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Translator: Fate
Proofreader: Silavin
At the same time, beams of light shot in from between the mountain peaks of the outside world, which was currently suffused with Eternal Overcast Fog. These beams were cultivators and young prodigies who had come as soon as they heard the news. The place became busy as young prodigies from every Empire arrived.
The mysterious King with Six Crowns was wearing grey, with a moderate-looking figure and mist covering his face. He had arrived on a white crane and was now looking down from it. Beams of divine light flashed across his eyes, evolving runes and awe-inducing phenomena flickering within as he deduced what was happening. Even he was uneasy about the whole thing, as his heart was racing from the anxiety.
[There is great danger hidden here. The Successor of Demonic Arts must have put a lot of effort into this setup, to attract many young prodigies here. Otherwise, this wouldn’t have happened. This must be a trap setup in advance. I have underestimated you, Ying Shuang.] The King with Six Crowns shook his head with a sigh, then glanced at the Sacred Emperor Grade artifacts still standing firm against its enemy and frowned.
[Gu Changge’s Sacred Emperor Grade artifact has been left here. I’m not sure if he had anticipated this. Both he and Prince Shen might be in grave danger right now.]
“The Successor of Demonic Arts probably has a lot of confidence, taking on such a great risk.” Another Ranked Disciple appeared beside him. She had a tall figure and beautiful features. There was a phoenix pattern between her eyebrows and her bright colourful wings resembled flickering flames were spread out. She had come here as well but like him, she was wary of the danger and did not enter.
“Ying Shuang definitely did this to trick anyone who’s hunting him down.” The King with Six Crowns said with a nod. He had been mistaken in his observations before since he did not expect Ying Shuang to conceal his identity so well that he had tricked him as well. Such a nasty plot and technique, as well as the courage Ying Shuang had shown, made the King with Six Crowns have no choice but to take him seriously. However, this did fit the image he had of the Successor of Demonic Arts.
“I hope Young Master Changge, Jin Chan, and Prince Shen will be okay,” the Phoenix Lady added. “Otherwise, there may be no one left to fight against the Successor of Demonic Arts.”
[Gu Changge is powerful and it’s always him plotting against someone. How could he have been tricked by someone else now? Nothing will happen to him.] Gu Xianer appeared on top of a mountain. Her dress moved with the wind and her expression was cold, yet there was a frown on her face. Despite her own thoughts, she couldn’t calm down or avoid worrying about this.
So many things had happened continuously, with Gu Changge promising to bring Qing Xiaoyi home but then rushing off halfway with the claim that he knew where the Successor of Demonic Arts was, and would arrive earlier in the Black Tortoise Empire than her. She hadn’t expected to hear the news of him and the others being tricked by the Successor upon her arrival and that no one knew whether they were still alive or not. This made her extremely worried despite knowing that he was strong and no one can harm him. Besides, no one would bully her in the future if something had happened to him.
She wasn’t happy about that, though. This was the Successor of Demonic Arts who Gu Changge had seriously wounded many times, so it was natural that the former would hate the latter and thus not let this chance pass.
Gu Xianer began to urge Gu Changge’s followers to encourage the other young prodigies to come. She knew she would trouble Gu Changge further if she went alone recklessly, making her a burden to him. However, a greater number of people would be different. Her plan was extremely effective since many young prodigies were greatly motivated and now felt confident.
“I don’t care. We have so many people that I don’t think the Successor of Demonic Arts would do anything careless when we go in at the same time.”
“Exactly. Why are we so scared? Young Master Changge and the others have already gone there, so how could we stay here cowering? This doesn’t fit our reputation of being the best of our generation.” Many young prodigies began to be filled with justified anger, as they were all young and proud and could not accept anything less. They had heard the other prodigal damsels secretly comparing them to Gu Changge and the others, which made them feel guilty and embarrassed.
Killing the Successor of Demonic Arts was not just the responsibility of Gu Changge and the others, but every cultivator there was. They felt energised at that thought. Besides, there were so many of them that the Successor of Demonic Arts couldn’t possibly trap and kill everyone despite his cunning plans.
“This is the most effective way, definitely.” Gu Xianer nodded, her figure disappearing as she left the mountain and headed for the Land of Eternal Overcast with the others. Since two Sacred Emperor Grade artifacts were facing off against each other, and no one else came out to block their way, they were able to successfully enter without encountering any danger.
“Brother Changge, please be alright.” Yin Mei looked worried. Gu Xianer had disliked her ever since she saw her in Skyward Schloss. However, her attitude improved upon seeing how concerned the other woman was about Gu Changge. Furthermore, this wasn’t the time for petty arguments.
The King of Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, and the others followed behind, all having their own motives. They did not walk at the front so they could retreat quicker if they encountered any danger. They were the best of the young generation and thus not a mere weakling.
…
*Boom!* Grey fog permeated the sky as four Sacred Lord Realm experts clad in black robes sealed every centimetre of space. Grand Runes wove in between each other and condensed, turning into a Grand Flask which hovered above. It exuded powerful waves of energy which felt like a great galaxy ready to fall on top of them.
“Gu Changge, let’s see how long you can stand this! You should’ve expected this when you hunted me down. You will get to accompany Prince Shen very soon.” A condescending and arrogant laugh rang through the sky as the figure cloaked in thick fog sneered down at the ground. He had already noticed Chosen Monk Jin Chan’s arrival but he wasn’t interested in him. He only had eyes for Gu Changge, as if he would be undefeated after killing the man.
Jin Chan could no longer maintain his calm after hearing this, his heart stuttering. He had already assumed both Gu Changge and Prince Shen to fall for the Successor of Demonic Arts’ cunning tricks as well as the fact that they would be at a great disadvantage. He did not expect the battle to be so violent that Prince Shen was already… gone. Once this got out, there would be so many powerful waves unleashed as the might of the Successor of Demonic Arts, which would shocked the whole Upper Realm once more.
He tried to use his senses again, secretly using the Karma Seed this time, but had discovered that Prince Shen’s energy had completely disappeared. [So, what Ying Shuang said is all true!]
Gu Changge looked like his Source was grievously wounded as well, now sitting cross-legged with a calm expression and lowered gaze. His aura was weak too, with no sign of it being as extraordinary as before. His white clothes were red with blood as the frightening-looking wound had nearly torn him apart. This was extremely horrifying and shocking! If not for the unusual Golden Decree emitting multicoloured light and acting like a shield against the Principles attacking him, Gu Changge would have followed in Prince Shen’s footsteps!
The Successor of Demonic Arts had really put effort into this scheme. First showing himself strategically and attracting their attention, then using a Sacred Emperor Grade artifact to separate them and also counter Gu Changge’s Sacred Emperor Grade artifact. He had already prepared plenty of traps in the Land of Eternal Overcast, waiting for them to enter before emerging to attack them. Such a scheme would have even defeated and killed a true Sacred Emperor Realm expert, much less Prince Shen!
Jin Chan’s heart, although firm, wavered slightly at that thought. He felt cold with fear as he would have been the one harmed if he had followed Prince Shen.
Quickly, a light flickered within his gaze as he gained an idea. From the powerful waves of energy, the battle had to be violent. No one could underestimate Gu Changge’s strength, yet he was now injured this badly. Ying Shuang definitely wasn’t much better, showing strength outwardly but was now internally exhausted. He had already used so many abilities just now since assuming by his character, he would never let Gu Changge live.
He had talked so much and allowed Jin Chan to arrive in time, which meant Ying Shuang was actually fearful of Gu Changge, and did not dare act carelessly even now. Ying Shang probably wasn’t confident if Gu Changge had any other abilities. This might be true from how unruffled Gu Changge looked despite his weak appearance.
“Amitabha, splendid. It’s my responsibility as a cultivator to eliminate evil and defend the Great Dao. Young Master Changge, hold on a little more while I get rid of the Successor of Demonic Arts,” Chosen Monk Jin Chan said with a smile. After muttering praise to Buddha, he stepped forward and appeared in midair. He looked at the figure cloaked in a grey fog, attacking immediately in order to investigate it.
“You cannot run rampant any longer, Successor of Demonic Arts. I will destroy the bane of everyone’s existence.” Buddha light shone from behind him as the phantoms of Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Buddha guardians, and other beings appeared. Powerful Buddhist energy shot forward to attack. A purple-gold bowl appeared as well, expanding in midair, which reassembled the Heavenly Tribulation Pond. Immeasurable bolts of lightning flashed inside, releasing crackling sounds. Different types of lightning phenomena materialised and exhibited a dangerous aura.
“You came just in time, Chosen Monk Jin Chan.” Gu Changge looked at him when he heard that sentence, tone unchanging without any excitement or relief at being saved.
“Unfortunately you came too late. Prince Shen had already been killed by him. I didn’t expect you two to move separately,” he continued mildly, still managing to induce fear despite his pale face.
Jin Chan did not look back after hearing him, only raising an eyebrow. It was a disdainful look which made him seem like a Demonic Monk. He understood what Gu Changge implied, that he already knew that this was a trap but did not inform Prince Shen about it.
“Young Master Changge, I don’t understand what you’ve said. Do you think I hold the intention to harm Prince Shen?” The Chosen Monk Jin Chan smiled in reply, not pausing in his attack.
*Boom!* A golden light appeared on his palm, making him look like he was made of Divine Gold, with incomparable vitality and might.
“You bald donkey. Are you suicidal?” The figure above snorted and waved a hand. Great puffs of Demonic Qi surged forwards to form monstrous beasts which drowned out the Buddhist phantoms Jin Chan had summoned. The four Sacred Lord Realm experts were surrounded by black fog and reached to seal off the space. The Grand Flask exuded a terrifying aura and black runes swirled around it to form runes and Dao Swords. At the same time, cascades of black light poured from the opening, breaking through all of Jin Chan’s abilities as fast as lightning. The light eventually landed on the purple-gold bowl, but it was made of a tough unknown material and managed to withstand it. However, some of its power did still diminish.
*Boom!* Jin Chan smiled, seemingly weak, then suddenly punched forward. It flashed with Buddha light, which seemed able to purify the darkness while destroying everything.
*Boom!* The strikes collided, and the Chosen Monk Flew backwards. He spat out a mouthful of blood, his Buddha light fading slightly. His arm was twitching as many of its bones were broken, but he wasn’t surprised and even smiled a little.
“Amitabha. You are truly strong externally but exhausted internally. I think most of your abilities have already been used on Young Master Changge. Such an attack cannot harm me.” His smile as he expanded as his bowl, which had been knocked away from the impact, dropped back into his hand. It was entirely different to the one which he had used in his fight against Gu Changge.
Gu Changge narrowed his eyes at this. “The Vairocana Immovable Golden Physique? You’ve concealed it really well.”
“I’ve never concealed it. It’s just that I have to take this more seriously.” The Chosen Monk smiled, his wounds healing rapidly. He shone with Buddha light once again, looking as dignified as before.
Gu Changge smiled meaningfully, not saying anything. He looked into the distance as he thought about something. It was about time the other young prodigies arrived. However, the injuries he had sustained for his entire charade weren’t grievous enough.
*Boom!* Suddenly, the Golden Decree rose into the air, glowing with a blinding light. It looked like a great star, suddenly expelling a powerful sword aura. Gu Changge stood up at the same time, eyes bright. While his clothes were covered in blood, his energy was rapidly increasing. Powerful energy exuded from the top of his skull, surrounded by multicoloured light, and shot into the sky. It was enough to gain everyone else’s attention. The cells all over his body were now all active and filled with energy.
“What is he planning to do?” The Chosen Monk Jin Chan, still fighting against the Successor of Demonic Arts, was stunned by the display. He might be the weaker side and had to occasionally defend himself against the four Sacred Lord Realm experts, but he still had some leeway.
He had already noticed that the Successor of Demonic Arts had greatly exhausted his strength and wasn’t as undefeatable as he seemed to be. That the Successor of Demonic Arts had been seriously wounded in his fight with Gu Changge, and was just holding on stubbornly.
Meanwhile, the other Sacred Lord Realm experts were occupied with maintaining the condensed Grand Flask. Thus, Jin Chan guessed that Prince Chen’s Protective Soul Amulet was bound inside. Just like Ying Shuang’s Golden Ancient Bell, it was a Sacred Emperor Grade artifact. Prince Shen, of a similar status as Prince Ying, would of course have a Sacred Emperor Grade artifact protecting him, and it was bound to be inside that Grand Flask. If he could occupy the Successor of Demonic Arts a little longer, he could defeat him and even avenge Prince Shen.
Jin Chan had no idea why Gu Changge would rise suddenly and wield the Golden Decree in order to attack. He might have utilised a type of forbidden technique.
“Do you think this worth it, Young Master Changge?” He shook his head, chanting Buddha scriptures.
“You still have some abilities, huh, Gu Changge? You can’t stand it any longer?” Just when Jin Chan sighed, the Successor of Demonic Arts suddenly laughed coldly. His aura changed as the Demonic Qi around them became thicker. Just as Jin Chan realised something was wrong and tried to retreat with a stricken expression, a blade consisting of condensed black runes which swirled with a black flame appeared from thin air and stabbed through him. It split the air and whooshed through him, leading to a widening crevice in the void.
Jin Chan became pale and spat blood, using his might to crush that demonic blade and retreat. He hadn’t expected the Successor of Demonic Arts to still conceal some of his abilities. [It seems both the Successor of Demonic Arts and Gu Changge have not shown their full might even till now. How patient of them!]
This similarity made him want to curse and he had no choice but to use his Buddha light to dispel the black fog. His injury was difficult to heal and he needed time to recuperate. At least it was a small injury, which did not harm his Source, which made him feel relieved.
“Don’t you have more to show?” Gu Changge appeared calmly in the sky, face still pale. The Golden Decree dropped as if heeding his order to kill, the golden writing spreading out infinitely and descending. The ground cracked at the impact, the sky changing in colour. It was a terrifying sight.
The Successor of Demonic Arts’ ability was destroyed by the Sword Qi. His eyes widened at once and he spat blood with a disbelieving expression.
“Oh, no! He’s mad! He wants to burn away his Source and Blood Essence. I’ve failed to foresee this! Retreat! Retreat immediately!” With the final order, he led the Sacred Lord Realm experts away in a bid to flee. The void blurred for a moment to reveal an already-opened portal and he stepped in without hesitation.
Above them, the grey fog had split as beams of light descended.
All the young prodigies had also arrived at the scene. They had all seen the shocking sight and felt rattled to the core, nearly ready to prostrate themselves.
One of them immediately came back to themselves and shouted in fear, “Young Master Changge!”
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had to put on that final act lmao
Young Gu has watched quite the drama and Indian soap operas while living in the modern world… 🗿
Many thanks
Dramatizing Gu is dramatizing
Lol someone will think that this didn’t add up!
Many thanks