Translator: Fate Proofreader: Silavin It was the Demonic Manipulation Urn. The moment Yin Mei saw the small, black urn, she was subconsciously startled as she instantaneously discerned the item. Although it had been a long time, she was fear-struck as she still remembered this terrifying urn. Back then, if she hadn’t discovered Gu Changge’s usage of the Forbidden Demonic Arts in a ruin, she wouldn’t have developed such a deep bond with him, and it was not until later when she revealed her true feelings that Gu Changge released the Demonic Manipulation Urn. Nevertheless, the intuitive fear lingered somewhere deep in her soul, and there was no way she could drive it away. The terror of the Demonic Manipulation Urn was just that difficult to defend against, and it was especially effective to those who let their guards down even for a moment. Moreover, given its power to manipulate one’s mind, it was basically irresistible, and not even ancient experts that were proficient in souls could detect its effect; even if they could, there was nothing they could do to dispel it, and they would only end up disintegrated along with their souls. [It seems Master plans to gain control of Tang Wan right away, but given her persistence, she won’t give up so easily. Or perhaps Master plans to kill her right here, right now? Or does he have any other intentions?] Questions flashed across Yin Mei’s mind as she was curious about what Gu Changge might do. Whoosh! The Demonic Manipulation Urn let out an alarming glow, ambiguous and dark, as if the Paths of Dao were intertwining. “What do you think you’re doing, Gu Changge? My entire family knows that I’m here for the exchange. If anything were to happen to me, do you think Yin Mei will be able to escape from this?” Seeing that, Tang Wan sternly questioned despite the soul-trembling fear in her heart. After all, the chilly sensation entered her bones and her entire body. And because of her foreseeing Talent, it was as though the sensation was aggravated by a hundred times. Nonetheless, she kept forcing herself to calm down, knowing that she mustn’t panic at such a moment as that would make her appear weak. “Look at you, so startled. I’m no disastrous beast, you know?” Gu Changge casually smiled as the dark gleam in his palm grew denser, as though it was the frightening source of darkness that engulfed the entire world. “It’s only a tiny urn. Why are you acting as if it’s the vilest foe you’ve ever encountered? It’s not that I don’t like your hopeless, struggling look though. The more you struggle, the faster you’ll die upon a stomp of my feet.” Although he spoke with such casualness, his words left Tang Wan’s face blanching and her legs shaking. Tang Wan wasn’t certain whether her strongest move could break through Gu Changge’s sealed space, which could allow her to deliver her signal for help to the outside world. Nevertheless, the only thing she was sure was that under Gu Changge’s tender, amiable pretence was his terrorizing, shocking true self. In her opinion, from scheming Tang Tian to deceiving her, everything was near perfect without the slightest flaw as Gu Changge even took her thoughts into consideration. [Just how calculative is this man? Even the Gifted Lady of Nine-Tailed Fox Clan refers to him as ‘Master?’ What had happened before this? Why have I never heard about this? What else is Gu Changge hiding behind his facade?] “Gu Changge, what do you intend to do? I do not recall any hard feelings between us. In fact, we’ve never even met. Is there some sort of misunderstanding? If there is, I’m sure it’s not unresolvable. Whatever happened today, I swear on my Dao Heart, I’ll keep it between us. Tell me what you want, and I’ll give it to you as long as it’s within my capabilities.” Tang Wan forced herself to remain composed, intending to keep Gu Changge restricted by her usual means. Essentially, no matter how egregious Gu Changge’s methods might be, he was merely a young man at the end of the day, while she, having worked under the Alliance of Thousand Merchants for hundreds of years, was confident that she developed a mastery over the human mind. And as long as she fulfilled Gu Changge’s wish, he wouldn’t dare to take the risk of killing her. “Indeed, there’s no hard feelings between us, yet you’re still scheming with Chu Hao against me. Anyway, do you think I’ll ever need whatever you have? It seems you are as shameless as Chu Hao.” Gu Changge revealed a faint smile that carried condescension and indifference. [She was the one who started to work with Chu Hao in the dark to try and take me down. Yet, now, she dares claim not to bear any hard feelings?] “You…” Taken aback by Gu Changge’s response and how he claimed her to be shameless, Tang Wan seemed awfully perturbed. She then gritted her teeth and asked, “What is your true intention, Gu Changge?” “Openup your Knoweldge Sea, and allow me to plant a Slave Mark into you. But of course, you may refuse to do it, but doing that may lead to your brother’s death. Sure, you can take a bet and see if I’ll slaughter him.” Gu Changge retained his unaffected grin while the Demonic Manipulation Urn in his hand was still emitting a spine-chilling dark gleam, as if it could absorb all lives into eternal darkness. “Gu Changge, if you dare kill my brother, the entire Tang Family will come after you. And do you seriously think I care that much about my brother? You must know, what you’re doing now cannot be disclosed to the public. Even with the Immortal Gu Family backing you up, you know you can’t afford to be this rampant.” Unusually calm, Tang Wan coldly stated, as if she had predicted that Gu Changge would use her brother to threaten her. However, Gu Changge didn’t seem surprised as his subtle grin persisted. “Oh, that’s simply an example. There are unlimited ways I can do this. I don’t have to kill your brother, but I can control him and have him return to the Tang Family Manor. Repent for his mistakes, turn a new leaf, be a better man… I can even help him become the leader of the Tang Family. And one day, when the entire Tang Family is celebrating, I’ll have him murder your parents, your grandfather, and every each one of the Tang Family members. What do you think of that? Sounds fun to me.” “Gu Changge, you despicable scum…” Upon those words, Tang Wan’s face immediately changed, and all she could feel was the iciness that overtook her spine and her head, making her shiver uncontrollably. No young prodigy would ever describe such an appalling scenario so mindlessly as if they were stating facts. Yet, Gu Changge’s words managed to lead Tang Wan into imagining the scenario, which sent a chill up her spine. Her entire body violently trembled because of it. At this point, she could give up Tang Tian, but she could never disregard her family and her parents. “I’m merely voicing an example, and it’s not up to me whether that would happens.” Gu Changge let out a casual chuckle. “I’ll give you a choice, though I’ve been known for my impatience. Sacrifice yourself to save the Tang Family, or perhaps you’d like to kill yourself, and have your entire family join you later.” “Gu Changge! That is going too far!” Exasperated, Tang Wan had her rational mind got destroyed by Gu Changge’s ultimatum. Zoom! At once, blinding lights surged around her body as she started painting in the air. Drawing all kinds of creations, which seemed to come to life as Sacred Principles coagulated on them, making them seem as though they could break through the barriers of space. Simultaneously, an ancient, grey quill was blooming with dazzling glows that could make everything tremble. It was as though an ancient being had reawakened. The word ‘Destiny’ appeared in the air, resembling stars in the sky that shone dazzlingly, as though it was alive. “Do you really think you can force your way out of this?” However, Gu Changge was still grinning, as if he wasn’t at all bothered by Tang Wan’s display of power. All of a sudden, he swung his palm forward and the horrifying Power of Void instantaneously brought the space to ruin, twisting even the World Principles. Upon such overbearing strength, the creatures created by Tang Wan were shattered, as if they were more fragile than glass. At the same time, the Quill of Destiny let out an agonised ring before falling to the ground as the words above it faded away. This was absolute might! Even after destroying everything, the force of the palm had yet to wane as it still continued to plummet. Thump! Unable to evade the attack, Tang Wan was dumbfounded. Voicing a groan, she spewed blood as her body was blown away. Upon the blow of the palm, her body was almost turned into a pile of ground meat. If it weren’t for Gu Changge’s reluctance to murder her, the palm would have torn her entire body apart. Afterwards, the areas which got damaged by Gu Changge began to recover with his mere thought and the sealed space not only retained its might, but it also grew even more robust than before. “Are you still blind to reality at this point?” There wasn’t much emotion in Gu Changge’s voice. He then struck another palm and left Tang Wan coughing up more blood, breaking more of her bones and rendering her unable to walk. “Just kill me, Gu Changge! I’ll never agree to what you proposed.” In spite of her hopelessness, Tang Wan was still unwilling to compromise. She would rather die than to let Gu Changge imprint a Slave Mark into her, as Gu Changge would surely use her against Chu Hao. “So you’re assuming I won’t do anything to the Tang Family?” Gu Changge chuckled. “Better think this through. If you die right now, the Tang Family will look for the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan for revenge, and your family members will join you soon enough. All it takes is one word and your ‘allies’ in the Tang Family wouldn’t even dare to assist you. Do you think there is any hope for revenge?” “You—!” Tang Wan clenched her teeth as she widened her eyes. There was not a trace of blood on her face. She then watched as Gu Changge waved his hand, and Tang Tian appeared in his hand, apparently unconscious. “You brother seems to be useful,” Gu Changge leisurely said. Simultaneously, he reached out his hand for Tang Tian’s forehead and it penetrated through his skull. Accordingly, he dragged Tang Tian’s soul out of his body, as if he could kill him anytime he wished. “If I crush his soul, do you think he’ll become disabled, or will he die right away?” Gu Changge smilingly asked. Gazing at his grin, Tang Wan could only feel shivers all over her body, while her heart was overwhelmed by sorrow, resentment, agony, and hopelessness. Eventually, she gritted her teeth and reluctantly said, “Let go of my brother and I’ll accept your condition but only if you swear one thing on your Dao Heart to me. Or else, I’ll never compromise even if it means the end of my family—” Then, Gu Changge interrupted her with a grin, “Of course. Not to kill Chu Hao, right? Easy. I, Gu Changge, swear on my Dao Heart. Should betrayal occur, my Dao Heart shall collapse and my body shall burn in hell as the world crumbles. How’s that?” Seeing how Gu Changge took on the oath, Tang Wan was dazed and in dismay. She had an intuition that things weren’t as simple as it seemed, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. [Swearing on one’s Dao Heart is something a cultivator would never go against. No one would ever trap themself this way. Even Immortals wouldn’t dare to go back on their Dao Heart Oaths. Naturally, this includes Gu Changge.] Thinking that, Tang Wan felt somewhat relieved, though her heart remained devastated. [Hao, I’m sorry. I’m forced to do this. Please forgive me.] Tang Wan unwillingly released her Knowledge Sea. With a deep grin, Gu Changge lightly tossed an object. Whoosh! Instantly, the Demonic Manipulation Urn turned into a trace of black light before vanishing, leaving no tracks behind. Tang Wan didn’t even detect any sort of disturbance, and she was startled by such an unheard method of imposing a Slave Mark. In that instant, in her Knowledge Sea, she could see grey mists arising, wherein a mysterious, shapeless, inexplicable divine being was sitting. She would have gone insane and delusive were she to take another glance at that being. [Just what king of technique is this!?] Frantic with fear, she felt some sort of reverence when she turned to Gu Changge, as if she couldn’t disobey any of his orders. “At your service, Master.” Swiftly, Tang Wan’s face gradually cooled down, much like her usual expression. Though, her heart remained fearful as she could barely keep up with the drastic change. She was in dismay as her physical behaviour contradicted her mind and will. She never expected to address Gu Changge as ‘Master,’ yet her mouth would uncontrollably say it. [Oh, Fortuitous One, I’ve prepared a surprise for you.] Gu Changge revealed an enthralling grin, no longer paying attention to Tang Wan, who was in front of him. At a wave of his hand, the sealed space immediately cracked like a mirror, and they would reappear in the outside world. The tea in the courtyard had yet to cool, still steaming hot. Meanwhile, Tang Wan was visibly disquieted. Marks of blood stained her body with how severe her injuries were. Even though Gu Changge had no intentions of killing her, one strike of his palm alone was enough to torment her. “Master, how should Tang Tian be dealt with?” Yin Mei asked. “Return him to the Tang Family. We are reasonable people, after all,” Gu Changge replied with a smile. Listening to that, Tang Wan was too afraid to say anything. Followingly, Gu Changge looked at Tang Wan’s face and smiled and assured, “Don’t worry. I bear no ill intent. You’re just a defensive measure against Chu Hao, should he dare to engage me. As long as he stays out of my way and fulfils his role as the Third Prince of Vermilion Bird Empire, he’ll be fine. You’re his best friend yet he knows nothing about this, but I’m not going to tell him either. I see this as an absolute win, don’t you think?” Hearing that, Tang Wan was taken aback, but after thinking about it, Gu Changge’s words sounded quite reasonable. As long as Chu Hao stayed out of Gu Changge’s way, his feud with Gu Changge wouldn’t develop into a fight for life or death. As Chu Hao still remembered how he was publicly humiliated by Gu Changge, Tang Wan thought perhaps she could talk him into enduring the shame, and things would be over. However, if he still insisted on taking down Gu Changge, he would only walk straight into his own death as there was no way he could beat Gu Changge. Despite having personally experienced Gu Changge’s terror, Tang Wan was still uncertain whether Gu Changge had any other motives against Chu Hao or he was simply taking his revenge over the feud back in Vermilion Bird Empire. “Alright, I’m about to leave. The Eternal Overcast Crisis isn’t going to resolve itself.” Then, after passing on some instructions to Yin Mei, Gu Changge tarried no longer and left as he was quite at ease to have Yin Mei clean up the mess. Since he had been absent in Vermilion Bird Empire lately, he would draw suspicion onto himself if he didn’t show himself soon. Regardless, his plan today was quite smooth as he even encountered a surprise. It turned out, he discovered that Tang Wan’s visage bore tremendous similarity to the lover of Qin Wuya, the Fortuitous One who returned from Nine Realms, he saw back then in that vision. In fact, the vision the System showed him comprised four people of the Borderless Sect, including the past selves of Sky King Zhi Yang, Gu Xianer, as well as Qin Wuya’s mentor and lover. Gu Changge remembered the details vividly, though he was unsure whether Tang Wan was precisely the reincarnation of Qin Wuya’s lover. Moreover, he also discovered Tang Wan’s abundant Fortuity, though it was still significantly lower than that of an actual Fortuitous Lady. Nevertheless, it was her resemblance that could smoothen his plans, and if it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have wasted his time and effort extending their conversation. Given Tang Wan’s personality, if she hadn’t released her Knowledge Sea, the usage of Demonic Manipulation Urn would have failed. Although the process was troublesome, the result was certainly fruitful. As a matter of fact, Gu Changge even foresaw what was to come. [A battle between the two Fortuitous Ones? No, it’s a squabble between two leeks. While they are at it, I shall watch from afar and wait until it’s time to harvest. Ah, such a brilliant plan!] Instead of returning with a teleportation array, Gu Changge chose to traverse through the void, and judging by his speed, it wouldn’t need him much time to travel a million kilometres across the region.