Translator: Linzi Proofreader: Silavin “Misunderstood you?” Hearing Gu Changge say this, Liu Ziyan was utterly stunned. She had always felt that the reason why Gu Changge asked her to come here was to ask about matters related to Sky King Zhi Yang, so she asked without hesitation. Judging from their interaction just now, it seemed that he really was not scheming what she had thought. Now that Gu Changge himself directly and suddenly said that it was a misunderstanding, just what was the truth then? “Young Master Changge, why do you say so? Were you not planning to ask where Sky King Zhi Yang is?” Liu Ziyan frowned and couldn’t help asking. Caressing the white jade teacup gently, Gu Changge smiled and replied “Of course not. In fact, I already know what you might share with me, in relation to Sky King Zhi Yang. I’ll also know his whereabouts sooner or later. The reason why I invited Saintess Ziyan here is just for tea.” Liu Ziyan still looked skeptical. “You’re too cautious,” said Gu Changge in a gentle voice, keeping his smile. “Of course, you know as well that to protect Sky King Zhi Yang, Purple Mansion would rather offend many forces than hand over his whereabouts. And you, as Purple Mansion’s Saintess, will definitely be immediately contacted if something happens to Sky King Zhi Yang.” Hearing this, Liu Ziyan was silent instead. What Gu Changge said was right. Purple Mansion attached great importance to what had happened in the Black Tortoise Empire. Even in this situation, Sky King Zhi Yang was still under the protection of Purple Mansion. In fact, the Sect was more than willing to fight against the other forces for Sky King Zhi Yang’s sake. Although she was the Saintess and her father was Purple Mansion’s Sect Master, she was still not as valued as Sky King Zhi Yang. “Purple Mansion is digging its own grave. I think Saintess Ziyan is smart so you should know what to do.” Gu Changge took a sip of tea afterward, squinted his eyes, and smiled. “Digging its own grave?” Liu Ziyan muttered the four words in a daze. “Yes, they are indeed digging their own grave.” In her opinion, Purple Mansion’s action was definitely provoking public’s anger. Especially if Sky King Zhi Yang really had something to do with the Successor of Demonic Arts and Purple Mansion still wanted to protect him. When Sky Emperor Mountain learned that Prince Ying was the real Successor of Demonic Arts, they cut off contact with him straight away and claimed that Prince Ying had been expelled from the sect, in fear of getting into any trouble. They did so even though it was obvious that Prince Ying was of great importance. However the threat of being labelled as the enemy of the whole world was not without consequences. If the Purple Mansion continued to act willfully, it was very likely that it would face a situation where everyone would be their enemy. Sky Emperor Mountain was now worrying about having nowhere to vent its anger. They were just missing out on an opportunity that would justify their actions. Furthermore, there were also Purple Mansion’s enemies who were lurking around in the dark, ready to stir up trouble. She had thought that Purple Mansion’s way of handling things was not right. But now, she felt even more certain what they were doing was wrong, after being consoled by Gu Changge like this. [If Purple Mansion continues to act like this, it will be walking down the path of self-destruction.] “Young Master Changge, I know what you are talking about, but as the Saintess, my words are of little importance and is weak in the vast Purple Mansion. Even if I explained the advantages and disadvantages to them clearly, it won’t be of much use/” Then, Liu Ziyan sighed and felt a little helpless. She turned to stare at Gu Changge, “Young Master Changge, please show me the way.” She and Sky King Zhi Yang had met on several occasions and she had received his guidance. Thus, she initially had confidence that she knew him well. But, after hearing what Gu Changge said, the idea that she firmly believed in, that Sky King Zhi Yang had nothing to do with the Successor of Demonic Arts, began to waver. Liu Ziyan was a natural-born beauty. Her black hair was like a waterfall, brilliant enough to reflect one’s image; and her waist was slender, like an hourglass. Even if she was wearing a veil, her skin was as white as snow and flawless as if it was the surface of a suet jade. At that moment, she was staring at him without blinking, which made her appear even more beautiful, giving off a radiant glow. If she stared at an ordinary young prodigy like this, they would have been unable to bear it, but Gu Changge could. His eyes were calm and emotionless. He just smiled and said, “This is far from a piece of advice. Saintess Ziyan is doing this out of consideration for the future of Purple Mansion, and I’m doing it for the Successor of Demonic Arts. In fact, our intentions do not conflict at all.” Liu Ziyan nodded and said, “Young Master Changge cares about all living beings in this world. I truly admire that.” “The tea is getting cold.” Gu Changge pointed at the teacup in front of her. Liu Ziyan shook her head and said, “I’m in no hurry to drink it. Young Master Changge please don’t tantalise me now.” She knew that there was enmity between Gu Changge and Sky King Zhi Yang. No matter what the reason, Gu Changge wouldn’t let him go easily. And it was obvious that he had some way to force Sky King Zhi Yang to appear. However, he had refused to do so yet, nor tell her how. Instead, invited her out to have tea, and let her notice how dangerous this matter was, making her worry. This made Liu Ziyan feel angry and annoyed, thinking that he had done this on purpose. But as the Saintess of Purple Mansion, she naturally had an extraordinarily gentle demeanour, so she didn’t say anything at this moment. However, Gu Changge didn’t intend to explain. He just smiled and said, “All right then, it seems like we are out of tea. So, let’s move onto the next topic. In the following days, Saintess Ziyan please stay here. Of course, I will tell others that I’ve put you under house arrest. “ “Under house arrest?” Liu Ziyan glanced at him with a strange look in her eyes. When she first came here, she did think that she would be confined by Gu Changge. But now, he had made a cup of tea and even treated her with good manners. He was very polite to her. Such a change made her feel peculiar and uneasy.Moreover, Gu Changge planned to claim and tell the outside world that she was under house arrest. [What is he doing this for? Is it for Purple Mansion? For the outside world to see?] Liu Ziyan couldn’t figure it out. “Young Master Changge, could you tell me the reason?” Liu Ziyan was puzzled. “Does the reason matter? Unless Saintess Ziyan really feels that being placed under house arrest by me is inadequate?” Gu Changge smiled and looked at her. Liu Ziyan remained silent. She felt that Gu Changge’s actions and thoughts were really unfathomable. This made her feel very helpless. Although she knew that he was not a good person, she could not hate him. She even wanted to help him and find a trace of Sky King Zhi Yang’s whereabouts, which made her want to grind her teeth in resentment. However, what Gu Changge said was true. The two of them actually had the same standpoint. Afterward, seeing that Liu Ziyan no longer spoke, Gu Changge didn’t say anything more and just sent her away. He had almost achieved his goal. The current Sect Master of Purple Mansion loved his daughter, Liu Ziyan, very much. Now, the extremely powerful Purple Mansion intended to protect Sky King Zhi Yang, but it was because the opposition voices had been suppressed. Liu Ziyan was not stupid. She knew how to deal with it so that it would benefit Purple Mansion. At this time, she would definitely find a way to contact the Sect Master of Purple Mansion, and tell him of her own opinions, as well as the many advantages and disadvantages. Afterwards, the Sect Master would be more or less be cautious when taking action after finding out that his daughter was in Gu Changge’s hands. He would then seriously consider Liu Ziyan’s words. After all, with everyone’s eyes on them, any signs of division within Purple Mansion would be like throwing feed to a pool of piranhas. They would swarm at the smell of blood, weakening Purple Mansion. This was one of Gu Changge’s goals. [Once Purple Mansion no longer supports Sky King Zhi Yang, killing him would just be a matter of giving the order. Though, if Purple Mansion insists on protecting him, I could just show the forces I have amassed. It would not be just the Immortal Gu Family. There will be others, including the Celestial Ancient Continent. Well, the Upper Realm has been peaceful for far too long.] Gu Changge thought. He already knew that Yue Mingkong was secretly forming Unrivalled Guards, whose training regimen came from him. It was a training regimen that Yue Mingkong got from him in her previous life, or to put it in another way, he had taught her personally in her previous life. Thus, he knew when the time comes, as soon as he opened his mouth, Yue Mingkong would definitely hand over the Unrivalled Guards to him, and he would have control over them. In fact, he could not wait to try them out on the Purple Mansion, which would function as a sharpening stone for his tools. [I have to admit, I’ve been focused on growing strong for so long already. I do want to start showing more of my true power and influence to the Upper Realm. After all, the Demon-Burying Abyss Demoness is about to appear soon. Not to mention the appearance of the Eternal Overcast Kingdom, the Demon World’s Fortuitous One, and the Immortal Palace’s Seven Tools of World Domination… All these signs indicate that the situation in the Upper Realm is going to get more complicated.] Gu Changge though as his ambitions grew greater. He knew that currently, no one within the younger generation was a match for him. However, in the eyes of the various formidable factions, he was still a Junior and didn’t really deserved to be paid attention to. Just like the Successor of Demonic Arts, who had killed many young prodigies, many truly powerful still did not care. It was not until this time, when Prince Shen of Sky Emperor Mountain got killed, and Gu Changge got ‘seriously injured’. It was only when it was this severe that they started to take notice. The Successor of Demonic Arts, who they didn’t care about before, had actually developed to such an extent. This had caused the panic of many, but the situation was still not chaotic enough. Then, a piece of news spread throughout the Black Tortoise Empire, triggering a huge uproar. ‘There was no one in the area where all the Purple Mansion’s disciples were supposed to be. The place was dead silent.’ Some naturally went to inquire about it out of curiosity. Only then did they know that not long ago, everyone from Purple Mansion, including the Saintess, had been taken away by a group of young prodigies with frightening auras. Naturally, many recognised that group to be Gu Changge’s followers. Soon, Gu Changge’s followers also spread the news about the Saintess, which caused a huge uproar. “What? Purple Mansion’s Saintess was taken away by Young Master Changge’s people, and then she was placed under house arrest? Is Young Master Changge taking this opportunity to provoke Purple Mansion?” Some widened their eyes in disbelief. Some people did not believe it, thinking that this was too unbelievable and reckless. “It’s absolutely true. Other than Purple Mansion’s Saintess, the other disciples were also taken away. I saw it with my own eyes at the entrance of the palace…” One of the cultivators swore solemnly that he had witnessed what had happened. He still remembered that the Saintess had a long face when she was taken away. “So, it’s true. It seems Young Master Changge even placed Purple Mansion’s Saintess under house arrest in order to uncover Sky King Zhi Yang’s whereabouts.” Everyone was shocked and deeply appalled. The Saintess represented the dignity of Purple Mansion. Being taken away by Gu Changge’s followers, while in public, was humiliating for Purple Mansion. It was as though he had given Purple Mansion a ruthless slap in the face. Of course, considering that Gu Changge had ordered his men to do so, many had suddenly come to a realisation, that other than him, not many had the courage to do so. Still, there were many who doubted Purple Mansion would respond to such provocation. After all, they were desperately protecting Sky King Zhi Yang. Meanwhile, their Saintess was only under house arrest, what was the worst that could happen to her? Nothing would, unless Gu Changge really planned to kill her. But if that was the case, then what was the difference between him and the so-called Successor of Demonic Arts? As most recognized him to be the leader of the younger generation, it was impossible for Gu Changge not to care about his reputation. What happened next confirmed the speculations of many. Purple Mansion didn’t care at all about the fact that their Saintess was under house arrest. Some Elders even sent out a message in person, hoping that Young Master Changge could treat their Saintess well. Such an attitude of not caring at all about their own reputation triggered an uproar. Putting the question of whether Purple Mansion knew about Sky King Zhi Yang’s whereabouts aside, just based on their tough attitude to protect him shocked many. However, Purple Mansion had only said such words and did not take any substantial action. After all, this was a scuffle between the younger generation. If the older generation intervened rashly, it would lead to an unknown, but terrible situation. Meanwhile, for those in the younger generation of Purple Mansion. No one could match up to Gu Changge. Thus, they became more brazen and shameless in their support for Sky King Zhi Yang, even while they knew they could not do anything to him. Nonetheless, from the way they spoke, it seemed that they were determined to protect Sky King Zhi Yang. Meanwhile, Liu Ziyan did not care at all, although she was now in Gu Changge’s hands. As for Purple Mansion’s response to Gu Changge, his answer was very simple. He said that he would take good care of Purple Mansion’s Saintess. But he could not guarantee that the Saintess wouldn’t give their Sect Leader a huge surprise, and bring him joy that he was now a grandfather when she returned back to the Sect next time. Such a statement caused a huge sensation in an instant. Many were flabbergasted, with their eyes about to fall out. They didn’t expect that Gu Changge was really going tit for tat. It was clear that Purple Mansion no longer cared about their reputation, knowing that Sky King Zhi Yang had kidnapped Qing Xiaoyi, but still intends on protecting him. This had force Gu Changge to make his move, which was to place their Saintess under house arrest, and also claiming to give the Purple Mansion’s Sect Master a surprise. Still, his words were way too shameless, and it even made many young prodigies blush with shame, not daring to repeat what he said. … “Is this what Gu Changge had planned? We don’t know where Sky King Zhi Yang is right now, nor where he is hiding. Still, according to what Purple Mansion has chosen to do, it is clear that they only care about Sky King Zhi Yang and no one else. Sky King Zhi Yang has the Chaos Dao Bone, which is a rare Talent even during ancient times. Although he was defeated by Gu Changge, as long as he continues to cultivate, he will still get stronger, and who knows what will happen.” “Purple Mansion has always been ambitious and plans to go further. Sky King Zhi Yang is their hope…” In a mansion the King with Six Crowns was staying, there he stood, with his hands behind his back, looking at the area where Gu Changge was, pondering. It did not take long before he shook his head. … “Is this what Brother Gu Changge wants?” In another mansion, Ying Yu was holding a letter in her hand, looking taken aback. It was a letter from a servant sent by Gu Changge. She finished reading the letter quickly and frowned. As she had expected, it was exactly the information and clues that Gu Changge had obtained about Sky King Zhi Yang. “Sky King Zhi Yang joined hands with the Cult of Demonic Arts to kill Prince Shen! If Brother Changge takes the lead, it will save me a lot of trouble.” After she finished reading, she clenched her fists and expression turned cold. Now that Prince Ying and Prince Shen were not here, she naturally became the first in line to be the Successor of Sky Emperor Mountain. Furthermore, many things were left for her to deal with. “It’s really hateful that Purple Mansion is still protecting Sky King Zhi Yang, and insists on going against us. Seems like we will need to teach them a lesson.” During this period of time, a sense of depression and anger had been suppressed in Ying Yi’s heart. Since Sky Emperor Mountain had become the object of ridicule, as its Successor, she was naturally defamed in the discussion of others. Ying Yi sent the news back to the Sect and asked about the ancient beings in Sky Emperor Mountain, their plans. At the same time, she also planned to call out the troops that Prince Ying had left behind, to go and seek justice from Purple Mansion. … For a moment, the small territory of the Black Tortoise Empire became turbulent and no longer peaceful. Every day, cultivators came from all over the world, all with mighty auras. The former higher-ups of the Black Tortoise Empire even hid in their own territories with their tails between their legs. They didn’t dare to go out for fear of meeting those… young prodigies whom they couldn’t afford to offend. At this moment, on the mountain range outside Black Tortoise Empire, Gu Xianer’s figure appeared. Her clothes were fluttering, and her eyes were as cold as ice, making none dare to approach her. On her shoulder, a big red bird closed its wings, and its eyes were carefully searching in all directions. “Hong, you have to help me check carefully. This matter is of great important to me.” Gu Xianer said to the Big Red Bird resting on her shoulder. Although she didn’t know where Sky King Zhi Yang was hiding, she believed that he was not far from the Black Tortoise Empire. As long as they searched carefully, they would inevitably find him. Because at this time, it was impossible for Sky King Zhi Yang to escape too far. The so-called most dangerous place was the safest place; unless Sky King Zhi Yang changed his face and appearance, and no longer wanted to stay in the Immortal Academy, he should still be close. Gu Xianer felt like she had to do something to save Qing Xiaoyi. [Since Gu Changge is injured, it will be difficult for him to move around and search. If I can just find that bastard, I’ll help save him the trouble.] With this thought in mind, she called the Big Red Bird over. Because it had a special talent for searching, whether it was a hidden cultivator, or a variety of treasures, opportunities and so on, nothing could escape its eyes. Chirp chirp… Suddenly, the Big Red Bird started calling out and its eyes lit up. “Found a clue?” Being a little surprised, Gu Xianer followed its gaze, but her expression froze. Among the cliffs of the mountain, there was a blue and red plant, like a star, emitting a dim light, which was magnificent and strange. “I asked you to look for someone, not look for treasures!” Her words were somewhat resentful and dissatisfied. [How did I end up with such a useless big red bird?] Hearing this, the Big Red Bird looked at her with disdain. “I don’t want it. You can’t even find the person I’m looking for. No matter how precious the divine herbs is…” She shook her head and looked a little sad. “This is… a Star-Fire Seed…” But soon, she took another look and couldn’t help but slightly exclaim. She was delighted and her beautiful eyes also lit up. Only then did she notice that under the plant, there was a small stone that was glowing with the colours of the rainbow. Gu Xianer’s figure flashed and she hurried to collect the plant. Her gloomy mood became much better. [How lucky.] She couldn’t find the person, but she had found the Star-Fire Seed, which made the long time she spent searching worthwhile. However, she didn’t notice that behind an ancient tree in the distance, a man of medium height and ordinary appearance, was watching her leave with a complicated expression on his face. Yet, he took no action. It was none other than Senior Qin Wuya, who had returned from Nine Realms, and also Gu Xianer’s Eldest Senior Brother in her previous life.