Chapter 667: There are still experts (Two-in-one)
With the descent of those nine pillars of light connecting heaven and earth and the terrifying Imperial Might, the air in the entire Eternal Imperial Capital seemed to freeze.
Behind Di Shitian, nine figures suspended quietly, like immortal monuments stepping out from the long river of time.
The vicissitudes of ages and supreme majesty were interwoven upon them; their mere presence caused space to distort and laws to wail.
The three leading figures had the deepest and most vast auras.
The one in the center had an illusory figure, as if condensed from pure starlight, with a blurred face; only his eyes, as they opened and closed, seemed to reflect the birth and death of the universe—this was the strongest Emperor in the history of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, the Eternal Imperial Ancestor, Di Hao!
The one on the left wore a dark black dragon robe, his face cold as eternal ice, surrounded by chilling sword intent; he was known for his decisive slaughter and godly sword dao, the Heaven-Slaying Great Emperor, Di Shi.
The one on the right was hunched, holding a staff that seemed polished from the bones of countless stars; his eyes were cloudy yet seemed able to see through all worldly illusions—he was the most mysterious State Preceptor in the history of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, who had served three generations of emperors, Old Man Starfall.
These three had all reached the peak of the Ninth Tribulation, truly touching the ceiling of this world.
Without the immortal lock blocking them, perhaps they would have had a chance to glimpse that legendary realm!
And the six behind them, though slightly inferior in strength, were all terrifying existences at the peak of the Eighth Tribulation or even the early Ninth Tribulation.
Countless Emperors had appeared in the history of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty; those able to enter the Ancestral Land to extend their lives were naturally the best among them.
Even the current Di Shitian was still half a step away from the minimum threshold; it was for this reason, for the fate of the Imperial Dynasty, that he had become so crazed.
Di Jiuyuan, whom Lin Canghai had mentioned earlier, was among them. He was from an era earlier than Lin Canghai, but meeting again, his eyes were filled with complexity and wariness.
The Ancestral Land had been submerged for millions of years; the junior of the past had now surpassed him, which couldn't help but make one sigh.
Seeing the nine ancestral souls manifest, Di Shitian's heart finally settled slightly; a trace of color returned to his pale face, and his back straightened a bit more.
"Gu Changqing!"
"With the nine ancestors present, if your Immortal Ancient Gu Family truly wants to fight to the death, my Eternal Imperial Dynasty will not hesitate to go to war!"
"Even if we fight until the mountains and rivers are broken and the national fortune collapses, we will let you know that the Eternal Imperial Dynasty... cannot be easily insulted!"
His words carried the determination of burning his boats.
His words were directed at the true person in charge; despite Gu Changge's extremely arrogant behavior, in matters of great importance, he would still listen to his eldest brother.
And with the ruler's back straightened, the ministers also felt empowered.
The fighting spirit of Jin Wufeng and the other Emperors of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty reignited, their auras linking together to form a majestic momentum.
And the Qixia Four Sovereigns, who had already begun to retreat, all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Withered Wood, if Di Shitian hadn't been prepared, you would have led us here to die this time!"
Jin Peng spoke coldly, and the gazes of the other three Sovereigns also turned toward him.
The Withered Wood Demon Emperor gave a dry laugh, inwardly cursing these three bastards for being shameless; the plan to intercept and kill Feng Lingxiao was clearly decided by the three of them together, and now they were blaming him—it was utterly shameless.
"Things happened suddenly; no one knew it would evolve into this situation."
"Fortunately, Di Shitian barely has the means to control everything. Now, no fewer than twenty experts in the late Emperor Realm have appeared on both sides. Even if the Gu Family, Supreme Divine Dynasty, and Holy Water Immortal Palace are aggressive and overbearing, they must weigh the consequences."
"How could the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, which has stood in the Three Thousand Dao Domains for hundreds of millions of years, be an ordinary power?"
"Once the battle between the two sides fully erupts, we will immediately strike Feng Lingxiao and then flee far away."
"After returning to the Qixia Mountain Range, I trust these humans won't dare to act recklessly!"
"Alright, stop planning this and that; I just hope nothing goes wrong."
Jin Peng had a bad premonition; under the siege of the four of them, Feng Lingxiao was at his wits' end and would be completely defeated before long.
Previously, because of the arrival of Gu Changqing and the others, they had slowed down their attack rhythm to avoid being noticed; now they felt relieved and could go all out.
"After millions of years, you dare to bully my Eternal Imperial Dynasty to this extent? Do you truly think my dynasty has no one?!"
On the main battlefield, killing intent surged in Di Shi's eyes as he instantly locked onto Gu Changge. This boy's arrogance had been the most flamboyant earlier; although Di Shi hadn't fully awakened, he had seen it all, and now that they met, he was naturally furious!
"Heh, an old thing who should have died long ago, just a final radiance before the end, yet you dare to bark wildly before me?"
"Presumptuous!"
"Boy, how dare you insult me so! Do you dare to fight me in the outer heavens?!"
Di Shi was fuming with rage; he had once roamed the Three Thousand Dao Domains for millions of years and had never seen such an arrogant and overbearing person.
"Why wouldn't I dare?!"
"You old fogies truly think you can show off your power, not knowing that my Gu Family doesn't even need to use our hidden foundations to deal with all of you!"
Gu Changge held the Purgatory Demon Blade, transforming into a blood-colored light that soared into the sky, clashing with Di Shi.
Both were at the ninth level of the Emperor Realm with incredibly deep foundations, but Gu Changge had the advantage of an immortal weapon and quickly gained the upper hand.
The Eternal Ancestors, who had intended to watch Di Shi win the opening battle, all looked displeased.
"Is the Immortal Ancient Gu Family truly so overbearing?!"
Di Hao looked at Gu Changqing, his voice cold.
"It was your Eternal Imperial Dynasty that bullied my son first; today's destruction is your own doing."
Gu Changqing's voice was cold and devoid of emotion, but those who knew him knew that in this state, he was truly enraged!
"Nothing to talk about?"
"Di Hao, I only wasted a few words with you because I respect you as a senior."
"Things have come to this; further talk is useless."
"Then, a battle in the outer heavens!"
"I also want to see what level the Heavenly Emperors of this era have reached!"
The two no longer concealed their auras as they soared into the sky.
"Di Jiuyuan, get over here and meet your death!"
"Damn it..."
Facing Lin Canghai's challenge, Di Jiuyuan felt some fear. Since entering the Ancestral Land, his cultivation had stagnated; now he was only at the peak of the Eighth Tribulation, so how could he fight Lin Canghai, who was in the early Ninth Tribulation?
"Go, Jiuyuan. With me here, he won't gain any advantage."
Old Man Starfall opened his cloudy eyes, which seemed to contain a world within, providing infinite reassurance.
Di Jiuyuan gritted his teeth and soared into the sky.
"I actually don't like fighting."
Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor was somewhat helpless, but he was immediately glared at by Lin Qiushui and Liu Tianhuang; he shrank back, his gaze sweeping over the remaining ancestors, and found one to fight with.
"Goddess Ye, we..."
The Grand Elder of the Shadow Tower wanted to take Ye Qingcheng away and watch the tigers fight from the mountain, but he was stopped by her words: "Elder Ying, things have come to this; we have no way back."
"Trying to have it both ways will only result in having nothing!"
Elder Ying paused slightly, then nodded gently: "I understand the Goddess's meaning."
Restraining one Eternal Ancestor was already his limit.
Of the nine summoned, five were now gone; besides Old Man Starfall, there were still three early Ninth Tribulation ancestors and one peak Eighth Tribulation ancestor.
On Gu Yun's side, the only one left with combat power was Liu Tianhuang.
This peerless and elegant female emperor held the mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd, standing before Gu Yun, her gaze calmly sweeping over the remaining Eternal Ancestors and... Di Shitian.
"Are you the only small fries left?"
"How about... you all come at me together?"
"Little girl, don't be too arrogant. I see your aura is unstable; perhaps you've just severed a part of your cultivation."
"Fighting us in this state—if you fall here, it would be a great loss for our Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"Why don't you all leave? My Eternal Imperial Dynasty can choose not to pursue today's matter. How about it?"
Old Man Starfall's clichés were met only by the radiance of Liu Tianhuang's halberd.
"Presumptuous! You dare to attack the State Preceptor!"
The three early Ninth Tribulation ancestral souls joined forces and barely managed to block Liu Tianhuang's attack; their arms felt numb from the shock, and their eyes were filled with horror.
"Hehe, every generation brings forth new talents. Although you are a woman, your strength truly commands my admiration!"
Radiance flashed in Old Man Starfall's eyes; only now did he become completely serious.
"Lord State Preceptor, this woman dominates the current age and has almost no rivals!"
"No matter, leave her to me. Don't forget, to capture the bandits, first capture their leader!"
The words echoed in Di Shitian's mind, instantly clearing his thoughts.
The appearance of the nine ancestors could indeed block the three major forces for a while, but not forever.
The Immortal Ancient Gu Family had seven Emperors above the Seventh Tribulation in this era, and only three had appeared so far.
If the battle dragged on, it would be of no benefit to them.
Seeing Liu Tianhuang fighting one against four, though high-spirited, she was also unable to pull away.
Di Shitian and the remaining peak Eighth Tribulation ancestor exchanged a glance, a mutual understanding forming instantly.
Without any hesitation, they both blurred their figures, like two ghostly streaks of light, bypassing Liu Tianhuang's battlefield and lunging straight for Gu Yun, who was protected in the center.
"You're looking for death!"
Liu Tianhuang shouted angrily, her mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd sweeping out; the red-gold halberd light tore through the void, attempting to intercept the two.
But the star-bone staff in Old Man Starfall's hand gave a light stroke, and a brilliant star map emerged, barely managing to deflect the halberd light.
Solemnity flashed in his eyes, but he still spoke in a deep voice: "Young lady, your opponents are us!"
The three early Ninth Tribulation ancestors also gave Liu Tianhuang no chance, moving together under Old Man Starfall's support to firmly restrain her.
"Protect the Imperial Son."
Someone in the world shouted; several Emperors from the three major forces nearby gathered around. However, the speed of Di Shitian and that Eighth Tribulation Emperor was too fast to be blocked.
In the current situation, only Lin Qiushui, Feng Yunshu, and Shangguan Yaya could react effectively in a short time.
Although the three women threw themselves forward to block for Gu Yun regardless of their safety, the gap in strength was obvious, and they were truly unable to keep up.
In the shadows... several figures who had arrived late watched the shocking battle scene, their expressions turning strange.
"Second Sister... is this what you referred to as being in danger and desperately needing our rescue?"
"I think with the few of us here, joining this battlefield would not only have no effect but we'd probably be easily dealt with!"
A female general in silver armor, riding a remarkably handsome one-horned white jade Pegasus, looked heroic and valiant.
But at this moment, her brows were tightly knit as she whispered to Chu Ruoyao beside her.
Previously, Chu Ruoyao had returned to the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty and exaggerated the danger to Zhong Lingyu, scaring Bai Zhi into immediately recalling Ruan Qing from the Paramita Battlefield; they had traveled thousands of miles to the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, only to encounter this scene.
They had originally thought that with four Emperors, including Chu Ruoyao and Ruan Qing, it would be enough to force the Eternal Imperial Dynasty to release the person.
Now it seemed that even if they joined in, they wouldn't even be able to make a splash.
Looking at the battlefield, Chu Ruoyao's mouth also twitched, and she inwardly cursed that little brat Gu Yun countless times.
But seeing Di Shitian charging toward the youth, her heart still clenched: "What can we do? We're already here. See that boy? Fifth Sister is right by his side. If anything happens to him, Fifth Sister will definitely be affected!"
"What?!!"
Ruan Qing's expression changed drastically upon hearing this.
A bright silver spear appeared in her hand: "Then what are we waiting for?! Let's move!"
Before her voice finished, her figure had already turned into a silver flash; the white jade Pegasus beneath her let out a spirited neigh, its hooves shattering the void as it charged toward Di Shitian and that Eighth Tribulation ancestor!
A cold gleam arrived first, then the spear shot out like a dragon!
The brilliant silver spear light, like a comet piercing the night sky, carried an indomitable and resolute killing intent, instantly stabbing toward the back of that Eighth Tribulation ancestor's heart!
This spear was fast! Precise! Ruthless!
It contained the pure slaughtering aura that Ruan Qing had tempered through years of killing demons on the Paramita Battlefield.
Even though there was a two-tribulation gap in strength, it still forced the Eighth Tribulation ancestor to distract himself to block.
Squelch!
The silver spear light grazed his protective Imperial Qi, bringing forth a spray of dark-golden Imperial blood.
"Who is it?!!"
The Eighth Tribulation ancestor was shocked and furious; he looked at the newcomer with a cold expression.
Di Shitian's face also changed; he hadn't expected someone else to appear and interfere at this critical moment.
Upon seeing Ruan Qing's appearance, his expression became even uglier: "Ruan Qing!"
"Have you all gone mad? In the Battle of the Northern Border back then, your Ziwei Imperial Dynasty also had a part!"
"Now you're actually aiding the villain? Do you think Liu Tianhuang will let you off?!"
"I don't care what you do to Liu Tianhuang, but Fifth Sister is still in this boy's hands; you can't touch her!"
"Good! You've got guts!"
"A mere Sixth Tribulation dares to talk big!"
"Little girl, let's go again!"
The Eighth Tribulation ancestor had lost face and was now fuming; he directly intercepted Ruan Qing, his attacks becoming increasingly violent.
"Di Shitian! Make it quick, don't delay any longer!"
"Alright!"
In a short time, all nine ancestors were actually being restrained.
Di Shitian locked onto Gu Yun, his eyes overflowing with rage: "Boy!"
"I don't know what kind of means you used to get the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty to intervene."
"But now... it's all over!"
"Is that so?"
"I am still here. Today... you won't be able to touch him!"
Chu Ruoyao's figure, like a flash of brilliance peeled from an ink-wash landscape painting, quietly stood between Di Shitian and Gu Yun.
//688//
Chapter 668 – Ancient Phoenix Clan (Two-in-One)
"With me here, you can't touch him."
Gu Yun had already planned to use his Great Emperor Experience Card to hold out for a while; his arrangements didn't end there, but that particular ally wasn't someone he could order around at will.
He hadn't expected Chu Ruoyao to appear at this critical moment, saving him a lot of trouble.
He chuckled. "I thought Senior Chu had long since abandoned me; Gu Yun offers his thanks."
"Hmph! You haven't even handed the thousand illusions pipa to me—still planning to renege?!"
"I'm telling you: even if you die, you'll fulfill your promise before you do!"
Chu Ruoyao gave a soft snort, tilted her head forty-five degrees toward the sky, and suddenly felt the world spin before her eyes.
The next instant, a cool, smooth object was pressed into her arms.
She instinctively lowered her head and, sure enough, saw the fantastical pipa she'd yearned for—like a dream or mirage—nestled quietly in her arms.
Her eyes widened. Just as she was about to speak, she heard Gu Yun say, "The thousand illusions pipa is presented with both hands. Senior, please leave first; this place is dangerous—there's no need to get involved!"
Gu Yun spoke softly.
Chu Ruoyao studied the youth deeply; those once-calm eyes now held a trace of genuine feeling.
"What kind of joke is that? I'm here—how could I flee without fighting!"
"Senior Chu, this really isn't child's play. With the nation's fate empowering him, Di Shitian's strength has already reached late Emperor Realm; he's not someone we can face head-on."
"So what if he's late Emperor Realm? I specialize in beating late Emperor Realm!!"
Chu Ruoyao arched her delicate brow, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes. The frustration of having been easily manipulated by Gu Yun earlier seemed to find its outlet at last.
Her jade fingers gently stroked the brand-new thousand illusions pipa in her arms, feeling the wondrous Dao rhythm that seemed linked to her very soul. A long-lost, mighty self-confidence surged within her.
"You little rascal, today I'll let you witness my true strength!"
A sharp gleam flashed in her eyes, and her aura erupted.
Around Di Shitian, two more illusory figures suddenly appeared.
The three looked exactly alike—their auras, expressions, even the pride in their eyes were identical. Even the thousand illusions pipas they cradled shimmered with the same divine luster.
"Hmm?! A clone technique?!"
Di Shitian's gaze sharpened; his divine sense swept out and he was secretly shocked.
With his cultivation as a Seventh-Tribulation Great Emperor, he actually couldn't tell which of the three was real and which two were fake!
It was as though all three were real, yet also as though all were illusions.
"Three Bodies as One!"
The three figures opened their vermilion lips in unison, their voices overlapping like celestial fairiesong entwined with infernal witch-music, bewildering the mind.
As their fingers plucked, the thousand illusions pipas in their arms sounded together.
The three silhouettes interwove, then bizarrely merged into one, and Chu Ruoyao's cultivation climbed accordingly.
For an instant, heaven and earth seemed to fall silent.
After merging into one, Chu Ruoyao's appearance hadn't changed, but her temperament had transformed utterly.
She was a little less languid and bewitching, a little more coldly ethereal, and between her brows now coexisted a sovereign disdain for all beings and a divine compassion.
The thousand illusions pipa in her arms now glowed only faintly, simple and unadorned, yet it seemed to bear a supreme Dao rhythm.
And her aura—
Boom!
Like a volcano slumbering for eons erupting completely!
Late Sixth Tribulation… peak of Sixth Tribulation… Seventh Tribulation!
The rise didn't stop; Chu Ruoyao kept climbing, only slowing once she reached late Seventh Tribulation.
"Watch closely—this is my true strength!"
"A mere Di Shitian—I'll finish him off in minutes!"
Full of vigor, Chu Ruoyao charged straight at Di Shitian with tricky, ruthless methods that left him hard-pressed.
The corner of Gu Yun's mouth curved in a smile. Lin Qiushui, standing nearby, finally exhaled in relief, smiling at the youth. "Little Yun, why do two Empresses pop out to protect you? What exactly did you do to them?"
Feng Yunshu's heart tightened at the words, and she stared nervously at the young man.
Gu Yun grinned. "Mother, don't worry. We're just purely platonic friends who've shared a quilt—nothing more."
"Really?"
"Of course. Mother, when have I ever lied to you?"
"In that regard, little Yun-zi has never let me down."
Lin Qiushui snorted coldly; she knew her son's character all too well.
She had once worried he might be so devoted to the Dao that he'd forget to continue the Gu Family line, but now it seemed that fear had been groundless.
Now she ought to worry whether she'd prepared enough bracelets for future daughters-in-law… "Brother Yun, look at Father!"
Just then, Feng Yunshu suddenly clutched Gu Yun's arm and cried out anxiously. At some point, the girl who should have been the center of attention had become a mere bystander, finally free to survey the battlefield.
She saw the vermilion-gold phoenix shadow—formed from Feng Lingxiao and the remnant soul of Guo Yunwan—growing ever dimmer under the siege of the Qixia Four Sovereigns, flickering like a candle in the wind, on the verge of complete extinction.
The only solution she could think of was to beg Gu Yun, yet the moment the words left her mouth her heart twisted in pain.
All the experts who could act were already here; what could Brother Yun possibly do?
"Don't panic, Yunshu. Since I asked Uncle to act, of course I prepared a follow-up."
"Really?"
"Really."
"I said… I'd let them see their great enmity avenged with their own eyes!"
"We're only one step away—how could I go back on my word?!"
"Yes, Yunshu, don't worry."
"Before we set out for the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, I already had Father send word; they should arrive soon."
Lin Qiushui spoke comforting words, but didn't explain everything. After a brief reunion, another parting would be too cruel for Feng Yunshu; better to let her enjoy a little carefree time.
"They can't hold out much longer!"
Among the Qixia Four Sovereigns, the Golden-Winged Peng Demon Emperor's eyes flashed with greed and viciousness. "Withered Wood, Mountain-Moving, Nine-Underworld—strike with full force and finish this fast! Destroy the remnant soul, seize his source true-blood and that drop of phoenix true-blood, then we flee!"
"This battlefield is beyond us; let Di Shitian have his headache."
"Once we return deep into the Qixia Mountain Range, with its natural barriers and our ties to the demon race, no one can touch us!"
"Fine!"
The three Demon Emperors answered in unison, no longer holding anything back as they unleashed their strongest killing moves.
Withered Wood Demon Emperor turned countless withered vines into venomous dragons that coiled around the phoenix shadow, draining its soul power and life.
Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's stone pillar swelled like a heaven-supporting divine mountain, carrying the force to shatter stars as it smashed down.
The Nine-Underworld Serpent Emperor opened its maw and spewed frigid Nine-Underworld poison-flames that could freeze the soul, corroding space itself.
The Golden-Winged Peng Emperor gave a mighty flap of his wings, turning into a streak of dark gold light that tore through the void, his talons aimed straight at the heart of the phoenix phantom—that drop of suspended true blood!
This was the greatest objective of his journey; from this moment on he would be reborn, free to roam the boundless sky.
Wan'er… I'm sorry, it seems I still can't do anything…
Within the phantom, Feng Lingxiao's consciousness had blurred; he clutched the equally illusory beauty in his arms, voice trembling.
Lingxiao…
Guo Yunwan's remnant soul spoke weakly yet clearly, filled with endless longing and no regret: Don't say that. Meeting you, giving birth to Shuer, fighting shoulder to shoulder with you to the end—I've never regretted.
It's just… a pity I won't see our Shuer in her wedding dress….
The two remnant souls held each other tight, as though in this final moment they would merge into eternity.
They gave up resisting, only hoping… before completely dispersing, to look at each other one more time, to feel one more instant together.
The Golden-Winged Peng Emperor's talons had already touched the edge of the phantom; the terrifying sharpness made the crimson-gold blood bead quiver violently, as though it might shatter the next instant.
It's over!
Ecstasy flashed in his eyes.
Yet… at this critical juncture, a sigh crossed the endless sky like a clap of thunder.
Ah…
Buzz—!!
The Golden-Winged Peng Emperor's certain-slaying claw, only three inches from the crimson-gold blood bead, struck an invisible, unbreakable wall of sigh and froze mid-air.
Not only that, the instant the sigh sounded, the other three sovereigns' attacks were completely frozen as well.
Who?!
The Golden-Winged Peng Emperor's face turned ashen, alarms screaming in his heart; he jerked his gaze toward the depths of the void.
Above the Phoenix Slaying Platform, the sky—previously a chaotic mess of imperial battle energies—split open without warning.
From the rift a figure stepped slowly into view.
An old man in plain hemp robes, straight as a pine.
His ancient face was furrowed like carved stone, silver hair loose, only his eyes burning with blazing flame that made hearts tremble.
Hands behind his back, his aura forced the four sovereigns to retreat.
He trod the void and came before Feng Lingxiao.
Lingxiao…
Was it worth it?
At that moment the old man's gaze was indescribably complex.
The once high-spirited youth was now this; how great the sorrow in his heart.
Perhaps he never should have let Feng Lingxiao leave the ancestral land; then he might still be the proud young master of the ancient Phoenix clan.
Not lingering on like this…
Was it worth it?
Hearing that voice, the crimson-gold phoenix phantom, nearly extinguished, quivered violently!
Within the phantom, Feng Lingxiao's dim phoenix eyes flickered with shock, joy, and guilt.
A thousand words converged into one: I'm sorry, Father; Lingxiao has shamed you.
Guo Yunwan's remnant soul sensed it; though she had never met this legendary being, the resonance of blood and soul told her who he was. She tried to curtsey but lacked the strength.
Ah…
The old man—Feng Wuya, progenitor of the ancient Phoenix clan, Feng Lingxiao's father—shuddered imperceptibly.
A clear tear slid down; his throat hoarse, he said, What use are words now?
My Xiao'er can't come back.
Father, your unfilial son begs you: save Yunshu; she is still young, her future limitless…
Let Shuer accompany you for the rest of your years…
Feng Lingxiao's remnant soul grew ever dimmer, his voice barely a whisper, but the fatherly love and plea, persistent to the end, pierced through space and time to echo clearly in Feng Wuya's heart.
Feng Wuya's figure trembled again.
For the first time, those eternally burning eyes rippled violently.
As progenitor of the ancient Phoenix clan, he had lived countless ages, seen countless joys and sorrows, thought his heart a still well.
But in this instant he was moved.
The once rebellious youth and the candle-in-the-wind figure overlapped, igniting Feng Wuya's fury.
Very well… I promise you.
Feng Wuya's voice was soft, yet carried unquestionable weight.
The flames in his eyes slowly settled into a terrifying chill; heaven-burning fury compressed to the verge of eruption.
But before that…
He turned his gaze toward the Golden-Winged Peng Emperor and the other three sovereigns.
Under that gaze, the Golden-Winged Peng Emperor, Withered Wood Demon Emperor, Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor, and Netherworld Serpent Emperor—four peak sovereigns whose names struck fear across the Qixia Mountain Range—felt their hearts stop and their souls plunge into an icy abyss!
First, as your father, I'll clean up this trash…
Before the words faded, Feng Wuya struck decisively, instantly locking onto the weakest of the four—the Netherworld Serpent Emperor.
He raised his hand and pressed from afar.
The Netherworld Serpent Emperor's colossal body, vast as an ancient mountain range, stiffened as though seized by an invisible giant palm!
Its soul-freezing Netherworld poison flame, its armor capable of corroding imperial weapons, its boundless sovereign power—all lost meaning under that press.
No—NO—!!!
Bloodline suppression, a gulf in strength; the Netherworld Serpent Emperor was terrified, vertical pupils filled with endless dread, the scent of death so clear, so near!
It struggled frantically, trying to unleash life-saving arts, trying to tear space and flee.
But it was too late.
Crack… crackle… the sickening sound of shattering bones rang out like popping beans.
The Netherworld Serpent Emperor's titanic form began to collapse, twist, and shatter inch by inch from the head down.
In barely three breaths, the once dominant Netherworld Serpent Emperor was reduced to a cloud of ash by Feng Wuya's casual press, scattered by the wind, not even a wisp of soul remaining.
Body and soul obliterated!
Silence!
Deathly silence!
The Golden-Winged Peng Emperor, Withered Wood Demon Emperor, and Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor stood frozen, pupils shrunk to needle points, blood seeming to ice in their veins.
A mid-stage Seven-Tribulation sovereign… gone just like that?
In a snap of the fingers, turned to smoke and ash.
What realm had this man reached—and how long could they last?!!
Next… it's your turn…
//689//
Chapter 669: The Last One (2-in-1)
Feng Wuya's gaze slowly swept over the remaining Golden Roc Demon Emperor, Withered Wood Demon Emperor, and Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor, devoid of any emotion!
Run!
This was the only thought left in the minds of the Three Sovereigns who once dominated the Qixia Mountain Range.
The Golden Roc Demon Emperor reacted the fastest. Even before Feng Wuya's gaze swept over him, his figure had already transformed into a golden streak, instantly tearing through the void and fleeing.
His true form was a Golden-Winged Great Roc, and his speed was considered outstanding even among Great Emperor experts. In just a short while, he had already fled a great distance.
However, the Withered Wood Demon Emperor and the Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor were not so lucky.
They were not Demon Sovereigns known for their speed, and under Feng Wuya's pursuit, they had nowhere to run or hide.
Crackle—
The Withered Wood Demon Emperor reverted to his true form, and the countless gnarled, intertwining dead branches, stretching for thousands of miles, seemed to twist simultaneously.
A tragic, mournful howl echoed between heaven and earth, causing countless people to tremble in their hearts.
"No... don't! Senior, I was wrong, I know I was wrong!!!"
The Phoenix True Flame burned fiercely, and the blazing firelight shot up into the sky, seemingly bidding farewell to Feng Lingxiao.
Feng Yunshu stared blankly at this scene, her face filled with envy. When would she also possess such miraculous means?
The flames completely blocked the Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's escape route. His massive body stopped, and a look of fear flashed in his eyes.
"Where else... do you think you can run?"
The cold voice, like the whisper of the Grim Reaper, exploded next to the Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's ear. He turned back in horror, only to see Feng Wuya staggering but steadily approaching, his gaze icy cold.
Having awakened from the Phoenix Ancestral Land, he already held a death-defying attitude. Now that he was taking action, he naturally showed no mercy.
"Senior... spare me, please spare me! I am willing to offer my Vital Essence Blood and recognize you as my master, I only beg you to spare my life!"
The Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's massive body crashed down onto its knees, its voice trembling and filled with unprecedented humility.
"Spare you? Back then, when you guys were subordinates, why couldn't you spare my son's life!"
"Wretches as treacherous and unjust as you, why do you deserve to live in this world!!"
Under the dim yellow sky, Feng Wuya pointed his fingers like a sword, and without hesitation, he pointed into the air at the Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor.
Pfft—
The Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's massive body suddenly froze. The light in his huge eyes, which were filled with fear and pleading, quickly dimmed and vanished.
Immediately after, centered on the spot on his forehead, countless fine, reddish-gold cracks rapidly spread, covering his entire body in the blink of an eye.
Bang—!!!
A muffled explosion of the utmost intensity sounded.
The Mountain-Moving Ape Emperor's terrifying physical body, strong enough to shoulder stars, burst open like an internally detonated volcano.
It turned into rock fragments and flesh remnants splashing everywhere. Another Seven Tribulation Demon Emperor had fallen!
"There's still one more."
Feng Wuya looked up toward the distant horizon where the Golden Roc Demon Emperor had vanished, a cold light flashing in his eyes.
But turning around and looking at Feng Lingxiao, who was about to dissipate, he stopped his steps... On the main battlefield.
The two battlefields involving Chu Ruoyao and Ruan Qing gradually merged. Ruan Qing, bolstered by the Personal Guards she brought, barely maintained her terrifying combat power.
However, fighting a cultivator of the Eighth Tribulation was still a struggle. As time passed, their defensive line was continuously compressed, and they faced imminent danger.
Finally, the palm strike of that Eighth Tribulation Ancestor found a weakness and landed on the Battle Ge that Ruan Qing hurriedly used to block.
"Break!"
He shouted sternly. Ruan Qing felt as if she had been struck by lightning, letting out a muffled groan. The Emperor Weapon-level Battle Ge in her hand emitted a cry of distress under the overwhelming pressure.
She staggered back a few steps, and a mouthful of blood spilled from the corner of her lips.
"Fourth Sister!"
Chu Ruoyao's expression changed slightly. This trip was too rushed. Ruan Qing had only brought a fraction of her Personal Guards, making her unable to exert her full strength. Facing an Eighth Tribulation Great Emperor was still beyond her capabilities.
"Still worrying about others? Worry about yourself first!"
Di Shitian sneered. With the addition of another Ancestor, his pressure was drastically reduced.
With this shift in momentum, Chu Ruoyao was already in imminent danger in a short amount of time.
Ruan Qing struggled to support her body, watching her Second Sister fight desperately in front. Her eyes were full of guilt: "Second Sister! I'll help you!"
Even though she was severely injured, she absolutely did not want Chu Ruoyao to fight alone.
"No need to force a move, I can hold on for a while longer!"
"Recover your injuries as quickly as possible!"
Chu Ruoyao said through clenched teeth.
"Why are you still trying to act tough?!"
"Today, both of you must stay here!"
Di Shitian inverted his hands, and a golden Imperial Seal, carrying the vast Power of National Destiny, appeared between heaven and earth.
"Eternal Imperial Seal!"
At the same time, that Eighth Tribulation Great Emperor also unleashed his ultimate move.
"Nine Nether Soul Devourer!!"
Nine streaks of cold light appeared simultaneously. Cooperating with the golden Imperial Seal, they instantly locked down all of Chu Ruoyao's evasion space and crashed down with destructive force!!
The two used swift, thunderous methods, aiming to severely injure Chu Ruoyao in the shortest time possible. With the help of Immortal Artifacts, the Gu Family held an absolute advantage on the true high-level battlefield.
Their only way to break the deadlock was to capture Gu Yun and force Gu Changqing and the others to comply!
Otherwise... today would truly be the day the Eternal Imperial Dynasty was destroyed.
They understood this logic, so how could Gu Yun, the Mastermind behind everything, not know it?
He hadn't factored Chu Ruoyao into his plans initially. The one truly protecting him personally... was someone else!
"Two shameless old men ganging up to bully a young girl, what kind of skill is that!"
A slightly playful voice suddenly rang out in the center of the battlefield, and a handsome figure appeared, blocking Chu Ruoyao's path.
The Eternal Imperial Seal and the Nine Nether Soul Devourer descended one after another, but the newcomer met them head-on and neutralized them directly.
"What?!"
Di Shitian and Di Jiuyou's expressions changed drastically. They looked in horror toward the source of the voice, their pupils slightly contracting.
"Gu... Gu Qingtian??!!"
"How are you here!"
In terms of seniority, Di Shitian's rise to fame predated Gu Qingtian's, but the talents of the two men were incomparable.
"All my Gu Family members have started a group fight, how can I, this old fellow, not join the party?"
"Di Shitian, perhaps you should be grateful, because if this were two months earlier, the one who came here today wouldn't be me, but my short-tempered Eldest Brother!"
Gu Qingtian chuckled softly. Gu Yun's grandfather, Gu Zhantian, had recently been close to losing control of his cultivation, so he had to self-mutilate and enter the Ancestral Land. Otherwise, it truly wouldn't have been his turn today.
"Shitian, we..."
Di Jiuyou's voice trembled slightly.
"Hey, hey, hey, you were so energetic just now hitting my Granddaughter-in-Law, and now that this old man is here, you want to back out?!"
"How can there be such a good thing in the world!!"
A divine light flashed in Gu Qingtian's eyes, and he put away his cynical smile.
Chu Ruoyao, standing behind him, blushed: "What Granddaughter-in-Law? Did Senior misunderstand something?"
"The relationship between Gu Yun and me is nothing more than a pure employment relationship, completely innocent."
"Completely innocent?"
Gu Qingtian turned his head, sized up Chu Ruoyao, and curved his lips into a meaningful smile.
"Don't worry... this old man understands, completely understands."
This demeanor made Chu Ruoyao grind her teeth in anger, so she could only glare fiercely at Gu Yun.
"Second Sister, could it be that..."
Ruan Qing leaned over, her mouth wide open. Even though she was severely injured, it couldn't stop her desire for gossip.
"Could it be my foot!"
Chu Ruoyao glared at her fiercely. Ruan Qing shrank back, disgruntled and afraid to speak.
"So... how do you plan to die?"
"I am very kindhearted. If it were other people from the Gu Family, they wouldn't talk this much with you."
Gu Qingtian's indifferent attitude naturally infuriated the two men from the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
"Di Shitian, I will restrain Gu Qingtian later. You find the right moment to strike at Gu Yun."
"Those two women are already spent forces and not worth worrying about. As long as we succeed, this crisis will resolve itself."
"Afterward, we will proclaim to the world that the Gu Family's actions are so tyrannical that they incur the wrath of gods and men, and the people of the world should punish them together!"
"Good!"
The two immediately agreed and instantly launched a fierce attack on Gu Qingtian.
Di Jiuyou took the lead, with Di Shitian assisting. Although they appeared to be fighting with all their might, one attack was real, and the other was a feint.
Gu Qingtian's eyes narrowed slightly, and a relaxed smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
The intentions of the two were far too obvious. How could they hide them from someone with such extensive combat experience?
However... during the entanglement of the three, Gu Qingtian deliberately exposed a weakness, and the two naturally wouldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Di Jiuyou's Nine Nether Qi surged around him, transforming into nine ferocious ink-black giant dragons that instantly enveloped Gu Qingtian.
"Shitian! Hurry!"
"Okay!"
Di Shitian didn't hesitate at all. Like a leopard that had been dormant for a long time, his speed was extreme, and his target was clear: he charged straight toward Gu Yun.
Chu Ruoyao and Ruan Qing's expressions changed drastically. They wanted to rush back to help, but it was already too late.
No one could have imagined that even with Gu Qingtian present, Gu Yun could still fall into danger.
Shangguan Yaya shouted softly, her aura erupting. Among the three women, she was the strongest, and at this moment, only she could step forward.
However, at this crucial moment, Gu Yun advanced instead of retreating. He took a step forward, his expression unchanged.
"Seeking death!"
Di Shitian was overjoyed: "Faster, even faster!"
The fate of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty rested on his shoulders alone. He... was the savior!
However... ideals were plump, but reality was skeletal.
"Aiya, what a pity, truly a pity."
"I thought you could at least make Little Yunzi show some interesting expressions. I didn't expect you to be so useless."
The attack halted three inches in front of Gu Yun, unable to advance even an inch further.
Di Shitian fought with all his might, yet he couldn't even break through this most basic barrier of coercion. A trace of despair flashed in his eyes.
But then, Gu Qingtian slowly approached, already gripping Di Jiuyou by the collar of his neck.
This Ancestor of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, an Eighth Tribulation Great Emperor who had dominated the Three Thousand Dao Domains for millions of years, was now held casually in Gu Qingtian's hand like a dead dog. His Nine Nether Qi had long since dispersed, his aura was weak, and his eyes were filled with terror.
"No... impossible, how can you be this strong?!"
"If the Gu Family Ancestors don't come out, how can my Eternal Imperial Dynasty lose, how can we..."
Di Shitian's voice trembled slightly. He desperately tried to escape Gu Qingtian's control, but it was all in vain.
If even an Eighth Tribulation expert couldn't last a few rounds against Gu Qingtian, what kind of waves could he, a mere Seventh Tribulation expert, possibly stir up?
"To deal with you disorganized stragglers, why would my Gu Family need an Ancestor to step forward?"
"Wasting lifespan for nothing—that's a deal that couldn't be worse."
Gu Qingtian strolled up to Di Shitian, looking with interest at the Eternal Emperor Lord struggling with all his might. His tone was filled with undisguised mockery: "How does it feel? Do you hate it? Just a little bit short, everything you did... was just a little bit short."
"You!!"
Di Shitian's face flushed red, but he also knew that the tide had turned against him.
Gu Qingtian stopped looking at him and turned his attention to Di Jiuyou, whom he was holding. His tone was still relaxed: "Old thing, why did you run out to meddle in these matters instead of sleeping peacefully in the Ancestral Land at your age? Now you look so pathetic."
Di Jiuyou's lips trembled. He tried to say something, but only managed a gasping sound, his eyes filled with terror and pleading.
"S-spare... me..."
"Spare you? That won't do. If I did that, wouldn't I have come here for nothing today?"
"No..."
Di Jiuyou still wanted to say something, but Gu Qingtian was no longer going to give him the chance: "Alright, save any old tales for when you're down below."
"I believe you'll have many old friends accompanying you, so you certainly won't be lonely."
Gu Qingtian's tone turned cold, and he exerted slight pressure with his five fingers.
Di Jiuyou trembled all over, but it was useless.
Under the terrified gaze of Di Shitian and countless cultivators of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, Di Jiuyou's physical body, along with his terrified and despairing Divine Soul, was gently squeezed by Gu Qingtian and instantly... crushed!
An Eighth Tribulation Great Emperor... died just like that.
A figure who could stand at the peak of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, a person who might not appear even once in millions of years, had fallen into the hands of a Gu Family member, crushed like an insect.
Di Shitian lowered his head powerlessly, his entire being heavy with despair.
"What's wrong? Weren't you very arrogant just now?"
Gu Qingtian patted Di Shitian's face and spoke with a playful smile.
That pat shattered the Emperor's spirit and dispersed the last trace of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's national destiny.
Di Shitian spoke tremblingly: "S-spare us, leave us a path to survival."
Gu Qingtian didn't speak, but looked at the young man standing in the air: "Little Yunzi, what do you think?"
"The Three Major Powers mobilized massive forces."
"If we only kill one Di Jiuyou, wouldn't that be a huge loss?"
"You little bastard, what did you say??!!"
Di Shitian was furious, staring intently at Gu Yun. If looks could kill, Gu Yun might have died a thousand times over.
Slap!
A crisp slapping sound echoed between heaven and earth. Gu Qingtian wiped his hand, and Di Shitian's head was directly snapped sideways by the blow.
Blood streamed uncontrollably from six of his seven orifices, making him look utterly wretched.
"Seriously, still barking when death is imminent!"
Gu Qingtian's five fingers clamped down like iron pliers, gripping Di Shitian's bloody head and forcibly twisting his entire face 180 degrees. His bones emitted crisp cracking sounds.
Di Shitian's eyes were wide, bloodshot, and he couldn't break free at all, forced to look toward the distant battlefield engulfed in flames.
"Don't worry, given what you just said, I won't kill you immediately."
"I want you to watch with your own eyes—watch how your Eternal Imperial Dynasty is destroyed."
"And to see the demeanor of those Ancestors you placed your hopes in, when their Imperial Blood is spilled."
"Only at the very end will I send you down to reunite with them..."
He leaned down slightly, close to Di Shitian's face, his tone softening.
//690//
Chapter 690-
A Rout Like Falling Mountains, the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's Dirge (Double Chapter)
The icy voice rang beside Di Shitian's ear like a frigid wind from the nether pits of Purgatory, freezing the heart.
Once an emperor of limitless glory, he now lay in another's grasp, a fish on the chopping block.
A defiant blaze still flickered in his eyes as he clung to his last shred of majesty: "Gu Qingtian, you're day-dreaming!"
"This is my Eternal Imperial Capital! Our ancestors are bolstered by the nation's fate—each of them several times stronger than usual. Your three factions haven't even sent out your own forebears, yet you think you can wipe us out?"
"Pure delusion!"
"Is that so?"
Gu Qingtian smiled, offered no rebuttal, and simply clamped down on Di Shitian's skull. "Then let's wait and see."
With Di Shitian's menace neutralized, Gu Yun slowly rose.
Long before the battle began he had used the deceiving heaven mask to cloak the auras of the heaven and earth furnace and the human emperor banner.
On the battlefield now, only he knew that above every imperial sovereign of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty hovered two Damoclean blades.
The instant they showed fatigue, those blades would drain every last ounce of their worth.
Merely annihilate the Eternal Imperial Dynasty?
No—far from enough.
What Gu Yun sought… was to overturn the entire order of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, to place everything under his control.
Heaven's mandate?
The immortal lock?
None of it could stop his advance.
The Eternal Imperial Dynasty was merely the first, not the last.
After this battle the grass would surely be startled by the snake, yet… where the iron torrent passes, those who submit shall prosper; those who resist, perish!
"Father, Second Uncle, Master… it's about time."
"You don't need to keep tangling with them."
Gu Yun spoke calmly, issuing the order.
The world still appeared tranquil, yet the tide of battle had quietly shifted.
On the Phoenix Slaying Platform.
Starfall Old Man and three others had surrounded Liu Tianhuang; though the four seemed to hold the upper hand, the empress's peerless face remained utterly serene.
"To stand alone against four of us—Liu Tianhuang, you truly deserve the title of emperor of this age."
"But… this is as far as you go. Mortal strength has its limits. After all, this is not your Supreme Divine Dynasty; you have no imperial fortune to draw upon."
"Withdraw now, and our two nations might still mend relations. Persist, and do not blame us for showing no mercy!"
Starfall Old Man's words rang with absolute certainty, as though victory were already his.
"Mend relations?"
Liu Tianhuang's lips curved in a faint, breathtakingly beautiful arc laced with icy mockery. "Since when did my Supreme Divine Dynasty share any 'sentiment' with your false court?"
"Liu Tianhuang, you are too arrogant. The situation is clear—your power is formidable, we can't overcome you,"
"but neither can you inflict real harm on us. Continuing will only end in mutual ruin. If other factions learn that your three sides ganged up to bully the weak, you'll be hard-pressed to survive the fallout even together."
"Exactly. A prolonged fight means mutual destruction. Supreme Empress, don't bring about your own downfall."
"Withdrawing now benefits both of us."
The clamor only darkened Liu Tianhuang's expression.
At long last—at this critical juncture—she received Gu Yun's silent message.
She knew Gu Yun possessed the heaven and earth furnace; used well, it could turn this extermination of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty into a harvest of many imperial sovereigns for the three factions. Naturally, she was willing to cooperate.
Now… there was no further need to stall; she could finally go all out.
"So much useless chatter."
"If you have more, take it up with my halberd."
The instant the words left her lips Liu Tianhuang vanished.
Her speed defied reason; even Starfall Old Man failed to track her. Alarm bells screamed inside him.
"Not good!"
"She was still holding back—defend with everything, now!"
Starfall Old Man roared. The four pooled their power, interweaving spiritual force into a thick barrier of starlight.
He could not imagine anyone in the Three Thousand Dao Domains breaking a defense formed by four Ninth Tribulation experts.
Yet—
the old man's confident smile froze as he saw the airtight spiritual wall pierced by a halberd tip.
A sizzling sound filled their ears; dread pounded in their hearts.
"That was just a warm-up. Old thing, taste the true might of this immortal weapon!"
"Break—FOR ME!"
Liu Tianhuang's cry shook the sky. The crimson-gold battle-axe in her hands blazed with unprecedented brilliance; fissures webbed the four-fold barrier.
Flame spread from the halberd's tip, swiftly tearing a gaping hole.
"Impossible!!"
Starfall Old Man and the other two Ninth Tribulation experts' pupils shrank in horror.
An immortal weapon!
What Liu Tianhuang held was actually an immortal weapon!
And she could unleash it to such a degree—it was unthinkable.
Above the Ninth Tribulation, there are still levels.
The saying proved starkly true, but reality gave them no time to ponder.
After piercing the starlight barrier, the mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd lost no momentum, a crimson-gold comet of ruin carrying Liu Tianhuang's boundless fury through an Eternal Imperial forebear's chest.
"Pfft—"
Blood spilled from his mouth. He frantically summoned Great Dao power to heal; as a Great Emperor merged with the Dao, he was nearly unkillable.
A Ninth Tribulation expert, he had nothing to fear.
Yet this time… the searing flame severed his connection to the Great Dao.
For the first time terror twisted his face. "No—impossible! I'm a Great Emperor who has survived nine imperial tribulations—"
"how can you kill me, how—"
"Aaaaargh!!"
His wail echoed through heaven and earth; moments later his flesh was burned away by the crimson-gold divine flame.
His remaining vital essence was drawn into the heaven and earth furnace; his scattered Emperor Realm soul became rich nourishment for the human emperor banner.
Starfall Old Man and the other two Ninth Tribulation survivors stared in shock at the leisurely, breathtaking figure approaching through the void—fear their only emotion.
"That turtle shell—pretty sturdy."
"Thought I'd wipe you all out in one go, but only one died. Looks like I still have room to improve."
"Finding my shortcomings before you perish—commendable. You're dying for a worthy cause."
Liu Tianhuang strode through the void, mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd in hand, step by relentless step.
The long halberd swept across, effortlessly harvesting the lives of two Ninth Tribulation experts who were already at the end of their strength.
At present, Liu Tianhuang dared to release only one percent of the mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd's power, but even so, dealing with Starfall Old Man and the others was already a dimensional strike.
All three sub-array eyes were destroyed, and a trickle of blood seeped from the corner of Starfall Old Man's lips.
You... why do you have an immortal weapon!
In the Three Thousand Dao Domains, immortal weapons should not appear. Why, why?!
Starfall Old Man kept protesting that this was an unfair fight.
He had already displayed everything an Emperor Realm could unleash, but in front of an immortal weapon, these efforts seemed utterly ridiculous.
The great age is approaching; perhaps in the near future, the immortal lock will open.
Of course, none of you will live to see that day.
Starfall Old Man's pupils trembled: No, don't, don't kill me. I... I can defect to your side. I can acknowledge you as master. The immortal lock is about to open; I... I don't want to die. Don't... don't kill me...
He struggled desperately, but under the burning of the vermilion-gold flames, his living space was being invaded inch by inch.
Ah—
In the distance, after a long fierce battle, Di Jiuyuan's chest had already been smashed by the old man with a single punch, and he died, his dao vanishing.
The last array eye was broken, becoming the final straw that crushed Starfall Old Man. His last breath instantly dissipated, and then he collapsed completely.
Sorry, I have no interest in taking in second-hand goods.
The ship to the new century no longer has room for you old sailors.
This is an order from our new captain. As his most important deputy, even I can only support it.
A radiant smile spilled from the corner of Liu Tianhuang's lips, as though the infinitely beautiful future world were already unfolding before her eyes.
With the final scream fading, the super powerhouse who had roamed the Three Thousand Dao Domuauns for ages was declared perished, his dao vanishing.
The Three Thousand Dao Domains would turn a completely new page.
Starfall Old Man's death triggered a chain reaction.
On the battlefield where Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor and the Shadow Immortal Palace's Supreme Elder had been evenly matched, the balance of victory now tilted.
With Liu Tianhuang joining, no accidents would occur.
The only hope Di Shitian still clung to lay in the two strongest ancestors of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
In the southern sky.
Sword and saber clashed, killing intent surging to the heavens.
Gu Changge and Di Shi's battle had already white-hot.
Di Shi held an ancient black sword, his swordplay vicious and tricky, dead Sword Qi pervading, as though to annihilate all life.
Gu Changge gripped the Purgatory Demon Blade, his saber domineering and extreme, fierce blade intent burning sky and sea, every strike carrying a never-turning-back resolve.
Clang clang clang clang—!!!
Dense metallic collisions sounded like a storm; the two flickered and collided midair, every clash erupting in world-destroying ripples.
Di Shi, you old man!
That lifeless swordplay of yours dares call itself sword dao?! Not even enough to scratch my itch!
Compared to those things in the forbidden zone, you're far worse!
Gu Changge laughed wildly, the Purgatory Demon Blade erupting in sky-devouring demonic flames, forcing Di Shi back a hundred zhang.
So far, he had nine chances to grievously wound Di Shi; if not for worrying about Gu Yun's progress, he'd have gone all out long ago.
Fighting while holding back felt awful.
Di Shi's face grew grimmer; he felt completely crushed.
Gu Changge hadn't even used full strength, simply parrying and unleashing even fiercer attacks.
It was an old man teasing a child, not taking him seriously.
Gu Changge, stop your arrogance!
See my Annihilation Nine Swords!!
Di Shi roared, dead qi erupting, his black sword splitting into nine pitch-perfect sword shadows, striking from nine tricky angles at Gu Changge!
Every sword shadow carried terror enough to annihilate stars.
His body's spirit began burning, carrying a never-return will.
Good, that's more like it!
That soft fluff earlier was pointless!
Gu Changge's lips curved, both hands gripping the Purgatory Demon Blade, blood qi roaring like a volcano.
Purgatory Demon Blade—second level—open!
Boom!
After the thunderous crash, endless baleful qi poured into the blade, two ferocious demonic patterns appearing, emitting a heaven-shaking terror.
Chop!!
Gu Changge's eyes flared as he slashed horizontally.
A heaven-spanning black saber light, like a devil god's stroke, crashed into the nine annihilation sword shadows.
Shred—!!!
Like a hot knife slicing butter.
The nine sword shadows embodying Di Shi's lifelong sword dao were crushed and annihilated the instant they met the black saber light.
The saber light continued, smashing into the black sword Di Shi raised.
Clang—!!!
A deafening boom.
The black ancient sword that had accompanied Di Shi all his life cried out and snapped.
Di Shi was battered, his tiger's mouth split, aura wilting.
Impossible...
Di Shi stared at the broken sword, voice shaking, eyes unbelieving: How... how could you break my Annihilation Sword Qi so easily?
Old man, can't you see? From the start this was a crushing fight; you... had no chance.
Gu Changge closed in, blade on shoulder.
His aura suddenly receded; after that slash, he fell back to Eighth Tribulation.
This gave Di Shi hope: No... no, you burned cultivation to do it.
Haha, kid, now that your strength's regressed, even without my emperor weapon, I can still kill you!
He shot out, planning to kill Gu Changge bare-handed.
Ninth Tribulation against Eighth Tribulation—advantage mine!
Gu Changge stood unmoving in the air.
The instant Di Shi's attack arrived, his long saber sliced.
From top to bottom, Di Shitian was cleaved in two.
Impossible...
The two halves dropped lifelessly.
Boring.
Gu Changge sheathed the blade: Old thing, your glory days are over.
What's coming... is a new age.
//691//
Chapter 691-
The Fall of Eternal Emperor Ancestor, Feng Yunshu Takes Revenge With Her Own Hands (Two-in-One)
In the short time that had passed, a thick layer of blood-red clouds had already covered the sky above Eternal Imperial Capital.
Imperial blood drifted down; ancestral souls shattered.
It was as though the final dirge of this vast Imperial Dynasty was being proclaimed.
Watching helplessly as the Sword Emperor fell powerlessly in Gu Changge's hands, Di Shitian—now restrained by Gu Qingtian—let his arms drop limply, his eyes filled with an indescribable despair.
'The Ancestor is still here! My Eternal Imperial Dynasty has not fallen—NOT YET!'
Hope flared in his heart as he turned his gaze toward the highest battlefield.
There, the supreme leaders of the two opposing forces stood facing each other.
Eternal Emperor Ancestor seemed not to see the scenes of his Imperial Dynasty's old ancestors dying; his expression remained calm as he stared across the void at Gu Changqing.
'Since the Middle Era I have slumbered, down to this very day.'
'Never have I seen a golden age shine so brilliantly.'
'This time, you have truly delivered a stunning blow to the world.'
'Immortal Ancient Gu Family… worthy of the great clan that has roared across the ages since the Immortal Ancient. We… are not your equal.'
'Every age produces its own talents; each leads the way for a hundred years.'
'Old sir, take care on your journey.'
Gu Changqing's voice was tranquil, as if recounting some trivial matter.
A smile tugged at Eternal Emperor Ancestor's lips. 'Youngster, you are indeed arrogant!'
His gaze fell upon the unfathomable azure heaven immortal gourd in Gu Changqing's hand, and his tone turned reminiscent: 'In those years on the Primordial Battlefield, I saw your ancestor Gu Yuan wield this very gourd, breathing in primal chaos and suppressing the horrors of the forbidden zone. His peerless bearing was utterly admirable.'
'Never did I expect that today I would personally face the might of his descendant. Then let me see—how much of its power can you bring forth?'
A sharp light flashed in Eternal Emperor Ancestor's eyes as he slowly raised his illusory right hand.
In his palm, a single speck of light—brilliant to the extreme—silently appeared, radiating a terrifying fluctuation that made heaven and earth tremble.
'This is the condensation of all the spiritual power in my life; I call it "Stellar Oblivion Eternal."'
'Gu Family lad, let's see whether your azure heaven immortal gourd can receive this… final strike of mine.'
The moment his words fell, the starlight in his palm erupted into a blinding radiance, transforming into a resplendent beam that seemed able to pierce past, present, and future as it shot toward Gu Changqing!
The blow appeared ordinary, yet it had been refined to the utmost, containing a terrifying might capable of making any Nine-Tribulation expert's expression change.
On the ground, Gu Changge, Liu Tianhuang, Lin Canghai and the others all revealed solemn expressions at the sight.
'Eternal Emperor Ancestor truly deserves to be the strongest foundation of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty—he indeed has some skill.'
Lin Canghai stood with arms folded; though he spoke thus, he had absolute confidence in his cheap son-in-law.
'But unfortunately… he has run into big brother.'
'Otherwise, whether it's me or Liu Tianhuang, we would probably end up with minor injuries.'
Gu Changge sighed.
Liu Tianhuang offered no disagreement; both she and Gu Changge excelled at offense while being weaker at defense. If they had truly clashed with this attack from Eternal Emperor Ancestor, they could have found a way to win, but minor injuries would have been unavoidable.
Then again, his opponent… was Gu Changqing.
The master of the Gu Family possessed the composure of Mount Tai collapsing before him without batting an eye; even when facing such a world-shaking strike, his expression scarcely changed.
He simply raised the azure heaven immortal gourd in his hand.
The mouth of the gourd tilted slightly, aiming at the oncoming beam of light.
Weng—!
The immortal gourd trembled; from its mouth surged a misty stream of primal chaos, ancient and boundless, as though formed at the very beginning of creation.
A majestic force condensed, causing everything around to seem to freeze, yearning to return to that primordial state of "nothingness."
Watching his father display such a terrifying method, the Myriad Transformations Saint Body source within Gu Yun pulsed.
Light flashed in his eyes; wielding an immortal weapon placed considerable strain even on a Nine-Tribulation Imperial Monarch, as one could easily be influenced by its power.
Many of the Gu Family ancestors had been forced to step down as clan head and enter the ancestral grounds after using the azure heaven immortal gourd too many times during their tenure.
Gu Yun was still young, and as his father, Gu Changqing naturally wished to spend a few more years with him; thus, in his entire life Gu Yun had actually never seen his father take action.
Now… it seemed an unexpected delight had arrived.
'The Gu Family… Myriad Transformations Saint Body—could it be that my possessing this physique isn't mere coincidence?'
Gu Yun's heart stirred; having developed since the Immortal Ancient and facing the immortal lock that barred the Immortal Path, how could the Immortal Ancient Gu Family do nothing?
It appeared… the reason he was so valued might have deeper roots stretching far back.
Up in the sky, under Eternal Emperor Ancestor's shocked gaze, the Stellar Oblivion beam plunged into that seemingly slow-flowing river of primal chaos, then instantly seemed seized by countless hands, unable to advance an inch.
The resplendent light capable of piercing stars lost all its sharpness and speed, turning sluggish and dim.
In barely ten-odd breaths' time, it was completely refined away under the enveloping chaos force, vanishing as if it had never existed.
The azure heaven immortal gourd gave a slight tremble; its mouth closed, and the stream of primal chaos withdrew.
Gu Changqing still stood steadily in the void, the azure heaven immortal gourd in hand, his aura as poised as Mount Tai.
Eternal Emperor Ancestor merely watched quietly, no surprise in his eyes—only admiration: 'Well done, azure heaven immortal gourd… well done, Gu Changqing…'
'Tens of millions of years of effort have finally turned into a fleeting dream.'
'Gu Family lad, I concede defeat.'
'I accept… wholeheartedly.'
His figure began to turn transparent, motes of starlight drifting away from him.
A mighty Nine-Tribulation expert had actually ended himself here.
He knew he had no chance; a single Gu Changqing was already beyond him, and below were Gu Changge and Liu Tianhuang—two existences no weaker than himself—while Lin Canghai, Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor, Gu Qingtian and the rest were no easy foes either.
The outcome was set; better to grant himself a dignified end.
Fortunately, Gu Changqing gave him that chance. Eternal Emperor Ancestor cast one last complex glance at the land below, both familiar and foreign.
The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit—such is the way.
'Let the Eternal Imperial Dynasty… end here.'
'Gu Changqing, I only hope that after you occupy my lands, you do not slaughter indiscriminately.'
'At least… the common folk are innocent.'
'Naturally; grievances have their heads, debts their owners.'
'Then that's good… thank you…'
With those words, Eternal Emperor Ancestor's illusory form dissolved into a sky full of starlight.
Like a summer-night galaxy drifting down, it slowly dispersed between heaven and earth, returning to the boundless starry sky.
'Ahh!!'
Gu Yun clutched his chest in grief—damn it, his father was too honorable; when the old man wanted to end himself, Dad actually let him do it!
This was a peak Nine-Tribulation Great Emperor!!
Oh, right—he already had more than he could refine. Never mind, one fewer is fine; no need to burden the heaven and earth furnace any further.
The gains this time have already exceeded what he can currently bear; there's nothing to be dissatisfied about.
Similar opportunities will come again. The Gu Family's move has startled the snake; from now on, those who follow me prosper, those who oppose me perish!
Gu Yun quickly adjusted his mindset.
The battle was decided. Eternal Emperor Ancestor's death put the final period to his scheme and to the curtain fall of this ancient lineage that had endured for hundreds of millions of years.
With all nine forebears gone, the last wisp of golden imperial fortune above Eternal Imperial Capital also scattered completely.
"No... Ancestor... Ancestor!!!"
Held captive by Gu Qingtian, Di Shitian let out a final wail, then collapsed to the ground, lifeless.
The Eternal Imperial Dynasty... is finished.
Completely finished; he no longer had any chance to turn the tables. Only moments ago he had still been dreaming of restoring the dynasty.
Pathetic... laughable... The once-glorious Eternal Emperor Lord now stared blankly, his face haggard, as though he had aged ten millennia in an instant.
"Tsk tsk tsk, turns out your ancestor was actually someone of note."
"How about it—want to follow in that old ancestor's footsteps?"
"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty is gone; what's the point of you still being alive?"
Gu Qingtian mocked without mercy, yet Di Shitian was like a block of wood, offering no response.
"Boring trash."
Gu Qingtian pressed a palm on Di Shitian's head; vast power surged in, Di Shitian convulsed and slumped to the ground.
"W-what did you do to me..."
"Relax, just a little trick. When dealing with a stray dog you have to break its fangs—wouldn't want it biting a child."
Hearing this, a faint flush tinted Feng Yunshu's cheeks as she approached.
"Thank you, Senior."
She bowed to Gu Qingtian in gratitude.
At that moment Feng Wuya arrived with Feng Lingxiao's remnant soul.
Even Feng Lingxiao hadn't imagined his wisp of soul could last until now and personally witness Di Shitian's death.
Gratitude filled his gaze toward the youth. This seemingly frivolous boy had not only stabilized his final soul, let him see his Wan'er, personally helped him take revenge, and even brought along his father, erasing his last regret.
The debt was so great that, were it not for Feng Yunshu, he would have knelt to Gu Yun on the spot and called him foster-father.
"Is this the culprit who destroyed your family?"
"Hmph, the Eternal Imperial Dynasty—letting them off easy."
"Had the Immortal Ancient Gu Family not acted, one day I would have led the demon race to wipe them out!"
Feng Wuya snorted coldly, descending from the sky to deliver the final blow.
Yet Gu Qingtian blocked him.
"Hmm? Friend of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, what do you mean?"
"Old phoenix, I kept him alive not for you to steal the kill."
"Let the little lass do it."
"I believe your son would want to see that."
Feng Wuya glanced at his son; seeing Feng Lingxiao nod, he withdrew his hand.
He regarded the granddaughter he had never met, emotions tangled.
Feng Yunshu drew a deep breath, stepped forward, and stood over the paralyzed Di Shitian.
The once-lofty father emperor now lay like a dead dog at her feet.
Di Shitian sensed her approach; lifting his eyes, he seemed to see final hope.
He stared at Feng Yunshu, lips trembling: "Sh-Shuer... my daughter... plead with Young Master Gu Yun, save your father, please?"
"Father knows he was wrong; it was a moment of folly. Don't forget these years... Father treated you well..."
"Treated me well?"
"Afraid it was only because I was young and my bloodline hadn't fully awakened—your pretense to lull me, wasn't it?"
"A single accident and you showed your true face. Di Shitian, you make me sick!"
Looking down at him, the once-awe-inspiring visage now showed only nauseating baseness and madness.
Without another word the girl slowly raised her hand.
"No... Shuer, spare... spare Father..."
His cultivation sealed, Di Shitian could not resist a quasi-emperor like Feng Yunshu.
"I have only one father, and his name... is Feng Lingxiao!"
Her voice icy, Feng Yunshu no longer hesitated; her palm wrapped in Phoenix True Flame slammed onto Di Shitian's crown.
Flames instantly spread.
Di Shitian's pupils dilated in extreme terror and unwillingness.
He tried to speak but could utter no sound.
The Phoenix True Flame burned not only his flesh but also his sinful soul.
In merely two breaths.
The once-sovereign Eternal Emperor Lord turned to drifting ash, scattered by the wind.
Body and soul obliterated, leaving not a trace.
Feng Yunshu held her striking pose, unmoving.
Tears slid silently down her cheeks.
She looked at Feng Lingxiao; his fading soul could no longer hold together.
Both had perished decades earlier, their souls adrift, seven souls lost, three souls waning.
Even Gu Yun could only temporarily anchor Feng Lingxiao's soul so he could witness this day; true resurrection was impossible even if an immortal descended.
Fortunately their true spirits remained intact, leaving the chance of reincarnation.
"Shuer, don't cry."
Feng Lingxiao's phantom grew ever dimmer, nearly a faint outline, yet his gaze toward Feng Yunshu held unprecedented tenderness and pride: "Your mother and I... are happy. Seeing you grown and taking revenge with your own hands leaves us without regret."
Guo Yunwan's remnant soul appeared, nestling beside him, trying to wipe her daughter's tears though her fingers passed through emptiness: "Shuer, live well... for us... live well."
Feng Yunshu sobbed, nodding hard: "Father, Mother... I will! I definitely will!"
"Young friend Gu Yun, from now on... we entrust her to you."
This time... it was true farewell.
Gu Yun set aside his usual irreverent smile and nodded solemnly: "I will."
Feng Lingxiao and Guo Yunwan exchanged a glance, their last worry released; the two remnant souls slowly embraced, dissolving into countless motes of light.
Feng Yunshu gazed up as the lights vanished, tears streaming, and collapsed into Gu Yun's arms.
Feng Wuya saw this and said nothing; only a few tears slid down his stern old cheeks.
//692///
Chapter 692-Dividing Eternal, All Parties Withdraw (Two-in-One)
After Di Shitian fell, the remaining resistance within the Imperial Capital instantly collapsed.
Jin Wufeng, the Blackwater Prison Lord, and others were all easily slain after a final, desperate struggle like trapped beasts.
Even the ancestors were no match for them; these ordinary Great Emperors had no power to resist at all.
Soon, the once bustling and prosperous Eternal Imperial Capital fell into a deathly silence. The former imperial relatives and high-ranking officials were now nothing more than withered bones in graves.
On the contrary, those ordinary cultivators struggling at the bottom were granted amnesty, just as Gu Changqing had said.
Killing was merely a means, not the end.
By completely eradicating the vital forces of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, after thousands or tens of thousands of years, these common people would completely submit under the governance of the Supreme Divine Dynasty.
This was not the Earth of his previous life, where collisions between civilizations could make cross-regional rule precarious in a short time.
Here, strength was paramount!
The people from several major forces scoured the treasury of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, looting all the treasures within. Since the Supreme Divine Dynasty occupied all the territory of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, they did not continue to take a share of the loot.
Gu Changge had returned to the Primordial Battlefield early. The battle with Sky Slaying Great Emperor had knocked him down a realm, and he needed to go into seclusion to recover for a few days.
Otherwise, continuing to rampage through the forbidden zones in this state would be somewhat dangerous, though... not very dangerous, that is.
Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor had been forcibly dragged here by Gu Changqing. If it hadn't been for the promise of seeing his long-unseen young nephew again, he would never have been willing to waste the effort to travel such a long distance. Wouldn't staying at the Gu Family to refine pills be better? He had recently gained some insights and would soon become the first Ninth Tribulation Pill Emperor in the Three Thousand Dao Domains. Now that everything was settled, he naturally bid his farewell and left immediately.
As for Gu Qingtian, this old fellow had always been elusive. Gu Yun being able to summon him was a great surprise to Gu Changqing and the others.
"Little Yun'er, no need to see me off."
"When you have time later, visit Holy Water Immortal Palace more often. Your maternal grandfather misses you dearly."
"Alright, Grandfather. Once things here are settled, I will definitely visit the Immortal Palace."
Gu Yun agreed with a smile, warmth welling up in his heart.
When he was young, Lin Canghai would often hold little Gu Yun and rub his face with his stiff, black stubble. The experience back then had truly been a bit of an annoyance for Gu Yun, but he had genuinely felt the care of a relative from the old man.
Lin Canghai laughed heartily, then glared at Gu Changqing: "Kid, don't let Yun'er get into such a dangerous situation again!"
"If I find out you did, I'm not done with you!!"
Gu Changqing's mouth twitched. How the hell could he boss this little ancestor around?
In the Gu Family, this one was the darling of all the ancestors. In terms of status, he was far higher than a hardworking Clan Head like himself.
Fortunately, Gu Yun was also capable. Whether in cultivation or handling affairs, he could always calculate everything from the beginning, leaving no room for error.
"Rest assured, Father-in-law. Yun'er is my child; I will certainly not let anything happen to him."
Gu Changqing spoke helplessly.
Only then was Lin Canghai satisfied. He rubbed Gu Yun's head again and led the people of Holy Water Immortal Palace away, transforming into a sky full of water-blue radiance.
Seeing everyone gradually depart, the members of the Shadow Tower, who had already returned to the shadows, did not look very happy.
Their gazes were all focused on Feng Yunshu, their eyes filled with indignation.
After working so hard for so long, sending Her Highness the Goddess to lie low for many years to plot for the Phoenix Bloodline, it had all ended up benefiting others.
They had originally wanted to secretly control the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, but now they were forced to give it its final send-off.
Although they had shared in many treasures, the three major forces were powerful, and they didn't dare to act out of turn.
It could be said that they hadn't gained many substantial benefits, and they had even lost several Tianzi-class Assassins. The several Great Emperors present were also significantly injured, including the Eighth Tribulation ancestor who had come to support them.
But... what could they do?
At this moment, some people looked at Ye Qingcheng with dissatisfaction in their eyes.
They believed the girl had led a wolf into the house, causing the Shadow Immortal Palace's century-long plan to fall short at the final hurdle.
"Your Highness the Goddess, let us go. This is no place to linger."
"The Gu Family is not easy to deal with and acts in a domineering and tyrannical manner. It is better to keep our distance in the future."
Dark Wing stepped forward to advise, while secretly making a mental note against Ye Qingcheng, thinking that once they returned to the Shadow Immortal Palace, he would definitely report her.
However, just then, Gu Yun's figure slowly approached.
The disguises of the Shadow Tower members could not hide from his eyes. The youth's face still bore a trace of a smile: "Everyone from the Shadow Immortal Palace, I thought you had left in a hurry before I could thank you, which I found regrettable. I didn't expect you all to still be here."
"To be able to escape successfully this time, I must thank Goddess Ye for her righteous hand in taking me out of the Black Water Prison."
"Otherwise, with my heavily injured body, I'm afraid I would have found it difficult to last until today. This kindness, I, Gu Yun, shall keep in my heart."
He came before Ye Qingcheng. Dark Wing was about to move to intercept him, but was stopped by Ye Qingcheng: "Prince Gu Yun overstates it. I imagine even if I hadn't acted, you would have had your own way to escape. Thus, it cannot be called a great kindness."
"Why does Goddess Ye say that? As the ancients said, a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring."
"Not to mention the kindness of saving a life!"
Gu Yun grabbed Ye Qingcheng's soft hand, his gaze sincere: "I, Gu Yun, am by no means an ungrateful person. How could I let Her Highness the Goddess be disheartened?"
His hand was warm and powerful. Ye Qingcheng subconsciously wanted to pull back but found herself unable to do so.
Alarm bells suddenly rang in her heart. Ye Qingcheng looked over and saw the Supreme Empress's gaze, which looked as if it could kill.
On the side, there was also Chu Ruoyao's angry stare, which made her feel restless.
This made her even more afraid to act rashly, leaving her with no choice but to let the youth take advantage of her, wanting to cry but having no tears: "Prince Gu Yun is too polite... it was just a small matter, it's nothing..."
"Say no more! Miss Ye, what my Third Uncle promised you before was no lie. In the future, if Miss Ye is in trouble, you can contact me. I, Gu Yun, will definitely not hesitate to lead the way!"
After getting his fill of touching her hand, Gu Yun finally let go of Ye Qingcheng and patted his chest in a guarantee.
His gaze simultaneously swept over the Shadow Tower members, all of whom turned their heads away, not daring to meet the youth's eyes.
The youth's brazen behavior made his underlying meaning clear to everyone—Ye Qingcheng was under his protection.
Unknowingly, this Goddess with a shallow foundation had gained another extremely powerful backing.
The Immortal Ancient Shen Family and the Immortal Ancient Gu Family—neither was easy to provoke.
It was enough to extinguish any unrealistic fantasies in their hearts.
Ye Qingcheng's heart stirred, and she understood Gu Yun's meaning. He was helping her, but... if this matter reached Shen Jingzhou in the distant Immortal Ancient Shen Family... Looking at the youth again, she saw a flash of craftiness.
"That damned bastard!"
He even managed to scheme against her before leaving. However, this matter was a mixed blessing; she might be able to make use of it.
After a brief moment of shame and anger, Ye Qingcheng made a decision: "Then I shall thank Prince Gu Yun here."
"Oh, right..."
Gu Yun suddenly remembered something. With a toss of his hand, Yan Qingmei's body was thrown out from the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
"I said before that once Goddess Ye reached a cooperation, I would release Miss Yan."
"Now is the time to fulfill that promise."
"Thank you. I shall take my leave."
Ye Qingcheng did not hesitate, taking Yan Qingmei and leaving immediately.
The Shadow Immortal Palace's party departed.
Among those remaining, only Chu Ruoyao and her companions were not exactly his own people.
Gu Yun walked up to her with a smile and asked, "Senior Chu, the thousand illusions pipa is already in your hands. Why continue to pursue so relentlessly?"
Chu Ruoyao's three bodies had already merged. She held the newly acquired thousand illusions pipa tightly, the faint anger on her face not yet dissipated.
She was clearly very dissatisfied with Gu Yun going to say goodbye to Ye Qingcheng first. She tilted her chin up and spoke in a stiff tone, "Hmph!"
"Who's pursuing relentlessly? I just wanted to see when a certain ungrateful bastard would finally be willing to fulfill his original promise."
"Rest assured, Senior Chu. Regarding the dragon tendon, as soon as there is news, I will definitely notify you first."
His face still wore that smile that made one feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze, giving her a sense of frustration as if she were punching cotton.
"You!!"
Chu Ruoyao was exasperated.
"Alright, Second Sister, let me speak."
Ruan Qing stepped forward, a trace of a smile on her lips. It was the first time she had seen her usually fearless Second Sister show such an expression.
"Prince Gu Yun, our Fifth Sister Zhong Lingyu is the southeastern bulwark of our Ziwei Imperial Dynasty. The longer she is missing, the more the demon race grows restless."
"Now that the matter of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty is settled, may I ask if you can return Fifth Sister so we can take her back?"
Seeing this valiant female general, Gu Yun's heart stirred, and he swept his divine sense over her.
[Page 31 of the xuan qing treasure mirror]
[Name: Ruan Qing]
[Favorability: 60]
[Cultivation: Sixth Tribulation Great Emperor]
[Physique: Hundred Battles Saint Physique]
[Identity: Heroine of "After Her Spirit Bones Were Dug Out, She Returned with Seven Great Masters"; Heroine of "Infinite Troop Production, I Established a Supreme Immortal Dynasty"]
"Senior Ruan, regarding this... did Senior Chu not tell you?"
Gu Yun's face showed a look of confusion as he looked at Chu Ruoyao.
Ruan Qing was slightly stunned and also looked at her Second Sister.
Chu Ruoyao had originally been angry, but suddenly becoming the center of attention, she immediately remembered that because she was worried about Gu Yun's safety, she hadn't explained Zhong Lingyu's current state of being so happy she didn't want to return to the Purple Violet. Being asked by the two of them now, she was so embarrassed she wanted to curl up her toes and disappear into the ground.
"Uh... this... well..."
"Second Sister! What exactly is going on?!"
Ruan Qing grew anxious. The war at the frontier was always tense, and she had come specifically for her Fifth Sister.
"Uh..."
Shouted at by her, Chu Ruoyao knew she couldn't hide it anymore and had to bite the bullet: "Well... Fifth Sister... she... she might not be very willing to go back right now..."
"What?!"
Ruan Qing's eyes widened in disbelief.
Chu Ruoyao recounted the whole story, and only then did Ruan Qing reluctantly accept the reality.
"Wanting to make a breakthrough in the Dao of Formations is indeed a good thing."
"But Second Sister, I still don't understand one thing."
"Since you already knew for sure that Fifth Sister wouldn't be going back, why have you been staying by Prince Gu Yun's side all this time?"
Ruan Qing's question was like a precise arrow, striking straight at Chu Ruoyao's heart.
"I... I was..."
Chu Ruoyao was suddenly at a loss for words, her beautiful face flushing red at a visible speed. She hurriedly changed the subject: "I was doing that to monitor him, to see if this kid would do anything to Fifth Sister. Fortunately, he didn't have the guts."
"Alright, Fourth Sister, now that this is over and the war at the frontier is tense, let's head back early."
"Wait a moment, Second Sister, I still have some things to say to the Prince..."
"Let's go!"
Chu Ruoyao grabbed Ruan Qing and fled into a spatial rift, disappearing instantly.
This scene was naturally witnessed by Gu Changqing and Lin Qiushui not far away.
Gu Changqing rubbed his brow helplessly and let out a long sigh: "Sigh... this kid..."
He turned to his wife beside him, his tone complex: "Qiushui, your son... isn't he a bit too... philandering?"
Lin Qiushui, however, looked proud and relieved, giving her husband a white look: "What do you know? This just shows how outstanding our Yun'er is!"
"Loved by everyone! That's what you call charm!"
"Really?"
"Then..."
"You can try it and see..."
Lin Qiushui said with a fake smile. Although her strength was far inferior to Gu Changqing's, one had to consider influence and background in the world.
If the couple really had a fallout, her nine brothers would likely roll up their sleeves and come over. Gu Changqing would be thanking the heavens if Gu Changge and Gu Changjue, the Gu Familys Pill Emperor just stood by and watched.
"Haha, I was just joking. Qiushui, you wouldn't take it seriously, would you?"
Gu Changqing gave a dry laugh.
"You'd better be."
Lin Qiushui replied with a fake smile.
It was only when she saw her son return that she gave a heartfelt smile: "Yun'er, how is it? Are you really alright now?"
"Do you want to go back to the Gu Family for a check-up?"
She took her son's hand and examined it carefully.
"Mother... didn't you check before?"
"With these injuries of mine, if I head back to the Gu Family, I'm afraid I'll be mostly healed before I even get there."
"All you know is how to joke around!"
"Remember, you're not allowed to take risks like this again!"
Lin Qiushui spoke up: "If it hadn't been for Lady Shangguan discovering your whereabouts this time, no one knows how bad things would have gotten!"
As she spoke, she also cast a grateful look toward Shangguan Yaya.
This made Shangguan Yaya feel somewhat overwhelmed. She hurriedly waved her hand, her tone carrying a bit of nervousness: "Madam overstates it. For the journey to the Heavenly Thunder Domain, Yaya was the Prince's guardian. I should have been punished for failing to protect the Prince; how could I dare take credit?"
As she spoke, she slightly turned her pretty face away, her eyes quickly glancing at Liu Tianhuang not far away.
She saw Her Majesty the Empress staring this way with burning eyes, which made her heart beat very fast.
She had been sent by Her Majesty to protect Gu Yun, but she had ended up stealing what she was supposed to guard.
This matter was truly too egregious. Shangguan Yaya didn't dare imagine how furious Her Majesty would be if she found out about the illicit affairs between them.
What kind of punishment would there be for a shameless subordinate like herself?
Just thinking about it made her shudder, her face turning bright red.
Coincidentally, at this moment, Liu Tianhuang also slowly approached.