Chapter 988, The So-Called Variable Is No Different From the Fortuitous One; Cousins

Translator: Fate

Translation Checker: Silavin

 

The Spirit Empress sat cross-legged inside the horse carriage. Her expression suddenly became uncertain, and her hands involuntarily tightened into fists.

 

[Didn’t he say that he would be cultivating in seclusion for some time, so I should not disturb him during this period? Why did he suddenly come out of seclusion and coming to find me in person?] A hint of unease sprouted in her heart at the thought of Gu Changge’s unfathomable strength, which even the White Bone Ancestor King and the Ancestors feared. She did not even dare to think about anything out of line when it came to him.

 

In any case, she did not believe that he would visit her for no apparent reason. It was most likely that he had noticed an abnormality. After all, the existence of Variables itself contradicted fate. Combined with the unpredictable means of a Dao Realm expert, it was not strange for him to catch a glimpse of the vague changes in fate.

 

The thought made her unease grow stronger. Such matters might lead to great trouble if handled wrongly. Forget about how she would explain the situation to Gu Changge, she would probably be severely punished by the Ancestors if they discover that she had not reported such an important matter to them.

 

She had no doubt that the Ancestors were extremely ruthless and cruel. For them to reach their current cultivation level meant that they had already abandoned their everything else if not for the purpose of reaching even greater heights. She did not believe that they would have spent so many years travelling across the Boundless Expanse and willingly paying such a high price to ensure the continuity of the Spirit Ruin True World if they still had a trace of humanity in them.

 

[In any case, I must placate him first. He probably came to me in person because of this matter. Damn it. I was too careless. Thinking that he would be in seclusion for a long time, I left the palace and came here with the intention to steal Chu Lian’s Supreme Treasure for myself.]

 

Various thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant, and her expression quickly returned to normal. Then, she stood up and left the horse carriage to meet Gu Changge at the top of the mountain.

 

As for how to explain herself later, it would depend entirely on the situation at the time. A trace of worry remained in her heart. Although Gu Changge had always appeared calm and natural, he was an existence who could determine the life and death of the Spirit Ruin Royal Family with a single thought. His mood swings were beyond her ability to predict.

 

“Lady Huang…” Ming Xiu, who had been standing at the top of the mountain, was surprised to see the Spirit Empress coming out from the horse carriage. Not only was there miasma everywhere but also various poisonous insects. Even she wanted to find a place to hide.

 

Comparatively, the Young Mistress from a prestigious Family like the Spirit Empress would probably have an even harder time tolerating such an environment. Be that as it may, she had been willing to stay here and wait for Chu Lian to return.

 

Such a strong sense of friendship gave Ming Xiu a very good impression of the Spirit Empress. Not to mention, the Spirit Empress was very polite, generous, and refined. It was easy to tell that she came from a prestigious Family at a glance.

 

The Spirit Empress glanced at Ming Xiu. After a moment of thought, she smiled and explained. “I came out to receive a guest. Please don’t worry, Miss Ming Xiu.”

 

Ming Xiu was taken aback by the response, but it would have been rude to ask further questions. Watching the Spirit Empress’s figure vanishing toward the other side of the hill, she could only retract her gaze and turned to look at the ruins in the opposite direction.

 

“What in the world is Senior Brother looking for? I’ve never heard him mention such things before…” She muttered under her breath.

 

Meanwhile, the Spirit Empress came to the other side of the mountain on her own. She did not bring any of her subordinates or servants with her. Raising her head, she looked up at the sky. She could feel a vague fluctuation descending in her direction.

 

*Buzz!*

 

At this moment, the sky became blurry as though a mirror had emerged and penetrated the boundless spacetime. A slender and handsome young man walked out from the void.

 

It was none other than Gu Changge. Behind him was the White Bone Ancestor King, who was dressed as an Elderly servant, and Liu Mei, the confidant who sent the message to Spirit Empress.

 

“Greetings, Young Master…” The Spirit Empress hurriedly gathered her distracted thoughts and greeted Gu Changge respectfully. Her face was covered by a veil, and her hair draped over her shoulders like a waterfall. In addition to her skin that was as delicate as jade, she looked like a flawless fairy.

 

Gu Changge nodded slightly. Glancing at the Spirit Empress briefly, he descended from the sky and said, “I originally wanted to ask you to handle some matters, but I was surprised to learn that you had left the palace. For me to take the initiative to visit you… I hope I have not disrupted your affairs.”

 

The White Bone Ancestor King and Liu Mei both followed behind him respectfully.

 

As the Spirit Empress’s confidant, Liu Mei snuck a worried glance at the Spirit Empress. On the other hand, the White Bone Ancestor King’s expression seemed ambiguous.

 

The sight of the White Bone Ancestor King’s expression made the Spirit Empress’s heart sink. Furthermore, Gu Changge’s statement sent a chill running down her back. She hurriedly said, “How could that be? It is my honour to have you visiting me in person, Young Master. How could your visit disrupt my affairs? What is it that you wish for me to do, Young Master?”

 

She had the feeling that there was an underlying meaning behind Gu Changge’s words. He definitely did not come to her simply because he had a task for her.

 

Seeing that the Spirit Empress seemed to be breaking out in a cold sweat, Gu Changge smiled nonchalantly. “There’s no need for you to be so nervous. I have said before that you can act naturally before me. As for why I came to you, I will tell you later.”

 

The existence of a Variable could only be found by accident. Even among the True Worlds with extensive heritage passed down for countless epochs, it was difficult for a Variable to appear.

 

After all, a Variable was an irrational and contradictory existence unaffected by one’s qualifications. Their future achievements were limitless and unfathomable. In addition, the birth of a Variable generally occurred due to a specific event where they essentially obtained some form of Heaven-defying object or Supreme Treasure. In some cases, they might even have experienced an incredible, unpredictable, and indescribable change.

 

When Gu Changge was in the Prosperous Dao True World, he had designated Ni Chen as a Variable. Not only did he support Ni Chen as the Chosen One but also helped to conceal Ni Chen’s destiny from Heaven. A large part of the reason for his actions was that the existence of Variables was not tolerated by the Heavenly Dao.

 

Variables were destined to experienced countless obstacles and endless sufferings and cataclysms, but they also possessed extremely abundant Fortuity. Their abundant Fortuity would eventually enable them to comprehend the mysteries of the world and the universe, allowing them to understand everything in the world. In fact, they would ultimately reach a level that ordinary people could not even imagine. It was unfortunate that the disasters and obstacles blocking their way could not be overcome easily.

 

The fact that Ni Chen was nurtured by the Prosperous Dao True World as a ‘Variable’ had been Gu Changge’s intentions from the beginning. His real purpose was to make Ni Chen into a real Variable. By bearing numerous hardships and disasters, Ni Chen’s future would have been smooth-sailing.

 

For the Spirit Ruin Royal Family to encounter somebody who seemed to be a ‘Variable’ was certainly an unexpected outcome.

 

A Variable would often possess Supreme Treasures and terrifying Fortuity. Although they would experience countless challenges and hardships, they would often be able to resolve these obstacles without facing any danger. Most of the disasters would be eliminated, and few would perish as a result.

 

In the end, the most reliable method to deal with Variables was through trickery and deceit. Seizing the Supreme Treasures by force would only disrupt their fate and Fortuity, causing an unforeseeable backlash. In this aspect, they were quite similar to the Fortuitous Ones.

 

The Spirit Empress did not dare to relax just because of Gu Changge’s statement. Mustering her courage, she bravely answered, “Yes, Young Master.”

 

Gu Changge glanced at the Spirit Empress and said nothing.

 

As the Spirit Empress led the way forward, her expression changed several times. She had already guessed the purpose for his visit. Many thoughts flashed through her mind in that instant. Nevertheless, she quickly made up her mind and queried. “Young Master, did you come because of that object?”

 

As soon as Gu Changge noticed the existence of a Variable, she had lost her share of the Supreme Treasure. That was something she understood clearly. Therefore, it was better to speak openly about the matter than to conceal the truth.

 

Her honesty might even allow her to obtain Gu Changge’s appreciation and favour. In this way, even if the Ancestors learned about this matter later, none of them would dare to find fault with her. Besides, with Gu Changge’s abilities, he probably knew everything anyway. He simply had not bothered to ask.

 

Those words made the White Bone Ancestor King narrow his eyes. He was actually very interested in such things. If Gu Changge were not here, he would already have captured the Spirit Empress and interrogated her using force.

 

“Oh? What object are you talking about?” Gu Changge leisurely followed from behind and smiled faintly at the question.

 

The Spirit Empress’s reaction did not surprise him. As an intelligent woman, she naturally understood what she had to do under these circumstances. Besides, she not only took measures on her own in hopes of obtaining a Supreme Treasure but also neglected to inform any of the Ancestors about her intentions. Her actions clearly showed her greed and ambition.

 

Seeing that Gu Changge did not seem to be angry; the Spirit Empress heaved a sigh of relief. “To be honest, I left the palace and came here alone because I wanted to obtain a certain Supreme Treasure. Although I am not sure what kind of treasure it is… I am certain the Supreme Treasure is extraordinary. It can even turn an ordinary person into a Variable.”

 

She did not dare to withhold anything, so she honestly revealed everything she knew about the matter. With Gu Changge’s abilities, she did not think that she could hide anything from him anyway.

 

“A Supreme Treasure that can even turn an ordinary person into a Variable?”

 

The White Bone Ancestor King’s expression immediately changed at those words. He seemed to be consumed by pure excitement, and his breathing suddenly became much faster. At his cultivation level, he generally understood way more than the average person could even imagine. So, it was only natural that there were few things left in the world that could excite him so greatly.

 

At this moment, he instantly understood why the Spirit Empress had left the palace alone. With such a Supreme Treasure dangling in front of them, who would not think of seizing the Supreme Treasure for themselves?

 

On the other hand, the Spirit Empress’s confidant, Liu Mei, looked confused. She might be an Immortal King, but she did not understand the meaning of the terms ‘Variable’.

 

“A Supreme Treasure?” A look of understanding appeared on Gu Changge’s face. The Spirit Empress was a venerable Dao Realm expert after all, so she would not be wrong about such things.

 

Judging by the situation, the Variable had not been born for long. If it was a Variable who had already developed fully, it would have been very tough to deal with the situation. Such people often possessed unparallelled wisdom that would easily allow them to see through and understand the dangers and disasters looming over them. Thus, they could effortlessly avoid these disasters.

 

“That’s right. I encountered him by accident. After multiple contacts, I finally confirmed the fact. Young Master, I’m sure you’re aware that the existence of Variables is shrouded in mystery. Their fate is hard to read. If we take action by force, we might bring down unpredictable disasters upon ourselves. The gains are not worth the losses, so I came up with the plan to slowly obtain the Supreme Treasure…”

 

The Spirit Empress explained as she walked. At the same time, she divulged the details about Chu Lian that she knew in passing. She had already given up on the idea of seizing the Supreme Treasure for herself. On the contrary, obtaining Gu Changge’s favour was not a bad idea either. Taking the opportunity to win favour was a good and wise choice.

 

Gu Changge nodded quietly as he listened.

 

Forcefully stealing something from a Variable would only disrupt one’s fate and lead to various catastrophes in the future. For a Dao Realm expert, these disasters were extremely terrifying. There was a high likelihood that their Decay Tribulation might arrive early as a result. If they did not have the corresponding strength to withstand the Decay Tribulation, they would inevitably perish. However, it was different if they were powerful. They would be able to ignore the so-called catastrophes without much concern.

 

[That person called Chu Lian has not developed fully. Even if he possesses a Supreme Treasure, he will not be able to play a significant role.] Gu Changge thought to himself and decided to make a decision based on the situation. Glancing at the Spirit Empress, he flippantly asked, “Have you made any progress?”

 

Seeing that Gu Changge had no intention to reprimand her for hiding the truth, the Spirit Empress breathed a sigh of relief. The unease in her heart vanished now that her worries had been assuaged.

 

Her tone returned to normal as she answered, ” I have become quite familiar with Chu Lian during this period. Under the pretext of getting close to him, I have learnt a few things about him. He is young and energetic, but his heart is ambitious. His goal is to overthrow the rule of the Spirit Ruin Royal Family. At the moment, he seems to harbour some feelings for me. He has not doubted my identity and purpose either…”

 

“What lies ahead is the former homeland of the Ghost Axe Clan. Unfortunately, I am not certain why he came here. Although he claimed to be searching for the relics of his parents, I believe that is just an excuse. He probably has another purpose.”

 

The past and the future of a Variable was shrouded in a dense fog that made their destiny difficult to deduce. Otherwise, she would not have needed to resort to such methods.

 

When Gu Changge heard the Spirit Empress’s report, he gradually formed the image of a young man brimming with confidence and righteousness in his mind.

 

With a Supreme Treasure and an ambitious heart, it would be easy for Chu Lian to overthrow the rule of the Spirit Ruin Royal Family and establish a new generation of emperors and saints as long as he followed the normal procedures. After all, the so-called Variables were not very different from Fortuitous Ones. It was just that the Fortuity carried by a Variable had undergone a drastic transformation to become much more abundant, to the point it distorted reality.

 

While the Spirit Empress was explaining about these matters, they arrived at the hill where Chu Lian disappeared previously.

 

Ming Xiu was stunned to see the Spirit Empress walking over with such a handsome young man. It felt as though she was looking at a person from a painting who had entered the real world.

 

Seeing Ming Xiu staring at Gu Changge with a dazed look, the Spirit Empress frowned at the other party’s rude behaviour. She was worried that Ming Xiu might upset Gu Changge.

 

Contrary to her expectations, Gu Changge waved his hand dismissively and spoke in a gentle tone. “Sister, is this the Junior Sister of the friend you told me about?”

 

Being very smart, she immediately understood his intentions and explained, “Y-Yes… This person is Ming Xiu. Ming Xiu, this is my Cousin, Changge.”