Chapter 703: Judgment
Immortal Ancient Gu Family, Branch Hall of Law Enforcement.
The hall, cast entirely from Profound Black Dense Iron, exuded a solemn atmosphere, carrying an inviolable coldness and killing intent.
Above the hall, five black iron seats were arranged side-by-side, occupied by five white-haired, stern-faced Elders.
They were the most revered Elders of the Third Branch, all cultivating in the early stage of the Great Emperor realm, with the foremost Elder possessing the cultivation of the Four Tribulation.
Below them, standing on either side, were dozens of Gu Family clansmen with varied expressions, looking upon the solitary, kneeling figure in the center of the hall with confusion and deep distress.
Gu Zhaojun, clad only in a plain white single garment, appeared thin, yet her back was ramrod straight as she knelt alone in the center of the hall.
Her long hair hung down, obscuring most of her face, revealing a tightly drawn jawline and pale, bloodless lips.
Her hands were bound before her by a pair of Spirit-Restraining Shackles.
She could clearly feel the needle-like gazes cast upon her from all directions, and hear the undisguised discussions and mockery.
"...Truly shameless!"
"Indeed, she was the most outstanding Heaven's Favored Daughter of our branch, yet she committed such a disgraceful act. She has utterly disgraced the honor of our Gu Family!"
"I heard she won't even reveal who the adulterer is. Perhaps she was tricked by some wild man and is still foolishly protecting him!"
"Hmph, no matter who it is, violating the clan rules must be severely punished! Otherwise, where is the authority of the clan rules?!"
Every vicious word was like a poison-laced icicle, stabbing deep into Gu Zhaojun's heart.
Her body trembled slightly, and a wave of bleak sorrow surged within her.
Among the onlookers, only Xiao Yu cast a sympathetic and kind glance.
"Sister Jun..."
She wanted to defend Gu Zhaojun, but her status was too low, and she was not taken seriously at all.
In the crowd, Xiao Yu anxiously looked towards the figure seated furthest to the left on the black iron chairs—Gu Zhaojun's father, Gu Mingxuan.
He was one of the core decision-makers of the Third Branch, possessing a cultivation of a Two Tribulations Great Emperor himself, and held considerable prestige within the branch.
If he spoke up, the punishment his daughter faced could at least be significantly lessened.
However, at this moment, Gu Mingxuan's large hands gripped the armrests tightly, his face as gloomy as water.
Looking at his daughter below the hall, his eyes were filled with disappointment and anger.
The Third Branch had suffered a decline in population in recent years, having not produced a Great Emperor beyond the Six Tribulation stage for a long time. If not for the lingering prestige of the Twenty-third Ancestor who entered the Ancestral Tomb, their standing would likely have been surpassed by other branches long ago.
Because of this, he carried immense pressure, placing all his hopes on Gu Zhaojun.
Since childhood, Gu Zhaojun had enjoyed the full cultivation support of the Third Branch; all resources were tilted towards her, with the sole expectation that she could soar to the heavens and restore the prestige of the Third Branch.
Gu Zhaojun did not disappoint; her talent was extraordinary, and her cultivation diligent.
Not just him, the entire Third Branch viewed her as their future hope.
But now... she actually... had an illicit affair, and was even Secretly Pregnant?!
This was practically a resounding slap to the face of the Third Branch!
Of course... what Gu Mingxuan found even harder to accept was that even now, his daughter stubbornly refused to name the adulterer!
Who was she protecting?
Who exactly was that man?
Was he worth her risking violation of clan rules, ruining her own future, and causing such humiliation to him, her father?!
The overwhelming rage was almost drowning him. Sensing the gazes from the Elders, he was forced to stand up: "Gu Zhaojun, do you know your crime!"
Gu Zhaojun's body trembled slightly, and she slowly raised her head.
Beneath her messy hair, a beautiful yet pale and haggard face was revealed.
Her eyes, once bright and intelligent, were now dull and full of exhaustion.
She parted her lips, her voice dry and hoarse: "This daughter... knows her crime."
"Knows your crime?"
Gu Mingxuan's anger intensified: "Since you know your crime, then tell us who that person is!"
"Who exactly dared to seduce the Gu Family's favored daughter, ruin your purity, and disrupt your Dao heart?!"
"As long as you speak the truth, your father will surely seek justice for you!"
"Daughter... cannot say."
Gu Zhaojun lowered her head, her voice soft but carrying a surprising firmness.
What happened was an accident, a result of her own selfishness that led to this disaster.
If she had dealt with this child back then... No, she couldn't. This was his child; how could she... Let her bear all of this alone. Exile or imprisonment, after this, he would still be that radiant Gu Family Emperor Child, without any stain.
"Cannot? Or will not?!"
The Elder seated in the center, the one with the Four Tribulation cultivation, spoke slowly.
"Gu Zhaojun, you are the prodigy of the younger generation in our Third Branch, and the family has placed high hopes on you."
"If you reveal who that person is, your punishment might be lenient. If you insist on concealing and shielding an outsider, your crime will be compounded!"
"We will deal with you according to clan rules: your bloodline will be abolished, and you will be expelled from the family!"
"Gu Zhaojun! You must think clearly!!"
Abolish the bloodline, expel from the family!
This was almost the most severe punishment for a Gu Family clansman, crueler than outright execution.
Once the bloodline was abolished, not only would her cultivation be destroyed, but she would also be completely severed from the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, henceforth becoming a common mortal.
Losing all protection, her fate in this predatory cultivation world was easy to imagine.
Xiao Yu was so anxious that tears were about to fall, desperately signaling to Gu Zhaojun, hoping she would confess.
Even Gu Mingxuan's fingers gripping the armrest suddenly tightened, his knuckles turning white.
"Zhaojun! Why don't you hurry up and tell them!"
Gu Mingxuan couldn't help but shout, "Do you really want your bloodline abolished and to be driven out of the family?! Do you know what that means?!"
Gu Zhaojun's delicate body shook violently, her face growing paler, her lips trembling.
How could she not know?
But how could she speak?
That person was the spiritual pillar of all the Gu Family members, the Gu Family Emperor Child without any blemish.
If people knew that he had an affair with his Clan Sister, how much trouble would it cause him?
She could not become his burden, even if... the price was her own eternal damnation.
"Daughter... has nothing to say."
She closed her eyes, two lines of clear tears sliding down silently, yet her voice was unusually calm, "The clan rules are strict; Zhaojun... willingly accepts the punishment."
"You—!" Gu Mingxuan trembled with rage and abruptly stood up.
The Chief Elder's eyes flashed with a sharp glint, and he spoke slowly, "Since you are obstinate, then do not blame the clan rules for being merciless."
He raised his hand, his voice icy as he pronounced the sentence: "Gu Zhaojun, for violating Article 73 of the clan rules—associating with an outside male, defiling the family reputation, and showing no remorse while attempting to shield an accomplice—guilty of multiple offenses, this Elder sentences..."
"Abolish her Gu Family bloodline and expel her from the Gu Family!"
"Wait a moment!"
//704//
Chapter 704: Gu Yun Protects His Wife
Just as the Chief Elder was about to announce the final verdict, a clear and resonant voice reached the ears of everyone in the Hall of Law Enforcement.
Everyone was startled and subconsciously looked toward the source of the sound.
"Insolent! Who dares to interrupt in..."
As if feeling his authority had been challenged, the Chief Elder roared in anger, but when he clearly saw who had arrived, his voice abruptly stopped.
The crowd was also dumbstruck. The heavy Profound Iron Main Door of the Hall of Law Enforcement had opened at some unknown time, and a tall, straight figure entered slowly, hands clasped behind his back.
Sunlight poured in from behind him, coating him in a faint halo, yet it couldn't conceal his inherently superior, noble bearing and the faintly discernible... heart-palpitating pressure beneath his calm demeanor.
The newcomer was incomparably handsome, with features like a painting—it was the Gu Family Emperor Child, Gu Yun, who had recently returned from the Eternal Imperial Dynasty!
His appearance was like a stone cast into a calm lake, instantly stirring up a thousand waves within the Hall of Law Enforcement.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Emperor Child!"
All the clan members below the hall immediately kowtowed. The elders on the dais dared not remain seated and rose one after another, bowing in welcome.
Seeing the appearance of the clan members, Gu Zhaojun, who was kneeling on the ground, felt her delicate body tremble violently. She turned her head in disbelief.
What she saw was the handsome face she thought of day and night—Gu Yun! Why was he here?!!
"No... you shouldn't have come... Hurry up and leave... Go quickly!"
Gu Zhaojun screamed frantically in her heart, but her lips trembled, unable to utter a single sound.
She could only watch as that figure walked step by step toward her under the gaze of everyone.
The Chief Elder and the other elders also grew solemn.
"Emperor Child Gu Yun, the Hall of Law Enforcement is currently dealing with a clan member who violated the family rules. If Your Highness has any instructions, please wait until this matter is concluded..."
"No need to wait."
Gu Yun directly interrupted the Chief Elder, his gaze sweeping calmly over everyone present: "Weren't you all trying to find out who the father of the child is?"
"Your Highness the Emperor Child... what do you mean by that? Could it be... you know who that adulterer is?"
He wore an expression of appropriate confusion.
Gu Yun did not answer immediately, but slowly walked up to Gu Zhaojun and slightly bowed toward her.
Gu Zhaojun kept her head bowed low, her long hair concealing her face, afraid to look at him, her entire body trembling like a fallen leaf in the wind.
The young man's appearance made her increasingly anxious and uneasy.
"Sister Zhaojun, even now, you won't look at me?"
Gu Yun's voice was gentle and patient.
Gu Zhaojun's body stiffened, and she slowly raised her head.
Her messy hair slid to her sides, revealing a delicate yet pale face.
Tear tracks crisscrossed, and her eyes were swollen red.
Looking at her state, Gu Yun completely understood: the influence of the Mandate of Heaven would cause a normal person to make choices contrary to common sense.
In Gu Zhaojun's original script, he was a selfish bastard who sacrificed her and their daughter for the sake of so-called reputation.
But in reality, he could never do such a thing, so the manipulation must have targeted Gu Zhaojun instead.
"Your Highness the Emperor Child..."
Her voice was dry and hoarse, laced with sobs, "This matter... has nothing to do with you. Please... leave."
She was making a final struggle, attempting to clear Gu Yun's name.
The influence of the Mandate of Heaven was immense. A spark of anger arose in Gu Yun's heart; all he wanted now was to quickly help her break free from the influence of the Fate Script.
"Nonsense. Since I've come, I won't ignore you."
"Sister Zhaojun, have you forgotten? I told you back then that I would take responsibility!"
As he spoke, he gently brushed away the messy strands of hair near Gu Zhaojun's cheek, his movements tender.
The Myriad Transformation Power flowed from his hand, causing Gu Zhaojun's condition to gradually recover.
Her sickly complexion turned rosy, and her spirits improved considerably.
Gu Yun turned around: "Elders, the father of the child is right here. Why search elsewhere?"
Boom—
One stone stirred up a thousand waves; everyone was dumbfounded, unable to accept this explosive news.
The Chief Elder's pupils suddenly contracted to pinpricks, and Gu Mingxuan was visibly shaken.
Zhaojun's child... belongs to the Emperor Child? How could that be, how is it possible?!!
The Emperor Child is so noble, how could he... how could he be with Zhaojun... "Emperor Child Gu Yun, please don't joke. This matter is..."
"Elder, do you think I would joke about such a major event?"
Gu Yun's voice was icy: "Without my permission, you judged my woman and laid hands on my unborn child. I haven't settled that score with you yet!"
"Now, Sister Zhaojun's adulterer is right here. I'd like to see how you plan to deal with me?"
"Didn't you want to punish according to the family rules? Then now, please carry it out."
"Strip me, Gu Yun, of my bloodline and expel me from the Gu Family."
His words were calm and ripple-less, yet they contained a terrifying pressure far greater than any roar or shout.
"Em-Emperor Child, please calm your anger!"
The Chief Elder finally reacted, falling to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling, "This old man... this old man would never dare! This matter... there must be a misunderstanding!"
"I never expected that girl Zhaojun was carrying the bloodline of Your Highness. This is my dereliction of duty for failing to ascertain the truth and slandering girl Zhaojun."
"This old man apologizes to the girl here!"
Saying that, he actually kowtowed directly to Gu Zhaojun in public.
Gu Zhaojun was greatly alarmed. She quickly stood up: "Elder, you must not... this..."
Gu Yun stopped her. This entire situation was completely a misunderstanding.
A volatile elder paired with a mute female lead; if either element had been missing, this incident wouldn't have escalated.
Gu Yun was extremely displeased right now. The feeling of watching someone close to him being affected by a stupidity halo made him want to immediately go and smash the head of the Mandate of Heaven.
An explanation was needed. The kneeling of the three-branch elders had already provided an answer.
What Gu Yun wanted was for Gu Zhaojun to establish sufficient prestige.
He raised his eyes, his gaze deep as he looked toward a certain direction: "Twenty-third Ancestor, have you watched enough of this farce? Isn't it time to come out and explain yourself?"
Gu Yun's words fell, and the Hall of Law Enforcement fell into dead silence.
The air seemed to freeze.
Everyone subconsciously held their breath, looking in the direction Gu Yun was staring—there was clearly no one there.
A moment later.
"Heh heh... Little fellow, your perception is quite sharp."
An old voice, carrying a hint of mockery, came from the void.
Immediately afterward, the space deep within the Hall of Law Enforcement rippled like water, and a figure dressed in gray homespun cloth slowly walked out.
The Golden Great Age was approaching, and the Old Ancestors in the Ancestral Lands were awakening one after another. Although they still could not act rashly, moving about the world was still easily achievable.
And the person before him was someone Gu Yun was extremely familiar with.
One of Gu Yun's ancestors, the stabilizing pillar of the Third Branch—the Twenty-third Ancestor, Gu Shizhong!
//705//
Chapter 705: Gu Shizhong's Compensation (Two-in-One)
The sudden appearance of the Twenty-third Ancestor added a layer of unfathomable depth to the already heavy atmosphere.
He looked like an ordinary old man next door, with a kind smile on his face, but his eyes reflected the changes of the sea and the passage of time.
Every member of the Third Branch present, including the Chief Elder and Gu Mingxuan, immediately bowed and saluted, not daring to breathe loudly: "Greetings, Ancestor!"
Gu Shizhong waved his hand, signaling everyone to dispense with the formalities, and his gaze landed on Gu Yun.
"Little guy, you just caused such a huge commotion in the Eternal Imperial Dynasty and came back; why didn't you take a good rest first?"
"Rest?"
Gu Yun let out a light laugh. "If I really rested, I'm afraid your Third Branch would have already put my woman and child on trial!"
"Twenty-third Ancestor, what you did... wasn't very honorable."
Gu Shizhong's expression changed slightly. What happened back then was Gu Qingtian's doing.
He had merely added fuel to the fire; he hadn't expected this kid to actually perceive a hint of the truth.
His mind was truly sharp. Bringing it up now in front of everyone was likely intended as a threat.
Sensing the suspicious and shocked gazes of the surrounding Third Branch members, Gu Shizhong felt a bit restless.
With a wave of his hand, a barrier of spiritual energy instantly enveloped Gu Yun, Gu Zhaojun, and himself.
This choice, which was as obvious as a 'no silver buried here' sign, naturally caused a massive uproar outside.
The elders looked at each other, their hearts feeling quite chilled.
"Mingxuan, if you had said earlier that this matter was related to His Highness the Divine Son, why would we have gone through all this trouble!"
"Alas... now that we've offended His Highness the Divine Son, our Third Branch might completely fall into decline."
Several elders sighed, their words filled with complaints toward Gu Mingxuan.
This pregnancy didn't happen overnight. Since Gu Zhaojun could have such a destiny with Gu Yun, Gu Mingxuan, as her father, should have noticed something.
Yet, he happened to know nothing, which led to the current situation.
"..."
Gu Mingxuan's expression shifted, but he didn't dare to argue back.
He had indeed been a bit strict with his daughter usually, but he wasn't someone who couldn't distinguish right from wrong.
He had never seen his daughter have any extraordinary relationship with His Highness the Divine Son, and now a child had suddenly popped out of nowhere—anyone would be stunned... Inside the barrier, all external sounds and prying eyes were cut off.
Gu Shizhong looked at Gu Yun with a somewhat awkward smile: "Xiao Yun, about this matter, I indeed lacked some consideration..."
"Don't tell me that; I'm not the victim."
Gu Yun spoke coldly and pulled Gu Zhaojun up.
Gu Zhaojun looked at the youth blankly, seemingly unable to snap out of it yet.
"Girl Zhaojun, the Ancestor has wronged you in this matter and made you suffer."
As Gu Shizhong spoke, he actually bowed slightly to Gu Zhaojun.
Gu Zhaojun was startled and quickly stepped aside to avoid it, saying urgently: "Ancestor, you mustn't..."
However, Gu Yun held her firmly in place, causing Gu Zhaojun's delicate body to tremble slightly, feeling restless.
"Sister Zhaojun, the Twenty-third Ancestor has already humbled himself to apologize. If you don't accept it, you'll be disrespecting the old gentleman."
Gu Zhaojun finally calmed down. Seeing this legendary figure actually bowing his head before her left her with mixed emotions.
This feeling made her feel as if she were in a dream. She tightly gripped the youth's hand, fearing that she would wake up and find it all a fleeting illusion that had vanished.
"Twenty-third Ancestor, a mere verbal apology isn't enough."
Gu Yun spoke with a light smile: "It was your scheme back then, so you should naturally take responsibility."
"Now that things have reached this point, shouldn't you also give the members of the Third Branch an explanation?!"
Gu Shizhong sighed softly: "It is indeed my fault. I will give Girl Zhaojun a satisfactory answer."
"To compensate for the grievances you've suffered during this time."
After reaching an agreement, Gu Shizhong removed the barrier covering the three of them.
Gu Yun had given him enough face; next, he naturally had to bring this farce to an end.
Being in the ancestral land, he couldn't possibly oversee everything. If Gu Yun hadn't arrived today, things might have taken an even worse turn, and he wouldn't have known how to end it.
It could be said that... stopping the matter here gave him a dignified exit.
As the barrier dissipated, everyone's gazes converged on them.
They saw that Gu Zhaojun had already stood up and was being held in the youth's arms; the three of them even looked like they were on equal footing.
This caused everyone to gasp. As expected... even the Twenty-third Ancestor had to give His Highness the Divine Son face.
"Ahem..."
Gu Shizhong cleared his throat, his aged and majestic gaze sweeping across the field.
The originally noisy Hall of Law Enforcement instantly became so silent that a pin drop could be heard.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for this Third Branch Ancestor to make the final decision.
"I have already learned the full story of today's events."
"What Zhaojun carries is indeed the dragon seed of His Highness the Divine Son!"
Despite being psychologically prepared, this news still struck everyone's hearts like a thunderclap from the nine heavens.
Gu Zhaojun... this sinful woman who was just undergoing trial had suddenly transformed into the Divine Son's woman and was even pregnant with his bloodline!
Such a change in status was practically a transformation from a common bird into a phoenix. From now on, she would become one of the most noble people in the Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
In an instant, the previous gazes of mockery and disdain vanished, replaced only by envy.
Gu Zhaojun naturally felt this change. She glanced at the youth standing proudly beside her, and her sense of security was instantly maximized.
"Due to some twists of fate and my own oversight in arrangements, Girl Zhaojun suffered an injustice and almost met with a great mistake."
"This is my fault, and it is also the responsibility of the various elders of the Hall of Law Enforcement for their lack of investigation."
"Minde! Mingli! Mingzhi!"
Gu Shizhong continued, his voice taking on a hint of sternness.
"Without distinguishing right from wrong or thoroughly investigating the truth, you rashly put Zhaojun on trial."
"Do you admit your guilt?!"
The three elders trembled and instantly knelt down in a row.
"Ancestor, please appease your anger! It was our negligence; we ask for your punishment!"
Gu Shizhong glanced at Gu Yun; the youth's eyes were incredibly indifferent. He also sighed slightly: "Considering your hard work and merits, you are all dismissed from your positions as elders. Stay in the clan to enjoy your old age."
"For three thousand years, you are not allowed to leave even a single step."
"Do you... have any objections?"
"Thank you... thank you, Ancestor, for your leniency!"
The Chief Elder and the others quickly kowtowed. Being merely grounded was already a huge mercy; they didn't dare to ask for anything else.
After dealing with the elders, Gu Shizhong looked at Gu Mingxuan.
Gu Mingxuan's heart tightened, and he quickly bowed.
"Mingxuan, as Zhaojun's father, you failed to protect your daughter and almost became an accomplice in driving her away."
"Do you admit your guilt?"
"Mingxuan admits his guilt."
"I am willing to accept punishment according to family law!"
"Good. Then you are removed from your position as Branch Master, and Zhaojun will take over temporarily."
"Me?"
"But..."
Gu Zhaojun was a bit anxious. Now that she was pregnant, how could she handle the affairs of the Third Branch?
"Girl Zhaojun, there's no need to decline. You are only taking over the position temporarily; there are no actual responsibilities you need to bear."
"Mingxuan will still do the work. From now on, in the Third Branch, seeing Zhaojun is like seeing me. Do you understand?!"
Gu Shizhong's words were like an unquestionable divine decree, echoing in every corner of the Hall of Law Enforcement.
"We understand!!"
All the Third Branch members below, regardless of what they felt in their hearts, shouted in unison, their voices deafening.
The gazes they directed at Gu Zhaojun also held a bit more awe.
From this moment on, this girl's status in the Third Branch would be equal to that of their legendary Ancestor!
Her word would be the highest will of the Third Branch!
Those members who originally felt sympathy or closeness toward Gu Zhaojun showed joy on their faces.
Meanwhile, those who had previously looked on coldly or even kicked her while she was down were now uneasy, fearing a settling of accounts later.
Gu Mingxuan's expression froze, and the gaze he directed at his daughter was incredibly complex: "Mingxuan obeys! In the future, I will definitely assist Zhaojun with all my strength to manage the affairs of the Third Branch!"
Gu Shizhong nodded in satisfaction. Finally, he looked at Gu Yun and Gu Zhaojun and sent a helpless voice transmission: "Little Yun, is this old man's apology satisfactory to you?"
"Satisfactory?"
"Twenty-third Ancestor, after causing such a huge misunderstanding, wanting to just walk away without showing anything—isn't that a bit dishonorable?"
"Alas... that kid Gu Qingtian was right! You really are a master who won't release the hawk until you see the rabbit!"
Gu Shizhong said helplessly, then lightly tapped Gu Zhaojun's forehead.
A blooming flower appeared, vivid and dripping: "Within this flower are five casual strikes from me."
"It will trigger whenever Zhaojun is in a life-or-death crisis. When the fifth strike is triggered, I will also immediately tear through the void and arrive."
"Kid Yun, are you satisfied now?"
"Thank you, Ancestor."
"Thank you, Ancestor!"
Both of them bowed their thanks. Gu Shizhong waved his hand, then turned and stepped into the air to leave.
"Respectfully seeing off the Ancestor!" Everyone saluted in unison again.
Inside the Hall of Law Enforcement, everyone truly breathed a sigh of relief, but the gazes they directed at Gu Yun and Gu Zhaojun were completely different from before.
"Sister Zhaojun! That's great, you're finally okay."
Xiao Yu pushed through the crowd and rushed up.
"How dare you!"
An elder shouted angrily, about to stop Xiao Yu.
"Stop!"
Gu Zhaojun shouted coldly, glancing at that elder.
Clearly, not long ago, he was the one sitting at the head, judging her as a sinful woman.
Now, in just a short time, the situation had directly reversed.
The elder trembled all over, terrified and not daring to say more.
Seeing him so sensible, Gu Zhaojun finally understood the status of power.
Perhaps... her previous thoughts were truly naive and laughable.
"And this is?"
"Xiao Yun, I forgot to introduce you. She is my cousin, Gu Zhaoyu."
"Zhaoyu greets His Highness the Divine Son!"
Xiao Yu quickly saluted, while her large eyes darted around, looking Gu Yun up and down.
Gu Yun checked her panel. Hmm... female supporting character, villain... alright, a standard Gu Family fate.
Someone like Gu Zhaojun might be unique.
Even if she were a protagonist of destiny, she would have to be the heroine of a tragic novel. Destiny, oh destiny, how much must you hate her?
"No need for such formalities."
"Since you are Zhaojun's sister, you will also be part of the Third Branch's management in the future. You shouldn't be so formal."
"Management? M-Me?"
Gu Zhaoyu pointed at herself, stunned and overwhelmed by the favor.
"Of course, who else but you?"
Gu Yun spoke with a smile, patting her head with his large hand: "You must work hard and strive to become Sister Zhaojun's right hand!"
"Mhm! Xiao Yu will work very hard!"
Gu Zhaoyu nodded vigorously, her small eyes filled with drive.
Gu Yun and Gu Zhaojun smiled at each other, took one last look at Gu Mingxuan, and left the Third Branch Hall of Law Enforcement hand in hand.
Wherever they went, the crowd automatically parted to form a wide path, everyone bowing their heads and not daring to look directly at them.
The farce was over. Although Gu Zhaojun had gained unprecedented status, Gu Yun did not intend to leave her here.
After all, she was pregnant. After going back to see her parents, he wanted her to enter the Great Luo Dao Pagoda to focus on nurturing the pregnancy.
"Sister Zhaojun, why didn't you announce my name?"
"If you had, you wouldn't have had to suffer like this."
After leaving the Third Branch's sphere of influence, the youth looked at Gu Zhaojun, a hint of heartache showing in his eyes.
Gu Zhaojun's already calmed emotions surged again.
She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously twisting the corner of her clothes, her voice as soft as a mosquito: "I... I didn't want to cause you trouble."
"The situation was unclear then. I was afraid... afraid that if I said your name, it would instead make people question your character and bring gossip upon you. And..."
She paused, her voice even lower, carrying a hint of imperceptible grievance and stubbornness: "I-I didn't know if you would accept this child. After all, we didn't have any emotional foundation before. I was afraid... afraid that all of this was just my wishful thinking, and if you knew, you would..."
"Sister Zhaojun!"
Gu Yun's voice was serious. He gripped Gu Zhaojun's shoulders tightly with both hands and said with unquestionable firmness: "In any case, you should have confidence in me."
"Have you forgotten what I told you back then? Since you, Gu Zhaojun, have become my woman, I will take responsibility for you until the end!"
"If I break this oath, let me suffer the pain of ten thousand ants eating my heart!!"
"N-No, you're not allowed to say that!!"
Gu Zhaojun hurriedly reached out both hands, covering Gu Yun's mouth in a panic.
She looked around, fearing someone might have witnessed it.
Gu Yun grabbed her hand and held it high: "If Sister Zhaojun still doesn't believe..."
"I believe, I believe you, okay..."
Gu Zhaojun said aggrievedly: "From the moment you shouted 'Wait' today, I already believed."
"Your Highness... to meet you is truly Zhaojun's fortune."
Having said this, Gu Zhaojun finally mustered her courage. She lightly stood on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Gu Yun's neck, and printed a soft and pious kiss on the youth's warm lips.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for completely subduing the Daughter of Destiny, Gu Zhaojun, changing all subsequent plots. Reward: 10,000 destiny value, reward: Red Treasure Chest *2]
PS: Taking a day off tomorrow, January 21st, to settle down. Sigh, the upcoming plot will still focus on the struggles of geniuses and battles between forces. I really can't write this kind of melodramatic stuff well; I won't dare touch it again.
//706//
Chapter 706: Harmonious and Happy (Two-in-One)
Xi Tong's notification sound echoed in Gu Yun's ears like the most beautiful blessing.
He didn't rush to open the treasure chest; instead, he gently wrapped his arm around Gu Zhaojun's waist and deepened the kiss.
Gu Zhaojun was initially a bit shy and inexperienced, but under Gu Yun's gentle guidance, she gradually relaxed, slowly rediscovering the feeling they had back in the cave.
After a long time, their lips parted.
Gu Zhaojun's cheeks were flushed, her eyes moist, and she leaned against Gu Yun's chest, breathing slightly heavily.
Listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat, her heart was filled with peace and sweetness.
The days of suffering grievances in the past quietly dissipated within this kiss.
"Let's go, my silly sister."
"From now on, you are the spokesperson for the Third Branch and one of the matriarchs of my Gu Family. You can't be as weak as before!"
"I... I'm not weak. I just didn't want your reputation to be damaged."
Held in Gu Yun's arms, Gu Zhaojun hummed softly.
"Reputation?"
Gu Yun suddenly picked Gu Zhaojun up and held her high, laughing, "What is that? Sister Jun, you've been protected too well by the Gu Family. If you go out and ask around, you'll know that my reputation has long been in ruins."
"Sister Jun won't despise me because of that, will you?"
Gu Zhaojun was easily picked up by Gu Yun. With her feet off the ground, she couldn't help but let out a small cry and subconsciously wrapped her arms around the youth's neck.
Hearing Gu Yun's words, which were tinged with self-deprecation yet utterly frank, she found it amusing: "How could I ever despise you?"
"No matter what people outside say about you, in my heart, you are the person who can save me at the critical moment."
"I believe that the choice I made this time will not be wrong!"
She gently rested her cheek against Gu Yun's shoulder, her voice carrying a trace of imperceptible determination.
Gu Yun was slightly stunned. Looking at Gu Zhaojun, a smile curled at the corners of his lips.
"I am honored by Sister Jun's deep affection. I, Gu Yun... will definitely not fail you!"
Gu Yun said with a beaming smile as he set her down, but he didn't let go of her hand, their fingers remaining interlaced.
"Mm..."
"Let's go. We should go see Father and Mother first."
"They will surely be overjoyed when they find out you're pregnant."
At the thought of meeting Gu Changqing and Lin Qiushui, Gu Zhaojun felt another wave of nervousness.
"I... will it be... too impolite for me to see the Family Head and the Matriarch like this?"
She looked down at her simple inner garment and then touched her cheek. "My current appearance..."
"Don't worry... my Sister Jun must, of course, maintain her most beautiful state at all times!"
Gu Yun smiled slightly as his Myriad Transformation Power quietly circulated. The previous treatment had been too rushed; this time, he would perform a comprehensive examination.
Gu Zhaojun felt a gentle power instantly spread through her entire body. The comfortable sensation made her unable to help but hum softly.
Her inner garment became as clean as new, and the tear stains and haggardness on her face completely vanished. Her complexion became rosy and radiant.
"Is this... alright now?"
Gu Yun asked with a smile. His minor success in comprehending the Great Dao of Creation had given his Myriad Transformation Power even stronger characteristics.
"So... so magical."
Feeling the changes in herself, Gu Zhaojun's eyes were full of disbelief. She looked at Gu Yun, her eyes filled with admiration.
This was her man—all-powerful and capable of anything!
"It's just a small trick. Let's go; don't make Mother and the others wait too long."
With that, Gu Yun took her hand and quickly returned to the Main Branch.
Seeing Gu Yun's figure from afar, the guards quickly bowed in greeting. Their gaze swept over Gu Zhaojun, whom Gu Yun was holding by the hand, but they were already long accustomed to such sights.
Passing through numerous pavilions, Lin Qiushui had already been waiting at the courtyard gate with the other women for a long time.
Seeing Gu Yun walking over with Gu Zhaojun, a warm smile immediately appeared on her face as she stepped forward to greet them.
Taking Gu Zhaojun's hand from Gu Yun, her tone was full of kindness: "This must be Zhaojun. You've suffered these days..."
Her tone was gentle, and her gaze fell upon Gu Zhaojun's lower abdomen, her eyes unable to hide her joy and delight.
Being held so warmly by the matriarch of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family, Gu Zhaojun was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor. She hurriedly said, "Matriarch, you flatter me. It was Zhaojun's lack of consideration before that caused so much trouble for the Imperial Son. Zhaojun should be apologizing to the Matriarch here."
"What nonsense is that!"
Lin Qiushui gave her a reproving look: "We're all family; there's no need to talk about trouble."
"You are a great contributor to our Gu Family. Why are you still calling me 'Matriarch' with every breath?"
"Quick, call me 'Mother' so I can hear it!"
She looked Gu Zhaojun up and down, becoming more and more satisfied the more she looked.
This girl was pretty and charming with a gentle temperament and a hint of resilience in her features. Most importantly... she was carrying the bloodline of her Gu Family!
Despite Gu Yun messing around outside all these years, this was the first time he had actually produced results!
For Lin Qiushui, who was longing for a grandchild, this was a matter of immense joy.
"This..."
Gu Zhaojun was somewhat at a loss by Lin Qiushui's enthusiasm. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she looked toward Gu Yun for help.
Gu Yun nodded with a smile: "Sister Jun, since Mother asked you to, just call her that."
"We're all family; there's no need to be formal."
Receiving Gu Yun's affirmation, Gu Zhaojun took a deep breath, suppressed her nervousness and shyness, and gave a graceful bow to Lin Qiushui: "Mo... Mother."
"Ah! Good child! Get up, quickly!"
The smile on Lin Qiushui's face was almost overflowing. She quickly helped Gu Zhaojun up and took her hand to examine her closely, becoming more delighted the more she looked.
"What a lovely girl; that Smelly Kid of ours has gotten lucky again."
"Hey, Mother, how can you say that? Is your son not naturally gifted as well?"
"You! You're about to be a father. From now on, settle down and be better to them! Don't always think about running around everywhere; spend more time with your family when you're free!"
Lin Qiushui said, giving Gu Yun a reproving glare.
"Mother, you're wronging me. If you don't believe me, ask Moon Dance and the others. Do I spend little time with them?"
Seeing several beautiful figures stepping forward one after another, Gu Yun spoke up intentionally.
Moon Dance, Flame Princess, Jiang Lan, Jiang Qing, and Shadow all understood the youth's underlying meaning, and a rosy blush tinted their pretty faces.
Moon Dance even came to Lin Qiushui's side, slowly squatting down to gently massage her thighs: "Mother, please don't blame Husband. If he really spent every day and night with us, we sisters might not be able to handle it!"
"Oh? This boy has that kind of ability?"
Lin Qiushui chuckled: "Then when will Xiao Wu work hard to let Mother hold a big, fat grandson?"
Hearing this, Moon Dance's charming little face instantly turned beet red, and even her pointed cat ears were tinged with pink.
She wriggled her body, her voice filled with coquettishness: "Mother~~ What are you saying! This kind of thing... how can this kind of thing..."
She didn't finish her sentence, but her shyness made all the women present unable to help but cover their mouths and chuckle.
Seeing so many sisters at once, Gu Zhaojun was a bit formal for a moment. Gu Yun took her hand and said with a beaming smile, "I haven't introduced you yet."
"This is Gu Zhaojun. She is my clan sister and also my woman!"
"From now on, you can also call her Sister Jun."
"Hello, Sister Jun!"
Moon Dance, being the least restrained, called out sweetly.
"Jiang Qing greets Sister Jun."
Jiang Qing followed immediately after.
The other three women found it a bit difficult to say; their ages were all greater than Gu Zhaojun's, so asking them to call her "Sister" was a bit too much.
Gu Zhaojun also quickly noticed this and hurriedly waved her hands: "No, there's no need for that."
"We're all family now. We should go by the order of joining the household. You all were here before me, so I should be the one calling you'Sister'."
The women went back and forth for a while and soon settled on the forms of address, still dividing them according to age.
Moon Dance and Jiang Qing would call her Sister Jun.
Jiang Lan, Flame Princess, and Shadow would call her Zhaojun.
Soon, the women became acquainted, and they were all full of curiosity about Gu Zhaojun's belly.
Moon Dance blinked her lively cat-like eyes and carefully reached out a small hand, gently touching her through the clothing: "Sister Jun, inside here... is Brother Yun's little baby?"
Gu Zhaojun's face carried the gentle glow of motherhood as she nodded: "Mm... it should be nearly three months already."
"Wow!"
Moon Dance let out a small exclamation, looking somewhat envious. "That's wonderful... Sister Jun is amazing."
"Xiao Wu also wants to conceive His Highness's child, but Xiao Wu's belly isn't cooperating."
"Isn't that because you're too gluttonous?"
"Sister Flame Princess, you... you're talking about me? Every time, you're the one who snatches the most!"
"That's because the capable should do more work. You little noob aren't allowed to criticize me!"
"Hmph, well you haven't succeeded either."
"Eating so much and still not conceiving, is there a problem?"
"Maybe you should go let Brother Yun check you again."
Jiang Qing also leaned closer and asked in a thin voice, "Sister Jun, does it feel uncomfortable? I've heard people say that the early stages of pregnancy are very hard."
Gu Zhaojun smiled softly: "It's alright. The little one hasn't troubled me much."
"Oh? Then how long will it be until we can see the little baby?"
Jiang Qing, like a curious child, kept asking questions.
Gu Zhaojun was also quite confused about this: "I don't know... logically, after so much time has passed, there should be a little bit of change."
"But I feel like she has only just begun to develop."
A cultivator's divine sense is extremely keen. Without needing a doctor, Gu Zhaojun could roughly perceive the child's developmental status, which was why she had always been puzzled.
"This is normal. The higher the parents' talent, the slower the embryo develops, allowing it to absorb enough spiritual energy from heaven and earth."
"A child nurtured in this way naturally has a greater possibility of achieving higher heights in the future."
Jiang Lan explained: "In our Gengjin Immortal Palace, there are even people who specifically have pregnant women consume heavenly treasures to prolong the gestation period."
"So that's how it is..."
The women either bickered or chatted, and the atmosphere was warm and harmonious.
Lin Qiushui looked at the group of beautiful women before her, her heart full of gratification and emotion.
The bloodline of the Gu Family was finally going to branch out and flourish.
"Alright, don't just stand here. Dinner is ready. Today, our family will have a good gathering!"
"Consider it a meeting gift from me as your mother!"
"Thank you, Mother."
Gu Changqing also returned for dinner. Seeing so many daughters-in-law, he felt helpless toward his son but could only accept it reluctantly.
He didn't stay long. As the head of the Gu Family, his affairs were incredibly busy.
The recent destruction of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty had added a lot to his workload.
Seeing his father's busy appearance, Gu Yun warned himself that he must never follow in his footsteps.
It would be best to find a way to break the immortal lock and grant his father immortality so that he could strive for a lifetime in the career he loved.
After dinner, Lin Qiushui kept Gu Zhaojun to have some private conversation. The relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was very harmonious, which also made Gu Yun very pleased.
Lin Qiushui had originally planned to arrange a room for Gu Zhaojun so she could focus on her pregnancy, but this proposal was rejected by Gu Yun.
"Mother, I have a better place that might be even better for the child."
"Where?"
Lin Qiushui was curious, so Gu Yun took his mother's and wife's hands. In the blink of an eye, the three of them appeared on the sixth floor of the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
Ji Yaojun, who was in secluded cultivation, opened her eyes. Seeing Gu Yun's arrival, joy appeared on her face.
Just as she was about to get up to greet him, she saw Lin Qiushui beside Gu Yun and hurriedly bowed: "Yaojun greets Mother."
"There's no need for such formality."
"I was wondering why I didn't see you this time. It turns out this boy has hidden a beauty away here."
Lin Qiushui said with a smile.
"Mother, you've wronged me. This time, Yaojun is at a critical moment in her secluded cultivation to break through to the Great Saint Realm, so I didn't disturb her."
After sensing carefully for a moment, Lin Qiushui nodded: "The spiritual energy here is pure, and there are even Great Dao laws interwoven. It is indeed an excellent sacred ground for cultivation."
"But why do I feel as if time here is also different from the outside world?"
"Mother has a keen eye. Compared to the outside world, this place has a time flow five thousand times faster."
"However, it doesn't change the actual time. That is to say, Sister Jun can focus on her pregnancy here, and the child's birth time will still be determined by the time in the outside world."
With a brief explanation, they all realized the terrifying nature of this.
"You... Smelly Kid, even Mother can't quite see through you now!"
Lin Qiushui was shocked by her son's methods, leaving her somewhat dumbfounded.
With this space's assistance, if Moon Dance, Flame Princess, and the others were to become pregnant in the future, this would practically be a prime location for mass-producing peerless geniuses.
"Mother, this is just a small application of this pagoda."
"My cultivation is still shallow, so I can only develop this much for now."
"Next, let Sister Jun focus on her pregnancy here. With Yaojun as her companion, I can also feel more at ease."
"Yaojun, thank you for your hard work."
"Don't worry, Mother! Cultivation is boring, and I also wanted a companion. Now that Sister Zhaojun is here, I can personally look after the future bloodline of the Gu Family, which makes me very happy."
Seeing Ji Yaojun being so sensible and considerate, Lin Qiushui was even more satisfied, and her affection for this daughter-in-law grew even more.
"Then it will be hard on you, Yaojun." Lin Qiushui patted Ji Yaojun's hand and then looked at Gu Yun, "You boy, you must treat them well and not show favoritism!"
"Mother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Gu Yun agreed with a smile.
After making the arrangements, Gu Yun and Lin Qiushui stayed in the pagoda for a while longer to confirm that Gu Zhaojun was in a stable mood and adapting well before exiting the Great Luo Dao Pagoda.
After staying at the Immortal Ancient Gu Family for a few days with the women, the youth's heart felt more relaxed than ever before.
Until this day, when several immortal ships appeared outside the Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
//707//
Chapter 707: Demanding an Explanation (Two-in-One)
Outside the mountain gate of the Immortal Ancient Gu Family in the Ethereal Dao Domain.
Several immortal ships with vast auras, like unexpected dark clouds, hovered outside the invisible barrier of the Gu Family Guardian Array, drawing the attention of the patrolling Gu Family cultivators who watched the newcomers warily.
The leading immortal ship flowed with a deep dark purple radiance, its hull engraved with complex patterns, emitting an ancient and mysterious aura.
The faintly released pressure was enough to make an ordinary Quasi-Emperor struggle to breathe.
A large flag stood at the bow, with the character "Shen" written in a flamboyant and Dao-rhyme-infused style—it was an Emperor-grade flying ship from the Immortal Ancient Shen Family.
At this moment, inside the main cabin of that immortal ship.
Shen Jingzhou paced back and forth; although he forced himself to maintain a bit of composure, his heart was still filled with unease.
This was his first time acting according to the script. Normally, coming with such a large force, he shouldn't have seen Gu Yun at all.
The latter had just annihilated the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, gained considerable rewards, and was in seclusion.
But this didn't stop him from going out to brag and boast, thereby consolidating his persona and paving the way for the appearance of Gu Yun, the even greater villain, in the future.
In other words, this was purely a formalistic formality, originally a minor background story in the script, making it the perfect debut for his script-following journey.
But—the tension in his heart was still hard to control; there seemed to be a voice constantly reminding him to be extremely cautious.
"Immortal Ancient Shen Family! You dare to trespass into my Ethereal Dao Domain? Do you intend to start a war with my Gu Family?!"
Among the patrolling Gu Family cultivators, a commander in the Great Saint Realm stepped forward and shouted loudly, his voice full of vigor.
Although he faced someone whose strength far exceeded his own, he showed no fear because behind him stood... the entire Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
"Hmph! A mere pawn dares to bark in front of me?"
"Elder Liu, give him a lesson!"
Shen Jingzhou acted strictly according to his persona in the script. Beside him, the grey-robed old man known as Elder Liu slowly opened his half-closed eyes.
A sharp, cold light swept across, and the pressure belonging to a Great Emperor instantly crushed toward that Gu Family commander!
The Great Saint commander felt as if a mountain of ten thousand blades was pressing down on him; his breathing hitched, as the gap between a Great Emperor and the Saint Realm was like a celestial chasm.
His legs trembled involuntarily, and it looked like he would be directly flattened by this pressure!
"Impudent!"
A roar like thunder came from within the Gu Family mountain gate, instantly neutralizing the Great Emperor pressure released by Elder Liu.
The Great Saint commander felt the weight lift and the pressure vanish; he hurriedly retreated several steps, panting heavily with lingering fear.
Swish, swish, swish.
Several figures with powerful auras appeared simultaneously; they were Great Emperor experts from the Gu Family's second and fourth branches. They appeared almost at the same time, confronting the Immortal Ancient Shen Family's immortal ship across the void.
"Immortal Ancient Shen Family, it's one thing to come unannounced, but you dare to strike at our Gu Family disciples..."
"What do you intend to do?"
The leading Gu Family elder's voice was cold. For many years, except for that time with the Demon Race, this was the first time someone had been so arrogant as to challenge the Gu Family's majesty.
Seeing things develop as expected, Shen Jingzhou's heart settled slightly. He took a deep breath, trying to look more composed, and stepped forward, saying proudly, "Old thing, you aren't qualified to speak to me. Let Gu Yun come out; I have questions to ask him clearly!"
"Heh, kid, what kind of thing are you? You think you're worthy of seeing our Divine Son?!"
"Impudent!"
"Gu Changfeng, the one before you is the Divine Son of my Immortal Ancient Shen Family. Based on what you said today, I tell you, even the Gu Family cannot protect you!"
Elder Liu, beside Shen Jingzhou, was fuming with rage. The majesty of a Divine Son was not to be trampled upon; in Immortal Ancient Families, these were ironclad rules!
Gu Changfeng's expression changed slightly. Although he had guessed the other party's identity, for the sake of defending Gu Yun, he had to stand his ground.
"Heh, I didn't know the Immortal Ancient Shen Family had such capability?"
"Today, I'm standing right here. I want to see what you can do!!"
"You!!"
Both sides were at loggerheads, needing only a spark to trigger a full-scale war.
Shen Jingzhou's expression changed slightly. Damn it, he just wanted to follow the plot, not trigger an Immortal Race Immortal War.
He cleared his throat: "Since Gu Yun is being a shrinking turtle, then you tell him!"
"Some women are not for him to touch!"
"Let's go..."
"What, do you people think my Immortal Ancient Gu Family is a place where you can come and go as you please?!"
Just as Shen Jingzhou intended to leave, a cold voice rang out between heaven and earth.
In an instant, everyone's gaze followed the sound.
From deep within the Gu Family mountain gate, a tall figure was strolling through the air.
He wore a simple ink-colored long robe, his sleeves fluttering, handsome as a demon.
Gu Yun!!
Shen Jingzhou's pupils constricted suddenly, unable to believe it.
How is it possible? Why did he come out in person?
He actually met this god of slaughter at the Gu Family?!
Shen Jingzhou knew the subsequent plot. As the greatest villain of the Three Thousand Dao Domains, Gu Yun would even kill those closest to him just to break through the restrictions of the immortal lock.
In the end, he failed only due to the interference of the protagonist of peerless dragon emperor, Ye Chen.
Countless bones paved his path forward. He just wanted to simply follow a script; why was he so unlucky!!!
Watching the youth stroll forward step by step, Shen Jingzhou's heart pounded uncontrollably, and a chill crawled up his spine.
A fake villain meeting the real King of Hell.
Shen Jingzhou was now very panicked.
"Greetings, Divine Son!"
With Gu Yun's arrival, Gu Changfeng and other Gu Family experts bowed one after another. Even though there was still a gap in strength, at this moment, they all instinctively regarded him as their backbone.
Gu Yun nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Shen Jingzhou.
[Ding! New Child of Destiny detected]
[Name: Shen Jingzhou]
[Cultivation: Half-step Great Emperor]
[Identity: Protagonist of "Villains, Don't Come Over, I'm the Big Villain," cannon fodder villain of "peerless dragon emperor," cannon fodder villain of "I, the Ji Family Divine Son, Accidentally Became Invincible"... (Script generating)]
[Cheat: Villain Roleplay System (System Value: 8000)]
[Halo: Child of Destiny Halo (Red)]
[destiny value: 200,000 (Growing)]
[Associated Heroines: Ye Qingcheng, Su Yuzhen, Snow Quinghuan, Water Flowing Clouds, Ling Muxue, Mu Liuli, Xie Guiwan, Yan Qingmei, Jiang Jianyue, Qu Hongxiao, Mo You, Yu Shengyan, Si Wuyue, Feng Weiyang, Zhu Hongchen, Hu Jiuyue, Lu Mingwei... (Those with low destiny values are ignored)]
[Great Host, kill him, kill him quickly!!]
Xi Tong's excited voice came from his mind. Although she didn't manifest physically, Gu Yun felt she was probably drooling.
And he was also attracted by Shen Jingzhou's panel.
He had seen Children of Destiny with many heroines before, like Su Hao, Li Jianqiang, and the Protagonist trope, those were all of this type.
But one with such high-quality ones, Shen Jingzhou was the first.
To have so many famous heroines on the list, he simply had a path to death.
As everyone knows, those in the same trade are enemies.
Toward Shen Jingzhou, this guy who seemed like a villain but was actually a Child of Destiny, Gu Yun would not show a shred of mercy.
"Young Master Shen came uninvited and slapped the face of my Gu Family. Now you want to leave unscathed? It won't be that easy."
Gu Yun spoke with a calm voice. His cultivation wasn't high, but in everyone's eyes, this youth appeared so unfathomable.
Shen Jingzhou's body stiffened slightly, but he quickly realized he must not show even a hint of weakness before Gu Yun.
As Divine Sons of Immortal Ancient Families, the two of them should be equals.
"Shen Jingzhou! Don't worry, he isn't that god of slaughter from the future yet."
Suppressing the involuntary fear in his heart, Shen Jingzhou tried to make his voice sound more steady: "Gu Yun! I haven't even spoken, and I didn't expect you to file a complaint first. Since you're no longer being a shrinking turtle, I won't hide anything either."
"I came here this time to demand an explanation from you for what happened before!"
"Oh? What happened before?"
A smile curled at the corner of Gu Yun's mouth: "Young Master Shen brought such a large force; could it be you want to seek revenge for the Eternal Imperial Dynasty?"
"Heh... Of course not. What does the annihilation of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty have to do with me?!"
"Since ancient times, many Imperial Dynasties have been destroyed midway. Does my Shen Family have to care about every single one?"
"I won't waste words with you!"
"Gu Yun! Tell me, what is your relationship with Qingcheng!!"
"Why did she appear in the Eternal Imperial Dynasty and even help you in your actions?!"
"Don't you know she is my target? You should keep your distance from her!!"
Shen Jingzhou's voice carried a hint of hysteria. The original Shen Jingzhou was like this—usually appearing somewhat arrogant and cold, but as soon as Ye Qingcheng was mentioned, he would act like a madman.
His performance was simply vivid and lifelike, so much so that he wanted to give himself a thumbs up.
Surely the system's evaluation wouldn't be low; as expected of him, he got off to a flying start!
And the atmosphere in the field also became strange because of Shen Jingzhou's words.
Even the Shen Family's own people looked at their young master in disbelief. Everyone in the Shen Family knew Shen Jingzhou was infatuated with Ye Qingcheng, but no one expected that Shen Jingzhou would gather troops and come to the Immortal Ancient Gu Family with such fanfare just to demand an explanation for this.
What the hell kind of relationship could they have? An exchange of interests and some cooperation—isn't that perfectly normal?
When the Eternal Imperial Dynasty was destroyed, the Shadow Immortal Palace also made a huge profit.
Is such a thing hard to understand?
Was it really necessary to risk a war between the two families just to make a special trip?
The eerie silence lasted for a long time until even Shen Jingzhou felt a bit of a chill.
Looking at Gu Yun, who was staring at him without saying a word, he spoke with blustering courage: "Gu Yun! Don't think playing dumb will work. Today, I must have justice for this matter!"
"In the future, stay away from Qingcheng. If I see you again..."
"Take him down!"
Gu Yun ordered coldly.
"That's how... You, what did you say?!"
The expression on Shen Jingzhou's face instantly froze, and his mind went blank.
Wha-what's the situation?!
Normally, shouldn't there be a war of words before parting on bad terms?
How did it jump straight to taking him down?!
Both sides are Immortal Ancient Families, pillars of the human race; a war shouldn't break out easily... "Gu Yun! You—you dare!!"
Shen Jingzhou was both shocked and angry, his voice changing pitch.
Being captured was a small matter; after all, his father would surely come to save him. But the plot would be completely derailed. Thinking of the system's punishment, Shen Jingzhou's whole body trembled.
Seeing Gu Changfeng and several other Gu Family elders at the Great Emperor level pouncing toward him like arrows from a bow.
Shen Jingzhou turned pale with fright and could no longer care about anything else: "Men, protect—protect me!!"
"Protect the Young Master!!"
Elder Liu and the others also reacted suddenly, grabbing Shen Jingzhou's body to retreat.
His Six Tribulation cultivation was exerted to the limit. However, in the sky, the Immortal Wheel that protected the entire Ethereal Dao Domain suddenly burst with radiance.
Billions of Order God Chains descended from the Immortal Wheel, instantly enveloping the space for ten thousand miles, forming an indestructible cage and completely blocking their path of escape.
"Gu—Gu Changqing?!"
Elder Liu was horrified. The only one currently in the Immortal Ancient Gu Family who could mobilize this Immortal Artifact was that existence.
However... it was already too late.
Even if the eight Emperor Sovereigns of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family burned their source power simultaneously, they were still no match for the Immortal Wheel's binding force.
Their attacks struck those Order God Chains without even causing a single ripple.
The power of an Immortal Artifact was truly terrifying!
"It's over..."
Elder Liu's face was deathly pale, his heart cold.
Gu Changfeng and the others had already arrived. This Gu Family elder, who had been holding back a stomach full of anger, raised a foot and directly kicked the caught-off-guard Elder Liu, sending him flying. He spat blood, his aura withering.
The other Shen Family Great Emperors received similar treatment and were soon all captured.
In the field, except for Shen Jingzhou, everyone was bruised and swollen, lacking any semblance of a Great Emperor's poise.
Smack!
A long staff appeared in Gu Changfeng's hand, striking Shen Jingzhou's thigh.
Shen Jingzhou cried out in pain and fell to his knees, as a shadow gradually grew before him.
He slowly looked up, and what met his eyes was Gu Yun's playful face.
"Coming to my Gu Family to demand an explanation?"
"Are you even worthy?!"
"By the way, I forgot to tell you something."
Gu Yun leaned into Shen Jingzhou's ear and said softly, "Qingcheng... she's very moist!"
Smack!
Before Shen Jingzhou could get angry, a blow from Gu Changfeng's staff knocked him unconscious.
"Take them away."
"Also, send word to Shen Shiyu to bring enough sincerity to my Gu Family to... redeem them!"
Gu Yun turned and left, as if he had just handled a trivial matter.
"Yes!"
Gu Changfeng looked at the youth with admiration, clearly shocked by Gu Yun's decisive methods.
This was the Shen Family's Young Master, yet he was captured just like that.
Indeed, in this Golden Great Age, only their own Divine Son was the sole ruler!
//708//
Chapter 708: Swapping People, Extorting the Shen Family Heavily (Two-in-One)
Shen Jingzhou and the Shen Family Great Emperor were taken away, and their flying boats were also confiscated; peace returned outside the mountain gate.
However, the news of the Gu Family detaining the Shen Family's Imperial Son quickly spread like wildfire.
"What?! The Gu Family detained the Shen Family's Imperial Son?!"
"More than that! Even Elder Liu, a Six Tribulation expert of the Shen Family, and several Great Emperor Enshrinements were all captured by the Gu Family!"
"My God... what is the Gu Family trying to do? That's the Immortal Ancient Shen Family; aren't they afraid of triggering an Immortal War?"
"Who knows... perhaps the Gu Family... is already powerful enough to be fearless of any challenge?"
Various discussions, speculations, and shocks fermented throughout the Three Thousand Dao Domains.
Shadow Immortal Palace.
Ye Qingcheng awoke from her state of meditation and soon received the news as well.
"Gu Yun detained Shen Jingzhou?"
"Yes! It's said that Shen Jingzhou went there for Her Highness the Divine Lady, and Gu Yun took action directly without a word."
Yan Qingmei spoke softly.
Since returning from the Eternal Imperial Dynasty, she had completely become Ye Qingcheng's confidante.
"That guy..."
Recalling her experience in the Eternal Imperial Palace, a captivating smile curled at the corners of Ye Qingcheng's lips.
Yan Qingmei was slightly stunned; it was the first time she had seen such an expression on Ye Qingcheng's face.
The smile was as fleeting as a night-blooming cereus, quickly vanishing.
"Qingmei, keep an eye on the movements of the Gu Family and the Shen Family for me. I want to see what kind of mischief this little rascal is up to."
Ye Qingcheng was quite happy that someone was teaching that "dog-skin plaster" Shen Jingzhou a lesson.
"Yes!"
Yan Qingmei turned and left, her expression somewhat complex... Deep within the ancestral land of the Immortal Ancient Shen Family.
Shen Shiyu put down the message jade slip in his hand, his face so gloomy it seemed it could drip water.
Before him, several Shen Family elders also had faces as heavy as water, and the atmosphere was terrifyingly oppressive.
"The Gu Family... is going too far!"
A hot-tempered elder slammed the table and stood up, shouting angrily, "Detaining our Shen Family's Imperial Son and humiliating our Shen Family's Great Emperor—this is a slap to our Shen Family's face! Patriarch, we absolutely cannot let this go! We must make the Gu Family pay the price!"
"Indeed! Although the Gu Family is strong, our Shen Family isn't made of clay! They must be forced to release the people and make a public apology!"
"In my opinion, we should directly gather our troops and march upon the Ethereal Dao Domain! Let them know the might of our Shen Family!"
Several elders were filled with righteous indignation, clearly enraged by the Gu Family's actions.
"March upon the Gu Family? Who among you... will deal with Gu Changjue, who will deal with Gu Changqing, and who will deal with... Gu Changge?!"
Shen Shiyu's words were like a bucket of cold water, cooling down the indignant elders; the flames of fury in the council hall were instantly mostly extinguished.
The Shen Family elders who were just clamoring now looked as if they were being strangled, their faces flushed.
Gu Changjue, the Gu Family's Pill Emperor, has an Eighth Tribulation cultivation. He seems gentle, but in reality, both his alchemy and killing methods are top-tier; the eeriness of his pill fire makes even many Ninth Tribulation experts wary.
Gu Changqing, the current head of the Gu Family, is at the peak of the Ninth Tribulation, wields the azure heaven immortal gourd, and is unfathomable.
Gu Changge, the notoriously battle-crazed madman who guards the Primordial Battlefield year-round, is a Ninth Tribulation Saber Emperor tempered in blood and fire; his fierce reputation is such that anyone who faces him gets a headache.
Not to mention, within the Gu Family's ancestral land, there are those old fossils who have slept for untold ages!
Besides that, there are also powerful external allies like the Supreme Divine Dynasty and the Holy Water Immortal Palace.
To confront them with their current strength would be no different from an egg striking a stone.
"Ancestor, we can call upon the Ancestor."
"The Eternal Imperial Dynasty was destroyed. Do you think they didn't summon their clan elders?"
"Moreover, the Great Golden Age has not yet fully arrived."
"If you want to fight the Immortal Ancient Gu Family now, how many ancestors would be willing to sacrifice themselves?!"
Shen Shiyu's words were cold, but every sentence was a reality.
"Then... are we just going to let it go like this?"
One elder said unwillingly, "Jingzhou is our Shen Family's Imperial Son; he represents the face of our Shen Family!"
"Now that he's been detained by the Gu Family, our Shen Family has already lost all face."
"If we don't show any reaction, how can we stand in the Three Thousand Dao Domains in the future?"
"Yes, Patriarch, if this matter isn't handled well, people's hearts will scatter!!"
Another elder was deeply worried.
Shen Shiyu rubbed his brow, a trace of exhaustion and irritation flashing in his eyes.
This son of his usually seemed steady enough; why did he have to run off to the Gu Family and cause such a scene at a time like this?
For Ye Qingcheng?
Although the Divine Lady of the Shadow Immortal Palace was indeed peerless, it shouldn't have made him act so impulsively, even going to someone else's doorstep to question and threaten their Imperial Son!
This was simply... foolish!
Utterly foolish!
"Of course, this matter cannot be left like this."
"But I ask the elders to endure for a moment. As long as the green mountains remain, there's no need to worry about firewood!"
"The Immortal Ancient Gu Family acts so ostentatiously, unaware that the bird that sticks its head out gets shot. The Great Golden Age is about to begin, and at that time, all the major hidden families will appear."
"By then, the Gu Family will become a thorn in everyone's side!"
"The more arrogant they are now, the more miserable they will be when they are destroyed!"
"But for now... we cannot be blinded by anger."
Shen Shiyu's words caused the Shen Family elders to gradually regain their composure.
"Then Patriarch, what should we do now?"
"I will personally go to the Immortal Ancient Gu Family!"
"No, that's too dangerous."
"Don't worry... before the Great Age begins, the Gu Family has the same concerns as we do."
"Their ancestors cannot act with full power, so they will be somewhat restrained in their actions."
"Detaining Jingzhou this time is just giving us a warning. If they really wanted to take action against our Shen Family, they wouldn't have spared the lives of those Great Emperors."
Having said this, everyone knew what Shen Shiyu would face on this trip; everyone felt a lump of suppressed anger in their hearts that was hard to vent.
"Endurance is for a more thorough settlement in the future!"
"Everyone, the Great Age rolls forward; the Immortal Ancient Shen Family is eternal and indestructible!"
"The Immortal Ancient Shen Family is eternal and indestructible!"
The elders stood up one after another and spoke in unison... A few days later, Shen Shiyu arrived alone and low-key at the Ethereal Dao Domain, the Immortal Ancient Gu Family.
There was no tension as imagined; Gu Changqing personally came out to receive him with perfect etiquette, but his attitude carried an unquestionable calmness.
"Patriarch Shen's presence is a great honor; please forgive our lack of welcome."
Gu Changqing's tone was indifferent.
"Gu Changqing, let's not beat around the bush."
Shen Shiyu got straight to the point, suppressing the churning anger and humiliation in his heart. "My son is young and impetuous, acting recklessly and offending the Gu Family. It is due to my lack of discipline."
"The Gu Family's detention of him can be considered a lesson."
"But there's a limit to everything. I ask Patriarch Gu to show mercy for the sake of the many years of friendship between our two families and let me take my son back. I... will surely offer a heavy reward."
"Patriarch Shen, you overstate things."
Gu Changqing spoke calmly, "In front of my Gu Family's mountain gate, your son's words insulted my son, and he even intended to take action against members of my Gu Family."
"Merely detaining him is already being lenient."
"I ask Patriarch Shen to be more patient and also to understand our difficulties."
A sharp light flashed in Shen Shiyu's eyes, and then he asked in a low voice, "Patriarch Gu, just be direct. What do you want?"
Gu Changqing smiled slightly. "The foundation of the Eternal Imperial Dynasty has already been divided among our major forces. I heard that the Shen Family also has some properties in that area... why not transfer them to the Gu Family to manage?"
"Eternal..."
Shen Shiyu recalled and quickly determined that those were all Shen Jingshu's properties, which were peripheral assets within the Shen Family.
Even if they were all handed over to Gu Changqing, it would be inconsequential.
His face remained expressionless. "Fine!"
"I can have Jingshu come and handle the handover with you later."
"Good... then the second matter."
"I heard that within the Shen Family's ancestral land, there is a pool of nine nether yellow springs liquid, which has miraculous effects on tempering the soul and stabilizing the foundation."
"My son was a bit startled a few days ago and happens to need this item to calm his nerves. I wonder if Patriarch Shen..."
The corners of Shen Shiyu's eyes twitched slightly; in his heart, he had already cursed Gu Changqing thousands of times.
nine nether yellow springs liquid takes ten thousand years to condense a single drop; it is one of the Shen Family's most precious foundations!
Even Great Emperor experts rarely have the chance to enjoy it.
"Three drops!"
"That's my limit."
"Ten drops!"
"Gu Changqing, you're opening your mouth like a lion."
"Patriarch Shen, is your son's safety not worth ten drops of Yellow Spring Liquid?"
Gu Changqing interrupted him, his tone still peaceful but carrying invisible pressure.
Shen Shiyu was silent for a moment and took a deep breath. "Fine."
"Ten drops it is, but after I give them to you, you must release him immediately!"
"Deal."
Gu Changqing smiled and nodded.
Shen Shiyu said no more and took out a cold jade box containing ten drops of liquid as black as ink, emitting a bone-chilling coldness and a strange soul fragrance, pushing it toward Gu Changqing.
Gu Changqing verified it was correct, put it into his storage space, and then waved his hand.
Soon, Shen Jingzhou, whose cultivation was sealed by a restriction and appeared slightly listless but otherwise fine, along with Elder Liu and the other Great Emperors, were brought up.
"Jingzhou!"
Seeing his son unharmed, Shen Shiyu felt slightly relieved, but his face remained grim.
"Father..."
Shen Jingzhou lowered his head, overwhelmed with shame.
At the same time, there was a faint fear.
It's over; his father really came to ransom him. It's over; everything's over now!
"Gu Changqing, why haven't you untied Liu Neng and the others?"
After picking up Shen Jingzhou, Shen Shiyu intended to leave but suddenly found that Elder Liu and the others were still bound.
Gu Changqing put down his teacup and said flatly, "Patriarch Shen, your son and your Great Emperor Enshrinements are not the same thing."
"Young Master Shen is the Shen Family's Imperial Son; he offended my son but has paid the price. The deal is done, so he can be taken back."
"But these Great Emperors, including this Elder Liu, publicly took action against my Gu Family's disciples in front of the mountain gate, releasing Emperor's Might and intending to bully the weak."
"This is a provocation to my Gu Family's dignity. Their crime... is punishable by death."
"What Patriarch Shen just paid was only the price for ransoming your son."
"As for these people..." Gu Changqing's gaze swept over the pale-faced Elder Liu and the others. "Either Patriarch Shen pays a bit more, or... they can only stay in my Gu Family's Heavenly Prison to await their fate."
Shen Shiyu's pupils shrank, and anger churned in his chest.
Extortion—this was pure extortion.
If he ignored Elder Liu and the others today, who would ever be willing to risk their lives for the Shen Family in the future?
"Gu Changqing, you don't go too far."
"One High-Grade Emperor Weapon per person, plus one hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones."
"Patriarch Shen, the choice is yours. Whether to save them or not is just a matter of a single word."
Shen Shiyu's face was ashen. He remained silent for a long time before squeezing out the words through his teeth: "Fine... I'll give it, I'll give it, alright?!"
He once again took out eight High-Grade Emperor Weapons of extraordinary quality and a storage ring containing eight hundred thousand high-grade spirit stones, piling them on the table.
Gu Changqing finished the count and waved his hand to release the restrictions on Elder Liu and the others.
"Patriarch Shen is straightforward. Take care on your way out; I won't see you off."
Shen Shiyu snorted coldly, gave Gu Changqing a deep look, and without another word, took Shen Jingzhou and the battered, listless Elder Liu and the others, tore through space, and quickly departed.
A storm temporarily settled with the Shen Family suffering a major loss.
As the news spread, the wariness of various forces toward the Immortal Ancient Gu Family grew even stronger.
Ethereal Dao Domain, Gu Family's Main Peak.
Gu Yun received the cold jade box containing the ten drops of nine nether yellow springs liquid and some of the resources paid by the Shen Family from Gu Changqing.
"Yun'er, although we gained an advantage this time, we have also completely fallen out with the Shen Family."
"The Immortal Ancient Gu Family is now a tall tree attracting the wind. When you enter the Emperor's Road later, you must be extremely careful."
"Don't worry, Father; I have my own plans."
Gu Yun put away the jade box, his expression calm.
Being pointed at by a thousand fingers—doesn't this feeling feel too cool?
His heaven and earth furnace and human emperor banner were already itching for action.
"It's good that you know what you're doing."
"When you have time recently, go and get in touch with that young lady of the Shen Family."
"Yun'er understands."
Gu Yun bowed and withdrew. He re-entered the Great Luo Dao Pagoda, preparing to begin breaking through to the Quasi-Emperor Sixth Heaven.
[Ding! The Host has successfully struck the Child of Destiny Shen Jingzhou, plundering part of his luck. destiny value has decreased by 1,000 points.]
"Small-scale play, but... this Shen Jingzhou is indeed a big fish. Keep working hard and strive to bring me more surprises."
A smile curled on Gu Yun's lips as he sat cross-legged.
Ten drops of nine nether yellow springs liquid hovered before him... Immortal Ancient Shen Family.
Shen Jingzhou followed his father, not daring to even breathe. They were silent all the way; his father's face remained ashen.
It was the first time he had seen Shen Shiyu show such an expression. In the past, no matter what storms they encountered, his father was always calm and composed, strategizing effortlessly.
No matter how big a mistake he made, it was always treated lightly and resolved easily.
But today, Shen Shiyu's face had no expression from start to finish, making Shen Jingzhou feel panic for the first time.
It seemed... he had really poked a hole in the sky.
Upon returning to the Shen Family, Shen Shiyu dismissed all the servants, leaving only Shen Jingzhou in the vast hall of the ancestral land.
"Kneel."
A cold voice, devoid of any emotion.
Shen Jingzhou's knees went weak, and he fell to the ground with a "thud," not daring to look up.
"Why?" Shen Shiyu finally spoke, his voice dry. "Give me an explanation."
Shen Jingzhou opened his mouth but could not make a sound.
Could he say that he was doing it to complete a system mission and follow the plot?
"Because of Ye Qingcheng?"
"Is that woman really worth you acting like this?!!"
Shen Shiyu turned around, his eyes sharp as knives.