"This time, the task of receiving the important figures from various forces has been entirely entrusted to White Brow Star Lord and others by the ruler. In the past, such important matters were always handled by you, Uncle Fu."
"The death of Chu Xiao was not something anyone wanted to see. No one expected the Demon Court to be so ruthless and decisive."
"Although the ruler has not openly blamed anyone, it is clear to anyone with eyes that he is deeply dissatisfied. Otherwise, he wouldn't have distanced himself from you, Uncle Fu."
"In our eyes, Uncle Fu, you have served the Chu Dynasty with utmost dedication. Over the years, you have worked tirelessly and contributed immeasurably."
"So many young generals have grown under your guidance. Yet, for the sake of such a worthless son, the ruler has chilled your heart. It's hard to understand what he's thinking."
In a grand pavilion within Chu Wang City, an elderly man sat by the window.
He gazed at the bustling capital, drinking cup after cup of wine, his face filled with deep sorrow and helplessness.
The words spoken by his close confidants during this time echoed in his mind, making him sigh deeply, his face appearing even more weathered and desolate.
The elderly man before him was none other than Uncle Fu, who had once followed Chu Xiao and nearly died in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain.
If it weren't for Gu Changge sending someone to rescue him, he would have been killed by Di Kun, who had come searching for him.
However, it was precisely because of this that his situation became difficult after returning to the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
As Chu Xiao's protector,
Chu Xiao's mother had repeatedly urged him to ensure her son's safety.
Yet, in the end, Chu Xiao died tragically in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain, while he alone survived.
Of course, it wasn't that he wanted to survive alone.
At the time, he had exhausted all his strength, trying to buy time for Chu Xiao. But who could have expected Di Kun to be so powerful? He was no match for him.
"It is this old servant's incompetence that led to the ruler's son dying tragically outside, while I alone survived."
Uncle Fu took a sip of wine, his face filled with sorrow, deep self-reproach, and guilt.
After returning to the Immortal Chu Dynasty, although Chu Gucheng did not openly blame him, he knew that Chu Gucheng must have resented him for failing to protect his son.
Previously, Chu Gucheng had entrusted him with many matters and sought his advice, treating him like an old steward.
But since this incident, Chu Gucheng had gradually distanced himself from him, handing over important matters to others.
Although he now had more leisure, he had also lost his former status and position, leaving him in an awkward situation.
"Uncle Fu, don't say that. Over the years in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, how many capable generals and soldiers have grown under your guidance? Even the three Divine Generals once received your care."
"I think the ruler is just acting impulsively for now. He will come to his senses later."
"How can this matter be blamed on you?"
Sitting across from Uncle Fu, Chu Bai shook his head slightly, refilling his cup with wine.
During this time, he had maintained contact with Uncle Fu.
He had once received kindness from this elderly man, and now, due to the Demon Court's affairs, he had no choice but to stay in Chu Wang City to cultivate in seclusion. This had allowed him to gradually become familiar with Uncle Fu, who now had more free time, and they would often drink and play chess together.
As for Uncle Fu's predicament, Chu Bai understood it all too well.
After seeing Chu Gucheng's true nature, he could only say that it was not surprising. While discarding someone after they were no longer useful was not honorable, Chu Gucheng was certainly capable of such actions.
Even an old man like Uncle Fu, who had followed Chu Gucheng for so long, could be easily cast aside once he was deemed useless, let alone others.
The image of a wise and benevolent ruler that Chu Gucheng maintained in public had long since crumbled.
"This matter is this old servant's fault. I failed to protect the ruler's son. It is normal for him to suspect that I was cowardly and fled in the face of danger."
Uncle Fu sighed slightly. To say he wasn't disheartened would be a lie.
At the time, he had nearly given his life to protect Chu Gucheng's son, leaving no room for retreat.
Yet, upon returning to the Immortal Chu Dynasty, he was met with Chu Gucheng's suspicion and alienation. There were even rumors circulating that he had conspired with outsiders to kill Chu Gucheng's son.
Otherwise, why would Gu Changge save him but not Chu Xiao?
"Although I know it is improper for a subordinate to say this, in this matter, the ruler truly acted wrongly. You are, after all, the steward of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. No matter how you look at it, you are far more valuable than his arrogant and domineering son. How could he chill your heart and favor a dead son?"
Chu Bai's eyes carried a hint of something unusual as he took a sip of wine, speaking in a tone of helplessness.
Chu Gucheng's schemes to seize his Sun-Shooting Bow were still fresh in his mind, and he had yet to find a good way to retaliate.
But now, Chu Bai saw an opportunity.
Uncle Fu was a highly respected figure in the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Even someone like White Brow Star Lord could not compare to Uncle Fu in terms of seniority. If Uncle Fu could be used to damage Chu Gucheng's reputation and cause his carefully maintained image to collapse, what would remain of his title as a wise and enlightened ruler? The vast Immortal Chu Dynasty now relied entirely on Chu Gucheng to hold it together.
Once he fell, the Immortal Chu Dynasty would naturally crumble.
Although Chu Bai had obtained the supreme treasure, the Sun-Shooting Bow, he had been constantly watched and coveted by Chu Gucheng, leaving him with no peace.
His stubborn nature meant that if Chu Gucheng made life difficult for him, he would certainly not let Chu Gucheng off easily. Even if it was just a small act of revenge, he would find a way to retaliate.
"Be careful with your words. You are a man of great fortune, valued by the ruler. How can you speak so carelessly?"
"Aren't you afraid that if others hear this, it will affect your future prospects?" Uncle Fu's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly stopped Chu Bai.
Chu Bai snorted lightly and said, "If they hear it, so be it. I don't care. Uncle Fu, your character is something we all see clearly. Even if these words offend the ruler, I must say them."
"The ruler may think of you as just an old man, with strength and cultivation inferior to White Brow Star Lord and others, but your seniority and connections are far beyond what they can match."
Uncle Fu felt somewhat helpless, but there was also a hint of comfort in his heart.
Chu Bai's words also stirred something within him. Chu Gucheng's alienation seemed to stem from the belief that he was no longer useful.
But it was he who had helped Chu Gucheng find those individuals of great fortune in the past.
Many of them had been under his watch, receiving timely favors and assistance to ensure their smooth growth.
Had Chu Gucheng forgotten all of this?
He was the one who had laid the foundation and put in so much effort for him.
"Your method is quite good. I wasn't wrong about you."
After Uncle Fu left, the voice of the Sun-Shooting Bow's spirit echoed in Chu Bai's mind, as if slightly praising his earlier actions.
It was rare to hear a word of praise from the Sun-Shooting Bow's spirit, and Chu Bai couldn't help but smile faintly.
"Chu Gucheng will pay for his actions, and this is only the beginning."
He looked out at the bustling capital beyond the pavilion, imagining the day when this prosperous scene would collapse in an instant, and an indescribable feeling welled up within him.