Ming Lao originated from Sky Blue Realm, where Gu Changge currently was, but he never told Gu Changge about it. That was also the reason why Gu Changge's host, upon investigation, allowed Ming Lao to tag along his journey to the Overworld.
Gu Changge was reminded of the matter because of Su Qingge's sudden mention of the Middle State. With Ming Lao by his side, it would be more convenient to deal with matters in the Middle State.
"Then I shall go and make some preparations for the journey."
Gu Changge nodded. He knew he could trust Su Qingge when it came to handling arrangements. After Su Qingge left, he lowered his voice and spoke to the air. "Ming Lao, you were the one from Middle State who ascended to the Beyond thirty thousand years ago, correct?"
All of a sudden, the air started to swirl before Ming Lao appeared out of thin air. Respectfully, he replied, "Yes, Prince Gu. This old one had indeed ascended to the Beyond from the Middle State thirty thousand years ago. When this old one had reached the Beyond, nothing was the same, and this old one was unexpectedly apprehended to be a slave—a miner—for the cults in the Beyond. If it weren't for the rescue of a certain clan's elder, this old one would have died out from the torment in the mine." Saying that, Ming Lao felt sentimental.
Every cultivator in the Overworld assumed ascending to the Beyond was the finest gift, but no, it was the exact opposite. In fact, cultivators from the Overworld without a solid background would only be captured by cults and ancient races to be slaves untill they died, without any pride.
In Ming Lao's eyes, the ancient forces in the Middle State that claimed to have connections with the Beyond were only putting up a facade as their ancestors that had ascended in the past were probably now a simple miner in some unknown corner in the Beyond. Therefore, Ming Lao was very grateful for the Gu Family. Furthermore, he was fortunate to have met the dear people of the Gu Family.
"Coincidentally, I'll be heading to the Middle State in three days. Why don't you come along? Perhaps you may pay your family a visit." Gu Changge revealed a beam.
Given that it was rare to descend from the Beyond, Ming Lao must be curious as to how his successors were living after his departure. Nonetheless, due to his identity, he wasn't allowed to cross the border between the Beyond and the Overworld without Gu Changge's permission.
Hearing that, Ming Lao was obviously moved. "Thank you for your consideration, Prince Gu."
Gu Changge waved his hand. "You don't have to thank me. We're just passing by." Although Gu Changge was the antagonist destined to go up against the Fortuitous One, he wasn't immune to human emotions. After all, to him, Ming Lao wasn't an outsider. Moreover, despite being a trivial matter, it could intensify Ming Lao's loyalty for him and at the same time allow him to feign some sentiments. And Gu Changge was well aware of such advantages.
…
In the blink of an eye, three days had passed. In the sky above Supreme Stygian Holy Land, a gargantuan, extravagant flying ship was floating, emitting blinding glows and radiant runes. On its body were lively carvings of heavenly monuments, mystical fog and waters and fragrant flowers that made the ship appear extremely lavish.
The ship was specifically made for Gu Changge by various forces of Eastern Barren, and it involved substantial resources. Sumptuously, every inch of space in the ship was filled with opulence. Let alone ordinary cultivators, even the Sect Disciples of Supreme Stygian were flabbergasted by the sight of the ship as they had never set eyes on such luxurious, floating wonder.
"It is my honor to accept this." Gu Changge smiled. [That's too high profile, even for me. But I like it.]
"It's something simple we put together. We hope you like it." Gradually, the leaders of each faction began laughing, overjoyed to see Gu Changge's satisfaction. After all, it was pretty obvious that the young master wasn't an enjoyer of discretion. Nevertheless, it was most important for the grand, floating wonder to be approved by Gu Changge.
"Prince Gu, please." With a gratifying face, the Supreme Stygian Archbishop invited Gu Changge up the ship. Besides Su Qingge, the Archbishop was considered the number one lapdog of Gu Changge's. Although 'lapdog' didn't sound exactly appropriate, many were craving to earn such a label.
Subtly nodding, Gu Changge got onboard of the ship, to which the rest followed after as none dared to cross the path he was heading.
Tagging along in the journey were the prides of various lands, including the Saint and Saintess of Pseudo-Sol Holy Land, the princess of the Apollo Empire, and the young master of the Ancient Age Family, all of which were the superb specimens of the younger generation in Eastern Barren. However, each of them cowered at Gu Changge's presence as they found him more intimidating than their seniors. Thus, those wishing to have an exchange with him would stutter when they spoke as they were in awe. Gu Changge found that one of his lapdogs, Chu Xuan, to be more remarkable compared to them.
"Ye Chen's about to go down. Hmm, who's gonna be the next Fortuitous One?" All of a sudden, Gu Changge subconsciously blurted.
"Pardon me, Prince Gu?" Su Qingge, who was giving him a massage, was dazed. [It's those confusing words again…]
"Qingge, do you wish to follow me back to the Beyond?" Gu Changge suddenly smirked.
Typically, Su Qingge would be enthralled by any conversation pertaining to the Beyond, but right now, she simply responded with a composed face. "Prince Gu, you're teasing me with this topic again."
"How dull." Shaking his head, he tenderly dragged the damsel into his embrace. He enjoyed seeing Su Qingge's pretentiously helpless look. [At the end of the day, women are meant to be conquered by men.]
*Whoosh!* Shortly after, the sky seemed to be moving under the raging wind. As the dazzling, flying ship emitted radiant lights, the runes began to rotate in the shape of a ring. Accordingly, the ship took off in the sky, rapidly flying toward the Middle State.
…
In the Middle State, where talented ones and mountains were abundant, apart from the long-lived holy lands and empires, stood multitudinous renowned families and nations. Simultaneously, on the enchanted mountains lived spirits of the ancient era that possessed vigorous powers. Other than humans, different races of spirits, who were awaiting birth, dwelled in the Middle State.
Meanwhile, in the most prosperous Central Sky Domain in the Middle State. In Superior Academy, a class of teenagers were listening to their elder's teaching of training techniques in a classroom.
The elder appeared rather youthful and tremendously bewitching in her gray robe with her powdered cheeks, snowy skin and hair as puffy as a cloud. Under her loose robe was her unconcealable flawless figure. Her beauty was out of this world.
Out of nowhere, her eyes turned cold as she threw the jade slip in her hand to a young man who was dozing off during her lesson. "Lin Tian, are you sleeping in my class again!?"