The death of Chu Xia had always been a source of pain for Chu Gucheng.
At his age and level of cultivation, it was already difficult for him to have children. Therefore, even though he knew Chu Xia was somewhat arrogant and domineering, he still doted on him.
How could Chu Gucheng not understand the things Chu Xinyue had mentioned? But even if he knew now, what could he do? Could he really avenge Chu Xia based on these speculations?
Moreover, this was his birthday celebration. As the host, how could he disregard his reputation and attack Gu Changge in front of all the guests?
Since Gu Changge was with the people from the Imperial Immortal Palace, would the Imperial Immortal Palace stand by and do nothing?
This matter would undoubtedly turn the entire birthday banquet into chaos.
"Xinyue, I know you also want to avenge your brother, but you should understand that the crisis the Immortal Chu Dynasty is currently facing is not something you can handle as you please," Chu Gucheng said solemnly.
"But, Your Majesty, are we just going to let the murderer who caused Xia'er's death roam free?" Wang Xuexin, Chu Gucheng's wife and Chu Xia's mother, wiped the tears from her face and said with reluctance.
"Once the birthday banquet is over, I will naturally make that guy pay the price he deserves. He knows our grief yet dares to appear in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, openly participating in my birthday celebration. This is clearly a sign that he doesn't take me seriously," Chu Gucheng said with a cold expression.
Now that Gu Changge's identity had been exposed, many guests knew of his involvement in Chu Xia's death. Many of them were surely watching with amusement.
Chu Gucheng couldn't let them have their way, at least not until his birthday celebration was over.
"Father, don't worry. I understand what you're saying," Chu Xinyue said with a cold expression, understanding Chu Gucheng's concerns.
As the ruler of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, he had to prioritize the bigger picture. But his children were different.
Chu Gucheng frowned. As a father, he knew his daughter too well. He said sternly, "Xinyue, don't act recklessly. Now is not the time for revenge."
"Father, don't worry. I know my limits. I won't act recklessly," Chu Xinyue said with a faint smile. "Recently, the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty from the Dawn Civilization has been getting close to me, trying to win my favor. I just need to drop a hint, and he should understand what to do."
Hearing this, Chu Gucheng was slightly stunned. Then, as if realizing something, he smiled and nodded. "It seems you already have a plan. Although the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty isn't the top force in the Dawn Civilization, its foundation is still formidable. That young master is also quite talented, having already stepped into the Dao Realm."
He had always intended for his children to form alliances with the heirs of other civilizations and factions.
Chu Xinyue, as the former pride of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, had been dazzling and sought after by many suitors.
However, she had always been focused on cultivation. After breaking through to the Dao Realm, she had traveled to various realms to train, rarely returning home.
Chu Gucheng had great confidence in her.
"Father, don't worry," Chu Xinyue nodded, then transformed into a beam of light and left the hall.
"You all may leave as well. As for Xia'er's matter, don't interfere," Chu Gucheng waved his hand, dismissing his wife and other children from the hall.
Soon, only he remained in the hall.
Chu Gucheng stood with his hands behind his back, deep in thought. He paced back and forth, then looked outside and murmured, "Master, do you think I should act in advance?"
As he spoke, ripples appeared in the void, and the figure of the Law Sage emerged.
"You must think carefully about the consequences. Even I cannot guarantee success," the Law Sage said. He wore a white robe, had long hair, and exuded an immortal aura. His eyes were deep, as if they contained a universe of stars.
At this moment, he was also very serious, clearly aware of what Chu Gucheng was planning.
"I've already made up my mind. To obtain the Mirror of Reincarnation, I must do this. I will discuss this with the elders later. Saintess Xiyuan did not bring the Mirror of Reincarnation with her to the Immortal Chu Dynasty. I have a plan to make her stay here permanently," Chu Gucheng said solemnly, his face filled with ambition and determination.
The Law Sage looked at Chu Gucheng, who had made up his mind, and said nothing more. Over the epochs, Chu Gucheng had long since ceased to be the down-and-out youth he had once been. He had become a ruler who dominated the world.
"Saintess Xiyuan is extremely powerful. Even I may not be her match. But since you've decided to do this, I will naturally assist you," the Law Sage said, then his figure dissipated into smoke and vanished.
In the following days, more guests arrived from all over the Vast Expanse.
The capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty became increasingly lively, filled with people and bustling with activity.
"Xinyue, don't worry. Since this is your matter, it is also my matter. Although I'm not in the Xiyuan Civilization, I've heard about your brother Chu Xia being killed by the Demon Court's Seventh Prince."
"Now that the mastermind behind this has openly appeared in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, it's clear that he doesn't take you seriously. Don't worry, I will help you vent your anger."
In a luxurious room filled with mist and glowing treasures, Chu Xinyue sat across from a young man who appeared elegant and handsome, drinking with him.
This young man had a pair of faint silver dragon horns on his forehead and faint dragon scales on his arms. His eyes were a pale silver, and when he spoke, chaotic light emanated from them, giving him an intimidating aura.
He was Ouyang Ji, the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty from the Dawn Civilization.
His mother was a powerful elder of the True Dragon Clan, having lived for countless epochs.
He himself possessed half True Dragon bloodline, making him extremely powerful.
"The mastermind behind my brother's death is currently with the people from the Imperial Immortal Palace. Young Master Ouyang, if you help me, won't it cause trouble for you? After all, the Imperial Immortal Palace is not to be trifled with," Chu Xinyue said with a hesitant and apologetic expression.
Ouyang Ji smiled faintly and reached out as if to take Chu Xinyue's hand, but she subtly avoided him.
"Xinyue, don't worry. This is just a small matter. As the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty, I'm not afraid of the Imperial Immortal Palace," he said confidently, unbothered by her evasion.
Chu Xinyue immediately put on a grateful expression, raised her glass, and said, "Thank you, Young Master Ouyang. You've been so kind to me. I truly don't know how to repay you."
Ouyang Ji took the glass from her hand and drank it in one gulp, laughing heartily. "To win a beauty's smile, this is nothing."
Chu Xinyue's face showed deep gratitude as she refilled Ouyang Ji's glass.
After some more conversation and drinking, Ouyang Ji left, satisfied.
Once he was gone, the smile on Chu Xinyue's face disappeared. She murmured, "I hope this guy is reliable and doesn't disappoint me. Xia'er, don't worry. Your second sister will definitely avenge you."
She didn't expect Ouyang Ji to actually kill Gu Changge, but at the very least, she wanted to make Gu Changge's life difficult.
In her opinion, regardless of whether Gu Changge had intended it or not, he was responsible for Chu Xia's death.
If Gu Changge hadn't fought with Chu Xia over that courtesan, Chu Xia's identity wouldn't have been exposed.
Chu Xinyue had been searching for that courtesan's whereabouts, wanting her to accompany her brother in death.
Unfortunately, the courtesan had also disappeared, and her whereabouts were unknown.
But no matter what, she would eventually kill Gu Changge with her own hands to avenge Chu Xia.
In addition, she would also personally send the Demon Court's Seventh Prince, Di Kun, to accompany her brother in death.
Early the next morning, Ouyang Ji, the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty, arrived at the Imperial Immortal Palace's resting area with his men, demanding to see Ling Yuxian.
This shocked and puzzled the disciples of the Imperial Immortal Palace.
But facing the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty from the Dawn Civilization, they didn't dare to be negligent and immediately went to inform Ling Yuxian.
When Ling Yuxian received the message, she was also surprised. When had she ever met the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty? Why was he demanding to see her?
Could it be because of the rumors that had been spreading in the Immortal Chu Dynasty recently? Because of her identity?
"I am Ouyang Ji, the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty. Greetings, Miss Yuxian," Ouyang Ji said with a smile, greeting her naturally, like a refined gentleman.
Ling Yuxian frowned, unsure of Ouyang Ji's intentions.
"Miss Yuxian, don't worry. I mean no harm. I'm just here to offer some advice. Hand over the mastermind behind Chu Xia's death and avoid getting involved in unnecessary trouble," Ouyang Ji said with a faint smile, as if he knew what Ling Yuxian was thinking.
Hearing this, Ling Yuxian sneered. "As everyone knows, Chu Xia, the son of Chu Gucheng, was killed by the Demon Court's Seventh Prince, Di Kun. If you want to seek justice for him, why don't you go after Di Kun? Senior Brother Gu has never been involved in such matters."
Ouyang Ji continued to smile. "This matter isn't for you to decide. If you're smart, hand over your so-called Senior Brother Gu. Otherwise, don't blame me for being impolite."
He had already stepped into the Dao Realm many years ago. As he spoke, a faint silver light flickered in his eyes, releasing a terrifying pressure that instantly immobilized Ling Yuxian.
The other disciples of the Imperial Immortal Palace also turned pale, unable to move under the pressure.
"How dare you!"
Ling Yuxian's expression changed, filled with shock and anger. She never expected this person to be so bold as to directly attack on the Imperial Immortal Palace's territory.
Ouyang Ji, however, didn't care. Dragon scales faintly appeared on his arms as he strode toward the palace buildings.
Several elders of the Imperial Immortal Palace, sensing the disturbance, rushed over to stop Ouyang Ji. However, they were intercepted by several experts of the same realm who had come with him, engaging in a fierce battle in the void.
In an instant, terrifying auras filled the air, and chaotic mist rose. Large fragments of space and time flickered, as if universes were colliding.
"This guy is looking for death. He doesn't know what he's messing with!"
Ling Yuxian's face was cold. She didn't immediately chase after Ouyang Ji, as she wasn't worried about Gu Changge's safety.
However, the young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty had suddenly come knocking in such a manner, completely disregarding the Imperial Immortal Palace's reputation, which made her furious.
Moreover, it was clear that someone was behind this.
Otherwise, why would the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty, which had no grievances with the Imperial Immortal Palace, suddenly cause trouble?
"The Immortal Chu Dynasty really thinks it's the boss of the Xiyuan Civilization. Even during a birthday celebration, they act so recklessly, not taking other forces seriously."
Ling Yuxian's face was cold as she glanced at the elders who were confronting the experts Ouyang Ji had brought. She then flashed toward the direction Ouyang Ji had gone.
She knew that the commotion here would soon attract the attention of other cultivators and forces.
But for now, she was more interested in seeing Ouyang Ji's fate.
Meanwhile, deep within the palace, in the void, Dao runes flickered, and a golden palm materialized, then slammed down.
Ouyang Ji, who had not yet reached Gu Changge's courtyard, suddenly turned pale. Before he could even resist, the golden palm struck him, sending him crashing to the ground, vomiting blood and unable to get up.
"Since you meant no harm, I'll spare your life today."
Gu Changge walked out of the courtyard and leisurely approached Ouyang Ji, speaking casually.
Ouyang Ji struggled to lift his head, looking at the elegant and immortal-like white-robed young man before him. He coughed up more blood and said with a bitter smile, "Thank you, Young Master Gu, for sparing my life."
Although he was far from the Ancestral Dao Realm, he had already survived three Heavenly Decline Tribulations. Even ordinary Dao Realm experts were no match for him.
Yet, under Gu Changge's casual palm strike, he had no resistance, as if he were a mere mortal.
Life and death were entirely at the other's mercy.
This terrifying, despair-inducing gap made him feel that his choice had been correct.
"Speak. What do you want from me?" Gu Changge looked at Ouyang Ji, who was struggling to stand, his expression unchanged.
What had just happened naturally hadn't escaped his notice.
Although this young master of the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty had come with the intention of targeting him, he harbored no malice.
"Chu Xinyue, the second daughter of Chu Gucheng, asked me to cause trouble for you, Young Master Gu," Ouyang Ji said directly, without beating around the bush. He explained everything about Chu Xinyue's request.
"I figured as much," Gu Changge nodded.
This kind of trivial matter didn't even warrant his attention. Chu Gucheng, valuing his reputation, wouldn't act, but his children were a different story.
"Such matters naturally can't escape Young Master Gu's notice."
Ouyang Ji spoke with reverence. "My father ordered me to come to the Immortal Chu Dynasty to congratulate Chu Gucheng on his birthday. He hopes that the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty can form an alliance with the Immortal Chu Dynasty by having me marry one of Chu Gucheng's daughters. But I actually arrived in the Xiyuan Civilization several months ago, so I've seen everything that's happened here recently. The Immortal Chu Dynasty is strong on the surface, but it's only a matter of time before it collapses under its own weight."
Chu Xinyue had thought him a fool, sending him to deal with Gu Changge. But he wasn't stupid.
Regardless of Gu Changge's strength, his mysterious identity alone was enough to make the various factions of the Xiyuan Civilization wary and suspicious.
Although Ouyang Ji was somewhat arrogant and domineering in the Far-Reaching Heavenly Dynasty, that didn't mean he was as foolish as Chu Xia.
"What are you trying to say by telling me all this?" Gu Changge asked with an indifferent smile.
He wasn't surprised by Ouyang Ji's actions. Those who had reached the Dao Realm were no fools.
Having experienced so much, they weren't easily deceived or manipulated.
Ouyang Ji said seriously, "I know such a small matter wouldn't concern you, Young Master Gu. But I know that now that your identity has been exposed, the Immortal Chu Dynasty won't act against you during the birthday celebration. However, once the celebration is over, Chu Gucheng will definitely seek revenge for his son Chu Xia. Yet, you've appeared in the Immortal Chu Dynasty so boldly, clearly showing that you don't take them seriously."
"My father wants me to form an alliance with the Immortal Chu Dynasty to suppress our enemies in the Dawn Civilization. But in my opinion, rather than forming a good relationship with the Immortal Chu Dynasty, it's better to get closer to you."
By the end, he was using respectful terms, his attitude very sincere.
Ling Yuxian, who was rushing over, happened to hear this and was instantly shocked. She never expected this to be Ouyang Ji's true intention.
But seeing his disheveled state, with blood at the corner of his mouth, she couldn't help but find it a little amusing.
When Ouyang Ji had forcefully entered earlier, she had thought there would be a battle. But clearly, Gu Changge's strength far exceeded her expectations.
Ouyang Ji had been severely injured at some point, his aura much weaker than before.