"If you want to kill me, go ahead. But if you want me to betray the Immortal Chu Dynasty and the ruler, that's absolutely impossible. Even if the ruler no longer values me, even if he has distanced himself from me, it won't change my loyalty to the Immortal Chu Dynasty," Uncle Fu said with a stern expression, his face darkening.
He had lived to this day and achieved his current cultivation level thanks to the rare treasures Chu Gucheng had bestowed upon him.
So even if Chu Gucheng demanded his life, it would only be right.
A ruler's subject must die if the ruler demands it, let alone a mere servant like him.
"It's a pity that your loyalty to Chu Gucheng is something he doesn't see at all. He believes you were the one who caused the death of his son. You're just a servant—how could you compare to his son? It's true that he gave you your current status and strength, but have you forgotten all that you've done for him? Hah, stubborn loyalty is nothing but foolish loyalty."
Gu Changge seemed to see through Uncle Fu's thoughts and let out a mocking laugh.
He actually didn't want to waste so much breath on this.
But because Uncle Fu had managed the Immortal Chu Dynasty for so many years, many of the Sons of Fortune had been guided and assisted by him. In the unseen workings of fate, the fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty was closely tied to Uncle Fu himself.
If Gu Changge let the Eternal Life Spirit directly devour and take over Uncle Fu's body, it would be equivalent to Uncle Fu's death.
The fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty would immediately show abnormalities, alerting Chu Gucheng and others.
Therefore, Gu Changge planned to leave Uncle Fu with a portion of his consciousness, which would minimize the impact on the fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
"Foolish loyalty? So what? This old man has always acted with a clear conscience. Born into this world, I've done my duty."
Uncle Fu faced Gu Changge directly, his tone firm and righteous.
Although he didn't want to die, things had come to this point, and he had no other choice.
If he were asked to betray the Immortal Chu Dynasty, it would be absolutely impossible.
"Hah, what a noble sentiment—'born into this world, I've done my duty.' What happens in your life is indeed none of my business, but what happens after your death? That's entirely up to me."
Gu Changge chuckled indifferently.
"Master, why waste time talking to this old man? Just kill him sooner and let me take over his body. Whatever he could do in life, I can make him do in death."
The Eternal Life Spirit let out a sinister laugh, the swirling black mist constantly shifting and condensing into a faint silhouette of Uncle Fu, as if ready to pounce and take over his body at any moment.
Seeing this, Uncle Fu's previously resolute expression couldn't help but change.
He didn't know what this strange black mist was, but he could feel a terrifying, heart-palpitating aura emanating from it.
Moreover, Gu Changge's words had struck a nerve.
He had lived his life with integrity and honesty, never leaving room for criticism.
Although what happened after death would no longer concern him, if this strange black mist were to take over his body and act recklessly, wouldn't that mean he would still be blamed for things even after death?
His lifelong integrity would be tarnished, and he would be slandered after death?
This was something he found hard to accept.
Recently, rumors had been spreading throughout the Immortal Chu Dynasty, claiming that he was a coward who had abandoned Chu Xia to save his own life, then made up an excuse to hide away for a while before returning alone.
Chu Gucheng had long known about this, but due to Uncle Fu's seniority and experience, he couldn't openly reprimand him.
Instead, he gradually distanced himself, handing over important matters of the Immortal Chu Dynasty to Bai Zhi Xingjun and others.
These rumors were something Uncle Fu couldn't clarify or explain. If people misunderstood, he would never be able to clear his name.
Seeing the change in Uncle Fu's expression, Gu Changge knew that the old man still cared about something.
He could, of course, directly seal part of Uncle Fu's consciousness and let the Eternal Life Spirit devour and take over his body.
But doing so might lead to other complications, such as noticeable changes in the fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. With so many guests present, even a slight abnormality would be noticed.
To be safe, Gu Changge chose the most troublesome method—to have Uncle Fu willingly open his mind.
This way, he could also keep an eye on the fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty and control the extent of the changes.
"Back in the Southern Wilderness Ancient Domain, I had someone save you because I saw your loyalty and integrity. You were willing to risk your life to buy time for your master's son, which made me admire your character. But that's all. I'm willing to talk to you now only because of that slight admiration. Otherwise, why would I waste so much time on you? After borrowing your body, I can still make you serve me. It makes no difference to me."
Gu Changge, seeing Uncle Fu's internal struggle, spoke calmly and indifferently.
Uncle Fu stared at him intently, as if trying to see through Gu Changge's thoughts.
Meanwhile, Gu Changge picked up his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and took a sip.
"The two options you've presented are the same to me. Whether I help you or not, I'll end up betraying the Immortal Chu Dynasty and the ruler."
Uncle Fu spoke through gritted teeth, his heart in turmoil.
"That's right. It's up to you to decide. No matter what you choose, you'll end up betraying the Immortal Chu Dynasty. But if you're willing to help me, you can survive and even replace Chu Gucheng."
Gu Changge smiled faintly.
Uncle Fu's face twisted with struggle. He knew, as Gu Changge had said, that he had no real choice.
Whether he lived or died, it didn't matter to him.
But what he truly cared about was Chu Gucheng's suspicion, distrust, and alienation, as well as the slanderous rumors.
Gu Changge sipped his tea calmly, in no hurry.
"It was you who doubted and distrusted me first. No matter how I explained, you refused to believe me, convinced that I was a coward who caused Chu Xia's death. Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being disloyal."
In the next moment, Uncle Fu's face suddenly turned ferocious, and he spoke through gritted teeth, as if venting all the frustration, grievances, and anger he had accumulated over this period.
The moment he said this, Gu Changge's mind stirred slightly. With a flick of his finger, the Eternal Life Spirit transformed into a wisp of black mist and shot toward Uncle Fu's brow.
"Open your mind," Gu Changge said indifferently.
After returning to the resting area of the Imperial Immortal Palace in the capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Gu Changge unexpectedly saw Ling Yuxian outside the courtyard.
She stood with her arms crossed, leaning against an ancient pine tree by the door. The breeze lifted the hem of her flower-patterned skirt, revealing a section of her jade-like, smooth calf.
"Senior Sister Yuxian, are you looking for me?"
Gu Changge walked over and asked casually, his gaze sweeping over her. Ling Yuxian, who usually wore battle robes and cloaks, was rarely dressed like this.
"Senior Brother Gu, it seems you've been quite busy. Where have you been this time?"
Ling Yuxian had been waiting for Gu Changge here. Seeing him return, she immediately stepped forward, clearly intending to question him.
She didn't know why Ling Yuling had later asked Gu Changge to accompany her to visit the Saintess of Xiyuan the next day.
But since it was her sister's order, she would follow it. However, Ling Yuxian hadn't expected Gu Changge to leave the courtyard without her knowledge.
They had just arrived in the capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, and yet he had already disappeared.
Ling Yuxian had no choice but to wait here for him to return.
"I went to see someone," Gu Changge replied casually.
"A woman?" Ling Yuxian suddenly raised an eyebrow.