Chu Kui, Bi Xin, Han Feng, and the others could not calm down for a long time.
Especially after nearly losing their lives tonight, everything that had happened felt like a dream.
Before this, they had believed that Gu Changge was, as the rumors said, a remnant of the Black Calamity, a scourge upon the world.
A vicious and malevolent figure who needed to be dealt with by their combined efforts.
But who could have imagined that it would be Gu Changge who saved them?
Han Feng was a trusted aide of the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng. He had previously heard the Champion Marquis speak of the mysterious master of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
The Champion Marquis believed that Gu Changge would likely bring chaos to the Prime-Origin Civilization in the future and had even considered leading an army to the Immortal Spirit Civilization to deal with the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
But tonight's events left Han Feng's heart in turmoil.
Especially after seeing the masked man's true face, he realized how laughable his previous beliefs had been. It wasn't just him—even the Champion Marquis would never have imagined this.
"What happened tonight is truly unbelievable. If it weren't for Young Master Gu's timely intervention, we would have been dead and buried by now."
Although Wu Xuan was grateful, he couldn't help but sigh softly upon hearing Gu Changge's words. His emotions were extremely complex.
The masked man was clearly a trusted confidant of Chu Gucheng, the Emperor. He had visited The Mansion of Exceptional Talents multiple times to deliver Chu Gucheng's decrees.
So when Wu Xuan saw the masked man's true face, he recognized him immediately. At that moment, he felt nothing but disbelief.
Why would Chu Gucheng's trusted confidant want to eliminate them? Who had ordered him to do this?
Was it Chu Gucheng himself?
Or was it that Chu Gucheng's confidant had colluded with the Heavenly Divine General faction, acting on his own to ensure that the Champion Marquis would not learn of the events in the capital during this critical time?
But no matter which possibility it was, Wu Xuan felt a deep sense of unease.
Without Chu Gucheng's tacit approval, how could his confidant dare to do such a thing? And it was also possible that this was all Chu Gucheng's plan.
Given the current chaotic situation in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, with external enemies at their doorstep, if internal strife were to break out, the Immortal Chu Dynasty would not be far from collapse.
Weighing the options, Chu Gucheng might have made this decision for the greater good—sacrificing the Champion Marquis to stabilize the situation and resolve the crisis facing the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
"I had always thought that the Immortal Chu Dynasty was as peaceful and stable as the rumors said. But what I saw today proves otherwise. Rumors cannot be fully trusted. The Champion Marquis is one of the most prominent figures in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, yet his trusted aide was ambushed and killed on his way back to the capital."
Gu Changge smiled lightly, raising his wine cup for a sip.
Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others were all stunned.
Before this, they had never imagined that the internal strife in the Immortal Chu Dynasty could be so terrifying and intense. Even a Dao Realm expert could be discarded and erased at any moment.
In their eyes, what had happened tonight clearly showed that the royal family was favoring the Heavenly Divine General faction.
Otherwise, how could the Heavenly Divine General faction have the power to mobilize Chu Gucheng's trusted confidant?
"What happened tonight, I will report truthfully to the Marquis. He must know how the forces in the capital are treating him," Han Feng said through gritted teeth, his face filled with anger and hatred.
"The Heavenly Divine General faction took advantage of the Marquis's absence from the capital to send people to attack the Champion Marquis's residence, causing his family to suffer humiliation and take their own lives. The royal family, knowing this, not only did not punish the Heavenly Divine General faction but also covered up for them, trying to hide the truth. Such actions are truly chilling," Chu Bai said coldly.
He had narrowly escaped death tonight. While still shaken, he was also filled with anger.
However, he had already seen the true face of the Immortal Chu Dynasty's royal family and Chu Gucheng's methods. Thinking about it now, it didn't seem surprising at all.
Gu Changge looked at the indignant crowd, put down his wine cup, and smiled lightly. "How can you be so sure that it was the Heavenly Divine General faction targeting your Marquis? Without evidence, making baseless accusations—is this the way of the Immortal Chu Dynasty?"
His words left everyone stunned.
Yes, where was the evidence? What proof did they have that this was the work of the Heavenly Divine General faction?
They could all hear the hint of mockery in Gu Changge's words.
Previously, Chu Gucheng had accused the Heaven-Slaying Alliance of being remnants of the Black Calamity without any evidence, calling on the forces of the Prime-Origin Civilization to unite and eliminate them.
Chu Bai's expression changed, his thoughts in turmoil.
At this moment, the artifact spirit of the Sun-Shooting Bow sneered in his mind, "Could it be that the Heavenly Divine General faction is just a scapegoat?"
"A scapegoat?" Chu Bai was shocked, suddenly realizing something, his expression turning even darker.
"But aside from the Heavenly Divine General faction, which other force in the capital would see the Marquis as a thorn in their side?"
Bi Xin, wearing a purple dress with skin as white as porcelain, frowned slightly and muttered to herself, as if deep in thought.
"Haha, is the wise and virtuous Emperor Chu Gucheng truly as you see him?" Gu Changge chuckled lightly, picking up the golden scroll again, seemingly continuing to study it with interest.
As for what had happened tonight, he had already anticipated it.
After all, all of this was part of his calculations and plans.
Chu Gucheng would definitely not hand over the true culprit—the Immortal Chu Dynasty's eldest prince, Chu Wushang.
No matter the reason, for the royal family, their reputation and prestige would suffer greatly.
Weighing the pros and cons, Chu Gucheng would undoubtedly try to cover up the matter while releasing smokescreens to make the various factions suspect that the Immortal Chu Dynasty's internal factions were fighting or that some other enemy of the Champion Marquis was behind it.
This way, no one would suspect Chu Wushang for the time being.
Once the situation in the Immortal Chu Dynasty stabilized, they could deal with the matter or compensate the Champion Marquis later.
Chu Gucheng's solution was something Gu Changge had already foreseen. Now, he just needed to fan the flames at the right moment, and this spark would surely ignite a wildfire.
"What Young Master Gu said is also true. After all, we have no evidence to prove that this was the work of the Heavenly Divine General faction. It's all just speculation. Since the Heavenly Divine General faction and the Marquis's faction have had many conflicts, it's natural that we would first suspect them," Wu Xuan said after calming down slightly.
Although the Heavenly Divine General faction and the Champion Marquis faction were at odds, such underhanded and ruthless actions did not seem like something they would do.
Moreover, before the Heavenly Divine General fell, he and the Champion Marquis, Chu Heng, had always been rivals, but there was also a sense of mutual respect between them.
Logically speaking, the Champion Marquis leading his troops to the border to resist the enemy army was also partly to avenge the Heavenly Divine General.
If it really wasn't the Heavenly Divine General faction, then which force was behind it? Even Chu Gucheng's trusted confidant was involved?
"Young Master Gu, do you know something?"
Wu Xuan looked at Gu Changge, who was sitting not far away, ethereal and immortal, with a hint of respect in his eyes, and couldn't help but ask.
"Even if I told you what I know, would you believe me?" Gu Changge smiled faintly.
"Given Young Master Gu's life-saving grace tonight, we have no reason not to believe you."
Wu Xuan spoke sincerely. His injuries were severe, and it would take tens of thousands of years for him to fully recover.
In such a situation, if Gu Changge wanted to harm them, they would have no way to resist. Therefore, Gu Changge had no reason to deceive them.
"Haha, do you really think I'm some kind of good person? I saved you not out of kindness, but because your survival benefits me more," Gu Changge glanced at them, still smiling faintly, not hiding his intentions.
"Regardless, the fact that Young Master Gu saved us is undeniable."
Wu Xuan smiled slightly. He also didn't believe that Gu Changge would save a group of strangers for no reason.
Hearing Gu Changge directly state his purpose, Wu Xuan felt relieved and even developed a sense of goodwill toward Gu Changge.
This mysterious Young Master Gu was not one to beat around the bush. He was straightforward and direct, not someone who would scheme behind the scenes.
"Back in Purple Return City, Uncle Fu was also saved by Young Master Gu. Young Master Gu's character is beyond doubt," Chu Bai suddenly spoke up, as if remembering something.
His words stunned everyone, and they all turned to look at him. Uncle Fu had been saved by Gu Changge?
But what about the rumors in the capital that Uncle Fu had abandoned Chu Xia and fled for his life?
Seeing everyone's expressions, Chu Bai knew what they were thinking. His face showed a mix of anger and coldness as he said, "In fact, the Emperor knew about this, but he never stopped the spread of the rumors. At that time, Uncle Fu exhausted all his strength to delay the Demon Court's Seventh Prince, Di Kun, to buy time for Chu Xia to escape. But Di Kun was too strong. After severely injuring Uncle Fu, he went after Chu Xia..."
Through his explanation, Wu Xuan and the others finally understood the details of Chu Xia's death. Their expressions were complex.
They had also found it hard to believe that the loyal old minister of the Immortal Chu Dynasty would abandon Chu Xia and flee for his life.
But why had Chu Gucheng never stopped these rumors? Was it because Gu Changge had saved Uncle Fu?
Did that mean Chu Gucheng was petty and narrow-minded?
Many of them from The Mansion of Exceptional Talents had received Uncle Fu's kindness and held great respect for the old man.
Now, though feeling slightly relieved, their emotions were also complex. Chu Gucheng was not the wise and just ruler they had once believed him to be.
"I have always admired loyal and dutiful ministers. Knowing that death was certain, he still chose to delay the enemy to give the Emperor's son a chance to escape. Such a person should not have died protecting a useless and incompetent prince," Gu Changge said with a smile.
When Gu Changge called the deceased Chu Xia a "useless and incompetent prince," Chu Bai, Chu Kui, and the others did not refute him.
This was a well-known fact in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, but due to Chu Xia's status, no one had dared to speak of it before.
Now that Chu Xia was dead, they had no reason to avoid the topic.
But who could have known that Gu Changge, who should have seen the Immortal Chu Dynasty as an enemy, had saved Uncle Fu?
The old minister who had always been loyal and dedicated to the Immortal Chu Dynasty returned to find not praise or rewards, but instead was plagued by rumors and slander, growing increasingly depressed.
Even the monarch he served had gradually grown cold and distant, knowing the truth but allowing the rumors to spread.
"This is truly chilling..."
Chu Kui, who was straightforward by nature, couldn't help but feel a sense of empathy and spoke with anger.
"The Emperor is a man of great skill. Everyone has always thought him wise and benevolent, loving his ministers like his own children. Even when the Demon Court invaded, demanding that the Immortal Chu Dynasty hand me over, the Emperor never agreed. Logically, I should be grateful to him. But do you know what he did? He summoned me to the palace and left several marks in my Sun-Shooting Bow, claiming it was to prevent theft, but in reality, he was trying to gradually take control of the Sun-Shooting Bow and fully refine it," Chu Bai said coldly.
Everyone present knew that he possessed a remarkable treasure, the Sun-Shooting Bow, which was extremely precious and coveted by many Dao Realm experts.
But who could have imagined that even Chu Gucheng had his eyes on this treasure?
The Mansion of Exceptional Talents was personally established by Chu Gucheng to gather gifted individuals from all over. Many of its members held him in high regard, with some even viewing him as their faith.
But now, these events made Chu Kui and the others feel as if their faith was crumbling.
Gu Changge looked at the stunned crowd, not surprised.
A thousand-mile dike can be destroyed by an ant hole.
Now that the ant hole was gradually expanding, it was only a matter of time before the dike collapsed.
He turned his gaze back to the golden scroll in his hand. Tonight, the Immortal Chu Dynasty was lively, and this liveliness was not limited to the capital.
At this moment, deep within the Immortal Chu Dynasty's palace, it was equally lively.
"This... what is this?"
When Wu Xuan and the others came to their senses, their eyes were inevitably drawn to Gu Changge's movements, looking at the golden scroll in his hand.
The hazy paper had no words, but it resembled clear water, with ripples spreading as images began to emerge.
It was the depths of the palace, with mist rising, dancers twirling gracefully, and musicians playing in the distance—a scene of celebration and liveliness.
Around the banquet tables sat many figures. It should have been a lively feast, but now it seemed tense, as if a confrontation was brewing.
A woman with a light veil, her hair flowing like a cold moon goddess, stood up, her eyes icy. In her hand, terrifying Great Dao fluctuations were condensing.
"The Saintess Xiyuan!"
Wu Xuan exclaimed, recognizing the woman. She was none other than the Saintess Xiyuan who had appeared at Chu Gucheng's birthday banquet.
But why was she now in the depths of the palace, seemingly attending a banquet?
Around the banquet tables, the figures who had been sitting stood up one by one. Their previously smiling faces gradually turned calm, even cold.
"The Emperor, Elder Jin, and that mysterious old woman from the Yinxu Cave... even the elusive Law Sage has appeared."
Wu Xuan recognized the figures, his shock deepening.
What was happening? Were the Emperor and the others planning to join forces against the Saintess Xiyuan?
"How is this possible?"
Not only Wu Xuan, but Chu Bai, Chu Kui, Bi Xin, and the others were also shocked, unable to believe their eyes.
"Tonight, there might be a major earthquake..."
Wu Xuan muttered, his expression filled with disbelief and even fear.
The Saintess Xiyuan held an extraordinary and transcendent position in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, as her name suggested—named after the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Was Chu Gucheng out of his mind to target the Saintess Xiyuan at such a time?
"Looks like they want to replace her?"
Compared to Wu Xuan and the others' shock and disbelief, Gu Changge remained as calm as ever, even showing some interest in the spectacle.
He knew that Chu Gucheng would definitely make a move against Saintess Xiyuan. Over the past few days, Chu Xinyue had been constantly approaching her, undoubtedly planning something.
The Saintess Xiyuan was overly confident in her own strength and believed that the Immortal Chu Dynasty would not dare to act against her, which was why she had dared to attend the banquet tonight.
Before this, Gu Changge had specifically warned her.
"Haha, the arrogant will eventually pay the price for their overconfidence."
Then, Gu Changge smiled faintly and flicked his wrist. The hazy image became clearer, and sounds began to emerge.
"Chu Gucheng, how dare you scheme against me like this?"
"Elder Jin, I respected you as a senior because of my master's name. I never thought you would stoop so low, colluding with Chu Gucheng and the others to plot against me."
In the depths of the palace, the Saintess Xiyuan stood tall, her hair flowing, her face cold, and her tone icy as she swept her gaze over Chu Gucheng, the old woman from the Yinxu Cave, the Law Sage, and the others.