Not Just Humiliation—Could He Be Asking for Death?
Not Just Humiliation—Could He Be Asking for Death?
## 731 The Calm Before the Storm, Sitting Back and Waiting for the World to Come Pay Homage
Sky Emperor Mountain, Purple Cloud Valley, and the Endless Fire Kingdom all had long and storied inheritances, and could be called immortal orthodoxies.
But that did not mean they had truly endured ten thousand tribulations and remained indestructible.
It was merely that over the long ages, these orthodoxies had accumulated profound foundations, taken in disciples far and wide, and ruled over vast territories. Feared by the world, they had thus been crowned with the name of “immortal.”
But compared to forces that had truly endured ten thousand tribulations without perishing, they fell far, far short.
In some respects, there was no comparison at all.
What had happened before the Absolute Yin Heaven this time had, without question, caused these orthodoxies to lose tremendous face.
After all, the forces that had initially spread rumors that Changge was the Successor of Demonic Arts were precisely these ones.
Now that the true Successor of Demonic Arts had appeared in the world, Changge’s suspicion was naturally washed clean.
In the days that followed, Sky Star Mountain, Purple Cloud Valley, and the other forces all dispatched experts to the place where Jin Yun had fallen, attempting to find traces of the Successor of Demonic Arts.
But after killing Jin Yun and devouring his Source, the Successor of Demonic Arts had vanished as if into thin air, evaporating from the mortal world without a trace.
As a result, many Cultivators began to suspect—
Could the true Successor of Demonic Arts be among those who had entered that cave dwelling together back then?
After all, Maiden Tianzhao, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, the King of Six Crowns, Jun Yao, and the others were all highly suspicious, and had all appeared together at that cave dwelling.
When Jin Yun, the ancient freak of Purple Cloud Valley, had fallen, none of them could prove they had not been present at the time.
And so the matter became riddled with doubts.
Many Young Prodigies became objects of suspicion, unable to clear their names.
For a time, all the young geniuses who had once gone to that cave dwelling seeking fortune kept low profiles and treaded carefully, terrified that at some moment they would be branded the Successor of Demonic Arts and hunted down by everyone else.
The Upper Realm was vast and boundless, with countless mysterious and unknown lands.
Let alone True Daoists—even those Celestial Realm existences of old would not dare claim they could explore all these unknown regions.
Many speculated that the Successor of Demonic Arts had either hidden away in one of those mysterious regions, or that his true identity was the successor or disciple of some Cult of Immortality—which was how he could conceal his whereabouts and identity so thoroughly.
And after this incident, Gu Changge’s prestige rose to yet another level.
Previously, even when framed and suspected of being the Successor of Demonic Arts, trapped in dire straits, he had not cared in the slightest. Instead, he had appeared at the Absolute Yin Heaven, seeking a way to break the deadlock for all living beings of the Upper Realm.
Such tireless virtue, repaying malice with kindness, truly left many Cultivators admiring, grateful—even worshipful.
And in some regions, voices began to emerge, saying they hoped Gu Changge could change the current state of affairs, where the immortal orthodoxies of the Upper Realm coldly looked down upon everything, heedless of all living beings under heaven.
After all, even the Nether had been destroyed because of Gu Changge.
If he were willing to step forward at this moment and raise high the banner of justice for the Upper Realm, countless Cultivators would surely rise up in response.
This phenomenon left Sky Emperor Mountain, Purple Valley, and many other forces deeply uneasy, sensing that something terrible was brewing.
Quite a few True Daoist Ancestors drew closer together, beginning to discuss great matters, seemingly harboring deep schemes.
The Upper Realm, already roiling with undercurrents due to the sudden eruption of the Absolute Yin Heaven, now took on an even more terrifying atmosphere.
The long-peaceful Upper Realm was about to undergo a drastic upheaval—one not merely as simple as the Immortal War or the Immortal Tribulation.
And just at this moment, Gu Changge suddenly threw out another piece of news that shook every Cultivator, every orthodoxy to the core.
He had a way to resolve the calamity of the Absolute Yin Heaven that had erupted this time.
Once this news spread, it was like pouring boiling water into hot oil—the momentum and impact it created were simply unimaginable.
Everything unfolded exactly as Gu Changge had predicted. The news was like a meteorite plunging into the deep sea, stirring up monstrous waves.
Everyone, without exception, found it inconceivable, unable to believe it.
Resolve the calamity of the Absolute Yin Heaven?
If it could simply be resolved like that, how could this matter have plagued the Upper Realm for so many years—even driving them to establish the True Immortal Academy in hopes of cultivating a True Immortal?
Could it be that Gu Changge already possessed Celestial Realm methods?
The moment many people learned of this news, this thought involuntarily flashed through their minds, leaving them horrified, their scalps tingling.
If not for that, how could Gu Changge speak with such certainty?
But how had Gu Changge done it? How could he possess Celestial Realm methods under conditions where the environment of heaven and earth did not permit it?
Sky Star Mountain, Purple Valley, and the other orthodoxies also felt deep unease.
Under the current environment of heaven and earth, Celestial Realm power meant invincibility—the ability to sweep across the entire Upper Realm.
Even if they poured out all their foundations, they would find it hard to contend against.
And just as the entire Upper Realm was shocked and boiling over this news, another piece of news was quickly announced by Gu Changge.
The legendary existence of the Celestial Ancient Times, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being, had not perished—he was alive in the world even now.
He had a way to help resolve this calamity of the Absolute Yin Heaven.
Once this news spread, it was like another wave crashing atop an already stormy crest, shocking people beyond measure.
Only at this moment did many people remember—Gu Changge was originally the successor of the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being!
Which meant his shifu still existed in this world, having survived from the Celestial Ancient Times all the way to the present, living through long ages and epochs.
In terms of cultivation, back in the Celestial Ancient Times, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was an existence who had surpassed the Celestial Realm, impossible to fathom.
His many legends and deeds were still circulating throughout the Upper Realm even now.
Such a walking fossil of the epochs was actually still alive!
If Gu Changge was not lying, then the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was absolutely the sole key to resolving this calamity of the Absolute Yin Heaven.
Once they figured this out, the entire Upper Realm erupted. From ordinary Cultivators to ancient existences, all were paying attention to this matter, wanting to know whether it was true or false.
At a juncture like this, Gu Changge had no need to deceive or conceal anything from everyone—so this news of his was, in all likelihood, true.
“The Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being... how has he managed to live this long?”
“Could it be that he delved into the profundities of reincarnation and comprehended the power of time?”
“The power of time—now that is truly something to covet. But no matter how incredible the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being once was, in the current era, he must abide by the current era’s rules.”
In the deepest reaches of many immortal orthodoxies’ ancestral grounds, dormant terrifying powers surged up like vast seas, piercing through the surrounding starfields and startling countless living beings.
“What kind of person Shifu is needs no further thought. People will surely come to pay him visits now.”
“As the saying goes, who under heaven does not know you? With the prestige Shifu left behind back then, even now, its influence runs deep and cannot be erased.”
“We need only sit back and wait for the immortal orthodoxies and supreme great sects to come pay their respects.”
After parting with Jiang Chuchu, Changge had already returned to the Longevity Gu Family, and along the way had spread these two pieces of news that shook the entire Upper Realm—without informing the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being in advance.
Now, seeing the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being’s somewhat unsightly expression, he could not help but smile faintly, as if explaining.
## 732 A Day of Being Reduced to a Tool, All Gathering at the Divine City
The Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being had clearly not expected Changge to be so shameless—acting first and reporting afterward, exposing his existence without even asking his opinion.
Of course, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being had long anticipated that such a day would come.
But he had not wanted to be so passive—practically treated like Changge’s tool.
“Before this, why did my disciple not discuss it with his shifu first?”
However, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was, after all, no ordinary figure. His emotions did not show on his face. Even though his heart was exceptionally gloomy, his expression quickly recovered, and he asked with a kindly smile.
“Your disciple thought this matter would affect the entire situation of the Upper Realm, and that Shifu’s whereabouts would sooner or later be revealed to the world. That is why I thought to announce it early.”
Hearing this, Changge likewise answered with a smile.
He naturally knew the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being must be extremely displeased inside.
But on the territory of the Family of Immortals, he could only honestly swallow this grievance.
Moreover, during this period, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being had presumably already studied and comprehended those mysterious runes from the three Origin Ancestor Artifacts of the Absolute Yin Heaven.
In that case, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being must have already noticed the little tricks he had planted.
As such, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being must be dying to know what secrets he had hidden—and wanting to take them for himself.
So at this moment, no matter how much dissatisfaction the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being harbored, he could only swallow his anger and pretend nothing was amiss.
From the very beginning, when Changge deliberately left obvious flaws in those runes, he had already been scheming against the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being.
Including luring the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being into the Longevity Gu Family, keeping him from acting rashly or harboring any covetous thoughts—all of it was part of the same calculation.
The Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being would think that Changge feared his strength and foundations, and that was why he used his family’s power to intimidate him.
In that case, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being would inevitably underestimate him, and thus give rise to thoughts of making a move against him.
Then, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being would want to lure him away from the family, perhaps even take him to some remote ancient universe.
“My disciple is so considerate of his shifu—it truly comforts me.”
Seeing Gu Changge explain it this way, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being’s expression flickered slightly before returning to normal, and he spoke as if deeply gratified.
Only he himself knew just how much he wanted to slap this cheap disciple of his to death right now.
He, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being, had dominated the Upper Realm for countless epochs. Back in the Immortal Epoch, he had been a colossus of renown—none did not fear and revere him.
When had he ever fallen to the point of being schemed against and used as a tool?
At this moment, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being could only tell himself in his heart: endure, endure.
A small impatience spoils a great plan.
He was extremely interested in the many secrets Gu Changge carried.
“It is truly wonderful that Shifu can understand your disciple’s painstaking efforts,” Gu Changge said with a smile. “In that case, your disciple will give the order now. Seven days from now, at the Divine City, Shifu will appear there, and will discuss with the various orthodoxies of the Upper Realm the matter of resolving the calamity of the Absolute Yin Heaven.”
Hearing this, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being’s face stiffened once again. He truly had not expected Gu Changge to have already arranged everything.
He really had no room to refuse.
Very soon, all manner of news about the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being—
Under Gu Changge’s deliberate arrangements, it spread rapidly, as if it had grown wings.
Seven days later, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being would appear at the Divine City to discuss resolving the Absolute Yin Heaven with the various orthodoxies. This news stirred up monstrous waves.
Like a meteorite smashing into the deep sea.
The many Cultivators who had previously doubted whether the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was still alive immediately widened their eyes, planning to set out for the Divine City to see for themselves.
The entire Upper Realm was shaken by this news.
The Godly Illusion Clan, the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty, the Hidden An Clan—far too many orthodoxies were set in motion, sending out Ancestor-level and even Hidden Expert-level figures, some tearing through the universe, others piloting world-crossing Ancient Battleships, all descending upon the Divine City to personally meet this mythological figure of the Celestial Ancient Era.
In terms of seniority, the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was even more ancient than the Mortal One of the Mortal Palace.
Only those who clearly understood what the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being represented could comprehend what his survival meant.
Wind, thunder, and clouds stirred across the Upper Realm. Every day, streaks of divine rainbows could be seen sweeping across the sky, rushing toward the Divine City.
Besides the older generation, the younger generation was equally fascinated by this matter.
Even knowing full well that the Successor of Demonic Arts was very likely lurking in the shadows, and that any of them could become his target and prey, they were fearless.
The Divine City was majestic and grand, like an immortal palace fallen into the mortal world, radiant and dazzling, shrouded in light.
Within it, numerous islands and immortal mountains rose and fell, silver waterfalls cascaded down, scattered like stars across a chessboard—like an ancient world unto itself.
Countless palaces and pavilions stood within. Even the city gates were like pillars propping up heaven and earth, capable of holding open the four poles of the universe, exuding a vast, primordial aura.
In the Upper Realm, there were not many ancient cities that could be crowned with the name “Divine City.” Back when the demoness in red emerged from the Demon-Burying Abyss, Gu Changge had joined forces with various experts to besiege her at a certain Divine City along her inevitable path.
That Divine City had nearly been destroyed in that great battle—great stretches of its walls collapsed, reduced entirely to ruins.
Countless runes crumbled, extinguished forever.
The current Divine City was not the same one, but its walls were likewise engraved with endless runes.
Divine light blazed brilliantly—even in broad daylight it was dazzling, as if standing in the depths of this universe.
Within the city, world-suppressing artifacts rose and fell, draping down billions of strands of light, their aura terrifying and heart-palpitating.
None but True Daoists dared act rashly.
These days, the city gates stood wide open. Ancient Battleships, flying vessels, and dragon chariots descended one after another—practically every prominent figure of the Upper Realm had arrived.
Many Cultivators were even shocked to discover that sect-master-level figures of certain Cults of Immortality were carefully accompanying white-haired elders with murky eyes, their attitudes extremely respectful.
This discovery left them alarmed and horrified, for they found those elders’ cultivation could only be described as unfathomable, beyond imagination.
Even True Daoists fell considerably short.
They realized—the Hidden Experts of the various Cults of Immortality were gradually emerging into the world.
These were perhaps Remnant Immortals, or figures approaching that realm.
Countless Cultivators in the Divine City were shaken, monstrous waves surging in their hearts.
After the news of the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being’s imminent appearance spread, no one could sit still any longer.
In the void, an enormous Ancient Battleship crushed across the sky, banners fluttering. The two characters “Taixu” were extremely conspicuous, and it finally descended into the depths of the Divine City.
The experts of the Godly Illusion Clan had arrived as well.
Standing atop it was a tall, slender woman with a noble bearing and golden hair. Her face was breathtakingly beautiful, and within her eyes seemed to burn two golden suns, radiating a sharp and terrifying aura. Every Cultivator who met her gaze, without exception, fearfully lowered their heads deep.
Jiang Luoshen, the princess of the Godly Illusion Clan, had once had deep entanglements with Gu Changge in the Godly Illusion Tomb.
Afterward, she had even been taken as a captive by Gu Changge into the Demon World, where they had spent some time together.
Although she had not appeared in the Upper Realm for a long time, many Cultivators had not forgotten her.
After all, this was the remarkable woman who had once dared to curse Gu Changge—though she later seemed to have been bullied and taught a miserable lesson by him.
But this did not diminish her peerless grace in everyone’s eyes in the slightest. Her golden hair flowed smoothly as if a layer of golden light rippled through it, and upon her flawless face, as if sculpted from marble, hung a cold, proud nobility that looked down upon all.
Her appearance in the Divine City this time surprised many Cultivators, especially the younger generation.
However, the older generation paid little attention to that. What they cared about was the golden-haired old woman at Jiang Luoshen’s side.
That old woman was hunched over, coughing from time to time, leaning on a withered branch from some unknown tree.
Though her face was kindly, a heart-palpitating, terrifying aura permeated the air around her.
It was as if she were no ordinary old woman, but a great ferocious beast with blood qi surging to the heavens, capable of splitting the sky with a raise of her palm.
Jiang Luoshen carefully supported her as they headed into the Divine City, followed by many experts of the Godly Illusion Clan.
This scene drew the attention of many, all speculating about the golden-haired old woman’s identity.
On the contrary, it was some of the older generation who knew something of ancient secrets whose expressions changed, sucking in sharp breaths of cold air.
They murmured in disbelief, “Could it be... that one from the Godly Illusion Clan...?”
In the following days, the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty, the Great Yu Celestial Dynasty, and other immortal dynasties also had experts appear and descend.
Although the Unrivaled Celestial Dynasty’s current Empress, Yue Mingkong, did not appear in person, she sent people of sufficient weight...
## 733 Hidden Experts All Emerge—Not One of Them Is Innocent
Within the Divine City, winds and clouds converged. Hidden Experts of various Cults of Immortality and orthodoxies emerged one after another, triggering enormous waves.
The appearance of the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being was like a signal.
All at once, every orthodoxy in the Upper Realm grew tense, forced to bring out the Hidden Experts who could hold down the fort, so as to display their own foundations.
At this moment, the radiance of many of the younger generation was completely eclipsed.
Because those Hidden Experts, in their youth, had been just as dazzling and brilliant as them—perhaps even more so.
Even after long ages, many of their legends still circulated in this world.
The Divine City was incomparably lively and bustling. On every street, Cultivators and beings of all races could be seen coming and going.
Every palace and pavilion was filled with figures, discussing the many great events that had occurred in the Upper Realm these days.
From time to time, the rumbling of Ancient Battleships crushing across the sky could be heard above the heavenly dome.
Great figures of various races arrived riding divine rainbows, divine light blazing, auspicious beasts crying out, descending toward the depths of the Divine City.
At the sides of these great figures, giants of the younger generation such as the King of Six Crowns and Jin Chan the Chosen Monk also accompanied them in utmost quiet, their usual sharpness and arrogance gone.
Among the group of monks from Buddhist Mountain, one kindly-looking White-Browed Elderly Monk was particularly eye-catching.
He wore an extremely old and worn kasaya, and the prayer beads in his hand were dull and lusterless.
Yet his entire being seemed to flow with astonishing Buddha-nature. Even the ordinary Cultivators around him were affected, their countenances becoming serene and peaceful.
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk, followed quietly behind him. Even someone like him held the utmost respect for the White-Browed Elderly Monk before him.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na—he was actually still alive? Wasn’t it said that he had passed into nirvana sixty million years ago?
The older generation figures of the various forces, upon seeing this elderly monk, all had their expressions change drastically, seemingly unable to believe it.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na—that was how they addressed this elderly monk.
Even within Buddhist Mountain, there were few existences worthy of the venerable title of “Buddha.”
Let alone this White-Browed Elderly Monk before them.
His comprehension and mastery of the Karmic Technique, one of the Six Techniques of the Buddhist Mountain, had reached an inconceivable level.
What was the Karmic Technique?
It was the ability to know the destinies of oneself and all beings of the three realms and six paths across hundreds of thousands of lifetimes, along with all their deeds.
In other words, this White-Browed Elderly Monk needed only a single glance to know everything any cultivator had done, and might even perceive their past lives and future destinies. It could be called unfathomably mysterious, beyond imagination.
Of course, such an act surely came at a tremendous price, though the price varied from person to person.
“I never expected even Ancient Buddha Sha Na to emerge into the world. With his great divine powers, I’m afraid no one here can hide any secrets anymore.”
“Perhaps he can truly root out the Successor of Demonic Arts. Those Young Prodigies here had better watch themselves—don’t let anything slip.”
“This gathering in Divine City is truly a convergence of storms. Who knows what other figures will appear next.”
Many cultivators discussed among themselves, their eyes filled with amazement and disbelief as they talked on and on.
Of course, many were also keeping an eye on the members of the Longevity Gu Family, wanting to know Gu Changge’s whereabouts.
After all, this invitation to Divine City was initiated by Gu Changge himself, yet he had yet to show his face.
This led to endless speculation. Nor had the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being appeared. Whether this matter was true or false remained a mystery for now.
“Changge refuses to show himself—could he have some other scheme in mind?”
But just then, in the due east of Divine City,
rolling demonic clouds suddenly appeared, like a vast black fog sweeping across the sky.
Within them, many terrifying figures loomed faintly, wings shaking the air, colorful light flowing, as if ancient beings were among them.
Among them, one beardless demon was the most peculiar. He looked to be in his thirties, tall in stature, wearing the ancient garments of Humans, his pupils a greyish white as if containing endless vicissitudes. Atop his head, a pair of pitch-black horns stood out prominently.
He emerged wreathed in rolling demonic clouds, appearing outside Divine City like a peerless Demon King reigning over the world.
Terrifying pressure and aura swept down like a flood, causing countless cultivators and beings within Divine City to tremble with palpitations, nearly bowing down and prostrating themselves in that direction.
The White-Browed Elderly Monk who had just entered the city—Ancient Buddha Sha Na—suddenly opened his narrowed eyes, a trace of surprise within them, and turned to look outside Divine City.
“So that fellow has shown himself as well.”
He spoke with a smile, as if he were an old acquaintance of that peerless Demon King outside the city.
“Ancient Buddha, you know that person?”
Jin Chan, the Chosen Monk beside Ancient Buddha Sha Na, asked with some confusion.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na still smiled as he answered, “Naturally I know him. He is the renowned Heavenly Ox Demon King. You must not underestimate him.”
“One of his Ancestors was a figure of the Forbidden Epoch.”
“A figure of the Forbidden Epoch?”
Jin Chan’s expression grew solemn. People and matters connected to the Forbidden Epoch were not things one could casually speculate about or discuss.
If the Heavenly Ox Demon King before Divine City had an Ancestor connected to the Forbidden Epoch, then his descent upon Divine City this time was very likely related to Devil Mountain.
After all, the current master of Devil Mountain, the demoness in red, was one who had escaped from the Demon-Burying Abyss—she was a genuine figure of the Forbidden Epoch.
Even now, Jin Chan still suspected that the demoness in red’s escape from the Demon-Burying Abyss had actually been orchestrated by Gu Changge.
Yet in the end, this black pot was dumped onto Buddhist Mountain’s head.
During that siege of the demoness in red, the various orthodoxies of the Beyond suffered heavy losses.
In the end, it was Buddhist Mountain that paid out a great deal to pacify the masses.
Later, Jin Chan thought it over carefully: there was absolutely some unspeakable connection between Gu Changge and the demoness in red.
When the Divine Rock Conference was held in Kunwu City, the demoness in red had also appeared there and exchanged many cryptic words with Gu Changge.
Amitabha. What secrets exactly is Gu Changge hiding?
“Ancient Buddha, if you meet that Gu Changge later, could you see through him? I keep feeling that he will bring endless calamity upon the Beyond.”
Jin Chan pressed his palms together and sighed.
Hearing this, Ancient Buddha Sha Na did not answer. His seemingly kindly gaze simply grew much deeper all at once.
The arrival of Devil Mountain caused considerable unease among the many cultivators within Divine City.
After all, the figures within those rolling demonic clouds were all renowned great demons and blood-soaked fiends.
The Heavenly Ox Demon King was a great Demon King who had once slaughtered his way through various immortal orthodoxies until they trembled in fear.
Many had thought he had long since passed away in this world, yet unexpectedly, during this period, he had actually pledged allegiance to Devil Mountain, coming to represent Devil Mountain at this Divine Mountain invitation.
Soon, three days passed, and Divine City grew even more bustling and lively.
In an area dotted with pavilions and palaces, the courtyards were serene, silver waterfalls cascaded down, and the environment was elegant, planted with many spiritual flowers and herbs. Streams murmured, releasing dense spiritual mist.
A large group of Young Prodigies was holding a small gathering here, the fragrance of wine wafting through the air.
Many spiritual fruits also glowed with lustrous light, utterly enticing.
The environment here was extraordinary indeed, located deep within Divine City. The Young Prodigies able to enter this place all held no simple status—at the very least, they had to be core disciples or successors of an immortal great sect.
At the entrance of the courtyard crouched many mounts and attendants with astonishing vitality, their cultivation far surpassing that of the younger generation outside.
“Fellow Daoists, will we really get to see the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being this time? It couldn’t just be empty bluster, could it?”
At the banquet, a somewhat frivolous-looking young man, holding a folding fan, asked with a chuckle as he fanned himself gently.
His name was Wang Shun, the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance.
Though he looked quite flippant, his talent in the way of commerce was astonishing. Among his peers, basically no one possessed wealth comparable to his.
So even though his cultivation was quite ordinary, no one dared underestimate him. No one knew how many artifacts and life-saving means he possessed.
Some had even nicknamed him the Heavenly Lord of Ten Thousand Treasures.
“Since Young Master Changge dared to spread such news, it shouldn’t be false.”
“Unless he truly dares to deceive everyone.”
“The consequences of that would surely be more than he could bear.”
“I believe the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being should still be in this world, merely waiting now for the various orthodoxies to come pay their respects.”
One Young Prodigy shook his head gently at these words, seeing the matter quite clearly.
“What you say is reasonable, Fellow Daoist. I think so as well.”
At that moment, a gentle and indifferent voice sounded from outside the courtyard.
A man in blue robes walked in, his appearance exceedingly refined, his whole person carrying a transcendent bearing that caused many of the heaven’s proud daughters present to turn and look.
The newcomer was none other than Lan Yifei, the Chosen One of the Immortal Dao Alliance. He too had come to Divine City, beginning to walk the world on behalf of the Immortal Dao Alliance.
“Greetings, Chosen One.”
Seeing Lan Yifei appear, many of the Young Prodigies present stood up, their expressions becoming considerably more respectful.
After all, Lan Yifei was an undisputed giant among the younger generation, comparable to the King of Six Crowns, the Gifted Lady, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, and others.
And after Lan Yifei appeared here, the King of Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, and the others subsequently arrived one after another, as if they had long arranged to gather here.
As a result, the other Young Prodigies could only yield their seats to them, moving toward the edges.
Instead, it was Wang Shun, the one called the Heavenly Lord of Ten Thousand Treasures, who curiously sidled over, seemingly wanting to know what the King of Six Crowns and the others were discussing.
The Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance was one of the top merchant alliances of the Beyond. Whatever force or orthodoxy it might be, all would give it some face.
“I hear the Successor of Demonic Arts is among you.”
But just as Lan Yifei, the King of Six Crowns, and the others were conversing merrily,
a clear, cold, and proud voice rang out.
Outside the courtyard, brilliant golden light emerged, as if a radiant great sun was approaching, making it impossible to look directly at.
A stunningly beautiful woman walked over, clad in golden armor, her figure tall and slender, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall and flowing with radiance. Upon her snow-white, delicate countenance was a cold and proud expression, giving off an air of nobility beyond reach.
It was none other than Jiang Luoshen, the princess of the Godly Illusion Clan.
Having received the news, she too had appeared and come here. Her gaze seemed to carry some strange Force of Law as it swept over the many Young Prodigies before her, seeking to find the true Successor of Demonic Arts.
When Jiang Luoshen appeared, the place instantly fell silent, and the other Young Prodigies all looked over with shocked faces.
“It’s merely a rumor. Could it be that Princess Luoshen also thinks so?”
At this moment, it was the King of Six Crowns who smiled faintly, breaking the silence first.
Jiang Luoshen’s golden eyes fell upon his face as she said coldly, “Whether it’s a rumor or not...”
Her attitude was quite forceful and domineering, seemingly carrying a certain hostility.
“If Princess Luoshen doubts us, then by all means, feel free to test us yourself.”
The King of Six Crowns’ tone was placid, maintaining his lukewarm attitude.
Jiang Luoshen’s beautiful eyes abruptly narrowed, fixing upon him at once.
However, Divine City was now full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, with many Hidden Experts having arrived. Even Jiang Luoshen dared not act recklessly, and in the end merely snorted coldly.
“I heard Princess Luoshen once had some history with Young Master Changge. Could it be that you’ve come this time to seek justice for him?”
“But it seems you’ve found the wrong people. The true Successor of Demonic Arts absolutely cannot be among us.”
At this moment, the Gifted Lady also revealed a faint smile, seemingly having seen through Jiang Luoshen’s purpose.
To this, Jiang Luoshen was noncommittal, her expression remaining as cold and proud as ever.
Although she had been taught a lesson by Gu Changge for a time,
based on her understanding of him, he had nothing whatsoever to do with the Successor of Demonic Arts.
The rumors that had recently emerged claiming Gu Changge was the Successor of Demonic Arts seemed to her more like someone deliberately pinning the black pot on his head from the shadows.
The fall of Jin Yun, the ancient monstrosity of Purple Cloud Valley, had indirectly proven her view.
“After paying respects to the Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being, this little monk will naturally ask Ancient Buddha Sha Na to see through everything. At that time, whoever the true Successor of Demonic Arts is will naturally be revealed with a single look.”
“Could it be that Princess Luoshen cannot even wait these few days?”
Jin Chan shook his head slightly, simply stating the matter openly before everyone, no longer concealing it.
The power and mystery of Ancient Buddha Sha Na went without saying. Since he was stepping in, this matter could naturally be resolved smoothly.
Unless the Successor of Demonic Arts was truly powerful to the point that even Ancient Buddha Sha Na could not see through him.
Hearing these words, the many Young Prodigies in the courtyard were all stunned, somewhat slow to react.
Ancient Buddha Sha Na?
Instead, it was Lan Yifei whose eyes seemed to light up slightly, suddenly thinking of something.
If Ancient Buddha Sha Na could truly see through Gu Changge’s real identity, then naturally he could also see that he himself was acting under compulsion.
In the unseen workings of fate, there seemed to be a path to survival guiding him.
“Ancient Buddha Sha Na? Jin Chan, do you think that with him backing you, I would fear you?”
“No matter which of you is the Successor of Demonic Arts, all I know is that during that time, you were all among those involved.”
Jiang Luoshen didn’t much care about this. Cold light flashed in her golden eyes, and her voice was icy.
Her Godly Illusion Clan had also brought forth Hidden Experts in descending upon Divine City this time, so naturally she had no need to fear that Ancient Buddha.
In her eyes, who the Successor of Demonic Arts was didn’t actually matter.
What mattered was that during that time, Gu Changge had suffered many injustices and slanders.
And among the crowd of Young Prodigies before her, not a single one was innocent.
But that imposing manner already made the King of Six Crowns and the others frown, sensing she would be a great enemy.
Soon, the two clashed within the courtyard, runes flashing with dazzling brilliance.
Violent fluctuations surged through the place like raging waves. Divine weapons were sacrificed one after another,
but they were quickly shattered by Gu Xianer, blasted into fragments scattered everywhere.
Wang Shun’s expression was exceedingly ugly. He truly hadn’t expected that he wouldn’t even be a match for this little girl.
Were it not for his reliance on his numerous artifacts, he probably couldn’t have withstood even a single palm strike from her.
The next moment, brilliant runes suddenly condensed behind Gu Xianer, purple-gold radiance interweaving, transforming into a sea of thunder that crashed down with crackling booms.
She raised her slender hand, and the boundless sea of thunder descended, as if she commanded the Heavenly Tribulation itself, carrying an aura of destruction.
It was truly terrifying beyond measure.
The expressions of the many Young Prodigies present all changed. Even the King of Six Crowns and the others had their pupils contract.
“This is the long-lost Orthodox Lightning Technique.” Jin Chan’s expression grew grave.
Seeing this scene, Wang Shun’s face changed drastically. It was too late to react—he could only sacrifice a silver battle armor, attempting to resist.
But the sea of thunder fell, shrinking to concentrate on the area where he stood. The damage and power it brought were ten times more terrifying, directly causing his battle armor to rupture and explode. His entire person was sent flying backward like a husk,
spitting blood, his whole body charred black.
“So strong!”
“Truly worthy of being the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family. This elegance already carries a shadow of Young Master Changge back then.”
“I feel she’s already enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the King of Six Crowns and the others.”
This scene left everyone present trembling in amazement, full of sighs and admiration, utterly shocked.
Previously, they had only known that Gu Xianer’s status was extraordinary and that Gu Changge doted on her immensely.
They had never seen her truly take action before.
Gu Xianer’s strength, and the probing reactions of all parties.
Jiang Luoshen’s cold and hard attitude made the expressions of the many Young Prodigies before her turn slightly awkward.
Even the King of Six Crowns Jun Er, the Phoenix Lady, and the others felt somewhat uncomfortable.
After all, judging from the events that had erupted before the Absolute Yin Heaven, Changge indeed had not the slightest connection to the Successor of Demonic Arts.
Although they knew full well those rumors were slander deliberately poured out by the various orthodoxies, they had not stopped it, instead choosing to stand by in silence.
“Before the true Successor of Demonic Arts is caught, whoever it is cannot be conclusively determined.”
At this moment, Lan Yifei, the Chosen One of the Immortal Dao Alliance, stepped forward, shaking his head slightly as he spoke,
his easygoing face bearing a gentle smile.
He naturally carried a transcendent air about him, making it hard for anyone to ignore him, as if his every breath and movement merged into the whole of heaven and earth.
“What the Chosen One says is most true. Who knows whether the tragic death of Jin Yun of Purple Cloud Valley might also be a means by which the Successor of Demonic Arts muddies the waters?”
“What’s more, this world holds countless secret arts, let alone the ever-mysterious Taboo Demonic Arts. Who can be certain that the one who killed Jin Yun was the true Successor of Demonic Arts?”
“Don’t you all think these two events are far too coincidental, happening to wash away Young Master Changge’s suspicion just so conveniently?”
Hearing Lan Yifei’s words, the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance, who had been watching the excitement from the side, suddenly spoke up, gently waving his folding fan, his words carrying a hint of amusement.
As the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance, he controlled abundant resources and had countless experts under his command.
Even here, he possessed a voice that none dared ignore.
As soon as these words came out, the expressions of many Young Prodigies immediately changed. The Phoenix Lady’s eyes even narrowed, a crimson light flashing through them.
Wang Shun’s words sounded simple, but wasn’t he telling everyone that Gu Changge still bore suspicion that could not be washed clean?
After all, the timing of these two events was truly far too coincidental.
But how did he dare question Gu Changge?
One must know that nowadays, let alone the younger generation, even those ancient True Daoists were apprehensive and silent about this matter.
A True Daoist of the Endless Fire Kingdom had his Dao foundation crippled by a single palm strike outside the Absolute Yin Heaven, two hundred thousand years of cultivation achievements turning to bubbles in a single day.
Regarding this matter, the Endless Fire Kingdom dared only keep silent, not daring to avenge that True Daoist.
This matter caused a huge uproar in the Beyond.
Changge’s power had already become terrifying to such a degree.
Even a Cult of Immortality, faced with such a thing, could only swallow the humiliation and shut its mouth.
How did a mere Wang Shun dare say such words?
“What did you say?”
Jiang Luoshen’s beautiful eyes abruptly narrowed, a dangerous aura flowing within them as she fixed her gaze on him.
Terrifying aura permeated her surroundings, brilliant golden light falling like a scorching sun, causing even the void to show traces of distortion.
Seeing this scene, the expressions of the many Young Prodigies present changed slightly, revealing wariness.
Even the King of Six Crowns felt his heart sink slightly, not expecting Jiang Luoshen’s strength to have already reached this level.
“Why must Princess Luoshen act like this? Since Young Master Changge is not the Successor of Demonic Arts, what does he have to fear from others’ gossip?”
Wang Shun smiled faintly, raising an eyebrow at Jiang Luoshen in an extremely frivolous manner, his tone appearing quite intrigued as he said, “Princess Luoshen’s behavior will instead invite exploitation by those with ulterior motives.”
“Young Master Changge sits upright and acts honorably. How could he care about such petty gossip? Your magnanimity, I’m afraid, is rather small.”
He was indeed worthy of being the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance, deeply versed in the study of human hearts. With just a few words, he completely boxed Jiang Luoshen in, making her beautiful eyes grow ever colder, killing intent permeating the air.
“You dare speak to me like this?”
Her words were icy. Even facing the Young Master of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance, she showed not the slightest fear, instead remaining filled with lofty superiority and the power of life and death.
As if she could strike at any moment to end Wang Shun’s life.
Seeing this, the expressions of everyone in the courtyard changed, and they began retreating toward the surroundings, sensing that a great battle might erupt here.
The Phoenix Lady, the King of Six Crowns, and the others frowned, but said nothing more.
Jiang Luoshen, as the princess of the Godly Illusion Clan, held an exalted status and terrifying talent. She had even once dared to berate Gu Changge and stand against him.
How could her own strength possibly be underestimated?
To put it bluntly, on this point alone, she was enough to leave many of the Beyond’s younger generation far behind her.
“What, could it be that Princess Luoshen wants to kill me?”
Wang Shun still wore a faint smile, as if he wasn’t worried at all, as if he had something to rely on.
The Alliance of Thousand Merchants and the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance were the two greatest merchant alliances in the Beyond today, their reach spanning all the heavens of the upper realm.
On ordinary days, friction and conflict between them were constant; each wished nothing more than to replace the other.
And Gu Changge himself was tied to the Alliance of Thousand Merchants by countless threads.
Wang Shun had long since learned that various Daoist lineages intended to move against Gu Changge, and that they even intended to join hands with the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance.
That was why, at this moment, he so unreservedly displayed his hostility toward Gu Changge.
After all, the two sides had long since stood on opposing fronts.
Jiang Luoshen’s golden hair shimmered brilliantly, her figure tall and slender, her waist slim and her legs long.
Upon her exquisite face, like fine marble, sat an expression cold as frost. She said, “Those words just now—would you dare say them to Gu Changge’s face?”
Her words could be called utterly merciless, tantamount to saying that Wang Shun only dared to gossip behind Gu Changge’s back and lacked the courage to say it to his face.
This was nothing short of humiliating Wang Shun.
Hearing this, even Wang Shun’s expression stiffened, turning slightly ugly.
But he quickly recovered and said indifferently, “I merely stated the facts. If Princess Luoshen feels something was amiss, feel free to point it out.”
“Do you really think I wouldn’t dare kill you?”
The killing intent in Luoshen’s eyes grew ever more apparent, undisguised.
“A petty, insidious man who only gossips behind others’ backs. I’d wager you don’t even have the guts to appear before Gu Changge.”
Just then, a clear, cold, melodious voice came from the other side.
A young woman in green appeared, her features flawless and exquisite, her dark brows like distant mountains, her eyes faint and clear, translucent like gleaming crystal.
Her whole being possessed a startling immortal aura, her countenance devastatingly beautiful, as if crafted by the Creator’s own hand.
She walked in on her own from beyond the courtyard, her figure slender, her skin snow-white and delicate, and at her shoulder followed a big red bird with drooping eyelids, listless and dispirited.
It was none other than Gu Xian’er—she too had arrived in the Divine City.
“It’s the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family!”
“She’s appeared too—could it be that Young Master Changge has come as well?”
The moment Gu Xian’er appeared, the place erupted into enormous commotion and discussion.
Many cultivators looked over in shock, seemingly never expecting her to show up.
The King of Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, and the others also furrowed their brows, looking behind Gu Xian’er, as if trying to see whether Gu Changge had appeared.
Jiang Luoshen’s beautiful eyes fell upon Gu Xian’er, then quickly and imperceptibly withdrew.
She naturally recognized Gu Xian’er—they had met back at the Godly Illusion Tomb. One of her clan brothers had tried to snatch a rare treasure Gu Xian’er had obtained first, and as a result, Gu Changge had slapped him to death on the spot.
Because of that incident, she had become enemies with Gu Changge, and was later suppressed by him, forcibly kept by his side, serving as his maid for a time.
Even she had never expected Gu Xian’er to appear here.
Could it be that Gu Changge had come as well?
Jiang Luoshen turned her head to look, her gaze falling beyond the courtyard.
But she did not see Gu Changge’s figure, and she couldn’t help feeling a faint trace of disappointment in her heart.
“Gu Xian’er...”
Wang Shun naturally recognized Gu Xian’er as well and knew her identity; his expression became quite unnatural.
It wasn’t that he feared Gu Xian’er—he was worried that Gu Changge was following behind her.
Now, with heroes gathered from all sides in the Divine City and many hidden experts having revealed themselves, Gu Changge had yet to show his face.
No one knew where Gu Changge was now.
“Stop looking. Gu Changge didn’t come with me.”
“Since you fear him so much, why bother gossiping behind his back?”
Gu Xian’er’s expression remained cold and clear, as if she had seen through Wang Shun’s thoughts at a glance, and she spoke flatly.
To say such words to Wang Shun in front of all the Young Prodigies was even more humiliating than Jiang Luoshen’s words just now.
Especially with that breezy, cold, immortal bearing of hers—it made it all the harder to bear, as if she were merely stating some trivial little matter.
“Gu Xian’er, do you think everyone will fear you just because of your connection to Gu Changge?”
Wang Shun’s face instantly turned ugly. With a pa, he snapped shut the folding fan in his hand and asked in a deep voice.
At his words, Gu Xian’er merely gave him a faint glance, looking entirely disinclined to bother with him.
“I’d quite like to see what you’re capable of. This vast Divine City is not a place where your Longevity Gu Family can cover the sky with one hand.”
A cold glint flashed through Wang Shun’s eyes.
As the Young Alliance Leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance, who among the younger generation would dare ignore and humiliate him like this?
Today, being humiliated one after another by Jiang Luoshen and Gu Xian’er before a crowd of Young Prodigies—if he continued to endure in silence, he feared he would have no face left to show anyone after today.
Besides, Wang Shun did not believe that in this Divine City, where hidden experts of every clan had now appeared, Gu Changge would still dare act recklessly.
“Then you’re welcome to try.”
Gu Xian’er raised her eyes to glance at him, her expression cold and clear as ever, utterly unmoved by the outside world.
Although Gu Changge often bullied her, that did not mean she could tolerate outsiders slandering and maligning Gu Changge in front of her.
Wang Shun laughed coldly.
The next moment, streaks of crimson-gold radiance surged into the sky, instantly blotting out this stretch of heaven.
Within it, artifact after artifact could be seen rising and falling—a small golden cauldron, a black dao bell, a crimson divine furnace, a purple-gold pagoda, pitch-black prayer beads—all radiating dazzling light, rippling with waves, as if they would smash everything to pieces.
Wang Shun truly lived up to the title of Prodigy of Infinite Treasures; the artifacts in his possession were simply unimaginable.
The moment he struck, he displayed his overwhelming wealth.
Every single artifact was interwoven with dao marks, their power tremendous—even Great Sage cultivators would not dare touch them lightly.
Gu Xian’er’s expression did not change. She merely gave a soft shout, and from beneath her sleeves, her delicate, slender fist suddenly struck out.
Seeking flowers
Violet-gold radiance billowed forth, as if forged from some Immortal Divine Gold—wide, sweeping, and domineering, utterly at odds with her cold, immortal-like appearance.
The terrifying impact spread outward. Under Gu Xian’er’s single punch, every artifact before her shattered and exploded, the dao marks within them ground into oblivion. Were it not for the Array Patterns protecting the Divine City...
...this entire place would nearly have been overturned.
Seeing this, everyone in the courtyard was somewhat stunned and caught off guard, hastily retreating toward the surroundings.
They had thought Jiang Luoshen would be the one to strike at Wang Shun, but none had expected Gu Xian’er to step forward instead.
Moreover, no one had imagined Gu Xian’er’s strength would be so astonishing—she was younger than everyone present.
Yet that might of hers already made the King of Six Crowns and the others frown, sensing she would be a formidable foe.
Soon, the two clashed within the courtyard, runes flashing, dazzling beyond compare.
Violent fluctuations surged through the place like raging waves. Divine weapons were sacrificed forth one after another, only to be swiftly shattered by Gu Xian’er, destroyed into fragments scattered across the ground.
Wang Shun’s face was exceptionally ugly; he truly had not expected that he would be no match for this little girl.
Were it not for the sheer number of artifacts he relied on, he likely couldn’t have withstood even a single palm from her.
The next moment, brilliant runes suddenly condensed behind Gu Xian’er, violet-gold radiance interweaving, transforming into a sea of lightning that came crashing down with crackling roars.
She raised her slender hand, and the boundless sea of thunder descended, as if she commanded the Heavenly Tribulation itself, brimming with destructive aura—truly terrifying beyond measure.
The faces of the many Young Prodigies present all changed; even the King of Six Crowns and the others had their pupils contract.
“That’s the long-lost Orthodox Lightning Technique...” Jin Chan the Chosen Monk’s expression grew grave.
Seeing this scene, Wang Shun’s face changed drastically. It was too late to react—he could only sacrifice a silver battle armor in an attempt to resist.
But the sea of thunder descended, concentrated upon the area where he stood, and the damage and power it brought were dreadful—his battle armor directly burst apart, and his entire body was sent flying backward, vomiting blood, charred black all over.
“So strong...”
“Truly worthy of being the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family—this bearing already carries a shadow of Young Master Changge’s style back then.”
“I feel she’s already enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with the King of Six Crowns and the others.”
This scene left everyone present trembling in awe, full of admiration and astonishment, utterly shaken.
Before this, they had only known that Gu Xian’er’s status was extraordinary and that Gu Changge doted on her greatly; they had never seen her truly take action.
Lan Yaofei, meanwhile, looked somewhat thoughtful. From the very beginning, he had been watching Gu Xian’er’s expression. He didn’t know if it was his imagination, but he kept feeling that Gu Xian’er had glanced at him several times just now, as if trying to confirm something.
“You’re too weak... you don’t even have the qualifications to catch Gu Changge’s eye.”
Gu Xian’er paid little mind to having defeated Wang Shun so easily. Her expression remained placid as she glanced at him, as if stating a simple fact.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself!”
“If it were a fight to the death, I have a hundred ways to kill you!”
Wang Shun’s face was ugly as he struggled to climb up from the ground, his whole body charred black, blood continuously gushing from his mouth.
He still had many Forbidden Weapons he had yet to sacrifice, worried about unexpected turns—after all, deep down, he was still unwilling to become mortal enemies with Gu Changge all at once.
But who would have thought Gu Xian’er would be this powerful?
“Kill me?” Gu Xian’er suddenly raised her delicate brows slightly, as if to confirm.
But the next moment, the void trembled lightly, and a grey-robed old man suddenly appeared beside Wang Shun, looking expressionlessly at Gu Xian’er, a flash of killing intent passing through his eyes.
The aura of a Quasi-Emperor was unmistakably revealed, as if it would crush the very void before him.
The expressions of all the Young Prodigies changed; they felt as if they were suffocating, their physiques on the verge of collapse.
Although each of them now had protectors of such power behind them, those protectors would not appear unless their lives were truly at stake.
They felt that this Quasi-Emperor’s sudden appearance was no accident.
Perhaps it was a probe by the various Daoist lineages within the Divine City into Gu Changge’s reaction.
After all, how could the commotion of Gu Xian’er and Wang Shun’s battle just now have escaped the notice of the many hidden experts within the city?
“Young Master, please calm your anger. The Divine City is not a place for great conflict right now.”
The grey-robed old man looked at Wang Shun, disheveled and utterly wretched, and spoke in a low voice.
“But...” Wang Shun knew the identity of this grey-robed old man before him, yet he was still incomparably unwilling—today, before everyone’s eyes, he had lost all face.
“How am I supposed to swallow this insult?” His fists clenched deathly tight.
“A small impatience spoils a great plan. Young Master, you must understand,” the grey-robed old man advised in a low voice. “Today’s matter will be repaid in full another day.”
“Since you can’t swallow this insult, then Gu shall swallow it for you.”
But just then, from the void beyond the courtyard, a calm male voice suddenly rang out.
Immediately after, a golden giant hand slammed down from the dome of heaven. Space collapsed, laws shattered, and with a pu, it landed directly upon Wang Shun.
“This isn’t mere humiliation—could it be he wants me dead?” Seeking subscriptions
That palm descended like a colossal hand of heaven swatting a tiny mosquito.
The vast, crushing pressure bore down, surging and overwhelming, directly blasting Wang Shun into a sky full of blood mist—body and soul annihilated.
He didn’t even have time to react; even his life-saving artifacts were instantly reduced to countless motes of dust.
This sudden scene shocked all the prodigy cultivators present. Their eyes went wide, their faces filled with horror, staring at it all in disbelief.
Who was so bold—to slap the Young Alliance Leader of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance to death in the Divine City, before everyone’s eyes?
Was he not afraid of provoking the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance’s undying hatred?
And in the Divine City, where heroes from all sides were gathered, no less!
The entire courtyard fell deathly silent in an instant—so quiet one could hear a pin drop.
The grey-robed old man of Quasi-Emperor cultivation stared blankly at it all, his whole person as if frozen stiff, unable to react for a long time.
Right before his eyes, Wang Shun had just been slapped to death.
“This is simply too much bullying!”
At that moment, from deep within the Divine City, fury seemed to emanate, a terrifying pressure surging like a boundless sea, enough to suffocate anyone.
The Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance was not without hidden experts, but the one currently present in the Divine Domain was merely a True Daoist.
Even having witnessed everything before his eyes, he did not have the courage to rush over and seek justice for the Young Alliance Leader Wang Shun.
“Such a domineering attitude—is this a warning to us all?”
The supreme experts of the other Daoist lineages and forces watched all this with varied expressions.
They had, in fact, all witnessed the battle between Gu Xian’er and Wang Shun just now.
But they had not spoken out to stop it, instead adopting an attitude of tacit approval.
After all, Gu Xian’er was the little princess of the Longevity Gu Family.
How could there not be protectors and the like at her side, safeguarding her?
So when the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance’s Quasi-Emperor appeared there to halt the fight, it was within their expectations.
They had not worried that any accident would occur.
Their purpose had merely been to probe Gu Changge’s reaction and the Longevity Gu Family’s attitude.
As a result, Gu Changge did indeed appear.
It was just a pity for the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance—their Young Alliance Leader was slapped to death by Gu Changge before everyone’s eyes, as easily as swatting an ant.
And the worst part was, the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance didn’t even dare demand justice from Gu Changge; they could only swallow their broken teeth.
“Gu Changge...”
“He’s finally appeared.”
The Phoenix Lady, the King of Six Crowns, Jin Chan the Chosen Monk, and the many other Young Prodigies all looked gravely toward the end of the sky.
They were incomparably familiar with that tone of voice and knew it was absolutely Gu Changge appearing in the Divine City.
Moreover, in the Beyond today, aside from Gu Changge, there was likely no one else with such audacity—so domineering, so utterly unrestrained.
Lan Yaofei’s eyes flickered slightly, but his expression quickly returned to normal.
“Gu Changge... he’s come.”
Jiang Luoshen’s and Gu Xian’er’s gazes also fell toward the sky at once.
Both their hearts became incomparably complicated.
Especially Gu Xian’er—just now she had been about to bring out the Gu Family’s token to order the Quasi-Emperor before her to stand down.
She hadn’t expected Gu Changge to appear at this moment, and to so domineeringly slap the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance’s Young Alliance Leader to death.
In the past, she would surely have been incomparably moved and overjoyed.
But times were different now.
The various things she had encountered during this period, and everything she had personally witnessed in that cave dwelling—Lan Yifei killing Jin Yun and seizing his Source—made her unable to stop doubting Gu Changge.
If he truly was... then appearing in the Divine City—wouldn’t that be walking into a trap?
Or... am I really overthinking this?
Gu Xian’er’s expression grew extremely complicated, and the slender hands beneath her sleeves clenched involuntarily.
“It’s Young Master Changge!”
At that moment, someone in the courtyard was the first to speak, breaking the silence.
Everyone’s gazes involuntarily turned toward the sky above the Divine City.
At the end of the heavens, Gu Changge’s figure appeared—tall and straight, his face like fine jade, his features peerlessly handsome. His black robes were embroidered with the stars of the heavens, suffused with radiance, mysterious and noble.
He seemed to be entirely alone, moving with great speed. In the blink of an eye, he descended from the sky, stepping into the courtyard.
“Gu Changge!”
“My Young Master had no enmity with you—why did you strike so viciously?!”
The grey-robed old man of the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance seemed to finally react at this moment, looking at Gu Changge with incomparable grief and hatred on his face.
His whole body trembled; from sheer hatred, his eyes were already turning red.
Gu Changge casually swept him a glance and said with a faint smile, “Didn’t he say he couldn’t swallow this insult? I merely enjoy helping others—I lent him a hand in passing. What’s wrong with that?”
Seeing Gu Changge’s casual, dismissive manner, as if he didn’t care in the slightest about his Young Master’s life or death, the grey-robed old man’s face instantly turned incomparably livid with humiliation.
“Gu Changge, don’t push your bullying too far! Relying on your might to casually decide the life and death of others—” he practically ground out through his teeth.
No matter what, their Young Master was to succeed the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance in the future, his status exalted, highly valued by the alliance’s many elders.
Yet in the blink of an eye, Gu Changge had slapped him to death like a cat or dog.
This was no longer mere humiliation.
This was practically slapping the Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance hard across the face, then stomping them underfoot.
“What—are you thinking of making me pay with my life for him?”
“Gu stands right here today. If you have the ability, come and take my life.”
Gu Changge smiled faintly, his expression still utterly unconcerned.
“Do you really think my Ten Thousand Treasures Merchant Alliance is so easily bullied?!”
Hearing these words, the grey-robed old man’s face turned livid to the extreme, shifting to purple—clearly enraged and humiliated to the utmost.
In all his years of cultivation, this was the first time he had seen someone arrogant to such a degree.
To be so belittled and mocked before a crowd—who could possibly endure it?
“Are you asking to die?”
Hearing these words, Gu Changge’s expression remained breezy and indifferent as he swept him a glance and said.
The grey-robed old man’s expression froze, turning deathly pale; the words he had been about to say were swallowed right back down.
He only felt a terrifying killing intent rushing at his face, so intense it nearly suffocated him—even his divine soul was trembling.
“Since you wanted to probe Gu’s attitude, how could you not pay a price for it?” Gu Changge said indifferently.
The many Young Prodigies and cultivators present clicked their tongues in astonishment at this scene.
Even a Quasi-Emperor, an existence on the verge of stepping into the Nirvana Realm, could now only swallow this humiliation and accept it all, not daring to make any rash move.
However, many people were now quite curious—this Ancient Reincarnation Supreme Being Gu Changge had spoken of before...
Where exactly was he? Could he already be in the Divine City, simply not yet revealed?
Or was everything Gu Changge said actually just a pretense—merely a ploy to draw everyone to the Divine City?