Chapter 1041, Those Who Have Lived Longer Cherish Their Life More, Elder Zhuo Wu’s Disciple Initiation Ceremony

Translator: Fate

Translation Checker: Silavin

 

“Your first option is to submit to me. I suppose you’re not that interested in governing your small Clans, so in the future, I can allow you to govern the entire Immortal Spirit Civilisation. I can also take you to other places to see a broader world…”

 

“Your second option is to stand against me and try to stop me. In that case, I will personally erase both you and your Clans from existence.”

 

Gu Changge’s silhouette appeared in this illusory void. He spoke without much emotion in his voice.

 

The choices were simple. The first option meant they got to keep their lives while the second spelt death for them.

 

“Do we have any other choice?”

 

Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun both chuckled bitterly. After all their years of living, they knew what Gu Changge meant.

 

If they submitted to Gu Changge, they could live on. But, from then onwards, they would have to do his bidding and follow his command to the letter.

 

Yet, what would happen if they tried to stop Gu Changge? That was clear as day, too.

 

Even if a fight broke out between Gu Changge and the Zhuo and Hun Clans, and even if the entire Immortal Spirit Civilisation got involved, it did not make a difference.

 

It was well within Gu Changge’s means to escape if not annihilate.

 

Furthermore, by then, they would have most likely died at his hands.

 

After considering these things, Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun both looked conflicted.

 

Throughout all of history, beings like them were immensely few and far between. Naturally, they were a proud bunch. Few could stand shoulder to shoulder with them.

 

To submit to another was an even greater torment than death.

 

Alas, at a time like this, they did not have a choice. With their lives at stake, dignity was truly unimportant.

 

It was even clearer to Hun Yuanjun when he recalled his fight with the Black-Robed Elder yesterday.

 

His opponent had clearly been a powerful and vicious being whose terrifying might allowed him to do as he pleased in the Other Plane.

 

Yet, he had also submitted to Gu Changge and was serving the latter.

 

The thought of this made it a little easier for Hun Yuanjun to accept the situation.

 

If this choice had been given to them when they newly attained enlightenment, the vigour and arrogance of youth would have made them refuse to submit to anyone, even in the pain of death.

 

Nevertheless, they had been alive for far too long. Having gone through countless situations, their attitudes had changed drastically.

 

The Path of Dao was long and far-reaching. If they wanted to soar to even greater heights, they had to stay alive. What was the use of pride if they could not even live till the next sunrise?

 

“Seems to me the two of you have decided.”

 

Upon noticing the changes in Zhuo Fengxie’s and Hun Yuanjun’s reactions, Gu Changge smiled faintly. It did not surprise him.

 

For beings with their level of cultivation, the only things they cared about in this world were cultivation and strength. Both required them to carry on living.

 

Thus, unless absolutely necessary, no one would choose to risk their life; and the longer they had lived, the more they valued their lives.

 

Naturally, there were exceptions to that. Gu Changge had indeed prepared himself for the possibility that they might choose to fight him to the bitter end. If that happened, he could always just spare a bit more time and energy on refining them into puppets.

 

Still, the Immortal Spirit Civilisation’s cultivation method was unique. It would not be easy for him to refine them into puppets.

 

Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun exchanged a glance before cupping their hands and saying in unison, “We have decided. From this day onwards, we are willing to serve you and follow you, Young Master Gu.”

 

…

 

Inside the pavilion, the Spirit Empress and the White Bone Ancestor King did as Gu Changge had instructed and shrouded all the auras in this place.

 

Only someone as powerful as them could detect the anomaly.

 

Hun Yuanjun and Zhuo Fengxie were rooted to the spot with glassy eyes. They looked like they were in a trance.

 

If not for the unmistakable Life Force that continued to flow within them, bystanders would have suspected that they had lost their Souls.

 

However, they soon snapped out of this state. They shuddered and exchanged glances. Fear lingered in their hearts.

 

With their strength, they could not have used their Spiritual Energy to break out of that space created out of will. Even if Gu Changge did not kill them, he could easily keep them locked up in there for as long as he wanted.

 

Just the thought of that alone was terrifying. It was akin to exiling their Souls to a boundless space.

 

They revered such alarming power.

 

“Master…”

 

After returning to their senses, Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun’s manner became a lot more respectful.

 

Gu Changge remained unchanged. He smiled and said, “Just call me Young Master. With your help, I’ll save a lot of trouble.”

 

The Spirit Empress and the White Bone Ancestor King were a little startled by this scene. They did not know what had just happened.

 

Just moments ago, Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun had been brimming with vigilance and hostility. But now, they seemed perfectly willing to serve Gu Changge.

 

Still, the two wisely chose not to ask any questions. They could not even begin to imagine what Gu Changge was capable of.

 

“You’re too kind, Young Master. It is our honour to be able to resolve such matters for you.”

 

Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun cupped their hands once more. They seemed to have submitted to Gu Changge completely.

 

Back inside Gu Changge’s Will Space, they swore on their True Souls that they were willingly submitting to Gu Changge.

 

If they broke this oath, their Souls would be lost for good.

 

“Let’s go. It’s almost time for Elder Zhuo Wu’s disciple initiation ceremony. She had someone deliver an invitation to me. This initiation ceremony is going to be quite interesting.” Gu Changge chuckled without explaining further. Once he finished speaking, the void before him grew hazy, and he was the first to stride off and leave the pavilion.

 

As Zhuo Fengxie and Hun Yuanjun followed behind him, they were taken aback.

 

Even though Zhuo Wu was a Heavenly Elder of the Zhuo Clan, and held great power, why would Gu Changge be interested in her disciple initiation ceremony?

 

In the past, they would not have attended such initiation ceremonies in person. At most, they would have someone deliver a congratulatory gift on their behalf.

 

Why did Gu Changge seem like he was looking forward to it?

 

…

 

Over at the oasis where Zhuo Wu was holding the initiation ceremony, pavilions and palaces lined the majestic peaks.

 

Mist drifted over the lotus pond as a light fragrance permeated the air. Beautiful women danced in the distance and enchanted everyone with their grace.

 

Many of the guests were murmuring among themselves and discussing the latest happenings.

 

The Forces within the universes of the Immortal Spirit Civilisation had sent their experts over. No one dared to disrespect Zhuo Wu.

 

Among them, the most eye-catching was the Divine Eternal Clan.

 

Though the Wu Clan and the Gou Clan had sent their experts over, it was clear they did not prioritise the event.

 

The other Elders of the Zhuo Clan also simply sent their descendants over to deliver their gifts.

 

Only those who were closer to Zhuo Wu came over in person.

 

A lively crowd had gathered. However, Zhuo Wu, the host of the event, had not made an appearance yet. She simply instructed her Clansmen to prepare the wine and feast.

 

Naturally, the hottest topic of discussion among everyone there was Zhuo Wu’s mysterious disciple.

 

The young prodigies of the various Forces kept talking about it.

 

Some thought that Zhuo Wu had taken in her disciple a long time ago, but for some reason, had chosen not to disclose that information.

 

But now that the descendant she held in the highest regard had been killed, she decided to present her disciple in public to prove her might.

 

Many expressed their respect and awe for her.

 

“Elder Zhuo Wu’s methods are unparalleled. Her decision to reveal her disciple’s identity to the public signifies her fearlessness. She is unafraid of being targeted by unknown enemies…”

 

“Elder Zhuo Wu’s disciple will definitely possess extraordinary strength. I think the ranking of the younger generation will be undergoing a reshuffling.”

 

Many were muttering among themselves in admiration.

 

When Wang He heard what they said, he could not help but feel tempted to snort.

 

It would be hard for ordinary beings to imagine the grudge and resentment that festered between Zhuo Wu and her disciple.

 

However, it was that very matter that gave Wang He the idea of how he could get close to the future Sovereign Empress.

 

Once he arrived, he did not stay with the Venerable Hong Gui. The two had immediately separated.

 

Wang He chose to remain along the sides, along the perimeter of the venue.

 

Though he was in the Quasi-Dao Realm, he was unassuming among the crowd of cultivators. No one would pay him any attention.

 

Furthermore, this was Zhuo Wu’s territory. No one dared to act recklessly. Thus, not many cultivators were around this area.

 

Upon thinking about this, Wang He’s gaze flickered. He decided to seize this chance to head further in and locate the future Sovereign Empress.

 

He once came across an ancient Concealment Technique that would allow him to conceal his aura and energy. It would be hard for others to discover him unless someone specifically tried to track him down.

 

Since Zhuo Wu was not around, Wang He was not worried that anyone would be able to find him.

 

Soon, an imperceptible fluctuation flashed across Wang He’s body, and his visage became even more unassuming. His figure flickered as if it was merging with the void before disappearing entirely.

 

All of the nearby cultivators were in the Immortal Realm. The strongest of them was only an Immortal King. Naturally, they did not detect anything unusual.

 

However, Wang He did not know that the moment his figure vanished, the Eternal Saintess, who was quietly sipping wine in a majestic palace surrounded by Immortal Mist, had reacted. A strange look flashed across her face which was shrouded by light. She glanced at the spot where he had been earlier.

 

“Interesting…” She had a look of intrigue.

 

“What did you say, Xiangjun?” Li Yang, the Eternal Divine Son, was also sitting nearby and enjoying the wine while waiting for Zhuo Wu’s disciple initiation ceremony to start.

 

He could not resist asking in curiosity when he heard Luo Xiangjun’s comment.

 

Luo Xiangjun simply cast him an indifferent glance before withdrawing her gaze. Disinclined to respond, she continued to drink the Immortal Wine before her.

 

Li Yang did not expect Luo Xiangjun to ignore him entirely. His face fell. Feeling a little awkward, he did not ask any more questions.

 

Instead, he gulped down the rest of the wine in annoyance.

 

When the more powerful cultivators and living beings in the distance noticed this scene, they were startled. Then, they began to look amused.

 

It seemed like the Divine Son and Saintess of the Divine Eternal Clan did not get along as well as they seemed to be.

 

Meanwhile, the Elders of the Divine Eternal Clan who had come along seemed used to such an occurrence.

 

“Why isn’t Elder Zhuo Wu here yet? How long does she plan on keeping us waiting?”

 

Still, the attention from the experts of the various Forces did make one of the Elders of the Divine Eternal Clan feel a little embarrassed. He cleared his throat and changed the subject.

 

It was hard for them to interfere in matters between the Saintess and the Divine Son. Even the Clan Leader could not do anything about it.

 

If the Divine Son had been a little more assertive when he faced the Saintess, the others could try to chime in on his behalf too.

 

Alas, Li Yang was too weak.

 

Despite the high expectations placed on him by many of the Clansmen and being regarded as the one who could lead the Divine Eternal Clan to greater heights, he repeatedly stumbled in front of the Eternal Saintess and failed to hold his head up high before her.

 

Deep within the oasis, there were even more pavilions and palaces. The buildings looked even more regal and majestic.

 

At this moment, beside a clear lake, a breathtakingly beautiful woman was sitting atop a large boulder.

 

Her jade boots had been cast aside, and her naked feet swayed beneath her dress, creating ripples in the water. She looked utterly bored.

 

“Even though that old hag, Zhuo Wu, has left this place, she instructed people to keep an eye on me and forbid me from venturing away from this area. I also don’t know if she has left behind anything else that allows her to watch over my every move.”

 

The woman was Mu Yan. She looked a lot thinner and more frail than before.

 

Her hair was tied up in a simple manner, revealing her fair and slender neck.

 

She murmured to herself with a dim and lifeless gaze.

 

However, after playing aimlessly with the water for a while, Mu Yan got up, put on her jade boots, and dutifully sat on the boulder. She began to focus on her cultivation by absorbing the Immortal Mist.

 

She knew that Zhuo Wu was up to no good when the latter instructed her to take her cultivation seriously.

 

Thus, she kept slacking to avoid letting Zhuo Wu get what she wanted.

 

She did not expect Zhuo Wu to realise that soon after.

 

Zhuo Wu later used an agonising method to torment her, saying it was her punishment for not focusing on her cultivation.

 

Therefore, Mu Yan could only abide by Zhuo Wu’s instructions and diligently hone her cultivation.

 

Now and then, Zhuo Wu would check on her progress.

 

If Zhuo Wu found that Mu Yan had been slacking, the former would activate the Rune she left in the latter.

 

It was impossible to imagine the pain of one’s heart, Soul, flesh, and bone being devoured by thousands of ants.

 

Even Mu Yan, who was determined and had great perseverance, found it so hard to endure the pain that she broke out in a cold sweat and nearly fainted.

 

It was millions of times more excruciating than the pain she suffered in the Frost Fire Hell.