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Translator: Fate
Translation Checker: Silavin
“Young Master Gu, is there something special about that girl?” Now that there was no one else in the room, Yan Ji cut to the straight and asked with her gaze upon Gu Changge.
Although Gu Changge did not disclose much about Xiao Ruoyin and simply stated that he found Xiao Ruoyin to be an excellent disciple for Yan Ji to mentor, Yan Ji figured that he must possess a certain intention for the girl. Judging by his personality, there was no way he would go such a length for a girl. Realising that, Yan Ji couldn’t help but feel envious.
However, her emotions were only temporary since she was aware that the ‘cheap’ disciple must possess a certain unique physique, and Gu Changge merely wished to refine her before eventually consuming her. In other words, Xiao Ruoyin was nothing but a pitiful artifact.
“She’s quite special. She’ll be useful to me in the future.” Having nothing to hide from Yan Ji, Gu Changge smilingly answered.
“Then I shall teach her all I know.” Yan Ji nodded.
“Honestly, you don’t have to do that. Perhaps after being used for a while, she’ll remember something. And all you have to do is let her understand that what we do is all for her sake.” Gu Changge’s grin deepened.
Hearing that, Yan Ji came to a realisation. “Is she a reincarnation of a certain being?”
In response, Gu Changge simply laughed it off without answering, but Yan Ji was sharp enough to understand what she should do with the piece of information.
“It’s been a while. Your cultivation level has tremendously grown.” With that, he gently wrapped his arm around Yan Ji’s waist and initiated a casual chat to catch up with her.
Then, Yan Ji shot him a glance. “I’ve been cultivating all day with sufficient guides and resources. Even a good-for-nothing is bound to achieve a breakthrough, you know.” Nevertheless, despite having broken through to the Sacred King Realm, she was still unable to detect Gu Changge’s cultivation level, as if it was constantly concealed by a layer of fog. It was enigmatic and unpredictable as ever.
Sensing the disconcertment in her voice, Gu Changge faintly smiled. “And that is why I assigned you to a task, didn’t I?”
“Are those mortals acquainted with that cheap disciple of mine?” Yan Ji was rather curious about Jiang Chen and the rest.
“Yes, they came from a distant land in the Lower Realm as a group. They were coincidentally teleported all the way here,” Gu Changge smilingly explained.
All of a sudden, Yan Ji tilted her head and stared at Gu Changge with her crystalline eyes. “Young Master Gu?”
“Hmm? I’m listening.” Gu Changge retained his smile.
“I’m happy that you haven’t forgotten about me.”
…
During Gu Changge’s stay in the ancient battleship after he left the Capital of the Vermilion Bird Empire, the whole Empire still remain restless.
Somewhere far away, protective arrays in the territory of Purple Mansion were being sieged as forces were charging towards them, creating a world-shocking war. Ashes piled into mountains while blood streamed into rivers, and lying all over the place were corpses.
Additionally, countless cities were brought to ruin as a result of the war. The terrifying chaos in the world left every single being fearing for their lives as the terror of the Immortal War continue to blow the minds of all the factions in the Upper Realm.
As condescending as ever, the ten Sacred Emperor Realm Masters of the Immortal Gu Family appeared, and no opposition could resist them. In spite of Purple Mansion’s continuous retaliation, the ten remained completely fine, resulting in Purple Mansion’s complete defeat. Eventually, all those from Purple Mansion in the Sacred Emperor Realm, were slaughtered. Underneath where they were, were puddles of blood as their Sacred Emperor Grade artifacts broke into pieces before falling onto the battlefield.
In this war, Sky Emperor Mountain, Ancient Ye Family, Endless Fire Kingdom, and the rest of the attacking forces faced grave losses as those of Purple Mansion were ready to sacrifice themselves in this battle. Alas, the number of experts sent by the Immortal Gu Family was too great. ‘Limitless’ wouldn’t even overstate the force as their shadows covered the sky while their terror knew no bounds. As such, it was Sky Emperor Mountain and the relatively smaller forces who encountered Purple Mansion’s encirclement.
Eventually, the Quasi-Nirvana Realm expert of Purple Mansion broke out from their ultimate arrays, and displayed their peerless abilities, but that, sadly, such resistance didn’t persist for long.
The observing cultivators noticed that experts in the Nirvana Realm appeared from the ancient battleships, which belonged to the Immortal Gu Family. They then joined the war, from the outer territory of Purple Mansion. Thereupon, the fear-striking war escalated into someone even those in the Sacred Emperor Realm could not control. At once, starry skies shattered and countless rifts opened up in the air, as if they were about to collapse, leaving behind a frightening sight.
Seeing that they were unable to retaliate, the formidable experts of Purple Mansion intended to retreat to their Sect, but before they could flee, auras of those in the Nirvana Realm rushed out from the military forces of the Immortal Gu Family. As such, before the Quasi-Nirvana Beings of Purple Mansion could escape to safety, they instantly perished in the war.
As the Immortal War went on, almost all forces in the Upper Realm were paying full attention to it, only to be traumatised with extreme fear. The aggression of Gu Changge and the Immortal Gu Family were completely the same—unimaginably terrifying. Given such overbearing might, Purple Mansion was unable to defend themselves, and it was only a matter of time until they eventually fell.
Other than that, cultivators also noticed a huge army of cultivators in Purple Mansion disappearing into portals, leaving no trace behind. Some inferred that those cultivators were planning to rescue Sky King Zhi Yang in secret.
…
As of late, the Vermilion Bird Emperor had been so perturbed that his hair grew white, watching the massive empire he built facing destruction, and it might actually be at the brink of destruction. In only a few days, almost all families and Sects moved out of Vermilion Bird Empire. Not even lone cultivators chose to stay. Even if Gu Changge were to relocate Sky King Zhi Yang, it would be too late as the ruination of Vermilion Bird Empire was virtually inevitable.
Yet, the Vermilion Bird Emperor was reluctant to have his empire fall under his reign. He decided to hold on to it regardless of the consequences, or he would be too embarrassed to face his ancestors. Thus, all he could do was beg Chu Hao for help, but Chu Hao’s hands were tied as well.
Back then, Chu Hao’s actions drove Tang Wan away, and since then, meeting with her had become difficult as she spared him no chances. Despite his plea for assistance, Tang Wan had not the slightest intention to even see him as the incident back then tore them apart.
Having been left with no choice, Chu Hao could only find out where Sky King Zhi Yang might possibly be by asking around, as his brave plan was to get Sky King Zhi Yang out of Vermilion Bird Empire. By claiming that he was assigned to guard Sky King Zhi Yang upon Gu Changge’s instruction, he might just be able to avoid a disaster.
Given he was in the Sacred King Realm and he had the help of his Uncle Master, Bai Yang, who in the Sacred Emperor Realm, keeping watch over Sky King Zhi Yang wouldn’t not even cause him to break a sweat. When he enacts his plan, even if Gu Changge were to be displeased with his actions, there was nothing he could really do about Sky King Zhi Yang anymore, since the latter would be away from the Empire by that time. Furthermore, even if Chu Hao faces backlash, it was still better to act first rather than beg for mercy now.
While Chu Hao was looking into Sky King Zhi Yang’s location of confinement, another disguised man was also doing the same, and that disguised man was none other than Qin Wuya. Although he successfully recruited the ancient being from the Lake of Reincarnation to assist him, his one and only opportunity, as well as all his effort up until now, would go in vain should he fail to uncover Sky King Zhi Yang’s whereabouts.
Recently, despite failing to locate Sky King Zhi Yang, Qin Wuya coincidentally bumped into Tang Wan, and he found the encounter somewhat wondrous. However, as he was preoccupied by urgent matters, he refrained from directly meeting up with her.
[Now that all eyes are on Purple Mansion, this is the perfect opportunity for me to rescue Junior Brother. Once I save him, I’ll reconcile with you, Wan’er!] Staring at the glamorous figure from afar, Qin Wuya muttered in his heart. Little did he know, the instant he turned around, Tang Wan, too, turned around and gazed at his back with a troubled expression.
[Why are you two so insistent on opposing such a fearsome man?] Tang Wan heaved a sigh. According to Gu Changge’s order, a huge net was cast, awaiting to capture the two men upon their trespass. Sadly, in spite of her reluctance, her actions were not her own to control.
…
In the meantime, in a spacious region filled with grand Mystic Mountains and spectacular pavilions, Divine Beasts roared as Divine Birds flapped their wings. At that moment, after explaining the procedure of testing aptitude and physiques to her peers, Xiao Ruoyin arrived at the trial area, along with Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest.
As such, the group was visibly thrilled. Especially after hearing that Xiao Ruoyin possessed excellent aptitude, as seven colours shone on the test stone, which means that she was more talented than ordinary young prodigies. Such news made the group grow even more excited and eager.
In their eyes, since Xiao Ruoyin travelled to this world together with them, they should be approximately at her level. Thinking how they could become Immortal-like beings that could display all sorts of mighty abilities, they were overwhelmed by exhilaration.
Among the group, even Jiang Chen grew somewhat enthusiastic. Initially, he knew nothing about his aptitude, but after referring to the aritfact spirit of the Celestial Boat of Creation in his mind, he was told that he was powerful. Hearing that, he felt rather relieved and joyful as he could now comfortably release all his frustrations.
[Since this world is about comparing strength and Talents, if it turns out my aptitude is more potent than that of Young Master Gu, I may be able to steal his spotlight. And that’s pretty good, I’ll say! Although Ruoyin was proven to possess excellent aptitude, I doubt I’ll be inferior to her.]
“I wonder how great my aptitude will be? If I don’t even have the right to cultivate, I’ll be embarrassed to death,” Niu Tian nervously stated.
In response, Jiang Chen comforted him, “You have a robust body. I’m sure you’ll be able to cultivate. Don’t stress yourself.”
As the two were chatting, someone among them walked forward, and it was a man named Song Ming. He shared an ordinary relationship with Jiang Chen and Niu Tian, but he was certainly Wang Ning’s lapdog.
Immediately, Jiang Chen and Niu Tian had their eyes fixated at Song Ming, watching as he nervously put his hands on the test stone.
The next moment, the blinding lights everyone anticipated did not show up; let alone blinding lights, there wasn’t even a trace of a single glow.
The sight left the group stunned, and even Xiao Ruoyin revealed a scowl. Nonetheless, she spoke nothing about it since aptitude varied based on each individual, so none could predict the outcome without actually giving it a test.
“Could the test stone be faulty?” Song Ming widened his eyes in disbelief as his lips shivered, and he could barely stand right upon this shocking result. [Without any aptitude to cultivate, what am I to do in this world? Does that mean my dreams of cultivating are shattered?]
“The stone stone, faulty? Ridiculous! If you don’t have aptitude for cultivating, you just can’t. It is as simple as that. And without aptitude to cultivate, you are nothing but garbage in this world,” The muscular person beside him scornfully scoffed, seemingly indifferent.
Fearfully glancing at the muscular person, Song Ming walked away, disappointed, and he couldn’t feel any more hopeless.
At once, those behind him started to grow restless. After all, strength was all that mattered in this cruel world. Many were guessing that Xiao Ruoyin’s exceptional talents were the only reason she gained Gu Changge’s favour.
Soon, the next four people approached the test stone, only to be disconcerted by the outcome as there was not the slightest change in the test stone.
Thereupon, Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest furrowed their brows. Even Xiao Ruoyin’s face turned into a hideous grimace as she felt helpless for her peers.
With that, it was the woman named Wang Ning’s turn. Judging by her captivating face, she, too, was anxious and distressed as her back was soaked in cold sweat.
*Whoosh!* Finally, the test stone showed a slight change as a dim, crimson gleam surged, but the gleam quickly faded away.
Seeing that, her eyes suddenly glistened as she almost jumped around in joy and excitement. “I have the aptitude to cultivate! I can cultivate!” She euphorically exclaimed with her trembling voice as her anxious heart could finally ease down. At the same time, the others were shooting jealous gazes at her.
“Why are you getting excited over such an insignificant glow? Even the worst Sects in the world wouldn’t want such someone untalented like you. You’re as garbage as the last one.” Then, the muscular person at the side mocked as condescension persisted in his eyes.
Upon those words, Wang Ning was dumbstruck. [Even the worst Sects wouldn’t want me? How am I going to gather the resources to cultivate then?] With that in mind, Wang Ning lost all her optimism as the glimmer of hope she momentarily had earlier vanished. It was as though she fell from the Heavens right into the deepest level of the abyss.
As such, Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t help but feel sympathetic for Wang Ning, even though the latter used to pick on her every chance she had. To be frank, Xiao Ruoyin might feel as hopeless as Wang Ning and the rest if she, like them, didn’t have any aptitude for cultivating.
Right when Wang Ning and the rest were dwelling in their dejection and disaffection, Niu Tian took a deep breath and stepped forward.
*Whoosh!* The test stone emitted a crimson glow which quickly died away. It was the same scenario as when Wang Ning tested her aptitude.
Nevertheless, for some reason, Wang Ning and the rest felt relieved seeing that they were deemed equal as Niu Tian. Despite being good acquaintances, they couldn’t accept anyone among them to be better than them, and such was the true reflection of mankind.
“I suppose this is fate,” Niu Tian bitterly stated, and he was as disappointed as his peers. As one’s Talents might mean everything in this world, there wasn’t much difference between those who possessed a little and those who possessed none at all.
“Uhh…” At that moment, Jiang Chen failed to find a way to comfort his friend as he revealed a solemn expression. “Don’t worry, Niu Tian. I promise you, I’ll find a way for you to cultivate.”
Jiang Chen still remembered the word of the Artifact Spirit, who claimed that he possessed formidable Talents and all he needed to do was focus on cultivating, and by the time he grew stronger, he could find a way to help his own acquaintances.
In response, Niu Tian forced a bitter grin, thinking that Jiang Chen was just trying to console him, and he didn’t give it any more thought.
However, Wang Ning and the rest were somewhat upset by Jiang Chen’s words, given how he sounded as if he was certain that he would have the aptitude to cultivate, and his calm manner made it even worse.
“Jiang Chen, do you think you’ll be as lucky as Goddess Xiao? Talk about the future, huh? I’m sure our aptitude to cultivate are all the same. Unless you are Goddess Xiao, you should stop dreaming.” Immediately, Song Ming unorthodoxly laughed aloud as he mocked Jiang Chen.
Hearing that, none among the group stopped Song Ming. After all, if Jiang Chen were to be proven to possess exceptional aptitude, the rest would definitely feel unfair and be filled with immense jealousy, thinking that Jiang Chen didn’t deserve to be more outstanding than them.
“Such ludicrous belittlement. Just you wait.” Since Jiang Chen already knew the result, he acted composedly, and he was only frowning at the true colours of his peers.
Having said that, he proceeded towards the test stone with a leisurely look, unlike his hopeless, depressed acquaintances.
In that instant, something didn’t feel right for Xiao Ruoyin as she wondered why Jiang Chen was so confident that he would be able to cultivate. Though she, too, wished that Jiang Chen would be able to take on the Path of Cultivation. Otherwise, by the time she cultivated to be strong enough to prove fruitful, her peers would have been dry skeletons, and she would no longer have anyone to talk to.
[How is Jiang Chen so confident? Or is he just trying to act tough at such a moment?]
Xiao Ruoyin tensed her brows as displeasure surged in her heart. She once thought Jiang Chen was a mature, reliable, trustworthy person, but his behaviour today suggested that her impression of him might have been wrong, since he would never pull off such a mindless stunt. Unless his self-assurance led to a display of terrifying Talents, he would undoubtedly become a laughing stock for the rest of the group.
Meanwhile, in a magnificent pavilion far away, Gu Changge and Yan Ji were standing next to each other by the window, observing everything that was happening.
“Quite fascinating. Though, I do wonder what kind of expression he would make after this?” Gu Changge carried a subtle, enthralling grin.
“Young Master Gu, you’ve had your men rig the test stone, haven’t you?” At that moment, Yan Ji discerned what was off.
Among the few that took the test earlier, two of them, in fact, possessed decent aptitude, yet the test stone only reacted with a weak glow, and that pretty much explained everything. However, to the group of students, their aptitude to cultivate was crucial to determine their future. Still, none of them would have known that the test stone they were using was indeed rigged.
“Of course. If I hadn’t done that, that guy right there would have been a show-off.” Gu Changge chuckled and casually confessed as if he didn’t do anything wrong. To these students, his little gesture could reshape their entire future. As a matter of fact, none of them except his prey, Jiang Chen, would live long enough to have a future since he had no intentions of letting them off.
“I can see that the boy named Jiang Chen seems to possess some kind of unique physique.” Yan Ji nodded as she saw nothing wrong with that, since the group of students owe Gu Changge their lives, so it was only natural that he got to decide their fate.
At the trial area, as Jiang Chen confidently, calmly, put his hands on the test stone, everyone else were fully attentive to him, eager to find out whether Jiang Chen’s claim of his peers being belittling would backfire on him.
Very soon, a moment passed, but the test stone remained intact, showing not the tiniest change.
Weirded out, Jiang Chen revealed a scowl, though his hands remained on the test stone. “Impossible!”
Hastily, he questioned the Artifact Spirit of Celestial Boat of Creation in his mind. [What’s happening? I thought you said my aptitude is excellent? Why didn’t the test stone show any sign of glowing?]
“Jiang Chen, how much longer do you intend to put your hands there? Light doesn’t pop up the longer you put your hands on the stone. Just accept that you’re talentless. You don’t have to act all tough. ‘Belittlement,’ he said? What a damn joke.” Song Ming, whom Jiang Chen took a jab at, disdainfully mocked once again, while the others also revealed gloating faces.
“Jiang Chen, you don’t have to force it if you don’t have any aptitude to cultivate…” Obviously upset, Xiao Ruoyin said with a scowl. She was aware that Gu Changge was watching them from afar, and Jiang Chen’s actions indubitably embarrassed her.
Upon the surrounding chatter, cold sweat started dripping down Jiang Chen’s face that was filled with awkwardness and perturbation as things didn’t go his way, which led to him suspecting that the Artifact Spirit might have deceived him.
<Jiang Chen, someone fiddled with the test stone. It’s faulty. Someone is deliberately trying to humiliate you.> Then, the Artifact Spirit claimed with anger in its voice.
[I see, so it’s the test stone that’s faulty.] Hearing that, Jiang Chen was reassured, and he already figured out who was the one who pulled off such a ruthless move.
However, he swiftly collected his emotions and stated, “The test stone is broken. Change it to another one and I’ll have another go.”
At once, the rest of the students were stupefied, and when they regained their senses, even Niu Tian was at a loss for words. [The test stone is broken? What excuse is that? Is he perhaps possessed by some sort of demon?]
“I’m going to die of laughter, Jiang Chen. That’s the reason you’re giving us? And here I thought you were going to have the aptitude to cultivate, but you’re the same as me. The test stone is broken, you say? Maybe the next one is broken as well.”
Instantly, the trial area was filled with chortles of mockery.
Accordingly, Jiang Chen was visibly vexed and frustrated in spite of having trained his patience.
“Jiang Chen, do you have any idea what you’re saying? I used this exact same test stone back when I tested for my aptitude. How can it be faulty?” Xiao Ruoyin was speechless towards Jiang Chen’s action as she was surprised by how he would resort to such a blatant excuse after discovering that he had no aptitude to cultivate.
“The test stone is truly faulty. Why don’t you give it another try?” Jiang Chen glared at Xiao Ruoyin, attempting to defend himself, but she was no longer in any mood to entertain him.
“I understand that you can’t accept the fact, but that is simply the reality of this cruel world. Even without the aptitude to cultivate, you can still live as an ordinary person just fine. I trust your capabilities. Even as an ordinary person, I’m sure you’ll still live better than the rest,” Xiao Ruoyin replied after calming herself down.
As Jiang Chen was about to respond, the muscular person extended his arm and stopped him. With a cold face and a disparaging tone, he then scoffed, “Lady Xiao no longer shares the same world as you bunch of trash. Dreaming to be Immortals when you don’t even have the aptitude to cultivate? By the time you take your last breath, Lady Xiao will still retain her impeccable beauty, and there won’t be any change in her face. Now, I’ve made this very clear, and if you still insist, you’ll be sorry that I have to resort to force.”
Right after he said that, a frightening aura surged around his body, leaving the faces of Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest blanching as they almost fell to their knees.
Seeing that, Xiao Ruoyin felt somewhat sorrowful.
Nevertheless, Gu Changge appeared out of nowhere with a smile, saying, “The world is full of such heartbreaking instances. Some bonds are meant to break, and trying to mend it would be nothing but disadvantageous to one’s future of cultivation.”
Hearing that, Xiao Ruoyin remained wordless for a while before taking a final glimpse at Jiang Chen and the rest. “Take care.”
With that, she turned around and walked towards Gu Changge.
“Ruoyin…”
“Xiao Ruoyin…”
Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest were shocked. The next second, they were surrounded by a spine-chilling aura as beings covered in heavenly light encircled them.
“Get them out of here,” Gu Changge blandly ordered.
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