Translator: Fate Proofreader: Silavin “Brother, what has happened to you lately? The Elders are disappointed with you, thinking that you’ve cultivated till you’ve gone crazy.” In the Sky Emperor Palace, while Ying Shuang was racking his brains trying to come up with a strategy, a dashing silver-haired young woman covered in shiny gleam spoke at the door. Looking extraordinarily heavenly, the young woman was Ying Yu, with disaffection and bafflement all over her frown. “I have my own reasons. Don’t worry about it.” Hearing that, Ying Shuang blandly replied with a straight face. His pride as the older brother remained useful with his sister, and that was the one thing he found comfort in amid the atrocious situation. Although Ying Yu might seem dominant, she was still an obedient younger sister. Back when Ying Shuang insisted on returning to Sky Emperor Mountain, she was highly reluctant, but she was eventually summoned back by her father-like brother. Right now, Ying Shuang’s only ally was his sister. Given that he couldn’t remember who the men his father left behind were, he would have to observe them longer before daring to command them. “Well, if you say so, I won’t pursue it. Everyone in the outside world thinks that you’re afraid of Gu Changge, claiming you’re too much of a wuss to confront him and clear your name. To clear your name, we’ll have to start with Gu Changge. With his assurance, the suspicions on you could be removed much more easily, so I’m confused what kind of reasons you have in mind. Regardless, I won’t allow the people of Sky Emperor Mountain to take the blame for no reason, especially how they are framed to be henchmen of the Successor of Demonic Arts.” In that instant, as Ying Yu was speaking, her disappointment for her brother flashed across her eyes. Upon those words, Ying Shuang was visibly startled as he understood her insinuation. She intended to look for Gu Changge for a confrontation to clear Sky Emperor Mountain of the allegation regarding its affliction with the Successor of Demonic Arts. “None could tell what runs in Gu Changge’s mind, so how can we ever believe him? You may not go. I forbid you,” Ying Shuang disagreed with a gloomy face as insecurity arose in his heart. Although he wasn’t certain whether Gu Changge knew about his secret, he deeply believed that Gu Changge was not a good man. Given Ying Yu’s innocence, there was no telling what kind of danger awaited her on her journey to see Gu Changge. “Why not? Brother, what about him scares you? His true power that is said to be unparalleled? His influence and status We are all of the younger generation, and the biggest taboo to us is cowardice! Brother, you’re the most respected son to Father, yet you don’t have the courage to face those who framed you. Honestly, I’m disappointed in you. You’ve changed. You’re not the Ying Shuang I once knew of.” With a frown, Ying Yu said clearly and coldly as she straightforwardly expressed all the frustrations buried in her heart recently. Immediately, Ying Shuang’s face paled as he felt as though his sister knew about his secrets. Nonetheless, he forced himself to calm down before revealing a bitter smile. “You’re misunderstanding me, Ying Yu. I have my own frustration.” “What frustration?” Ying Yu seemed somewhat skeptical as her brother’s words were rather convincing. Then, Ying Shuang looked at her and suddenly took a deep breath before turning to the windows. With a hesitant look, he said in a low voice, “During my cultivation as of late, I have accidentally lost something of mine…” “What!?” Hearing that, Ying Yu widened her eyes in stupefaction and disbelief. “Brother, are you serious?” She questioned once more to verify the truth. “I wouldn’t lie to you, whom I trust most. I’m also only disclosing this secret to you,” Ying Shuang helplessly replied as he heaved a sigh. To be truthful, the conversation was as he planned. Essentially, no matter how much he pretended, his flaws and oddness would sooner or later be exposed. Therefore, he decided to be upfront and think of a way to convey that he lost a part of his memories when he was cultivating as he was confident that Ying Yu would believe his words. After all, his soul and aura remained intact, and even the weapon in his soul couldn’t detect any aberrations. “Why didn’t you tell me that sooner?” Ying Yu was obviously disturbed by the matter. Although she, an innocent young woman, could feel something was off, she didn’t dwell on it. Though, she could finally understand why Ying Shuang was acting strange lately, unlike how he used to. “I’ve been attempting to recollect those memories, and that is why I’ve kept it from you,” Ying Shuang answered, feeling relieved in his heart after seeing how his excuse temporarily worked on his sister. “Don’t worry, Brother. Since you’ve encountered an issue during your cultivation, you should train safely in the palace and see if you could recover those memories. Let me handle the allegations about us being related to the Successor of Demonic Arts.” After a moment of silence, Ying Yu said with a tone full of tenacity and determination. With that, Ying Shuang looked rather perturbed, wanting to stop his sister but couldn’t come up with any reasons to. Besides, any more persistence from him would only draw suspicion from her. “Fine. But be sure to be wary of Gu Changge. Judging by how he framed Sky Emperor Mountain, he must bear no good intentions. Be alert at all times…” Ying Shuang let out a sigh, though he was frantic with uneasiness, feeling something huge would occur when Ying Yu goes out. All he hoped was that she wouldn’t easily believe Gu Changge’s words, or much more problems would arise. “Understood. Be at ease, brother,” Ying Yu faintly replied and left the palace. She then gathered a group of men before departing from Sky Emperor Mountain to confront Gu Changge. … Outside the gates of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, Gu Changge, accompanied by Ming Lao alone, was standing with his arms behind his back. Thanks to his current identity and influence, there was no need for him to bring more followers as he was welcomed with respect anywhere he went. [Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect seems a lot more prosperous than the last time I came. It must be the growing population.] Gu Changge nodded his head as he scanned across the vast, enormous mountain range. The scenery was astoundingly rich. Alchemy auras were glowing high up in the sky, intertwining and forming numerous anomalies; the mountains and rivers were grand, complemented by extravagant towers and buildings. As Gu Changge was sinking in his thoughts… “Please hold, Young Master Changge. The Sovereign and the rest are on their way.” Quickly, the disciple who went to report Gu Changge’s arrival came back with a face full of fear. After all, the man standing right at their gates was Gu Changge! The most dreaded young man in the Upper Realm himself! And anyone who laid their eyes upon him would unquestionably tremble. When it was said that Gu Changge was coming, the entire Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect was shocked as every Sect Elder hastily halted what they were doing to greet him. Hearing that, Gu Changge slightly nodded as he was in no rush. “Young Master Changge, Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect is honoured to have you here.” Zoom! A number of divine rainbows flashed by, along with a tender voice that belonged to a finely dressed middle-aged woman parading over with many Elders of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect. The middle-aged woman was the Sovereign of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, Zi Yan. She was accompanied by Raging Flame Elder and other Elders. Among the group, there was a beguiling, charming woman dressed in blue, looking at Gu Changge with her eyes filled with pleasure and surprise. It was the long-time-no-see Lin Qiuhan. As of now, she had reached the Honoured King Realm. Although she was no stronger than many young prodigies, she had certainly improved. Of course, most importantly, given her alchemic attainments, she could now forge Enlightenment-Grade Pills. Enlightenment-Grade Pills were the necessities of Enlightenment Realm, which was a general classification for those in Partial-Enlightened Realm, True Enlightened Realm, Enlightened Noble Realm, and Enlightened King Realm. With the assistance of her Elders, she even had a slight probability of creating pills of the Quasi-Sacred Realm, proving her proficient alchemy Talents. The rest of the alchemists, when they were at her age, were still gathering herbs and could only make basic pills, and it might take them millennia or even longer to be able to make Enlightenment-Grade Pills. “Greetings, Sovereign Zi Yan. I’m here to see Qiuhan.” Lightly nodding, Gu Changge carried a passionate, amicable smile. Accordingly, he turned to Lin Qiuhan, retaining his smile. “It’s been a while, Qiuhan. It seems your cultivation level has improved significantly. “Greetings, Prince Gu.” Lin Qiuhan looked at him warmly. She was surprised by how Gu Changge actually travelled all the way to Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect to see her. As such, she felt unexpectedly pampered as she thought Gu Change had forgotten about her. She would frequently reprimand herself for being too worthless to be any help to him, but now that he came over to visit her, those pessimistic thoughts of hers instantly vanished. Gu Changge apparently still remembered her, but he was too occupied with responsibilities to make time for her. “Please, Young Master Changge,” Zi Yan said with a smile, having come over to be Gu Changge’s tour guide. Since he was tended by merely one Elder on his last visit, she decided to receive him personally this time around, along with the entire Sect, and that clearly showed how respected and influential Gu Changge was. Furthermore, lately, Gu Changge’s fame blew up in the entire Upper Realm. It was enough to even make her smile somewhat forced. In her eyes, it was obvious that Gu Changge sent Lin Qiuhan over with a specific purpose, but thanks to the latter’s promising alchemy Talents, Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect felt compelled to take her in, hoping years of training her would instil attachment in her towards the Sect. Alas, Zi Yan ultimately realised that their expectations failed them as Lin Qiuhan’s priority had always been Gu Changge, while her mentors and the Sect were the runner-ups. Knowing that, the Elders were rendered speechless as they finally understood why Gu Changge so confidently hand Lin Qiuhan to Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect. They even believe he had fed her some sort of love potion. Left helpless, the Elders of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect grew helpless, yet they could only endure it. They even prayed that Gu Changge would forget about her so that she could understand he was no saint, given how he left her with the Sect to do his job. Thus, many wished that Gu Changge would never come. Nevertheless, they could only welcome him with happy faces at his arrival, and they couldn’t help but be immensely frustrated. “Sovereign Zi Yan, Elders, thank you for looking after our Qiuhan all this time. I am deeply grateful.” On a path deep within Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, Gu Changge smilingly stated. Indubitably, he knew what the Elders were thinking and didn’t mind taking a jab at them. Standing beside Gu Changge, Lin Qiuhan, who heard him claiming her to be his, immediately blushed as she grew somewhat dizzy. All the thoughts she wanted to express to Gu Changge, too, turned into a jumbled mess. “You flatter us, Young Master Changge. At the end of the day, Qiuhan is the Successor of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, so it’s only right that we take care of her,” one of the Elders awkwardly replied, suppressing his urge to reprimand Gu Changge for his shamelessness. Therefore, he deliberately put emphasis on the words in which he claimed that Lin Qiuhan belonged to Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect. Otherwise, all the effort and resources they had allocated into training Lin Qiuhan would be gone in vain if Gu Changge were to take her away, and nothing would ever infuriate them more than that. On the other hand, the rest of the Elders were looking somewhat defensive, unlike their initially enthusiastic selves when they welcomed Gu Changge. Unaffected, Gu Changge continued smiling as he started catching up with Lin Qiuhan, asking her how she had been doing all this time. Right now, Lin Qiuhan’s identity overshadowed that of hers in the past as she was appointed to be the Successor of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect. Nonetheless, to Gu Changge, she was the same old Lin Qiuhan he first knew as he saw no difference in her given how she was still easily charmed by his words. She was the same goofy, innocent young woman she once was. Seeing that, the Elders of Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect had their expression turn ugly. Though, to be fair to Lin Qiuhan, any other girl would also be unable to control themselves at Gu Changge’s affectionate treatment. Very soon, Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect organised an alchemy banquet, which was basically a simple alchemy competition as it was one of the many courtesies of those in the path of alchemy. Numerous exceptional young disciples got the opportunity of exposure to flaunt their alchemy skills. At the same time, vibrant lights and alchemy aura surged in the sky. Although Lin Qiuhan was still in her youth, her alchemic attainments made her the honourable, peerly senior among the disciples. Of course, she had quite a number of admirers. Yet, being in front of Gu Changge, she seemed so insignificant, not daring to even raise her head. In a flash, the alchemy banquet came to its end. Sitting in the primary seat, Gu Changge, in his swaying elegant robe, contemplated for a moment before presenting three considerably precious artifact weapons as the competition prizes. At once, the younger disciples grew jealous, impressed by the Young Master of the Gu Family they had been hearing of and his wealth. Some of them even had the intention of becoming his followers, only to doubt whether they had the qualifications to. Followingly, all of them retreated to their chamber to rest, and Lin Qiuhan finally had the chance to chat with Gu Changge in private, recounting her experiences when they were apart. Gu Changge would respond with smiles and show his concern for her, after which he finally divulged the reason for his visit. “Violet Supreme Alchemy Pill?” Lin Qiuhan looked somewhat dazed as she had never heard of the pill Gu Changge asked about. Judging by its name, it seemed to be related to Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect, but she had never heard of such a name during her time cultivating in the Sect. “Nevermind. Take note of it whenever it comes up during your training in Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect,” Gu Changge smilingly replied without any explanation. Essentially, the existence of the Violet Supreme Alchemy Pill was merely a rumour, and it would need proof and validation to verify the legitimacy of the rumour. Apart from that, Gu Changge had another task for Lin Qiuhan. He then pulled out an ancient alchemy recipe wherein numerous instructions to forge an ancient pill. “Well, since you’ve kept blaming yourself for being too weak to help me, I believe I should let you handle something for me so you’d stop belittling yourself,” Gu Changge stated with a smile as he handed the alchemy recipe to Lin Qiuhan. “What kind of ancient pill is this? The instructions look somewhat troublesome, but there seems to be nothing special about it. Prince Gu, I appreciate your effort but can you at least give me a challenge…” As the task was related to alchemy, Lin Qiuhan visibly grew fascinated. After researching the ancient pill for a bit, she noticed there was nothing difficult about its forging process except for the time it would consume, wherefore she assumed Gu Changge was simply using the alchemy recipe to comfort her. However, such an ancient pill could be easily made by any alchemist, and Gu Changge did not have to look for her specifically. Thus, she felt moved and rebuked herself in her heart as she had been assuming that Gu Changge had forgotten about her, hence her frustration. [He is way too much of a gentleman to neglect me without a reason. I have really misunderstood him…] “Oh, but forging the pill is no easy feat, or I wouldn’t have looked for you.” Gu Changge casually smiled without giving an explanation. After all, a manipulation secret technique such as Demonic Manipulation Urn would undoubtedly require such a pill as its medium so he could cast runes on it, finalising the forging process. Thus, he needed Lin Qiuhan to craft the ancient pill which was highly useful for him. Besides, since he was in Violet Supreme Academy Sect, he wouldn’t need to scour for the required ingredients himself. “Worry not, Prince Gu.” Acknowledging Gu Changge’s trust in herself, Lin Qiuhan assured with a solemn expression. And so, Gu Changge stayed in Violet Supreme Alchemy Sect for a few days before departing with his followers in the relieved eyes of Zi Yan and the Sect Elders, as well as the reluctant eyes of Lin Qiuhan. This time, his destination was Heavenly Star Realm, where Yue Mingkong was already hurrying to. Nevertheless, since his goal pertained to the Mortal One’s reincarnation, he decided to lay low so as not to draw unnecessary troubles. Therefore, he planned to travel alone. Meanwhile, to the rest of the world, he left an impression that he entered a retreat to cultivate in Immortal Gu Family Residence as he was nearing a breakthrough, so he won’t be tending any guests. In the meantime, Ying Yu, who led a big group of experts with her, hurried over from Sky Emperor Mountain to confront Gu Changge, only to be informed that he was currently receiving no guests as she was stopped at by the gates of Immortal Gu Family residence. Persistent, Ying Yu and her followers waited at the gates for more than fifteen days, but still, Gu Changge was nowhere to be seen. Hence, Ying Yu felt annoyed. As she was the daughter of Sky Emperor Ying, her identity to the entire Upper Realm should be praised and worshipped, yet she couldn’t even get to meet Gu Changge! Nonetheless, she did not dare to cause trouble at the gates of Immortal Gu Family Residence, she could only leave reluctantly. Recently, the public was more convinced that the force behind her, Sky Emperor Mountain, bore a major connection to the Successor of Demonic Arts as there were other rumours arising as well. Another Successor of Mortal Palace had stopped and stood outside Sky Emperor Mountain for a long time before ultimately choosing to leave. People would naturally guess the reasons for her behaviour, and they all eventually agreed to one conclusion. The Successor of Mortal Palace sensed danger coming from the problematic Sky Emperor Mountain. Hearing this, those with authority within Sky Emperor Mountain were enraged. Even they were confused as to why the Successor of Mortal Palace would wordlessly walk away from their gates right after she showed her Mortal Commandment Token. And so, more and more factors stripped the Upper Realm of its peace. Amid the disturbances, the Sikong Family, excelling in deductions and predictions, had claimed that the Eternal Overcast had once again appeared. At once, Elders of numerous factions and cults were startled as they hastily held a conference to discuss a solution. Finally, countless formidable forces unanimously agreed to construct the Immortal Academy. And once the news was dispersed, remaining forces of the world were triggered as great turmoil broke out. Meanwhile, in a Lower Realm that was infinitely far away from the Inner Domain of the Upper Realm, somewhere in the sky of Heavenly Star Realm, a blinding light flashed across, as though it was tearing the sky apart.