakers who could easily cause problems.
What unsettled him most was that several of the young women were extremely beautiful.
In this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, notorious for chaos and slaughter, they could easily attract the covetous eyes of other powerful figures.
# 681 Just a Bunch of Bugs, Because They Blocked the Way (Please Subscribe)
Although the Blue Flood Ancient World could barely make a name for itself among the hundreds of surrounding Overworlds, with overall strength ranking in the top thirty,
compared to the Ancient Royal Families of the Beyond, it could only be described as insignificant. The two simply had no basis for comparison whatsoever.
Not to mention, behind this group of young Ancient Royal Family disciples before them stood far more than just themselves.
Within this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, there was probably no Cultivator who did not fear this force.
Although the situation within Vermilion Bird Hall was relatively peaceful, with far fewer conflicts than places like Azure Dragon Hall or White Tiger Hall,
that did not mean this place represented absolute tranquility.
The law of the jungle, life-and-death slaughter—these were commonplace in the eyes of the Cultivators and beings here, long since taken for granted.
Lu Ming, Xue Yan, and the rest of the Blue Flood Ancient World group had merely blocked the path of these Ancient Royal Family disciples.
In the eyes of many, this was not any great matter.
But in the eyes of these Ancient Royal Family disciples, it was an act of provocation.
Such lowly bugs actually dared to block their way, obstructing their path into the Battle Arena.
Even killing these bugs would not be enough to quell the anger in their hearts.
Lu Ming, Xue Yan, and the others watched with eyes nearly splitting from rage at their companions behind them.
They had never imagined that in the blink of an eye, their companion would be so mercilessly and cruelly slain by the other party—body and soul annihilated, reduced to a mist of blood, without even time to scream.
This made their eyes redden, their fists clench tight, their whole bodies trembling with fury and helplessness.
The remaining young prodigies of the Blue Flood Ancient World were also scared stiff by this sudden scene, their faces pale with fright, lips quivering.
Many of the women also lost all color in their faces, trembling incessantly.
Some of the more timid ones even had their legs give out, collapsing directly to the ground.
Back in the Blue Flood Ancient World, they had been young prodigies admired by countless people, glorious beyond measure, unmatched among their peers.
Whenever anyone mentioned their names, all would treat them with awe and reverence.
But after arriving in the Beyond, they could only be like lowly ants, their lives and deaths controlled by others, crushed at will, without even the qualification to resist.
This fall from the clouds down to the dust was truly something they could not accept.
“Damned bugs, you actually splattered blood onto my clothes. All of you can go down and accompany him.”
Among the Ancient Royal Family disciples, an extremely arrogant golden-robed man frowned.
Looking at the speck of blood staining his clothes, his face quickly turned cold.
Behind him spread a pair of wings, each golden feather shining brilliantly, flowing with radiance like divine swords, containing terrifying sharpness that seemed capable of slicing through the void.
Many Cultivators who recognized him shuddered, understanding that this man was a prodigy of the Golden-Winged Roc Clan, with terrifying talent.
Though he could not compare to the Successor of that clan, he was still not to be underestimated.
Even some older-generation Cultivators could not gain the slightest advantage against him.
Hearing these words, the other Ancient Royal Family disciples also walked over, surrounding everyone from the Blue Flood Ancient World, their expressions either mocking or amused.
“It’s over. Now none of us can get away.”
The scholarly-robed man’s face was pale. Watching this scene, he had already collapsed to the ground, terrified to the extreme.
In this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, he was just an insignificant nobody—what ability did he have to oppose the Ancient Royal Families?
At this moment, all hope had turned to ash in his heart, which was filled with regret.
Why had he been greedy back then and accepted those benefits, only to invite so much trouble, and now possibly lose his life here?
The surrounding Cultivators and beings also stood indifferently at a distance, watching the developments, treating it merely as a spectacle.
Quite a few important figures were also watching all this coldly from the shadows, not caring in the slightest.
In this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, human lives were as cheap as grass. Moreover, these Cultivators from the Overworld had neither power nor influence, which destined that here, their lives and deaths were not their own to decide.
“So the prodigies of the Beyond can decide others’ lives and deaths so casually? Without any reason at all?”
“Just because we accidentally blocked your path?”
Compared to the fearful trembling of the other Blue Flood Ancient World prodigies, Lu Ming was still relatively calm at this moment.
He took a deep breath, forcing his furious emotions to settle, staring fixedly at the group of Ancient Royal Family disciples before him as he spoke in a deep voice.
The pressure the other party gave him was terrifying, extremely dangerous. In certain respects, they were the most frightening opponents he had encountered on his journey thus far.
He could even hear the dreadful sound of their blood flowing like rolling magma, like muffled thunder exploding, making one’s soul tremble and one’s whole body turn cold.
And such Ancient Royal Family disciples were not limited to just one.
He didn’t know whether he was their match either.
Before this, he had never fought an Ancient Royal Family member with such pure bloodline.
“Just a little bug like you dares to block me? I think you’re tired of living.”
The golden-feathered man’s expression was extremely indifferent and contemptuous. He swept a disdainful glance at Lu Ming, not taking him seriously at all.
Naturally, he had not taken these Overworld prodigies seriously. One had to know that even disciples of great orthodoxies were no match for him.
Let alone these little ants from the Overworld who knew nothing.
With just one hand, he could crush them all to death.
Seeing this, the other Ancient Royal Family disciples also sneered, undisguised mockery on their faces, looking at Lu Ming and the others as if they were prey awaiting slaughter.
“Don’t you dare bully people too far!”
Lu Ming’s face faintly revealed some displeasure. Looking around, all the prodigies of the Blue Flood Ancient World wore expressions of anxiety and even fearful trembling—where would they find the courage to resist these Ancient Royal Family disciples?
But at this moment, a slightly tender yet still pleasant and melodious voice sounded beside him.
“Do you think there’s no one left in our Blue Flood Ancient World?”
The young woman Xue Yan bit her silver teeth and stepped forward with resolute determination.
She wore a fiery red dress, her raven hair like clouds, her figure slender and graceful, exuding a heroic air.
Her stunningly beautiful, fair little face also bore an angry expression as she glared at the many Ancient Royal Family disciples before her.
“Xue Yan, shimei...”
Lu Ming was stunned. He hadn’t expected Xue Yan to step forward too, and waves of warmth couldn’t help but flow through his heart.
Seeing this, the other Blue Flood Ancient World prodigies also showed ashamed expressions. But at this juncture of life and death, with the precedent before them, they truly lacked the courage to step forward.
“Oh, another one dares to step forward. Quite a pretty one too. We can spare your life.”
“Perfect, I happen to be short a maid by my side.”
“In such a remote Overworld, such a lovely woman could actually be born.”
The golden-feathered man seemed not to have expected anyone else to dare defy him, his gaze somewhat surprised.
He looked at the young woman Xue Yan.
It had to be said, even with his eyes accustomed to seeing many beautiful women, he couldn’t help but be somewhat dazzled at this moment.
This kind of pure, otherworldly beauty, untainted by the mud from which it rose, was rather rare.
“Since Brother Jin fancies this girl, we’ll help you catch her. You can just take her away when the time comes.”
Hearing these words, the other Ancient Royal Family disciples also laughed, very casually.
They strode forward boldly, not sparing Lu Ming and the young woman Xue Yan so much as a glance.
As they spoke, one of them narrowed his eyes and struck.
Dazzling light spread across his palm, blooming into a brilliant divine spear woven from the Principles of Dao, stabbing toward Lu Ming.
The terrifying might was like a tidal wave of thunder, about to drown every prodigy of the Blue Flood Ancient World before them, leaving everyone breathless with dread.
Lu Ming’s expression changed. Though he possessed many extraordinary methods, and even had a mysterious object aiding him, at this moment he still felt the strain—an immense pressure bearing down on him like a dreadful demonic mountain.
Because the gap in their strength was simply too vast. They weren’t even in the same realm.
With no time to think, Lu Ming brought out a silver shield.
Streaks of purple lightning serpents crackled across its surface, then condensed and transformed into a ferocious giant silver serpent that opened its massive maw and bit at the attacking Ancient Royal Family disciple.
“So these are the methods of the Overworld? Utterly laughable.”
Yet facing Lu Ming’s powerful strike, that Ancient Royal Family disciple merely sneered coldly.
He smashed down another fist, his surging blood qi terrifying as an erupting volcano, directly shattering this stretch of void and tearing out horrifying spiderweb cracks.
Kacha—!!
The silver shield Lu Ming had summoned to resist simply could not withstand the might of that fist.
The giant silver serpent disintegrated, and even the shield failed to hold, exploding into dust in an instant.
Not good—I’m no match for him, unless...
Lu Ming felt this irresistible, terrifying gap and his face changed drastically. He tried to dispel the force, but his movements were a beat too slow. The fist landed squarely on him—his ribs cracked apart instantly, his five viscera and six bowels nearly shattered, and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was sent flying like a tattered sack.
“What rotten luck—he actually didn’t die. This guy could actually block one of my punches.”
Seeing that Lu Ming had only been grievously wounded and sent flying, rather than exploding into a mist of blood with a pu as he’d expected, the Ancient Royal Family disciple who had struck looked somewhat displeased.
“Lu Ming-shixiong!”
Seeing this, the young woman Xue Yan’s expression changed as well. Without pausing to consider whether she was a match for this man, she directly summoned a fire-red Dao Sword.
Brilliant light rippled along the blade, as if a fire god had awakened within it, capable of burning all things.
She charged at the Ancient Royal Family disciple before her, her figure flickering, clear radiance interweaving around her.
But her opponent was clearly not one to show tenderness toward the fairer sex. His gaze turned cold, his terrifying blood qi surging like a small god’s.
One fist smashed out, Dao patterns spreading, landing directly on the fire-red Dao Sword and knocking it flying.
The young woman Xue Yan cried out, spitting a mouthful of blood, following in Lu Ming’s footsteps—sent flying like a withered leaf.
She crashed hard, crimson blood spreading, setting off her dress like flames.
Though the Dao Sword in her hand was a rare Dao artifact containing Dao marks, under such an enormous gap in power, it could not exert much of its might.
Why... why is it like this...
The young woman Xue Yan coughed up another mouthful of blood, her whole body wracked with pain, feeling as if all her internal organs had been displaced.
If not for the mysterious soft armor she wore, that single punch would likely have blown her apart into a mist of blood.
At this moment, she profoundly understood the terror and cruelty of the Beyond.
Here, she was no longer the heaven-blessed maiden whom countless people had pursued and admired—she was perhaps worth even less than an ordinary female cultivator.
And just as the young woman Xue Yan struggled to rise...
She suddenly froze in astonishment, her eyes widening slightly, having noticed something strange.
The entrance to the Battle Arena, which had been so noisy just moments ago, and the lakeshore not far away, had abruptly fallen silent—deathly silent, even.
All the cultivators and living beings who had been watching the excitement around them had also fallen quiet at once.
The expressions on their faces were ones of utter shock, as if they had witnessed something inconceivable, and they seemed deeply unsettled.
The Ancient Royal Family disciple who had attacked her just now had also gone pale.
His whole body was even trembling as he involuntarily backed away, then collapsed to the ground with a putong, his face ashen.
His many Ancient Royal Family companions underwent the same drastic change of expression, all the blood draining from their faces.
Some of them even dropped straight to their knees with a putong in her direction, voices quavering, “We never meant to disturb—”
What on earth happened?
The young woman Xue Yan was bewildered. Straining, she turned her head to look behind her.
Only then did she discover a delicate, lovely young woman standing behind her, her face frosty, a terrifying killing intent seemingly condensed around her body, making everyone unable to suppress a shiver.
And beside the delicate young woman stood a white-robed man whose features could not be seen clearly, as if shrouded in a great mist, like a young deity.
Only a pair of deep, tranquil eyes could be faintly discerned—vast as an abyssal cosmos, seemingly able to reflect past, present, and future.
Within those eyes, the young woman Xue Yan even saw herself, saw all living beings under heaven, and nearly lost herself within them.
His cultivation and strength were simply beyond imagination or fathoming—terrifying beyond description, beyond daring to contemplate.
She shuddered violently.
“You truly deserve death—daring to knock this little bug over here and disturb the Gongzi.”
Ah Qing’s gaze was ice-cold, filled with dreadful killing intent as she stared at the Ancient Royal Family disciple who had struck.
Her identity was no secret throughout all of Vermilion Bird Hall, so this group of Ancient Royal Family disciples naturally recognized her.
Nor were they fools—they understood that the one Ah Qing would accompany like this, in this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, could now only be that one person who had appeared here just yesterday!
At this moment, their hearts were filled with nothing but lingering dread and terror. They had never imagined that this damned red-dressed girl would crash down right in front of that person, blocking his path.
So after I was sent flying, I ended up blocking these two people’s path...
The young woman Xue Yan stared at the scene before her in shock, her whole being still dazed, unable to even describe what she was feeling at this moment.
Chapter 682: Envy, Jealousy, and Hatred—Or Just a Mischievous Whim (Please Subscribe)
Deep within Vermilion Bird Hall, palaces stood grand and majestic, wreathed in clouds and mist like an immortal paradise.
The lake was clear as washed glass, shimmering under the moonlight, appearing all the more crystalline—but now it was deathly silent.
Every cultivator and living being stared wide-eyed at this scene, shocked and horrified.
Ah Qing’s identity was no secret in all of Vermilion Bird Hall, nor even in the entire Battlefield of Hundred Worlds.
Many of the cultivators and beings who had spent some time here actually recognized her.
Yet this person, who could be called the young lady of the entire Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, was now personally accompanying a young man at his side.
So, combined with what had happened before the Suppression Boundary Domain yesterday, the identity of this white-robed man was practically self-evident.
Many cultivators’ minds buzzed at this moment, eyes wide, finding it all too inconceivable.
None of them had ever imagined that one day, under such circumstances, they would see Changge.
“It’s really Young Master Changge—something big is about to happen!”
The many important figures hiding in the shadows felt their breaths catch, then no longer dared remain concealed, hurrying to reveal themselves with respectful demeanors.
To put it bluntly, in the Beyond of today, Changge was without question the most terrifyingly powerful and influential person—bar none.
He needed only a single word to turn the entire Beyond upside down.
Even the Honoured Nobles and ancient existences of the Cults of Immortality and Supreme Dao Lineages had to tremble and behave with utmost courtesy before him.
Ordinary cultivators probably couldn’t even stand steadily in his presence—and the behavior of this group of incomparably arrogant and domineering Ancient Royal Family disciples just now was the best proof.
They had actually dared to knock that red-dressed girl flying right in front of Changge, blocking his path into this place.
In everyone’s eyes, what was that if not courting death?
For a moment, the many cultivators present all cast sympathetic—and gloating—looks at this group of Ancient Royal Family disciples.
They usually ran rampant without restraint; today they had finally kicked an iron plate. Let’s see how they keep up their insolence now.
“What happened? Why did these Ancient Royal Family disciples’ attitudes change so drastically? Just who are that young woman and that white-robed man?”
The group from the Blue Flood Ancient World, who had been waiting for death where they stood, were also stunned by this sudden turn of events.
All of them stared wide-eyed behind them, faces full of confusion.
In their view, this had been a certain-death situation—even if the elders of their sects behind them intervened, they absolutely could not have saved them.
Yet judging by the current scene, this group of Ancient Royal Family disciples wore expressions of extreme terror, as if they had offended some unimaginably terrifying figure.
“We never meant to disturb Young Master Changge.”
“We beg Young Master Changge to be magnanimous and spare our lives.”
Before the Battle Arena palace, this crowd of Ancient Royal Family disciples gazed at Gu Changge not far away, their expressions deathly pale, trembling with terror to the extreme, their very souls nearly frightened out of them.
The Ancient Royal Family disciple who had attacked the young woman Xue Yan had collapsed limply to the ground, his face a sheet of white, all color drained, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.
Even if the patriarch of his clan came forward, he probably wouldn’t dare save him. His face was filled with despair.
“You were courting death. Today, no one can save you.”
Ah Qing’s eyes were ice-cold as she looked at the Ancient Royal Family disciple who had struck.
She didn’t even give any orders—the many subordinates who had been following in the shadows immediately rushed forward.
They swept forth like a tide of shadows, instantly seizing that Ancient Royal Family disciple and carrying him off.
Accompanied by a scream of terror and despair, a putong sounded from the distant lake, clear as a mirror, and blood suddenly splashed across its surface.
Fearsome beasts, like fish catching the scent of blood, leapt out from the depths of the lake.
They opened their bloody maws and snapped down on that Ancient Royal Family disciple in one bite.
The terrifying bite force was like a mountain range pressing down, instantly crushing bone and viscera, grinding him into a pulp of blood.
Everyone who watched this scene couldn’t help but feel a chill run through their entire bodies, falling silent as cicadas in winter.
In the depths of this lake, there were likely even more dreadful fierce beasts lurking.
The incomparably arrogant and overbearing Ancient Royal Family disciple of moments ago had, in the blink of an eye, become food for these beasts—not even an intact corpse left behind.
The remaining Ancient Royal Family disciples were pale-faced and equally terrified, worried they would be seized and fed to these fierce beasts just like their companion.
“Gongzi, how should we deal with these few~?”
Ah Qing had grown up within the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds since childhood, so she was naturally no kind soul—she had seen every manner of life-and-death slaughter.
Killing these few Ancient Royal Family disciples meant nothing to her.
Besides, today she had Gu Changge backing her up.
Even if she killed an Elder or a Successor of the Ancient Royal Families, she wouldn’t so much as blink.
As she asked, she coldly swept her gaze over all the cultivators present—even some of the important figures dared not meet her eyes, lowering their heads one after another.
“Forget it. Considering it was an unintentional offense on their part—and I’m no bloodthirsty man—I’ll spare their lives.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge shook his head lightly, his expression barely changing.
He had originally planned to watch the excitement from afar and had no intention of interfering in this matter.
But he hadn’t expected this red-dressed girl to be sent flying over, landing right in front of him.
Before this, Gu Changge had held some interest in that other young man—after all, he was a genuine Fortuitous One.
And his Fortuity wasn’t too low either, having reached the azure level.
However, now that his cultivation had reached this stage, ordinary Fortuitous Ones truly no longer caught his eye.
Even if he struck one down and erased him, he wouldn’t gain much Fortuity value or Destiny Points—the system’s presence was growing fainter and fainter.
“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for your magnanimity, for the grace of not killing us.”
On the other side, hearing Gu Changge say he would spare their lives, the crowd of Ancient Royal Family disciples felt as if they had been granted amnesty, kneeling down in tearful gratitude.
Toward the companion who had just been thrown into the lake to feed the fierce beasts, they secretly nursed deep resentment.
If not for him, they would never have offended Gu Changge for no reason at all.
The many cultivators and beings around them had originally thought they were in for a good show; they hadn’t expected Gu Changge to let this group of Ancient Royal Family disciples off so easily, leaving them rather disappointed.
Then, because of Gu Changge’s appearance, the many important figures of this place also came over one after another.
Regardless of whether Gu Changge was willing to acknowledge them, they all came to pay their respects, so as not to leave a bad impression.
Of course, many people were also curious in their hearts—why had Gu Changge suddenly appeared in the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds? Why had he suddenly come to the Battle Arena?
Could it be that he had truly come here to select followers, or perhaps servants?
Everyone speculated privately, their feelings rather complicated.
Many cultivators in the shadows were also quietly transmitting word of what had happened here, reporting back to those behind them.
Vermilion Bird Hall was vast, with many hidden forces, intertwined and interdependent, and the lineages they each pledged allegiance to were all different.
“Thank you... thank you, my lord, for saving our lives.”
The young woman Xue Yan, realizing the crisis had been resolved, quickly reacted and hurriedly cupped her hands in thanks toward Gu Changge behind her.
She didn’t know how to address Changge—she had wanted to call him Gongzi, but worried he might think she was trying to cozy up to him, so she hastily changed it to “my lord.”
“Thank you, my lord, for saving our lives. We are endlessly grateful.”
The other young prodigies of the Blue Flood Ancient World, seeing this, also quickly reacted and hurried over to express their gratitude.
They weren’t fools—they could tell how terrifying the identity of this Gu Changge before them was. He was likely the great figure they had seen at the city gate during the day, the one whose carriage was pulled by nine Azure Dragons as he swept into the city.
So even though they knew perfectly well that Gu Changge had actually done nothing in this whole affair, they didn’t want to pass up this chance to exchange even a single word with him.
“This lowly one was actually fortunate enough to be saved by Young Master Changge... this is simply too unbelievable...”
The scholar-robed man, whose face had been ashen with the certainty that he would die miserably here tonight, was now overcome with excitement.
The people of the Blue Flood Ancient World didn’t know Gu Changge’s identity, but he did.
In the distance, Lu Ming, his whole body wracked with pain and stained red with blood, limped over, his face also full of disbelief.
He had already prepared himself to fight to the death, but he never imagined that group of Ancient Royal Family disciples would be so unlucky as to collide with this mysterious and terrifying lord before him.
“You pack of lowly bugs, stop cluttering up the Gongzi’s view—get lost.”
“You’re lucky you happened to run into the Gongzi here tonight, or else you’d have died without even knowing how.”
Ah Qing’s expression remained cold as she spoke, sweeping her gaze over the Blue Flood Ancient World group before her, not treating them as equals in the slightest.
Whether it was her or the other cultivators, their attitude toward these Overworld prodigies was like that toward a swarm of insignificant mosquitoes—they wouldn’t show them any pleasant faces.
In her view, this pack of little bugs had no qualification whatsoever to speak with Gu Changge.
“Ah Qing, don’t be rude.”
Hearing this, Gu Changge chuckled softly, then waved a hand to cut her off, his gaze falling on the red-dressed girl before him as he spoke.
“This world has always been thus—the weak are prey to the strong, and nature selects the fittest.”
“If you don’t want to one day find yourself like today again—reduced to meat on the chopping block, at another’s mercy, just for blocking someone’s path—then first train your own fists to be bigger.”
“At least then you won’t fall as miserably as you did today.”
As he spoke, he took a clean, immaculate plain handkerchief from his robes and handed it to the young woman Xue Yan before him.
“Th-thank you for your instruction, my lord...”
The young woman Xue Yan stared blankly at the plain handkerchief held out before her, her eyes wide.
Her small face, pale from her grievous injuries, instantly flushed red, and she was suddenly at a loss for what to do with her hands.
She had never imagined that Gu Changge would take the initiative to offer her such guidance—much less hand her a clean handkerchief to wipe the blood from the corner of her mouth.
All the surrounding cultivators also widened their eyes at once, incredulous, unable to believe what they were seeing.
Once they came to their senses, every one of them cast looks of envy, jealousy, and hatred at the young woman Xue Yan.
Even Ah Qing was extremely envious and jealous.
She truly couldn’t fathom why Young Master Changge would say such things to this little bug, and even hand her a handkerchief.
Could it be because this girl was pretty? But one had to know, in the Beyond, the one thing never in short supply was beautiful, captivating women.
“Xue-shimei...”
In the distance, Lu Ming, limping over step by step, was also stunned by this scene, an inexplicable nameless fury rising in his heart.
Logically speaking, since they had been saved and survived because of Gu Changge, they ought to feel grateful and indebted to him. Yet for some reason, in his heart there was just...
...there was an indescribable hostility, as if the two of them were born to clash.
Especially upon witnessing a scene like this.
“Thank you, Daren.”
Under the jealous gazes of her many companions nearby, the young woman Xue Yan, coming back to her senses, hurriedly and carefully accepted the plain handkerchief being offered to her.
In her eyes, this was no mere simple handkerchief.
After all, this was something Gu Changge had personally handed to her in front of everyone.
Although she knew nothing at all about Gu Changge’s identity, from the expressions of everyone around her, she understood that after tonight, in this vast Battlefield of Hundred Worlds, probably no one would dare make things difficult for her again.
Even those great figures of high status and power were now casting kind smiles her way.
For a moment, the young woman Xue Yan felt somewhat dazed. What virtue or ability did she possess to be so fortunate?
And just as she stood there lost in thought, Gu Changge had already walked past her with Qing’er, heading toward the palace complex deeper within, as casually as one might toss alms to a little beggar on the street.
As if moved by some ghostly impulse, the young woman Xue Yan didn’t know where she found the courage, but she actually turned her head and asked Gu Changge, “May I ask, Daren, your name? If the chance comes someday, I will surely repay today’s great kindness.”
After saying these words, she felt her heart pounding wildly, thump thump thump, incomparably nervous, as if someone of her lowly status should never have asked such a question.
Hearing her words, everyone grew even more envious. She had inexplicably caught Gu Changge’s favor, yet didn’t even know his name.
Just how lucky was she? Even green smoke rising from her ancestral graves for a hundred generations wouldn’t be nearly enough.
“Oh? No need for repayment.”
Hearing this, the corners of Gu Changge’s mouth held a faint smile. Without turning back, he said casually, “As for my name, I imagine someone will tell you.”
“Yes...” Shortly after, an envoy from the Battle Arena came forward respectfully to lead the way for them, bringing them inside.
Why did he do that?
In the shadows far away, a slender figure wearing a bamboo hat and dressed in black had been watching this scene the whole time. Only when Gu Changge stepped into the depths of the palace did she quietly withdraw her gaze.
In the red-dressed young woman, she faintly saw a shadow of her former self.
Back then, she too had come from the Overworld, looked down upon and scorned by many Cultivators.
If not for being valued by Gu Changge, who knew how much grievance and humiliation she would have suffered.
Thinking of this, the expression in her eyes grew more pained and conflicted, and then a trace of viciousness surfaced, gradually covering over what clarity remained.
Meanwhile, on the other side, led by someone Qing’er had arranged, Gu Changge quickly entered the palace halls within. It was completely different from the buildings seen outside—this place was actually a winding underground passage!
Layer upon layer of stairs led downward, with spirit-oil lamps lit on both sides. The atmosphere was somewhat deathly still. The Battle Arena’s location was, impressively, underground.
“The walls here are all carved with Array Patterns. If they erupt at a critical moment, their power is considerable—they can trap Sacred Realm cultivators and also prevent any accidents.”
Seeing Gu Changge’s gaze fall upon them, Qing’er explained.
“Such an arrangement is quite elaborate indeed.”
Changge nodded. A casual sweep of his senses showed the area spanned over a thousand li, laid out much like a colosseum, with seating on both sides.
However, the middle was divided by special barriers, making it impossible to spy on the scenes on either side.
Who would have thought that such an elegant, tranquil island actually concealed a Battle Arena of such enormous scale?
The death row prisoners and Cultivators who perished miserably here every day were simply beyond count.
As for why he had helped that red-dressed young woman just now, he merely wanted to see whether, with him stirring things up like this, something interesting might happen between this fated woman and the original protagonist.
At the end of the day, what he had just done was simply Gu Changge’s wicked taste at work.
683. The Lord of Hell’s Caution—A Game of Wits (Please Subscribe)
The Battle Arena was vast in scope, containing its own world within, with the fluctuations of spatial Restrictions permeating the air.
Both sides were filled with seats, already packed with Cultivators from all factions, all excitedly staring at the killing grounds ahead. It was incredibly lively.
Although the seats were separated by a special formation, in the eyes of Cultivators with profound cultivation, this barrier was naturally as good as nonexistent—they could easily spy on the surrounding Cultivators.
However, doing so, in the eyes of some old monsters, could easily be taken as a provocation.
So unless necessary, no Cultivator would be that foolish.
Learning of Changge’s arrival, the person in charge of this Battle Arena personally came over and arranged the best private booth for him, from which he could overlook everything happening in the arena.
Within the booth, clear radiance interwove and the fragrance of tea wafted through the air. Many beautiful and charming maids came to serve tea, fruits, and divine delicacies.
The many great figures not far away also intentionally or otherwise drifted closer to his seat, wanting to learn Changge’s purpose in coming to the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds.
To them, every move Changge made carried extraordinary significance and needed to be carefully pondered.
When the time came, the person in charge here would open the entrances on both sides of the arena, releasing the death row prisoners or condemned criminals participating in the slaughter, letting them begin killing below.
Sometimes he would introduce the origins and approximate strength of the two combatants to the audience, allowing them to place bets, or disciples of great sects would offer prices to directly buy those prisoners or criminals.
However, the main reason many people participated in the arena battles here was for the points on their opponents’ bodies.
Behind Vermilion Bird Hall, Azure Dragon Hall, and White Tiger Hall stood the Points Hall, which specialized in exchanging points for various divine abilities and cultivation techniques. Many ancient manuals and Forbidden Techniques long lost to the outside world could be found here in fragments, so many Cultivators would try their luck here—who knew, they might exchange for a sacred scripture or a Sacred Emperor Realm technique.
Within the booth, immortal mist curled around, with curtains blocking the view from outside.
Changge sat behind the curtains, holding a white jade teacup, gently blowing on the steam rising from its surface, his expression utterly leisurely.
Qing’er explained things to him while watching the arena below, and instructed the person in charge here to bring up the list of those participating in tonight’s death matches.
The Hundred Worlds War had not yet begun.
So even though many Overworld prodigies had shown up here, they would not participate in this slaughter—they were only here to experience its cruelty in advance.
Are the headquarters of Nether and Pagoda really hidden here?
Hearing Qing’er’s words, Gu Changge’s mind was actually on other matters.
His purpose in coming to the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds was to find the headquarters of Nether and Pagoda, and then annihilate them completely.
As for the fates of these many Overworlders, that was not within his consideration.
“Gongzi, the Cultivators on these lists are all the people participating in tonight’s arena battles. Some are death row prisoners from Vermilion Bird Hall, and some are prodigies from the outside world who came here seeking tempering.”
Soon, Qing’er had obtained the complete lists for Vermilion Bird Hall’s main city arena.
She presented this Jade Tablet to Gu Changge.
The territory of the entire Battlefield of Hundred Worlds was incomparably vast, and the Cultivators within were a mixed bag of all sorts.
Although she was the young lady of the Alliance of Thousand Merchants here, she could not guarantee that the lists in her hands were necessarily complete.
So after Gu Changge skimmed through it a few times, he set it down.
This list alone was not enough for him to determine the location of Nether and Pagoda, let alone find their contact points and then track down their headquarters.
That degree of difficulty was no different from fishing a needle from the sea.
“Perhaps I need to change my approach. If Nether and Pagoda are smart right now, they should already be wary of my intentions and won’t reveal the slightest flaw.”
“At a time like this, the deeper I dig, the less likely I am to find any clues.”
Gu Changge frowned, then suddenly thought of another possibility.
The Nephrite Breeze Pavilion had risen in recent years like a wildfire spreading across the plains, impossible to stop.
Nether and Pagoda, those two assassin organizations since ancient times, had long regarded it as a thorn in their side, a splinter in their flesh, wishing they could pull it out.
So they must have investigated the Nephrite Breeze Pavilion’s origins, and even found ways to infiltrate their people into it.
And during this period, the Alliance of Thousand Merchants had been in extremely close contact with the Nephrite Breeze Pavilion. The masters behind Nether and Pagoda would inevitably connect the two.
And behind the Alliance of Thousand Merchants, there was far too much of his shadow.
Actually, the moment I appeared here, Nether and Pagoda took notice. Excessive investigation would instead be counterproductive. So rather than that, I might as well go with the flow and do the opposite.
Changge shook his head gently, sighing inwardly.
He thought of a loophole he hadn’t noticed before. Speaking of which, he had indeed oversimplified the matter.
After all, over countless epochs, Nether and Pagoda had evaded the vengeance of innumerable Dao traditions and powers—naturally, they had their own means of survival.
He had underestimated these two forces too much.
That was why he had descended upon this place so unscrupulously, while overlooking their cautious, careful foundation of survival.
Take Nether, for example. Nether was said to have Ten Palaces in total, each with its own duties, managing the assassinations and dark dealings in the shadows of the various heavens of the Beyond.
Thirty million years ago, the Lord of Nether’s First Palace—Qin Guang King—encountered a powerful enemy’s attack at Yin Mountain and perished from grievous wounds.
Because of this incident, Nether’s First Palace nearly fell apart.
Even the high-ranking officials within the First Palace who governed life and death—the Judges, Old Lady Meng, Heibai Wuchang—were...
Because of this matter, the various Dao traditions of the Beyond discovered that Nether’s interior was not a monolith either—there were divisions, and they were not united.
Of course, this was also something Changge had read in the Gu Family’s ancient records.
Later, the Lord of Hell reportedly re-established the rules and rebuilt the First Palace. Even Qin Guang King was personally selected by him from among his disciples.
Now, thirty million years had passed. If the First Palace of Nether had not changed hands, that Qin Guang King’s cultivation had likely long since far surpassed ordinary True Daoists.
The Palace Lords of the other palaces had cultivation even more unfathomable, to say nothing of that Lord of Hell who had never once been replaced.
The Lord of Hell was an existence who had lived for at least several epochs. Such a figure was unlikely to act rashly.
Any stir that might affect his plans would fall under his gaze.
Changge set down the teacup lid, and for a moment, his interest was piqued.
He had underestimated this Lord of Hell. By now, the other party was probably already pulling back the pieces he had placed within the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds.
If he simply tried to follow the vine to the melon like this, he feared it would be difficult to settle this matter before the wedding date.
Just so happens that all the factions are guessing at my intentions right now. Then let the two of us have a game of wits.
Changge suddenly chuckled softly, his gaze turning toward the arena outside.
The fences forged from special divine metal on both sides were slowly being raised, and then two figures, under everyone’s watchful eyes, slowly walked onto the arena to begin the coming terrifying slaughter.
In the surrounding spectator seats, every Cultivator and living being stared fixedly at the scene before them, their eyes flickering with bloodlust, excitement, and thrill, or revealing unease and worry.
Before long, the arena’s host announced the rules to everyone, as well as the backgrounds of the two fighters, and the slaughter finally began.
Brilliant, dazzling radiance spread out, and Array Patterns like Restrictions extended outward, instantly sealing off the surrounding void.
All kinds of terrifying killing moves crisscrossed—there were surging divine flames, and Sword Qi splitting the sky. Blood mist drifted through the air, a sight of utmost horror.
If not for the powerful Array Patterns engraved here, the shockwaves of this battle alone would have been enough to destroy the space of this place.
It had to be said, the Cultivators who dared step onto this arena were no ordinary individuals—at the very least, within the same realm, they rarely met a match.
The two fought hundreds of exchanges, back and forth, incomparably brutal.
One of them even had his body torn open, blood gushing out like a spring, yet his expression remained unchanged as he continued fighting his opponent.
Such a shocking and brutal scene made many prodigies visiting this place for the first time tremble inside, unable to calm down for a long time.
At the front of the spectator seats, the people in charge behind the arena were also taking bets.
Pile after pile of Spiritual Stones, sacred medicines, and even cultivation manuals were placed up there, divine light shining brilliantly, illuminating all directions, making many Cultivators’ eyes redden with fervor.
The slaughter between the two in the arena concerned not only their life and death—to the spectators, it was also indescribably terrifying wealth.
“Why are the two fighters in today’s first match so powerful? In the past, fighters like these would be saved to anchor the show.”
“Could it be because of Young Master Changge, that the owner behind the arena arranged these experts to come out ahead of schedule?”
Watching the terrifying slaughter in the arena, many great figures furrowed their brows slightly.
They were regulars here, long since accustomed to this kind of slaughter.
But in their view, this match should have been saved for the very last—yet today it appeared in the very first round.
This made them suddenly speculate: could it be that Gu Changge had descended upon the Battlefield of Hundred Worlds actually to select death row prisoners?
“Is this the slaughter we’re going to face next?”
The group from the Blue Flood Ancient World, watching the terrifying battle within the arena at this moment, had somewhat dull expressions of disbelief.
Many of them quietly swallowed their saliva just to steady their minds.
In the face of such a terrifying battle, they wouldn’t have the slightest chance of surviving, let alone achieving a good ranking and seizing the Realm’s Fortuity.
That was simply unrealistic.
At this moment, they even wanted to just give up and return early to their original world.
The Beyond was too terrifying, too cruel—it simply didn’t belong to frogs at the bottom of a well like them.
This is exactly the kind of tempering I need to become stronger.
However, compared to everyone’s fear, Lu Ming—whose injuries had mostly recovered—was full of fighting spirit, his fists clenched tight.
He thought of many things. The reason he had been humiliated, scorned, and left at others’ mercy just now was ultimately because he was too weak.
Faced with such an opportunity to temper himself, how could he easily give up?
Xue Yan-shimei...
Thoughts churning in his mind, Lu Ming couldn’t help turning his head to look at the young woman Xue Yan beside him, whose expression still seemed somewhat dazed.
Ever since receiving the handkerchief, Xue Yan-shimei had been in this absent-minded state, her heart heavy with thoughts.
Lu Ming knew this was because of that great figure named Gu Changge.
From the Confucian-robed man’s mouth, they had already learned many things about Gu Changge.
To say they weren’t shaken and horrified would be impossible.
Even now, their scalps were still numb.
Lu Ming also understood why those arrogant Ancient Royal Families disciples had ended up acting the way they did.
Because a figure like this stood at the very peak of the Beyond, overlooking the myriad ages and heavens.
A single word from him could decide the life, death, and reincarnation of ten thousand worlds; a single sentence could remake the very heavens and earth of the Beyond.
To put it bluntly, a single thought from the other party would be enough to destroy the Blue Flood Ancient World behind them ten thousand times over.
And such a figure had actually crossed paths with them, had even spoken a few words with Xue Yan-shimei.
This was simply unimaginable, like something out of a dream.
One had to know that before this, the Confucian-robed man had treated them with an aloof, dismissive attitude.
Yet now he was fawning over Xue Yan-shimei to the extreme.
Those great figures within Vermilion Bird Hall had also sent people over just now with quite a few good things for Xue Yan-shimei, to demonstrate their goodwill.
News of this place had already been sent back to their base behind them. The several Elders were surely rushing over at this very moment, wild with joy.
“Lu Ming-shixiong, were you calling me?”
The young woman Xue Yan, whose mind had been in a daze all this time, finally came back to her senses upon hearing Lu Ming’s voice and looked at him.
Even at this moment, everything still felt unreal to her.
Even though in the Blue Flood Ancient World she was a heaven-blessed daughter pursued by countless people, the daughter of a sect master.
She still felt all of this was dreamlike, inconceivable, unbelievable.
“Shimei, you...”
Lu Ming was somewhat dazed, and then a bitter smile appeared at the corner of his mouth as he fell silent.
He had originally had quite a lot he wanted to say, but for some reason, none of it could come out now.
It seemed that between the shimei before him and himself, an endless distance had already opened up—she had become...
“Miss Xue Yan, let me tell you, since that one has already taken notice of you, you must find a way to make contact with him again. That would bring endless benefits to you, to the sect behind you, and even to the entire world you come from.”
“You wouldn’t even need to participate in this Battlefield of Hundred Worlds to easily obtain the Realm’s Fortuity.”
The Confucian-robed man didn’t notice Lu Ming’s change in expression, still wearing that ingratiating smile as he schemed on the young woman Xue Yan’s behalf.
However, hearing these words, Lu Ming’s fists beneath his sleeves clenched involuntarily.
What did he take Xue Yan-shimei for? Was he planning to have her curry favor with and approach that Daren?
Soon, the first slaughter in the arena ended. The victor lived, the loser died, and the winner claimed all of the loser’s points.
Behind the fences, more death row prisoners appeared, beginning the second round of slaughter, and so it went on and on.
Gu Changge watched all the way until the fourth match, and only then, seemingly with some regret, did he shake his head and leave.
The crowd who had been watching his every move all felt their spirits jolt, concluding that Gu Changge had come here to select something after all.