Translator: Fate Translation Checker: Silavin “Are you saying you want my help with Purple Mansion? Are you joking, or are you stupid?” Just when the terrifying Immortal War was taking place inside the territory of Purple Mansion, inside a restricted area of the Lake of Reincarnation, it seemed rather peaceful. In the depths of the surging chaotic mist, where ginormous Devil Mountains stand tall, while the ancient trees grew gloriously. It was a scenery that looked as though this place existed before the world was formed. One after another, the Five-Colored Immortal Trees took root on the edge of the cliff, as various Principles condensed. They were like rare ancient monsters which had an aura that made one’s soul tremble and swayed. Between the peaks of each mountain, there would be Cave Mansions, which would have heavenly mist of various colours gush out. The mist would float in the sky, and make the whole place seem mysterious. This scene seemed only possible if it was from an independent small world, where one could often see a splendid brilliance glowing from the far distance. The surroundings were flourishing with flora and fauna. There was even reishi growing on the cliffs. Naturally, there were also animals prowling about, with sounds of Divine Beasts roaring in the distance and Divine Birds crying in the sky. It was so peaceful it looked like a land untainted by the rest of the world. No one would have imagined that the restricted area, Lake of Reincarnation, which was extremely enigmatic in the Upper Realm, would look like this. A mysterious wave soon came through the void, revealing the disdain of the speaker. At the foot of a Mystic Mountain surrounded by golden rays of light, Qin Wuya was standing with a calm and solemn expression. He didn’t look surprised at all when he heard such an answer. After all, there were hardly any forces that dared help Purple Mansion now. Still, he wanted to give it a try. He refused to let go of his chance to save Sky King Zhi Yang. The reason he was able to rush to the Lake of Reincarnation was because one of the Ancient Beings here had owed him a favour the last time he came here, when he was trying to exchange for water from the lake with an Artifact from the Nine Realms. In fact, if it wasn’t for that, he wouldn’t even have the possibility of entering the lake. “I still have a good amount of what I gave you the other time.” Qin Wuya spoke again upon hearing this. After all, he had lived in Nine Realms for hundreds of years. Hence, he had collected a good amount of treasures throughout the years. Even someone as extraordinary as the person in front of him would waver. “No can do.” However, the Ancient Being of the lake unhesitatingly rejected him, and even added with faint mockery when he heard his words. “You should leave. Nothing good is going to come from getting on the Immortal Gu Family’s bad side.” Hearing that, Qin Wuya offered a heavier investment. An extremely rare Immortal Scripture that would cause countless from different forces to fight over it. “I will add another Immortal Scripture from the Nine Realms to it. I know the method to transform Lake of Reincarnation. When the time comes, you only need to hide your own energy and save my Junior Brother. No one will find traces of your presence. “Now that Purple Mansion is facing an Immortal War, Gu Changge can’t divide his attention elsewhere. The most he can do is assume that the culprit is someone from Purple Mansion. He won’t even suspect you. Also, you don’t have to help Purple Mansion. You will only need to save my Junior Brother. How about it?” He lowered his requirements again in order to convince the Ancient Being into agreeing. “You sure have some good stuff, don’t you? Are you not afraid that I would kill you and rob you of your possessions?” The Ancient Being’s interest seemed slightly piqued as he pondered over it. After all, as long as the Ancient Being could manage to avoid being detected by Gu Changge, it would be fairly easy for someone of his calibre to rescue Sky King Zhi Yang. However, his greed started to bubble up at this moment. The last time was because he swore on his Dao Heart, that he chose not to turn his back on Qin Wuya. But this time? In his eyes, Qin Wuya’s cultivation hadn’t reached a high level. Still, he was shocked that Qin Wuya even had an Immortal Scripture from the Nine Realms. In fact, the one thing the Ancient Being lacked was comprehension of the Great Dao, and reference and understanding of others’ Dao. If he could get the Immortal Scripture, he stood the chance of going one step further, and maybe step into the Immortal Realm. As if he had expected this a long time ago, Qin Wuya was calm, and he wasn’t surprised at all to hear his words. “Trust me,” he assured the Ancient Being. “I dared suggest such a thing because I am confident you won’t let greed take over.” “Okay. I will trust you again. If the Immortal Gu Family finds out about this, I will immediately inform them that you were the one who wanted me to do this.” This time, the Ancient Being readily agreed. He no longer doubted Qin Wuya’s words. Boom The runes in Mystic Mountain flickered, as a vague and terrifying figure, with golden light under his feet, took a step before he suddenly disappeared. Seeing this, Qin Wuya finally breathed a sigh of relief and let out a small smile. “Hold on, Junior Brother. I am coming to save you!” … At the same time in the imperial palace of the Vermilion Bird Empire, the Vermilion Bird Emperor had dismissed everyone, other than the old eunuch who was closest to him. There was no one but them left in the palace. His complexion at this moment was extremely gloomy with a trace of rage. Even his favorite teacup had been smashed to pieces. “Gu Changge is pushing it! He clearly knows that he is a calamity himself, and yet he has to come to my empire! He is clearly trying to harm us! Wouldn’t my empire be ruined when the experts from Purple Mansion come and battle it out here?” He gritted his teeth, as he clenched his fists, his face turning blue with hatred. Who would have thought that after Gu Changge left the Black Tortoise Empire, not only did he not go to Purple Mansion’s territory to participate in that rare Immortal War, he instead imprisoned all of Sky King Zhi Yang’s men from Purple Mansion in the Vermilion Bird Empire. This enraged the Vermilion Bird Emperor, and yet he couldn’t express his grief. He wanted to refuse, but he didn’t dare offend Gu Changge. “Your Majesty, please calm down. Let’s discuss this matter with the Third Prince. Now that the army is asserting pressure on the border of our empire, we won’t be able to fight back if Young Master Changge insists on using this place as a battlefield…” The eunuch with white beard quickly tried to persuade him. However he had an equally nervous and worried expression on his face. He was riddled with unease that an unavoidable disaster was about to hit them. The territory within the Vermilion Bird Empire now had powerful ancient battleships that seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, hovering above their sky. They were the size of Ancient Continents. Disarrayed mist was seeping out of the dense and majestic ships, which covered the sky. It was an oppressing sight that made hearts palpitate in fear. There was a densely packed crowd of probably a million figures that looked very different from humans on those ancient battleships. They exuded heavy dark clouds which had a bone-chilling aura to it. Despite the overall gloominess, some had colorful scales flickering. Some had magnificent black wings spread, so wide they covered the sky. They were various races from the Celestial Ancient Continent. The Black Hawks Family, Divine Crocodiles Clan, Ancient Flying Snake Family, True Dragon Clan; they were all fierce and murderous. In fact, many were worried about how the Vermilion Bird Empire could be destroyed in an instant with such an imposing force. However, it wasn’t like they could ask Gu Changge to leave. Putting aside the fact that imprisoning Sky King Zhi Yang was no small matter, what were they supposed to do if they bumped into a group of experts sent by Purple Mansion to rescue their Successor? Currently, Gu Changge’s priority now was to find good defendable place to imprison Sky King Zhi Yang. A place which would make it easier to deal with those from Purple Mansion, if they did send out a force to rescue him. Naturally, many believe this move to be reasonable amd faultless. But of all places, did he really have to keep Sky King Zhi Yang restrained in the Vermilion Bird Empire? This issue made a lot of people feel resigned and worried. After all, no one wanted a disaster. Thus, many chose to leave the unfortunate Vermilion Bird Empire, their birth place. “We have to wait for Hao’er to come back and think of a way. If they really start to fight here, how will my empire survive?” Vermillion Bird Emperor lamented. “My sentiments exactly, Your Majesty. Otherwise we can now only wait for the empire to be destroyed.” And just as the Emperor and the old eunuch were having a discussion, there were spatial fluctuations in the sky outside of the imperial palace. Chu Hao and Bai Yang soon appeared this space fluctuation, and they quickly moved into the hall. Even though the Black Tortoise Empire and Vermilion Bird Empire were far apart, since Bai Yang was in the Sacred Emperor Realm, he had many means which allowed him to swiftly open up a Space Tunnel and rush back. “Hao’er! You are home! Ah! Greetings, Master Yang!” Vermillion Bird Emperor looked elated as he strode to Chu Hao and bowed to Bai Yang. Seeing this, Bai Yang lightly waved, gestured to him that there was no need for formalities. Chu Hao was the first to speak with an incomparably solemn look on his face. Before he came, the Vermillion Bird Emperor had already explained the situation to him clearly through the Communication Rune. “Father, I have already heard about what is happening. We have to see it through to the end. Now that Purple Mansion has offended many forces. It is obvious they will do anything to rescue Sky King Zhi Yang, no matter the cost. If we imprison Sky King Zhi Yang here, in our empire, Purple Mansion will definitely come here as soon as they hear about it. With our strength alone… we will probably turn to ashes and cease to exist, let alone put up a fight against them. Gu Changge, that devil incarnate! To think he thought up such an evil plan!” Other than imprisoning those from Purple Mansion, including Sky King Zhi Yang, in the Vermilion Bird Empire, Gu Changge had also summoned and gathered an army of a million soldiers in the empire. The power of this army was so great that it spread fear and trepidation among countless. Both the army and the imprisonment of Purple Mansion’s men, were out of the Vermilion Bird Empire. Yet, either of them could destroy the Vermilion Bird Empire. “Hao’er, What do you think? Gu Changge is determined to make innocents suffer and destroy my empire!” The Vermilion Bird Emperor’s face was pale as he gasped in a shaky voice. He couldn’t make a decision at all, given how he was filled with fear. He was just a trivial emperor. He might have been angry and dissatisfied with Gu Changge before, but he never dared to let it show. And yet, Gu Changge was trying to bring the Vermilion Bird Empire to ruins! This was like a fight between dragons, where the ants under their feet would be annihilated the moment these dragons carelessly exerted some of their aura. This was even more unnerving than walking on the edge of the abyss. “Do not worry, Father. I have come up with a strategy on my way here. As afraid as we may be, we have no choice but to reject Gu Changge’s request. A fight between the two titans will only result in the death of many innocents. It’s not like he is unaware of his actions. So, there is no doubt about it. He is definitely trying to ruin us. We can’t possibly still not reject him out of fear of him at this point! I have already discussed it with Uncle Master. We will still refuse Gu Changge even if we have to offend him. I can’t let him imprison Sky King Zhi Yang in the Vermilion Bird Empire.” Chu Hao’s attitude was firm as he brought up his plans. The Vermilion Bird Emperor, however, appeared conflicted upon hearing his son’s words. He knew what would happen if they made an enemy out of Gu Changge. The empire might be safe after they got rid of Gu Changge, but that didn’t mean the situation would be any better. Furthermore, he had already experienced how Gu Changge does things. He was gentle and elegant in front of others, when he was actually indifferent and overbearing. “Alright then.” Vermilion Bird Emperor nodded with a glum face. “We will do as you say.” Right then, a figure suddenly came from outside the main hall, with light steps. This person’s sudden presence drew astonishment on their faces. Meanwhile, even the guards outside didn’t dare to stop this person from entering. “Wan’er.” “Lady Wan.” The person who had come was Tang Wan, who had returned to the Vermilion Bird Empire. Chu Hao and Vermilion Bird Emperor turned to look at her, both with different emotions. With Chu Hao’s cultivation level, he had actually sensed Tang Wan’s arrival right when she came. However, instead of getting up to greet her, he deliberately let her hear their conversation. He wanted to know Tang Wan’s thoughts of Gu Changge. “Hao’er” She had something to talk to Chu Hao about, but she didn’t expect to hear their conversation, which made her heart drop to her stomach as soon as she arrived. Staring at Chu Hao with her clear eyes, she immediately went straight to the point. “I heard you talking about how to deal with Gu Changge. In my opinion, you still need to further discuss this, and not be reckless. Let alone the Vermilion Bird Empire, you can’t win against Gu Changge even if you have the Supreme Cave Heaven backing you. Purple Mansion is a living example of it…” Even she couldn’t describe the emotions bubbling inside of her. Helplessness, hatred, rage… Perhaps all of the above…. She didn’t understand why Chu Hao continued to march towards death, despite knowing the circumstances. [Judging from Gu Changge’s words, he doesn’t really seem to care about Chu Hao at the moment. But, if Chu Hao really wants to take revenge, he should work harder in cultivating. Strive to become stronger instead of provoking Gu Changge and getting himself killed!] To Tang Wan, this decision was unwise. “Wan’er, are you trying to talk me into letting go of my grudge again?” Upset, Chu Hao let out a small frown. Tang Wan’s current attitude was just rubbing salt on his wound. It hurt even more when he recalled who she was going to Gu Changge behind his back, with the excuse that she had family business to attend to. He felt that even if it was something she found it difficult to tell him, she should still be truthful about it instead of lying to him. Bai Yang, who was quietly listening from aside, also wrinkled his forehead unhappily. In fact, he didn’t have a good impression of Tang Wan, especially after the recent events that made him dislike her even more. Still, considering Chu Hao’s relationship with her, he chose not to say anything. But now that Tang Wan actually uttered these words in front of him, it was almost as if she was saying that not even Supreme Cave Heaven could afford offending Gu Changge. Her words irked him. It somehow felt like Supreme Cave Heaven had been looked down upon, just because the sect chose to remain unaffected by the outside world. “Hao’er, I am not trying to talk you into that. I am just asking you to think twice before acting, and don’t impulsively do things that are beyond your…” Tang Wan’s expression had changed slightly when she realised she had been misunderstood by Chu Hao, and she quickly explained, “What you should do now is improve your strength. You will have higher chances of surviving if you increase your strength before dealing with Gu Changge.” She spoke from the bottom of her heart. She was also someone who didn’t like beating around the bush. She believed that Chu Hao would understand her good intentions. However, a flash of bitterness appeared on Chu Hao’s face as he waved and cut her off. “Enough. I don’t want to hear you say something like this ever again, Wan’er. I realized how much you have changed. I understand that you are saying this for my own good, but can you please not stop me this time? The Vermilion Bird Empire will fall into ruins if I do as you suggest.” Hearing that, Tang Wan parted her lips, only for no word to come out of her mouth. Her expression quickly fell before she quietly turned around and left. “Wan’er…” Chu Hao suddenly felt a sense of loss as he watched her leave. However, he was no ordinary person. He knew he shouldn’t be wasting his time on this at such a time. The Vermilion Bird Empire would only be in more danger the longer Sky King Zhi Yang was held captive in the country. Thus, Chu Hao quickly calmed down and planned to go face Gu Changge now, to have him take Sky King Zhi Yang away. “Hao’er, I will go with you.” Bai Yang’s expression turned grave. He dreaded Gu Changge. From his point of view, this showdown would trample on their relationship with Gu Changge. In fact, the entire Vermilion Bird Empire would be made an enemy of Gu Changge after this and the consequences were unimaginable. Gu Changge, who was in Vermilion Bird Empire, waiting for someone to come and rescue Sky King Zhi Yang, naturally heard the System prompt. However, the current gains of Fortuity and Fatums didn’t matter much to him. The more important thing was how this had impacted Chu Hao. After all, it would be impossible for Qin Wuya to get into the game if things didn’t develop in this direction. [It seems like there is a rift between Tang Wan and Chu Hao. These so-called feelings are such fragile and useless things,] He couldn’t help but laugh as he already knew what Chu Hao was going to do next. [Chu Hao, your idea certainly is praise worthy, but there is no way I hadn’t thought of it]