"This matter is actually quite simple, and you need not worry. There won't be any danger."
The clusters of black mist shifted, revealing several blurry faces—men and women, humans and other races.
Each pair of eyes carried a scrutinizing and peculiar gaze as they stared at Zi Wanhe, making him feel extremely uncomfortable.
"Is there nothing else besides this?"
Zi Wanhe asked in a deep voice.
He didn't know why these people wanted to investigate Gu Changge's identity and origins. It seemed that even before the battle between the Immortal Chu Dynasty and Gu Changge, they had been planning this.
Zi Wanhe had only met Gu Changge once.
But the terrifying scene from that encounter was unforgettable.
Even the bane of the Bridal Robe Immortal Technique, which had plagued him for countless years, had been resolved by Gu Changge.
Of course, his life and death were also in Gu Changge's hands.
These beings wanted him to investigate Gu Changge's identity and origins, but how could he dare?
"That's all. Once you complete this task, our transaction will be concluded."
The gazes from within the black mist quickly disappeared, and the faces dissipated like smoke.
Only after sensing that these figures had completely vanished did Zi Wanhe let out a sigh of relief and retract his gaze.
"What does Champion Marquis Chu Heng of the Immortal Chu Dynasty mean by suddenly withdrawing his troops at this time?"
Then, he recalled the messages from the elders of Purple Mist Mountain and frowned.
Logically, now that the Immortal Chu Dynasty was severely weakened, it was the perfect time for Purple Mist Mountain to launch a full-scale attack.
However, without Gu Changge's orders, he dared not act rashly. He could only order everyone in Purple Mist Mountain to stay put and wait.
The sudden withdrawal of Champion Marquis Chu Heng's army from the border of the Immortal Chu Dynasty quickly drew the attention of various factions.
All regions were in an uproar.
At this critical moment when the Immortal Chu Dynasty was clashing with the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain, why would Champion Marquis Chu Heng suddenly withdraw his troops? Had something unexpected happened in the imperial capital, requiring his return?
Or had the Immortal Chu Dynasty abandoned its border territories, choosing to defend its heartland instead?
However, the fact that the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain did not take advantage of the situation to pursue was also unexpected.
Everyone was puzzled and began speculating wildly.
The news of Champion Marquis Chu Heng's withdrawal quickly caused a stir throughout the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
In the imperial capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, Chu Gucheng was trying to find a way to address the severe injuries of his master, the Law Sage.
But he was also the first to receive the report, and his expression changed drastically. His hands, hidden beneath his robes, clenched into fists involuntarily.
"How dare Champion Marquis Chu Heng leave the border without my orders?"
"Who allowed him to return to the imperial capital? Who will guard the border?"
His face was filled with anger, and he erupted in fury.
All the servants and maids were terrified, trembling and prostrating on the ground.
Chu Gucheng never expected that, without his permission or orders, Champion Marquis Chu Heng would dare to leave the border at such a critical time.
If the Demon Court and Purple Mist Mountain were to advance unimpeded, wouldn't that mean large swathes of the Immortal Chu Dynasty's territories, even its heartland, would fall?
At this moment, Champion Marquis Chu Heng's dereliction of duty would only further shake the people's confidence and embarrass him, the ruler.
In the imperial capital, other ministers who received the news were also shocked and puzzled.
Many began to speculate whether Champion Marquis Chu Heng had received the ruler's decree to abandon the border.
"It seems the aftermath in the Immortal Chu Dynasty won't settle down. Champion Marquis Chu Heng's decision to return to the imperial capital at this critical moment is likely not just about seeking justice for his wife."
Elder Xingying from the Yinxu Cave, who had not yet left the Immortal Chu Dynasty and remained in the imperial capital, gazed outside the capital. Her silver eyes seemed to reflect scenes of blood and fire.
Hearing this, White-Browed Star Lord also looked grave and asked, "Senior Sister, should we return to the Yinxu Cave and ask Master to intervene?"
Elder Xingying shook her head and sneered, "If Master wanted to intervene, he wouldn't have sent the two of us here. I initially thought Master favored Chu Gucheng, but the recent battle made me realize that Chu Gucheng is just a pawn. If we don't want to become Master's discarded pieces, we should watch the chessboard carefully and not act recklessly."
White-Browed Star Lord sighed inwardly.
He knew Master's temperament. Although they were his disciples, in the eyes of such a being, they were often insignificant pawns, easily discarded when no longer useful.
"Great, the Marquis is returning to the imperial capital."
"With the Marquis back, someone will finally stand up for us."
In the former Grand Tutor's residence, Han Feng, Chu Bai, and others were overjoyed upon hearing the news.
Although they had retrieved the remains of Champion Marquis Chu Heng's wife from the imperial mausoleum, they had found no relics..
The pendant they were searching for was also missing.
This disappointed them greatly, but upon reflection, it was expected. Chu Gucheng was meticulous and would not leave behind key evidence.
In the following days, the situation in the Immortal Chu Dynasty grew increasingly unstable.
Many regions within the territory began to experience unrest. The disaster caused by the black coffin that had fallen earlier had not been resolved, and now new troubles arose.
Even though Chu Gucheng sent out many of his trusted aides and subordinates to stabilize the situation, it was no use.
After the battle between the Immortal Chu Dynasty and Gu Changge, the dynasty had already suffered heavy losses. Yet, many factions were still closely monitoring the situation.
Purple Mist Mountain and the Demon Court did not attack again, but their armies remained stationed at the border, exerting strong deterrence.
In other border regions of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, smaller factions began to take advantage of the chaos to fish in troubled waters. (For thrilling novels, visit Feilu!)
In the previous battle zones, karmic fire raged, countless lives were lost, and sinful slaughter spread in all directions.
Many vibrant, life-filled star systems were affected, quickly turning barren and desolate, engulfed in karmic fire.
This was also a disaster that could not be ignored, beyond human power to stop.
During the Immortal Chu Dynasty's peak, its surging and steaming national fortune could have suppressed everything.
But now, with national fortune dissipating and public morale collapsing, the boundless bloodshed and karmic sins from the wars began to backlash.
The tragic scenes in the Immortal Chu Dynasty over the past few days left the various factions of the Prime-Origin Civilization trembling with fear. This was undoubtedly a sign of impending collapse.
Yet, even at this point, Chu Gucheng was still thinking about establishing the Xiyuan Covenant and seeking the help of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall.
To this end, the Saintess Xiyuan once again appeared in the imperial capital, calling on all factions to assist.
Many factions were puzzled. Why was the Saintess Xiyuan still in the Immortal Chu Dynasty and had not left?
Did she truly intend to help the Immortal Chu Dynasty overcome this crisis?
On the same day, far from the Immortal Chu Dynasty, in the heart of the Prime-Origin Civilization, the Xiyuan Sacred Hall made an announcement.
A figure of the same level as the ancient living fossil emerged.
Her name was Xi Yin, a registered disciple of the founding sage of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, Sage Xi. Her seniority was even higher than that of the Saintess Xiyuan.
This living fossil figure from the Xiyuan Sacred Hall had been in deep seclusion, comprehending the Great Dao for many eras, and had not appeared in the world for a long time.
She had not emerged voluntarily but had been invited out by another living fossil-level figure.
That figure was Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing Clan, who had appeared in the Sheng Yang Ancient Domain.
Jing Tianyuan, the ancestor of the Jing Clan, was a contemporary of the founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace. His seniority and origins needed no explanation.
He brought many elders of the Jing Clan and appeared outside the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, requesting an audience with the current elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall.
He was direct. Upon arrival, he stated that the Immortal Chu Dynasty had long colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity and had imprisoned the true Saintess Xiyuan.
The Saintess Xiyuan currently appearing in the Immortal Chu Dynasty was an imposter.
This statement caused a great uproar throughout the Xiyuan Sacred Hall. All the elders and disciples were alarmed and rushed over.
If such a claim had been made by anyone else, few would have believed it.
But the ancestor of the Jing Clan was a Ancient sage who, like the founder of the Imperial Immortal Palace, had resisted the Black Calamity.
Would he come here to slander the Saintess Xiyuan without reason?
Many elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall had already been suspicious and found the situation strange.
The Saintess Xiyuan had gone to the Immortal Chu Dynasty for a banquet, originally planning to stay only a few days, but had not returned.
Moreover, she had proposed a marriage alliance with the Immortal Chu Dynasty, which, to those who knew her well, seemed absurd.
Jing Tianyuan did not hide his intentions. He informed the people of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall that he had come at someone's request to join forces with the Xiyuan Sacred Hall to rescue the imprisoned Saintess Xiyuan.
The elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall did not dare delay and hurried to the depths of the sacred hall to contact the ancestor-level figures in seclusion.
If the Saintess had truly been harmed, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"I just used the power of the Mirror of Reincarnation to deduce the situation and did find some anomalies. The Immortal Chu Dynasty is now shrouded in black mist, and even the Saintess cannot be contacted."
"The connection between the Mirror of Reincarnation and her has been severed."
Xi Yin, though an ancestor-level figure of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, appeared as a middle-aged beauty.
Her hair was styled in a cloud bun, adorned with jade hairpins. She wore a dark green palace robe, her figure graceful and alluring, her beauty unmatched. A tear-shaped mole at the corner of her eye added a touch of enchanting charm.
She frowned slightly, gazing across the vast spacetime toward the direction of the Immortal Chu Dynasty.
The elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall all changed expressions, many growing worried.
Jing Tianyuan, though elderly and lean, exuded an air of elegance and refinement. He nodded and said, "That's why I've come here to discuss with the Xiyuan Sacred Hall how to rescue Saintess Xiyuan and resolve this calamity in the Prime-Origin Civilization."
Xi Yin nodded slightly and said, "Elder Jing, your concern is appreciated. On behalf of my master, I thank you. The Saintess is my master's personally taught disciple, possessing exceptional talent and many life-saving techniques. She should be safe for the time being."
"But may I ask who entrusted you to come here and seek our aid?"
As she spoke, a hint of doubt appeared on her face.
Jing Tianyuan laughed and said, "There's no need to rush, Fellow Daoist. You'll soon meet Young Master Gu. In fact, it's thanks to him that I can reappear in this world."
"Young Master Gu?"
Xi Yin frowned again, then with a thought, she instantly comprehended the events that had transpired in the Prime-Origin Civilization during this time.
For beings like her, almost no secrets in the myriad worlds could be hidden. Many things could be deduced with a single thought.
Well-known major events were even easier to understand.
"So, such things have happened during this time."
Soon, Xi Yin's expression returned to normal, and she nodded slightly.
Then, she personally wrote and issued orders. Beams of divine light pierced through time and space, carrying decrees from the Xiyuan Sacred Hall to various regions and factions.
"I have issued the Xiyuan Decree, calling on all factions to join forces and annihilate the Immortal Chu Dynasty, which has colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity," Xi Yin said.
The Xiyuan Decree was a special edict of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, only issued during times of turmoil or calamity in the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Xi Yin's direct use of the Xiyuan Decree showed the gravity she placed on this matter.
Jing Tianyuan nodded and said, "This matter cannot be delayed. The longer we wait, the more I fear something might happen to the Saintess Xiyuan."
"I have brought many elites from the Jing Clan and have also contacted the Imperial Immortal Palace. We must ensure the Saintess is rescued safely."
Hearing this, the elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall were moved.
"This ancient sage was truly intolerant of evil and full of chivalrous spirit."
Xi Yin also nodded and said, "Elder Jing, your concern is appreciated. This matter is indeed urgent. Let us proceed immediately. I also want to see what capabilities the Immortal Chu Dynasty has left."
Jing Tianyuan smiled and said, "Very well. Let's first meet with Young Master Gu."
Xi Yin showed a hint of curiosity.
She was also very interested in the identity and origins of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance's leader, but she did not say more at this time.
Outside the Xiyuan Sacred Hall, a vast spacetime passage was opened. Xi Yin personally led the way, accompanied by many elders of the Xiyuan Sacred Hall. Jing Tianyuan followed with the elite forces of the Jing Clan.
The Xiyuan Decree, sent to various regions, also caused an uproar.
The Temple of Light and Darkness, the Divine Ascension Cavern, the Tathagata Buddha Kingdom, the Dead Lake, the Cave of Bliss… many immortal factions were shocked and found it hard to believe.
"The Xiyuan Sacred Hall has issued the Xiyuan Decree, calling on all factions to join forces and annihilate the Immortal Chu Dynasty…"
"What exactly is going on?"
"A grand elder from the Xiyuan Sacred Hall personally issued the decree, stating that the Immortal Chu Dynasty has colluded with the remnants of the Black Calamity, imprisoned the true Saintess Xiyuan, and replaced her with an imposter, intending to overturn natural order and bring chaos to the Prime-Origin Civilization."
"They hope the myriad worlds will join forces to destroy them."
All regions were in an uproar.
All cultivators and beings who received the news were utterly shocked,难以置信.
How bold was the Immortal Chu Dynasty to do such a thing?
This was an attempt to deceive the entire Prime-Origin Civilization, disregarding order and trampling on rules.
"No wonder things felt off. The Saintess Xiyuan's actions and words during that time were quite strange."
"If the Xiyuan Decree is accurate, then the Immortal Chu Dynasty is truly audacious, daring to impersonate the Saintess Xiyuan?"
Various factions were also shocked and horrified.
The entire Prime-Origin Civilization was in an uproar over this matter. Deep within the Imperial Immortal Palace, Ling Yuxian, who had long since returned, discussed this with her sister, Ling Yuling.
Additionally, the Imperial Immortal Palace received an invitation from the Jing Clan, inviting them to join forces to annihilate the Immortal Chu Dynasty and the remnants of the Black Calamity.
"This time, you and a Ancestral Dao elder should go. The Immortal Chu Dynasty is doomed. All factions will not miss this opportunity to feast on its remains," Ling Yuling said softly.
"Did the Immortal Chu Dynasty really collude with the remnants of the Black Calamity?" Ling Yuxian was still puzzled.
Ling Yuling's expression was complex as she shook her head. "Whether they colluded or not no longer matters. When the wall falls, everyone pushes; when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The Immortal Chu Dynasty's impersonation of Saintess Xiyuan has crossed the bottom line. No one can save it now."
Without a doubt, the Immortal Chu Dynasty was doomed. In this battle with Gu Changge, it had been utterly defeated, with no hope of survival.
Although Ling Yuling had anticipated this, she hadn't expected it to happen so quickly, leaving the Immortal Chu Dynasty with no chance.
"Father, we're finished…"
In the imperial capital of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, the eldest prince, Chu Wushang, turned pale and nearly collapsed to the ground.
Chu Gucheng's descendants, concubines, and the entire harem were filled with panic and unease, as if facing an impending apocalypse.
The civil and military officials also looked terrified, prostrating in the court, not daring to raise their heads.
Chu Gucheng stood before the throne, his face ashen, fists clenched so tightly they creaked. In the depths of his eyes, scenes of cosmic annihilation and turbulent changes alternated, vast and unfathomable.