Translator: Fate Proofreader: Silavin When Gu Changge left, the place became noisy again. Everyone was talking loudly about what had happened. They felt amazed and could not calm down. The things they had seen today, including the Scared Emperor Grade Weapon Gu Changge had drawn, and Chu Hao, the Third Prince of the Vermillion Bird Empire, had already reached the Sacred King Realm. Either news was enough to cause an earthquake. After all, it was rare enough that one could reach the Sacred Lord Realm Furthermore, a Peak Sacred Lord Realm expert had been forced by Gu Changge to the point where he ended up cutting off his own arms and damaging his own Source. The news soon spread out via word of mouth, sending shockwaves everywhere. The Hidden Wang Family wasn’t exactly large, but no one would dare underestimate them. The fact that Wang Xiao, who had been a direct descendant from the main branch of the Hidden Wang Family, died after having offended Gu Changge was not a shock to many. After all, he had struck and hurt Gu Changge’s servant. It would wound Gu Changge’s reputation if he did not settle everything. It might even cause a great war between their different forces if he did not resolve this properly. The Hidden Wang Family might contain extremely ancient and powerful strength, but they were far inferior compared to the Immortal Gu Family. Many considered Gu Changge’s methods to be too violent, unwarranted for the situation. Yet, some thought it reasonable. Everyone who had offended him had never ended up well, and it wasn’t strange to see him do such a thing. After all, he had bullied and humiliated so many young prodigies before this. Even Ranked Disciples such as Chosen Monk Jin Chan and Sky King Zhi Yang had lost to him, and embarrassed themselves. Meanwhile, Wang Xiao’s death did not cause any shock or ripples at all. Another thing that shocked everyone, though, was the immense strength Chu Hao exhibited in the confrontation. He was in the Sacred King Realm! Very few had even heard of this young prodigy. Even those from the Vermillion Bird Empire knew little about him. He had been far too low-profile and thus, there hadn’t been any rumours about him. Otherwise, such a brilliant young prodigy shouldn’t be this unknown. Soon, many cultivators found out a lot of things about Chu Hao. The events from his birth up to the point he showed his great Talent, which amazed and shocked many. On the day of his birth, many strange phenomena occurred, with a crane bringing a priceless gift to him. When he was one year old, he danced along with Dragons in the Cold Lake behind the palace, and thus acquired the Pill of the Cold Lake Water Dragon which was millions of years old. At three, he accidentally entered an Ancient Immortal’s Cave Mansion, thus gaining the Cloud-piercing Celestial Boat and the Red and Azure Dao Sword. At seven, he learned mysterious runes from his dreams… When they found out about these events, those who heard it were all shocked by this. They all carried feelings of admiration, hate, and wariness all at once. Compared to them, he was most favoured by the Great Dao. Someone who was practically the Son of Heaven. Such luck and fate silenced everyone. He was so fortunate, that it was no surprise that a place as small as the Empire had cultivated such a young prodigy. He was like a blindingly bright dark horse, gaining everyone’s attention at once. He was in the Sacred King Realm at merely a few hundred years old. Furthermore, according to several cultivators who had watched him, his cultivation level had already reached the Peak of the Ninth Minor Realms in the Sacred King Realm. In other words, he was just one step away from reaching the Sacred Emperor Realm. This news surprised many, and had caused quite the stir. Ancient forces were immediately aware of such a great Fortuitous being. The mysterious and secretive Supreme Cave Heaven was soon placed in the spotlight. The sect might be low-profile, but their hidden power was no weaker than the Immortal Families and Immortal Sects. Several sects even began thinking of recruiting Chu Hao. After all, even Ranked Disciples of the Immortal Academy might not be able to achieve what he had attained. The cultivation process became harder as one progressed, and every Minor Realm in the Sacred King Realm was extremely arduous. It might even require one to go into retreat and cultivate for millions of years. That was why the presence of a youth in the Sacred King Realm, only a few hundred years old, was all the more shocking. However, there was something that made the sects hesitate. From what they heard from the people present, the Vermillion Bird Empire had offended Gu Changge and Chu Hao had been the main cause of everything that had happened. These sects began to wonder if recruiting him would be worth it, especially if it would gain the ire of Gu Changge. … [Hmm, Chu Hao’s Fortuity should be decreasing drastically after I humiliated him. So why is it greatly increasing instead?] Gu Changge noticed the change as soon as he returned to his palace and felt shocked. He had publicly humiliated Chu Hao and caused the latter to lose his citizens’ confidence. Thus, it was reasonable for his Fortuity to drop. However, Gu Changge soon realised that the Fortuity he had was increasing steadily. [This Fortuitous One, the Not Trash Archetype, is giving me many surprises.] Gu Changge wasn’t annoyed but pleased. This was a juicy, delicious fruit just waiting to be picked. [According to the cliches, there must be another force involved in this. What other force is possible? Ah, the love interest.] When Gu Changge made the guess, his eyes flashing briefly. [Although the template for almighty reincarnator is rare, it is not something I’ve never seen before. The words that could summarise him is, heaven defying luck. Though he is born as the Third Prince of the Vermillion Bird Empire, a background which sounds great, in the Upper Realm, it is basically a remote village. Even many young prodigies believe this place to be too desolate from the world.] [If so, his significant other must have a special background since she brought him so much Fortuity.] Gu Changge smiled with interest. He then sent the order to his followers to closely observe the situation in the capital of the Empire as well as investigate any women who had had a close relationship with Chu Hao in the past. It looked like the emperor was still ruling the country, but Gu Changge held the real power there now. The entire empire, including the imperial palace was under his surveillance, except for Chu Hao, since the prince might take notice. It wasn’t realistic to monitor someone in the Sacred King Realm. “Young Master…” Ji Qingxuan, who had almost fully recovered from her injuries, walked in. Her wounds had quickly healed after taking some pills and sacred herbs, and she was now a little anxious and uneasy. She was still uncertain about the situation despite her calm demeanour. Facing him alone, especially when she was concealing something, made her feel the terrifying power he radiated more acutely. She had never been so scared or anxious, even when she was meeting the Ancestors of the Ji Family, back at home. “How’re your injuries?” He asked carelessly after raising his head to look at her. “They’re almost healed. Thank you for worrying, Young Master,” she replied immediately before realising she sounded panicky. [He didn’t seem to notice it, or more possibly, he did notice but did not care about it.] He reached out to pull her into his arms, asking lightly, “Do you have any idea about that woman who looks like you?” Ji Qingxuan discovered that she especially enjoyed the relieving feeling of laying in his arms, where she didn’t have to worry about or fear anything. What else was better than laying in his arms? She had fully incorporated herself into the role of her sister, Su Qingge. She purposefully looked up at him. “Young Master, I think she may be my younger sister, whom I have never met before. My mother might have been pregnant when she was taken back to the Upper Realm…” Gu Changge hummed in answer and didn’t seem too concerned about it. “You aren’t planning on reuniting with her?” “If I have the chance, I will go and meet her. Her Eldest Senior Brother has wronged you, though, so I hope you don’t mind,” she replied. She had already thought of her reply before and so it came out smoothly. “Why would I mind?” He smiled. “Young Master, you’re so kind.” She smiled sweetly back at him. “Oh? How?” he asked carelessly. “Young Master…” She was about to answer when her mouth was occupied by him, and her words came out muffled. Her eyes widened at once, as she had been unprepared for this. [Didn’t Qingge say that he had never desired her all this time? Why did he suddenly do this?] She didn’t think much about it any longer as her mind had gone blank. [Did that mean that I’ve gotten ahead of Qingge?] … While the outside world was busy discussing the news, the peace within the Vermillion Bird Empire was disturbed as well. “Chu Hao, you were too reckless…” Deep within the palace, the Emperor sighed, looking dejected and worried after hearing about everything. He hadn’t known about it and thought Gu Changge and Chu Hao had quarrelled. Now, though, he knew that Chu Hao had wanted to save someone who had offended Gu Changge. The man might be his son’s Junior Brother and a direct descendant of the main branch of the Hidden Wang Family, but the emperor still felt it wasn’t worth it. If one offended Gu Changge, he might not say much on the surface but he would hold a grudge, which was hard to resolve. It wasn’t worth it at all. “So, the reason Gu Changge called me there was to force you to yield. If you hadn’t done what he said, I would have been killed by him. I can’t believe that I thought he was gentle and courteous before. It was just a mask he wore.” the Emperor sighed, fear lingering in his words. As the Emperor, he ruled over countless people. Yet, he was just a helpless man when being controlled by Gu Changge. Chu Hao’s expression was ugly too. His fists clenched as his proud self clearly recalled the humiliation he had endured. “Father, I wanted to save him because of the Empire too. You don’t know how troublesome the Hidden Wang Family is. That if I haven’t stepped in, they would have placed all the blame on us. They won’t dare cross the Immortal Gu Family, even though they know it was Gu Changge who had killed Wang Xiao. Even if I offend Gu Changge, the Immortal Gu Family may be tolerant enough not to bother us,” explained Chu Hao. “That’s what you say, but do you know about all the forces that want to gain his and his family’s favour? Your actions were truly reckless.” The Emperor sighed again in despair. Of course, he understood what his son meant, but his line of thought was far too simple. The Immortal Gu Family wouldn’t trouble themselves with them, but what about those forces who wanted his and his family’s favour? “Um…” Chu Hao immediately understood the connotations and became pale. He had underestimated the influence and power the Immortal Gu Family had. Even if the Empire hadn’t done anything, innumerable forces would attack it to curry favour with the Immortal Gu Family. “Father, I didn’t think it through…” Chu Hao said guiltily. “I brought this upon the Empire. His attitude was far too aggressive and arrogant, which had angered me and so I acted tactlessly…” “It’s okay. It’s already over so we don’t have to discuss it. You are now in the Sacred King Realm, and anyone opposing us will be wary of you. I trust that the Supreme Cave Heaven will assist as well.” The Emperor smiled with pleasure and assurance, knowing that Chu Hao had reached the Sacred King REalm. Even their Ancestors had only been in the Sacred Lord Realm. Yet, Chu Hao had achieved this within a mere few hundred years. This made the Emperor glow with pride. That this was his son! Chu Hao smiled as well, nodding. “Don’t worry, Father. With me around, no one can harass the Empire as they wish.” Suddenly, a guard came in to report. “Your Majesty, Lady Wan is outside asking for a meeting.” “Lady Wan?” The Emperor was stunned for a moment before remembering. He looked at his son with a grin. “You came back just in time. Lady Wan is also currently in the capital. The two of you can talk properly.” “Wan Er…” Chu Hao’s expression became distant as he recalled a girl’s youthful face. How long had it been since he met his childhood best friend? [I wonder how is she now?] He smiled sincerely, sounding pleased. “I can’t believe she’s here in the capital.” He headed out after that. Outside the Palace, an attractive and charming woman was standing. She wore a long pale gown made of gauze, her skin flawless even without makeup. She looked extremely elegant and modest. Her name was Tang Wan. She wore a polite smile as she waited, looking like a well-raised noble girl even without her servants accompanying her. Any stranger passing by would fall for her. [Everything that happened today may have a great impact on Chu Hao, but I believe he will be fine] Tang Wan muttered internally, having witnessed the entire thing. That included when Gu Changge used the Sacred Emperor Grade Weapon to force Chu Hao into yielding after the latter showed his Sacred King Realm might. In her view, Chu Hao wouldn’t have surrendered so easily if Gu Changge hadn’t used the people of the Empire to threaten him. It wasn’t that he wasn’t powerful enough, just that he was bound by his responsibilities and attachment to the Empire. Had it been somewhere else, Gu Changge would find it harder to do the same to Chu Hao. [Chu Hao has reached the Sacred King Realm within just a few hundred years, and I was the only one who had seen his brilliance back then,] she thought, just as she saw a tall, handsome man exit the imperial palace. It was Chu Hao. “Wan Er…” Chu Hao said in surprise, unable to conceal his delight. “Chu Hao, it’s been a long time…” she smiled back, her eyes full of longing. They chatted after that, asking about everything that had happened since they separated. Chu Hao kept some things to himself but was honest about others, including some strange encounters. Tang Wan looked envious and in admiration as she listened, wishing she had been there. “You’ve always been brilliant no matter where you go.” She smiled. “What’s the use in that? I am still threatened no matter how powerful I am. I may have to isolate myself once again after this until I reach the Sacred Emperor Realm. At that time, no one can easily intimidate the Empire or my father.” He sighed, not concealing his woes in front of her. “I believe in you. What about me then, Chu Hao?” She winked at him playfully. “No one can bully you too.” Chu Hao smiled confidently. He had always had special feelings towards her. He might be focused on cultivating, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have thoughts about romance. He could see that she has been waiting for him as well. “But with your background, I don’t think many can bully you. You’ve certainly kept it a secret from me.” Chu Hao smiled resignedly as he recalled the past. He had always thought she was just a merchant’s daughter when he was younger, which was the reason he had treated her like a close friend and confidante. It was later that he knew it was the Alliance of Thousand Merchants backing her, and she had been concealing her true identity. It was the most famous merchant alliance in the Upper Realm, with eyes and arms everywhere. Even though her grandfather had been the head of a branch of the Alliance, the power he had was far superior to the Empire. Chu Hao might be the Third Prince of the Vermillion Bird Empire, but he wouldn’t have the chance to be close to her. “If I didn’t do that, how would I know how unique you are compared to the other young prodigies?” Tang Wan continued smiling at his words. She continued jokingly, “Since you are now in the Sacred King Realm, you will be a superior figure to whom the higher-ups will pay attention to. My grandfather can’t possibly argue anymore…” “Your Grandfather did it for your benefit. Don’t be angry at him.” Chu Hao waved his hands immediately. “I know. Why are you so concerned about other people’s feelings? If you had changed that trait of yours, you wouldn’t have been threatened by Gu Changge like that.” She sighed, smiling helplessly. She bore no feelings when it came to Gu Changge, as she knew that people like him would maintain a high-and-mighty, condescending attitude no matter how mild-mannered and polite he behaved. The reason he had casually threatened the lives of the people and the Emperor, was that they were just mere bugs to him, who could be easily crushed. “Gu Changge is no simple man. It’s too difficult to deal with him.” Chu Hao was troubled about it and clenched his fists. “I have a way. Why don’t you find the other young prodigies who have offended Gu Changge? I heard that the Sky King Zhi Yang may have quarrelled with him before…” She drew a jade scroll from her sleeve, which contained some details she had helped him investigate, and handed it over. “Thank you, Wan Er.” He took it and mentally scanned it, feeling touched. He couldn’t believe that she had prepared this before coming and even thought of a solution. “As long as it helps you.” Tang Wan smiled. They continued talking for a while before she bid farewell, and Chu Hao knew it wasn’t the time even though he felt reluctant to let her go. The Empire was faced with threats both inside and outside, and was now in a state of emergency. Tang Wan, worried about being seen by Gu Changge’s spies, immediately activated her Space artifact. She then disappeared, accompanied by a wave of energy. She had been this cautious when she came as well.