"How does Uncle Fu view the current Immortal Chu Dynasty?"
Gu Changge picked up his teacup, gently blowing on the steam, ignoring Uncle Fu's question and instead asking one of his own.
Uncle Fu couldn't figure out Gu Changge's intentions at all. Hearing this, he simply shook his head and said, "The Immortal Chu Dynasty is an immortal nation established by the ruler. It stands tall and unshakable, even as the seas dry up and the thunder and lightning decay. Over these epochs, the Immortal Chu Dynasty has enjoyed peace and prosperity, with order and stability. Whether ordinary people or cultivators, all must abide by the rules. All beings are equal, with no class oppression. The ruler, Chu Gucheng, imparts the Dao and cares for all living beings. Even mountain spirits and demonic beasts can learn the Dao and shed their mortal forms, leaping into the heavens and transforming into dragons."
However, before he could finish, Gu Changge let out a light, ambiguous chuckle and said, "Uncle Fu, after all, you've watched Chu Gucheng rise step by step to where he is today. Do you really believe the Immortal Chu Dynasty is like this?"
Uncle Fu still couldn't guess Gu Changge's purpose, nor did he know whether Gu Changge was friend or foe.
But faced with this question, he still had his response ready. "Although the Immortal Chu Dynasty has not existed as long as the other forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization, its foundation is strong. As you've witnessed, the ruler possesses the aura of a Human Emperor and has made a grand vow: may all people in the world be like dragons, and may all achieve sainthood."
Gu Changge smiled lightly and said, "What a grand aura of a Human Emperor! What a grand vision—may all people be like dragons and achieve sainthood. If I get the chance, I must pay a visit to Chu Gucheng. A man who can say such things must be an extraordinary talent."
"If the young master wishes to visit the ruler, this old man can arrange an introduction for you."
Hearing this, Uncle Fu felt slightly relieved, thinking that Gu Changge wanted to visit Chu Gucheng through him.
Although his situation in the Immortal Chu Dynasty hadn't been good recently, and he had developed some resentment toward Chu Gucheng, he was, after all, an old minister of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. He had watched this colossal entity rise step by step. How could he not have feelings for it? He wouldn't casually speak disrespectful words.
"No need. Such matters shouldn't trouble Uncle Fu. In fact, I've already met Chu Gucheng today. If I wish to visit him in the future, I'll need to find the right opportunity," Gu Changge said, taking a sip of tea and smiling faintly.
Uncle Fu nodded, unsure when Gu Changge had met Chu Gucheng.
"Young master, may I ask why you've come to find this old man today? If it's something within my power, I can still manage it," he asked again.
After all, he still owed Gu Changge a life-saving favor. He thought Gu Changge had come today to collect on that debt.
Gu Changge smiled and said, "Indeed, there is something I'd like Uncle Fu to help me with. But from the current situation, it seems Uncle Fu might not agree."
He had thought that after the incident in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain, Uncle Fu's situation in the Immortal Chu Dynasty would worsen.
With Chu Gucheng's alienation and the numerous rumors, it was inevitable that Uncle Fu would feel depressed and resentful toward the Immortal Chu Dynasty and Chu Gucheng.
But from the earlier conversation, it seemed the old man still had deep feelings for the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
Some time ago, Gu Changge had left a pawn in the Immortal Chu Dynasty—Chu Bai.
Chu Bai, influenced by the Sun-Shooting Bow's spirit, often whispered rebellious words in Uncle Fu's ear, mentioning how Chu Gucheng's character was corrupt and so on.
Despite such provocations, Uncle Fu was only minimally affected.
This was completely unexpected for Gu Changge.
Back in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain, he had clearly sensed Uncle Fu's dissatisfaction with Chu Gucheng's son, Chu Xia. However, due to various reasons like duty and face, Uncle Fu couldn't say much.
This old man, though loyal to Chu Gucheng, clearly had an arrogant streak, looking down on everyone except Chu Gucheng due to his seniority and experience.
Logically, such a person should be easy to manipulate.
"Young master, may I ask what matter you're referring to?" Uncle Fu asked, his heart sinking as he heard Gu Changge's words. His body tensed involuntarily.
He suddenly had a bad feeling.
At the same time, Uncle Fu glanced toward the pavilion and was so shocked that he almost couldn't speak. His soul felt like it was about to flee in terror.
His hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and he felt a chill from head to toe.
At this moment, the entire world seemed to have fallen into absolute stillness. The flowing wind outside, the white clouds in the blue sky, the cultivators and beings coming and going on the streets, the shouts and calls of vendors—all seemed to suddenly fade away, sinking into an unseen, terrifying abyss.
He couldn't even feel his own body anymore; only a sliver of consciousness remained active.
Keep in mind, he was a Dao Realm cultivator. Although he wasn't as strong as those who had weathered four Heavenly Tribulations, to fall into such a state without any warning was simply unbelievable and unimaginable.
"Uncle Fu, you can rest assured. No third party will hear our conversation today."
Gu Changge continued to sip his tea leisurely, as if he didn't notice Uncle Fu's drastically changed expression, filled with shock and fear.
"Young master's abilities are truly vast."
Uncle Fu took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Although he had always suspected that Gu Changge was more terrifying than the black-robed old man who had been by his side back then, he had no proof.
Today's events finally confirmed his earlier suspicions.
Such unbelievable, world-altering, rule-changing methods were something Chu Gucheng could never achieve.
"Just a small trick. Not worth mentioning."
Gu Changge smiled faintly and said, "Uncle Fu, since you've already come close to death once, I assume you're not afraid of dying. I don't plan to threaten you with your life. However, I'll give you a few breaths to consider. I want the Immortal Chu Dynasty to fall and Chu Gucheng to die. If you help me, I'll leave you with some autonomy. If you refuse, I'll have to trouble myself and borrow your body for a while."
As he spoke, a swirling mass of black mist appeared, undulating like dark seaweed rising and falling with each breath, exuding a terrifying aura that made one's heart tremble.
"Master, why waste so much time talking to this old man? Just let me devour him. Although this body isn't as good as Jing Tianyun's, it's still a Dao Realm body. It's strong enough. You don't have to worry about me damaging his soul or memories."
The black mist let out a chilling laugh, its dense darkness seemingly capable of devouring all matter in the world.
"If it's not necessary, I prefer not to cause unnecessary bloodshed. Those who are sensible tend to live longer than those who are stubborn and foolish," Gu Changge said, shaking his head slightly, his tone calm and indifferent.
Uncle Fu, looking at the scene before him, felt a chill run through his entire body.
At this moment, he deeply regretted coming here. If he had stayed in his residence, no matter how vast Gu Changge's abilities were or how bold he was, he wouldn't have dared to make a move against him.
The reason for his current predicament was ultimately his own foolishness. He had let his guard down, thinking that nothing dangerous could happen in the capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.