Chapter 431 Gu Changge
Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's voice cut off abruptly, his eyes fixed on the archaic purple token in Gu Changge's hand.
Cold sweat instantly drenched Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's back, and a chill shot from the soles of his feet straight to his head.
"Why did you stop talking?"
Gu Changge weighed the Divine Son Token, his tone flat: "I still wanted to hear what you planned to do."
Thunder Fiend's expression was grim: "Gu Changge, why is my Thunderclap Immortal Palace's Divine Son Token in your hands?"
He tried to make his voice calm, but the uncontrollable anger was still audible.
Arrogant, truly too arrogant.
What kind of decent person, after killing someone, doesn't destroy the body and erase all traces, but instead brazenly carries the deceased's token and even "accidentally" drops it?!
Gu Changge and Gu Yun's actions were not just provocation, but naked humiliation, trampling the Thunderclap Immortal Palace's dignity repeatedly on the ground!
However—Gu Changge's prestige was undeniable, so Thunder Fiend Great Emperor had no choice but to suppress the rage in his heart, hoping the other party would give an explanation.
"Hmm? This thing..."
Gu Changge toyed with the token in his hand: "It fell off Little Yunzi. I don't know either. How about I ask him for you?"
Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's chest heaved violently, and the lightning that emanated from his body crackled uncontrollably.
Damn it, am I blind?
Can't I see?
"This matter is of great importance, and I hope Great Emperor Changge can give me a satisfactory answer."
Seeing that Gu Changge seemed to be considering compromise, Thunder Fiend also suppressed the anger in his heart.
He looked at Gu Changge, waiting to see how the Immortal Ancient Gu Family would explain.
Although he had heard about Gu Changge, he was still just a junior. He himself was a Great Emperor at the Seventh Heaven level, backed by a colossal power like the Thunderclap Immortal Palace, and completely in the right in this matter. He felt his actions were justified.
Innumerable gazes were also fixed on Gu Changge. Everyone wanted to see if this Great Emperor Changge, rumored to be divine and like a demon-subduing lord descended to the mortal world, was truly as unbridled as the rumors claimed.
"Third Master, you, you go help him!"
"Gu Yun killed Lei Qianjue for me. If the Thunderclap Immortal Palace wants to punish him, I should also bear a part of it."
Although Yao Qingli didn't know exactly what happened at the time, by recalling and connecting the events, she could clearly grasp the entire situation's beginning and end.
"Qingli, are you sure?"
"What about the previous enmity?"
Bai Zhi looked at Yao Qingli, frowning slightly. She could sense something was off and was a little worried.
She also didn't want Yao Qingli to be too involved with someone like Gu Yun. Her gaze intentionally or unintentionally fell on Liu Tianhuang, only to find the latter also looking at her, her face unperturbed, almost ignoring her.
Bai Zhi clenched her fists, but then slowly released them: "Qingli, you don't have to worry."
"Gu Changge and Liu Tianhuang are both here, Gu Yun won't be in any trouble."
"Ah? But..."
Yao Qingli was still a little worried, after all, the Thunderclap Immortal Palace was not to be trifled with.
From all perspectives, the Gu Family should choose to settle the matter peacefully.
"If he did that, then he wouldn't be Gu Changge."
Bai Zhi smiled softly: "This old fellow has been in the Thunderclap Immortal Palace for too long, he probably doesn't know what the world is like anymore."
Bai Zhi had a premonition about Thunder Fiend's fate.
As expected, Gu Changge's next words shocked everyone present.
"Ask him?"
Gu Changge slapped Thunder Fiend on the shoulder, asking with a smile: "Didn't you see how severely wounded my Gu Family Emperor Child is now?"
"These injuries were all sustained for the sake of the Heaven's Chosen from various forces. He is a hero of the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"Now that the hero has returned, instead of being treated with respect, he is to be questioned by you?"
Gu Changge's voice was bone-chilling. As he spoke, he extended a hand and lightly patted Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's face, which was stiff from humiliation and shock. The slaps echoed clearly in the silent starry sky.
"Old fellow? How much nerve do you have?!"
The many young Heaven's Chosen present, who had not dared to speak, now recalled the scene of Gu Yun resolutely facing the Quasi-Emperor Shi Yue. Their excitement surged, and with time having passed and many elders from various factions present, their confidence had grown considerably.
"Exactly! Crown Prince Gu Yun saved us. When that Quasi-Emperor Shi Yue appeared, the Ji Family Family Young Master was defeated, and it was His Highness the Emperor Child who covered our retreat and saved us."
"His Highness's kindness is endless. Such a selfless person, even if he acted against Lei Qianjue, there must have been a reason!"
"I was in the Ancestral Dragon Palace at the time. It was clearly Lei Qianjue who tried to ambush His Highness the Emperor Child and failed, only to be counter-killed."
"Bah, the Thunderclap Immortal Palace is too shameless! Their Divine Son committed many evil deeds, he deserved to die! And they still dare to come and demand an explanation?!"
"The Gu Family Emperor Child is the true hero!"
Someone led the charge, and the young Heaven's Chosen, whose blood and guilt had been stirred by Gu Changge's words, could no longer hold back!
The crowd was enraged!
Countless voices converged into a tidal wave, pointing towards the Thunderclap Immortal Palace, pointing towards Thunder Fiend Great Emperor!
Accusations, curses, and shouts of support for Gu Yun erupted like a tsunami!
Thunder Fiend's face turned ashen. These ant-like people actually dared to question his Thunderclap Immortal Palace, to question him, Thunder Fiend Great Emperor?!
"All of you, shut up!!"
Thunder Fiend's voice was squeezed out from between his teeth, every word carrying the roar of thunder. Terrifying Emperor's might spread, and the scene instantly fell silent.
"Gu, Chang, Ge!"
"Your Gu Family... is going too far!"
"Now that my Thunderclap Immortal Palace's Divine Son is dead, I merely want an explanation. What exactly do you intend by inciting these rabble to speak nonsense?"
"Do you truly think my Thunderclap Immortal Palace has no one, that this Emperor is made of mud?!"
Boom!
Accompanying his furious roar, boundless, heavy thunderclouds condensed above.
Purple electric snakes furiously weaved through the clouds. When a Great Emperor rages, heaven and earth change color!
Continuous crackling sounds echoed.
The clouds slowly parted, and five figures stepped out from within.
The aura of each one was extraordinarily terrifying.
Their qi and blood were like a flourishing spring and autumn, their gazes icy, like Vajra Dharma Protectors!
The various powerhouses around were all horrified, quickly conjuring their protective magical artifacts, retreating rapidly, and leading their clan disciples away from the area.
Fearing being caught in the impending Imperial-level battle.
"Five Directions Thunder Emperors?"
A slight smile curled Gu Changge's lips.
The moment the few appeared and saw Gu Changge, their pupils constricted.
Just as they were about to warn Thunder Fiend Great Emperor, they heard the old fellow say with a somewhat distorted face: "Gu Changge! Do you think I came without any preparations?"
"Today, if you don't give me an explanation, I will certainly not let this rest!"
"Everyone..."
"Did you see clearly?"
"Next time, don't say that I, Gu Changge, am unreasonable. These people have already made their move. If I don't retaliate, wouldn't it seem a bit impolite?"
//432//
Chapter 432: One Against Six
"Gu Changge, no matter how strong you are, with six Great Emperors present from my Thunderclap Immortal Palace, what can you do?"
"Now that Lei Qianjue is dead, and since Gu Yun is the culprit, I have no intention of pursuing this matter further."
"You…"
"Crack, crack."
Gu Changge cracked his knuckles, completely without pretense: "If you want to fight, then fight. Why waste words?"
"Did I spend all this time chatting with you here because I wanted to discuss human relations?!"
The moment his words fell.
Buzz—!
A terrifying surge of murderous power erupted from within Gu Changge, as if the sky above had been splattered with an impossibly thick ink.
"Great Emperor Seventh Heaven?"
"How is that possible?!"
Thunder Fiend was utterly astonished. He had used countless methods to reach the Great Emperor Seventh Heaven, and now he was on equal footing with a junior who was undoubtedly much younger than him.
This was simply inconceivable.
"Master, has Second Uncle still not reached the end of the Emperor Road?"
Gu Yun, completely unharmed, was naturally also closely monitoring the situation.
While he was shocked by the power Gu Changge displayed, he was also somewhat puzzled.
This seemed inconsistent with his formidable reputation.
Liu Tianhuang snorted softly: "Do you think Great Emperor Seventh Heaven is weak?"
"No, I just feel that, after all, those who can become Great Emperors were once exceptionally talented individuals. No matter how strong Second Uncle is, he shouldn't be hailed as invincible at the Great Emperor Seventh Heaven."
"Moreover, he didn't have the Purgatory Demon Blade assisting him before."
"It's simple, because he doesn't want to improve himself."
"Doesn't want to improve himself?"
Gu Yun suddenly realized the reason: "Is it because… the immortal lock?!"
"That's right, your mind is still quite quick, kid."
"The three people from your Gu Family, Gu Changqing, Gu Changge, and Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor, are all extraordinarily talented individuals. In the Immortal Ancient Era, they could have easily become Immortals."
"It's just a pity that they are now constrained by that immortal lock."
"To avoid increasing their strength too quickly, which would cause them to touch the immortal lock and incur heavenly punishment, they each employ their own divine abilities."
"Gu Changge uses the Law of Slaughter to control his strength, keeping it at the Great Emperor Seventh Heaven. Once a battle begins, as time progresses, you'll find him growing stronger and stronger."
"Watch closely. Battles between Great Emperors are not common."
Liu Tianhuang watched the situation in the arena with great interest. She also wanted to see how much Gu Changge had grown.
"Master, I'm severely injured right now, I can't watch."
With a captivating fragrance lingering in his nostrils, Gu Yun was immersed as if in an immortal realm.
"Less nonsense."
"You brat, just wait until we return to the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and see how I'll teach you a lesson!"
"Great Emperor Changge, hold your hand."
The situation in the arena was tense, but the Five Directions Thunder Emperors who had appeared quickly descended from the sky.
"Perhaps there's something strange about this matter, we…"
"What strangeness is there?!"
A terrifying and peerless demonic blade appeared in Gu Changge's hand. It was ancient and heavy, suddenly radiating an unimaginable fierce and sharp aura!
Dazzling dark-red demonic patterns coiled around the blade, and the blade itself trembled, as if some peerless fierce demon was about to burst forth from within.
"Ugh!" The Five Directions Thunder Emperors all grunted in unison, their figures uncontrollably retreating several steps. Thunderous light flashed violently around them, their aura surged intensely, and their faces no longer held any composure, only immense shock and… fear!
The malevolent power of that demonic blade, merely from the burst of its aura, made them feel the threat of death!
This was definitely no ordinary item!
"Immortal artifact?!!!"
Everyone almost simultaneously reached the same conclusion.
Everyone knew the Gu Family had an immortal artifact, but no one expected Gu Changge to have one as well.
"Dare to lay hands on someone from my Gu Family in front of me, Gu Changge. I thought you were already prepared for death."
"Now you want to back out?"
"Heh heh, too late!!"
"Gu Changge, do you want to provoke an Immortal War?!!"
When Emperor-level Dao Domains clash, battles usually last for several epochs, known as Immortal Wars.
If Gu Changge truly tore off all pretenses, then the Thunderclap Immortal Palace would certainly fight to the end!
"Hahahaha!!"
"Among those present, who dares to call themselves immortal?!"
"Beneath the immortal lock, all are ants! What do I, Gu Changge, have to fear?!"
"Thunderclap Immortal Palace, didn't you want an explanation?"
"This Emperor will give you an explanation!"
Gu Changge took a step forward, the demonic blade pointed diagonally, directly locking onto Thunder Fiend Great Emperor.
The boundless killing intent and blade aura emanating from him perfectly merged, like a demonic god from hell descending: "Since the birth of this blade, it has never been stained with a single drop of human blood from the Three Thousand Dao Domains!"
"Today, you shall be the one to test the blade, old man, prepare yourself!!"
Without any flashy probing, Gu Changge struck with a single slash!
This slash was devoid of any technique!
It was purely a torrent of power, will, and the supreme demonic Law of Slaughter!!
Rumble!!!
A condensed, ultimate dark-red blade aura tore through the sky!
Leaving behind a massive, endless dark crack, even time along the blade aura's path seemed to be distorted and devoured.
The power of Gu Changge's single slash was enough to make many Emperor Venerables present gasp for breath.
"This guy, he can control his strength at will now."
Liu Tianhuang even felt a little envious watching him. Their cultivation methods were different.
Gu Changge could fight his way through the Primordial Battlefield, kill for three years, then burst out, and once that burst of energy dissipated, his cultivation would instantly return to the Great Emperor Seventh Heaven, allowing him to embark on the next round of slaughter.
Now, he could even instantly activate his Eighth Heaven form, and his control over spiritual energy had ascended another level.
Whereas she herself could only maintain her Great Emperor Ninth Heaven strength, fearing that she might accidentally touch the immortal lock.
Fortunately, with Gu Yun's help now, she could at least loosen the raised gate a bit.
It could be called a temporary measure.
Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's expression changed dramatically. In haste, he also brought out his innate Emperor artifact, the "Nine Heavens Thunder Seal." A hundred zhang of thunderous light shot out, forming a barrier in front of him.
The expressions of the Five Directions Thunder Emperors also changed. Although they didn't want to provoke Gu Changge, they were dragged into this matter because of Thunder Fiend.
Naturally, they couldn't stand idly by. If they abandoned Thunder Fiend and fled, they would become despised figures upon returning to the Thunderclap Immortal Palace.
"Five Thunder Array!"
The five men shouted in unison, their figures flashing as they positioned themselves around Gu Changge, completely surrounding him and trapping him in the center.
The five simultaneously formed hand seals, and five rays of thunder, each of a different color, spewed forth from their palms, intertwining in the air to form a vast thunder net that covered the sky.
Upon the thunder net, countless ancient runes flickered, exuding a destructive aura.
Thunder Fiend Great Emperor's spirits lifted when he saw the Five Directions Thunder Emperors come to his aid.
He bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of essence blood onto the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal, which instantly expanded to a thousand zhang: "Gu Changge!"
"Today, I shall let you witness the true foundation of my Thunderclap Immortal Palace!"
//433//
Chapter 433: Even Among the Emperors, There Are Gaps (Part 2)
Seeing Thunder Fiend so frantic, the Five Directions Thunder Emperors could only sigh softly.
"Gu Family Emperor Child, my apologies!"
"Five Thunder Array • Heaven-Binding Earth-Severing!"
With a synchronized roar, the massive net woven from purple, green, white, crimson, and black five-colored thunderbolts suddenly constricted.
The ancient runes shimmering on it erupted with power capable of annihilating all things, aiming to tightly envelop Gu Changge.
The hearts of countless cultivators jumped into their throats, and even Emperor Realm experts felt their souls tremble.
The ultimate strike of the Five Thunder Array superimposed with the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal possessed enough power to instantly heavily wound or even suppress a peak Emperor Venerable of the Seventh Heaven!
And this, coincidentally, was precisely the scope of strength Gu Changge had displayed.
"The Five Thunder Array is a top-grade trapping formation of the Thunderclap Immortal Palace; even enemies whose strength exceeds it by three Heavens can be firmly bound, unable to escape."
"Do they intend to use this method to trap Gu Changge, then let Thunder Fiend use an Emperor Artifact to heavily wound him?"
"Heh heh, they do have some ideas, but it's a pity they are facing Gu Changge."
Liu Tianhuang calmly watched this scene, without the slightest worry for Gu Changge.
Among the three Gu Family brothers, this madman's strength was the strongest; in the past, Gu Changqing could barely suppress him with an Immortal Artifact, but now with Gu Yun, that little rascal, providing a perfectly matched Immortal Artifact, Gu Changge was like a fish in water.
"Fall!!"
Seeing that the Five Directions Thunder Emperors had created an excellent opportunity for him, Thunder Fiend naturally wouldn't let it slip, controlling the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal to descend from high in the sky.
It was as if a heavy mountain was plummeting from the firmament, giving Gu Changge no chance to breathe!
With such a battle array, even if Gu Changge possessed a thousand tricks, he would still meet his end here!
Thunder Fiend's eyes flickered with a crazed smile; his lifespan was already nearing its end.
He had placed all his hopes on Lei Qianjue, but now they had been completely destroyed by Gu Yun and Gu Changge, this uncle and nephew duo. Gu Changge had even publicly humiliated him, showing no regard for the Thunderclap Immortal Palace. By all accounts, he had to fight this battle!
And he had to fully display his aura as an esteemed senior!
He would show the world that the Thunderclap Immortal Palace was not to be trifled with!
Not even the Immortal Ancient Gu Family!
"Is that all?"
Facing the ultimate strike from the six members of the Thunderclap Immortal Palace.
Gu Changge showed no panic, a nearly insane arc forming at the corner of his mouth: "I didn't expect that after so many years of development, you guys are still stuck with the same old tricks. You really have no skill at all!"
"Gu Changge, how dare you be so presumptuous! How can you casually comment on the Thunderclap Immortal Palace's foundation?!"
Emperor Thunder Fiend was burning with rage; true understanding comes from the fist. The core principle of the Three Thousand Dao Domains was about whose fist was bigger.
The reason the Gu Family dared to be so arrogant was that they looked down on their Thunderclap Immortal Palace from the bottom of their hearts. Emperor Thunder Fiend simply refused to believe in such evil!
"Tsk tsk tsk."
"Compared to those guys in the Forbidden Zone, your attacks are truly weak and powerless."
Seeing the massive Thunder Seal about to press down on him.
Gu Changge coldly smiled. He held the Purgatory Demon Blade with one hand. The dark red demonic patterns on the blade suddenly squirmed like living creatures, emitting low, excited "hissing" sounds. Each squirm seemed to tug at the space of the entire plaza, causing it to twist and vibrate!
"Buzz—!"
A sword cry, neither metal nor stone, as if from the deepest part of the Nine Nether Purgatory, suddenly rang out!
This sound was not high-pitched, but it carried a chilling penetration capable of annihilating souls, instantly overpowering the roar of the sky-filling thunder!
"This… what kind of power is this?!"
Everyone's gaze at this moment seemed to be focused on the strangely shaped demonic blade in Gu Changge's hand.
The demonic might on it was overwhelming, surging forth.
"Gu Changge?!"
"What are you doing? You're even using demonic power! You are a sinner of the Three Thousand Dao Domains!"
Emperor Thunder Fiend sensed something was wrong, his expression abruptly changing.
When Gu Changge took out this blade, he was still somewhat indifferent, because the Immortal Ancient Gu Family had no Immortal Artifacts in the shape of a demonic blade.
If it were just an ordinary Emperor Artifact, or even an Extreme Dao Emperor Weapon, it wouldn't be able to change the tide of the battle.
But now… he panicked, completely panicked. It seemed something beyond his control had appeared.
Gu Changge's hand held an Immortal Artifact he had never seen before!
Emperor Venerable-level cultivators were extremely difficult to kill; at least five Heavens of superiority were required to guarantee a kill, otherwise, a slight carelessness could lead to the opponent escaping.
But… these were all discussions based on the Emperor Venerable level.
If it involved an Immortal Artifact, everything would be completely different!
The most shocking battle in recent years was Gu Changqing, holding an Immortal Artifact, single-handedly fighting three Demon Emperors, ultimately achieving the terrifying record of one dead and two severely wounded.
One must know that those who dared to invade the Immortal Ancient Gu Family's territory back then were not simple individuals; at the very least, they were terrifying existences comparable to Thunder Fiend.
The threat of death felt like an absurd joke, but at this moment, it truly enveloped Thunder Fiend's head.
His anger-maddened mind also calmed down at this moment, but now, regret was too late.
"What demonic power?"
"This precious blade, stained with the blood of countless Forbidden Zone creatures, emits such an intoxicating fragrance, doesn't it bring joy to one's heart?"
"When I display this blade, those ferocious Forbidden Zone creatures tremble, fear, and flee in disarray!"
"It's just a pity that in front of you all, it doesn't seem to have that kind of deterrent force!"
Gu Changge's voice carried a hint of regret. It had been too long since he had acted within the Three Thousand Dao Domains, so much so that someone actually dared to challenge his prestige!
The demonic blade thirsted for blood, and now was the time!
As Gu Changge's voice grew colder, the demonic blade he held tightly suddenly swung horizontally, aiming at the overwhelming thunderous might about to crush down from the sky.
"With this blade… "
Gu Changge's low voice carried an extreme, suppressed excitement and madness, as if he was experiencing a long-lost pleasure.
"…I shall send you to your graves!!!"
A blade aura, not grand or overbearing, but slender like a crescent moon, entirely black with molten red marks flowing along its edges, silently swept upwards.
It charged forth with extreme speed. Wherever the blade aura passed, all things fell silent.
"Crack— "
The massive thunder net condensed by the Five Thunder Array was like thin paper before this blade light, instantly torn into countless fragments of thunderous light!
"What?!"
The Five Directions Thunder Emperors simultaneously spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, their figures staggering backward.
Their constructed formation collapsed with a rumble, their faces ashen, their aura instantly withered by more than half, and their eyes filled with unimaginable, extreme horror!
Their proudly revered sect-protecting grand formation couldn't even hold on for a single breath!
The might of an Immortal Artifact was truly terrifying to such an extent!
And at this moment, the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal, which had gathered Emperor Thunder Fiend's lifelong cultivation, his boundless resentment, and was smashing down with immense force, had only descended less than three feet!
The blade aura sliced through the Five Thunder Array with almost no loss, directly and precisely striking the center of the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal!
Amidst deafening explosions, the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal trembled violently, its surface instantly covered in spiderweb-like cracks.
Centered on the point of blade-seal contact, a pure, solidified spatial ripple suddenly spread out in a ring!
Wherever it passed, not a blade of grass grew.
Even some Emperor Realm experts observing from afar, caught off guard, were shaken until their blood and qi churned, and their protective Emperor Light flickered violently!
Emperor Thunder Fiend, who bore the brunt of the attack, turned deathly pale, blood seeping from all seven orifices. The backlash from his damaged Natal Emperor Artifact made him wish he were dead.
"No—"
Watching helplessly as the cracks on his Natal Emperor Artifact grew larger and larger, the purple-gold Emperor Seal's precious light rapidly dimmed and extinguished. Its original heavy and ancient aura was gone, replaced by a decaying death qi, like something on the verge of collapse!
Emperor Thunder Fiend let out a heart-wrenching wail.
This Emperor Artifact had condensed his countless efforts and was the cornerstone of the Thunderclap Immortal Palace's foundation.
Now, it was about to be completely destroyed right before his eyes. How cruel and ridiculous was this?
But on Gu Changge's face, as cold as a god or demon, there was not the slightest change.
"The might of a mortal artifact, dares to challenge an Immortal?"
His right wrist, holding the blade, gave an extremely subtle yet precise shake!
"Buzz—Clang!"
The Purgatory Demon Blade emitted an even deeper, more arrogant tremor!
Within that sliver of dark red blade aura, the lava-like blood color suddenly erupted.
It was as if billions of volcanoes, suppressed for ten thousand years, simultaneously erupted in a confined space.
An indescribable power of annihilation and the ability of Purgatory's burning destruction bloomed at the blade's tip!
"Boom!!!!!"
Amidst the deafening roar, the massive Nine Heavens Thunder Seal, symbolizing the majesty of the Thunderclap Immortal Palace, instantly shattered, completely vanishing into thin air and turning to dust under the lingering power of the flying blade aura!
"Pfft!!!"
Emperor Thunder Fiend spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood, along with his utterly shocked and disbelieving eyes. His already emaciated body flew backward like a broken rag doll, his protective thunder light shattering inch by inch, and his aura plummeting like a cliff.
From the Seventh Heaven, he was forcibly knocked below the Emperor Realm barrier, barely clinging to the threshold of the Emperor Realm, his eyes unfocused, filled with extreme unwillingness, fear, and… collapse!
He had already given his all, poured everything in, but under Gu Changge's casual strike, he became a complete joke!
Gu Changge did not retreat a single step.
The six Venerables of the Thunderclap Immortal Palace, however, were all heavily wounded. Such a simple and easy outcome left everyone present in disbelief.
Throughout history, which battle between Emperors wasn't protracted? Even the battle between Gu Changqing and the three Demon Emperors back then lasted for three days and three nights.
When had there ever been such a clean and decisive outcome as Gu Changge's?
"This, this is impossible…"
Falling to the ground, heavily wounded, Thunder Fiend clutched his chest, still clutching a few fragments from the Nine Heavens Thunder Seal in his hand, his eyes vacant, his lips trembling.
The Five Directions Thunder Emperors, less severely injured, rushed to his side.
"Elder Thunder Fiend, are you alright?"
"Alright?! Do I look alright?!!"
His gaze, filled with resentment, turned towards Gu Changge, his voice becoming incredibly sharp: "Gu Changge, your Gu Family acts so arrogantly and domineeringly, you will suffer a great calamity sooner or later."
"Oh?"
Gu Changge put away his long blade, a faint smile playing on his lips: "This old… thing."
"It seems that from beginning to end, it was your Thunderclap Immortal Palace that was aggressive. Our Gu Family Emperor Child has made such great contributions for you all, for the Three Thousand Dao Domains, yet you want to make baseless accusations against him because of a single family's loss. What kind of logic is that?!"
"Lei Qianjue is dead! He killed him!!"
Thunder Fiend roared: "If your Gu Family Emperor Child also died in it, I'd like to see if you'd be willing to rationally negotiate with the Heavenly Human Race!"
"Negotiate?"
"Negotiate my ass!!"
Gu Changge laughed heartily: "I wouldn't be like you, a useless piece of trash, with so much unnecessary talk."
"A life for a life, it's only right. I'm standing right here, if you have the guts, kill me!"
"Ah ah ah!! You bastard!!"
Thunder Fiend propped up his shattered body and charged towards Gu Changge. Coming out of the ancestral land and then fighting Gu Changge, the damage to his Natal Emperor Artifact had completely extinguished his last breath.
Thunder Fiend was now merely a walking corpse with only an Emperor-level shell; even if he clung to life, he wouldn't survive much longer.
"Elder Thunder Fiend!!"
The Five Directions Thunder Emperors were about to stop him, but they felt a terrifying demonic might surge again. Their expressions changed drastically, and they immediately fled the area.
"Gu Family Emperor Child, Thunder Fiend is acting on his own, he's gone mad. Our Thunderclap Immortal Palace is willing to expel him, and his lineage can also be completely eradicated. Please, Gu Family Emperor Child, do not take it to heart!!"
The few of them ran while speaking, fleeing in different directions.
"Haha, hahahaha, a bunch of cowardly trash!"
Before Thunder Fiend's head flew off, these disdainful words still escaped his lips.
His dying counterattack failed to cause Gu Changge any trouble, but it did buy the Five Directions Thunder Emperors a moment to escape.
Gu Changge's demonic blade was stained with blood, and he was in an excited state.
Looking in the four directions, his figure suddenly transformed into a black lightning bolt.
The field was silent, heaven and earth vibrated, and Emperor blood scattered.
This battle today would surely be written into the annals of the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
He had set the record for the fastest Emperor Venerable above the Fifth Heaven to be slain. Thunder Fiend, in another way, would be completely immortalized in history.
"He's become stronger. That Immortal Artifact, I haven't seen it before. It must have been found in the Forbidden Zone."
Qin Feng said, he had long foreseen all this.
Qin Qing霜, standing beside him, had her pupils constricted, her delicate body trembling slightly: "Where did Second Uncle Gu get an Immortal Artifact?"
"Never heard of it."
Another event completely different from her previous life had occurred, and she was increasingly doubting the authenticity of her memories.
Could it be that those were all just a dream, a revelation given to her by the God of the Mortal World?
Qin Qing霜's mind became even more chaotic, a sense of powerlessness washing over her, as if everything had long since spiraled out of her control, yet she was completely unaware.
"Qingshuang, what's wrong?"
Qin Feng looked at his daughter, who seemed a bit lost, and said: "Although Second Gu's strength is powerful, your old man is not to be trifled with either."
Qin Qing霜 was stunned, looking at Qin Feng, and said with some disbelief: "Dad, are you sure?"
"Of course!"
Finally able to show off in front of his daughter, Qin Feng was quite smug.
"But you're only at the Third Heaven of the Emperor Dao, this strength…"
Qin Qing霜's disdain in her words was no longer concealed.
"Cough cough, girl, don't be deceived by appearances. What you see is only what we let you see!"
Qin Feng said somewhat awkwardly.
At this moment, Gu Changge's figure had returned, carrying four human heads.
"That Central Thunder Emperor sure ran fast."
///434//
Chapter 434: Punch Open (Two in One)
In an instant, he had already caught up to the Four Thunder Emperors and chopped off all their heads.
The hand holding the blade was still trembling slightly from excitement, and dark red Emperor blood dripped from the tip of the blade, creating steaming, deep pits in the scorched, broken earth.
"These guys are truly arrogant and foolish; to separate and run is simply seeking death."
"If they had all gathered together and combined with Thunderclap Immortal Palace's secret techniques, they might have caused me some trouble…"
Gu Changge spoke with disdain, for him, these Emperor-level cultivators from Thunderclap Immortal Palace were simply too weak, not even on the same level as the creatures from the restricted zones.
Fighting such terrifying creatures in those places, repeatedly falling into dangerous situations, and narrowly escaping death—that was what truly excited Gu Changge!
He casually tossed the four heads aside, next to Thunder Fiend's headless Emperor body, where they landed with dull thuds.
The four heads surrounded Thunder Fiend's remains, forming a bloody and eerie tableau, silently proclaiming Thunderclap Immortal Palace's tragic defeat today.
His gaze swept across the battlefield, a spring-like smile playing on his lips: "Is there anyone else who wants to settle accounts with Gu Family?"
"Let's settle everything once and for all!"
His gaze swept over Eternal Night Emperor, Xuanfeng Immortal Palace's elder, Chaos Academy's Dean, and others, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Haha, Great Emperor Changge is joking. Although our disciples died, it has nothing to do with Gu Yun, so how could there be any accounts to discuss with Gu Family?"
Eternal Night Emperor gave an awkward laugh: "To be honest, I already know the identity of the murderer who killed my disciple, Xuanyi God. I am just about to go and confront them, so I won't stay here any longer. I'll be leaving first!"
As he spoke, he intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Da Luo Dao Academy's Dean, making the latter feel a little uneasy, unsure how he had offended such a venerable Great Emperor.
Eternal Night Emperor was unlike Thunder Fiend; he was not yet two million years old, in the prime of his life, and a well-known Great Emperor in the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
Yet, he lowered his proud head before Gu Changge, showing that Thunder Fiend's death had a strong impact on him.
With Gu Changge possessing an Immortal Artifact, his threat level had risen another notch in everyone's minds.
Many cultivators in the arena also had their own thoughts.
"Oh?"
Facing Eternal Night Emperor's submission, Gu Changge had no intention of letting him off so easily: "Eternal Night, you are also an old Emperor-level cultivator. Do you think it makes any sense to publicly lie and spout nonsense now?"
Crude and vulgar words spoken by Gu Changge felt completely natural.
His background and strength dictated that he never needed to play nice with anyone.
"Great Emperor Changge, what do you mean?!"
Eternal Night Emperor felt a suppressive demonic might, which forced him to calm down and speak.
Gu Changge chuckled softly: "Death is forgivable, but living punishment is unavoidable."
"What did you say?!!!"
Eternal Night Emperor wondered if his ears had gone bad.
Could such words really come out of Gu Changge's mouth?
Originally, he had prepared to fight Gu Changge to the death, even though his theoretical strength was slightly weaker than Thunder Fiend's.
But if they truly fought, he wasn't afraid at all. He wasn't like that guy, who only had the strength to shiver. If he focused on escaping, there was a chance.
Of course, the most important thing was that, based on Eternal Night's understanding of Gu Changge, this guy had already had his fun fighting. Telling him to stop would probably be harder than telling him to pull out. But now, he… wants to negotiate?
"Do you not understand what I mean?"
"Before Little Gu Yun fell unconscious, he also told me something related to Xuanyi God. Originally, I was planning to tell you directly."
"But unfortunately, as soon as I came out, I saw you colluding with that old thing Thunder Fiend, and my heart was truly pained."
Gu Changge said, feigning a chest clutch, a playful smile on his face.
The Purgatory Demon Blade in his hand was still dripping blood, its tip lightly touching the ground. Each drop of Emperor blood caused a "hissing" corrosive sound and wisps of green smoke to rise from the ground.
Eternal Night Emperor's mouth twitched. He was truly overdoing it; Gu Changge's acting was truly awful.
Yet, he had no choice but to play along. Eternal Night took a deep breath, his voice low: "Great Emperor Changge, please speak plainly."
"Eternal Night is willing to apologize. Whether it's a transaction or compensation, please inform me of anything related to Xuanyi God."
"Straightforward!"
"Eternal Night, you are indeed a decisive person."
Gu Changge laughed loudly, then plunged the Demonic Blade into the ground with a "boom." The ground within a hundred zhang cracked, and a dark red murderous aura spread out like ripples, isolating the two from the outside world.
This was a temporary domain formed by the Law of Slaughter; outsiders could neither see nor hear what was happening inside.
No one knew what the two discussed within. When Eternal Night reappeared, his face was filled with solemnity.
He glanced at Da Luo Dao Academy's Dean, whose expression also changed from its original calm to extreme shock.
After receiving his answer, Eternal Night immediately bid farewell and departed.
"One Emperor Artifact, two Emperor-grade spiritual materials."
"This Eternal Night is quite generous."
A smile played on Gu Changge's lips. It was less about information and more about confirming Eternal Night Emperor's inner suspicions and helping him narrow down the scope of the murderer.
As for whether it would backfire, that was not so important.
Eternal Night was different from Thunder Fiend. Xuanyi God was his disciple, and his death in the Ancient Continent was a slap to his face.
What he needed to do was reclaim his dignity!
With the same suspect identified from both his own investigation and Gu Changge's relay, it could be said that Eternal Night had found his excuse…!
As for what would happen next, that was no longer his concern.
Gu Changge looked at the others again: "Is there anyone else who wants to confess?"
"I can answer each of you…"
As soon as he finished speaking, he paused slightly.
Many of the Emperor-level cultivators present had already left, including several deans and some faction leaders who had already retrieved their clan disciples.
Only a handful remained, such as Tianhuo Immortal Palace, Yimu Immortal Palace, Gengjin Immortal Palace, Xuanfeng Immortal Palace, Qin Family, and Fenghua Academy's Dean, Qiu Yueci.
"Damn it, they all ran so fast, they have no manners at all."
Gu Changge lightly spat. It wasn't a big deal that others left, but the fact that the old man from Chaos Academy left made him a little annoyed.
Not extorting anything from him was a bit of a loss.
Just as he was grumbling, Tianhuo Immortal Palace's elder tentatively stepped forward and asked: "Great Emperor Changge, do you know the whereabouts of my Tianhuo Divine Maiden, Wu Ling?"
He was actually dying of anxiety, everyone else had come out, but his own Divine Maiden hadn't.
At once, the worst possible scenarios began to rise in his mind.
Gu Changge was stunned for a moment, then looked at Tianhuo Immortal Palace's elder: "Cough, cough, I don't know about this. Don't talk to me about it."
"By the way, Liu Tianhuang, Little Yunzi is entrusted to you. I'm going back to the restricted zone now."
"Bye bye."
Gu Changge moved extremely fast; as fast as he had killed, he was now just as fast in making his escape.
The elder of Tianhuo Immortal Palace was dumbfounded, completely at a loss, and the elder of Yimu Immortal Palace, who was also about to come forward to inquire, froze in place, neither advancing nor retreating.
"Divine Maiden, is your plan really reliable?"
Xuanfeng Immortal Palace's elder felt a bit apprehensive. Gu Changge was already so terrifying, so what about Liu Tianhuang?
The reputation of this Her Majesty the Empress was in no way inferior to that killing god.
Shi Qingwu felt even more uncertain, especially when she saw Gu Yun lying comfortably in Liu Tianhuang's arms, which made her feel a little guilty.
She could vaguely see Liu Tianhuang's gaze occasionally drifting towards her, and she swallowed.
She always felt that her little schemes were completely exposed before this person.
Shi Qingwu, oh Shi Qingwu, how could you be so useless?
Don't forget, you were an immortal in your previous life. How could you be suppressed into this state by a mere Emperor-level cultivator from the Three Thousand Dao Domains?
"Everything must wait until Gu Yun awakens. You must not be anxious."
She said to the elder.
The elder nodded, also feeling that Shi Qingwu's approach was more correct.
But he still found it a bit absurd. After all, two people who had no prior connection whatsoever were directly taking this step. Would it cause the other party's disgust?
Everything was uncertain. Since it was Divine Maiden's decision, and it was beneficial to Xuanfeng Immortal Palace without any harm, he naturally supported it.
Moreover, Gu Changge's recent display of power amply demonstrated the unfathomable strength and foundation of Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
The two waited at the side, while Qin Qing霜 made a completely different decision: "Father, let's go."
"Oh? Not staying to reminisce?"
Qin Feng asked curiously. He had thought that Gu Yun and Qingshuang's relationship had somewhat softened, but it seemed that was not the case.
"No need, now is not the time."
Qin Qing霜's mind was in disarray now, and she couldn't think clearly.
Her worldview and values had been impacted, and continuing on this path could lead to very serious consequences.
"My top priority is to improve my strength. Whatever choice I make in the future, what I need to do is take responsibility for my choice!"
Qin Qing霜 said. Her desire for revenge was not as strong as before, but her desire to become stronger was more intense than ever.
Everything had changed in this life; Gu Yun's personality seemed to have undergone a drastic transformation.
She couldn't be sure whether these were disguises or truly his nature; only by cultivating diligently could she grasp that sliver of hope.
Qin Feng was quite satisfied: "Qingshuang, it's truly excellent that you have such an understanding. How can a dignified Chaos Body always follow behind that little brat Gu Yun?"
"Let's cultivate well, and when we become strong, we'll directly punch Gu Changge, kick Liu Tianhuang, and drag Gu Yun to our Qin Family to marry you. That's all that matters."
"Everything else is illusory; only strength is real!"
"Dad!! What are you saying?!!"
"I've already told you, I hate Gu Yun the most! I would marry anyone but that conceited playboy!"
"Really?"
"Of course, guaranteed!"
"Is this your new way of playing?"
"Playing your big head, you idiot!!"
The departure of the Qin Family did not cause a stir. Liu Tianhuang merely glanced at them calmly, without saying much.
Her focus was on Tianhuo Immortal Palace and Yimu Immortal Palace.
"You two… are quite capable, aren't you?"
Both elders felt a tightening in their hearts, a slight premonition of ill omen surfacing. Why did Liu Tianhuang's tone sound like she was about to demand an explanation?
"I wonder… could it be that my Tianhuo Immortal Palace's Divine Maiden was ignorant and offended Gu Family Emperor Child?"
"Then I apologize on her behalf to Supreme Empress senior here!"
The Tianhuo elder was the first to speak.
The old woman from Yimu Immortal Palace was dumbfounded. She still didn't know what had happened, but seeing the Tianhuo elder speak like that, she followed suit: "My Yimu Immortal Palace as well."
"Heh heh."
"What your two families have done cannot simply be brushed aside with an apology."
Liu Tianhuang's voice was practically gritting her teeth. In her heart, she had cursed that playboy Gu Yun a thousand, ten thousand times. He left such a mess, then pretended to be dead and went off to have fun. He was truly the worst of the worst.
When they returned to the Imperial Capital of Supreme Divine Dynasty, she absolutely wouldn't let him off easily. If she still let him get out of bed, then she wouldn't be called Liu Tianhuang!
"What?!!!"
Both of them were now nervous. Listening to Liu Tianhuang's tone, the matter seemed quite serious.
With Gu Changge's intimidating presence earlier, everyone was somewhat like startled birds, worrying unnecessarily.
"We hope Supreme Empress will speak clearly."
The elder of Tianhuo Immortal Palace bravely asked. It was always better to be polite and avoid any trouble.
By the way, his own Divine Maiden shouldn't have conflicted with Gu Family Emperor Child. Remembering those rumors, he became even more confused.
Liu Tianhuang snorted lightly, and with a flick of her hand, a spatial rift appeared before her.
Wu Ling, Luoluo, and Wu Jingtian were all stunned for a moment, then walked out from it.
"Third Elder?" *2
"Seventh Elder?"
Upon seeing their respective Immortal Palace elders, everyone's spirits soared.
And the two Emperor-level cultivators finally breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, the Divine Child and Divine Maidens were fine. Oh right, and there was another Divine Child.
The elder of Tianhuo Immortal Palace cupped his hands to Liu Tianhuang: "Many thanks, Supreme Empress senior."
The old woman from Yimu Immortal Palace followed suit.
"Alright, less nonsense. Take your respective disciples and scram quickly. Don't waste time here!"
Liu Tianhuang said.
"Gu Yun!!"
"Gu Yun!!!"
Suddenly, both of them noticed Gu Yun's condition, and their expressions instantly became anxious.
"So annoying, do I need to say it a second time?"
Liu Tianhuang was almost at her limit of patience. She couldn't wait to properly teach that little brat Gu Yun a lesson and didn't want to play nice with these people anymore.
"Divine Maiden, Gu Family Emperor Child is fine."
"Her Majesty the Empress, then we shall take our leave."
The two Emperor-level cultivators hurriedly left with their respective Divine Children and Divine Maidens, fearing to anger Liu Tianhuang and suffer the same fate as Thunder Fiend.
"And you, aren't you leaving?"
Liu Tianhuang's phoenix eyes glanced at Bai Zhi, her aura almost uncontrollable.
"Liu Tianhuang, you are being a bit too much. This is the territory of my Ziwei Empire!"
Bai Zhi did not back down at all, stepping forward.
//435//
Chapter 435 Confrontation
The two Female Emperors were at loggerheads, refusing to yield an inch.
Gu Yun, who was caught between them, felt a bit awkward.
You're standing a little too close, aren't you? It's like being afraid of floating clouds obscuring your vision.
However, Gu Yun still found an opportune moment to detect Bai Zhi's information.
[xuan qing treasure mirror, Page 12]
[Name: Bai Zhi]
[Age: 125684]
[Affection: 20]
[Cultivation: Great Emperor Triple Heaven]
[Identity: Female Lead of "After Her Spirit Bone Was Dug Out, She Returned with Seven Grandmasters"]
One of Yao Qingli's seven grandmasters?
He wondered which musical instrument she was proficient in, Gu Yun pondered, his ears already perked up.
Curiosity about gossip is human nature. Gu Yun had long known that this Female Emperor of the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty had some grievances with his master. Now that he happened to witness the Earth-shattering confrontation between the two Female Emperors, Gu Yun's gossip flame began to burn fiercely.
"Liu Tianhuang, you, the dignified Female Emperor of the Supreme Divine Dynasty, showing up uninvited in the territory of my Ziwei Imperial Dynasty—may I interpret this as a provocation?"
Bai Zhi looked at Liu Tianhuang, her voice far from polite.
The two Great Dynasties bordered each other, with constant friction, making peaceful coexistence impossible.
Moreover, Gu Changge had done something so world-shaking. Although it had nothing to do with their Ziwei Imperial Dynasty, they were still dragged into it, which was an unexpected disaster.
Of course... the most, most, most important thing was—
Her gaze fell on Gu Yun, wishing she could devour this brat alive. Although he did have a good appearance, he had tricked her precious Qingli completely. No matter what, she had already remembered this grudge.
"Oh, this is the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty's territory."
Liu Tianhuang smiled lightly, "But why do I remember this place bordering my Supreme Divine Dynasty?"
"Liu Tianhuang, what do you mean?"
Bai Zhi's eyebrows furrowed, and her expression became even more dangerous.
"Nothing, just a reminder to Ziwei Empress that the time of peace between the two Great Dynasties has been quite long..."
Liu Tianhuang smiled softly, "Since the matter here is concluded, I won't bother you further."
With that, she directly took Gu Yun and left.
She had originally intended to argue with Bai Zhi, but this little rascal Gu Yun, ever since this Ziwei Empress got close, she noticed his small eyes occasionally opening, not being honest at all.
This infuriated Liu Tianhuang.
Qiu Yueci saw the situation and followed the two to leave as well.
Only the furious Bai Zhi was left, raging in impotent fury: "She's threatening me, isn't she? How dare she threaten me?!"
But Liu Tianhuang had already left, leaving her no outlet for her burning anger.
"Let's go, let's go, don't linger here."
The elder of Xuanfeng Immortal Palace no longer cared about anything else and hurriedly pulled Shi Qingwu away with them.
Soon, the world returned to silence, leaving only Bai Zhi and Yao Qingli, master and disciple, looking at each other.
"Master, what did the Supreme Empress mean?"
Yao Qingli asked blankly, her small head spinning, but she just couldn't understand what had happened.
Bai Zhi glanced at her and explained with some helplessness, "That woman, Liu Tianhuang, loves to show off. Now that the Great Era is about to change, it's impossible for her to do nothing."
"But what does that have to do with my Ziwei Imperial Dynasty?"
Yao Qingli was still puzzled.
"The strength of an Emperor Dynasty is closely related to the extent of its dominion."
"For Liu Tianhuang to seize absolute initiative in the coming Great Era, what she must do is—"
"Expand!"
"And my Ziwei Imperial Dynasty and the Eternal Imperial Dynasty will be the first stumbling blocks on her path forward."
"Is it unavoidable?"
Yao Qingli's voice trembled slightly.
Bai Zhi stroked her head, "The struggle for national destiny has always been like this. Liu Tianhuang wants to expand her territory and enhance her strength, and why wouldn't I want the same?"
"If not for the blessings of the sentient beings' power, how could she have temporarily left today?"
"Strength is the foundation of everything, Qingli! Before you possess absolute strength, never let external factors interfere with your inner peace!"
Bai Zhi's last sentence also became serious.
Yao Qingli immediately straightened up, "Master, Qingli will remember."
"That's good. Your Third Master is just worried that you, this girl, might be deceived by some scoundrel's exquisite acting due to your youthful ignorance, leading you to make wrong decisions."
"Master, what are you saying? Qingli is the smartest."
"Is that so? Then why are you so concerned about that Gu Yun?"
Bai Zhi had an expression as if she had seen through everything.
Yao Qingli's pretty face flushed, "Master, don't talk nonsense. I've never cared about him. It's just that he saved my life in the Ancient Continent, and I only wanted to repay that kindness. Now that the matter is over, there is only hatred between us, nothing else!"
"Really? If we face each other on the battlefield in the future, will you still remember your stance today?"
"Of course! What is that Gu Yun? Third Master is the best to me. How could I show him mercy?"
Yao Qingli said with a giggle.
"That had better be the case."
Bai Zhi said, "By the way, do you know where your Second Master is?"
"Second Master?"
"I don't know."
Yao Qingli shook her head, "Third Master, Second Master has always been elusive. I don't even know what her identity is."
"Hmm?"
"Big Sister didn't tell you?"
Bai Zhi was a little curious.
"No... First Master said she was afraid that if I knew Second Master's identity, I would go looking for her recklessly and help me do bad things."
"I see. Big Sister is indeed more thoughtful."
"In that case, I won't say any more."
"You'll know when your strength is almost there."
"Strength almost there?"
"I'm already at the Saint King realm now, and I'm about to step onto the Imperial Path. Isn't this strength enough?!"
Yao Qingli put her hands on her hips and spoke very smugly.
"Improving so fast?"
Bai Zhi was also a bit shocked, "Since that's the case, you wait. I'll contact Second Sister, and she'll also come to my Ziwei Imperial Dynasty to take charge after a while."
"To deal with Liu Tianhuang, I alone am not enough."
"Let her see the power of us sisters when we unite!"
...
"Master, are you really going to war with the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty?"
Gu Yun was naturally not as simple-minded as Yao Qingli; he could naturally hear the hidden meanings in the two Female Emperors' words.
"Of course... The struggle for national destiny is unavoidable."
"When my Supreme Divine Dynasty fell into internal strife back then, they weren't polite at all!"
Liu Tianhuang snorted lightly, recalling the past, her aura intensified by three points.
"What do you mean, you fellow?"
"Is it because Bai Zhi's little apprentice is your little lover, so you want to show mercy?"
//436///
Chapter 436 Return to the Imperial Capital
"What mistress? Teacher Baby, you're joking. My heart only holds Teacher Baby. Everyone else is just a pile of bones and dust."
"Is that so?"
Liu Tianhuang chuckled, "Let's not even mention those girls from Tianhuo Immortal Palace and Yimu Immortal Palace earlier."
"Qingyan, Lin Ziyi, and Zhiyue—shouldn't you release them now?"
Just then, Qiu Yueci also caught up. She was about to ask about her disciples when she heard Liu Tianhuang had already spoken, so she stopped and waited for Gu Yun's response.
"Haha, wasn't that to protect them?"
"Perfect, Dean Qiu is also here. I'll hand them over to you."
Gu Yun gave an awkward smile, flipped his wrist, and the figures of the three girls slowly appeared.
The girls were still in a state of confusion; they had been in the Ancient Continent just moments before, and now they had reappeared on Liu Tianhuang's flying boat.
"Teacher Baby?"
"Your Majesty!"
Fang Qingyan saw the two and hurriedly tried to bow.
"Dispense with the formalities."
With Qiu Yueci present, Liu Tianhuang didn't want to appear too unrestrained, so she spoke with the demeanor of an elder.
"Have you all gained anything in the Ancient Continent?"
"Yes, thanks to Junior Brother, we've gained a lot."
Fang Qingyan responded, displaying their Saint Realm cultivation alongside Lin Ziyi.
This truly made both Qiu Yueci and Liu Tianhuang gasp in surprise.
"What kind of fast-acting medicine did you give them, kid?"
"How did they improve so quickly?"
Liu Tianhuang looked at Gu Yun and asked.
"How is that possible? Qingyan and Lin Ziyi's talents were already excellent, and this Ancient Continent was quite peculiar, with countless rare spiritual treasures emerging like mushrooms after rain."
"And you haven't even seen how many points I earned, so how could the treasures in my hands be few?"
"What about Zhiyue?"
"What is her strength now?"
Liu Tianhuang ignored Gu Yun's boastful moment and looked at Shangguan Zhiyue.
"I've disappointed Your Majesty; I'm still only at the Quasi-Saint Realm."
Shangguan Zhiyue felt a bit embarrassed; she had already been surpassed by Lin Ziyi and Fang Qingyan, and the gap seemed to be widening.
"It's already quite good; Yaya will be very happy to know."
Liu Tianhuang comforted her. After all, the two girls by Gu Yun's side had abnormal talents, so it was normal for Shangguan Zhiyue not to be able to compare.
Only Gu Yun knew that all of this was due to Shangguan Zhiyue's inner thoughts at play.
If she could overcome them, he could easily help her catch up to Qingyan and Lin Ziyi.
"Xiao Yun, are you alright?"
Qiu Yueci suddenly remembered something and asked.
She was very puzzled; he had been on the verge of death just moments ago, so how was he now full of vigor again?
Could it be a final burst of energy before death?
Negative thoughts formed in her heart, and she did not wish for things to develop to that point.
"Don't worry, if you don't ask him that question again, the wounds on his body will completely heal!"
Liu Tianhuang angrily tore open Gu Yun's clothes to show the girls. There was a faint knife mark on his strong muscles, which was now rapidly healing at a visible speed.
"Heavenly Phoenix, what are you doing?"
Qiu Yueci's pretty face inexplicably flushed. The memory of helping Gu Yun awaken his Dao Bone surged into her heart, and she swallowed hard.
At that time, it was her first time, and she wasn't very experienced in all aspects.
If she could do it again...
Bah, bah, bah, Qiu Yueci, what are you thinking? Gu Yun is your grand-disciple, how could you possibly...
Liu Tianhuang didn't notice Qiu Yueci's abnormality, nor did she think to speculate in that direction.
In her heart, how could this old-fashioned old stubborn person do such rebellious and beastly things?
Little Gu Yun, he's only for her to enjoy.
"Just showing you all."
"Alright, Dean Qiu, you take Qingyan and the others back to Fenghua Academy first. This time, we've reclaimed first place in the Academy Competition, so you must reward them well!"
In a short while, the flying boat had returned to the Supreme Divine Dynasty's imperial capital, and Liu Tianhuang impatiently issued an order to dismiss them.
"What about Xiao Yun? He's the greatest contributor, I..."
"Don't worry, I will personally reward Xiao Yun."
Liu Tianhuang spoke with resentment, emphasizing the word "reward." Gu Yun shivered, his eyes watering as he looked at his Teacher Baby, only hoping she wouldn't go too wild.
"Alright then..."
Qiu Yueci also felt a bit strange in her heart, but after all, Liu Tianhuang was the ruler of the Supreme Divine Dynasty. Gu Yun's actions not only brought glory to Fenghua Academy but also successfully spread the prestige of the Supreme Divine Dynasty, so it was quite good for the Empress to personally bestow the reward.
Shangguan Zhiyue had long been eager to leave; if she stayed with Gu Yun any longer, she would definitely be driven crazy by that scoundrel.
Fang Qingyan and Lin Ziyi were a bit reluctant. After a period of intimacy with Gu Yun, they finally departed.
Their actions also greatly helped Liu Tianhuang accumulate more anger.
No sooner had they left than the furious Empress picked Gu Yun up like a little chick.
"Hey, hey, hey, Teacher Baby, gently, gently!"
Thrown onto the bed, Gu Yun gave an awkward smile, "Teacher Baby, why are you doing this?"
"Since I promised you, how could I go back on my word?"
Liu Tianhuang: "Xiao Yun, I feel that you've been quite happy during the time you were away from me, haven't you?"
"Haha, Teacher Baby, you're joking. I've been missing Teacher Baby day and night."
"How could I be happy?"
Gu Yun pulled Liu Tianhuang into his embrace, "It's just that, in front of Qingyan and the others, I couldn't show too much sadness, could I?"
"You little rascal."
Liu Tianhuang was so angry she couldn't speak, "You clearly forgot all about me, and now that we're alone, you say these things to make me happy."
"Do you resent what I did to you back then?"
"At that time, my situation was extremely urgent, and I had no choice but to do it. It wasn't that I didn't care about your feelings."
Teacher Baby's voice was extremely gentle. She hooked her arms around Gu Yun's neck, her red lips slightly parted, and her alluring eyes shimmered with a hint of tears, making Gu Yun's heart melt.
Only in front of the Teacher Baby he had been close to since childhood would Gu Yun drop all his pretenses.
"Teacher Baby, why do you say such things?"
"Gu Yun would not be who he is today without Teacher Baby. My heart is filled only with gratitude, so how could there be any resentment?"
"Teacher Baby, saying that is looking down on your disciple too much."
Gu Yun smiled as he hugged Liu Tianhuang and pressed her onto the bed.
He gently caressed her red lips, "Teacher Baby's tears seem to be about to flow from her lips?"
"Let your disciple help Teacher Baby."
"You..."
Liu Tianhuang tilted her head back, and at this moment, she could only hold Gu Yun's head, her pretty face slightly flushed.
///437//
Chapter 437: Border Emergency (Two-in-One)
The Her Majesty the Empress's bedchamber was filled with a unique fragrance, and the flickering candlelight cast dancing shadows, illuminating a scene of breathtaking beauty.
The air was thick and heavy, carrying a dense, complex scent that refused to dissipate.
Outside the bedchamber, in the empty and silent corridor, there was not a single breath of wind.
Only the crisp sound of footsteps echoed as Shangguan Yaya walked swiftly, dressed in the deep purple and gold patterned official robe that symbolized her position as the First Female Official. Yet, on her heroic and stern face, her two long, sharp eyebrows were tightly furrowed like blades, and between her brows, an undissolvable gloom and worry lingered as she approached the bedchamber.
"Her Majesty the Empress… she was still too impulsive."
This thought had churned in Shangguan Yaya's heart countless times, finally turning into a silent sigh.
She felt a hint of helplessness; ever since Gu Yun returned, Liu Tianhuang had not attended morning court for three or four days.
The Her Majesty the Empress seemed to have lost her sense of responsibility and control over this vast Divine Dynasty. Shangguan Yaya had no idea what had happened; she could only do her best to cover for Liu Tianhuang. The highest authority of the Dynasty spun idly on her desk, and the accumulated memorials piled up like ever-growing burial mounds.
Furthermore, Liu Tianhuang's previous reckless actions in the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty had successfully ignited Bai Zhi's wrath.
She contacted the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's Emperor, who had long harbored malicious intentions, and began to infringe upon the Supreme Divine Dynasty's border.
One urgent border report after another was sent to the Imperial Palace, but they all ended up accumulating on her desk.
On the northern border, the Eternal Imperial Dynasty had deployed a million soldiers, advancing like a broken bamboo.
In the eastern territories, the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty's airship fleet had already begun to gather, ready to depart!
Although Shangguan Yaya usually performed the duties of a standing Vice-Emperor, she still had to consult with the Her Majesty the Empress in such urgent situations.
Now, after seven days, she had reached her limit.
Passing through the beautiful corridors, the stunning female official finally arrived outside the bedchamber door, but alas, the Her Majesty the Empress's door remained tightly shut, admitting no outsiders.
Even Shangguan Yaya dared not overstep.
"Thump."
"Her Majesty the Empress?"
Shangguan Yaya's voice was deliberately low and calm: "Are you in there?"
"The border is in crisis. The Ziwei Imperial Dynasty and the Eternal Imperial Dynasty are at our gates. It is now a matter of extreme urgency."
Inside the door.
On the disheveled Panlong Cloud Collapse, Liu Tianhuang was originally resting on a firm, warm chest. Her waterfall-like black hair was scattered like seaweed, covering the pillow and the arms of the man beneath her.
A thin, dark silver smoke-gauze quilt was half-spread, half-covered, concealing the two intertwined bodies beneath.
At this moment, suddenly hearing Shangguan Yaya's urgent report, the Her Majesty the Empress's phoenix eyes, misty with the afterglow of pleasure and a lazy dream, snapped wide open!
Liu Tianhuang awoke from her dream, slowly sitting up with her hands pressed against Gu Yun's chest, her hazy, sleepy eyes still carrying a hint of lazy languor.
"Yaya?"
The Her Majesty the Empress's bedchamber naturally had excellent soundproofing, and in her daze, Liu Tianhuang couldn't accurately identify the source of the sound.
"Is there something urgent?"
Gu Yun looked at Liu Tianhuang, also with an inquiry.
His mouth twitched; with such a status, why did it feel a little strange?
"If Master has an urgent matter and doesn't want to waste time, we can enter the Great Luo Dao Pagoda."
As the demonic husband who disrupted the court, Gu Yun decisively offered a suggestion.
Liu Tianhuang chuckled softly: "You said you'd accompany me for a Thousand Years. Do you mean a Thousand Years in that pagoda?"
Gu Yun gave a dry laugh: "What is Master saying? This disciple is thinking of the citizens of the Supreme Divine Dynasty. I cannot, for my own sake, harm the countless citizens of the Supreme Divine Dynasty who trust Master."
"It has been seven days since this disciple returned home. As the Her Majesty the Empress, Master cannot act recklessly any longer."
"This disciple's companionship to Master will surely span thousands of autumns and myriad generations, not just for a moment!"
Gu Yun gently rubbed and kneaded, speaking slowly and persuasively.
In reality, good things were approaching, and he also had to go to the Jiang family first. Although Yuwen Tian was already dead, Jiang Qing's status as a Heavenly Destiny Daughter had not disappeared.
As a Heavenly Destiny Great Villain, he would definitely face layers of obstruction from the Heavenly Dao if he wanted to forcibly take her as a concubine.
This was also an opportune moment, a rare good opportunity.
But Liu Tianhuang didn't think so much. She just quietly lay on Gu Yun, feeling the warmth of the young man's body and lightly sniffing his scent, which was enough to soothe her recent fatigue.
The young man's words were very pleasing to her, showing that he not only harbored no resentment towards her but even considered her at every turn.
Since that was the case, a slight compromise might not be out of the question.
"Since you are so sincere, then let's enter the pagoda."
"We must go to the floor with the fastest time flow!"
A cunning smile curled Liu Tianhuang's lips.
"Master, you really don't treat your disciple as a Xiantai Realm cultivator."
"You are a majestic Great Emperor Realm cultivator, peerless in grace, unmatched in the world. You've sat me to death."
Gu Yun wore a bitter expression. Liu Tianhuang, having long thirsted for rain, was already on the verge of exhaustion after seven days and nights. How could she endure a longer period of torment?
"Less nonsense, I already knew you were holding back!"
Liu Tianhuang snorted softly: "These past few days, I've often seen you disappear for a few breaths of time when I'm asleep. Don't you want to explain what you've been doing?"
The Her Majesty the Empress smiled faintly, her tone gentle, yet it sent a chill down Gu Yun's spine.
"I…"
"Alright, what kind of character you are, I don't already know?"
Liu Tianhuang, with a hint of jealousy, rolled her eyes at Gu Yun and sighed: "Master, I won't restrict your entire life, but what belongs to me, I won't yield an inch!"
She directly seized Gu Yun's throat of destiny, making the young man's face contort in a ferocious frenzy.
Their figures vanished once more.
Leaving Shangguan Yaya to wait outside for a moment, the female official's worry deepened between her brows: "Without the Her Majesty the Empress's intervention, how can this calamity be overcome?"
The Supreme Divine Dynasty's power system was still too imbalanced.
Apart from the Her Majesty the Empress, the strength of everyone else was difficult to stand alone. When the Her Majesty the Empress ascended to emperorship, she killed too many people, making it difficult to recover even now.
Not long ago, General Huo retired, leaving only three high-level Emperor Realm combatants, which further exacerbated the already precarious military capabilities of the Supreme Divine Dynasty.
One couldn't always rely on the Her Majesty the Empress to personally lead campaigns.
But the environment of the Supreme Divine Dynasty forced this to be the only option.
Shangguan Yaya paced in the corridor for a long time, finally hearing a creak as the long-closed door slowly opened.
"Her Majesty the Empress…"
Shangguan Yaya was about to speak, but upon seeing the Her Majesty the Empress's posture, her voice caught in her throat, unable to come out.
The Her Majesty the Empress was only casually draped in a soft, plain white silk nightgown, its texture so thin it was almost transparent, outlining a breathtakingly full silhouette in the dim light.
Her usually meticulously coiled black hair was now scattered loosely over her shoulders, with a few strands at her temples clinging to her skin, damp with sweat.
Her exquisitely beautiful face, capable of eclipsing all stars, still carried a hint of languor and weariness.
"You are…"
"No need to mind. Meeting you, Yaya, I don't need any special grooming."
"Speak, why have you come to find me at this hour?"
Liu Tianhuang said, with a weariness that seemed to fall from an extreme dream into the mundane world, her voice hoarse and ethereal.
Shangguan Yaya's expression changed somewhat. She always felt that something was amiss, but now was not the time to make it public.
Having been by the Her Majesty the Empress's side for many years, Shangguan Yaya naturally understood Liu Tianhuang's disposition very well.
"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty has invaded; the northern border is in crisis."
"The Ziwei Imperial Dynasty is also stirring. Once a major war breaks out, it's not out of the question that the Daluo Imperial Dynasty and the Chaos Imperial Dynasty might come to fish in troubled waters."
Shangguan Yaya briefly explained the situation.
"Is that all?"
"That fellow Di Shitian, which time isn't he all talk and no action?"
"He always seems grand, but ends up retreating in disarray."
"This situation seems different. The Lord of Heavenly Thunder City broke through to the Emperor Realm a month ago and is now the Grand General leading the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's campaign against our Supreme Divine Dynasty."
"He is invincible. Wherever he passes, soldiers and civilians surrender at the mere sight of him, daring not to oppose him."
"The northern territories were originally within the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's sphere of influence, so it's normal for those people to act this way."
Liu Tianhuang said indifferently: "No matter what, it all comes down to strength!"
"But…"
Shangguan Yaya voiced her concerns: "After all, Di Shitian hasn't personally intervened. If Your Majesty rashly attacks the Lord of Heavenly Thunder City, it might give others cause for criticism."
"Moreover, their grand and arrogant display might conceal some unspeakable secret behind it. We must be on guard."
"Hmph, so what?"
Liu Tianhuang chuckled softly: "Yaya, do you have any better ideas?"
"You preside over the Imperial Capital; all matters, big and small, must pass through your hands. Otherwise, this vast Divine Dynasty would fall into chaos in minutes."
"The old fellow is old and her cultivation is not good, so I can't possibly send her to act."
"If I don't go? Am I supposed to go to the ancestral land to conscript strong men now?"
"That's not what I meant…"
"Just reminding Your Majesty…"
Seeing Liu Tianhuang's indifference, Shangguan Yaya said hurriedly.
"No need to say more."
"Yaya, when soldiers come, we block them; when water comes, we cover it with earth."
"In that battle back then, that old fellow Di Shitian had already quieted down. Now he's invading again, naturally he has some confidence, thinking he's capable again."
"To cure him of this habit is also very simple: just hit him, hit him until it hurts, hit him until he is completely convinced!"
Liu Tianhuang's eyes sparkled with infinite light, full of confidence.
"But… behind this is Ziwei Empress. It is rumored that when she traveled through the Three Thousand Dao Domains, she made many friends. Perhaps she will…"
"It's just a trap, then let's fight."
"It's good to sharpen my bones. It's best to get a small injury, so I don't accidentally improve my strength next time and directly touch the immortal lock."
Upon hearing this, Liu Tianhuang was not afraid but rather delighted.
This left Shangguan Yaya stunned.
"Alright, Yaya, you just wait here."
"Wait for my triumphant return!"
Liu Tianhuang, confident and flamboyant, waved her hand, and the golden dragon robe reappeared on her body. Without a care for the current time, she strode away.
Shangguan Yaya hadn't even reacted, remaining frozen in place.
It looked like Liu Tianhuang was cosplaying Gu Changge. What exactly was going on?
Just then, a furtive figure appeared in her sight. Gu Yun used the deceiving heaven mask to conceal his aura, thinking he was doing it stealthily, but he still couldn't escape the aura of an Emperor-level expert.
"Who's there?!!!"
Shangguan Yaya flashed, appearing beside Gu Yun, and lifted him up with one hand.
Gu Yun turned slightly awkwardly, giving a sheepish smile: "Senior Official, long time no see."
"Crown Prince, why are you here?"
Shangguan Yaya quickly put Gu Yun down, bowed, and asked.
"Hehe, Master and I were just reminiscing and strengthening our bond, Senior Official, no need to worry."
"Strengthening your bond? Do your feelings still need strengthening?"
Shangguan Yaya was puzzled. Their relationship, even if not mother and son, was already like mother and son. Liu Tianhuang had completely watched Gu Yun grow up, so what was the need to strengthen their bond?
"This… Senior Official should still have urgent matters to attend to. Gu Yun will not disturb you further."
Gu Yun said hurriedly, and immediately used spatial techniques to leave the Imperial Palace.
"In the middle of the night, the Her Majesty the Empress's bedchamber…"
After Gu Yun left, Shangguan Yaya murmured, her eyes trembling slightly.
But in the end, she shook her head, casting these chaotic thoughts aside.
"Her Majesty is a ruler, and moreover, Gu Yun's Master. How could she do such things?"
"Master and disciple haven't seen each other for a long time; it's only natural for them to be affectionate. Shangguan Yaya, what exactly are you thinking…"
"No, I still need to go and check on the northern border situation."
Shangguan Yaya finally made up her mind. Government affairs could be temporarily handed over to others in the Shangguan family, but Liu Tianhuang's safety was of greater concern to the Supreme Divine Dynasty.
If anything happened to her, the vast Dynasty would crumble in an instant, becoming a casualty before the great change.
Shangguan Yaya absolutely did not want such a thing to happen. Even though Liu Tianhuang appeared exceptionally confident, she still planned to go and check the situation.
…
Gu Yun basically fled in disarray. It was said that the First Female Official Shangguan Yaya was upright, serious, and meticulous, and seeing her today confirmed it.
However, her appearance and charm also had a unique flavor.
With a hurried glance, Gu Yun had already etched the beautiful female official's appearance into his mind. Her high ranking of thirtieth on the xuan qing treasure mirror, and her extremely strong primordial yin power.
All of it attracted Gu Yun to approach her.
But one must eat one bite at a time. This female official could not be dealt with in a similar way to Shangguan Zhiyue.
"Her visit this time is for the war between the three dynasties."
"It seems that due to some of my actions, this battle has unexpectedly moved up."
Gu Yun had some thoughts in his mind. The enmity between Bai Zhi and Liu Tianhuang could not be explained in a few words, and the forces behind her were not to be underestimated. Coupled with the already grown Heavenly Destiny Daughter, Yao Qingli, as an aid in the script, under the multi-pronged attack, Liu Tianhuang suffered a great loss in this battle.
In the end, she was severely injured and disappeared without a trace.
The disappearance of such a powerful combatant also laid the groundwork for the subsequent demise of the Gu Family.
Of course… these things were merely predictions from the script, a glimpse into the future.
Gu Yun would only look at them and not fully believe them.
Moreover, the current Liu Tianhuang was no longer what she used to be—
Looking at the colorful treasure box that had opened in his sea of consciousness, Gu Yun's lips curved into a smile. His luck this time was not bad after all.
PS: There's a slight issue here. Shi Yue was already a golden-quality Child of Destiny, so rewarding a red treasure chest doesn't seem quite right. Changed to a colorful treasure chest.