"If nothing unexpected happens, Chu Gucheng will likely personally visit the Champion Marquis's residence to offer his condolences."
"Chu Heng, the Champion Marquis, is still at the frontlines, fighting against the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain's forces. He won't be able to return to investigate his wife's death anytime soon. Chu Gucheng anticipated this and guessed that Chu Heng would send a trusted subordinate back, so he preemptively sent shadow guards to intercept them...
The Eternal Spirit, disguised as Uncle Fu, reported respectfully, recounting everything Uncle Fu had witnessed to Gu Changge.
Gu Changge nodded slightly and smiled faintly.
"Chu Gucheng is smarter and more ruthless than I expected. However, this is exactly what I wanted."
"Find a way to leak this matter to that Chu Xi. He once served under Chu Heng, the Champion Marquis, for a period of time. He also harbors deep hatred for Chu Gucheng. He should know what to do at this moment."
The latter part of his words was directed at the Book of Scavenging's spirit.
The Sun-Shooting Bow that Chu Bai possessed was forged by Gu Changge using chaotic materials extracted from the River of Fate.
At that time, he had also left a trace of his Dao Law within it, pretending it was the Sun-Shooting Bow's innate companion spirit.
In a way, the current conflict between the Demon Court and the Immortal Chu Dynasty also originated from that Sun-Shooting Bow.
"I understand."
The Book of Scavenging's spirit nodded, her ethereal figure drifting like smoke in the void, as if without a true form.
Over this period, she had thoroughly witnessed Gu Changge's methods. Without shedding a drop of blood, he had plunged the mighty Immortal Chu Dynasty into such dire straits.
If the nation she had once served had faced an enemy like Gu Changge, its fate would likely have been no different from the Immortal Chu Dynasty's.
Such an enemy was too terrifying, enough to make one's courage falter and tremble.
"Don't worry. I've promised you that once everything is done, I will fulfill my promise. I won't go back on my word."
Gu Changge smiled faintly, as if he knew the Book of Scavenging's spirit's concerns.
Although he hadn't inquired about the Book of Scavenging's spirit's origins, he knew she longed to escape from the Book of Scavenging, regain her freedom, and seek revenge on the enemy who had sealed her within it.
Gu Changge could indeed help her escape and reshape her body now, but he had no intention of doing so.
Because in her current state, the Book of Scavenging's spirit was more useful to him.
Once the Book of Scavenging's spirit was no longer useful to him, he would indeed help her escape. Gu Changge wasn't the type to break his word on such matters.
"I naturally believe you."
The Book of Scavenging's spirit nodded. She understood that, apart from trusting Gu Changge, she had no other choice.
Although everything was currently unfolding according to Gu Changge's predictions, it wasn't so easy to completely collapse the mighty Immortal Chu Dynasty.
The allied forces of the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain were continuously pressing forward, but they hadn't caused much substantial damage to the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
So far, only one Heavenly Divine General had died in battle.
The other Divine Generals who had gone to the frontlines had escaped with severe injuries. As for other Dao Realm existences, they had fled into the void after being defeated, making it difficult to capture them.
Dao Realm existences were the true key to determining the outcome of the war. Cultivators and living beings of other levels, to put it bluntly, were merely cannon fodder in such a great war.
Even Immortal Kings and Quasi-Immortal Emperors were just slightly larger cannon fodder.
Only Immortal Emperors and higher-level Dao Realm existences were the decisive forces in determining victory.
Even though the Demon Court had obtained the Ancient Heavenly Demon Soul Devouring Formation from Gu Changge, it required the sacrifice of a vast number of demonic beings to unleash its true power.
And those sacrificed demonic beings were merely cannon fodder used to deplete the enemy's strength in the war. They couldn't influence the overall situation of the battlefield.
The Demon Court's initial success, using the Ancient Heavenly Demon Soul Devouring Formation to catch the Immortal Chu Dynasty off guard, was entirely due to the large number of Dao Realm existences participating in the battle at that time.
If there were enough Dao Realm existences, they could completely overpower the Ancient Heavenly Demon Soul Devouring Formation with sheer force.
At this point, it had to be acknowledged that the Immortal Chu Dynasty's foundation was indeed formidable and not to be underestimated.
The number of Dao Realm existences far exceeded that of ordinary immortal orthodoxies.
Thus, even with Purple Mist Mountain's intervention, the Immortal Chu Dynasty hadn't suffered heavy losses.
Of course, another reason was that the other orthodoxies of the Prime-Origin Civilization were still watching from the sidelines.
Purple Mist Mountain and the Demon Court couldn't truly go all out, as they needed to keep significant forces to defend their territories.
Especially now that the Immortal Chu Dynasty was uniting various forces to besiege Purple Mist Mountain, believing it to be colluding with the remnants of the Black Calamity.
Gu Changge had actually considered this.
With Zi Wanhe's abilities, how had he obtained a replica of a replica of the Coffin of World Burial?
Moreover, that black coffin contained flesh and blood corrupted by dark matter.
Others might not see it, but Gu Changge could definitely tell.
The black mist currently spreading across the Immortal Chu Dynasty's territories was actually emitted by that piece of flesh and blood corrupted by dark matter, but it wasn't pure dark matter.
The difference between the two was like the difference between that black coffin and the real Coffin of World Burial.
This made Gu Changge suspect that, over the long epochs, some orthodoxies might have been trying to imitate him, attempting to recreate dark matter and revive the Heaven-Slaying Organization.
Of course, it was also possible that this was the work of the remnants of the Black Calamity.
The master of Purple Mist Mountain, Zi Wanhe, had already come into contact with the remnants of the Black Calamity in secret.
Although the remnants of the Black Calamity were remnants of the Heaven-Slaying Organization, they had little to do with Gu Changge. He hadn't planned to leave such an organization behind.
In his plans, the Heaven-Slaying Organization was a term from the ancient era. Through the evolution of time and the passage of epochs, it should have been destroyed and buried in the annals of history.
But even today, remnants of the Black Calamity were still active in various parts of the vast expanse, lurking within different orthodoxies and civilizations.
This was indeed somewhat unexpected for Gu Changge.
As the former leader of the Heaven-Slaying Organization, it was logical that after his demise and sealing, the Heaven-Slaying Organization should have been besieged by various civilizations and completely annihilated.
Gu Changge hadn't intended to leave the Heaven-Slaying Organization as a backup.
Because the original purpose of establishing this organization was for it to be destroyed in the end.
In a way, from the moment the Heaven-Slaying Organization was established, its eventual destruction was already destined.
After resolving the matters in the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Gu Changge felt it necessary to investigate the current remnants of the Black Calamity.
Perhaps these remnants could still be of use to him.
"This Great Creation Pill of Transformation, I will entrust to you. You've always been clever. You should know what to do."
"Back then, Saintess Xiyuan allowed you to stay in the Xiyuan Sacred Hall for a time out of respect for me. At this time, approaching Saintess Xiyuan shouldn't raise too much suspicion."
Meanwhile, deep within the Immortal Chu Dynasty's palace.
Chu Gucheng and Chu Xinyue, father and daughter, were secretly discussing something.
As he spoke, he took out the Great Creation Pill of Transformation sealed within the brocade pouch.
The pill was the size of a fist, incredibly divine, emitting a hazy mist. Each orifice seemed to spray out radiant light, as if it could evolve into any living being in the myriad worlds.
"Father, don't worry. I know what to do. I've already consulted Senior Xingying about the intricacies of this Great Creation Pill of Transformation. I guarantee there won't be any mistakes."
Chu Xinyue nodded, her expression serious. She carefully took the Great Creation Pill of Transformation and stored it with great care.
Chu Gucheng nodded with satisfaction. "Regarding this matter, you must keep it absolutely secret. No one can know. In just three days, the situation of our Immortal Chu Dynasty will completely change."
"From then on, the entire Prime-Origin Civilization will be under the control of our Chu family."
"I understand, Father."
Chu Xinyue knew the importance of this matter and nodded solemnly.
Then, as if remembering something, she hesitated and asked, "Father, about the incident at the Champion Marquis's residence... was it really Big Brother who..."
When she first heard the news, she had been shocked, unable to understand who could be so bold.
But after careful consideration and connecting it to what had happened in the palace today, she couldn't help but have some unsettling thoughts.
Hearing this, Chu Gucheng's smile faded.
He rubbed his temples with a headache and then said, "As for this matter, it's best not to inquire further. You must believe in your Big Brother. Wushang has always been steady and mature. He wouldn't do something so reckless."
Hearing this, Chu Xinyue immediately understood. Her expression turned serious, and she nodded. "I understand, Father. I've always believed in Big Brother. Whatever he does, he must have his reasons."
Chu Gucheng smiled with relief.
"Then I'll take my leave now."
Chu Xinyue didn't stay long and soon left.
However, her heart wasn't as calm as it appeared on the surface.
She couldn't understand why her always steady and mature brother had done such a thing last night. But why?
Chu Xinyue was utterly perplexed. When she was young, she had often followed Chu Wushang around.
Back then, Qinglan, the Champion Marquis's wife, had been very close to her brother. They were childhood sweethearts, and many believed they would eventually become a couple.
But fate played a cruel joke, and what happened later was beyond everyone's expectations.
It seemed that after so many years, her brother still hadn't let go of the past.
Outside the palace, Ouyang Ji, the young master of the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty, was waiting for Chu Xinyue with his entourage.
Seeing Chu Xinyue walk out with a troubled expression, Ouyang Ji couldn't help but step forward and ask with concern, "Xinyue, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking about some things and got lost in thought."
Chu Xinyue glanced at Ouyang Ji, shook her head, and replied calmly.
Ouyang Ji seemed accustomed to Chu Xinyue's current lukewarm attitude and just smiled. "That's good. Last night, after you asked me, I immediately contacted my father in the Dawn Civilization and informed him of the Immortal Chu Dynasty's current situation."
"My father was deeply sympathetic and outraged. He has already sent several powerful elders from the palace to rush to the Immortal Chu Dynasty's aid. Even an Ancestral Dao Realm ancestor has set out. They should arrive soon."
Ancestral Dao Realm existences were like the foundation of an immortal orthodoxy and rarely left their territories.
Whether in the Supreme True Worlds or the vast expanse, Ancestral Dao Realm existences held a status and power far beyond ordinary Dao Realm beings.
Sending an Ancestral Dao Realm ancestor to aid them showed just how much the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty valued this matter.
Hearing this, Chu Xinyue's face also showed a rare hint of joy. She quickly put on a touched expression and said, "Thank you, Ji Lang. With the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty's help, our Immortal Chu Dynasty will surely overcome this crisis. When the time comes, Father will arrange our marriage, and no one will dare say anything."
Ouyang Ji smiled. "Xinyue, what are you saying? Between us, there's no need for such formalities."
Although the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty wasn't the top orthodoxy in the Dawn True World, its foundation and strength were not to be underestimated.
At its peak, the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty could rival the most powerful immortal orthodoxies.
To be honest, if it were any other woman, she might have been moved by Ouyang Ji's sincere attitude. But Chu Xinyue wasn't.
Although she appeared deeply moved on the surface, she still felt that Ouyang Ji was too much of a fool.
In such a short time, he had already fallen under her spell, completely infatuated and incapable of great responsibilities.
If Ouyang Ji had some capability, she might have genuinely considered an alliance with the Carefree Heavenly Dynasty.
But once her goals were achieved, Chu Xinyue would definitely kick Ouyang Ji aside without hesitation.
"I'm going to visit Saintess Xiyuan later to inquire about the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Ji Lang, would you like to come with me?"
Chu Xinyue's mind raced with various thoughts, but on the surface, she smiled and asked.
"Saintess Xiyuan?"
Ouyang Ji was stunned, then seemed to remember something and quickly shook his head. "It's better for you to visit her alone. I've heard Saintess Xiyuan has a temper. Many who've tried to visit her recently have been turned away. I don't want to get rejected."
Chu Xinyue smiled faintly, not surprised.
Saintess Xiyuan was a tough nut to crack. Even her father found it difficult to meet her.
However, when she was young, Saintess Xiyuan had allowed her to train at the Xiyuan Sacred Hall for a time out of respect for her father.
With this connection, Chu Xinyue felt that visiting Saintess Xiyuan shouldn't be a problem.
After parting with Ouyang Ji, Chu Xinyue took her people straight to the pavilion where Saintess Xiyuan was staying.
On the way, she secretly swallowed the Great Creation Pill of Transformation. A hazy, mist-like sensation enveloped her soul.
Chu Xinyue could clearly feel a unique aura surrounding her, rising and falling with her breath.
It seemed that with just a thought, she could capture the movements, forms, and auras of anyone around her.
"So this is what Senior Xingying meant by 'formless and ever-changing.' It's truly marvelous and unbelievable."
Chu Xinyue was deeply amazed. The feeling of being able to transform into anyone with just a thought was incredibly profound and wondrous.
This transformation wasn't just physical. It included the target's aura, thoughts, fate, and other intangible aspects.
In other words, she could seamlessly become another person and take over their life.
Of course, the Great Creation Pill of Transformation had its limitations. It could only mimic the target's cultivation aura, not their actual strength.
If a fight broke out, she would be easily exposed.
However, Chu Xinyue wasn't worried about this. After all, the person she was imitating was Saintess Xiyuan. Who would dare to attack Saintess Xinyuan?
In the courtyard, a jade talisman in Gu Changge's hand glowed, transmitting Ouyang Ji's respectful voice.
"Young Master Gu, Chu Gucheng and Chu Xinyue, father and daughter, are secretly plotting against Saintess Xiyuan. I don't know what methods they plan to use, but from Chu Xinyue's expression, it seems they're quite confident."
"If Saintess Xiyuan falls into their hands, the entire situation in the Prime-Origin Civilization could undergo an unpredictable reversal."
"Right now, Chu Xinyue is on her way to visit Saintess Xiyuan."
"Dealing with Saintess Xiyuan?"
Gu Changge rubbed the jade talisman, deep in thought.
Saintess Xiyuan possessed the Mirror of Reincarnation and was skilled in divination and simulation, allowing her to foresee and evade danger. It was impossible for her not to sense her own peril.
But even Gu Changge couldn't guarantee that every plan would be flawless and without loopholes.
It was entirely possible for Saintess Xiyuan to have a moment of oversight.
"In that case, I'd like to see what methods Chu Gucheng and his daughter have."
Gu Changge chuckled, put away the jade talisman, and then headed toward the pavilion where Saintess Xiyuan was staying.
For now, he had no plans to leave the Immortal Chu Dynasty. Moreover, due to Chu Gucheng's strict searches under the guise of catching the culprit, none of the distinguished guests could leave for the time being.
Meanwhile, at the border between the Immortal Chu Dynasty and the Demon Court.
A dense, surging demonic aura filled the entire universe, rolling like a tidal wave.