Translator: Fate Translation Checker: Silavin “Gu Changge, you’ve been hiding so well all this time…” In the murky underground dungeon, a shriek of terror and rage was heard. Gu Changge shut his eyes without any disturbance on his face as he slammed his palm on the forehead of a Sacred Emperor Realm monk from Buddhist Mountain. Traces of black energy drenched in Principles slowly emerged, as though they were deeply rooted Dao flowers. Quickly, the energy seeped through his skin, flesh, organs, and bones, into where his Source was. Raging blinding beams erupted, and slowly faded away, as if they were the final burst of a firework. “The effects of the poison have almost worn off.” Gu Changge slowly opened his eyes. As the black aura fluctuated, the body before him withered and exploded into a mist of dust. He then turned to Lu Luo, who was shackled by the side. Her pale face was uncontrollably shivering with dread, and he seemed somewhat surprised by that. “Ah, you’re finally awake.” Lu Luo’s blanching face was violently shaking. She never expected that she would wake up only to behold such a gruesome sight. She couldn’t help but feel horrified. Back when she was imprisoned, she immediately passed out due to exhaustion, so she was oblivious about what had happened when she was unconscious. Nonetheless, just a moment ago, she saw Gu Changge slaughtering someone in the Sacred Emperor Realm right in front of her! That monk’s Source was thoroughly absorbed before his body disintegrated. As such, she subconsciously recalled an ancient, spine-chilling rumour. “I—I… saw nothing…” Her face was pale as her voice shivered. She didn’t dare to look Gu Changge in the eye. Regardless, Gu Changge simply chuckled. “It doesn’t matter if you saw it. Either way, it’s about time your beloved comes to rescue you.” Lu Luo’s entire body trembled. She did not expect herself to have been unconscious for this long. [Will Lin Wu really risk so much and come here to save me? Even if he has the desire to, his family wouldn’t agree to it. Besides, there is no way he would be able to get me out of here, unless Gu Changge willingly releases me. But, that is impossible.] Dejection surged in her eyes. “I’ve heard that the Array Core of Sky Deer City is sealed within the city by its past city lords. It will be the greatest hurdle for us to conquer Sky Deer City. As long as he is willing to surrender the Array Core to me, I will gladly spare your life. His as well.” To sweeten the deal, he offered some more, “Your families can even ascend to the Upper Realm, become subsidiary forces of the Immortal Gu Family, and enjoy our protection. Rather than remaining in Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains and awaiting your eventual peril, why don’t you submit to us and indulge in Immortality?” Gu Changge slowly walked towards her with a faint grin on his face, yet it aggravated Lu Luo’s trembling. Her face was awfully pale. Her heart was filled with immense dread as her mind intensely rang. Normally, she wouldn’t even have thought of Gu Changge’s suggestion. The Array Core within Sky Deer City created the biggest barrier that protected Sky Deer City and the rest of Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, so there was no way their people would easily surrender it. Furthermore, by doing that, she would be betraying the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. It would cause them to become vulnerable to the attacks of the Upper Realm, thereby annihilating those living inside the city and behind the city. Even if her family were to ascend to the Upper Realm, they would only be haunted by irreparable shame for all eternity. However, regardless of his coercion, given her identity, there was no way she could ever get her hands on the Array Core. “J—Just kill me already… I will never turn on the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. I will never betray my own people…” Lu Luo clenched her teeth as she forced herself to calm down and not give in. “Think it through. This is the last chance I’m giving you. If you don’t want to lead Lin Wu to his death, perhaps you should consider the consequences first.” Gu Changge wasn’t surprised by her answer. Simply grinning, he then turned around and left the underground dungeon. Thump! As the dungeon doors made of black iron were shut, the place returned to its dull, chilly state. Subconsciously, Lu Luo felt a chill up her spine as Gu Changge’s words were still echoing in her mind, and she was absolutely devastated. After leaving the underground dungeon, Gu Changge went straight to the palace to discuss the next move for the conquest of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. He had no intentions of manipulating Lu Luo with the Demonic Manipulation Urn, as the latter had no fear of death. Thus, even if her life was being controlled, there was no guarantee that she would obey his orders, and coincidentally, Lin Wu’s existence was the convenient leverage to drive her into submitting herself. Overtime, she herself would realise that she had no rights to refuse Gu Changge’s demands. The palace was filled with higher-ups from the Immortal Gu Family who came to the Boundary Marker Sea. Those holding power in the family possessed strength that was not to be belittled. “What timing, Changge! The army of Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains has grown rampant after our failed ambush. Yet now, there is not a single sign of life from their side anywhere close to the Boundary Marker Sea. Do you think we should hold our ground and await the army’s arrival or charge on in pursuit of victory?” Upon Gu Changge’s arrival, the eyes of the higher-ups lit up as they eagerly inquired. Given Gu Changge’s current reputation in the Upper Realm, he was basically on equal footing to Sect Masters of Immortal Sects. Therefore, indirectly, Gu Changge was the acting leader of the family, so it only made sense to consult him about the matter. “I think we should put a temporary pause to our conquest as the army has yet to arrive. Now that Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains have retreated to Sky Deer City, Aether Abyss and Nine Great Mountains will surely pose a challenge. The massive number of formidable men who have died for this conquest is already high. Charging on will only lead to more unnecessary deaths.” Gu Changge softly shook his head as he expressed his suggestion to have the Gu Family to be on the defensive. Before Boundary Marker Sea completely dried out, any offensive attempts would end in failure. Other factors aside, judging solely by typical plotlines, first attacks were always unlikely to succeed, and Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains’ retreat was exactly a strategy to draw their enemies into a trap. Moreover, compared to the Upper Realm, the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were more united, which unknowingly contributed to their growing Fortuity. Thus, Gu Changge thought that the Gu Family should take over the region and reinforce it for the time being instead of proceeding aggressively. Meanwhile, he could continue formulating schemes. “Then, we shall proceed as you have suggested. We’ll let the other forces test them instead. It is true that in this short period of time, it is indeed impossible for us to break through Sky Deer City’s defences.” Hearing that, the higher-ups nodded at each other and agreed. “Right, Changge. What solution do you have against Sky Deer City’s barrier?” With that, the eyes of one of the higher-ups glistened as he subconsciously inquired. After pondering about how Gu Changge captured a woman from Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, they came to such a possibility. “Even to the many forces of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, the Upper Realm is the best place for them to grow and to rely on. Once the opportunity arises, many of them will turn to our side. So, we shouldn’t worry too much about Sky Deer City’s barrier. At the end of the day, it is not a matter of concern.” Gu Changge simply smiled without explaining much. “Are you saying that the woman’s family will play a crucial role?” At once, the higher-ups’ eyes glowed up while their hearts trembled as they thoughtfully asked. They were astounded by Gu Changge given how he managed to think so far ahead in such a short time. The Sky Deer City barrier had always been a pain to the forces from the Upper Realm, but judging by the current situation, Gu Changge seemed to have thought of a way to break through it. [With Changge on our side, it is only a matter of time until the Gu Family achieves Immortality!] The higher-ups looked at each other as such an idea arose in their mind. … Meanwhile, in Sky Deer City… It was an ancient, magnificent city, filled with solid, vast auras that intimidated all. It was as though this place was made of an infinite number of stars. In the sky, giant stars floated as their lights intertwined, emitting extremely blinding radiance. From far away, one could even see dense Chaos Qi surging before forming a terrifying array that then surrounded the entire Sky Deer City. As the Milky Way descended, exuding vague silver lights that scattered upon various lands, one could even perceive its sacredness and extraordinariness. As the greatest barrier of Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, Sky Deer City had stood for innumerable years without falling once. Even when a True Daoist from the Upper Realm came to invade the city, it instantly let out a relentless divine aura that drove the invader out of the city. In the eyes of countless of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, Sky Deer City was their greatest protector. Of course, those guarding Sky Deer City were also unwavering in their duties as they continuously hurriedly moved. Other than Sky Deer City, the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains also had two other barriers. One of them was Nine Great Mountains, which allegedly rose from the canyons of a certain land during ancient times. Those mountains were tremendously mysterious and basically unfindable. Nine Great Mountains possessed a position of absolute dominance in the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. At the same time, they were also highly enigmatic. Their location was never fixed as they were constantly roaming across Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. Once, a cultivator mistakenly wandered into Nine Great Mountains and was blessed with an immortal cultivation technique that turned him into one of the greatest experts. Thereupon, he founded a whole new Sect and guided countless disciples. As time went on, Nine Great Mountains grew to become a symbol of Immortality in the eyes of those from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. It was a force that would surely reappear when the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were facing the Upper Realm’s invasion, be it in the form of dispatching Celestial Guardians or successors to combat the disaster. In this epoch, although Nine Great Mountains had yet to resurface, those from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains believed that their Successor would appear at their hardest moment. Other than Sky Deer City and Nine Great Mountains, the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains’ final barrier was Aether Abyss. It was a wondrous place formed by the chaotic disorder of space, clashing of Principles, and the intertwining of Great Dao, appearing after the Upper Realm split up with the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. It had to be mentioned that the Aether Abyss was right outside Sky Deer City. Anyone who wished to traverse across the wondrous place would only find themselves in a perilous spot as they would definitely face the attacks of Sky Deer City. Without a specific route, one could never travel through Aether Abyss and would eventually find themselves lost in there. Even a True Daoist would have to take their steps with utmost caution. Meanwhile, on a street of Sky Deer City, a seemingly troubled man was walking. The city was incomparably spacious and its streets knew no bounds. There were even fallen stars that were greatly scarred by various artifacts that hit them. However, the city was now extremely quiet as little wandered the streets. After all, due to the great war, the people of Sky Deer City were now as timid as a mouse. “It has been a month. Is it possible that he has assaulted Lu Luo and perhaps even killed her? What can I possibly do to rescue her?” The man walking on the streets was none other than Lin Wu, who returned to Sky Deer City. He currently looked unwell as perturbation was all over his face, and there was not the slightest confidence he once had. Not only had he lost the Immortal-Killing Gourd, but he even caused Lu Luo to be captured by Gu Changge and left her to an unknown fate. He had the urge to head to the shore of Boundary Marker Sea to rescue Lu Luo, but without a guide, there was no way he could travel across the Aether Abyss, which was just outside Sky Deer City. Moreover, even if he could reach the shore of Boundary Marker Sea, he didn’t possess the capability to rescue Lu Luo as he wouldn’t be able to escape from his enemies there. He was at a total loss. Even Lu Luo’s family had given up on saving her and refrained from caring about her. And so, Lin Wu was immensely disgusted by his own weakness as he couldn’t even rescue his beloved. At the same time, he was even more revolted by Gu Changge’s slyness as the latter did not keep his promise. Gu Changge promised that he would let everyone go, yet he reneged on his words and did not release Lu Luo. “Damn it all…” As Lin Wu aimlessly wandered on the streets, he truly couldn’t find a way to save Lu Luo. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to save her, but he was simply unable to. Even his family was convincing him to drop the idea. Though, if he was insistent on the idea, they would send some formidable experts to join in on his attempt. After all, he was the Lin Family’s most excellent prodigy of all time. Right at that moment, the streets suddenly became silent as a strange atmosphere engulfed his surroundings. It was as though he was separated from the world and trapped in absolute darkness and silence. Noticing the oddity, Lin Wu instinctively furrowed his brows and raised his head forward. “Who are you?’ He uncontrollably asked as he was stunned to find a woman suddenly appearing before him. Pure and extraordinary, the woman donned a white robe. As she silently sat, there seemed to be divine light surging between her brows. She didn’t seem to be of this world. “Lin Wu, right? I’ve been waiting for you for a long time,” the woman in white smilingly stated, and her voice emitted a warm, supernatural sensation. Her figure was slender, and she was taller than most women. She was incomparably beautiful, as though she was a Buddha Lotus amid the sunset. She seemed like a fairy gracing the mortal’s world. “Who are you?” Knowing that the woman bore no ill intent, Lin Wu retained his wariness and asked. Essentially, he could sense that her cultivation was immeasurable, and she was not someone he could take on. “I am the Sky Deer Goddess,” the woman in white smilingly introduced herself. Her voice was oddly appealing and mesmerising. Her beauty transcends what was possible, as if she was not of this world but rather from the fabled Celestial Realm. “The Sky Deer Goddess?” Lin Wu widened his eyes in stupefaction. “You are the current Sky Deer Goddess?” He was aware that there was a Sky Deer Goddess behind Sky Deer City. She was in charge of protecting the city while also maintaining the Fortuity of the city. Nonetheless, the Sky Deer Goddess was tremendously enigmatic as no one had ever laid eyes on her. Moreover, he couldn’t tell whether the Sky Deer Goddess in front of him was of the previous or current epoch. Essentially, every epoch, the most suitable woman would be selected to take on this role to guard Sky Deer City. In a past epoch, when the Upper Realm attacked, a daunting, powerful True Daoist, of an ancient race, attempted to take over Sky Deer City. Despite his overbearingness and power, he was ultimately driven away by the Sky Deer Goddess and was killed before Sky Deer City. The incident shocked the entire world and left behind this legend that was told till this day. “Does it matter which Sky Deer Goddess I am? What matters is that I can help you save your beloved.” The woman in white did not answer his question and merely retained her smile. Lin Wu’s heart trembled. He couldn’t believe his ears. In spite of his exhilaration, he forced himself to remain composed, asking, “Are you really willing to help me rescue Lu Luo?” As he calmed down instead of yelling aloud, a flash of appreciation zoomed across the woman in white’s eyes as she admired his personality. With her usual smile, she answered, “Of course I am willing to help you.”