When Gu Changge returned to the headquarters of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance in the Prime-Origin Civilization with Yao Yao, it was already half a year later. During this time, he had stayed in the Dao Prosperity True World.
Qingshan Village remained unchanged, just as it had been when he left, except that many generations of villagers had come and gone.
Su Qingge, who lived a secluded and tranquil life, continued her peaceful existence, picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence and returning home under the moonlight with a hoe on her shoulder.
The last time Gu Changge returned to the Dao Prosperity True World, he had secretly planted a Dao Realm Seed within her, though he never told Su Qingge about it.
Although she had grown weary of the struggles of cultivation and allowed time to flow over her, waiting for the day she would grow old and pass away, Gu Changge knew she feared showing signs of aging in front of him, her beauty fading into decay.
Naturally, he would not allow those close to him to wither and die before his eyes.
Life in Qingshan Village remained as simple and peaceful as ever. The two of them wandered through the mountains and rivers, building a hut before the green hills.
The mountain air was refreshing at dusk, and birds returned to their nests in flocks.
On overcast days, the entire mountain forest was shrouded in a light mist. Gu Changge would leisurely recline on a wicker chair in front of the blue-tiled house, his eyes slightly closed, his mind completely at ease, like a tired bird returning to its forest.
He hadn't expected to sleep for an entire day.
When he woke up, the sky had cleared. The air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass after the rain. Su Qingge sat beside him, gently resting his head on her lap and smoothing out his furrowed brows.
"You must have been very tired these past years, Young Master…" she whispered, her voice tinged with heartache. "You haven't had a proper rest."
Gu Changge smiled but didn't elaborate on the topic. He also didn't mention the events that had transpired in the Vast Expanse over the years.
Since she had grown tired of the deceit and scheming of the cultivation world, he naturally wouldn't drag her back into it, not even by mentioning it.
This peaceful, desire-free life was actually quite good.
During their time in Qingshan Village, Su Qingge would share various anecdotes and observations from her years of seclusion, from the birds and fireflies above to the green trees and flowers below. Gu Changge had thought she might feel lonely or bored, but her current state of mind truly surprised him.
She seemed to have truly merged with the surrounding heaven and earth, becoming one with nature.
Every grain of dust, every green leaf, every blade of grass, every bird flying overhead, and every spider weaving its web under the eaves—to her, they were all complete lives, each with its own joys and sorrows.
She could genuinely sense their emotional fluctuations.
Though she no longer cultivated, her state of mind surpassed cultivation itself. In Gu Changge's eyes, her harmony with nature was the true embodiment of the Dao of Heaven and Earth.
Perhaps one day, when she realized this, she would understand that her time of seclusion in Qingshan Village was the true Natural Dao that countless cultivators and beings spent their lives pursuing.
During the half year he spent in the Dao Prosperity True World, Gu Changge also devoted considerable effort to Yao Yao.
After laying a supreme foundation for her, he used Creation Substances and Immortal Substances to cleanse her meridians, reverse her innate constitution, and forge a flawless, pristine Innate Physique.
In just half a year, Yao Yao's cultivation had approached that of a Dao Attainment Expert, leaving Yin Mei and Wang Zijin, who witnessed this firsthand, utterly astonished and terrified.
Of course, a significant part of this was due to Yao Yao possessing the memories and experiences of Tao Yao's past cultivation.
Facing bottlenecks in her cultivation was hardly a challenge for her. Breaking through realms was as natural as water flowing downhill.
In a short time, she broke through multiple realms, first entering the Sacred Realm, then the Emperor Realm, becoming a "Young Empress."
The resources Gu Changge expended for her were naturally staggering and terrifying.
With such an investment, even an ordinary person could be transformed into a peerless genius, surpassing countless others.
However, if Yao Yao wanted to break into the Immortal Realm and later the Dao Realm, it wouldn't be so simple. These realms couldn't be achieved through mere resource accumulation.
Moreover, relying solely on resources wouldn't be particularly beneficial for her cultivation.
The only regret was that Yao Yao didn't possess the astonishing fate and fortune of a Child of Destiny. Her uniqueness lay in being the transformed Dao Fruit of Tao Yao.
But even at her peak, Tao Yao's cultivation had never reached the Dao Realm. Yao Yao's innate talent was still inferior to the descendants of Dao Realm existences.
Regarding this issue, Gu Changge had other plans, but they would have to wait until they returned to the Prime-Origin Civilization to be implemented.
Yin Mei and Wang Zijin were seeing Gu Changge treat someone so seriously for the first time, and it felt somewhat surreal to them.
Of course, Yin Mei knew Yao Yao. On the day of the grand wedding, Yao Yao had come with Gu Xian'er.
Before that, she also knew that Gu Changge had taken in a special disciple in a lower realm and kept her in Peach Village.
In that sense, Yao Yao could be considered Gu Changge's true disciple, aside from Chan Hongyi. It made sense that he would be so devoted to her.
However, the fact that Gu Changge, who had always been cold and indifferent, rarely showing warmth to others, would act this way felt somewhat bizarre to Wang Zijin and the others.
Still, during this time, Yao Yao's constant calls of "Master's Wife" made them feel quite pleased.
They also grew quite fond of this clever and well-behaved girl.
Before leaving the Dao Prosperity True World, Wang Zijin wanted Gu Changge to take her along to see the Vast Expanse.
Mainly, she felt that staying in the Dao Prosperity True World was too dull and boring, and she was immensely curious about the broader, more vast world.
However, Gu Changge refused outright, citing her weak cultivation, and even threatened to throw her into a pit and seal her there for a thousand years if she dared to follow.
This made Wang Zijin grit her teeth in frustration, vowing that the next time they met, she would astonish him and make him see her in a new light. Once she broke through to the Dao Realm, she would be able to leave the Dao Prosperity True World and traverse the Vast Expanse on her own.
Gu Changge merely chuckled and left the Dao Prosperity True World with Yao Yao, without alerting anyone else.
Upon returning to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, Zhuo Fengxie and the others were deeply shocked and surprised by the girl Gu Changge had brought back.
This young girl, with her jade-like skin and delicate features, exuded an indescribable aura of spirituality.
Yao Yao clung tightly to Gu Changge's sleeve, following him obediently and quietly, her large, bright black eyes like gemstones observing the members of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
However, Gu Changge didn't explain much to the group, simply stating that she was his disciple.
This statement only further shocked Zhuo Fengxie, Hun Yuanjun, and Chu Heng.
They had thought Yao Yao was another individual with great fortune, like Mo Tong, whom Gu Changge had brought from somewhere. Who could have imagined that this young girl was actually his disciple?
To be taken as a disciple by Gu Changge was an immense honor and an unbelievable event.
What kind of extraordinary qualities did this quiet little girl possess?
With their insight, they couldn't discern anything particularly special about Yao Yao. In fact, her bone structure, talent, and fortune seemed far inferior to Mo Tong, who had trained under the White Bone Ancestor King.
However, since Gu Changge had declared her his disciple, there must be a reason for it.
Regardless of whether this girl had any special qualities, they would need to treat her with utmost respect.
The disciple of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's leader—just this identity alone was enough to strike fear into countless hearts.
During her time with Gu Changge, Yao Yao had been obedient and sensible, knowing not to ask questions she shouldn't. But now, she could see that this group of terrifyingly powerful beings held immense respect and fear for her master, Gu Changge.
The moment Gu Changge declared her his disciple, everyone's expressions and gazes changed, looking at her with newfound respect.
Yao Yao was curious. What had her master done in the Vast Expanse over the years? Each of these beings seemed far more terrifying than even Jiu Jianxian and Ming from the Dao Prosperity True World.
---
"Alliance Leader, a woman named Luo Xiangjun came looking for you a few months ago. However, you weren't here at the time, so we asked her to wait in a nearby starry region…"
Then, the White Bone Ancestor King, Zhuo Fengxie, and others began reporting on the recent developments within the Heaven-Slaying Alliance in Gu Changge's presence.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance had now essentially established a unified dominance over the Prime-Origin Civilization. Various sects and forces had either submitted or been destroyed.
Although there were still voices of resistance in some remote regions, their impact on the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's momentum was negligible.
During this period, the Heaven-Slaying Alliance had shifted its focus to other True Worlds, expanding its influence and radiating its presence outward.
At the same time, it had been spreading its doctrines and teachings in neighboring True Worlds, absorbing followers, constructing Heaven-Slaying Shrines, and promoting the alliance's mission of slaying the heavens, as well as the impending Tribulation Reckoning and the arrival of the Great Calamity.
---
"Luo Xiangjun?"
"I didn't expect her to still be alive."
The moment Gu Changge heard this name, he paused briefly before recalling the "thief" he had encountered in the Immortal Spirit Civilization.
He knew Luo Xiangjun wouldn't dare to abscond with the Eternal Secret Treasure, but her prolonged absence had likely meant she had perished within it.
The Eternal Secret Treasure was of little use to Gu Changge now, serving only to bolster the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's reserves.
Thus, he hadn't bothered to care about Luo Xiangjun's fate, nor had he tried to deduce her whereabouts or survival.
"For her to come seeking me now, it seems she has a request."
After a moment of contemplation, Gu Changge didn't ask the White Bone Ancestor King and the others to summon Luo Xiangjun. If she had a request, she would be more anxious than him.
Then, he took Yao Yao back to his residence within the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, a secluded courtyard hidden within a valley.
"Peach blossoms…"
Yao Yao immediately noticed the miles of vibrant peach blossoms in the valley, their petals dazzling and fragrant, filling her eyes with delight.
"You'll stay here for now," Gu Changge said casually, leading her into the valley.
Suddenly, the sound of clinking chains echoed through the air. A slender figure emerged from the valley entrance, having heard the commotion.
Yao Yao stared at the elegant woman who had suddenly appeared, noticing the shackles around her ankles. She was momentarily stunned, unsure of how to address her.
"Is this… one of the Master's Wives? Master…"
She turned to Gu Changge and asked softly.
Ling Yuling, hearing this address, was also momentarily stunned. Master's Wife? Could this girl be Gu Changge's disciple?
"She's not a Master's Wife. I am."
A slightly playful voice chimed in as Mu Yan walked out from behind Ling Yuling, a smile on her face.
"What a lovely girl. When you grow up, you might even be as beautiful as me."
She looked at Yao Yao, wanting to pinch her smooth, snow-white cheek.
Yao Yao, feeling nervous, clutched Gu Changge's sleeve and quickly hid behind him.
"Neither of them. You don't need to pay them any mind."
Gu Changge shook his head, taking her hand and leading her into the valley.
After half a year, Yao Yao had grown into a young girl, and he naturally couldn't carry her as he used to.
Hearing this, Yao Yao felt a sense of relief for some reason. It was good that they weren't.
"What do you mean, 'neither'? If she's your disciple, then I'm naturally her Master's Wife…" Mu Yan followed behind, feeling somewhat annoyed by Gu Changge's denial.
Master's Wife?
Ling Yuling remained as elegant and dignified as ever, watching as Gu Changge led Yao Yao past her. Her gaze dimmed slightly.
She had come to greet him upon hearing his return, hoping to take the initiative and gradually resolve the misunderstandings and grievances between them.
But Gu Changge completely ignored her, treating her as if she were invisible.
This left Ling Yuling feeling a pang of bitterness and sorrow.
Over the past six months, she had stayed in this valley, stripped of her former cultivation and reduced to an ordinary woman, struggling even to walk.
However, this had also allowed her to calm down and reflect on many things, including the events that had led to the current state of the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Though she had her own principles and reasons, she had also tried to put herself in Gu Changge's shoes.
If she were in his position, could she have been as magnanimous as he had been?
To constantly oppose him, betray his trust and lifesaving grace, and conspire with various forces to trap and kill him?
Would she have forgiven him?