Chapter 693:
Grandfather and Granddaughter Recognize Each Other
Shangguan Yaya's heart was in her throat, and she subconsciously held her breath. Her palms were sweating from tension, and she didn't dare to look up.
"What's wrong with you?"
Coming to Shangguan Yaya's side, Liu Tianhuang asked with considerable confusion.
"I, I..."
Shangguan Yaya's tongue was tied, and her mind was a complete blank.
"Master... Sister Yaya is probably still blaming herself for what happened earlier. In truth, she really can't be blamed. In terms of how she handled it, she already did her best."
Gu Yun sensed the subtle atmosphere and stepped forward to shield Shangguan Yaya behind him. He then asked with a smile, "The matters regarding the Eternal Imperial Dynasty are mostly settled. What are your plans next, Master?"
Liu Tianhuang didn't seem to notice anything unusual, her expression remaining calm: "The territory of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty is vast. Although its core combat power has been destroyed, local forces are deeply entrenched. Taking over, pacifying, and integrating them will take time."
"The Heavenly Phoenix Army will temporarily take control of the Imperial Capital and the surrounding core areas, then gradually push forward to stabilize the entire territory. This is not the work of a single day; I will personally oversee things for a period of time."
"Those barbarians in the north might take advantage of the turmoil in our human territory to launch an invasion. If the situation worsens, I'm afraid I'll have to return to the front lines."
"Before that, you..."
Liu Tianhuang's gaze fell on Gu Yun, her eyes shimmering with such intensity they seemed to draw threads of longing.
"That won't do! My Yun'er has finally returned; he can't go to the battlefield with you!"
Lin Qiushui pulled Gu Yun into her arms and glared at Liu Tianhuang, looking very dissatisfied.
"A real man needs practical experience; how can he grow without it?"
"Xiao Yun's talent is so outstanding, do you really want to stifle him?"
Liu Tianhuang spoke with conviction, but in reality, she just wanted to keep Gu Yun by her side.
"Impossible... With Yun'er's talent, he can master any martial art at a single glance."
"Going to the battlefield to kill enemies? That would be a complete dimensional suppression; what kind of training effect would that have?"
"In my opinion, he should first return to the Gu Family to consolidate his cultivation, and then go find a few secret realms to gain some experience."
"That way, he can both gain rewards and get training. Isn't that much more worthwhile than going to that wretched battlefield?"
"Qiushui, you seem to have misunderstood something."
"I am not negotiating with you."
Liu Tianhuang's gaze became dangerous, and Lin Qiushui's whole body stiffened.
"Husband, look at her~~"
*Cough, cough...*
Gu Changqing's mouth twitched: "Empress, this Gu Yun is a member of my Gu Family after all. It's not right for him to stay away from home for so long, is it?"
"Then let him stay with me for another month. After a month, I will definitely let him go. How about it?"
"No way, half a month. Half a month at most!"
Lin Qiushui stated.
"Lin Qiushui? Have I given you too much face?!"
"Liu Tianhuang, if you dare to lift a finger against me, I will immediately have Gu Yun sever his master-disciple relationship with you!"
"Heh, you can try and see if he will."
"What if I use my own life as a threat?"
"Damn it, Lin Qiushui, are you determined to oppose me today?"
"Half a month, no room for negotiation!"
Two of the most powerful women in the Three Thousand Dao Domains were now clashing word for word, and even Gu Changqing couldn't get a single sentence in.
Shangguan Yaya was even more bewildered. It seemed like she was no longer part of the conversation?
In the end, their confrontation ended with both sides taking a step back.
"Twenty days."
Liu Tianhuang's tone was beyond dispute: "I will let him go after twenty days."
"Fine! Deal!"
Lin Qiushui also nodded in agreement.
"Wait, before you two decide on the outcome, shouldn't you ask me, the person involved?"
"What... do you have an objection?" both said simultaneously.
"No, none at all..."
Gu Yun immediately backed down. He had originally planned to go to the Myriad Spirits Dao Domain after this to help Luo Hanyan handle the aftermath, seize the tortoise shell from Zhao Kun's hands, and then return to the Immortal Ancient Gu Family to check on his clan sister's current situation. Now, it seemed he might have to make some adjustments.
At the very least, before doing those things, he had to completely satisfy this little glutton of a Master.
Otherwise, if she kept clinging to him, things would be very difficult to handle.
"Alright... since everything is decided."
"The Immortal Ancient Gu Family has many affairs to attend to. You two should head back early to avoid delaying important matters!"
"Liu Tianhuang, don't be so arrogant. Don't forget, you only have twenty days!"
Lin Qiushui said coldly, then looked at Gu Yun with an expression that did a complete 180-degree turn: "Yun'er, if you're not comfortable staying with this old hag, remember to come home early."
"And little Yunshu, the Immortal Ancient Gu Family will always welcome you as well."
Feng Yunshu's pretty face flushed red as she nodded gently: "Okay, Auntie."
"You can call me Auntie for now, but once you enter the gates of my Immortal Ancient Gu Family, if you still call me Auntie, I'll have to find trouble with you!"
Feng Yunshu was startled. Memories of every moment she had spent with Gu Yun flooded her mind, and her cheeks grew even hotter: "Yunshu will remember."
Lin Qiushui smiled faintly and then departed with Gu Changqing.
The once lively area was now left with only the people of the Supreme Divine Dynasty and... Feng Wuya.
The old man finally stepped forward: "Bloodline atavism... pure and flawless..."
"Child, are you willing to return to the Phoenix Ancient Clan with me?"
The sudden words brought Feng Yunshu back from the joy of being accepted. She looked at the old man before her—a stranger, yet one she felt a faint bloodline connection with—and felt conflicted for a moment.
She looked at Gu Yun, her eyes full of reluctance.
"Senior Feng, the Phoenix Ancient Clan has been in seclusion for many years. Do you plan to reappear in this generation?"
"If not, I will not allow you to take Yunshu away."
Gu Yun's expression was calm. Even facing this Nine Tribulations powerhouse, he showed no fear whatsoever.
Feng Wuya was also surprised by Gu Yun's spirit: "As expected of the Qilin son of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family. To reach such cultivation at this age, you are the only one I have ever seen in my life."
"To dare face my might with the body of a Quasi-Emperor, you are also the first!"
"If you want to fight, I can test you."
"Let's see if your Phoenix Clan's Phoenix True Flame is stronger, or if my mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd is sharper!"
Liu Tianhuang spoke calmly. Although she didn't release any pressure, the sharp edge in her words made even Feng Wuya, the ancestor of the Phoenix Ancient Clan, look sideways in surprise.
*Cough...*
"The Supreme Empress has misunderstood. I did not come today to start a conflict."
The sight of Liu Tianhuang taking on four opponents alone was still fresh in his mind; even he didn't dare to underestimate this rising star.
Furthermore, there were so many terrifying existences standing behind Gu Yun. Although the Phoenix Ancient Clan was powerful, they didn't want to follow in the footsteps of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
His gaze fell back on Feng Yunshu, his tone gentle and solemn: "Child, this trip was hurried; perhaps you don't yet know who I am."
"I believe you should already have some feeling of it."
"That's right. I am Feng Wuya, one of the Supreme Ancestors of the Phoenix Ancient Clan, and also... your grandfather."
//694//
Ch 694-
Returning to the Ancient Clan, the Task Given to Feng Wuya
"Grandfather?!"
Feng Yunshu was stunned. The resonance of her bloodline made her faintly believe his words, but the sudden appearance of a relative still left her somewhat at a loss.
"Correct. Your father, Feng Lingxiao, is indeed my child."
"He was originally the Young Master of my Phoenix Ancient Clan, exceptionally gifted. However, due to certain events, he left the clan and ended up wandering outside."
"I thought that with his talent, he would surely make a name for himself... I never expected that when we met again, it would be in such a state."
Hearing these words, Feng Yunshu's expression inevitably turned lonely.
"Child, I have no intention of blaming you."
"One asks what love is in this world, that it makes people pledge themselves to each other in life and death."
"Although I do not know what happened between Xiao'er and your mother, the true culprit is already dead. This matter should be completely put behind us."
"You carry the purest Phoenix Bloodline. By staying in the outside world, not only will you be unable to receive the most complete inheritance, but you may also attract greed, just like today."
"Only by returning to the Ancient Clan can you receive the best cultivation and protection. In the future, you can truly control the power of your bloodline, and even... have the hope of returning to your ancestral roots and becoming a True Phoenix."
"Does Senior think that my Immortal Ancient Gu Family cannot protect Shuer's safety?"
Gu Yun interjected, his voice calm.
Feng Wuya's expression stiffened. He glanced at Liu Tianhuang, who was poised to strike, and let out a long breath. "I naturally have no objection to the strength of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family."
"It's just that... Yunshu's bloodline power can only be best utilized within the Phoenix Ancient Clan. These words are not false."
"Senior might not have understood my meaning."
"I have never opposed Yunshu returning to the Phoenix Ancient Clan. In any case, she possesses the bloodline and can naturally acknowledge her ancestors."
"However... my only concern is the numerous factions within your Phoenix Ancient Clan."
"Can you... truly control everything?!"
"This old man... will do his utmost."
Feng Wuya said. Since stepping out of the ancestral lands and fighting a great battle at the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, he had no way back.
Although Feng Lingxiao was dead, fortunately, his bloodline remained in the world. He intended to do his best to cultivate Feng Yunshu.
"As long as this old man has a breath left, I will not let little Yunshu suffer any harm!"
"All the inheritances within the Phoenix Ancient Clan will also be open to her!"
The old man's words were resolute, causing Feng Yunshu to be moved.
She turned to look at Gu Yun, waiting for his answer.
In any case, she only cared about Gu Yun's thoughts. If Gu Yun did not let her leave, no matter what benefits returning offered, she would never agree.
But if... "Shuer, do you want to go back and take a look?"
"I..."
Feng Yunshu was somewhat hesitant. On one hand, she did not want to leave Gu Yun; on the other hand, she wanted to use the Phoenix Ancient Clan's bloodline to grow.
Her conflicted mindset left her in a dilemma for a moment.
"Senior, could you let me have a few private words with her?"
Gu Yun said.
Feng Wuya nodded. It was indeed appropriate to give the young couple some time alone to consider.
He reached out and waved a barrier into existence. "Communicate inside; I will not interfere with you."
"Thank you..."
Holding Feng Yunshu's hand as they stepped inside, the young girl immediately stopped pretending and burrowed into Gu Yun's embrace. "Brother Yun, I don't want to be separated from you."
"Silly girl, the Phoenix Ancient Clan is your home. Don't you want to go back and see?"
"No... wherever Brother Yun is, that is home."
Feng Yunshu spoke firmly, and Gu Yun's heart was also slightly touched.
He solemnly held Feng Yunshu's shoulders. "Yunshu... what if I say I want you to go back?"
"Why? Does Brother Yun not want Shuer anymore?"
"No..."
Gu Yun immediately interrupted her. Although this might be cruel to Feng Yunshu, for his future plans, she had to be able to stand on her own.
Having accompanied her all this way, Gu Yun had already done a lot for her. If Feng Yunshu could not gain some growth, she would be unworthy of being a Protagonist of Fortune.
Now that Feng Lingxiao and Guo Yunwan's souls had dissipated, she had no more weaknesses in this world. It was the perfect time for her to be the first step in his infiltration of the internal affairs of the Monster Race.
"Yunshu... I won't abandon you, but I also don't want you to always rely on my protection."
"There are opportunities within the Phoenix Ancient Clan, but it is also fraught with danger. Your father was the previous Young Master of the Ancient Clan, and it has now been confirmed that he perished outside."
"The current Phoenix Ancient Clan may not truly be under Feng Wuya's control."
"What I want you to do is use absolute strength to help me control... the entire Phoenix Ancient Clan!"
Gu Yun's words made Feng Yunshu gasp. Her pupils shook as she asked tremblingly, "I... can I succeed?!"
This was a colossus no weaker than the Eternal Imperial Dynasty. Relying solely on herself... did she really have a chance?
"Of course!"
"You are my woman. What ordinary people cannot do, my little Yunshu definitely can."
"I believe in you."
Feng Yunshu was pulled into his broad chest, feeling a sense of peace.
"Good! I will work hard!"
She spoke firmly. After a short while of tenderness, they separated, and a medicinal pill appeared in Gu Yun's hand.
The majestic medicinal power contained within shocked even Feng Yunshu.
"This... this is..."
"An Emperor Pill. I showed it to you before."
"Remember, you must never expose it to others. And before you enter the Emperor Realm, it is best to only use this item to assist your cultivation. Do not be too hasty, do you understand?"
"Mm..."
"Don't worry. With the majestic medicinal power contained within this Eighth Tribulation Emperor Pill, it is enough for you to quickly pass the accumulation period of the Quasi-Emperor Realm."
"Once you truly start to stand out, the sea will be wide for the fish to leap, and the sky high for the birds to fly!"
"When the True Phoenix descends, who would dare not obey!"
The young man was high-spirited, and Feng Yunshu's spirits rose along with him.
After explaining a few more things, Gu Yun placed a communication stone used for contact into Feng Yunshu's hand, and then the two walked out of the barrier.
"How was the talk?"
Feng Wuya asked.
"I have agreed to let Yunshu return to the Phoenix Ancient Clan, but I have one condition."
"When the Emperor Road opens this time, the Phoenix Ancient Clan must emerge. Yunshu is also at the Quasi-Emperor Realm now, so she naturally cannot miss this opportunity."
"That is natural. The reason I can move around in the outside world now is precisely because the clan already had this intention."
Gu Yun nodded, then bid farewell to Feng Yunshu. "There is still a trouble within the Qixia Mountain Range, waiting for you to solve it yourself after you have grown up."
"Mm!"
"Yunshu will definitely avenge my father with my own hands!"
Feng Yunshu looked up and planted a soft kiss on Gu Yun's lips, then disappeared along with Feng Wuya.
"The people are gone, and you're still looking?"
Looking at the backs of the two leaving, a sour voice suddenly came from beside his ear.
//695//
Ch 695-
Chapter 695: At the Threshold
Gu Yun's expression stiffened. He turned around and said with a forced smile, "After all, once we part this time, I don't know when we'll meet again. My heart..."
"Enough! You Smelly Kid, stop putting on an act. Do you think I don't know you?"
"Aren't you already scheming something in that head of yours? Are you setting your sights on the Phoenix Ancient Clan again?"
"As expected, I can't hide anything from Master~~"
Gu Yun joked.
"?"
Shangguan Yaya had been feeling a bit uneasy, thinking she might be questioned after Feng Yunshu left. But now, it seemed Her Majesty hadn't noticed anything?
Moreover... looking at the two people in front of her acting unusually close, Shangguan Yaya also felt it was a bit strange.
"No, impossible. Shangguan Yaya, what on earth are you thinking?!"
"His Highness and Her Majesty are master and disciple. Her Majesty watched His Highness grow up. If something unexpected were to happen, wouldn't that make Her Majesty a long-scheming old pervert?"
"No, that won't happen. Her Majesty is so wise and divinely talented; she would never do such a foolish thing."
"Shangguan Yaya, oh Shangguan Yaya, you must have been too idle lately to have time for such wild thoughts."
She tapped her head hard and shook off the thoughts. Suddenly, Liu Tianhuang's instructions rang in her ears: "Yaya, I'm leaving the follow-up handover matters regarding the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's territory entirely to you. Be sure to handle it steadily."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Shangguan Yaya quickly regained her composure and replied respectfully.
Liu Tianhuang nodded slightly, then turned her gaze to Gu Yun: "As for you... Little Yun'er, come with me!"
Gu Yun had a bitter face. Shangguan Yaya could only give him a look of helpless sympathy before leaving to handle her business.
Gu Yun was grabbed by the wrist by Liu Tianhuang, and in the blink of an eye, they arrived in a magnificent hall.
The once bustling Eternal Imperial Palace was now desolate.
In the vast imperial palace, only their two figures remained.
Bang!
Entering the bedchamber, Liu Tianhuang slammed the door shut. With a wave of her hand, a powerful restriction instantly enveloped the entire palace, isolating it from the outside.
"Ma... Master... You... what are you..."
Gu Yun looked at Liu Tianhuang, asking while already knowing the answer.
Liu Tianhuang stood with her back to Gu Yun. The lines of her shoulders and back were tense under her red-gold imperial robe, and her breathing was noticeably more rapid than usual.
Hearing the youth's words, she turned around. Her face, which could captivate the universe, was covered in an intoxicating red flush.
Fine beads of sweat kept seeping out, sliding down her smooth cheeks.
Her phoenix eyes, which were originally majestic and awe-inspiring, were now shimmering with moisture, soul-stirring and enchanting.
Clearly, the reason she was so anxious to leave Shangguan Yaya was that she was almost unable to suppress the restless spiritual energy in her body.
"Master, what's wrong?"
Gu Yun stepped forward and habitually wrapped his arms around Liu Tianhuang's waist.
Such actions were already commonplace for him.
Liu Tianhuang was in no mood for small talk. She grabbed the youth's collar, her flushed face showing a bit of bashful anger: "Don't you understand what I want?!"
"Master, what are you saying? I am your good disciple..."
"You little brat, even if you scream your head off now, it won't do any good."
A wicked smile curled on Liu Tianhuang's lips. With a forceful tug and a twist of her wrist, she pinned Gu Yun onto the dragon bed.
Her crystalline wrists trembled slightly. Liu Tianhuang looked down from above, her phoenix eyes filled with endless, violent, and wild intent.
However, she still tried her best to maintain a sliver of clarity. She leaned down with a slightly apologetic bow and whispered in Gu Yun's ear: "Sorry, Xiao Yun. This time... it might be a bit..."
Taking on four enemies at once seemed easy, but it had actually left the spiritual energy in her body restless. Forcing the power of the mystic phoenix sky-burning halberd had almost pushed her cultivation up another step, nearly touching the edge of that forbidden boundary.
Because of this, she urgently needed the youth's power to help her dissipate this part of the stray spiritual energy.
And this time, she would be... unrestrained!
Gu Yun clearly realized the predicament his master was facing. As he was pressed onto the soft and luxurious brocade quilt, his voice was exceptionally gentle: "Master... don't be afraid. I'm here. I'll always be with you!"
"Mmm..."
Before he could finish, the youth's lips were blocked.
Inside the bedchamber, layers of restrictions isolated all sound and prying eyes.
"Yun'er... Yun'er..."
Soft murmurs echoed in the space. Amidst the intertwining spiritual energy, time passed.
Dark thunderclouds gradually formed over the Eternal Imperial Palace.
Gu Yun hurriedly moved Liu Tianhuang off him. Her Majesty the Empress's face was flushed, with a hint of lingering complaint: "What's wrong? You clearly used to..."
"Master, you've really put me in a tough spot."
Gu Yun gave a bitter smile.
Liu Tianhuang finally snapped out of it. With a little perception, she could sense the abnormality outside.
"Tribulation clouds?!"
"You broke through? No, wait, it's the Quasi-Emperor Tribulation!"
"Could it be that every time you break through in the Quasi-Emperor Realm, you have to face tribulation lightning?!"
Gu Yun didn't respond, but his actions said everything.
He hurriedly grabbed his inner robe. The loose robe draped over his body couldn't hide the several eye-catching red marks on his chest.
Liu Tianhuang's face flushed slightly, but she saw Gu Yun already turning into a streak of light and soaring into the sky.
She also quickly put on her clothes and chased after him.
Outside... Shangguan Yaya and the others had been waiting for a long time.
Seeing Gu Yun dive headfirst into the surging tribulation lightning, they were filled with worry.
"Such a powerful lightning tribulation. It's already close to a true Emperor Tribulation!"
Liu Tianhuang said, her voice heavy.
Shangguan Yaya bowed: "Greetings, Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities. Watch the surroundings and ensure Yun'er's tribulation isn't disturbed."
"Yes!"
Shangguan Yaya complied, only then noticing that Liu Tianhuang's moon-white sleeping robe looked rather disheveled.
"Your Majesty... His Highness only recently broke through to the Fourth Level Quasi-Emperor Realm. Why would he now..."
"How... how would I know?!"
Liu Tianhuang hurriedly said, "Maybe it's because of that little phoenix from before. I saw that the girl's Primal Yin was gone; it's likely been taken by this little brat."
Shangguan Yaya's heart tightened, and she remained silent. Her Majesty... Her Majesty could actually tell if someone's Primal Yin was intact.
Then... did her own disguise actually work?
"He really doesn't know restraint. Others avoid lightning tribulations, but he's the opposite, diving right in. He's really not afraid of dying fast enough!"
"Yaya, what's wrong?"
"No... nothing, Your Majesty. I am just worried for His Highness."
"Don't worry. It's just a lightning tribulation. For the Myriad Transformations Saint Body, it might even be nourishing sustenance."
Liu Tianhuang rubbed her waist. "Keep an eye here. Once he successfully breaks through, have him come see me."
//696//
Chapter 696: Movements from All Sides
Her Majesty the Empress left, swaying her hips, but her staggering footsteps made Shangguan Yaya feel a sense of deja vu.
"It... couldn't be..."
Thinking to herself, she looked up and saw the leaden, heavy thunderclouds in the sky suddenly churning. Immediately after, a blinding silver-white lightning bolt, like a spear of divine punishment, struck fiercely at Gu Yun's figure in mid-air.
Just like the last time in the Heavenly Thunder Domain, a strange light flowed around the young man's body, swallowing the lightning tribulation in an instant.
Even though it wasn't the first time she had seen such a technique, Shangguan Yaya was still amazed.
She composed herself and began to focus on protecting Gu Yun... Not long ago.
"Fourth Sister, you go back to the Ziwei Imperial Dynasty first."
"I... I still have some matters to deal with."
Chu Ruoyao and Ruan Qing had traveled together for a distance, but the tragic scenes of being bullied by Gu Yun these past few days kept replaying in her mind. Shame and indignation grew within her. She hadn't even gotten her revenge yet, how could she just leave like this?!
As the dignified Third Sequence of the Demonic Sect and a Sixth Tribulation Great Emperor expert, did she not care about her reputation?
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became; the more she stepped back, the more she felt she was losing out.
If this matter wasn't resolved properly, Chu Ruoyao felt she would develop a heart demon... "Wait, Second Sister... you..."
Before Ruan Qing could stop her, Chu Ruoyao had already turned into a streak of bloody light and departed.
"Sigh..."
Ruan Qing rubbed her head. Being as clever as she was, she could naturally guess a thing or two. "I'd better go back and talk to Third Sister. This Second Sister... she's being way too reckless..."
With that thought, she quickened her pace... While Gu Yun was undergoing his tribulation, the news of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's downfall quickly swept through the Three Thousand Dao Domains like a hurricane.
The top powers on all sides were sent into a massive uproar because of this.
Daluo Imperial Dynasty, deep within the Imperial Palace.
A middle-aged man wearing a Nine-Dragon Imperial Robe sat on the Dragon Throne. He slowly set down the information jade slip in his hand.
His brow was deeply furrowed. "The Eternal Imperial Dynasty... was destroyed just like that?"
His deep voice betrayed no emotion. This current Emperor of the Daluo Imperial Dynasty merely tapped the armrest of the Dragon Throne lightly with his fingertips. "That old fellow Di Shitian was ambitious, but in the end, he played with fire and got burned."
"However... the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and the Holy Water Immortal Palace. These three joining forces indeed have the strength to sweep across the entire Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"What... exactly do they want to do?"
A profound light flashed in his eyes. "The Emperor Road is about to open, and the winds and clouds are gathering. This era is about to flourish. When that time comes... the foundations of the major powers will emerge one after another."
"The bird that sticks its head out gets shot. I want to see how long you can keep smiling!"
The Eternal Imperial Dynasty was the one with the shallowest foundation among the Five Great Imperial Dynasties. Therefore, although its fall was shocking, it did not completely terrify the Daluo Emperor.
Since the Era of Chaos, there has never been an era where so many heroes gathered as in this one.
Anyone with eyes could see that Heaven and Earth were changing.
No one would miss this chance to fight for the opportunity that had already become a legend in the Three Thousand Dao Domains... "Hehe, to take action before the opening of the Emperor Road, the Immortal Ancient Gu Family is trying to eliminate dissenters?"
Chaos Imperial Dynasty, within the Ancestral Land.
The Chaos Emperor, who was a powerful figure in the outside world, was currently kneeling. Before him was an ancient altar shrouded in chaotic mist, upon which sat a blurry-figured old man.
Hearing the report from his descendant, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Ancestor is wise. In recent years, the Eternal Imperial Dynasty has repeatedly violated the borders of the Supreme Divine Dynasty. I'm afraid Liu Tianhuang has also grown weary of it."
"Destroying them now is within the realm of reason."
"Do you think things are that simple?"
Within the chaotic mist, the old man's voice was ethereal and uncertain.
"Please enlighten me, Ancestor."
"This time... I did not sense any familiar aura from any of the three powers."
"Do you understand what this means?!"
"Ancestor means..."
"The Immortal Ancient Gu Family, the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and the Holy Water Immortal Palace. These three joined forces might have the confidence to destroy any power in the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"And... without needing to mobilize a single Ancestor!"
"The combat power of Gu Changqing, Gu Chang Song, Liu Tianhuang, and Lin Canghai is indeed powerful, but they do not have the ability to easily kill experts of the same realm."
"For the current situation to occur, there is only one explanation..."
"They have mastered means that we do not know about. And in the Three Thousand Dao Domains, the only things that can achieve direct combat power suppression in an Emperor Realm battle... are Immortal Artifacts. And... it is very likely they have more than one!"
Hearing the Chaos Ancestor's guess, the Chaos Emperor couldn't help but gasp. "Back then, Gu Changqing alone, holding the azure heaven immortal gourd, could fight three at once and repel three Ninth Tribulation Demon Emperors as an Eighth Tribulation being. If they have more than one Immortal Artifact, then the Gu Family's momentum is likely unstoppable..."
"Then Ancestor, what should we do..."
"Wait and see."
The old man's voice was calm.
"But if the Gu Family makes a move against us..."
"Go contact the Immortal Ancient Qin Family first. We did them such a big favor; at least find out the Gu Family's intentions."
"Since they cannot be made enemies of, there is no need to forcibly go against the heavens."
"Our Chaos Imperial Dynasty has been passed down since the Immortal Ancient era, and we haven't relied on fighting and killing."
The Chaos Emperor felt aggrieved in his heart. As an Emperor, he naturally wanted to achieve great things. Now, this ambition seemed to be completely strangled in the cradle.
"Wentian, do you think... in this world, can there be an eternally indestructible Imperial Dynasty?"
The Chaos Emperor was slightly stunned and replied respectfully, "Replying to Ancestor, since the Era of Chaos, our Chaos Imperial Dynasty has been passed down to this day. Our foundation is deep, and our providence is long-lasting. We have never faced a true crisis of destruction."
"It can be called... eternally indestructible."
"Heh—"
The Chaos Ancestor let out a light laugh. "From the Immortal Ancient era until now is only a few billion years. To the vast heavens and the endless river of time, it is but a fleeting moment."
"Between Heaven and Earth, what can truly attain eternity? That Imperial Dynasty named Eternal rose from the Era of Chaos and lasted for hundreds of millions of years, yet it was destroyed just like that..."
"Our Chaos Imperial Dynasty has been able to pass down until now not by blindly showing off strength and being bellicose, but by... following the trend and hiding our brilliance with skill."
"But the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, haven't they been prosperous until now?"
"In the ancient records of our Chaos Imperial Dynasty, they have always been listed as an invincible taboo existence. Ancestor, are they... truly invincible in the world?!"
The Chaos Emperor's voice was somewhat indignant. This feeling of being intimidated before the battle even began was incredibly stifling.
Looking at his descendant's indignant appearance, the Chaos Ancestor could only sigh slightly. "As long as the Heavens don't take action, perhaps... they are indeed invincible..."
//697//
Chapter 697: Qin Qingshuang Faces the Tribulation
Immortal Ancient Qin Family.
Qin Qingshuang sat cross-legged, Chaos Qi intertwining around her to form a massive vortex.
Her eyes were tightly shut, and her peerlessly beautiful face showed no ripple of emotion, as if everything in the outside world had nothing to do with her.
Within her Dantian, a Dao Seed condensed from Chaos Qi was slowly rotating.
With every rotation, endless spiritual energy of heaven and earth was devoured and refined, transforming into the purest primal Chaos Source to nourish her limbs, bones, soul, and sea of consciousness.
Dark, oppressive tribulation clouds had somehow already shrouded the skies above the Immortal Ancient Qin Family.
The thick layers of clouds rolled, and muffled thunder rumbled from afar as sharp, blinding electric snakes darted through the clouds, emitting a destructive aura.
"The Quasi-Emperor Tribulation... is here."
Outside the secret chamber, Qin Feng stood with his hands behind his back. He gazed up at the tribulation clouds in the sky, his expression grave.
As a possessor of the Chaos Body, Qin Qingshuang would inevitably trigger a Quasi-Emperor Tribulation; this was not beyond Qin Feng's expectations.
But seeing it today, the power of this Quasi-Emperor Tribulation... was extraordinary.
Behind him, several Qin Family elders and consecrated experts stood solemnly, all of whom were Emperor Realm powerhouses.
They had already laid down multiple layers of formations and made thorough preparations, all to ensure that Qin Qingshuang could safely survive this tribulation.
BOOM—!!
The tribulation lightning struck down, shaking heaven and earth, causing the expressions of the Emperor Realm experts present to shift slightly.
"No wonder few Chaos Bodies in history have managed to attain the Dao. How could such tribulation lightning be resisted by ordinary rogue cultivators?!"
An elder spoke in shock, his tone filled with disbelief.
Although the tribulation lightning struck the grand formation meticulously prepared by the Qin Family and only caused it to shake slightly without dealing a destructive blow, it was enough to shock them.
At this rate, the preparations they had originally thought were foolproof might only be able to withstand five bolts of tribulation lightning.
"Father!"
"Remove the formation, I can withstand it!"
Qin Qingshuang, who was preparing to receive the baptism of tribulation lightning, frowned slightly and gave a soft shout.
If Gu Yun could do it, why couldn't she!
"Nonsense!"
Qin Feng's face darkened, and he flatly refused, "The matter of facing a tribulation has always been a narrow escape from death. How can it be treated like a game!"
"Qingshuang, you only need to focus on your tribulation. The family will naturally protect you."
However, Qin Qingshuang stubbornly opened her eyes, and an unyielding light flickered within those clear pupils.
Various scenes from her past life flashed before her eyes, causing her pink fists to tighten slightly.
But the image of the youth in the Ancient Continent standing against everyone for Yao Qingli's sake also touched her heart.
Amidst a mix of joy and anger, her aura was pushed to its peak: "Father!"
"I possess the Chaos Body; I should act against the heavens!"
"If I don't even have the courage to face this mere Quasi-Emperor Tribulation, how can I fight for a future for our Qin Family in that brilliant great era to come!!"
"Remove the formation!!"
The young girl's words were powerful and resonant.
She seemed to have never viewed this Quasi-Emperor Tribulation as an obstacle; in her eyes, there was always a broader future!
"Fine... then you must remember, do not push yourself too hard."
"I will open a gap in the formation. If you sense any danger, retreat into the formation immediately!"
"Good!"
As her voice fell, Qin Qingshuang's figure blurred. She soared into the sky from the secret chamber, directly meeting the rolling tribulation clouds.
The several elders also understood the signal and withdrew part of their spiritual energy, leaving a passage for Qin Qingshuang.
Exactly at this moment, the second bolt of tribulation lightning fell.
An even thicker silver giant dragon tore through the firmament, carrying a terrifying aura of universal destruction as it crashed down toward Qin Qingshuang's head.
There was no trace of fear on the girl's beautiful face. She closed her eyes, and endless grey Chaos Qi suddenly erupted from her body, forming small, rapidly spinning chaos vortexes all over her.
It was as if she were draped in a strange suit of armor.
Those seemingly violent silver thunder dragons were crazily devoured by the Chaos Qi the moment they touched Qin Qingshuang's body.
Fine beads of sweat broke out on the girl's forehead, but she did her best to persevere.
Her aura also became more solid and powerful as the tribulation lightning grew more violent.
"The young miss's Chaos Body has already reached minor completion. Dealing with these few lightning strikes should be no problem."
An elder let out a long breath of relief.
"But... a Chaos Body's Quasi-Emperor Tribulation has at least seven strikes. The young miss..."
Some were also feeling uneasy in their hearts.
"I believe in Qingshuang; she won't act without reason."
"Let us just watch closely as a new Chaos Body shines upon the Three Thousand Dao Domains."
"Our Qin Family can also reproduce the glory of the Immortal Ancient era!"
Excitement flickered in Qin Feng's eyes as he placed all his hope on his daughter.
One after another, the tribulation lightning fell. The terror of the Chaos Body caused the power of the lightning to increase by more than tenfold.
Even powerhouses above the third heaven of the Quasi-Emperor Realm would find it hard to say they could pass through unscathed, yet Qin Qingshuang had done it.
Living another life, she had intercepted many opportunities. Although there were some accidents in between, they could not stop her from tempering her Chaos Body to the limit.
It was for this reason that she had the courage to face this Quasi-Emperor lightning tribulation that had once scared her out of her wits!
The girl now bathing under the rain of tribulation was bidding farewell to her former cowardly self.
"Gu Yun!"
"In this life, I will not lose!!"
The seventh lightning strike finally fell. A lightning dragon containing seven-colored brilliance and internalizing the power of seven types of laws roared as it swept down!
The Qin Family elders present all sucked in a breath of cold air.
Disbelief filled their eyes: "Seven-Colored Divine Lightning! Qingshuang actually triggered the Seven-Colored Divine Lightning?!!"
"Even among the legendary Chaos Bodies who survived the Quasi-Emperor Tribulation, the strongest only faced Five-Colored Divine Lightning!!"
"This... this..."
Some were already incoherent, and everyone looked nervously at Qin Feng.
Only to find that their Family Head had also clenched his fists at this moment; his calm and breezy expression had long since vanished, replaced by endless tension and worry.
In the sky.
Qin Qingshuang floated in mid-air, her beautiful hair dancing wildly in the violent energy turbulence, but her peerlessly beautiful face was one of extreme calm.
"Come, I am no longer afraid of you."
"What Gu Yun can do, I, Qin Qingshuang, definitely can as well, and I can be even stronger than him!"
The girl in the sky opened her arms, welcoming the judgment of the lightning like a madwoman.
"Reckless, this is simply reckless!!"
"Seven-Colored Lightning Tribulation—even a Great Emperor couldn't take it head-on!"
"Qin Feng, we cannot let Qingshuang continue to mess around like this. Quickly activate the formation and protect her within it."
A senior elder said urgently.
"It's already too late..."
Qin Feng shook his head. At this moment, no one was more nervous than him, but he could only watch helplessly as the girl was swallowed by the tribulation lightning.
His Emperor Realm divine sense bypassed the dazzling pillar of light, allowing him to clearly see everything within.
Under the impact of the violent tribulation lightning, Qin Qingshuang's delicate body was already trembling violently. Pale gold blood seeped from her seven orifices, and her aura had withered to the extreme.
//698//
Chapter 698: A Young Girl's High Spirits
Everyone broke out in a cold sweat for Qin Qing霜; fortunately, at this final moment, the young girl's potential completely erupted.
Violent Chaos energy radiated from her body, finally and gradually grinding down and transforming the power of the tribulation lightning, making it a part of her own strength.
Her tightly closed eyes suddenly snapped open; deep within her pupils, profound and mysterious, it seemed as if two universes were revolving through birth and destruction!
"Ah—!!"
A clear, long cry issued from the young girl's mouth, signifying that she had completely... broken free from her shackles and emerged from her cocoon as a butterfly!!
The light of the Seven-colored Divine Lightning gradually faded, and the rolling tribulation clouds in the sky also slowly dispersed, as rays of clear sunlight fell once again.
And beneath that sunlight, a slender yet upright figure floated quietly.
Qin Qing霜 was surrounded by faint grey currents of Chaos Qi; her skin was like jade, divine light was contained within, and her aura was harmonious and flawless, returning once more to her original cold and aloof state as a divine maiden.
A majestic Quasi-Emperor pressure slowly emanated from her body.
She succeeded!
"The young lady succeeded!!"
"Seven-colored Divine Lightning! The young lady actually survived it! This should be the first time since that ancestor of the Chaos Imperial Dynasty forty million years ago!"
"Heaven bless my Qin Family! The Chaos Body is complete, and the Quasi-Emperor Tribulation has passed! My Qin Family will surely flourish!"
The elders were also flushed with excitement, their eyes filled with wild joy and pride.
Qin Feng let out a long sigh of relief, his tightly clenched fists finally relaxing; his palms had long been soaked with sweat.
He looked at that peerless figure in the sky, his eyes also filled with relief and pride.
Qin Qing霜 slowly restrained her aura and drifted down from the sky, landing in front of Qin Feng.
"Father, your daughter fortunately did not fail her mission."
"Good! Good! Good!"
Qin Feng said the word "good" three times in a row, patted Qin Qing霜's shoulder hard, and tears faintly shimmered in his eyes, "Qingshuang, you did well! Better than your father imagined!"
"Congratulations, Young Lady! Felicitations, Young Lady!"
"Congratulations, Clan Head! Felicitations, Clan Head!"
The surrounding elders stepped forward one after another to offer their congratulations.
Those who could appear here were all the absolute high-level members of the Qin Family.
Qin Qing霜 responded to each of them with perfect etiquette, yet she didn't show much pride, as if all of this was only natural.
Once everyone's emotions had calmed down a bit, Qin Feng waved his hand, signaling for the others to withdraw for the time being.
He walked side by side with Qin Qing霜 toward the main hall.
"With the Chaos Body complete, from now on, you will be at the forefront of this golden age."
"Shuang'er, are you ready?"
Qin Qing霜 nodded slightly: "I will lead the Immortal Ancient Qin Family to create new brilliance and stand above all else!"
Looking at the high-spirited young girl, Qin Feng's expression changed.
Qin Qing霜's perception was keen, and she quickly noticed her father's abnormality: "What's wrong, Father? Has something major happened outside during the days I was in seclusion?"
Qin Feng sighed slightly and said solemnly: "The Eternal Imperial Dynasty... is gone!"
"Destroyed then..."
"Dad, what did you say?!!"
Qin Qing霜's eyes widened, filled with disbelief.
How could it be possible?!!
How could the Eternal Imperial Dynasty be destroyed at this time?!
In her memory, that Imperial Dynasty had caused Gu Yun no small amount of trouble; a eunuch named Liu Feng who came from there was a remnant of the former Supreme Divine Dynasty.
After he plotted to kill Di Shitian, he took over the position of the Eternal Sovereign.
Later, he raised an army against the Supreme Divine Dynasty. At that time, the Empress had already disappeared, and the Eternal army was unstoppable; even Shangguan Yaya died on the battlefield.
This later provoked Gu Yun's rage, and only then did he take action to destroy the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
But that Liu Feng still hadn't died. How could such a terrifying force, capable of stirring up such massive waves in the future, be... destroyed now?!!
"Yes, it's absolutely true!"
"A few days ago, Gu Changqing even came to find me, saying he was going to seek justice for Gu Yun and asking if the Immortal Ancient Qin Family wanted a share of the spoils."
"And because you were at the most critical moment of your seclusion, I declined him."
"I didn't expect them to move so quickly. The Immortal Ancient Gu Family, the Supreme Divine Dynasty, and the Holy Water Immortal Palace joined forces."
"With the Shadow Immortal Palace and the Phoenix Ancient Clan also involved, the Eternal Imperial Dynasty had almost no power to resist. All nine ancestors fell, and their providence was shattered."
"Now, it has become a vassal of the Supreme Divine Dynasty..."
Qin Feng briefly recounted the recent events, including Gu Yun's strength, which dealt an even greater blow to Qin Qing霜.
"How... how is it possible..."
"In this life, why is everything different?"
The joy of successfully crossing the tribulation vanished instantly, and Qin Qing霜 began to doubt her very life.
"Qingshuang, what did you say?"
The young girl's murmurs were indistinct; even with Qin Feng's hearing, he couldn't make them out.
"No... nothing, Father. I'm going to cultivate."
"The Emperor Road is about to open, and I plan to make more preparations."
"Send me into the World Behind the Door; I want to... truly test myself!"
...Immortal Ancient Shen Family.
Inside a magnificent meditation room filled with spiritual energy, Shen Jingzhou, dressed in a Flowing Cloud Daoist Robe, was sitting cross-legged.
His face was handsome, with a hint of innate nobility and indifference between his brows. Mysterious laws of the universe flowed around him as he was deep in meditation.
As the most outstanding heir of this generation of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, he bore heavy responsibilities and carried the immense expectations of his family.
However, no one knew that the soul within this body had already undergone a earth-shattering change.
"Huff— huff—"
"Ah—!!"
He clutched his head and collapsed onto the bed beside him in pain.
Chaotic and broken memory fragments crashed into "Shen Jingzhou's" sea of consciousness. A large amount of information flooded in, finally allowing him to gradually grasp everything.
Shen Jingzhou... Young Master of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family... extraordinary talent... Ye Qingcheng... Countless images flashed by like a revolving lantern. Shen Jingzhou finally sat up again, opened his eyes, and said with a rolling Adam's apple in disbelief: "I... I transmigrated?!"
...Eternal Imperial Capital... or rather, it has now been renamed Eternal City.
After the black clouds covering the sky had lasted for two days, they finally dissipated. For Gu Yun, crossing the tribulation was as simple as eating or drinking.
He drifted down from mid-air, saw Shangguan Yaya yawning slightly, and naturally came to her side.
Sensing an aura approaching, Shangguan Yaya snapped her eyes open.
A familiar face came into view. Just as she was about to speak, she felt her lips blocked by the youth: "Mmph..."
After a long time, their lips parted.
Shangguan Yaya peeked toward the inner courtyard and scolded: "You're being too reckless! What if Her Majesty sees us?!"
"Then I'll just have Master betroth Sister Yaya to me."
Gu Yun rubbed Shangguan Yaya's soft hands and said with a grin.
//699//
Chapter 699: Twenty Days
"N-Nonsense!"
"How could that be? I am the Supreme Divine Dynasty's first female official, we..."
"And I am the Crown Prince of the Supreme Divine Dynasty... Come to think of it, we are a perfect match."
"But I'm older than you..."
"It's fine. As they say, a wife three years older is worth a gold brick."
"I'm more than just three years older than you."
"Then I'll just hold a few more. Who would complain about having too many gold bricks?"
"In that case, Sister Yaya, you're a real treasure trove."
"But..."
Shangguan Yaya's cheeks flushed red, and she stammered, unable to speak.
"Or are you saying, Sister Yaya, that you want to enjoy the meal and then refuse to pay the bill?!"
"Then I'll really have to go and complain to Master."
After Gu Yun said that, he turned to leave, but was grabbed by Shangguan Yaya. "N-No, you can't go!"
"I-I'll agree to you, I'll do whatever you want, but I only have one request: you must not let Her Majesty know!"
Shangguan Yaya said with a blushing face. She didn't want her image in Liu Tianhuang's mind as a fair official dedicated to the Supreme Divine Dynasty to have even a single blemish.
"Fine..."
Gu Yun's lips curled up slightly. Although it felt a bit unfair to Teacher Baby, it was indeed very exciting; just thinking about it made him a little thrilled.
"How about we now..."
He moved to wrap his arm around Shangguan Yaya's waist.
"N-No..."
Shangguan Yaya suddenly seemed to remember something. She hurriedly tidied her slightly messy lapels and hair, her eyes darting away. "Your Highness, you should go see Her Majesty quickly. She has been waiting for you for two days."
"The Heavenly Tribulation has vanished. If Your Highness doesn't go soon, she will definitely become suspicious."
"It just so happens that we've just taken over Eternal City, and there are many matters to handle. Yaya... Yaya has to go get busy!"
After saying that, she hardly dared to look at Gu Yun again. Like a startled rabbit, she turned and fled in a hurry, her departing figure looking a bit flustered.
Watching Shangguan Yaya's somewhat flustered figure disappear around the corner of the palace wall, Gu Yun's lips curled into a helpless smile.
He could have held onto Shangguan Yaya and entered the Great Luo Dao Pagoda to discuss life, but thinking about having to face his Master—that formidable beast—later, he sensibly dropped the idea.
To fight a Nine-Tribulation Great Emperor with a Quasi-Emperor body... in the entire Three Thousand Dao Domains, he was likely the only one with such an opportunity.
Since the last battle was unexpectedly interrupted by the Quasi-Emperor Tribulation, Master would certainly not let him off this time.
Thinking of this, Gu Yun chose to first enter the Great Luo Dao Pagoda to consolidate his newly broken-through cultivation, then headed to the entrance of the sleeping quarters again.
The palace doors were tightly shut. Gu Yun paused for a moment and was about to raise his hand to knock lightly.
But with a creak, the door was pushed open from the inside, and a hand as translucent as mutton-fat jade reached out.
It moved with extreme speed and irresistible force, grabbing Gu Yun by his lapels and pulling him violently into the sleeping quarters.
Bang!
The palace doors slammed shut, and the restrictions Liu Tianhuang had previously set up silently activated once more, isolating everything inside from the outside.
Gu Yun felt a waft of fragrant wind, and then he was tightly embraced by a soft, burning body and pressed against a vermilion pillar in the inner hall.
"M-Master..."
Gu Yun's words were stuck in his throat.
"Don't speak..."
Liu Tianhuang's breath was short. Giving Gu Yun no time to react, she immediately stood on her tiptoes and sealed his lips with a burning kiss.
This kiss was even more urgent than those from the previous two days.
After a long time, their lips parted.
Liu Tianhuang panted slightly, her chest heaving, and her cheeks flushed like the sunset.
Her shimmering phoenix eyes gazed at Gu Yun from inches away. With every glance, she was incredibly charming and soul-stirring.
Gu Yun's breathing also became rapid, and certain changes in him were caught by Liu Tianhuang's eyes.
A triumphant smile appeared on her stunning face. "You little bastard... to actually run away at the last moment. Do you know what these past few days have been like for your Master?"
She grabbed Gu Yun with overwhelming dominance, her hot breath spraying against his neck, making him feel tingly and numb.
Gu Yun chuckled sheepishly. "Master... I was doing this for your safety."
"Think about it. What if the Heavenly Dao sensed your presence while I was undergoing the tribulation and directly sent down the Guiding Light to take you to the Immortal Realm, leaving your disciple all alone in this mortal world to grieve? What would I do then?!"
Gu Yun spoke sorrowfully, appearing deeply sincere.
"Give me a break!"
Liu Tianhuang gave a soft laugh and extended a slender finger, tapping it against Gu Yun's chest.
Then, she leaned gently against him, listening quietly. "Without my restraint, wouldn't you just fly up to the heavens in these Three Thousand Dao Domains?"
"What's this... after being so close with that little phoenix for so long, now you're making eyes at that Saintess from the Shadow Immortal Palace."
"Did you think I didn't see?"
"In the heart of a playboy like you, I'm afraid there's no longer a place for this Master of yours."
"How could that be possible..."
"Teacher Baby will always be the only one in my heart, incomparable to anyone else!"
Gu Yun scooped Liu Tianhuang up in a princess carry, and she was very cooperative.
Her perfect body, as soft as putty, was gently laid onto the bed by Gu Yun.
The youth held the Empress's hand. "Master... you're so beautiful..."
"..."
"You brat, why are you still... saying these things!"
Liu Tianhuang wrapped her arms around Gu Yun's neck, her enchanting phoenix eyes already flickering with a hazy light.
"Yun'er, this time... you must properly help your Master... control... my spiritual power..."
"Don't... run away again."
...Seven days later.
"Yun'er... Yun'er... Enough, enough. Your Master's... Your Master's spiritual power has already stabilized..."
"Master... but your disciple's Demonic Bone still can't be suppressed..."
"T-Then let me rest for a bit. I'll use another way to help you relieve it."
Liu Tianhuang's face was slightly red. She really couldn't understand what this disciple of hers was made of.
To think that with a cultivation of the fifth level of the Quasi-Emperor Realm, he nearly made her unable to hold her own.
"Evil Demonic Bone, don't be so arrogant. Under Master's Five-Finger Mountain, you have nowhere to run!"
...Another seven days later.
Liu Tianhuang, oh Liu Tianhuang, how could you be so depraved!
There was very little time left before the deadline set with Lin Qiushui; she couldn't continue to waste time here!
..."Master... the twenty-day period is up. Although your disciple still wants to show filial piety by your side, I truly cannot fulfill both loyalty and filial piety."
"But please rest assured, Master. Your disciple will return home for three months, and after that, I will certainly continue to please you at your knees."
On the departing flying boat, Gu Yun spoke with deep sincerity as they bid a reluctant farewell.
Wearing her dragon robes, Liu Tianhuang looked at her disciple's shameless behavior and wished she could just sit on him and crush him to death.
Pleasing at the knees? Who pleases someone like that? She couldn't take it... "Hmph!"
Without answering Gu Yun, Liu Tianhuang turned and left immediately.
Shangguan Yaya stepped forward. "What's wrong with Her Majesty?"
"It's nothing. She's probably just in a bad mood because I'm leaving."
"I see..."
"What, is Sister Yaya happy about it?"
Gu Yun pulled Shangguan Yaya into his arms. "I've been accompanying Master these past few days and neglected you a bit. I'm sorry..."
"Your Highness, please... don't be like this..."
"It's fine. Master has already gone back to secluded meditation. She won't see."
Gu Yun's words were like a demon's whisper.
"Even so..."
"Lord Shangguan, you wouldn't want Master to know about you stealing what you were supposed to guard, would you...?"
"Mmm..."
Shangguan Yaya felt as if she'd been struck by lightning, and her body went limp. A dignified Great Emperor expert could only let Gu Yun do as he pleased.
//700//
Chapter 700: Liu Feng's Dead End
After properly compensating for his neglect these past few days, Gu Yun finally let Shangguan Yaya leave.
She boarded the flying boat returning home and quickly departed.
Lying on a recliner, Gu Yun looked relaxed.
The long-unseen Shadow reappeared, kneeling obediently before the young man.
"Seventh level of Quasi-Emperor?"
"It seems your recent gains haven't been small either."
"Thanks to the perfect cultivation environment provided by Your Highness, otherwise Shadow might still be struggling at the First or second level of Quasi-Emperor realm now."
Shadow answered in her spare time, then continued to concentrate.
Gu Yun rested his hands on the armrests and chuckled, "That also depends on your own efforts."
"If you were just a mediocre talent, even the best cultivation environment wouldn't have much effect."
"Be careful when cultivating later. The Emperor Road is about to open, and I want you to enter with me. Don't waste this opportunity."
"Hmm!"
"Hiss—"
Shadow panicked and quickly corrected her posture.
Gu Yun rubbed her head, his gaze directed into the distance.
"Your Highness, the direction we're heading doesn't seem to be entirely toward the Immortal Ancient Gu Family."
After a long while, Shadow stood up and nestled into Gu Yun's embrace.
She knew this was His Highness's favorite position; her perfect body was incredibly comfortable to hold, and her nimble skills pushed Shadow's value to the peak.
"There's a small matter that needs to be dealt with in advance."
Gu Yun's expression was calm. The Eternal Imperial Dynasty had been destroyed, but Liu Feng wasn't dead yet.
He was a walking treasure chest, and Gu Yun had no reason to let him go... "Damn it... Damn Di Shitian!"
"I—I'll be back. When I do, I'll kill you, kill all of you!"
Earlier, Liu Feng had been teleported away from the Eternal Imperial Palace, with several ribs broken and old injuries unhealed.
But he dared not linger and could only flee wildly towards the north of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty.
To the west of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty was the Qixia Mountain Range, full of dangers and impassable.
To the south was the Supreme Divine Dynasty, which would be like walking into a trap.
To the east was the Border of the Other Shore, a place where survival was a slim chance, and Liu Feng didn't have the courage for that.
After much thought, only the north seemed safer.
Although those barbarians were cruel and violent, they were relatively easier to fool. If handled well, they might become the capital for his resurgence!
At that time, he would regroup, march south, return to the old capital, and reclaim everything that belonged to him!
Di Shitian and Liu Tianhuang were nothing more than stepping stones on his path to success!
Clutching his last hope, Liu Feng finally entered the barbarian territory.
However... "What a handsome human cultivator."
A burly barbarian man rubbed his palms, looking at Liu Feng, who was like a lamb entering a tiger's den, with a greedy smile on his face.
Liu Feng's appearance was already delicate; even if he dressed as a woman, there would be no sense of incongruity.
In the eyes of these barbarian men, he was an exquisite delicacy.
"Get lost!"
Liu Feng was both shocked and enraged. Enduring his injuries, he activated the remaining spiritual energy in his body and struck the barbarian strongman in front of him with a palm!
The successive blows had left him so weak that he couldn't even contend with a Xiantai Realm cultivator.
Like a small cat with its back arched, Liu Feng was desperately trying to show his ferocity... However... his attack merely caused the barbarian man to stagger a few steps.
"Great Power Realm!"
Liu Feng's expression changed drastically. He tried to retreat but was grabbed by the wrist by the other party.
"Oh, I didn't expect you to still have some strength."
"It's alright, a bit of spirit is good; it makes playing more exciting!"
"That's right, kid, don't struggle. Serve our Lord Gugu well, and you might just keep your life."
"Yeah... look at you, so fair-skinned and tender. It wouldn't be good if your limbs were broken."
"Hahahaha..."
The surrounding barbarian warriors chattered, spewing obscenities, and a cheerful atmosphere filled the air.
Liu Feng's heart sank to the bottom, and despair engulfed him like a cold tide.
He struggled, he cursed, he begged, but it was all in vain.
He was dragged back to the tribe by Gugu like a dead dog.
The days that followed were a true hell.
He became Gugu's 'plaything,' imprisoned in a dark stone cave, subjected to unimaginable humiliation and torture every day.
Gugu not only enjoyed him himself but sometimes also 'bestowed' him upon his subordinates or used him to entertain 'distinguished guests' from other tribes.
His dignity was utterly trampled, and his body was ravaged beyond recognition.
The once Child of Destiny, favored by luck, had now fallen to this state, worse than the most lowly slave.
He didn't understand... why he had become like this.
Hatred and venom grew in his heart.
He hated the entire world equally, and one day, he would utterly destroy this world and make everyone pay the price!!
From then on, he began to mechanically endure the torment, only hoping that one day he would see the light again!
The physical pain could not destroy his resilient soul.
Liu Feng always believed that he still had a chance to turn the tables.
Until this day, as usual, Gugu got off him: "Look at you, aren't you doing fine now?"
"What was the point of struggling so much at first?"
"I thought you were something rare, but it turns out you were already 'opened' by someone else..."
"Since you were already a broken item, don't pretend to be pure... Just stay put, at least you won't starve."
"By the way, people from the Wutu Tribe are coming to visit tomorrow. They haven't played with humans either, so you better behave well and don't embarrass me."
Liu Feng remained like a walking corpse. Gugu, finding it uninteresting, decided to leave.
But just then, a sharp blade light flashed, and a large head flew into the sky.
Blood splattered, making Liu Feng excitedly raise his head.
A chance... had he finally waited for a chance?!
What met his eyes was a graceful black silhouette, which in his heart, was now as sacred as a celestial maiden.
"You..."
Before he could speak, he already saw his own body.
Thump, thump, his head rolled to the ground.
Shadow left without any hesitation.
//701//
Chapter 701: Villain Roleplay System
[Ding! Child of Destiny Liu Feng has died; destiny value cleared.]
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for obtaining 4,000 destiny value points and 30,000 villain value points. Reward: Color Treasure Chest *1.]
In the outside world, Gu Yun held the human emperor banner in his hand, with the heaven and earth furnace hovering above his head.
He looked down at the massacre below expressionlessly, his heart completely unmoved.
Within this barbarian tribe, he had discovered many human slaves.
A life for a life—it was only fair.
As for those devastated human compatriots, Gu Yun could only send them to the afterlife to find peace.
In their final moments, Gu Yun could even see a sense of relief in their eyes.
Perhaps... he truly was a great philanthropist who blessed all generations.
Shadow returned quickly, her clean black night-traveling clothes without a single speck of dirt.
Slaying these ants was indeed an effortless task for her.
"Your Highness... I have fortunately fulfilled my mission."
Shadow knelt on one knee, her expression as calm as ever.
She didn't know why Gu Yun had suddenly detoured to this place, but as long as it was His Highness's command, she only needed to execute it unconditionally.
"Shadow, you did very well."
Gu Yun gently patted Shadow's head; she rubbed against him affectionately, as well-behaved as a cat.
Gu Yun ignored the rest and immersed his consciousness into his sea of knowledge.
"System, open the treasure chest."
[Ding! Color Treasure Chest opened successfully.]
[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining: Grand Dao of Creation (Minor Success).]
The Grand Dao of Creation—an existence that could rank in the top ten among the three thousand Grand Daos. The difficulty of comprehending it was almost the same as Time and Space.
It represented creation, life, evolution, and miracles.
It was a powerful existence that could truly create something from nothing. The Undying Immortal Vine Clan, which Teng Hua belonged to, possessed such tyrannical benefits precisely because they inherited a portion of the profound mysteries of the Dao of Creation.
As soon as the river of Dao laws condensed and took shape, it was quickly assimilated by the Myriad Transformations Saint Body, becoming a complete part of Gu Yun.
With the entry of many Dao laws, Gu Yun felt that the day his Saint Body reached Great Success was not far off.
"Ugh—!!"
Shadow's pupils trembled slightly as she looked at Gu Yun in disbelief.
She had already tried very hard, but she hadn't expected the young man to be fully resurrected once again.
Gu Yun was also somewhat helpless; this was the side effect of integrating the Grand Dao of Creation. He patted Shadow's head with a slight apology: "Sorry, Shadow."
"I've wronged you. I'll release Flame Princess, Xiao Wu, as well as Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing to share some of the pressure with you."
Shadow stared stubbornly, as if saying she could handle it!
Looking at that determined little gaze, Gu Yun felt his heart melt.
"Cough, cough, cough..."
A hint of joy curled at the corner of Shadow's mouth: "Look, Your Highness, Shadow can do it. I don't need help from others..."
"Yes, my Shadow is the best."
Gu Yun was not stingy with his praise, which Shadow enjoyed very much. But when she saw the big boss still perfectly intact, she fell into deep thought... Immortal Ancient Shen Family.
Shen Jingzhou had been hiding in his room for a long time, and he finally almost cleared up his current situation.
"What?! I actually transmigrated into this simp?!"
After completely digesting the memories belonging to 'Shen Jingzhou' in his mind, this soul from another world was completely stunned.
He suddenly sat up from the bed, clutching his head with both hands, unwilling to accept reality.
He was originally just an ordinary corporate slave who died of a sudden heart attack while staying up late reading a novel titled 'peerless dragon emperor'.
When he woke up again, he had actually become the idiot villain in this novel... Shen Jingzhou!!
The direct son of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, with a noble status and transcendent talent.
In the end, because he liked Ye Qingcheng, he was crazily slapped in the face by the male protagonist of 'peerless dragon emperor', Ye Chen. Finally, his whole family was exterminated, and he was a cannon fodder villain who died a miserable death!
"Damn it! I have everything I want. Why on earth should I be a simp for that Ye Qingcheng!"
Shen Jingzhou slammed a heavy punch onto the expensive red sandalwood table beside him. The costly tabletop was instantly covered with spiderweb-like cracks, and wood chips flew everywhere.
At this thought, his mood improved slightly.
Although the original owner was a complete brain-dead simp who almost emptied the Shen Family for a Shadow Goddess Ye Qingcheng who didn't love him at all, and eventually became a stepping stone for the Child of Destiny—that was the original owner, not him!
Now he was a transmigrator who knew the entire plot. Without that twisted love for Ye Qingcheng, he could completely go and befriend that Child of Destiny. With the resources of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family and his own natural talent, he might not be unable to live a carefree and happy life.
Whatever bullshit Protagonist of Fortune, get the hell away from me!
But at that moment, he suddenly felt a numbness all over his body, and then he lost his footing and fell directly onto the bed beside him.
His body went stiff and twitched incessantly.
[Ding! Detected that the Host has generated thoughts that violate the plot. Electric shock punishment is hereby administered.]
"No... what the f—"
Shen Jingzhou suddenly sat up from the bed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, his face pale.
This electric shock went from the inside out, instantly penetrating his body. His proud Quasi-Emperor cultivation had no effect at all.
Even now, his body was still uncontrollably trembling slightly.
[Ding! Host, please correct your mindset and play your villain role well.]
The cold electronic voice echoed in his mind without a hint of emotion.
"I... no, wait, a system?!!"
"I actually have a system?!!"
Shen Jingzhou discovered the key point and was instantly overjoyed.
A system!
This was the standard golden finger for transmigrators!
Although he seemed to have transmigrated into a villain destined for a tragic end, with a system, everything would have a turning point!
"System! What functions do you have?!"
Shen Jingzhou asked impatiently in his heart.
[This system is the Villain Roleplay System.]
[The Host needs to play the villain role of 'Shen Jingzhou' in the original work well and complete the various plot tasks issued by the system.]
[Based on task completion and roleplay compatibility, corresponding rewards can be obtained, including but not limited to: cultivation enhancement, cultivation techniques and divine abilities, divine weapons and Dharma treasures, special constitutions, luck value, etc.]
[Warning: If the Host generates thoughts that seriously deviate from the original character setting or intentions, corresponding punishments will be given based on the degree of deviation, including but not limited to: electric shocks, cultivation weakening, luck deprivation, random deprivation of an ability or organ, etc.]
[Ultimate Mission: Advance the plot of 'peerless dragon emperor' to its end. After normally playing the role of 'Shen Jingzhou', the Host can freely leave this world and receive a reward of ten billion in cash.]
The wild joy on Shen Jingzhou's face instantly froze.
"Ten billion?!!"
"Damn system, are you kidding me? I'm now the young master of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, a powerhouse with Quasi-Emperor cultivation who has everything I want. You want me to go back? What's the point of going back?!!"
"Aaaaaah—!!!"
Under the electric shock therapy, Shen Jingzhou's transmigrator edges were quickly worn down, and he began to honestly inquire about current information.
//702//
Chapter 702: Shen Jingzhou Finally Compromises
"Damn! System, are you serious?!"
"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty, one of the Five Great Imperial Dynasties, was actually destroyed, and Ye Qingcheng is no longer the Empress Dowager there."
"Is this script of yours authentic?!"
Shen Jingzhou's composure broke. He had originally planned that if he had to follow the plot, he would just do it; at least he could get rewards.
Maybe there would be a chance for a reversal later, but after learning about the current situation, that last glimmer of hope vanished.
Follow the plot?
Follow what damn plot? The plot has already collapsed into this mess. He might as well just slack off until the world ends.
[Ding! Severe fluctuations detected in the Host's timeline. The script has been corrected. Please act according to the new plot. The system will conduct assessments according to the rules.]
The cold notification sounded, and the corrected script soon appeared before Shen Jingzhou's eyes.
The changes weren't huge, except that the story of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty's destruction was added as background lore.
At the same time... there was a name that annoyed him, mentioned repeatedly.
"Gu Yun?"
"That ruthless Young Master of the Gu Family?!"
"So it was he who masterminded the plan to destroy the Eternal Imperial Dynasty. It seems that in this real space, the characters in the script will make different choices based on their personalities."
"Blindly believing in books is worse than having no books at all. Even if I know the script, it's not necessarily omnipotent..."
Thinking of this, Shen Jingzhou fell silent.
The future holds infinite possibilities, so why the hell should he follow some shitty script? Damn it, he might as well just slack off.
Anyway, in the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, he lived in luxury with fine food and clothes, and maids to look after his daily needs. When bored, he could go to the brothels to listen to music. Wasn't this much more comfortable than his previous life?!
"Aaaah!!!"
[Warning! Host, please adjust your attitude!]
"I got it!"
With a face full of irritation, Shen Jingzhou stood up abruptly.
"Someone, prepare a carriage. I'm going to the Immortal Ancient Gu Family."
In the script, this was just a brief mention intended to show Shen Jingzhou's possessiveness, serving as a supplement to the conflict between the protagonist and himself, the cannon fodder villain.
But as something happening in reality, Shen Jingzhou had to personally go and complete it.
"That Gu Yun is a villainous character just like me, so there shouldn't be... much of a problem... right..."
Before departing, Shen Jingzhou was still a bit uneasy, but now he could only bite the bullet... [Ding! Child of Destiny Shen Jingzhou has generated extreme negative emotions of pain. Reward: 5,000 villain value points.]
Beside the youth, jade-like bodies lay scattered.
His expression was content, lazily enjoying himself.
The Immortal Ancient Gu Family was right before his eyes; he hadn't expected to gain some extra harvest.
"Why would Shen Jingzhou have negative emotions? Did he encounter those fake protagonists from his script?"
Gu Yun was somewhat curious.
"Xi Tong, are those fake Destinies in Shen Jingzhou's script also effective?"
[In response to the Host, they are indeed effective.]
[Those are all genuine Children of Destiny, but their grade is far inferior to Shen Jingzhou's, and they will ultimately only serve as stepping stones.]
"Oh? Then doesn't that mean I can kill two birds with one stone?"
Gu Yun was quite satisfied. Previously, he had been complaining about his efficiency in gathering destiny value, but now, it was like someone handing him a pillow just as he was getting sleepy.
Shen Jingzhou had the backing of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family, so he couldn't be dealt with as easily as the previous protagonists.
However, while dealing with him, he might continuously bring extra gains, so he did have his value.
The flying ship slowly descended and docked at the magnificent reception plaza of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
Gu Yun quickly tidied the slightly disheveled clothes of the girls and softly woke them.
Moon Dance, who was soft in Gu Yun's arms, woke up leisurely from her slumber. In her human form, she still maintained a trace of a lazy feline state as she stretched.
Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing also woke up one after another, their cheeks still tinged with a lingering blush as they each straightened their appearance.
Both of them stole glances at the young man. Having followed Gu Yun from the Gengjin Dao Domain until now, this was the first time they had the chance to meet the youth's family.
"Next time... don't call me for this kind of thing!"
"It's a waste of my cultivation time!"
Flame Princess wrapped herself in a fiery red dress, her demeanor cold and peerless.
As the saying goes, once the skirt is pulled up, one acts tough; she was no longer the one pleading for mercy.
"Sister Flame Princess is really something. Last night you were the one most clingy to His Highness, and now you've turned your back on him. You're truly a heartless woman who abandons after use."
Moon Dance covered her mouth and giggled, ruthlessly exposing Flame Princess's sore spot.
"Xiao Wu!!"
Flame Princess's cold and elegant face instantly turned beet red, as if it were about to spit fire.
"Oh my, help me, Your Highness! Sister Flame Princess is going to kill me to silence me!"
Moon Dance gave a soft cry and giggled as she hid behind Gu Yun, revealing only a pair of cunning cat-like pupils.
Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing also couldn't help but cover their mouths and laugh; the atmosphere lightened considerably.
Gu Yun reached back and tucked Moon Dance into his arms while simultaneously grabbing the lunging Flame Princess. With one on each side, he instantly restrained both girls.
"Alright, stop fooling around. We're home."
As Gu Yun spoke, he led the girls out of the cabin. Fresh air and incredibly dense spiritual energy rushed toward them, making them feel refreshed.
Even Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing, aunt and niece, couldn't help but be shocked by the Gu Family's scale.
The spiritual energy concentration in this outer area was already comparable to the ordinary-level cultivation rooms in their Gengjin Immortal Palace.
Only the Immortal Ancient Gu Family was qualified to occupy such a prime location.
"Yun'er! You're finally back!"
As soon as Gu Yun and the girls stepped onto the reception plaza, a figure flew over and pulled him into an embrace.
"We agreed on twenty days. If Liu Tianhuang hadn't sent me a message in advance saying you had already set out, I would have gone to her to demand you back."
"Mother, I'm perfectly fine."
Gu Yun laughed and comforted her, gently patting his mother's back.
Lin Qiushui released him and looked him up and down carefully. After confirming her son wasn't missing a single hair, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her gaze then fell on the girls nearby.
"Hello, Auntie~"
She bypassed the more familiar Flame Princess, Moon Dance, and Shadow.
Her gaze fell on Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing: "These two are..."
"Jiang Lan and Jiang Qing from the Gengjin Immortal Palace."
Gu Yun introduced them.
"So they are distinguished guests from the Gengjin Immortal Palace. Welcome, welcome. Yun'er, hurry and take these ladies into the manor and settle them in properly."
Lin Qiushui's eyes were full of smiles as she hurriedly greeted them, giving each of them a bracelet before starting to prepare for the family feast in the evening.
"No need to rush the family feast. Mother, tell me first, is everything well at home lately?"
Gu Yun found an opportunity to pull Lin Qiushui aside and inquire.
Lin Qiushui seemed to be thinking upon hearing this.
"Nothing major, it's just that recently... one of your Clan Sisters was suddenly found to be pregnant."
"The elders of the branch families are currently discussing how to handle this matter."