After all, Gu Xian'er was a Favoured Daughter of Heaven, backed by – not one – but two overpowered protagonist tropes. Whether it was the Peach Tree in the Peach Village or her other masters, they were nothing to scoff at.
From the beginning, Gu Changge never intended to kill Gu Xian'er but to control her. To achieve this, he would have to arrange quite a few things
And, thanks to a bit of "good guidance", this naive girl had now fallen into his clutches… it won't be long before he would be rewarded for his hard work.
Thus, Gu Changge was quite sure that the current Gu Xian'er does not have any intention to kill him.
At best, she would vent her anger by retaliating at every opportunity she gets to recover the losses she suffered at his hands.
Gu Changge was not interested in petty revenge stories, so he suppressed her.
And besides, going by the ancestor's attitude towards Gu Xian'er, Gu Changge knew that he could use the ancestor's guilt for what happened to Gu Xian'er to make him cooperate.
In truth, Gu Changge had a very simple plan.
Gu Nashan, as the ancestor of Gu Xian'er's line, would definitely not want to see his branch family decline.
And Gu Changge's current actions were in the interests of the whole family, so he shouldn't encounter any issues on that front. In fact, he's sure to win the praise of several elders.
And the reason?
The Ancient Immortal Continent was a large, delicious pie. And thanks to Gu Changge's actions, the Gu Family attained the largest piece of it.
When compared with the rest of the younger generation, Gu Changge's schemes alone were quite impressive. So they will come to understand that, in his hands, the Gu Family would not only go downhill as they originally thought. On the contrary, it will flourish and reach even greater heights.
And with the current situation, the first thing that Gu Nashan would need to do, to teach Gu Changge a lesson, was to find a secluded area.
Currently, Gu Xian'er possesses a very awkward identity. She was the young princess of the Ancient Immortal Gu Family. However, no one dared to acknowledge her for the fear of offending Gu Changge and the main family branch.
Gu Changge's status covered the Gu Family like the sky. Those who wanted to seek justice for Gu Xian'er's branch family did not dare to speak for fear of him.
Additionally, in the end, it was Gu Xian'er who dealt the final killing blow to the Sea King Palace's Seventh Princess. So they can't even blame him for this incident.
As of this moment, however, Gu Changge had other matters to deal with.
'The True Dragon Clan is the most difficult bone to chew; they're quite the nuisance…'
'What a wonderful opportunity!'
Gu Changge's eyes narrowed.
Rumble!
Soon, multiple majestic auras descended into the Ancient Immortal Continent, soaring across the skies as they shook the heavens. This attracted the attention of many elders and disciples of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.
The ancient, gigantic purple-copper warship emitted an ancient and powerful aura as it rested on the Supreme Peak.
"We greet the Young Master!"
Several of the Primordial Divine Sects' elites gathered, with respect written on their faces.
Gu Changge gave a slight nod, telling them to settle down and rest at the Supreme Peak.
The rest of the great sects' elites were stationed at the Mountain Gate of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.
Such an act could be called a provocation.
However, no one in the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace dared to say a word against it.
Gu Changge's power had reached an unprecedented peak.
"How are things going?" Gu Changge asked.
"Young Master, the issue regarding the remnants of the Tiangou Clan that were scattered across the continent has been resolved." The group of elites from the Primordial Divine Sect replied respectfully.
They were ordered to head to the Immeasurable Heavens as quickly as they could. From there, they would follow Gu Changge's orders and help him resolve the issues within the Ancient Immortal Continent.
The Tiangou Clan was the first to bear the brunt of this assault. However, there were still many clansmen scattered throughout the continent, even after the clan itself had fallen.
"Very good."
Gu Changge nodded his head, satisfied. He adhered to his principle of cutting off the grass at its roots. Naturally, he never had any intentions of letting them go.
And now that he had deterred the entire Ancient Immortal Continent, he no longer needed to use this group of elites from the Primordial Divine Sect.
They'll be stationed here, at the Supreme Peak, where they could be readily dispatched at any time. Otherwise, they might cause unnecessary trouble.
Just as these people returned, in the distance, a large number of sounds could be heard from the sky. Like the gallop of a thousand armies that rushed through heaven and earth with the intent to kill.
The Gu Family's immortal-armoured soldiers had also returned to the Supreme Peak.
"Good work." When he looked at them, Gu Changge couldn't help but smile when he spoke.
"We follow the young master wherever he leads."
"And when the day comes that the Young Master truly takes the charge of the family, we will tread through the sea and fire for the future prosperity of the Gu Family."
[TL/N: "Great job!" "Thanks, I'll be there when you get promoted." Bro, what?]
The sky was filled with immortal light as one of the soldier's great voices echoed.
Their collective murderous aura shook the sky, before quickly receding.
This killing intent was so strong that it lingered in the air even after they had left. Many disciples situated at the other peaks were stunned by this.
Gu Changge stood at his Supreme Peak, watching them leave with a puzzled expression on his face.
'An incredible force…'
Unfortunately, the day when he could fully control and command these soldiers had not yet come.
Usually, they were scattered across the realms, killing and cultivating.
The only time they would use the spatial channels and rush here was when they were summoned by the Gu Family.
Currently, they were dispatched to follow Gu Changge's orders and conquer the Tiangou Clan, and purge the forces who dared to offend the Ancient Immortal Gu Family.
Once this mission is completed, they will leave.
Unless Gu Changge were to officially become the family head, he would not be qualified to control this powerful and horrifying force.
It could be said that this was a one-time exception.
After all, the rest of the Daoist Sects and Families were also eyeing the Ancient Immortal Continent. The Ancient Immortal Gu Family's crusade against the Tiangou Clan was a hot topic amongst them. Was there really any need to say anymore?
As for the rest?
They have no excuse to send their elites to the Ancient Immortal Continent since they had announced that they only wanted to protect their descendants.
Otherwise, those descendants would get crippled or even perish.
However, the Ancient Immortal Races were not stupid.
After watching the Tiangou Clan getting suppressed and subdued by Gu Changge, it was very unlikely that they would return to their old ways.
Like a turtle retreating into its shell, they dared not leave their clans for the fear that they might provoke "someone".
They reacted very quickly regarding this matter, leaving the Daoist forces helpless, as they were now unable to find any excuses to attack them.
Even in this world, there was a silver lining: everyone likes rationality.
Otherwise, one of those powerful clans would have likely tried a counterattack. Such an event would not be conducive to their long-term stability.
That was, of course, unless they were strong enough to take on the entirety of the Daoist Sects by themselves.
But if that were the case, then why stop there? Why not dominate the entire Upper Realm?
"Young Master, how did things go?" The Supreme Peak was quiet until a clear and cold voice rang out from within the void.
Yan Ji's figure appeared, her clear and picturesque features were cold yet charming.
[TL/N: Mommy? Sor-]
She was cultivating at the Supreme Peak all this time, awaiting Gu Changge's return.
Gu Changge did not take her with him during the trip to the Ancient Immortal Continent, and she was instructed to seclude herself, concealing her whereabouts.
"They went well." Gu Changge smiled, before remembering something. He then gave her new instructions, "I happen to have a matter here that requires your attention."
"Please give the order, Young Master." Yan Ji replied with doubt in her gaze.
She hadn't seen him for a while, and she began to see through him less and less. Back then, she could feel a slight sense of danger from him.
But now, she couldn't sense anything anymore. It was like facing a vast sea in a state of deep calm.
This didn't necessarily mean that she grew stronger, nor did it mean that Gu Changge grew weaker.
Rather, it means that Gu Changge has attained even more power, becoming far more terrifying.
Yan Ji's heart could only sigh. Such talent was a rarity no matter when one looked, he truly was worthy of being called her master.
"It's nothing major. I just need someone to help me find a few people who have vanished on a world in a different realm for more than 10 years." Gu Changge said with a slight smile.
At the same time, a flash of light swept across the palm of his hand. He bought a few Boundary Breaking Talismans from the system mall, handing them to Yan Ji.
"You're looking for someone?" Yan Ji was confused but did not ask much. As a mere follower, it would be improper for her to know too much.
"Yes, a few people. I'll have someone gather their information and hand it to you later. If you encounter any danger in that realm, it's best that you escape first. I would be greatly saddened if you were to lose your life."
Gu Changge smiled, his words revealing his sincerity as well as his worry for Yan Ji.
"Don't worry; I'll be careful." A warm current flowed through Yan Ji's heart, obviously touched by Gu Changge's worry.
The Boundary Breaking Talisman was something that was many times more precious than the Domain Traversing Talisman.
In the lower realms, the Boundary Breaking Talismans can be considered a divine object that can forcefully destroy space barriers and escape critical situations.
It was these same talismans that Gu Changge brought out for her to use, leaving her with a method by which she could save her life.
Of course, Yan Ji was very confident in her own strength, considering that she was in the Great Sacred Realm.
In her opinion, Gu Changge did this because he was worried about her safety and wanted to give her a little more protection.
With this observation alone, Yan Ji could feel his sincerity.
Of course, unknown to Yan Ji, Gu Changge gave her these talismans because he believed that this trip would be an extremely dangerous one.
Although Yan Ji was strong, even she was not unassailable.
After all, the person he was looking for was none other than Gu Xian'er's parents and grandfather.
From the beginning, Gu Xian'er's grandfather was trapped in a realm and had difficulty breaking free.
Gu Xian'er's parents rushed to support him with several of their clan members in tow, but they too disappeared, leaving Gu Xian'er with a few family members.
And so, the former Gu Changge took this opportunity to mercilessly attack Gu Xian'er and dig up her Dao Bones.
However, from the current Gu Changge's point of view, there should be no problems.
Taking into account Gu Xian'er's terrible luck[1], it's highly likely that her parents and grandparents were fine all this time. In fact, her parents likely encountered a blessing in disguise, growing stronger from this incident.
[1. He's referring to how protags have good luck even when they or someone close to them are in critical situations.]
'So cliche,' he thought.
'It's highly likely that Gu Xian'er simply doesn't know and is simply worrying for nothing.'
And so, Gu Changge plotted against Gu Xian'er once more.
'Naturally, I'm not playing favourites for no reason. Why would I do such a thing?'
First, everything must be done in secret. Neither Gu Xian'er nor the people backing Gu Changge should know about it.
'One should take credit for doing good things.'
'However, there is a proper time and place for taking credit and now is not the time.'
In Gu Changge's eyes, there was currently no better candidate than Yan Ji to assist him.
Soon, Gu Changge will send someone to find information regarding Gu Xian'er's parents and grandfather. Then, he'll hand it over to Yan Ji.
Upon receiving her task, Yan Ji left immediately.
Over the years, Gu Changge not only had Yin Mei help him collect cultivation resources in secret, but she was also responsible for training and cultivating his very own Death Corps[2].
[2. It literally translates to "dead soldiers" and is implied to be a group of warriors who do not fear death.]
Occasionally, Gu Changge would show up in various places, looking for adolescents with good talent. Then Yin Mei would train them so that they may serve him.
He had sent Yin Mei a message, asking her to send over some of the soldiers to wait in a secluded area. There, they will await Yan Ji's orders.
Gu Changge is incredibly meticulous and does not reveal his cards easily.
For now, the fewer people who know of Yan Ji's existence, the better.
— — —
Time flew, and a few days passed by in a flash.
It wasn't just Gu Changge who led his people away from the Ancient Immortal Continent, other Young Supremes also did the same thing.
The training venture was over, as they were all led away by their elders.
Since the word of the Fairy Gate has spread, many Ancient Freaks checked out the area.
The Ancient Immortal Continent was in a state of chaos. To continue training would be next to impossible. As such, it was best that everyone simply head home.
Speaking of, the many events that had transpired within the Ancient Immortal Continent were finally reaching the ears of those in the outside world, causing an uproar.
The Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor, Ye Ling had appeared. Gu Changge fought him and he disappeared after being dealt a serious injury. And what's more, the True Dragon Clan's Young Master, Long Teng, had died in Gu Changge's hands…
Gu Changge's reputation among the younger generation had reached unprecedented heights. Whether it was by his deeds or his strength that stood at the level of a Young Asura, he was someone to be admired.
For a while, many fervent admirers of Gu Changge appeared all around.
Naturally, people felt wary of Ye Ling. This powerful inheritor of the Forbidden Demonic Arts had the ability to escape from Gu Changge's clutches.
It went without saying that Ye Ling's strength was beyond that of any ordinary Young Supreme.
The White Tiger Clan grew to hate Ye Ling even more, as they continued to attempt to track his whereabouts.
The Nine-Tailed Celestial Fox Family was also involved in this matter, considering that Yin Mei, their Holy Maiden was also "almost killed by Ye Ling."
She naturally acted with the flow, coming forward and vowing that she would kill Ye Ling so that she may avenge her long-dead fiancé, Bai Lie.
Yin Mei's stance left everyone in awe.
She dared to stand against the Inheritor of the Forbidden Demonic Arts. Such courage and boldness were beyond any ordinary person.
To the outside eye, it would seem that Ye Ling's deception of Yin Mei has planted a deep hatred in her heart.
Many people thought back to the time when Yin Mei's life was on the line. They remembered that it was Gu Changge who stood up and saved her.
The people became even more impressed.
Outside the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, many young cultivators came to visit Gu Changge, as several Young Supremes offered to become his followers.
In this regard, Gu Changge did not refuse.
In the younger generation, a follower was a symbol of status and power.
To be a Young Supreme meant that they were the best in their generation, possessing an indomitable heart.
To submit to him without even exchanging blows meant that their awe and admiration for Gu Changge were deeply rooted.
As for Gu Changge being the true Inheritor of the Forbidden Demonic Arts? That thought never crossed anyone's mind, nor will it, in the near foreseeable future.
On the contrary, they began to become wary of the rest of the Young Supremes. Doubts like, "Perhaps Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor is hiding somewhere among us?" plagued the hearts of many cultivators.
On the other hand…
When Bai Lie died, the White Tiger Clan took the initiative to annul the marriage contract between Bai Lie and Yin Mei, as they began to spiral further down the road of revenge. Their hatred for the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritors had reached a new peak.
Unfortunately, no one knew that Ye Ling's bones had long been turned into ashes and buried in a dry well within the Ancient Immortal Continent.
No one will be able to find Ye Ling.
And because of this, the Forbidden Demonic Arts Inheritor grew to be more mysterious and powerful in the eyes of the people, giving way to panic.
It was also at this moment that the many feuds which accumulated within the Ancient Immortal Continent had erupted for the first time.
A prime example would be how the Seventh Princess of the Sea King Palace was suppressed by Gu Changge in the Immortal Ancient Continent before the final blow was dealt by a little girl named Gu Xian'er.
This incident triggered the fury of the Sea King Palace.
As the overlord of the Endless Sea Clan, the Seventh Princess' position in the Sea King Palace needed no further explanation. After all, she was even trained to be the next palace master.
They did not dare offend Gu Changge.
However, Gu Xian'er was different.
When Sea King Palace investigated Gu Xian'er's identity, they found out something was off. Although she was a member of the Gu Family, there was no one who was ready to acknowledge her.
On the contrary, it seems that there was a grudge between her and Gu Changge.
This girl with her strange origins was said to have powerful talent comparable to Gu Changge.
She came from the Land of Abandoned Immortals, an outer world. She had survived in the barbaric land since she was a child.
This incident cheered up a group of beings from the Sea King Palace, feeling that they had stumbled upon a scandal of the Ancient Immortal Gu Family.
[TL/N: Courting death?]
Since they did not recognize her identity, there was nothing stopping them from taking their revenge. Who would dare to deny them of this?
After all, Gu Xian'er struck first! She had killed the Seventh Princess' brother!
She must answer for her crimes with her life!
The only time it wouldn't come to pass is if the Ancient Immortal Gu Family were to risk a scandal and formally recognize her. Such a topic is sure to become a sensation across the Upper Realm, becoming an object of shame for the Daoist Sects and Families.
If not, who would dare stand up for her?
The Great Elder of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace? That won't work either!
In a flash, many of the Sea Clan's elites poured forth from the Infinite Sea, intending to bring Gu Xian'er to justice.
Within the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, Gu Changge received this news, and he couldn't help but smile a bit.
'How unexpected. For the Sea King Palace to come at such a time…'
After receiving the news, he went up the mountain to where the Great Elder was, who was waiting for Gu Xian'er's return.
At the same time…
— — —
[In the Ancient Immortal Continent]
In the middle of a vast mountain range, a terrifying heavenly might unfolded, threatening to extinguish the world.
This Quasi-Supreme ancestor of the Tiangou Clan was determined to escape and was headed for the Dragon Island where the True Dragon Clan was located. Unfortunately for him, he was intercepted by Gu Nashan.
His tyrannical strength quickly extinguished the Tiangou Clan's old geezer.
Behind him followed Gu Xian'er, led by the Great Elder.
Gu Xian'er's eyebrows jumped with joy, as she "appropriated" the Tiangou Clan's ancestor's belongings.
"A family with Quasi-Supremes truly is rich…" Gu Xian'er's clear and stunning little face was overflowing with smiles, unable to put up the slightest bit of resistance in the face of treasure.
Unfortunately, she was left completely unaware that Gu Changge was setting up a trap for her at this very moment.
Although Gu Nanshan was also enthusiastic to grab some loot, he was too embarrassed to do so in front of his own descendant!
An ancestor must maintain his dignity!
"Thank you, ancestor!" Naturally, Gu Xian'er noticed her ancestor's reluctance. Her eyes curved into little crescents as she thanked him like a good girl would.
She didn't believe the ancestor was doing it just because she was a good girl. 'He's probably just shy.'
Gu Xian'er had a smug look on her face.
Gu Nanshan couldn't believe that such a sweet girl had the guts to rob her ancestor blind.
That being said, he couldn't help but smile. "Hoho, this little lass. Why so formal? Do you not see this old ancestor as a family?"
"Hehe, ancestor is so nice to me."
Gu Xian'er sweet smile could even melt a glacier, her words were like dripping honey, as she played the part of a cute and obedient descendant.