Translator: Fate Proofreader: Silavin “Yin Mei, honestly, what’s the nature of the relationship between you and Gu Changge?” On the other hand, Tang Wan heaved a sigh shortly after Gu Changge left. The overwhelming pressure finally disappeared. It felt as though she had been dragged out from a pool of ice cold water and was still shivering with fright. This was a feeling she could never forget. She didn’t even dare to speak mindlessly in front of Gu Changge or she might accidentally call him ‘Master.’ Nonetheless, at that moment, she lost her patience and questioned Yin Mei, thinking that they were on the same boat. Subconsciously, she assumed that Yin Mei must be the same as her, having fallen under Gu Changge’s grasp and was coerced into getting a Slave Mark planted. Earlier, she was worried that, after the Slave Mark, Gu Changge would force her into doing shameful things against her will. Fortunately, that was not the case as the man chose to leave, which somewhat relieved her. “I am Master’s servant. What else could it be?” Hearing that, Yin Mei casually revealed a smile. The subtle joy on her flawless face was beguiling. She witnessed the entire process of Gu Changge coercing Tang Wan, as he did not ask her to leave. This means that her master has absolute faith in her. As such, Yin Mei was delighted, so gleeful that she uncontrollably wagged her fox tails. “You are the Gifted Lady of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. Don’t you feel ashamed saying those words out of your mouth?” Tang Wan was stunned, thinking that Yin Mei must be teasing her or the Slave Mark imprinted into Yin Mei must be much scarier than the one planted in her. “What is there to be ashamed of? I have always been Master’s servant in private, and I couldn’t be happier every time he takes the time to come and see me.” Knowing what Tang Wan was thinking, Yin Mei smilingly stated, visibly joyous. “You are insane…” Tang Wan was visibly perturbed. She was secretly contemplating a way to work with Yin Mei, to dispel the Slave Marks in them, but her behaviour left her absolutely speechless. “I’ll let you in on a secret, Lady Wan. I don’t have the Slave Mark in me, you know?” Yin Mei happily claimed. “Impossible. You are doing this by your own will?” Dazed once again, Tang Wan was in dismay. [She doesn’t have a Slave Mark? Then why would she refer to Gu Changge as ‘Master?’] Nevertheless, Yin Mei disregarded her question and left the courtyard. Regardless, that gesture of hers gave Tang Wan an answer. With that, the latter began to shiver. “What else is Gu Changge hiding…” Soon, she managed to calm herself down and retain her composure. In order to avoid suspicion, she deliberately waited for her injuries to recover before carrying the unconscious Tang Tian out of the courtyard as the formidable experts of the Tang Family were anxiously awaiting them outside. Accordingly, these experts only found themselves relieved when they saw that Tang Wan and Tang Tian were safe as they got out of the courtyard. “Lady Wan, is Young Master Tang Tian alright?” The Sacred Noble Realm expert asked out of concern. He was a loyal servant of the Tang Family, possessing a muscular body covered in gleaming mist. “He’s fine, though he will be unconscious for a while,” Tang Wan answered. Back then, Gu Changge withdrew Tang Tian’s soul, and although he didn’t do anything more than that, certain effects were to be expected. “That’s a relief.” The loyal servant heaved a sigh before asking, “Lady Wan, did you have to agree to their conditions in order to retrieve Young Master Tang Tian? That is too absurd!” “Indeed! Now that we Young Master Tang Tian is safe, we should retaliate and let them understand that we are not people they should mess with!” Others agreed as they were upset by the humiliation. In response, Tang Wan shook her head. “No need. The matter is resolved and we shall speak of it no further. Bring Tang Tian back to the family residence and tell my grandfather that I’ll be staying in Vermilion Bird Empire for some time.” Since her family did not trust her, she decided to be upfront rather than discrete. “Understood, Lady Wan.” Upon receiving their orders, they speedily left with Tang Tian without hesitation. Turning to the direction of Vermilion Bird empire, Tang Wan felt disaffected. Due to the Slave Mark, she was now unable to do anything that would betray Gu Changge or get in his way, not even if she bore such an intention. Tang Wan’s intervention put an end to the conflict between Tang Tian and Yin Mei. Thereupon, cultivators who were anticipating a dramatic episode were left disappointed. However, even a blind man could see that Tang Wan must have agreed to Yin Mei’s condition at the end. And so, the heat on the little feud within the Alliance of Thousand Merchants quickly faded away like a ripple in an ocean, as few to no one would mention it anymore. A few days later, in the Tang Family Manor, the unconscious Tang Tian finally opened his eyes, but only the meticulous ones would notice the subtle golden gleaming pattern flashing deep in his eyes. “Argh! My head hurts! Damn it, how dare Yin Mei knock me out…” Tang Tian pressed his head in pain. Nonetheless, the pain waned as soon as it hit. “Hmm? What is this?” Tang Tian was somewhat surprised when he discovered that a new memory surged in his mind, as though he encountered something when he was unconscious. Though, the pictures were messy and ambiguous, as if they carried some sort of godly meanings. Vaguely, he could see a vast, endless world where a towering palace stood on the clouds, whose heavenly door resembled a path to ancient times. “Balanced are good and evil. Has Destiny finally come to me after facing such great danger?” Tang Tian was thrilled. He had heard similar fantasy tales as well as a story from a storyteller in which a person was granted peerless abilities after waking up. Yet, he had never expected that that would happen to him one day. “No, I must not disclose this secret to anyone else…” Tang Tian suppressed his emotions, forcing himself to calm down as such a matter must not be revealed. Despite being pampered till he was spoiled, he was in no way a fool. Other than the ancient, magical sceneries, he noticed there was a never-seen phrase in his mind. [Something… Entanglement?] He hadn’t the slightest clue what those enigmatic, ancient words meant, but he was sharp enough to figure that this phrase must contain some mighty power. … “Young Master, you’re back!” In a palace within the depths of the Capital of Vermilion Bird Empire, a woman in white was standing by the doors. Her hair was silky while her cheeks were snowy as the glow on her bewitching face carried subservience and harmony. That woman was none other than Ji Qingxuan. From her appearance, not much could be discerned between her and Su Qingge as their only difference was their personalities. While Ji Qingxuan was the slightly gloomier, more grounded type, Su Qingge was the elegant and quiet type. In response, Gu Changge nodded and leisurely replied, “Yes, I am. Did anything happen in Vermilion Bird Empire while I was away?” Ji Qingxuan shook her head and answered, “Nothing. The empire has been rather peaceful since you went to deal with the Eternal Overcast. Though, in Black Tortoise Empire, an empire not far away from Vermilion Bird Empire, many young prodigies seem to have faced some kind of accident.” “Oh? Black Tortoise Empire? Isn’t that where Sky King Zhi Yang and King with Six Crowns were assigned?” Gu Changge seemed rather surprised. Though, truthfully, right when Ji Qingxuan mentioned it, he figured that Su Qingge, as the Successor of Demonic Arts, must have been searching for a new target. Essentially, to Su Qingge, the best hunting ground would be where Sky King Zhi Yang was. Furthermore, since there was a grudge between Sky King Zhi Yang and him, the former would easily be the first she would target, and even if she failed to kill him, she could at least give him a hard time. “Yes, all those young prodigies had their Sources completely taken away. It seems the Successor of Demonic Arts is hiding among their team.” Ji Qing Xuan nodded with her eyes fixated at Gu Changge. “What a troublesome time. Let’s pray Sky King Zhi Yang and the rest are fine.” Gu Changge responded with a smile. His mind quickly shifted away from the matter as he reckoned it was about time he made a move on Ying Shuang, who was in Sky King Zhi Yang’s team. After all, he had been leaving Ying Shuang the Body Possessing Fortuitous One for far too long, and it was probably time to collect his dues. But of course, there was something else he needed Ying Shuang to do first. Followingly, after Gu Changge returned to his chamber, he used his Communication Rune to ask Jiang Chuchu about the Eternal Overcast crisis, as he had been awaiting her to look for the Source of the Eternal Overcast, which he sought after. Though, even through the Communication Rune, Jiang Chuchu’s response was as discourteous as ever. “I haven’t found it.” Upon the short but straight answer, Gu Changge chuckled and tossed his Communication Rune aside, no longer being bothered about it. … In a region far away within the Vermilion Bird Empire, grey smoke rose to the sky as Eternal Overcast creatures tormented the living, annihilating any village or city that stood in their way. At that moment, Jiang Chuchu was standing high up in the sky. Heavenly lights and gleaming runes turned into a Dao Sword, plunging into the ground, slaughtering countless Eternal Overcast creatures and leaving no survivor. Unlike Gu Changge, who only talked about dealing with the Eternal Overcast crisis but never acted on it, Jiang Chuchu hurried to this region the moment she arrived at Vermilion Bird Empire with the intention to annihilate all Eternal Overcast creatures and locate the source of this crisis. In that instant, she was gazing at the Communication Rune with her faintly glistening eyes, but after waiting for a long time, she never received a word from Gu Changge. As such, the shine in her eyes notably dimmed, after which, she quickly regained her senses. Her attacks grew unusually overbearing and terrifying, turning the huge Dao Sword into thousands of smaller ones, which fell from the sky, as though all the Eternal Overcast creatures before her were Gu Changge. The next moment, however, sensing the Communication Rune in her delicate hand light up, she momentarily paused her attack and turned to the Communication Rune in confusion. All of a sudden, Gu Changge’s voice was heard. “Be careful.” Another short but straight reply. Jiang Chuchu was stupefied, doubting her own ears as she was taken aback by Gu Changge’s feigned concern for her. She then repeated the message in her head once again. Indeed, it was that immeasurably hateful, heinous, shameless voice of his. Yet, she found her heart palpitating upon the pleasant surprise that caught her off guard. “Mm,” she blurted softly in the end, yet her eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky. … “Chu Hao, this is all thanks to you! Without you, the Eternal Overcast might have devastated the entire Vermilion Bird Empire.” In the royal palace, the Vermilion Bird Emperor praised with astonishment and relief in his voice. As a crisis caused by the Eternal Overcast had plagued numerous great empires, none would have expected the Vermilion Bird Empire, whose power had been deteriorating, to eliminate the threat. Although the Eternal Overcast had not been thoroughly dealt with, it was no longer as menacing as it was in the beginning. At least, no longer so menacing that all who lived here were in fear of the Eternal Overcast creatures charging through the Vermilion Bird Empire and causing it to fall. “You flatter me, Father. I’m just doing what is obligated of me,” Chu Hao denied as he waved his hand, seemingly unaffected by the compliment. “Regardless, the empire is indebted to you. Chu Hao, you must have been overworking yourself these days. You should take a good rest.” The Vermilion Bird Emperor replied with a chuckling, obviously content. Hearing that, Chu Hao, who was happy as well, nodded. Despite having fought against the Eternal Overcast invasion outside the city of Vermilion Bird Empire for the past few days, he never stopped paying attention to the affairs of the Hidden Wang Family and Supreme Cave Heaven. Although Wang Xiao’s death certainly angered the Wang Family, in this case, Chu Hao had shown that he tried to defend Wang Xiao but could not afford to upset Gu Changge. As such, the Wang Family could not blame Chu Hao, but they didn’t dare to thank Chu Hao as well. Besides, there were words amid the Wang Family that claimed Wang Xiao deserved his death for his offence. That his actions were too foolish, and he had left Chu Hao vexed and helpless. After all, Gu Changge’s background was too frightening as even the Hidden Wang Family couldn’t help but fear him, not daring to bear the intention to avenge Wang Xiao. Chu Hao was also informed that some formidable experts of the Wang Family were even planning to capture him and send him to Gu Changge for justice. Nevertheless, if it weren’t for the Supreme Cave Heave’s intervention, those experts would definitely come after him. It didn’t matter if they managed to capture him as expressing their allegiance to Gu Changge was their greatest priority. Knowing that, Chu Hao grew enraged and frustrated, almost cursing the Wang Family as a shameless bunch, but that would only make him appear narcissistic. Nonetheless, from the incident, Supreme Cave Heaven managed to show him their persistent attitude, and the members of the Sect even sent him a message, telling him not to worry, given that their mighty Elders were peerless, which definitely comforted him. “Your Majesty, the young prodigies from the Immortal Academy also played a great part in resolving this crisis caused by the Eternal Overcast. They were ferocious and fearless as they stopped countless Eternal Overcast creatures to the east.” At that moment, an old eunuch beside the Vermilion Bird Emperor smilingly claimed. However, as soon as the Vermilion Bird Emperor heard it, he visibly grew annoyed, waving his hand and said, “Never mention them in front of me.” He still remembered Gu Changge’s actions back then. As those around him were his trustworthy men, there was no need for him to show any respect towards Gu Changge. “Do you really think they are kind-hearted altruists? They were simply killing Eternal Overcast creatures to increase their scores to benefit themselves!” The Vermilion Bird Emperor exclaimed with a scoff. “But, it is no lie that they have been a great help to the empire, slaughtering Eternal Overcast creatures and preventing the empire’s fall…” Dazed, the old eunuch attempted to explain. “Hmph!” The Vermilion Bird Emperor snickered. “So what? Without them, Chu Hao could still deal with this whole disaster by himself.” All thanks to Gu Changge, the Vermilion Bird Emperor no longer had any respect for the smug young prodigies. “All of them wouldn’t have come here if it weren’t for the trial the Immortal Academy had set up. It is simply their mission to be here, and they would do the same if they were assigned to any other empire, so don’t give it too much thought, Eunuch Lee. Even if Gu Changge led all the young prodigies to obliterate all Eternal Overcast creatures, they will never reach the number I have killed.” Chu Hao lightly laughed and explained, “Therefore, what Father said is true. I indeed could have dealt with this by myself, without their help.” As they were conversing, a guard’s voice was heard from outside the palace. “Third Prince, Lady Wan wishes to see you.” “Wan’er?” Dazed for a second, Chu Hao immediately revealed a delighted smile and stopped entertaining the Vermilion Bird Emperor to receive his guest. At the entrance of the palace, Tang Wan stood in her swaying garment with a smile. Her posture was of utmost elegance. “How do you have the time to see me today?” Chu Hao smilingly asked. “I had a recent issue resolved, so I’m rather free today,” Tang Wan answered with a reciprocated smile. “Oh, I know about that. It pertains to your brother, Tang Tian, right?” Having heard about the matter, Chu Hao figured that Tang Wan must have been deceived by the so-called Gifted Lady of the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan. “It’s been dealt with, regardless.” Tang Wan smiled without going further into it. “That is great, then. You have to tell me if anything troubles you, alright?” Chu Hao said. Tang Wan was stunned as Gu Changge’s figure popped up in her mind all of a sudden, followed by an irresistible pressure that forbade her from speaking about the matter, after which, she waved her hand and replied, “Don’t worry about it. I wasn’t in trouble or anything.” “Glad to hear that.” “To be honest, I came over as there is something I want to discuss with you.” Tang Wan sounded somewhat hesitant. “Oh? What is it? Are we perhaps going to fight against Gu Changge?” Chu Hao asked. The jade scroll Tang Wan gave him was still in his possession. On them, was a list of names who detested Gu Changge, and those who had had a conflict with him. Thus, subconsciously assuming that Tang Wan was here to lend a hand, Chu Hao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Hearing that, Tang Wan suddenly let out a sigh before answering, “Indeed, it pertains to Gu Changge. I think you should be patient for a little longer and engage only once this is over. Given Gu Changge’s sharpness, I worry that you—” “What?” Nevertheless, before she could finish, she was interrupted by Chu Hao. Somewhat in disbelief, he questioned, “What is going on, Wan’er? Why did you say such things out of nowhere? Did the Tang Family pressure you again?” [Wan Er’s attitude wasn’t like this awhile ago. Did she perhaps receive news I don’t know of?] Calmly, Tang Wan stared at him and helplessly stated, “Chu Hao, right now, there is no way you can beat Gu Changge. One shan’t blindly dive into danger, so please listen to me, will you? Endure the humiliation for a little longer, will you?” Frankly, she didn’t know what to say either. What Gu Changge expressed back then was that he wouldn’t care about Chu Hao as long as he didn’t interfere with his plans. In other words, all Chu Hao had to do now was to be patient for a while more and look past the matter, given that he stood not the slightest chance against Gu Changge.