Chapter 1360, Forcing People to Do Things Against Their Wishes; Pretending to Be Old and Frail

Translator: Fate

Translation Checker: Silavin

 

The coffin was ancient and looked like it had been dug out from the ground. Some parts of it were damaged and it still carried some dirt and moss.

 

The thick miasma relentlessly stuck to the coffin and spread with the wind while carrying a horrifyingly corrosive aura.

 

It came from the depths of Empty Boundary Ridge and traversed across the sky before approaching this area.

 

“I’ll surely meet an important guest like you. However, I’m too old to move.”

 

A hoarse voice was heard coming from the ancient coffin. It sounded like the voice of an old woman. Her coughing showed that she was ill.

 

“First Leader…” Shang Chongming and the others were shocked. Then, they all become truly respectful.

 

The person who looked like a kid was about to flare up, but he suppressed his fury.

 

They did not expect that the First Leader had been in Empty Boundary Ridge the entire time. They thought she was somewhere else. They were not aware of it because the First Leader had never shown up for so long.

 

The First Leader had a special status in Empty Boundary Ridge for everyone. She was the one who built this place, which served as a shelter for those in danger. It ensured that they could enjoy many peaceful years.

 

In their opinion, the First Leader’s power was inscrutable. No one could tell for sure how mighty she truly was.

 

They also had no idea which cultivation level she had reached.

 

Few people had seen the First Leader. Even among the other eight leaders, only several of them had seen her before.

 

“You’re finally here.” Gu Changge kept a faint smile on his face. His gaze was as gentle as ever. Nevertheless, there was no emotion at all behind his eyes.

 

“We from Empty Boundary Ridge cannot afford to bear your wrath. How dare I keep hiding and refuse to meet you?” A cough was heard as the coffin descended from the sky and landed on the ground right in front of everyone.

 

It was still covered in a miasma as well as the Mist of Chaos and the Fragments of Great Dao. Even people like Shang Chongming could not see through it.

 

However, as Gu Changge looked at the coffin, he was slightly surprised.

 

The coffin lid was pushed open by an invisible force.

 

A skeleton with a smooth surface sat up from the coffin. Her upper part was revealed while her lower part was still inside the coffin. The thick miasma engulfed the skeleton.

 

As Gu Changge glanced at her, some vague energy started appearing on the surface of the skeleton.

 

The thick miasma swirled and was drawn to the bones by a mysterious force. Then, blood and flesh started appearing and covering the skeleton.

 

A moment later, an old woman with a hunched back, who was wearing ragged clothes with patterns of colourful flowers embroidered on her sleeves, coughed and climbed out of the coffin.

 

Although her hair was white and her face was full of wrinkles, she was energetic and her eyes were bright. Furthermore, she looked amiable, just like an old woman who would watch people come and go at the entrance of a village. She seemed truly calm and collected.

 

“First Leader?” It was the first time Shang Chongming and the others saw the First Leader, so they were surprised.

 

They found it hard to believe that this ordinary old woman was the First Leader whom they had always respected.

 

They had never seen her true appearance. Back then, they would only talk to her while she was covered in a miasma. They were aware that the First Leader was a woman and was strong, but not much else.

 

“It’s been a long time since I last climbed out of the ground. All of you don’t have to panic. It’s normal when I’m already this old. Time is cruel. Although I was one of the most beautiful women when I was young, I still couldn’t stop time from leaving marks on my body. I’m so old now and no longer beautiful. Perhaps I’ll meet my end very soon.” The old woman got out of the coffin with difficulty. She supported her weight with a dark crutch that came out of nowhere and spoke with a hint of sorrow.

 

With a hunched back, she walked slowly. It was as though a breeze could make her fall to the ground. Or, she might trip over some stones.

 

When Shang Chongming and the others saw her looking like this, they were worried while shocked.

 

The First Leader used to be famous across the Boundless Expanse. She had built this Forbidden Area and was known to be ferocious. Had she truly become so frail due to merciless passage of time?

 

Did she experience anything or come across a calamity that made her so weak during this period?

 

Dao Monarch Chang Ming studied this legendary First Leader of the Empty Boundary Ridge. He was shocked and puzzled.

 

If he had not seen her with his own eyes, he would never have believed that this old woman was the First Leader.

 

He was not one to judge a book by its cover, though. He could feel that this old woman was void of vitality and her Source was in a mess. It seemed that she was about to meet her end and her obstinacy allowed her to stay alive for a while longer.

 

Gu Changge had been calmly looking at the old woman since the beginning. With his hands behind his back, he did not care that she kept muttering to herself.

 

Shang Chongming and the others soon recovered from their shock. They didn’t show her any disrespect just because she was old and frail.

 

Later, they explained to her Gu Changge’s identity and intentions.

 

At the same time, they were worried the old woman knew little about the outside world, so they narrated to her what had happened in the Boundless Expanse during this period.

 

The old woman seemed astounded as she listened to them.

 

The expression on her wrinkled face showed that she found everything inconceivable. Then, she could not help but sigh.

 

“I didn’t expect the Black Disaster to return after such a long time. Moreover, it’s even more aggressive this time and so many True Worlds and Civilisations have fallen.” She sighed again.

 

“Unfortunately, I’m old and frail now. I’m powerless to help even if I want to. I might become a burden to all of you and bring you unnecessary trouble.” She sighed helplessly and coughed. Then, she quickly fished out a handkerchief and covered her mouth with it.

 

The handkerchief was quickly dyed red with blood. It was a terrifying sight.

 

The expressions of Shang Chongming and the others changed as they were worried.

 

“As I get older, I find it increasingly harder to suppress my injury. When I was young, this kind of injury was nothing to me. If I were healthy, I would surely go out there and clash with those dark beings.” When the old woman saw how worried they were, she waved her hand and smiled. “There’s no need to worry. I won’t die anytime soon. However, I’ll have to rely on all of you to ensure the safety of Empty Boundary Ridge.”

 

“We have no idea that you’ve been missing over the years because you’re injured, First Leader,” Shang Chongming said solemnly.

 

However, several Leaders were doubtful. They felt that the First Leader was being overly talkative. In the past, she would always cut to the chase when giving them orders. She did not like anyone disturbing her.

 

Was it because she was injured that she had no choice but to explain it to Gu Changge to prevent being forced to join the Heavenslayers Alliance? Or, was she intentionally doing this?

 

After wiping the blood off her mouth, the old woman tottered towards Gu Changge with the help of her crutch.

 

She cupped her fists with a smile and said politely, “We’re truly honoured to have you here. I’ll tell them to prepare a banquet now. Please forgive us if you feel we’ve not been doing enough for you.”

 

She seemed unaware of Gu Changge’s intentions and insisted on welcoming him into the Empty Boundary Ridge.

 

“Alliance Leader is not here to attend a banquet, First Leader.” Dao Monarch Chang Ming frowned. He felt that the First Leader might be confused as to what was going on.

 

With a smile, the old woman said calmly, “I know. It’s just that both of us have to agree to it when it comes to a matter like this. It’s just like two people must be in love with one another before they can get married. Forcing people to do things against their wishes will only yield undesirable results. Also, all of you can see how frail I am now. I’m unable to work for the Alliance Leader. I’m powerless to do that even if I want to.”

 

Dao Monarch Chang Ming had offered to bring Gu Changge to the Empty Boundary Ridge to express his loyalty, also to contribute to the Alliance. Nevertheless, he was helpless and did not know what to do when the First Leader had solid reasons to turn them down. He was not sure if they should give up.

 

“Even though you’re old and frail, you’ll still be useful, and that’s enough for me.” Just then, Gu Changge, who had been watching everything in silence, put on a smile.

 

The old woman looked helplessly at him. “But Alliance Leader, I’m afraid I’m totally useless to you.”

 

“We’ll only find out whether you’re useful after you join us.” Gu Changge smiled faintly.

 

“Look at me. Before I can do anything for you, I’ll probably die of exhaustion.” The old woman coughed and quickly took out her handkerchief to cover her mouth.

 

Suddenly, Gu Changge extended his hand and grabbed her withered wrist as though trying to find out about the state of her health.

 

“I believe that you’ll keep on living for many years to come. In my opinion, you should spend your remaining days doing something useful for the Boundless Expanse. You don’t have to worry about the safety of Empty Boundary Ridge. It’ll surely be safe with my protection.” He smiled.

 

The old woman’s expression changed. She tried to pull her hand out of Gu Changge’s grip, but she was unable to do so because his grip was too firm.

 

At this moment, she even felt that Gu Changge could make her arm or even her body explode into nothingness with only a flash of thought.

 

Wherever she hid in the future, Gu Changge could still easily kill her as long as he wanted to.

 

It seemed that the moment Gu Changge grabbed her wrist, her life or death was no longer up to her.

 

“First Leader!”

 

“Release her!”

 

Shang Chongming and the others were shocked upon seeing that.

 

Some had even summoned their weapons while feeling fearful and furious. They were ready to fight.

 

Dao Monarch Chang Ming quickly waved his hand and summoned his weapon as well to confront the other Leaders.

 

“What do you say?” Gu Changge seemed oblivious to the reactions of the people around him. He asked the woman a question with a faint smile.

 

Many thoughts turned over in the old woman’s mind. Then, she said with a smile, “I feel truly honoured that you’ve invited me to join the Alliance. There’s no way I can turn you down at this point.”

 

“You’re sharp. I like reasoning with people like you.” Gu Changge smiled and released her.

 

The old woman had the urge to roll her eyes, but she could only keep an amiable smile on her face as she was much weaker than Gu Changge. “You have a point, Alliance Leader. I love talking to people like you too.

 

“Stop it. Why have you summoned your weapons when the Alliance Leader is here to invite us to join his alliance? From now on, we’re in the same boat.” She glanced at Shang Chongming and the other, warning them to stop. If both parties got into a battle, they would be no match for Gu Changge, even if there were far more people on their side.

 

The moment she registered Gu Changge’s presence, she realised that no trickery or resistance would work in front of a being like him. What was laughable was that she even gave it a shot.

 

Shang Chongming and the others exchanged glances. They were surprised that the First Leader’s attitude changed so quickly.

 

They speculated that Gu Changge might have done something to her, which was why this happened.

 

Although they were resentful and dejected, there was nothing they could do about it. It was not like they could disobey the First Leader’s order and fight Gu Changge.

 

Moreover, even if they made a move, they would be defeated and have to pay a huge price for nothing.

 

…

 

The First Leader of Empty Boundary Ridge was named Mu Fuguang. That was what she told Gu Changge.

 

Although the woman had pretended to be old and frail, Gu Changge could easily see through her. He did not really care about this little act of her, not when she would properly introduce herself later.

 

His intention of establishing the Heavenslayers Division was simple. He just wanted to subdue some powerful beings so that they would work for him. He was not interested in finding out about their backgrounds.

 

Mu Fuguang had disguised herself as an old woman to fool him so that he would give up on forcing her to work for him. However, Gu Changge had come all the way here to make her join the Alliance. If she agreed to his terms, he had no intention of exposing her little scheme.

 

Mu Fuguang also understood that she was Gu Changge’s target.

 

Although she was incensed, there was nothing she could do about it. She could only agree to join the Heavenslayers Alliance.

 

Faced with such a being, she would not even stand a chance if she tried to flee.

 

Initially, she thought that Gu Changge had left behind a mark that could control her life when he took her wrist.

 

Then, she realised that it was not the case. Gu Changge must have already left a mark on her before coming to the Empty Boundary Ridge.

 

She did not even realise when he had made his move.

 

When Gu Changge grabbed her wrist, he only intended to warn her.

 

It was truly inconceivable. She was terrified upon that realisation.

 

Although she had gone through many strange and horrifying experiences, she still could not help but feel cold all over her body.

 

…

 

Later, when they left the Empty Boundary Ridge, Dao Monarch Chang Ming was struck into a dazed state. He seemed bewildered as to what was going on. He was unable to associate this alluring woman in a vivid red dress before his eyes with the old and frail woman he had seen in the Empty Boundary Ridge earlier.

 

When this woman smiled, her eyes curved into crescents. He was almost drawn to her charm.

 

One had to know that he had gone through countless hardships before he became an Ancestral Dao Realm expert.

 

His Will naturally had to be strong to overcome those trials and tribulations. He should be able to resist anyone charm. Yet, he was still drawn to her…

 

An ordinary person would be besotted with her.

 

Anyway, he had no idea which one was the First Leader’s true appearance. Be it the old and frail woman or the alluring lady before his eyes, it was hard to know which one was her true self.

 

“Women all love beautiful things. I wouldn’t want to look like an old woman forever. Why do you look so shocked, Junior?” Mu Fuguang spoke while holding her scarlet handheld fan and covering her mouth. Her eyes were bright and beautiful.

 

There was no doubt she was bewitching as she was tall and slender.

 

Her skin was fair and flawless. Her brows were dark and delicate. There was a dot of red mark between her brows. Her lips were smooth and her red dress made her look even more charming. She was like a witch who could easily make Kingdoms fall.

 

Dao Monarch Chang Ming looked away from her, knowing that she was much stronger than he was. She was inscrutable. He could not underestimate her because of her beauty.

 

He also was so taken aback, he seemed oblivious to the fact that she just called him ‘Junior’.

 

“Alliance Leader, I have to inform you of this first, inviting me to join you to fight those dark beings is fine and all. But I have to be honest with you, I know little about combat. I’ve been in seclusion for so long, and I’ve rarely fought anyone. Moreover, I’d usually rather make more friends than enemies.” Mu Fuguang glanced at Gu Changge with a bright smile.