Chapter 1627. Truly, one knows how to stir the heart

Chu Gucheng’s expression subtly darkened, but he still suppressed his anger and did not lash out.

“Saintess Xiyuan, you must take responsibility for your words. If you are intentionally insulting me, there is no need to reverse right and wrong in such a manner,” he said coldly.

Saintess Xiyuan’s expression remained calm, unbothered by Chu Gucheng’s words. Her beautiful eyes shimmered as she turned her gaze towards Gu Changge.

The other guests present, seeing this, exchanged glances, their hearts filled with various thoughts.

“What, is it possible that the Lord of Chu wants to shift the blame onto me?”

Noticing all the guests now looking at him, Gu Changge, seated among the others, raised his gaze, smiled lightly, and put down the wine cup in his hand. With interest, he asked.

Chu Gucheng had already been holding back a storm of anger for a long time today. Though he had been able to put on a front before, now he no longer bothered to hide it.

He coldly said, “The Prying Heaven Alliance rose from the Immortal Spirit Civilization and in just a few years swept through the surrounding True Realms. Many followers of the Prying Heaven Alliance spread its teachings and accumulated faith in various places. Their actions—how are they any different from the remnants of the Black Calamity that once ravaged Cangmang?”

“Oh? So it seems the Lord of Chu knows of the Prying Heaven Alliance’s principles. Then, do tell, what evil deeds has the Prying Heaven Alliance committed since its founding?” Gu Changge responded with a light laugh, unconcerned.

“Because of the existence of the Prying Heaven Alliance, the peaceful and stable Immortal Spirit Civilization has once again become chaotic. How many forces, schools, and life forms have been destroyed and vanished? Do you not know of these things, Master Gu? Should I remind you?” Chu Gucheng trembled with his robe, speaking coldly.

“I once sent my subordinates to the Immortal Spirit Civilization, trying to suppress the rebellion there and restore peace. But when they reached the region, they saw endless slaughter and bloodshed, and had to halt their advance. This shows how brutal the war in the Immortal Spirit Civilization is. How many star systems and universes have been lost, buried and destroyed. Truly, flowers shed tears, and the birds, startled by the separation, stir the heart.”

Before Gu Changge could respond, he continued.

As he spoke of the destruction, Chu Gucheng’s face showed more sorrow and anger, as if he were grieving for the powers and races lost in the Immortal Spirit Civilization.

A heavy atmosphere of sorrow spread in the room. The various ministers and generals of the Immortal Chu Kingdom seemed to empathize, as though they had witnessed the horrors happening in the Immortal Spirit Civilization themselves.

“The Lord of the Kingdom is benevolent and kind-hearted, looking out for the world. The Immortal Chu Kingdom’s prosperity today is thanks to the King’s diligent governance. The Immortal Spirit Civilization has received the protection of our Immortal Chu Kingdom. Every era, we send vast amounts of resources and fortune crystals as gratitude.”

“How could we bear to see them suffer such calamity?”

Many ministers spoke out, their faces filled with sorrow and indignation.

Seeing this, the guests also appeared interested. Many of them exchanged glances, their minds filled with various thoughts. They weren’t foolish and wouldn’t easily believe Chu Gucheng’s one-sided words.

Whether it was the Immortal Spirit Civilization or the Prying Heaven Alliance, these were not matters that could be easily explained with a few words.

Previously, few forces had truly investigated the Prying Heaven Alliance. Part of the reason was that the Prying Heaven Alliance was located in the Immortal Spirit Civilization, far from the Xiyuan Civilization, and no one was willing to take such a risk.

On the other hand, news from the Immortal Chu Kingdom had spread, claiming that the Immortal Spirit Civilization had been occupied by the remnants of the Black Calamity.

Everyone feared and was terrified of the horrors of the Black Calamity’s remnants, so who would dare to easily go there? However, it could not be ruled out that this was a smokescreen deliberately thrown out by the Immortal Chu Kingdom to confuse the masses and use others to accomplish its own goals.

After all, the Immortal Spirit Civilization had submitted to the Immortal Chu Kingdom, but later, it was occupied by Gu Changge, who established the Prying Heaven Alliance. This is when the two sides developed animosity.

As for Chu Gucheng’s earlier words—did they prove that the Prying Heaven Alliance had ties to the Black Calamity’s remnants?

One must know that the rise of any power is built on the bones and sins of countless others, and the Immortal Chu Kingdom was no exception. This is the iron law of the weak being prey to the strong in all realms.

Clap, clap, clap…

Suddenly, the crisp sound of clapping echoed, causing all the guests to pause.

Ling Yuxian and Saintess Xiyuan both turned their gazes towards Gu Changge.

Gu Changge stood up with a faint smile and clapped his hands in admiration. “I didn’t expect that the Lord of Chu would be such a benevolent and loving person. I’ve underestimated you. In that case, why doesn’t the Lord of Chu stop this war with the Demon Court? Don’t you see the countless calamities and sins rising in the borderlands? Such a great karmic burden—could it be that the Lord of Chu turns a blind eye to it?”

These words made the faces of Chu Gucheng’s children darken. Princess Chu Xinyue, in particular, clenched her jade hand, struggling to suppress her anger.

Of course, Chu Gucheng could not lose his composure at this moment. His expression remained unchanged, still devoid of emotion.

“The Demon Court provoked my Immortal Chu Kingdom by invading in full force. How can the two situations be compared? Should we just sit back and watch the Demon Court invade without doing anything?”

“Master Gu, do you think we, the Immortal Chu Kingdom, are wrong in this matter? Should we just stand by and let ourselves be slaughtered at this moment?”

At that point, one of the ministers stepped forward, his expression full of righteous indignation as he spoke in a stern and imposing manner.

Seeing this scene, many of the guests from various factions exchanged subtle glances. They were clearly not bothered by the situation and seemed eager to see a confrontation between Gu Changge and Chu Gucheng.

The Daoist sects, such as the Guangming Temple and Ling Shen Cave, had come to the banquet to show respect to Chu Gucheng. However, this did not mean they were allied with the Immortal Chu Kingdom.

At that moment, many of them were actually hoping that Chu Gucheng would test Gu Changge’s true power.

However, Chu Gucheng was not foolish. His Immortal Chu Kingdom was already in turmoil, and he had more pressing matters to deal with. At most, he would vent some of his frustration, but it was unlikely that he would truly tear his face off with Gu Changge.

Thus, he did not respond to the minister’s words. His face remained like water, showing no change.

Gu Changge let out a light laugh and said, “Ah, a provocation indeed. But as far as I know, the Demon Court’s wrath did not come because of the Demon Court’s Ninth Prince, Emperor Wen, but because he was killed by someone from the Immortal Chu Kingdom, wasn’t it?”

“Lord of Chu, you have protected the murderer of the Demon Court’s Ninth Prince, and indeed, you’ve earned a good reputation for it. But how many lives of beings and cultivators have been lost due to your decisions? The borderlands, the shattered cosmos, the suffering of countless lives… How does your action compare to the Prying Heaven Alliance’s?”

“Lord of Chu, you mourn the destruction of the Immortal Spirit Civilization and the races that perished. But who will mourn for those warriors and armies who fought for you and died on the battlefield?”

Undoubtedly, Gu Changge’s words were powerful, and each one struck deep into the heart. The minister who had just spoken with righteous anger and indignation had changed color, wanting to rebut, but he opened his mouth and found he could not say anything.

The faces of the other ministers and generals also showed subtle changes. Clearly, Gu Changge’s words had made them recall the fates of some individuals from the Immortal Chu Kingdom.

Even the Heavenly God General had fallen in the war against the Demon Court.

Originally, the conflict between the Immortal Chu Kingdom and the Demon Court should not have escalated to this level.

All of it started with the death of the Demon Court’s Ninth Prince, Emperor Wen, and later, Chu Xiaozhu being implicated and killed by the Demon Court’s Seventh Prince, Emperor Kun.

If Lord Chu Gucheng had not protected the murderer of Emperor Wen back then, would things have turned out differently?

“Master Gu, you are quite adept at winning people’s hearts. In just a short time, the Prying Heaven Alliance has accumulated so many followers, and it is not without reason,” Chu Gucheng noticed the subtle changes in the expressions of the ministers and generals, and his gaze darkened. He remained unmoved and said flatly, “But just based on these words alone, can it prove that the Prying Heaven Alliance has any connection with the remnants of the Black Calamity? That is impossible.”

Especially now that Saintess Xiyuan was openly standing on Gu Changge’s side. If he continued to focus on this matter, it would inevitably be to his disadvantage.

“Win people’s hearts? No, I’m just speaking the truth,” Gu Changge smiled, his expression carrying a somewhat meaningful look.

In the end, the birthday banquet ended in an unpleasant manner. Chu Gucheng, citing urgent matters that needed his attention and poor hospitality, left first, leaving several princes and princesses behind to host and accompany the guests.

Many guests did not leave immediately after the Immortal Chu Kingdom’s departure. They were eager to watch how the Immortal Chu Kingdom would handle the situation next.

The Prying Heaven Alliance was not as terrifying as they had imagined, nor was it necessarily linked to the remnants of the Black Calamity.

All the rumors and messages circulating before might have been intentionally spread by the Immortal Chu Kingdom to confuse others and further their own agenda.

Once they understood this, the guests relaxed their guard, and their caution towards Gu Changge diminished.

The few Daoist elders from Ling Shen Cave, after seeing this shift, calmed down and took the initiative to bring some young individuals who had a past connection with Gu Changge in Ziguicheng in the South Wilds to apologize for their previous hostility.

With Ling Shen Cave taking the lead, other clan elders and figures of importance also came forward to greet and converse with Gu Changge.

At that moment, leaving aside their allegiances, Gu Changge’s unfathomable strength was enough to command their attention.

Even the Buddhists, who had a good relationship with the Immortal Chu Kingdom, were not exempt.

The withered True Monk of the Lulai Buddhist Kingdom personally came forward to greet him and invited Gu Changge to visit the Lulai Buddhist Kingdom to discuss matters of faith.

The Lulai Buddhist Kingdom was quite interested in the Prying Heaven Alliance’s ability to accumulate followers and absorb faith, and they sought to learn more.

After all, those who practiced Buddhism usually followed the teachings of Bodhisattvas such as Prajna, the Earth Store Bodhisattva, and transformed the wishes of all beings into their own cultivation.

The Withered True Monk had established countless Buddhist kingdoms, and his cultivation within them had earned him the title of “True Buddha of the Three Thousand Great Thousand Buddhist Realms.”

Wherever he went, his followers were countless, like drifting sand, too numerous to count.

The followers of those Buddhist kingdoms, over countless years, had accumulated immeasurable faith and spiritual power.

The Withered True Monk had used that faith power time and time again to overcome Heavenly Man Tribulations and reached a realm comparable to the Grand Dao.

At present, Gu Changge had no intention of visiting the Lulai Buddhist Kingdom. However, considering that he might need to interact with them in the future, he did not directly decline the Withered True Monk’s invitation.

Princess Chu Xinyue looked at the Withered True Monk and others who were actively engaging with Gu Changge, feeling as if her heart was sinking. Her jade hand clenched tightly, her fingers turning white with pressure.

Yet, in front of the guests, she could not lose her composure. She had to maintain a gracious and elegant smile.

“Xinyue, you should go and rest for now. Father is likely troubled and anxious at this moment. It would be a good opportunity for you to speak with him and help ease his worries,” the First Prince, Chu Wushang, noticed his sister’s restrained frustration and worried that she might do something that would worsen the situation and give Gu Changge an opportunity to strike. He suggested that she leave for now.

“Elder Brother…”

Chu Xinyue glanced at Chu Wushang with some concern. Although her elder brother was steady in his actions and diligent in his cultivation, unfortunately, his natural talent and foundation were limited.

Even with their father Chu Gucheng’s help, using countless rare treasures to aid him, and seizing various opportunities and fortunes, he had only survived four Heavenly Decline Tribulations. Achieving the Grand Dao in this lifetime was simply beyond reach.

“Don’t worry. No one in the capital dares to act recklessly. Moreover, there are so many powerful figures here—our Grandmaster and the other elders are still present,” Chu Wushang gave her a reassuring look, knowing that Chu Xinyue was worried his cultivation wouldn’t be enough to control the situation.

Chu Xinyue nodded slightly and left the banquet.

The young master of the Xiaoyao Heavenly Palace, Ouyang Ji, followed closely behind her, accompanied by a group of servants. He had been sticking to her side during this time.

Though he considered himself a suitor, to most others, he appeared more like a sycophant.

At first, Chu Xinyue had felt uncomfortable with this, but gradually, she became accustomed to it. She often couldn’t be bothered to pretend anymore and would directly order Ouyang Ji around.

Ouyang Ji’s willing demeanor both disgusted and amused Chu Xinyue.

Here was the dignified young master of the Xiaoyao Heavenly Palace, someone who had survived several Heavenly Decline Tribulations and was regarded as a hero within the Xudan Civilization, destined to rule the Xiaoyao Heavenly Palace in the future. Yet, he was being bossed around by her like this, willingly submitting to her at her beck and call.

It was almost laughable, though sadly, Ouyang Ji was too timid. Ever since Gu Changge had wounded him once, he didn’t even dare to entertain thoughts of revenge, let alone actively seek trouble with him.

“Saintess Xiyuan standing beside that person, Gu Changge, has completely surprised us…”

“She even dares to defy an elder like Elder Jin. It seems she’s truly determined to oppose us and the Immortal Chu Kingdom.”

“Father’s earlier decision was right. We need to prepare early.”

After leaving the banquet, Chu Xinyue headed straight for the palace’s inner chambers to discuss an important matter with Chu Gucheng.

Just thinking about what had transpired earlier made her eyes turn dark with malice.

“Xinyue, are you planning to take action against that Saintess Xiyuan?”

Ouyang Ji, following closely behind her, noticed the heavy look on her face and, concerned, asked, “Are you thinking of doing something to her?”

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