Chapter 47 - ch 672-79

Chapter 672: Encirclement and Assassination, Trapped in a Desperate Situation

"Okay."

Gu Yun stroked her hair and spoke softly.

They could have chosen to enter the Great Luo Dao Pagoda to rest, but Feng Yunshu clearly wanted to experience more things, so Gu Yun naturally indulged her little whim.

The two of them found a decent-sized inn in a somewhat remote part of the eastern city and requested a superior room to stay in.

The room wasn't large, but it was elegantly decorated. Opening the window, they could see the flickering light of formation arrays on the towering walls of the Eternal Imperial Capital in the distance.

Feng Yunshu stood by the window, gazing at the imperial capital that looked like a sleeping giant in the twilight, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

That place was her home, yet it was also the cage that had imprisoned her for many years.

"Yunshu, don't think too much. I'm here."

Gu Yun gently wrapped his arms around her from behind, his warm breath brushing against her ear, bringing a sense of peace.

Feng Yunshu leaned into his embrace and nodded, but she still didn't speak.

As the night deepened, the moonlight was obscured by dark clouds, and a deathly silence fell over the inn and its surroundings.

However, beneath this silence, a surging undercurrent lay hidden.

Just after the hour of the Rat.

Inside the room, Gu Yun suddenly opened his eyes, a cold, sharp glint flashing within them.

They were here.

The moment he opened his eyes—

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The walls, roof, and floor surrounding the inn erupted with violent roars simultaneously!

Countless pitch-black chains, radiating a bone-chilling killing intent, shot toward the center of the room from all directions like tentacles from hell, piercing through the walls and floor!

These chains were not physical entities but were condensed from pure darkness laws and slaughter Dao principles. They locked down the space and cut off spiritual energy, clearly intended to prevent the targets from escaping using spatial means!

At the same time, at least three powerful Quasi-Emperor auras firmly locked onto the room!

"Shadow Tower!!"

Feng Yunshu was also startled awake, her face instantly turning pale. However, having experienced life-and-death battles in the Qixia Mountain Range, she was no longer the weak princess of the past. Phoenix True Flame instantly surged to protect her body as she prepared to face the enemy.

"Go!"

Gu Yun's reaction was even faster. He grabbed Feng Yunshu's hand, a divine light flashing in his eyes.

Buzz!

Space distorted slightly, and the two figures instantly became blurred. In the next moment, they actually "squeezed" out through the gaps in the dense network of dark chains, appearing in the mid-air outside the inn!

"What?!"

"How is that possible?!"

Around the inn, three figures shrouded in black robes uttered cries of shock and suspicion almost simultaneously.

To capture the two, they had been lying in wait for a long time and had secretly set up the Shadow Sky-Locking Grand Array. They hadn't expected the targets to break through so easily!

The surprise lasted only a moment, and the three reacted extremely quickly.

With a flicker of their bodies, they appeared in mid-air like three ghostly black shadows, surrounding Gu Yun and Feng Yunshu in a triangular formation.

Feng Yunshu instantly recognized the leader, and her expression turned grim: "You... You're that old man from earlier today?!"

"Heh, little girl, I didn't expect you to still recognize this old man."

This Shadow Tower Tianzi-class Assassin revealed a cold sneer.

They had long since hidden themselves in Wangdi City, disguising themselves as ordinary residents to search for suspicious individuals.

Now that he had received news, he immediately called upon two familiar colleagues to join the pursuit. He hadn't expected the duo's methods to be somewhat troublesome.

But fortunately... he had also notified the Tower. He only needed to delay them for enough time.

"As expected of someone who has escaped from my Shadow Tower multiple times, you indeed have some tricks."

"Kid, you didn't think the way you tossed down a mid-grade spirit stone was very cool, did you?"

He laughed sinisterly, looking at Gu Yun with a face full of mockery.

However, he soon discovered that the Gu Yun before him seemed a bit dazed.

He launched an attack of spiritual energy, and the two figures instantly dissipated.

"Damn it!"

"He dared to play me."

The old man looked around and instantly locked onto Gu Yun's position.

At this moment, Gu Yun was already holding Feng Yunshu, transformed into a streak of light, and was hurtling toward the Eternal Imperial Capital!

"Chase them!!"

The three pursued without hesitation, their speed as fast as startled swans.

In the night sky, four streaks of light chased each other, their speed reaching the extreme, instantly piercing through the heavens.

Gu Yun pushed the spatial laws to their limit, his figure constantly flickering through the void. Each flicker crossed dozens of miles, perilously evading various long-range attacks coming from behind.

Feng Yunshu held Gu Yun tightly, her heart pounding wildly as she felt the whistling wind in her ears and the approaching killing intent behind them.

She knew she couldn't help Gu Yun much in this situation, so she could only try her best not to be a burden. She condensed Phoenix True Flame on the surface of their bodies to enhance their defense.

"Kid, you can't run!"

The old man's voice came from behind like a maggot on a bone, carrying cold killing intent: "This place is still tens of thousands of miles from the Eternal Imperial Capital. Do you think you can last until then?"

Gu Yun said nothing, only continuously squeezing his own spiritual energy and law power to flee frantically.

His face was slightly pale, clearly showing that the consumption was not small.

Having used the power of spatial laws countless times along the way, he was also nearing his limit.

Just kidding—actually, he was perfectly fine. It was mainly to make the act look realistic.

During the chase, the towering silhouette of the Eternal Imperial Capital became clearer and clearer in the night.

Hope seemed to be right before their eyes!

"Almost... we're almost there..."

A light of hope ignited in Feng Yunshu's eyes.

However, high in the sky less than a thousand miles from the walls of the Eternal Imperial Capital—

Another change occurred!

The space ahead, without any warning, rippled violently like water!

Following that, a giant hand covered in pitch-black scales, seemingly capable of blotting out the sky, silently reached out from that patch of distorted void and clenched hard toward the hurtling Gu Yun and Feng Yunshu!

This clench seemed to freeze and compress the space within a ten-mile radius!

Gu Yun's hurtling figure suddenly jerked to a stop, as if he had crashed into an invisible wall!

"Cough, cough."

Even with the protection of the ancient emperor armor, Gu Yun still suffered a slight injury. Fortunately, the opponent's attack was only aimed at him, and Feng Yunshu was not harmed.

"Oh?"

After a soft sound of surprise, a vast and terrifying Imperial Might descended with a bang.

Night Shadow's figure stepped out from a spatial rift, looking at Gu Yun with interest: "To be able to withstand a strike of mine across space."

"Kid, your strength truly exceeds my expectations."

In the night, he was like a monarch of heaven and earth.

Gu Yun's expression became slightly grave: "Great Emperor... Fourth Layer."

"You are... the Vice Tower Master of the Shadow Tower, Night Shadow?!"

"You have some modicum of knowledge."

Four more figures stepped out from spatial rifts. They were the other four Great Emperors of the Shadow Tower present: Tianyi, Tian'er, Tiansi, and Tianwu.

This time, the Shadow Tower could be said to have come out in full force.

The two of them, Gu Yun and Feng Yunshu, had become trapped like turtles in a jar.

//673//

Chapter 673: Shadow Tower's Near Miss, Di Shitian's Choice (Two-in-One)

Night Shadow appeared, his Four Tribulation Emperor Might was like mountains and seas, completely sealing off the surrounding space.

Heavenly One, Heavenly Two, Heavenly Four, and Heavenly Five, four Great Emperors, followed closely, like four insurmountable treacherous peaks, blocking all paths of retreat.

"Surrender now, kid."

"Considering you were able to withstand one of my attacks, I can spare you some suffering."

Night Shadow's voice carried a sense of condescending indifference.

To him, Gu Yun was merely an interesting grasshopper; having jumped for so long, he had indeed brought him quite a few surprises.

"To be able to rescue the Ninth Princess from Heavenly Three's hands and bring her here safe and sound."

"I truly didn't expect that the person capable of achieving all this was merely a Quasi-Emperor cultivator."

Night Shadow spoke coldly, "If you hadn't killed Heavenly Three, I truly would have hoped to make you serve me."

"But now... this is where it ends."

Feng Yunshu's pretty face was pale as paper as she tightly grasped Gu Yun's collar.

Facing five Great Emperors, one of whom was a Four Tribulation, this feeling of desperate oppression was even greater than when facing the Demon Emperor of the Qixia Mountain Range.

The only thing that gave her hope was that this place was not far from the Eternal Imperial Capital.

Perhaps she could use Di Shitian's name to intimidate them somewhat; she was willing to do anything for Gu Yun.

A trace of determination flashed in the girl's eyes. She stepped forward: "You Shadow Tower are truly audacious. Attacking the Sixth Prince's Residence wasn't enough, and now you dare to show yourselves and intercept us, even the Vice Master has made a move. Do you really believe my Eternal Imperial Dynasty has no capable people?!"

"Heh."

Night Shadow chuckled lightly, "Your Highness the Ninth Princess, don't be naive."

"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty is merely a sick tiger now; no one will come to save you."

As he spoke, he moved to seize Feng Yunshu.

Just at this moment, a cold voice rang out: "Is that so?"

"Night Shadow, daring to lay hands on My daughter right under My nose. It seems your Shadow Tower truly disregards Me."

The majestic roar sounded like a divine thunderclap exploding from the Nine Heavens.

It echoed between heaven and earth, carrying magnificent Heavenly Might.

Immediately after, the space sealed by the five Great Emperors burst open.

Figures clad in golden battle armor, holding battle halberds and long spears, and possessing sharp auras, surrounded the Shadow Tower members completely.

Leading them was the Eternal Guards Commander, Jin Wufeng, a Three Tribulation Great Emperor.

Beside him stood a majestic figure formed entirely of brilliant golden light, hands clasped behind his back. Although merely a Divine Sense Projection, it emitted terrifying Emperor Might that eclipsed heaven and earth.

Night Shadow's confident expression, which had previously shown victory was assured, suddenly turned cold: "Di Shitian, I didn't expect you to come personally."

"It seems you truly care about this Ninth Princess."

Di Shitian's indifferent gaze swept over Night Shadow, looking down on everything: "Personally? You mere trash are not worthy of My True Body appearing here."

"Everyone, the farce should end now. If you persist in your delusion, I don't mind making the Shadow Tower disappear from the Three Thousand Dao Domains."

His aura erupted instantly. Even as a Divine Sense Avatar, he could still mobilize a portion of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's National Destiny Power.

Outside the Eternal Imperial Capital, the strength he could display was no less than that of a Five Tribulation Emperor Lord.

Night Shadow's expression changed, feeling considerable pressure.

"Hmph, as expected of the Eternal Emperor Lord, you possess great prestige."

"If you make a move, you will be in an endless feud with my Shadow Immortal Palace!"

"A mere Vice Master, are you worthy of dragging the Shadow Immortal Palace into an endless feud with My Imperial Dynasty?"

"Night Shadow, you think too highly of yourself. My patience is limited."

As his voice fell, the Eternal Guard Battle Formation shone brilliantly with golden light, and murderous intent soared to the heavens!

Divine light shone brilliantly on Di Shitian's body, and a Divine Sword composed entirely of National Destiny golden light condensed in his hand, its tip pointing directly at Night Shadow!

A heaven-shaking Sword Qi shot into the sky, illuminating heaven and earth as if it were daytime.

The Eternal Guard Battle Formation also condensed countless spear shadows, floating above the void, protecting the soaring Sword Qi on both sides.

Instantly locked onto by this immense power, the expressions of Night Shadow and the many Shadow Tower Tianzi-class Assassins turned extremely grim.

"Night Shadow, I will give you one last chance."

"If you truly choose to fight to the death, you might narrowly save your life, but the Tianzi-class Assassins carefully nurtured by the Shadow Tower will all be left behind here!"

Night Shadow's face flickered uncertainly, a trace of unwillingness flashing in his eyes. He took one last deep look at Feng Yunshu, who was protected in the center by the Eternal Guards.

He slowly spoke: "Fine... Di Shitian, I admit defeat today."

Night Shadow retracted his aura, waved his hand, and said to the people behind him: "Let's... go."

Saying this, dozens of figures tore open space and fled into the distance.

"Emperor Lord, should we pursue them?"

"No need. Now is not the time to completely fall out with the Shadow Immortal Palace."

"Moreover, these Tianzi-class Assassins are all proficient in the Dao of Concealment. Even if we chase them, we won't catch many."

Di Shitian said this, secretly breathing a sigh of relief.

Given the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's current situation, they truly should not fall out with the Shadow Immortal Palace.

However, just at this moment, everyone believed the crisis was over, and their vigilance slightly dropped—

An unexpected change occurred again.

Without any warning, the void three feet beside Gu Yun and Feng Yunshu silently shattered like a mirror!

Di Shitian instantly captured this change, and his expression drastically shifted.

"This is bad!!"

The Eternal Guardss only then reacted, but it was already too late.

Several Eternal Guardss beside the two were all flung away, and a few with weaker cultivation exploded and died instantly.

A deep, dark black light suddenly stabbed out at a speed surpassing thought!

The target pointed directly at Feng Yunshu in Gu Yun's embrace!

Since the plan had completely failed, the Shadow Tower naturally changed its strategy.

Adhering to the strategy of destroying what they couldn't obtain, they absolutely could not allow Feng Yunshu to return to Di Shitian's side.

"Dark Wing?!"

"How dare you!!!"

Golden light surged in the eyes of Di Shitian's projection, and his body shot out like lightning, charging toward the location of Gu Yun and Feng Yunshu.

However... it was still too late!

That shadowy light had already reached the back of Feng Yunshu's heart!

"No—!!!"

Buzz!

Just when everyone thought the Ninth Princess was ultimately going to perish, a clear, crisp chime rang out.

Gu Yun appeared, blocking transversely in front of Feng Yunshu.

The shadowy light fiercely stabbed into his body, producing the sound of metal clashing, causing even Dark Wing, who had made the strike, to drastically change his expression.

"How is that possible."

In his life, he had killed countless people.

Even an Emperor Lord could be instantly killed by him. Now, he was merely dealing with two ants who hadn't achieved the Dao; it should have been effortless.

Before he struck, that's what he thought.

But after truly striking, he realized... the feeling was wrong!

The ancient emperor armor protected Gu Yun's Heart Meridian, but it failed to completely block the full power of Dark Wing, a Sixth Tribulation Great Emperor. The cold light ultimately breached the defense, finally piercing Gu Yun's chest.

But that was the extent of it; Feng Yunshu was unharmed.

"No... no!!!"

Feng Yunshu's heart-wrenching scream pierced the night sky.

She watched helplessly as that fatal shadowy light pierced through Gu Yun's body!

Warm blood splattered onto her face and body, carrying a blinding red and a despairing warmth.

Gu Yun's body trembled violently, his face instantly losing all color, turning deathly pale like paper.

But he still stood firmly in place, his arms like the strongest chains, securely protecting Feng Yunshu behind him, not retreating half a step.

"Dark Wing! I want you dead!!!"

Di Shitian finally arrived, furious. His Divine Sense Projection, burning with golden flames, desperately lunged at Dark Wing, striking a heaven-splitting, earth-shattering blow with the National Destiny Divine Sword.

Dark Wing also recovered from his shock, hastily flickering his body, narrowly dodging Di Shitian's attack.

He took one last deep look at Gu Yun, and was about to merge into the shadows and flee.

"Stay here!!!"

Di Shitian's roar shook heaven and earth!

From the direction of the Eternal Imperial Capital, a golden pillar of light piercing heaven and earth suddenly rose. Vast National Destiny Power surged forward like angry waves, empowering Di Shitian's Divine Sense Projection!

Simultaneously, deep within the Imperial Capital, an even more terrifying aura was rapidly awakening and approaching!

Dark Wing's expression slightly changed, knowing that Di Shitian's True Body was rushing over.

He no longer hesitated, his figure completely dissolving into the shadows, leaving behind only a cold Sound Transmission echoing in the night sky: "Di Shitian, this matter is not over yet."

"Where do you think you're going!"

Di Shitian's Divine Sense Projection, carrying immense National Destiny, fiercely slammed a palm down toward the direction Dark Wing had disappeared!

Rumble—!

The space within a thousand miles violently trembled; countless shadows were purified and dispersed by the golden light.

Vaguely, a muffled groan seemed to be heard.

But Dark Wing's figure ultimately vanished.

Di Shitian's Divine Sense Projection slowly withdrew his palm, the golden light slightly dimmed.

He was only a Divine Sense after all. Forcibly mobilizing the National Destiny and striking from a distance consumed a massive amount of energy. He was now gradually becoming illusory, having no power left to pursue.

He had no choice but to give up, turning his gaze toward the Eternal Guards Leader beside him.

"Jin Wufeng!"

"This subordinate is present!"

"Immediately take the Princess back to the Palace!"

"By Imperial Decree!"

Jin Wufeng dared not delay in the slightest, immediately commanding the Eternal Guardss to protect Feng Yunshu.

"Brother Yun, no, don't..."

Feng Yunshu frantically embraced Gu Yun's sliding body, yet received no response.

The weight of the young man's body pressed down—so light, yet so heavy.

She cut her own wrist, and she fed the crystal-clear blood into the young man's mouth, her eyes full of urgency.

"Brother Yun, you won't be hurt, you won't be hurt, right?"

"M-my blood can save you, I'll give you all my blood. Wake up quickly, wake up and look at me, okay?"

As Feng Yunshu's blood flowed out, the Destiny above the Eternal Imperial Dynasty also began to tremble and shake.

Di Shitian's expression changed abruptly, and the look he gave Gu Yun was murderous.

His projection also began to fade increasingly, but at this moment, he only focused on calming Yunshu: "Shuer, you don't need to be overly sad."

"Now, quickly take this young friend back to the Imperial Palace. Imperial Father will definitely find the best Imperial Physician to treat him!"

Feng Yunshu looked up at Di Shitian, looking at the man she should have hated to the core.

But at this moment, she had no choice but to believe his words.

For Gu Yun's sake, she couldn't be willful.

"Is that true..."

"Of course it's true! When has Imperial Father ever lied to you?"

Di Shitian forced a strained smile onto his lips.

Feng Yunshu paid little attention to him, instead looking at Gu Yun: "That's wonderful, Brother Yun, you're saved, you'll be fine."

Di Shitian's face was as black as charcoal. He looked at Jin Wufeng: "Hurry up! I cannot wait too long!"

...Eternal Imperial Dynasty, deep within the Palace, in a Secret Chamber sealed by multiple Formations.

The light of the Water Mirror in front of Ye Qingcheng dimmed. Everything that had just happened outside, she had "seen" with her own eyes.

Dark Wing's figure appeared behind her like a ghost, kneeling on one knee, his voice low: "Goddess, This subordinate failed and could not capture Feng Yunshu. I ask the Goddess to punish me."

Ye Qingcheng slowly turned around. No emotion could be discerned on her stunning face, only a pair of eyes as deep as the starry sky, flickering with strange light.

"Dark Wing, with your strength and Concealment Art, and Night Shadow and others drawing attention, you shouldn't have failed."

Her voice was calm.

Dark Wing lowered his head further: "It was This subordinate's carelessness. That kid actually possessed a terrifying Defensive Supreme Treasure that allowed him to forcefully withstand one of my attacks without dying."

"Oh? Are you saying that young kid is not simple?"

"Yes, to be able to block my attack, it must be at least a High-Grade Emperor Weapon. This boy's background is definitely not simple."

"Furthermore, This subordinate suspects that he seemed to... sense it beforehand?"

"Oh?"

The interest in Ye Qingcheng's eyes grew stronger: "In other words, he might have... foreseen your assassination?"

"Just a guess."

"If that is truly the case, perhaps the injury you inflicted on him... was merely a disguise?"

"Could that be true?!"

Dark Wing felt a chill upon careful consideration, also sensing something fishy.

Ye Qingcheng chuckled: "Heh, it seems our Shadow Immortal Palace might also have become a chess piece on someone else's board."

A smile curled the corner of Ye Qingcheng's lips.

"Goddess, what should we do next?"

"Di Shitian has brought the Ninth Princess back, and she will certainly be heavily guarded. We don't have many opportunities left."

"No need... Di Yunshu is not important. We don't need to capture her anymore."

"But... Your Highness the Goddess, weren't you going to..."

"The Phoenix Bloodline... it was merely a means for me to get rid of that guy, but it is not my only means."

"Now... I have a more interesting path I want to try."

Ye Qingcheng's lips curled slightly: "Enough. You don't need to worry about this matter anymore. Go back and inform the Immortal Palace high-level members."

"Just say... we are also coming to... claim a share!"

...Eternal Imperial Capital, Imperial Palace.

Feng Yunshu held the heavily injured Gu Yun and looked at the majestic Di Shitian in the hall.

She spoke nervously: "Imperial Father, Imperial Physician, where is the Imperial Physician? Brother Yun seems to be dying."

Di Shitian sat high on the Dragon Throne, his golden Imperial Robe flowing with a cold luster under the candlelight.

He did not immediately answer Feng Yunshu, but instead casually glanced at Gu Yun, who was tightly held in Feng Yunshu's embrace.

"Imperial Physician?" Di Shitian's voice was emotionless, calm enough to chill one's heart. "When did I say I would find him an Imperial Physician?"

The anxiety and anticipation on Feng Yunshu's face instantly froze. She raised her head in disbelief, looking at the familiar yet strange face on the Dragon Throne: "Imperial Father... W-what did you say? Didn't you just say outside..."

"To be able to die for My Imperial Dynasty's Princess is his honor."

//674//

Chapter 674: Repaying Kindness with Enmity (Two-in-One)

"It is his honor to die for a princess of our Imperial Dynasty."

Di Shitian's words were like cold iron drills, fiercely boring into Feng Yunshu's heart.

Her delicate body trembled violently, her beautiful eyes wide with shock.

"Fa… Father Emperor?" Her voice was trembling, carrying a last faint glimmer of hope, "You… you're joking, right? Brother Yun saved me, that's why…"

"Saved you?"

Di Shitian interrupted her, his voice cold: "Shu'er, you are still young and do not understand a principle: there is no such thing as kindness without reason in this world."

"This person's origin is unknown, and his strength is strange. The Shadow Tower dispatched so many Emperor-level assassin experts, yet you still managed to escape."

"Do you think that everything behind this was just a coincidence?"

"I can confirm that this fiend escorting you back is nothing but a ruse, a trick to gain sympathy. He probably wants to infiltrate the Imperial Palace with ill intentions!!"

"No, impossible!"

Feng Yunshu retorted sharply, even if doing so might put herself in danger, she still wanted to clear Gu Yun's name: "Brother Yun is not that kind of person. All along the way, he risked his life for me; I saw it all."

"If he truly harbored ill intentions, Yunshu would have died dozens of times over. Why wait until now?"

"Father Emperor, please, please save him. He is my savior."

Saying this, she even knelt before Di Shitian again, kowtowing heavily.

Bowing to this father-killer, her heart was twisted in agony, but the situation was stronger than her will. As a princess of the Imperial Dynasty, for her father, for Gu Yun, she had to bear her responsibility.

"Enough!"

Di Shitian released a surge of power, firmly pinning Feng Yunshu down: "Look at you now, a princess of my Imperial Dynasty, kneeling and pleading for some boy who appeared out of nowhere. What kind of decorum is this?!!"

The invisible force was like shackles, firmly imprisoning Feng Yunshu, preventing her from even kowtowing.

The young girl looked up, and through her tear-filled eyes, she could only see Di Shitian's cold, indifferent face.

Her last shred of fantasy shattered completely, and she could only embrace Gu Yun's body, weakly slumping down.

Di Shitian ignored all of this. He waved his hand: "Shu'er, for your sake, not killing him with my own hands is already merciful."

"A few days ago, the Imperial Dynasty and the Supreme Divine Dynasty were at war, suffering many casualties. The Imperial Hospital truly cannot spare anyone. I will send people to deliver some ordinary wound medicine. Whether he lives or not depends on his own fate."

"As for you, Shu'er, your true blood has been significantly depleted, and you've been frightened. It was my fault; I shouldn't have let you leave the Imperial Palace."

"For the next few days, you will rest well in the Yunshu Hall. Guards, send the Ninth Princess back to her residence."

Several Eternal Guards, with steady auras and expressionless faces, entered in response, pulling Feng Yunshu away from Gu Yun without a word.

"No! Let go of me! Brother Yun! Brother Yun!!"

Feng Yunshu struggled desperately, tears streaming down her face, but her strength was so insignificant before the Eternal Guards.

Gu Yun's body was lifted by an Eternal Guard as if dragging a corpse, his ghastly chest wound leaving a striking bloodstain on the ground.

"Father Emperor! Save him! Please! I'll listen to everything you say from now on! I don't want anything! I just beg you to save Brother Yun!"

Feng Yunshu's cries were heartbreaking, filled with despair.

Di Shitian frowned slightly, seemingly finding it noisy, and waved his hand.

An Eternal Guard immediately stepped forward and tapped Feng Yunshu's nape. Her body went limp, her vision blurred, and she fainted directly.

After the two left, the last trace of softness in Di Shitian's eyes vanished: "How are the preparations for the Phoenix Slaying Platform coming along?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, everything is ready. Concubine Wan's remnant soul has also been extracted, and the plan can be executed at any time."

In the shadows, a blurry figure responded in a low voice.

"Good!"

A glimmer of anticipation flashed in Di Shitian's eyes. Hundreds of years of plotting had finally come to fruition.

Yet, at this crucial juncture, Gu Yun's appearance led to the damage of Feng Yunshu's bloodline power, which made him furious.

If he didn't need to stabilize Feng Yunshu right now, he would have killed Gu Yun on the spot.

"Once the Phoenix Bloodline is fully integrated into the National Destiny of my Eternal Imperial Dynasty, I will be able to break through the shackles in one fell swoop!"

"Truly stepping into the Nine Tribulations Realm! By then, what Liu Tianhuang, will merely be an ant crawling beneath my feet!!"

"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty, under my rule, will be immortal for ten thousand generations!!"

Arrogant words echoed in the empty hall. After a long while, Di Shitian regained his composure: "What about that boy? Has everything been dealt with cleanly?"

"As per Your Majesty's orders, he has been thrown into the lowest level of the Black Water Prison. Death energy permeates that place, and he is already severely injured; he won't last more than a few days."

"Hmm."

Di Shitian nodded in satisfaction. He always felt Gu Yun was a variable, but he didn't want to cause further trouble at this time.

"Pay attention these days; don't let him die. I don't want any accidents before the Phoenix Execution Day."

Such a young genius might have a powerful force behind him. If he truly died, the other party would surely detect it immediately.

He didn't need to take this risk now. Once he succeeded in the Phoenix Execution, he would have no worries.

By then… a mere boy who hadn't even fully matured would be at his mercy.

"Yes!"

The shadow slowly retreated, and the hall returned to silence. Only the fire of ambition burning in Di Shitian's eyes flickered in the dim light… Eternal Imperial Palace, Black Water Prison.

It was pitch black here; anyone below the Xiantai Realm would instantly become blind.

Perennially submerged in foul black water, the air was filled with the stench of decay and death, capable of eroding spiritual energy and consuming vitality.

Gu Yun was thrown into a narrow cell, half-submerged in the black water.

The cold, highly corrosive black water instantly reached his chest. His wounds, soaked in the black water, brought a burning, stinging pain and an even colder, corrosive sensation.

Two Soul Suppressing Chains appeared, piercing through his scapulae, firmly locking him to the slippery stone wall behind him.

The cell door slammed shut, and the last ray of light vanished.

In the darkness, there was only the faint sound of black water slowly flowing.

"Such serious injuries, it should be enough."

Gu Yun easily shook his body. The strength he displayed was only that of a first-level Quasi-Emperor, so Di Shitian naturally wouldn't pay too much attention to him. The Soul Suppressing Chains were enough to restrain all cultivators in the Quasi-Emperor Realm, but they couldn't restrain Gu Yun. He easily broke free from the two Soul Suppressing Chains.

He still used the deceiving heaven mask to disguise himself as being bound, then sat cross-legged and slowly extended his divine sense.

His movements were cautious; there were also powerful individuals in the Black Water Prison. The warden was a royal enshrinement, a First Tribulation Great Emperor.

However, the other party had been in seclusion for many years, so as long as Gu Yun didn't cause too much commotion, he wouldn't be discovered.

As for other high-level Quasi-Emperor Realm cultivators, Gu Yun wasn't too concerned.

Soon, he had mastered the structure of the Black Water Prison. Under the concealment of the deceiving heaven mask, leaving this place would be as easy as going home.

"Cough, cough, cough…"

"That Shadow Tower Lord does have some skill."

Gu Yun coughed up a mouthful of blood. Even with the protection of the ancient emperor armor, a blow from a Sixth Tribulation Great Emperor still left him feeling unwell.

If Liu Feng had gone through this process, he would probably have died a hundred times over.

Fortunately, there were no major mishaps in the end, and Gu Yun only needed to wait for the situation to develop.

The guidance he had left for Sister Yaya earlier was not in vain; the time should be about right.

To rely on the Phoenix Execution to gain power to contend with the Supreme Divine Dynasty, hehe, Di Shitian's calculations were loud and clear, but ultimately, it would all be for naught.

"Good fellow, this time, you can probably eat your fill."

Gu Yun took out the human emperor banner, this hongmeng supreme treasure that had accompanied him the longest, had never truly displayed its power.

In the lowest depths of the Black Water Prison, permeated with death energy, resentment, and filth, the human emperor banner trembled slightly like a shark smelling blood, emitting an excited hum.

"Don't rush, old fellow, there will be a chance for you to display your divine might. Now is not the time."

Feeling the human emperor banner's agitation, Gu Yun immediately put it away. If this item went berserk, it might just overturn the entire Black Water Prison, and Gu Yun wasn't bored enough to face the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's all-stars alone.

"Xi Tong, open the treasure chest."

To be fully prepared, Gu Yun called Xi Tong to open the red treasure chest he had previously obtained from Feng Yunshu.

[Ding! Congratulations to Host for successfully opening a red treasure chest, obtaining reward: Grandmist Violet Qi]

[Grandmist Violet Qi: A wisp of primordial violet qi conceived when heaven and earth were not yet open and chaos was undivided, capable of helping one cultivate an unparalleled foundation for enlightenment.]

"Grandmist Violet Qi?!"

Seeing a treasure of such quality, Gu Yun sat up straight.

In the system's shop, this was a divine item that cost a million villain value to exchange, and being able to refine it basically meant guaranteed immortality.

Its effect was evident.

"Perhaps when the immortal lock fully opens, I can give it to Master to refine."

Gu Yun pondered. Everyone said he was the key figure to opening the immortal lock, but he currently had no clue.

He guessed that opening the immortal lock might not be related to strength; otherwise, his Master, father, and the Gu Family ancestors might have already found a way.

Of course, no matter what, he had confidence in himself.

It's just that after becoming an immortal, his backing shouldn't be weak, otherwise, wouldn't he, the great Child of Destiny villain, lose too much face?

Having packed away his gains, Gu Yun yawned, preparing to enter the Great Luo Dao Pagoda to pass the boring time.

Suddenly, a series of footsteps reached his ears, which made him perk up again.

The Black Water Prison was a place for holding serious criminals, so who would appear at this time?

As the person approached, a smile curled at Gu Yun's lips.

He knew who it was, none other than the little scoundrel… Click.

The Black Water Prison door opened, and a smug figure walked in from outside.

Liu Feng's complexion was rosy, and he looked much better than before, clearly having received good treatment and recuperation in the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.

At this moment, his face was filled with undisguised smugness and arrogance, and his eyes gleamed with the pleasure of revenge.

"Oh, oh, oh, isn't this our great hero who saved the princess? How did you end up in such a state?!"

Liu Feng's voice was cold and grating, his gaze fixed on Gu Yun, his words filled with undisguised mockery.

Because of the deceiving heaven mask, he didn't recognize that the person in front of him was the Crown Prince of the Supreme Divine Dynasty who had caused him a crushing defeat in the Heavenly Thunder Domain. If he had known this, his current behavior would likely be even more frantic.

"It's truly a pity. Everything you did ultimately only served to benefit me."

"Yunshu is mine. You, brat… can't take her away."

"Now, you can only be locked up here like a dead dog, waiting for death, while I, Liu Feng, am still glorious and boundless."

"Sooner or later, I will become the Imperial Son-in-Law of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, a future pillar of the Imperial Dynasty. What do you have to compare with me?"

In the cell, Gu Yun yawned, listening to his barking.

[Ding! Child of Destiny Liu Feng is thoroughly enraged, rewarding 5000 villain value]

"Bastard, you… you dare ignore me?!"

Liu Feng's face instantly flushed, veins pulsed on his forehead, and the anger in his eyes almost burst forth.

His aura erupted, and the entire Black Water Prison trembled with him.

"Lord Liu, be careful. His Majesty specifically ordered that nothing should happen to this person."

The jailer on the side quickly said.

"Don't worry, I have a sense of proportion. I just want to teach this stubborn prisoner a lesson. I think I have that authority, right?"

The jailer's expression changed, but he said nothing more. Liu Feng was currently a favored person by His Majesty, so he didn't need to offend him.

Just as Liu Feng was about to make a move, a clear, calm, yet incredibly majestic voice suddenly rang out.

"Stop!"

The voice wasn't loud, but it froze Liu Feng's movements.

He turned his head in shock, only to see a stunning figure standing silently before him. This figure was all too familiar to him, having grown up in the imperial harem.

Who else could it be but the current Empress Dowager?

Ye Qingcheng's disguise was made by the Shadow Palace Lord, and as long as no old monsters from the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's ancestral land appeared, her abnormality would not be discovered.

At this moment, she did not possess the peerless elegance of her true face, but she had a charm and dignity refined by years.

"Liu Feng, who allowed you to enter and exit the Black Water Prison at will?!"

Ye Qingcheng spoke coldly.

Liu Feng's expression froze, then became somewhat unsightly, because he hadn't expected Ye Qingcheng to question him because of Gu Yun.

"Em… Empress Dowager…"

"Enough, I'm too lazy to listen to your lies. Go and receive your punishment yourself. Don't stand here and dirty my eyes!"

"Yes… yes."

Liu Feng felt incredibly aggrieved in his heart, but could only slink away. In this palace, even Di Shitian had to show some respect to this person, so how dared he disobey?

Ye Qingcheng's gaze turned to the cell. Half-submerged in black water, the young figure was chained to the cold stone wall, his face pale, eyes tightly shut.

"You two, unlock the chains."

"Em… Empress Dowager, absolutely not! This person is His Majesty's…"

The two jailers were greatly alarmed, immediately kneeling and kowtowing, trying to explain the reason.

Gu Yun also looked at Ye Qingcheng with interest, wanting to see what scheme this Shadow Goddess had up her sleeve.

"I told you to unlock the chains, are you deaf?!"

Ye Qingcheng's eyebrows shot up, projecting authority without anger: "What, now in this Imperial Palace, do my words no longer hold sway?"

//675//

Chapter 675: Ye Qingcheng

Naturally, the two jailers didn't dare to disobey the Empress Dowager's wishes, so Gu Yun was taken back to the palace by Ye Qingcheng.

The news soon reached Di Shitian's ears as well.

"What?! You're saying Imperial Mother personally went to the Black Water Prison and took that boy away?"

In the Golden Chime Hall, Di Shitian received the report from his subordinate, his brow furrowing into a deep frown.

His sharp gaze swept over the kneeling Jailer Commander: "Explain clearly. What exactly happened?"

The Jailer Commander trembled all over and hurried to report every detail, including Liu Feng's provocative entry into the Black Water Prison, the Empress Dowager's sudden appearance, her dismissal of Liu Feng, and her forceful order to unlock Gu Yun's chains and take him away.

"Heh... this Liu Feng is truly audacious and vindictive."

Di Shitian gave a cold laugh; he wasn't too surprised by this, having seen the wretched state the man was in when he returned to the Eternal Imperial Capital.

Looking at his current behavior, he had likely suffered quite a bit at that boy's hands. Now that the tables had turned, it was expected that he would want to seek revenge.

Only... "Your Highness, regarding the Empress Dowager..."

Seeing Di Shitian remain silent for a long time, the Jailer Commander asked tentatively.

"Where did she take him?"

"Re-reporting to Your Majesty."

With a bitter face, the Jailer Commander spoke tremulously: "The Empress Dowager took him back to... Cining Palace."

"Cining Palace..."

Di Shitian's fingers lightly tapped the armrest of the Dragon Throne, his expression unreadable.

Cining Palace was the Empress Dowager's residence and had always been a restricted area within the inner palace. Even he would not easily enter unless necessary.

Since the Late Emperor's death, his mother had lived a secluded and virtuous life, with no outsiders ever stepping foot into that forbidden zone.

This turn of events was unexpected... "Your Majesty, should we..."

A nearby eunuch asked in a low voice, making a gesture.

"No need..."

Di Shitian raised his hand to stop him: "Imperial Mother has her own reasons for her actions."

"Since she took him to Cining Palace, then let her be. You only need to keep a secret watch on the movements at Cining Palace. Remember, do not disturb Imperial Mother's peace."

Regardless, the construction of the Phoenix Slaying Platform was of the utmost importance and could not be handled carelessly.

As for Imperial Mother... it had been nearly a million years since Imperial Father passed away. As her children, they should be understanding.

In any case, this boy would be dealt with later, so there was no concern about ruining the royal reputation.

"Yes..."

...Cining Palace.

As the Empress Dowager's residence, Cining Palace was not as luxurious and magnificent as the outside world imagined; instead, it appeared quiet and elegant, quite low-key.

This perfectly matched Ye Qingcheng's usual style. Having dismissed all the palace maids and eunuchs, she was the only one left in the vast bedchamber with the still-unconscious Gu Yun lying on the bed.

She looked Gu Yun up and down, scrutinizing him carefully.

Ye Qingcheng's beautiful brows knitted slightly: "Such a familiar face. I must have seen it somewhere."

"But nothing matches up. Just who are you?"

Under the influence of the deceiving heaven mask, even such close contact only gave Ye Qingcheng a sense of déjà vu.

The aura on the youth was as deep as an abyss; even when her spiritual power entered, she couldn't probe his depths.

This made Ye Qingcheng even more curious. She stepped forward: "In such a situation, there should only be one possibility."

Her gaze fell on Gu Yun's face, and she reached out: "Let me see your true face..."

Just as her slender fingers were about to touch Gu Yun's cheek, a broad palm reached out and precisely caught Ye Qingcheng's moving hand.

A flash of astonishment crossed her stunning face. Looking down, she saw that the seemingly heavily injured youth had already opened his eyes.

"You... you're not unconscious?"

Ye Qingcheng was slightly startled. As the Holy Maiden of the Shadow Immortal Palace, her perception was incredibly formidable.

Yet even she couldn't sense the slightest trace of Gu Yun's aura, leading her to believe he had completely passed out.

"Empress Dowager, getting handsy with a man you've just met shouldn't befit your status."

Gu Yun's voice was cold, yet it was clear and pleasant to the ear; just hearing it made one feel refreshed.

A smile played on the corners of Ye Qingcheng's lips: "To take a hit from Dark Wing and force yourself here without passing out—it seems you are even more mysterious than I imagined."

"I'm becoming more and more curious about what kind of world-shaking face lies behind this wonderful mask."

She suddenly exerted force, and her aura erupted.

As the Holy Maiden of the Shadow Immortal Palace, she was barely over three hundred years old. Logically, she should be of the same generation of geniuses as the prodigies he had seen before on the Ancient Continent. However, Ye Qingcheng's strength far exceeded ordinary imagination.

[Ding! Destiny Heroine detected.]

[xuan qing treasure mirror, page thirteen.]

[Name: Ye Qingcheng]

[Age: 488]

[Favorability: 60]

[Cultivation: Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer]

[Physique: Nine Nether Underworld Physique]

[Identity: Heroine of "I Became the Empress Dowager's Personal Eunuch," Heroine of "I, the Ji Family Family Godchild, Accidentally Became Invincible," Heroine of "Villains, Don't Come Over, I'm the Big Villain"... {Script generating}]

To reach the Quasi-Emperor Eighth Layer at this age, the opportunities Ye Qingcheng had encountered could no longer be explained simply by the support of the Shen Family.

Neither the Shadow Immortal Palace nor the Immortal Ancient Shen Family had the foundation to create such a monster out of thin air.

All of this... could only be because of... Ye Qingcheng's own abilities.

In other words, if not for the interference of destiny, the one to end this Golden Great Age might have been this woman of humble origin.

However... all of this was just speculation. Destiny disliked existences that exceeded its control. If such existed, it would send its minions to wear down their will, using the so-called poison of love to make them fade into the crowd and become mere foils.

They might even hand over everything that originally belonged to them to others.

Perhaps Ye Qingcheng was unwilling to accept such a fate, which was why she risked coming to the Eternal Imperial Dynasty to carry out this life-or-death mission.

In Ye Qingcheng, Gu Yun felt a shared sense of desolation, as if they were both kindred spirits at the end of the world, though he was even worse off.

After all, Ye Qingcheng's fate was merely to become a foil, whereas he—one wrong step would lead to eternal damnation.

"How... how is this possible..."

Ye Qingcheng had exerted her full strength, yet the hand held by Gu Yun remained completely motionless.

The power emanating from Gu Yun was balanced and peaceful yet majestic, with an incredibly solid foundation.

"You... you're not injured?"

"Dark Wing is a Sixth Tribulation Great Emperor, and in that situation, there was no way he would have held back."

"I thought it was a miracle that you could even keep your life, but I didn't expect... just who are you?"

Ye Qingcheng stared fixedly into Gu Yun's deep eyes, trying to see something within them.

"Since the Empress Dowager is so intelligent, why don't you try to guess?"

Gu Yun pushed her hand away and leaned against the bed, looking at her with a calm gaze: "Or rather... should I call you the Shadow Goddess?"

//676//

Chapter 676: Cooperation

"Or rather... should I address you as... the Shadow Goddess?"

As the youth's words left his mouth, Ye Qingcheng's pupils suddenly constricted. Her aura became bone-chillingly cold, and the temperature of the entire sleeping palace seemed to drop significantly.

She stared fixedly at Gu Yun, enunciating every word: "How. Do. You. Know?"

This was her greatest secret. Back then, the Shadow Immortal Palace had dispatched two Eight-Tribulation Great Emperors to help her disguise herself as the Empress Dowager and infiltrate the Eternal Imperial Dynasty. This had allowed her to evade Di Shitian's eyes and ears and remain hidden until now. Her intention was to seize the Phoenix Bloodline and steal the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's national destiny to establish a sixth Imperial Dynasty, greatly increasing the Shadow Immortal Palace's strength while allowing her to escape Shen Jingzhou's control.

This matter was top secret; even within the Shadow Immortal Palace, only a handful of people knew.

But how could this strange youth before her reveal it in a single breath?!

"That is not important."

Gu Yun did not answer, but instead asked, "What is important is that Her Highness the Goddess bringing me here shouldn't have been out of mere mercy, right?"

Ye Qingcheng's eyes flickered with uncertainty as killing intent and curiosity clashed violently. Finally, she took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her surging emotions.

A trace of a smile bloomed on her face. "I thought I had already given you enough importance, but I didn't expect you to be even more mysterious than I imagined."

"It seems... this time, besides my Shadow Immortal Palace, there are other hunters eyeing the Eternal Imperial Dynasty."

"I just don't know exactly who is the sacred power behind you—"

Ye Qingcheng paced closer, her magnificent palace robes trailing on the floor with a faint rustling sound.

She leaned down, her beautiful and dignified face filled with inquiry, her gaze seemingly wanting to see through Gu Yun completely from inside out.

"A Supreme Divine Dynasty? An Immortal Ancient Family? Or... one of those ancient orthodoxies that have long been hidden from the world?"

"No, no, no, I think Her Highness the Goddess must have misunderstood something."

Gu Yun's voice was calm, as if he were speaking of a trivial matter.

"The national destiny of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty is useless to me. What I want is... for the entire Eternal Imperial Dynasty to be completely annihilated."

Inside the sleeping palace, the candlelight flickered slightly.

The smile on Ye Qingcheng's face slowly faded. For the first time in a true sense, those eyes as deep as the night revealed a solemn expression.

She carefully scrutinized the youth leaning on the bed, whose face was pale yet whose eyes were clear and bright.

Annihilate the Eternal Imperial Dynasty?

If anyone else heard these words coming from a heavily injured 'Quasi-Emperor', they would only sneer and treat it as the ravings of a madman.

But for some reason, coming from this youth's mouth, it carried a heart-palpitating sense of certainty.

It was as if he could really do it, and... in the not-too-distant future.

"Complete... annihilation?"

Ye Qingcheng repeated, speaking with a trace of a mocking smile. "Young Master's tone is a bit too grand. The Eternal Imperial Dynasty has been passed down for hundreds of millions of years; it is a powerful force that has existed since the Desolate Ancient Era. Its foundation is profound and its national destiny is flourishing. To say nothing else, just within the Ancestral Land, there are no fewer than five late-stage Great Emperor ancestors slumbering."

"Even my Shadow Immortal Palace, after planning for many years, only intends to plot against its national destiny and weaken its foundation; we wouldn't dare speak of annihilation."

"You... how will you do it?"

"If I want to do it, I will do it."

"As for how to do it, that is not something I need to worry about."

"When Di Shitian deployed his troops at the northern border of my Supreme Divine Dynasty, he should have expected this day would come."

Gu Yun spoke with a smile, directly revealing his identity.

Ye Qingcheng's expression froze for a moment, followed by a flash of realization.

She had clearly guessed something. "His Highness Gu Yun truly has quite the elegant interest, even entering the game personally. I'm afraid the entire Eternal Imperial Dynasty has been played like a fiddle by you."

"I just don't understand. With the foundations of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and the Holy Water Immortal Palace, even the Eternal Imperial Dynasty wouldn't be able to withstand them."

"Why must you go through such unnecessary trouble, escorting that little princess across tens of thousands of miles... Could it be that our romantic Imperial Son, who has hunted countless beauties, has finally developed true feelings?"

The corners of Ye Qingcheng's lips curled into a half-smile, her gaze containing a bit of inquiry and a bit of playfulness.

Gu Yun raised his eyes and met her gaze. "Goddess, I don't think that is a question we should be discussing right now."

"If you are still interested later, we can return to the Immortal Ancient Gu Family. At that time, I will have time to chat with you freely."

"There's no need for that. Once one enters a powerful family, I wouldn't know if these feet of mine would still be under my own control."

Ye Qingcheng withdrew her smile and sat back down on the Phoenix Chair. To her, whether it was the Immortal Ancient Gu Family or the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, it was all the same.

Whether it was Gu Yun or Shen Jingzhou, they were essentially the same.

However, compared to the pestering Shen Jingzhou, Gu Yun's frankness made him easier to get along with.

"That is truly a pity. The Shadow Goddess's great name is known to everyone in my Gu Family. If I could bring you back, my mother would surely be very happy."

"Then I must thank Young Master Gu for his kind regard. Unfortunately, Qingcheng is solely devoted to the Dao and has no such thoughts."

"Returning to the main topic, this is the Eternal Imperial Palace after all. Regarding this trip to the Black Water Prison, if I hadn't stepped in, I'm afraid it wouldn't have ended well."

"Is it truly worth it for one Di Yunshu?"

Of course it was worth it; that was a strand of primordial violet qi.

"Risk and reward are always relative."

"And of course, I never do anything I'm not certain of."

"Oh? Then your willingness to come here with me means you've got me figured out too?"

"His Highness Gu Yun, I think you might not be quite clear. I am determined to get the Phoenix Bloodline. Since you want to protect Di Yunshu, we will ultimately stand on opposite sides."

"But that's a matter for later, isn't it?"

"At least for now, our demands are consistent. Shuer has fallen into Di Shitian's hands again. Both you and I want her to escape the death trap of the Phoenix Slaying Platform."

"And after that... I am confident that you, and the Shadow Immortal Palace behind you, will not be able to ruin my plans."

"..."

Ye Qingcheng's face turned cold. "Gu Yun, do you know what you're saying?"

"Since it's a cooperation destined for failure on my part, why should I agree to you?"

"Because... you have no choice."

"Goddess, remember, the partner I am looking for has always been you, not... the Shadow Immortal Palace."

Gu Yun's words made the expression on Ye Qingcheng's face freeze.

"What do you want me to do?"

"Before finalizing the plan, as partners who are about to become intimately close,"

"Shouldn't we—first take off our respective masks?"

//677//

Chapter 677: Frankness

The young man's words plunged the bedroom into silence once more.

Ye Qingcheng looked deeply at Gu Yun, the hint of a smile on her lips seeming to deepen.

"I didn't expect Crown Prince Gu Yun to have such refined interests."

"But perhaps there's something you haven't realized. This Divine Maiden is now... the Empress Dowager of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty!"

"To dare make such an presumptuous request in front of me, do you believe I won't directly make you, this audacious prisoner, vanish into thin air?"

The pretense of being fierce on the outside but weak on the inside couldn't fool Gu Yun. Every step the young man took had an ultimate goal; everything that happened during the process was merely scenery.

"The operation has already begun, and this disguise of yours no longer holds any value..."

Gu Yun slowly stood up and directly placed his hand on Ye Qingcheng's mature and beautiful face: "I'm just giving you a way out, a retreat you can choose whenever and wherever you find yourself at a dead end."

Ye Qingcheng's expression froze slightly, then she gently pushed away Gu Yun's hand: "It's still unknown who will emerge victorious, and I won't reach that point."

"Prince Gu Yun's plans are likely to fall through."

"But this... isn't a loss for you, is it?"

"Besides, this is an equivalent exchange."

Gu Yun smiled, withdrew his hand, and gently brushed his fingertips across his cheek.

The next moment, like ripples in water, Gu Yun's ordinary demeanor faded away like melting ice and snow, revealing a face of unparalleled handsomeness.

That innate noble bearing and calm detachment that saw through everything were enough to make everyone unforgettable.

Ye Qingcheng's breathing paused almost imperceptibly.

The Immortal Ancient Gu Family Emperor Child... truly lives up to his reputation.

Even though she was accustomed to seeing Dao Domain Prodigies and Immortal Palace Talents, a ripple of emotion involuntarily arose in her heart at this moment.

Even Shen Jingzhou of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family couldn't compare to the person before her in the slightest.

"Since I have cast a brick to attract jade, I wonder if Divine Maiden Ye is willing to show off her own beautiful jade?"

Gu Yun smiled slightly, his gaze open and frank.

Ye Qingcheng was silent for a moment, then finally raised her hand.

A faint light swirled around her fingertips, brushing across her face.

The disguise melted away like water, revealing a cold and peerlessly beautiful young face.

Her skin was like snow, her features like a painting, her delicate nose and cherry lips, her facial features exquisitely crafted as if by the most outstanding painter.

Cold and aloof, as if she was born to stand in the clouds, looking down on all beings, making the stars and moon lose their luster.

It was conceivable how much unnecessary trouble this flawless face would bring to Ye Qingcheng, who came from an ordinary background.

Even though Gu Yun was accustomed to seeing unparalleled beauties, he was still willing to praise it.

She truly deserved the name 'Overthrowing City', and perhaps even... surpassed it. More than just people from one domain would be willing to fall for her.

"How is it? Is Crown Prince Gu Yun satisfied now?"

Ye Qingcheng's voice was clear and melodious, without the pretentious authority of her disguise, making one feel a bit closer to her.

"I see Divine Maiden Ye's sincerity. Now we can frankly discuss our cooperation." Gu Yun skillfully changed the subject, which made the previously supremely confident Ye Qingcheng frown slightly, but she said nothing.

Gu Yun skillfully changed the subject, which made the previously supremely confident Ye Qingcheng frown slightly, but she said nothing.

This was an exchange of trust between the two, and the foundation for their cooperation.

Gu Yun was in a dangerous situation but held nothing back from her. She naturally reciprocated with sincerity, but... she hadn't expected his reaction to be so calm, that's all.

"What does Prince Gu Yun intend to do?"

"According to my latest information, Di Shitian's plan will be executed within seven days at most."

"The construction of the Phoenix Slaying Platform began thirty years ago and is already fully prepared. The delay now is only because the Ninth Princess's Phoenix Blood is damaged."

"But Di Shitian definitely can't wait too long. What he wants is not only to refine the Phoenix Bloodline to help himself break through his bottleneck, but also to use it to completely bind the Phoenix Clan and the Eternal Imperial Dynasty together, to prosper and suffer together. Even if this is not the Phoenix Clan's original intention, by the time they emerge, everything will be settled and unchangeable."

"The threads of karma will firmly entangle the two powers, and in this way... it will also resolve the current crisis of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty."

"The only sacrifice is a negligible Ninth Princess."

"Negligible, you say...?"

Gu Yun's lips curved into a cold arc: "What if I told you that it is precisely this negligible Ninth Princess who will bring utter destruction upon him and the entire Eternal Imperial Dynasty?"

"You are truly arrogant. You are clearly the trapped beast now, so how can you speak of destroying the Eternal Imperial Dynasty?"

Ye Qingcheng frowned, then shook her head: "If you continue like this, perhaps I should re-evaluate whether cooperating with you is truly worthwhile."

"In the face of absolute power, all schemes and tricks are worthless."

"And all I want... is a reason."

"You..."

"The day the Phoenix Slaying Platform opens is the day the Eternal Imperial Dynasty is destroyed."

"I want this magnificent Imperial Palace to turn to scorched earth, and all its civil and military officials to become withered bones!"

Gu Yun, with the vigor of a young man, gestured boldly, as if everything he saw was nothing more than a mere trifle.

"You are simply a madman."

Ye Qingcheng's chest heaved, and terrifying thoughts intertwined in her mind, making her feel a bit more wary of the young man before her.

"Thank you for the compliment." Gu Yun's expression was calm, and he simply turned around and lay down on Ye Qingcheng's Phoenix Couch, crossing his feet with a comfortable expression.

Gu Yun's expression was calm, and he simply turned around and lay down on Ye Qingcheng's Phoenix Couch, crossing his feet with a comfortable expression.

Ye Qingcheng recovered from her shock and saw Gu Yun's unrestrained actions. Her expression twitched, and she was momentarily speechless with anger.

"You... this is my bedroom!"

"Empress Dowager, bringing a prisoner from the Black Water Prison back to your own bedroom late at night, I presume Di Shitian already knows about this. What do you think he'll think?"

"Then, then you still can't..."

"My Phoenix Couch, how can a stinky man like you defile it!"

Ye Qingcheng stiffened her neck and said proudly, "Besides, if you sleep here, where am I, the Empress Dowager, supposed to go?!"

Gu Yun seemed oblivious, and even Ye Qingcheng's self-address as 'Empress Dowager' stirred a peculiar sense of excitement within him.

He found a comfortable position to lie down, casually pulled a corner of the brocade quilt over himself, and closed his eyes: "The Phoenix Couch is spacious enough for four or five people. With just the two of us, it's more than enough."

"What's more, Empress Dowager, you wouldn't want Di Shitian to grow suspicious, would you?"

"Bastard!"

Ye Qingcheng glared at him. How could there be someone as shameless as Gu Yun in the world?

Yet, now that they had revealed their identities to each other, they were temporarily like grasshoppers tied to the same rope, and she really couldn't do anything to him.

Curiosity killed the cat. Ye Qingcheng now somewhat regretted it; perhaps she shouldn't have brought Gu Yun out of the Black Water Prison and should have let him perish on his own!

"No crossing the line!!"

Ye Qingcheng said fiercely, then also took out a brocade quilt from her storage ring and got onto the bed, lying on the Phoenix Couch with Gu Yun, though far apart and clearly separated.

Her beautiful eyes were open, Gu Yun's even breathing clearly reaching her ears, and strange thoughts inexplicably arose in her heart.

Tossing and turning, unable to sleep, she tentatively asked, "All the Tianzi-class Assassins of the Shadow Tower have now returned to their positions, except for one who has not returned, besides Heavenly Three, Tian Qi, and Tian Ba who previously perished in the Qixia Mountain Range."

"Do you know her whereabouts?"

"Who are you talking about?"

Gu Yun yawned and asked impatiently.

"Yan Qingmei."

//678//

Chapter 678: Oversight

"Yan Qingmei?!"

Gu Yun's eyebrows twitched. How could he have forgotten her? After teleporting her into the bamboo house on the third floor, he had come out himself.

Now that so many days had passed in the outside world, she must have been in there for several years, hadn't she?

"Indeed." Ye Qingcheng turned sideways, looking at Gu Yun's blurred silhouette in the darkness. "She is the most promising junior of this generation in the Shadow Tower, and I promoted her personally. If she has fallen into your hands, I hope you will return her to me."

"Is Goddess Ye doubting me?"

"It's not doubt. It might have been before, but now I am absolutely certain!"

"Keeping her is of no use to you."

"Why do you care about her so much? Does she have something special about her?"

Gu Yun asked.

"It's nothing."

Ye Qingcheng looked up at the sky. "I just see my former self in her, that's all."

"So, I hope she can live and fulfill her dreams, rather than becoming a plaything for someone to satisfy their private desires!"

"Why are you talking like an old person? You don't seem to be as old as that spinning top..."

"None of your business!"

Ye Qingcheng snorted coldly. "Can you release her or not? Give me a straight answer!"

"No."

"Why?!!"

"Please, I was originally having a headache over how to maintain our fragile cooperative relationship."

"But now you've handed me such a good card; naturally, I must hold onto it tightly."

"You!"

Ye Qingcheng was somewhat annoyed and turned her head away. She knew that saying anything more would be useless.

"When this matter is over, return her to me."

"A small matter—if she wants to go back then."

"What did you say?"

"What did you do to her?"

"Nothing. Everything is the choice of destiny."

How could a Destiny Great Villain not count as destiny?

A faint smile curled Gu Yun's lips. Using the deceiving heaven mask to simulate his aura, his figure vanished as he re-entered the Great Luo Dao Pagoda space... outside.

"Bastard, bastard!"

"Damned bastard, what on earth are you messing around with... honestly... you're such a handful!"

Chu Ruoyao punched the cold palace wall hard, making a dull thud, but she retracted all her aura just before the restriction fluctuated, merging back into the shadows.

She gritted her silver teeth, her blood-red eyes full of irritation and worry.

She had been searching for Gu Yun like crazy these past few days, but she had searched almost the entire Eternal Imperial Palace and still couldn't find any trace of him. Now, all that remained were the sleeping quarters of Di Shitian, the Empress, the Empress Dowager, and others.

And in these places, even with her stealth techniques, it was impossible to trespass.

Now, even she was at her wits' end, naturally making her incredibly irritable.

"Hmph, don't think the matter of the thousand illusions pipa can be forgotten just like this. Bastard, even if you're going to die, you have to hand the thing over to me before you can die!!"

After working so hard for so long, the reward was within reach, only for everything to fall through at the last moment. This made her explode completely; she was like a powder keg that could be ignited at any moment.

A sharp light flashed in Chu Ruoyao's eyes, and her figure vanished instantly.

"Eternal Imperial Dynasty, just you wait. You dare to touch anyone? If I don't give you a piece of my mind, my name isn't Chu!!"

...Inside the bamboo house on the third floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.

The flow of time was different; while only a few days had passed outside, nearly ten years had gone by here.

The bamboo house was still quiet and elegant, but the air was filled with a faint, cold fragrance unique to a woman.

Gu Yun's figure quietly appeared, and his gaze swept across the room, landing in the center of the bamboo house.

In that spot, Yan Qingmei, dressed in tight night-traveling clothes, was still suspended from the ceiling in that strange and shameful posture.

Her limbs were still firmly bound by chains, and the tight clothing outlined her breathtaking curves.

But unlike before, she was not unconscious or struggling. Instead... her eyes were closed, her breathing was steady, and her long eyelashes cast a small shadow on her eyelids. That cold and peerlessly beautiful face actually carried a hint of... eerie calm, or even... peace?

Gu Yun's eyebrows rose slightly as he stepped forward.

As if sensing someone approaching, Yan Qingmei's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes.

Those eyes, cold as winter stars, flickered slightly when she saw that the newcomer was Gu Yun.

Her lips parted a couple of times, but she couldn't say anything.

Ten years.

For cultivators with long lifespans, ten years might not be very long.

But for someone imprisoned in such a humiliating way in absolute silence, only able to perceive their own existence while even the passage of time became blurred, ten years was enough to destroy many convictions and twist many perceptions.

At first, there was anger, shame, struggling, and cursing.

Then, there was despair, numbness, and emptiness.

Later on, all resistance became meaningless, and even the meaning of time began to blur.

Yan Qingmei could only numb herself by breathing in the heaven and earth spiritual energy, but this cultivation unexpectedly led her to discover a new world.

Although the third floor lacked the great dao spirit spring to assist in the cultivation of Dao laws, the spiritual power was extremely abundant.

It effectively helped Yan Qingmei maintain her state. Because of this, even after ten years, her face only looked a bit tired and not too terrible.

Gu Yun stepped forward and habitually placed his hand on Yan Qingmei's buttocks. Her entire body shuddered.

Memories from ten years ago flooded back, and she felt awful.

"You... you liar..."

Her voice carried a raspiness polished by long-term solitude, no longer as cold and sharp as before. Instead, she sounded like a startled little animal, only able to issue a weak questioning in the face of absolute power.

Those cold eyes were now filled with tears that stubbornly refused to fall, yet she couldn't stop them from trembling slightly.

Ten years of withered silence, unable to move—even the hardest heart would be worn down with cracks.

At this moment, Yan Qingmei had shed her cold assassin's shell, revealing her true fragility and helplessness.

Myriad Transformation Power flowed through her body, gradually restoring Yan Qingmei's complexion. "I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Of course, if your master hadn't mentioned you, you might have had to stay here for even longer."

//679//

Chapter 679 – Thicken the Sauce (Two-in-One)

Though the words sounded like an apology, Gu Yun's face remained as cold as ice.

Yan Qingmei blinked in surprise; lifting her gaze to Gu Yun, she saw that ten years had left the youth unchanged—still as elegant as jade, still incomparably handsome.

"M… Master?"

"You… you've seen the Goddess?"

Yan Qingmei asked softly.

Gu Yun nodded. "That's right. She's very concerned about your safety."

As he spoke, he stepped forward and released Yan Qingmei from her mid-air suspension.

After being restrained for so long, her limbs had long since gone numb. The instant her feet touched the ground she staggered, and Gu Yun promptly slipped an arm around her waist to steady her.

The warm touch at her waist made Yan Qingmei stiffen, yet she didn't struggle or scold him as she would have ten years ago.

Ten lonely years had truly changed her.

"Thank you…"

Gu Yun was slightly taken aback. "You don't hate me?"

Yan Qingmei lifted her eyes to meet his and answered calmly, "Not really. I know very well that someone like me, after failing a mission, if fallen into anyone else's hands…

the situation would have been millions of times worse. That you kept me alive is already heaven's great mercy."

"This place is secluded and lonely, but it's also an excellent cultivation ground. In truth I spent most of the decade immersed in training; it wasn't all that painful."

Ten years had not altered the cold beauty of the assassin's face, yet the once blade-sharp gleam in her eyes was now veiled by an inescapable haze.

"Do you want to leave here?"

Gu Yun asked.

Yan Qingmei's head snapped up, hope flaring in her eyes—then dimming again. "You… you'll let me go?"

"I will, but not now… Once my cooperation with Ye Qingcheng ends, I'll send you back to her side."

"Of course… if in the future you're foolish enough to strike at me or my women again, I imagine this decade's lesson still won't have been severe enough."

Gu Yun's words carried a mild warning, yet they somehow eased Yan Qingmei's heart.

"Thank you…"

she murmured, the light of hope rekindling in her eyes; after ten solitary years, her longing for freedom ran bone-deep.

"All right. I'll take you somewhere first."

With those words Gu Yun, arm still around her waist, flickered and appeared on the first floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda. The third floor was where Ji Yaojun and the others secluded themselves; previously he had chained Yan Qingmei there, which had been no problem, but now that her restraints were gone she could not remain.

Fortunately… Yan Qingmei had behaved rather docilely; this newly risen genius killer from Shadow Tower seemed to have had her old sharp edges ground away.

Gu Yun settled her in a separate courtyard on the first floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, then returned to the third. After a brief tender reunion with Ji Yaojun, Flame Princess, and Moon Dance, he went up to the sixth floor to check on Shadow, who was still in seclusion.

Once one set foot on the threshold of the Quasi-Emperor realm, cultivation became the main theme of life—unless, like Yan Qingmei, one was kept in that strange dangling state.

To keep pace with him, Shadow trained with desperate diligence. She sat cross-legged beside the spring, aura surging; signs of another breakthrough were already visible.

Gu Yun watched for a while, then turned and left. Outside—the bedchamber of Cining Palace.

Gu Yun's figure reappeared on the phoenix couch, his aura calm, as if he had merely napped a moment.

Yet Ye Qingcheng sensed something amiss. She tilted her head; the youth seemed fast asleep, but she felt he had not been entirely honest.

"Hmph, why should I care?"

She withdrew her gaze, forcing herself not to look at that handsome profile so close at hand.

Men would only slow the speed of her blade; in a million years they would all be nothing but dry bones in a grave!

Cursing inwardly, Ye Qingcheng stopped resisting. She quietly circulated her art and began to regulate her breathing in cultivation.

The night passed without incident.

As the first rays of dawn filtered into the bedchamber, Ye Qingcheng slowly opened her eyes—no trace of fatigue, only bright divine light.

Almost against her will she turned her head to the side.

Gu Yun still lay in the posture he had taken when falling asleep, breathing long and even, face serene.

"Hmph! Utter fool—how can you let someone sleep beside your own couch?"

"You don't even understand that, yet you spout such big words!"

She gave a cold mental snort, yet secretly breathed a sigh of relief; the night had passed without the slightest impropriety from the boy.

She rose quietly, palace robes sweeping the floor, and moved like a Shadow to the window, gazing out at the Eternal Imperial Capital as it slowly woke.

The morning light was faint, the palace walls towering; everything appeared calm and orderly.

"Your Majesty has refined tastes; the sunrise of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty does possess its own charm."

Ye Qingcheng did not turn. "You still care about scenery? By your own reckoning, within days none of this splendor will remain."

"What… you think I'll slaughter the innocent indiscriminately?"

"Battles of Imperial rank are unavoidable."

"Then they can only blame their fate. Perhaps in their next life, under my Supreme Divine Dynasty, they'll know peace."

"Hmph, so you even have a merciful heart, helping them on their way to bliss."

Gu Yun gave a soft laugh. "At a time like this, who among those able to reside in Eternal Imperial Capital is truly innocent?"

"If they must die, then they die—why not?"

With that, Gu Yun turned to leave Cining Palace.

"Where are you going? Don't forget, you're still a prisoner. Once you step outside Cining Palace, even I can't protect you."

"Relax, just taking a stroll. In a palace this vast, surely there's room for me."

Gu Yun spoke with a smile, his tone shifting so that Ye Qingcheng almost felt she was looking at someone else.

Only then did she recall Gu Yun's uncanny art of disguise—one not the least inferior to her own.

In this palace, unless one of the ancient monsters of the ancestral ground acted, he could indeed wander at will.

"Be careful. If you stir up something we can't control, cleaning up the mess won't be easy."

Ye Qingcheng called after him, but Gu Yun's figure had already slipped away like a fish into water, vanishing without a sound.

"Don't worry… I'm just delivering someone a small surprise. I'll be back soon. I wouldn't miss Di Shitian's phoenix-slaying drama."

… After leaving Cining Palace, Gu Yun used the deceiving heaven mask to transform into Liu Feng's appearance.

He made his way unerringly to a palace gate; the maids saw him coming and hastily cleared a path.

One of them even hurried forward: "Eunuch Liu~~ You haven't visited in so long…"

She leaned in close—a pretty, delicate girl, but unfortunately one who failed to trigger the xuan qing treasure mirror's response.

Gu Yun gave a slight nod. "His Majesty has loaded me with tasks lately; I couldn't get away. Now that I finally have a moment, I came straight here."

"Where is your mistress…?"

"Her Highness is resting in the inner chamber. Eunuch Liu, you may go in yourself."

"She's been waiting for you, my lord. She's barely touched her tea or rice. Do stay and keep her company."

The little maid hid a giggle, plainly familiar with the understanding between Liu Feng and her mistress.

Gu Yun nodded and walked straight toward the inner chamber.

In this vast rear palace, only Liu Feng possessed the secret art of retracting yang; most of the lonely consorts kept an ambiguous rapport with him.

Only Di Shitian remained completely in the dark.

He was lost in cultivation, all his thoughts of late fixed on his grand phoenix-slaying scheme, leaving no time for anything else.

Thus Liu Feng's conduct grew ever bolder—yet to swagger in broad daylight like this was unprecedented.

This was Consort Mu's residence; her father was prime minister of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, and her family would play a decisive role in Liu Feng's future war to overthrow Di Shitian. In terms of importance she likely outranked the other two consorts recorded in the xuan qing treasure mirror.

As the inner door swung open, a mingled perfume of face powder and warmer incense wafted out.

The chamber was dim, its décor lavish yet gaudy.

A young woman in gossamer nightwear, hair slightly disheveled and alluring, reclined on a daybed. Seeing "Liu Feng" enter, her eyes lit up and she cooed, "Feng-lang, why so late? I've missed you terribly."

She rose to greet him.

A wicked smile curled on Gu Yun's lips as he strode forward and drew Mu Yue into his arms.

[xuan qing treasure mirror, page seventy-one]

[Name: Mu Yue]

[Favorability: 0]

[Cultivation: Great Saint Realm]

[Physique: Rejuvenation Body]

[Identity: Heroine of "I Became the Empress Dowager's Personal Eunuch"]

Warm jade in his arms, Gu Yun's expression did not change.

"Feng-lang, you seem… different today."

Nestled against him, Mu Yue expected the usual frantic rush; though it ended in seconds, the frequency made up for it.

A quasi-Emperor's stamina let him indulge; short but potent, quantity bred quality.

Yet this time the youth exuded an unfamiliar coolness.

"Perhaps. After so long apart, I only want to hold you a while."

Gu Yun mimicked Liu Feng's voice perfectly, whispering into her ear.

His warm breath made her knees weak; she pouted, "Wicked man."

"You've stayed away so long—do you know what I've endured?"

Her hand slid down to find her playmate, but the instant she touched him her smile froze.

"N-no, you're not Feng-lang—who are you?!"

Hair bristling on her neck, she felt a hand clamp her throat.

"Of course I'm not. But don't worry—soon your Feng-lang will join you."

"Good girl, it won't hurt—don't scream."

Mu Yue went rigid, unable to speak.

The youth's fingers tightened; a crisp crack sounded, her eyes dimmed, terror frozen on her lovely face, throat crushed.

Gu Yun released her; Consort Mu's body slid to the floor.

"First one."

[Ding! Host has slain Protagonist of Fortune Mu Yue; Child of Destiny Liu Feng's destiny value falls by 8,000. Reward: Orange Treasure Chest x2]

As the system tone faded, Gu Yun straightened his clothes and strolled out.

"Eunuch Liu, finished so soon today?"

The little maid appeared, carrying breakfast to Mu Yue's room.

"Too many eyes in the morning—best not flaunt it."

Gu Yun smiled at the tray. "Her Highness has eaten. Dispose of that yourself."

"Let her rest today… she's earned it."

The maid blinked, cheeks flushing.

"Lord Liu, you're terrible…"

"W-what's happening…?"

Liu Feng clutched his chest, coughing blood.

The hidden injury from Qixia Mountain Range had nearly healed; now it flared anew.

"Damn it—time to find Yue-er."

Mu Yue's physique could heal him—a secret only he knew; she herself was unaware.

And only with her could he chain countless three-second bursts, unlike with Ning Xin-er or Xia Qian-qian.

Yet even that had begun to exhaust him, so he'd cooled toward her lately.

Now, badly hurt, he had no choice.

"Just once—this time I won't listen to that little witch and stop halfway."

He hurried to her palace.

"Lord Liu, why… have you come back?"

The maid stared at the returning "Liu Feng," bewildered.

"Out of my way—urgent business with Her Highness."

Ignoring her, he forced the door, anxiety mounting.

Inside, the familiar scent of powder and incense calmed him slightly.

"Yue-er, are you there?"

"It's Feng-lang, come to see you…"

No answer.

His heart sank; he pushed the door open. "Yue-er, I'm coming in…"

Silence greeted him.

He rounded the screen—and froze.

The maid rushed after. "Eunuch Liu, you said to let Her Highness rest—"

Her words died as she saw Mu Yue sprawled beside the daybed, eyes wide and lifeless.

"C-Consort—!!"