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Translator: Fate
Translation Checker: Silavin
The sky shook, and thunderous roars came from all directions.
*Rumble! The entire Northcreek Ancient City burst into a tumult because they were harbouring the last person that was affiliated with Bandit Thirteen. A massive division of troops marched straight into the city like a storm cloud and searched the entire place, building by building, to find the man in hiding.
Apart from that, authoritative figures of Northcreek Ancient City, too, dispatched their men to intensively search, as well as seal off every teleportation array and exit in the city.
As it was the first time many cultivators experienced such a major state of affairs, they all felt absolutely uneasy. Thus, all of them, regardless of their level of cultivation, stayed put in their homes.
Just like that, the usually busy streets were now deadly silent, and only cavaliers – people riding on mounts with various heavenly blades, tridents, and spears – threateningly searched for Bai Kun, building after building.
*Rumble* Just then, the sky rippled, and a brilliantly glowing door appeared the next second, seemingly connected to another world.
Everyone looked up in amazement as many figures passed through the glowing door.
The man right in front was dressed in a black robe that fluttered against the breeze. His eyes were fathomless, and his facial features were immaculate, a face to die for. Not only that, he had an otherworldly and yet innate condescending nobility to him.
Meanwhile, all those behind him not only looked incredibly powerful, and the beasts they rode on were also frightening.
Any ordinary cultivator would’ve been brought to their knees by such a spectacle.
The man who had arrived was none other than Gu Changge, who had come from the Immortal Academy after knowing the last person of Bandit Thirteen was here.
“Greetings, Young Master Changge!”
“Greetings, Young Master!”
The City Lord of Northcreek and the others hurriedly flew into the sky and welcomed Gu Changge as though welcoming their lord.
“It’s Young Master Changge!”
“Who else but him in the current younger generation has such influence?! To think a young man can get this far.”
“His cultivation level and influence is simply unmatched!”
Many young prodigies of the Northcreek Ancient City watched with admiration and respect, wondering when they could one day be like him, world-renowned and none dared to disrespect.
Gu Changge dipped his head in reply to the greetings.
“Has he been found?” he asked plainly after sweeping his gaze on the city below.
At that, a Yaksha-looking man answered deferentially, “We’re currently searching the entire city, Master. All the exits, teleportation arrays, and the void within a hundred thousand kilometres have been sealed off. He won’t be able to leave even if he wants to today.”
Gu Changge nodded in acknowledgement, then landed on the streets with others following after.
Nonetheless, Gu Changge frowned. He was actually rather baffled why Bai Kun would escape to this city and not elsewhere, for he had assumed the man would most certainly directly flee to the Demon World.
Northcreek Ancient City was genuinely way too far away from the Demon World, and it shouldn’t be a foothold for running away.
“Take note of those around Bai Kun. He must have accomplices,” Gu Changge instructed indifferently with narrowed eyes when the possibility hit him.
At the same time, he scanned the entire ancient city unscrupulously with his mighty divine sense, he searching every corner for abnormal activity.
Bai Kun used to be the Solar Demon Overlord’s close friend, and he would certainly be the best choice and best entry point when Gu Changge intended to lay his hands on the returning Heir of the Demon Overlord.
If he was right, Bai Kun would provide significant assistance to Jun Bufan, the Heir of the Demon Overlord, next if according to normal trajectory, in other words cliche. Or rather, it was normal for a Demon Master who had assisted the Solar Demon Overlord to once again help his son.
Jun Bufan had become a substantial character. However, he would certainly be tough to find when he was hiding in the Demon World. Bai Kun, on the other hand, was an indispensable pawn, and this all had to do with Gu Changge’s upcoming plan.
Following Gu Changge’s arrival, the entire Northcreek Ancient City was stirred further by each passing second. Everyone stayed warily within their sect or home, not daring to make a sound, let alone complaint. It wasn’t until they watched a large group of cavaliers barge in and leave after searching high and low that they finally heaved a sigh of relief.
“Young Master Changge, we’ve searched the entire east and south side of the ancient city but didn’t find anyone suspicious,” the City Lord of Northcreek reported deferentially.
Though he was several thousand years older than Gu Changge, his cultivation level was far below that of the young man. In fact, he had the same sense of apprehension towards Gu Changge as he would his ancestor when standing close to him.
“Then, there’s only the west side left…” mumbled Gu Changge while nodding. “Northcreek isn’t that large. It’ll only take half a day to search the entire west side. But what will Bai Kun do during this remaining time? Say his last words?”
At that, he pulled a faint smirk with cat-and-mouse vibes as he walked towards the west.
The surrounding buildings were deadly silent. The city was normally bustling with activity, but it looked exceptionally deserted this day.
Lastly, the blacks and whites of Gu Changge’s eyes switched, and everything became clearer by the second under his perception using his Power of Reincarnation.
Then, he noticed an abnormally splendid row of buildings.
“The Fortuity here is odd… What place is that?” he asked.
The City Lord looked in the direction with surprise before answering honestly, “That is the Nephrite Breeze Pavilion’s property, Young Master Changge. Many cultivators would normally visit the place to…”
Gu Changge nodded in response, then walked towards the block while saying, “We’ll go there.”
Behind him, his followers exchanged a glance with each other, nodded tacitly, and then waved their hands.
*Boom!* A division of troops and cavaliers landed in front of the row of buildings thronging the place.
The Nephrite Breeze Pavilion was a new force in the Upper Realm, which sprang up in the last thousand years. However, it had mysterious origins. No one knew the forces behind it nor the owner of the place.
Though it looked like a brothel on the outside, in fact, many cultivators were well aware that it was actually an assassin’s guild specialised in undertaking the darkest assassinations from various forces, like assassinating an opposing force’s young prodigy, young seeds, powerful Elders, or getting rid of traitors.
Compared to the assassin’s guilds with tens of millions of years of history, the assassins of Nephrite Breeze Pavilion were insanely powerful despite its short establishment.
While the other assassin’s guilds saw them as a threat and wanted nothing more than to get rid of it, various forces feared it, for they could never find its headquarters. It was practically like weed, impossible to get rid of. Once it found the opportunity, it would rise from the ashes again.
Thus, with time, Nephrite Breeze Pavilion gained quite a reputation within the vast Upper Realm.
In fact, there were even rumours that they even dared to kill off an Ancient Emperor if anyone could afford it.
The number who had died in their hands were arguably innumerable, and word was that the mystery owner of Nephrite Breeze Pavilion was the Successor of the Killing Emperor, who had all Emperors living in fear of him.
Right then, Bai Kun sighed and bemoaned inside the building as the thought crossed his mind.
Everything his daughter, Bai Lian’er, had done all these years hadn’t gone unnoticed by him. In fact, he would cover for her when she encountered trouble in case her enemies found her and wanted to kill her. That said, he never told her anything about it.
He was a fugitive of the Demon World. After all, to capture or eliminate any of those that supported the five Demon Overlords, the Empress of the Demon World had been searching for them high and low. It was precisely because of this that he could not let his daughter be dragged into it.
“Things haven’t been easy for you all these years…” Bai Kun sighed.
The enchanting woman, who had been quiet all this while as she stood behind the young man. She was pained by his words and finally decided to speak up. She drooped her eyelids. Though her gaze was impassive, it was also laced with ill-concealed sadness. “I understand your dilemma, Father.”
She had an unusually charming voice, and a simple cultivator would’ve been infatuated after hearing her speak. Though the young man had met her a few times, he still couldn’t help blushing at this time. But he knew Bai Lian’er didn’t do it on purpose. Rather, her unique physique had an innate charm towards anyone who interacts with her.
Bai Kun pulled a relieved smile after hearing her words. “I’m really sorry for all these years. Sometimes, I really want to visit you, but then, I’m also worried those from the Demon World would detect my whereabouts… Sigh… If this hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t be able to see you again.”
To that, Bai Lain’er nodded with drooping eyelids. “Say no more, Father. I understand.”
“Alright, I’ve already said all that I need to. Now, leave this place. Gu Changge’s men will get here in no time,” the blind middle-aged man said gravely. “But remember, don’t avenge me at all. This scourge is all because of my greediness. You guys will never be able to defeat Gu Changge and absolutely never make an enemy of him either.”
At that, he turned to the young man. “Remember all that I’ve told you two. Head to the Demon World, find Jun Bufan, and hand the pouch to him. He’s the Fated One.”
Though Bai Lian’er had questions, she didn’t ask them out at this time.
[Jun Bufan… Hadn’t he already died six thousand years ago? Why are we still handing this pouch to him?] She sighed inwardly as she reeled in bewilderment.
“Got it, Master. I won’t let you down.” The young man nodded solemnly before activating the jade pendant with immense sadness. With that, they concealed their aura and figures, and left from the back door.
Bai Kun, on the other hand, sat calmly in his wheelchair while letting his thoughts take him away.
Back in the day, he, Bai Kun, the Demon Master, was an all-powerful character in the Demon World. He claimed to have seen through everything, and he dared to speak of fate and destinies when he shouldn’t have.
Through such audacity and verge, he became a big shot in the Demon World. Even the Demon Overlords would give him due respect. And because he had known the Solar Demon Overlord since they were little, he then became the Overlord’s subordinate, allowing the Solar Demon Overlord to be inferred as the head of the Six Demon Overlords.
Oh, how dignified he was back then, but he wouldn’t blame anyone either when he had landed in this situation.
“What goes around will always come around…” Bai Kun sighed plainly, waiting for Gu Changge’s arrival.
He knew well that if Gu Changge was well aware that he, as the military advisor of the Bandit Thirteen had escaped, then the latter would certainly have ways to locate him; there was no doubt about that.
Gu Changge, the young man himself, was way too ominous. He had tried to change the young man’s fate, but the only thing he got, in the end, was… a backlash, and he only began to recover after lying in bed for over two weeks.
Back then, if he hadn’t sensed a treasure that had emerged from the Heavenly Arms Domain matched him perfectly, how would he have gotten greedy!? How could he have led Bandit Thirteen to their tragic demise!? How would Gu Changge be hunting him down now!?
He had successfully hidden from the Demon World, but Gu Changge found him in just less than half a month!
*Boom!* Just then, Bai Kun heard a thunderous boom coming from outside. It sounded so loud that it was as though the heavens had fallen.
A golden palm print suddenly pierced through the sky, falling towards a void like numerous stars exploding.
Countless buildings turned to dust as a result, and all the cultivators shuddered in fear. It was as though they were experiencing the end of the world.
*Thump!* It looked as though the area would crumble as countless rays of light and runes intertwined and transformed into scattered swords.
Meanwhile, Gu Changge looked at the turbulence that flashed past from that area with slightly furrowed brows. “To think they’ve managed to escape…”
For someone to flee unharmed after taking his palm full on would mean that they were at least in the Sacred King Realm.
“Secure the area. Don’t let anyone near.” Gu Changge ordered plainly to those behind him, who were still reeling in shock.
Then, the horrific cavaliers descended one after another like a storm, surrounding Nephrite Breeze Pavilion in no time.
The people watching from afar were looking at the scene unfold with absolute awe. That palm felt like the sky had fallen, and they couldn’t help feeling deeply shocked. [Is this Gu Changge’s true power?]
Meanwhile, Bai Kun had obviously sensed a horrific eruption of power that was beyond what ordinary experts in the Sacred King Realm could display. He might be blind and disabled, but he was in the Sacred King Realm, who just hadn’t displayed his powers in years.
If it weren’t that Northcreek Ancient City set up arrays, that impact would’ve destroyed countless buildings.
“Did they catch sight of Lian’er and Bai Hua!? That’s impossible…”
Just as Bai Kun intended to make a last-ditch effort and fight to the death, footsteps suddenly came from below him.
“Have you finished saying your last words?” A young man’s voice came the next second. Though it sounded chirpy, it was actually super impassive and monotonous.
Chills instantly ran down Bai Kun’s spine upon hearing the voice. “Gu Changge…”
Instinctively, he thought he was looking at an icy stone, and he couldn’t help shuddering.
He hadn’t expected Gu Changge to find him so soon, let alone ask such a question right off the bat. [Say my last words? Could he have heard something?!]
Then again, he had seen many storms in his life, so he managed to collect himself fairly quickly. After all, the jade pendant he gave the two was no simple object. Absolutely no one would discover them if they concealed their aura and flea in secret.
He looked toward the staircase and asked composedly, “What an honour it is, Young Master Changge, for you to make such a big fuss just to find a broken man like me.”
“I generally don’t like to spare those who dare to cross me. So, sometimes, I will find them—even if I have to search the entire universe—and kill ’em,” said Gu Changge with a smile as he ambled over.
Though the young man spoke impassively, Bai Kun still felt a chill running down his spine. [This young man is more horrifying than I thought. His powers are fathomless…] He couldn’t help suspecting the turbulence he felt earlier was Gu Changge’s work.
It was absolutely unimaginable for someone to reach such a cultivation level at such a young age!
Then, just as Bai Kun was about to speak up, Gu Changge beat him to it. “But I decided to change my mind now that I’ve met you. I won’t kill you; you’re much more useful to me alive.”
While speaking, he sat down, and clarity flashed across his eyes as he looked at the still-warm tea.
Gu Changge disclosed his thoughts frankly with not even a sliver of intention to hide anything from Bai Kun, but the latter turned grim as he felt strangeness and uneasiness.
[Just what the heck does he want? Hadn’t he spent all the effort to look for me in the vast Upper Realm to retaliate, when I was the one who had incited Bandit Thirteen to attack the caravan transporting his treasure!?]
“What is the meaning of this, Gu Changge? If you want to kill me, just do it. I won’t flinch,” scowled Bai Kun grimly, done dancing around with the young man. He could tell Gu Changge had another plan in mind and didn’t simply just wanted to retaliate against him. However, he didn’t want to drag his disciple and daughter down due to his mistake.
“Nothing, really. I’m just curious about what you have instructed, given the little time you have. The other two fled pretty quickly, I must say. Surely they can only escape from right under my nose because of your talisman.” Gu Changge shook his head with a chuckle like he saw through all of Bai Kun’s thoughts with just one glance.
Though he had already expected it, he had still underestimated Bai Kun’s tricks a little. To think the blind man could help two people conceal their aura and flee under so many peoples’ noses. He had to admit that the trick surprised him a little. That said, it also got him thinking about keeping the blind man alive.
Of course, he wasn’t worried there would be any repercussions as the other two might be able to run, but they couldn’t hide forever. Furthermore, as long as Bai Kun was in his hands, he’d have ways to force the other two to show themselves.
“What are you trying to say? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Bai Kun icily replied. His eyes were blind, but not his heart.
“Doesn’t matter. You just need to know one thing. You can’t die anymore, even if you want to. From now on, your life is mine.” Gu Changge smiled, then speedily formed a black flashing rune in his palm. As Principle fell, he slapped the rune on Bai Kun’s abdomen with breakneck speed.
“What is this…” Bai Kun turned grim. Before he could even resist, an eerie wave of energy penetrated his organs, bones, and flesh before landing straight in his Spiritual Sea.
The eerie energy was way too terrifying. It rooted itself in his Wheel of Life with deep greed and animosity like a giant living black net, sealing his Spiritual Sea instantly while a dead, depleting sensation spread across it, devouring his powers continually.
“What secret technique is this… You sealed off my cultivation…”
Bai Kun flew into a rage only to trigger his injury, causing him to cough up blood with a cry. As a result, his face blanched.
Gu Changge, on the other hand, only took a plain glance at him before heading downstairs. “Focus the investigation on Nephrite Breeze Pavilion and also detain the Demon Master, Bai Kun, in the Immortal Academy.”
It was without a question that Bai Kun had something to do with Nephrite Breeze Pavilion. If his guess was right, one of the two runaways was Bai Kun’s disciple. As for the other, they were likely linked to Nephrite Breeze Pavilion. As for who they were, it needed to be investigated. If they couldn’t find anything, he could only search Bai Kun’s soul himself.
Bai Kun’s pupils shrank in response, surprised that Gu Changge didn’t cease after capturing him but even proceeded to investigate Nephrite Breeze Pavilion, and he couldn’t help feeling apprehensive.
Though Bai Lian’er had never made herself known to the public after all these years, and barely anyone knew she was the mysterious owner of Nephrite Breeze Pavilion–Gu Changge was crafty. So, who could guarantee he wouldn’t find out!?
After being captured and sealed off of his cultivation, a group of cavaliers escorted Bai Kun out and chucked him into the cell they had prepared.
Then those of Northcreek Ancient City all heaved a sigh of relief upon seeing so, and the massive boulder hanging above their heads was finally dropped, or anyone would be left in fear having to face an existence like Gu Changge.
As Gu Changge and his men were leaving the ancient city, the former apologised to the City Lord and the others, who were seeing them away outside of the city, “I’m sorry to have caused fear to everyone with this issue.”
“You’re too polite, Young Master Changge. It’s only right of us to cooperate with your search when the Demon Master dared to cross you,” said the City Lord deferentially as he waved his hands.
“Besides, Bandit Thirteen had caused chaos for many years. You’ve done us a favour by wiping them out,” said someone in the crowd. Though insincere, no one would dare complain at this time.
“In that case, I shall take my leave.” Gu Changge smiled. He didn’t care about any of it, appearing gentlemanly the entire time.
With that, he looked at an empty space, and a soft crack came instantly as though something had snapped. Following that, he left with his men without a second of delay.
Meanwhile, the City Lord and the others watched Gu Changge and his men leave for good before finally heaving a long sigh of relief and returning to the ancient city below.
Soon, Northcreek Ancient City returned to its usual hustle and bustle, but what happened earlier had seared into everyone’s memories, and would never be forgotten even in the last days of their lives.
Thank you the chapters (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)