Gu Changge naturally wouldn't believe the nonsense spouted by this White-Boned Demon.
If he hadn't been so forceful, she would likely have continued hiding in her coffin, refusing to show herself.
As for the people of the Boundary Void Ridge, they believed she had submitted to his coercion and intimidation to protect the Boundary Void Ridge.
But Gu Changge knew better. If he hadn't locked onto her early on, she would have long abandoned the Boundary Void Ridge and fled. There was no way she would have stayed to protect it.
Her seemingly righteous and fearless demeanor was nothing more than a shameless facade.
There was no way she would willingly serve him.
Of course, Gu Changge didn't care about any of this.
The fundamental reason he was recruiting these powerful beings around the Xiyuan Civilization was to create the illusion that he needed them to serve him, thereby intimidating the various factions.
He had other, deeper intentions.
"Next, it's time to visit the Crossing Nether Temple."
Gu Changge pondered.
The Crossing Nether Temple was another forbidden land similar to the Boundary Void Ridge, located near the Xiyuan Civilization.
Within the Crossing Nether Temple, there was also an aura that slightly interested him. Although not as strong as Mu Fuguang, it wasn't far behind.
"The Crossing Nether Temple? Could it be that old bald monk who once tried to convert me?"
Mu Fuguang was smiling brightly, her eyes sparkling. Although Gu Changge ignored her, she kept staring at his back, as if scheming something.
Hearing Gu Changge's almost whispered words, she couldn't help but be stunned.
"It seems you know him?" Gu Changge glanced back at her.
Mu Fuguang showed a thoughtful expression, then nodded. "We've had some dealings in the past. After all, his secluded place isn't far from mine. It's said that he's one of the three corpses severed by a Buddha Lord. His origins are quite remarkable."
"A Buddha Lord?"
Gu Changge smiled noncommittally.
Mu Fuguang felt there was something意味深长 about his smile.
"Since you're familiar with him, things will be easier. I'll leave the task of recruiting him to you," Gu Changge said.
Mu Fuguang quickly shook her head. "Alliance Leader, I'm not good at fighting, and I can't beat that old bald monk. I almost got converted by him back then."
"Look at my thin arms and legs—they can't withstand much. You should just treat me as a vase..."
"I can do laundry, cook, serve tea, massage your shoulders, clean the courtyard, trim the flowers... I can do it all..."
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord, who had been silently following behind, almost had his eyes pop out at these words.
How could the Great Boss, revered like a deity by the Boundary Void Ridge, so easily say such unbelievable, almost servile things?
"If you can recruit him, I'll grant you a great opportunity. It might even help you grow real flesh and blood."
Gu Changge's expression didn't change at Mu Fuguang's words. He simply spoke calmly, cutting her off.
He had come to the Boundary Void Ridge to "recruit" her precisely because he knew her capabilities.
Grant me a great opportunity? Grow real flesh and blood?
Mu Fuguang was stunned.
"Alliance Leader, rest assured. With me here, if that old bald monk dares to refuse, I'll make him cry and submit obediently."
She immediately patted her ample chest, her eyes flashing with ferocity as she solemnly promised.
"If he dares to disrespect the Alliance Leader, then his Crossing Nether Temple won't survive. Just watch how I tear it down..."
As she spoke, she rolled up her sleeves, revealing a pair of snow-white, delicate arms, looking eager for action.
The Eternal Illumination Dao Lord watched this scene, feeling the corner of his mouth twitch involuntarily.
This Great Boss was truly unique, standing out from the crowd.
After leaving the Boundary Void Ridge, Gu Changge ordered the White Bone Ancestor King and others to take over the management of the Boundary Void Ridge's powerful figures according to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's rules.
With Mu Fuguang now serving under Gu Changge, Shang Chongming and the others had no reason to refuse or resist.
Although the tranquility of the Boundary Void Ridge, maintained for countless years, had been shattered, leaving them deeply dissatisfied, at least there had been no casualties.
Compared to other factions that had been annexed or destroyed, the Boundary Void Ridge's outcome was much better.
The Sixth Boss, who had been severely injured by Gu Changge, still felt lingering fear after being revived.
The other bosses, though powerful, were on par with him in strength.
Within the current Heaven-Slaying Alliance, they were far from being top-tier. Apart from Shang Chongming and the Third Boss, none of the others had reached the Ancestral Dao Realm.
Of course, for ordinary Supreme True Worlds, this force was still formidable. Even top-tier immortal factions might not have such底蕴.
The submission of the Boundary Void Ridge, a secluded forbidden land, naturally didn't escape the notice of the various factions.
In the past, such news would have caused a huge uproar.
But for the current Heaven-Slaying Alliance, this seemed like a matter of course.
Many cultivators who heard the news were only slightly surprised before dismissing it as nothing unusual.
The Heaven-Slaying Alliance was growing increasingly prosperous and powerful. After annexing many surrounding True Worlds, it had begun to instill fear and apprehension in more distant nations and civilizations.
The emergence of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had done nothing to curb the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's expansion.
Instead, it seemed to have provoked an even greater counterattack from the Heaven-Slaying Alliance. Even with the Dark Beings lurking in the shadows, they couldn't hinder the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's expansion.
In the eyes of many cultivators, this situation was like pouring oil on a fire.
The existence of the Alliance of Righteous Unity had served no purpose and hadn't made the Heaven-Slaying Alliance feel any apprehension or restraint.
In some regions, voices had emerged calling for the Alliance of Righteous Unity to resist the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.
But these voices, amidst the overwhelming tide of resisting the Dark Beings, seemed insignificant and were quickly drowned out.
For the entire Vast Expanse, resisting the Dark Beings and resolving the Black Calamity were the top priorities.
---
Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, Guest Welcoming Peak
In a majestic mountain range, though it was already midnight, the area was still brightly lit. Stars dotted the night sky, and clouds of mist and immortal energy surged, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
Pavilions and towers were arranged in an orderly fashion, with banquet tables set up throughout.
Various spiritual wines, delicacies, and exquisite dishes were served by graceful and elegant young women.
The scenery was picturesque, almost like a dream.
Amidst the banquet, pine and bamboo trees were scattered about. Beautiful women brewed wine with pine flowers and made tea with immortal water. Some plucked the strings of zithers, their melodious music drifting through the air like tiny spirits dancing among the branches, enchanting the hearts of all who listened.
The Weiyang Emperor, Jiang Yun, sat at the head of the table in casual attire.
He seemed to be smiling, but his face, shrouded in chaotic mist, was unreadable. Only his deep, starry eyes were visible, as if they contained the vastness of the heavens.
Not far from him, the princess of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, Jiang Weiyang, sat gracefully. She wore a sapphire-blue gauze dress, her eyes covered with a white veil. Her hair was styled in an elegant cloud-like bun, adorned with a phoenix hairpin. Her slender neck resembled that of a swan, long and graceful.
Her figure was slender and graceful, like a white lotus in bloom. Her snow-white skin was flawless, with a translucent, crystalline glow.
Though she couldn't see, she still used jade chopsticks to pick up dishes from the table and brought them to her rosy lips, savoring them slowly. Her every movement exuded the noble grace of a princess.
The young men present couldn't help but sneak glances at her, their eyes filled with admiration and longing.
This treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, though blind from a young age, still radiated unparalleled beauty.
In the hearts of many, perhaps this imperfection made her even more captivating, surpassing all other beauties in the world and evoking a sense of tender affection.
Since the banquet began, Jiang Weiyang had been sitting quietly, not speaking.
She only occasionally smiled in response to the toasts from the young talents, showing her politeness.
The Weiyang Emperor also drank quietly, observing the expressions of everyone present. No one could discern his true feelings.
Though the atmosphere was harmonious and lively, no one dared to break the silence.
Tonight, the Weiyang Emperor had hosted this banquet to entertain his ministers.
The Divine Martial General, the State Preceptor, the Grand Tutor, the Prime Minister, and others had long known of the Emperor's intentions. Thus, they had specifically brought the most outstanding young talents from their families.
Additionally, the envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, who had come to seek an alliance with the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, was also present at the banquet.
Everyone knew that Princess Jiang Weiyang was the treasure of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, the apple of the Weiyang Emperor's eye. His love for her was evident to all.
So when it was suddenly revealed that the Weiyang Emperor intended to choose a husband for Princess Jiang Weiyang, how could the ministers not be shocked and astonished?
Even though they had brought the most outstanding young talents from their families, they didn't dare to overstep or show any eagerness in front of the Weiyang Emperor.
Such an opportunity to climb the social ladder was something they had never dared to dream of before.
Who could guess what the Weiyang Emperor was thinking?
After all, in the past, the Weiyang Emperor had been furious when young men pursued Jiang Weiyang, bluntly stating that such trash was unworthy of his daughter.
The Emperor's heart was inscrutable.
Even the State Preceptor and the Prime Minister, who had long served the Weiyang Emperor, couldn't fathom his thoughts or intentions.
---
"Weiyang, what do you think of the young talents of our Weiyang Immortal Dynasty in this era?"
After a long silence, the Weiyang Emperor, seemingly displeased with the quiet atmosphere, suddenly smiled and asked Jiang Weiyang.
The ministers, along with the young talents they had brought, immediately put down their chopsticks and focused intently, eager to hear Jiang Weiyang's opinion of them.
The young talents' eyes were filled with admiration and eagerness as they stared at Jiang Weiyang.
Jiang Weiyang seemed surprised that her father would ask such a question in public.
However, she calmly finished the bite of food she had picked up, then smiled and replied, "The young talents of our Weiyang Immortal Dynasty are naturally outstanding, unparalleled in talent, surpassing their peers across the ages. It wouldn't be difficult for them to become revered ancestors in the future."
Her words were not flattery.
Since the Weiyang Emperor unified the surrounding civilizations and established the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, all sects and factions had been brought under his rule, ranked according to a nine-tier official system.
Every official present was a figure at the pinnacle of power in the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, with immense cultivation and even more terrifying authority. A single stomp from them could stir up immense waves.
The young talents they had brought were undoubtedly the most outstanding in terms of cultivation, background, talent, fortune, and character, nurtured with vast resources.
Even in the Supreme True Worlds, they would be peerless figures, dominating their era and standing unrivaled among their peers.
Hearing Jiang Weiyang's words, the Weiyang Emperor seemed to smile.
The ministers also smiled, cupping their hands and saying, "Thank you for your praise, Princess. For these unworthy descendants to receive such compliments from you makes this trip worthwhile."
If not for their presence, these young talents would never have had the chance to meet the Weiyang Emperor, let alone speak so closely with Princess Jiang Weiyang.
Princess Jiang Weiyang was the Emperor's daughter.
The blood flowing through her veins destined her to stand above countless others, shining like the sun, illuminating the heavens for eternity.
No matter how outstanding these young talents were in cultivation, talent, or fortune, they could only bask in her radiance.
Who would dare to imagine the possibility of marrying her?
Such thoughts, if they dared to have them, would undoubtedly be detected by the Weiyang Emperor.
The consequences would be unimaginable.
"It seems Weiyang is quite satisfied with all of you. In that case, take this opportunity to showcase yourselves in front of her."
The Weiyang Emperor's deep eyes swept over the young talents as he spoke with a smile.
The young talents perked up at his words, ready to step forward.
At this moment, the envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, who had been quietly drinking, finally spoke up, his tone tinged with regret. "If we had known earlier that Your Majesty intended to choose a husband for Princess Weiyang, our King would have surely sent the Ninth Prince."
Hearing this, the ministers and young talents present all slightly changed their expressions.
They hadn't expected the envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom to suddenly bring this up at such a time.
Was the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom also planning to intervene and seek Princess Weiyang's hand in marriage?
The young talents' expressions darkened, and many of their gazes turned heavy.
Though they had hearts of invincibility and unshakable Dao hearts, they lacked confidence when it came to winning Princess Weiyang's favor.
The more talented young men joined the competition, the tougher it would be for them.
Moreover, the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom was an ancient nation that had once reached the level of a Supreme True World. It had existed even longer than the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, predating the establishment of the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty by the Weiyang Emperor.
Of course, the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom was no longer at its peak, but its底蕴 and strength were still formidable.
The offspring of the current King of Nanzhao would undoubtedly possess terrifying talent and bloodline.
"Oh? What's so special about the Ninth Prince of Nanzhao?"
The Weiyang Emperor seemed intrigued. He took a sip of wine and asked with interest.
"The Ninth Prince is the King's son born in this era. In the history of our Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom, his talent is truly unparalleled, with innate foundations that are unprecedented. The King even spent immense resources to build a Dao foundation for the Ninth Prince."
"Though only a few thousand years old, the Ninth Prince has already reached the pinnacle of the Immortal Dao, gazing upon the path to the Dao Realm..."
The envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom was a clean-shaven, middle-aged man with a fair complexion. He wore a wide-sleeved robe and a tall hat, exuding an air of scholarly elegance.
He smiled as he explained, his eyes filled with pride.
The ministers present were shocked, and many couldn't help but inhale sharply. To reach the pinnacle of the Immortal Dao in just a few thousand years?
This was practically a young Immortal Emperor, already touching the path to the Dao Realm.
Such talent could only be described as terrifying and unimaginable.
The young talents felt even more pressure, their hearts heavy.
Such a prodigy, blessed with incredible opportunities and fortune, and aided by his noble bloodline, was truly born at the finish line that billions of beings could only dream of reaching.
"Hahaha, now that you mention it, I do recall something. During a game of chess with the King of Nanzhao, he once mentioned his son. He had ventured into ancient ruins to find fragments of true forms left behind by deceased innate gods..." The Weiyang Emperor also smiled, seemingly quite pleased.
The young talents felt an overwhelming sense of pressure and discouragement.
In the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty, they were the cream of the crop, unrivaled among their peers. But when looking at the entire Vast Expanse, talents like them were as numerous as the stars in the sky.
From this perspective, their chances of marrying Princess Weiyang were almost nonexistent.
"The King has indeed poured much effort into the Ninth Prince."
"Since Your Majesty intends to choose a husband for Princess Weiyang, why limit your vision to the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty? Why not consider other options?" The envoy from the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom smiled.
He had come on behalf of the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom to discuss joining the Alliance of Righteous Unity with the Weiyang Immortal Dynasty.
As for the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom had never considered it.
With the Alliance of Righteous Unity growing increasingly powerful and many civilizations joining, the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom had no choice but to consider this matter.
Otherwise, when the Dark Beings attacked, they might find themselves isolated and without allies.