Chapter 1723. Shameless, that’s all—there was no need to confine her attention to the Weiyang Immortal Court

Gu Changge naturally didn’t believe this White-Boned Demon’s lies. If he hadn’t been so assertive, she would probably have kept hiding inside the coffin, refusing to show herself.

As for the people of Jie Kong Ridge thinking she reluctantly submitted to his coercive power out of a sense of duty to protect the ridge, Gu Changge knew better. If he hadn’t locked onto her early, she would have long abandoned Jie Kong Ridge and run off—there was no way she would protect it.

She appeared righteous and fearless, willing to die for a cause, but in reality, this was just a shameless facade. There was no way she would wholeheartedly serve him.

Of course, Gu Changge didn’t care about this.

The true purpose of bringing the powerful beings surrounding the Xiyuan Civilization under his control was mainly to create the impression that he needed them to serve him—intimidating others in the process. In truth, he had deeper intentions.

“Next, it’s time to visit Du Ming Temple…” Gu Changge muttered thoughtfully.

Du Ming Temple, like Jie Kong Ridge, was a secluded forbidden area bordering the Xiyuan Civilization. There was an aura there that piqued his interest—not as strong as Mu Fuguang’s, but nearly so.

“Du Ming Temple? Could it be that bald old monk who once tried to enlighten me?”

Mu Fuguang smiled gracefully, her eyes flickering with thought. Although Gu Changge ignored her, she kept her gaze on his back as if plotting something.

Hearing Gu Changge’s near-whisper, she paused for a moment.

“You know him?” Gu Changge glanced back at her.

Mu Fuguang reflected for a moment, then nodded. “I’ve had some dealings with him before. His hermitage isn’t far from me. It’s said he was once one of the Three Corpses slain by a Buddha—a man of extraordinary origin.”

“One of the Buddhas?” Gu Changge chuckled ambiguously.

Mu Fuguang felt there was something meaningful behind his smile.

“Since you’re acquainted with him, this will be easier. I’ll leave recruiting him to you,” Gu Changge said.

Hearing this, Mu Fuguang quickly shook her head. “Alliance Leader, I don’t fight, and I can’t beat that old bald monk. Back then, he almost enlightened me.”

“Look at my tiny arms and slender legs, I can’t take much trouble. You might as well just treat me as a decorative vase…”

“I can wash, cook, serve tea, massage, clean the courtyard, tend the garden… I can do it all…”

Changming Daojun, who silently followed behind, nearly had his eyes pop out at her words.

How could the revered head of Jie Kong Ridge speak so casually about such unbelievable, almost surreal things?

“If you can recruit him, I’ll grant you a piece of Fate—maybe even help you grow true flesh.”

Gu Changge’s expression didn’t waver at Mu Fuguang’s words. He spoke calmly, interrupting her. He had come to Jie Kong Ridge personally to “recruit” her because he knew her abilities.

“Grant me a piece of Fate? Grow true flesh?”

Mu Fuguang was momentarily stunned.

“Rest assured, Alliance Leader. With me here, if that old monk dares to resist, I’ll make him cry in pain and surrender obediently.”

She immediately patted her chest, eyes gleaming with determination, vowing righteously.

“If he dares not show you respect, then Du Ming Temple won’t be his either. I’ll tear it apart myself…”

She rolled up her sleeves, revealing a pair of snow-white, smooth arms, ready to spring into action.

Changming Daojun could only feel his mouth twitching. This head of Jie Kong Ridge truly was extraordinary, elegant, and unlike the world.

After leaving Jie Kong Ridge, Gu Changge ordered the White-Boned Ancestor King and others to take control according to the rules of the Fatian Alliance, bringing the strong individuals of Jie Kong Ridge under his administration. Even Mu Fuguang followed him willingly, leaving no reason for Shang Chongming and the others to resist or oppose.

Although the centuries of peace in Jie Kong Ridge were disrupted, leaving them unwilling, no casualties occurred. Compared with other sects and Daoist lineages that had been destroyed or absorbed, Jie Kong Ridge’s outcome was much better.

The Sixth Patriarch, severely injured by Gu Changge, still shuddered upon being rescued. The other patriarchs, though strong, were on par with him. In the Fatian Alliance, they were no longer among the top tier. Except for Shang Chongming and the Third Patriarch, the rest hadn’t reached the Ancestor Dao realm.

Nevertheless, this power was formidable for ordinary supreme civilizations; even the most prominent immortal sects could not rival it.

The surrender of this secluded area, Jie Kong Ridge, did not go unnoticed. In the past, such news would have caused tremendous uproar. But under the Fatian Alliance, it seemed routine.

Many cultivators were slightly surprised but not amazed.

The Fatian Alliance, growing ever stronger, had absorbed many surrounding true civilizations, causing more distant nations to feel wary and fearful.

The establishment of the Zhengyi Alliance did nothing to curb the Fatian Alliance’s expansion. If anything, it seemed to provoke it further. Even the lurking dark beings couldn’t hinder its advance.

For many cultivators, this situation was like adding fuel to fire. The Zhengyi Alliance had no effect, unable to restrain the Fatian Alliance in the slightest.

Some regions even voiced the desire for the Zhengyi Alliance to resist the Fatian Alliance. Yet under the unstoppable momentum of countering the dark beings, these voices were insignificant and quickly drowned out.

For the vast expanse, countering the dark beings and solving the Black Calamity was the priority.

At Weiyang Immortal Court, in a grand mountain range called Welcome Guest Peak, though midnight had arrived, the area was still brightly lit, with stars in the night sky, clouds rolling, and immortal mist surging. It was bustling with activity.

Pavilions and towers were arranged densely, with overlapping feasts. Various exquisite wines and delicacies were served by graceful, elegant young maidens. The scene was mesmerizingly beautiful.

Among the banquet, pine and bamboo groves intermingled. Stunning beauties brewed wine from pine blossoms and tea from immortal waters, gently playing zither strings. The melodies flowed like little spirits among the branches, enchanting all who heard.

The Weiyang Emperor, Jiang Yun, dressed in casual clothes, sat at the main seat. His face, shrouded in mist, was hard to read, but his deep, vast eyes seemed to hold the stars.

Beside him, Princess Jiang Weiyang sat with legs crossed, poised and elegant in an indigo silk dress. A white veil covered her eyes; her hairstyle was elaborate with phoenix hairpins. Her neck was slender, and her figure, delicate and graceful like a blooming white lotus, radiated flawless beauty.

Though blind, she maintained elegance while slowly tasting the dishes before her, her movements refined and noble, reflecting her status as a princess.

The young men present could not help but admire her, struck by her extraordinary charm. Her blindness, perhaps, even heightened her allure, inspiring sympathy and admiration.

Since the banquet began, Jiang Weiyang remained silent, occasionally acknowledging the cups of wine offered by young heroes with polite smiles.

The Weiyang Emperor quietly drank, taking in the expressions of everyone present, his face unreadable.

The atmosphere was harmonious but tense, as no one dared to break the silence.

Tonight, the Weiyang Emperor held a banquet for ministers, including the Divine Martial General, National Advisor, Grand Tutor, and Prime Minister, all aware of his intentions and bringing the most outstanding young talents from their clans.

Additionally, the envoy of the ancient kingdom of Nanzhao, who had sought alliance with Weiyang, was present.

All knew Princess Jiang Weiyang was a treasure of the Weiyang Court, doted upon by the Emperor, and that he intended to select a husband for her. The ministers were astonished. Even their most outstanding young heroes dared not act presumptuously in front of the Emperor, as the emperor’s mind was inscrutable.

Previously, the Emperor had been furious at younger men courting Jiang Weiyang, deeming them unworthy.

Even the National Advisor and Prime Minister could not fathom his thoughts.

“Jiang Weiyang, what do you think of the young talents of this era in the Weiyang Court?”

After a long pause, the Emperor smiled and asked his daughter. The ministers and young talents stopped, listening intently, eager to know her opinion.

All young talents looked at her with admiration and anticipation.

Jiang Weiyang, having not expected her father’s question, calmly finished her bite before replying, “The young talents of the Weiyang Court are undoubtedly extraordinary, unmatched in ability, surpassing contemporaries, and destined for greatness in the future.”

Her words were not empty flattery. Since the Emperor unified the surrounding civilizations and established the Weiyang Court, all sects and Daoist lineages were under his governance, with each official ranked by the nine grades of office.

Every official present stood at the top of Weiyang power, with overwhelming cultivation and influence, capable of creating boundless waves with a single step.

The young talents brought by these officials were their finest, nurtured with limitless resources. Among supreme civilizations, they were peerless, dominating generations.

Hearing Jiang Weiyang’s words, the Emperor smiled. The ministers bowed and expressed gratitude, “Princess, your praise humbles us. Our young talents are honored by your compliment.”

Without their escorts, these youths would not have the privilege of meeting the Emperor or speaking closely to the Princess.

The bloodline flowing through Jiang Weiyang ensured her status above countless others, like a blazing sun illuminating all. Even the most talented young men, regardless of cultivation, background, or fortune, were destined to be beneath her light. None dared imagine marrying her, for any hint of such ambition would be noticed by the Emperor, with unimaginable consequences.

“It seems Jiang Weiyang is pleased with you all. Take this chance to perform well before her.”

The young talents stiffened, ready to step forward.

At that moment, the Nanzhao envoy, who had been drinking, spoke with regret, “Had we known the Emperor intended to select a husband for Princess Jiang Weiyang, our King would have sent the Ninth Prince.”

At this, ministers and young talents were shocked. Even Nanzhao seemed intent on intervening in the marriage selection.

The young talents’ expressions darkened. Though confident in their abilities, they felt uncertain in competing for the Princess’s favor. More competitors meant stiffer competition.

Nanzhao was an ancient nation with a foundation in supreme civilizations, even predating the Weiyang Court. Though no longer at its peak, its strength remained formidable.

“The Ninth Prince of Nanzhao is extraordinary,” the envoy continued. “Born in this era, his talent is unparalleled, with a primordial foundation unmatched in history. Our King invested heavily in building his Daoist foundation.”

“At only a few thousand years old, he has already reached the pinnacle of Immortal Way, gazing towards the Dao Realm…”

The envoy, a fair-skinned, clean-shaven middle-aged man in flowing robes, spoke with pride.

The ministers were shocked. At only a few thousand years, reaching the Immortal Way’s peak? A young immortal emperor indeed.

The young talents felt immense pressure. In the Weiyang Court, they were elite, but in the vast world, there were countless such prodigies. Their hopes of marrying the Princess were minuscule.

“The King has invested much in the Ninth Prince.”

“Since the Emperor seeks a husband for Princess Jiang Weiyang, why restrict the choice to Weiyang Court? Consider other options as well,” the Nanzhao envoy smiled.

He came to represent Nanzhao to discuss joining the Zhengyi Alliance with Weiyang. As for the Fatian Alliance, Nanzhao never considered it. The growing strength of the Zhengyi Alliance made Nanzhao reconsider its position. Otherwise, facing the dark beings’ onslaught, it could end up isolated.

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