Chapter 1732. The Ruler of a Forbidden Zone, Bearing a Heavy Responsibility

This group of people looked very strange. Each individual on their own was not odd, but encountering such a gathering in this remote, desolate, and uninhabited shattered star region was another matter entirely.

Chen Yi truly could not think of any reason why such a group would come together. Moreover, every single one of them gave her a feeling as vast and unfathomable as the abyss of the universe.

Especially the young nobleman who seemed to have his eyes closed, casually sitting on a rock to rest—he filled her with an indescribable sense of mystery.

Whether it was the gorgeously dressed woman in a flamboyant red gown, the child who looked only a few years old, or the kind-faced old monk, all of them showed extreme respect toward the immortal-like young man beside them, clearly treating him as their leader.

This shocked and intrigued Chen Yi even more.

What kind of person could command such respect from a group of terrifying, unfathomable beings?

“At that time… it was this young… senior who saved us…”

At that moment, the voice of Layman Huijue came from beside her, snapping Chen Yi back to her senses.

She had been busy wondering about the identities of this strange group and had nearly forgotten that it was they who had rescued them from the assault of the dark creatures.

If not for them, they would all have long perished at the hands of those dark beings.

Chen Yi was someone who valued repaying kindness. Ignoring the injuries still on her body, she hurriedly stood up and walked towards the group to express her thanks.

Her companions beside her were not surprised at this scene; evidently, they had already expressed their gratitude before she woke up.

“Oh? The little girl has woken up…”

The woman in the red dress noticed Chen Yi approaching. She gently waved a crimson folding fan in her slender jade hand, half covering her face. Her eyes shimmered, and an alluring smile curved on her lips.

Her skin was white as snow and delicate as if it could be broken with a touch. Her brows were like painted ink, naturally emerald, with a red cinnabar mark between them. Her lips were rosy and moist.

Her red dress was like fire, making her beauty even more dazzling—like a temptress capable of bringing calamity to the world.

The others beside her merely glanced at Chen Yi and showed little interest. Some even continued resting with their eyes closed, as if they had not heard the commotion at all—like eternal rocks that would not move even after countless calamities.

Chen Yi had lived for countless years and was the renowned “Stone Beauty” of the Slanted Moon Sect, yet this was the first time anyone had called her a “little girl.”

Her cool and elegant face could not help but reveal a stunned expression, and she froze slightly in place.

The woman in red covered her mouth and laughed softly. Her figure was slender and graceful, reclining sideways against a half-man-wide stone, closest to the young nobleman.

As Chen Yi drew near, she could even smell the rich fragrance coming from her—like snow lotus in a pond, brilliant and intoxicating.

“What’s your name, little girl? You do look quite pretty.”

“Interested in staying by big sister’s side? You can serve tea, pour water, massage shoulders, knead backs—be a maid.”

The red-dressed woman smiled charmingly. With a snap, she closed her folding fan and reached it out, intending to lift Chen Yi’s chin to examine her features more closely.

Chen Yi’s figure was graceful, her brows long like willow leaves, phoenix eyes bright as black gemstones, a delicate nose, porcelain-white skin, and a full, shapely figure.

In the Slanted Moon Sect, many elders pursued her; her beauty was unquestionable. Yet now, the red-dressed woman’s actions left her stunned, feeling as if she were being flirted with.

A blush appeared on her pale face, and she stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.

This strange group—any one of them alone would be far stronger than her. She knew this clearly, and moreover, they were her saviors.

Under normal circumstances, Chen Yi would already have flared up, but now she could only endure the goosebumps crawling over her skin.

It was the first time in her life she had been flirted with—and by a breathtaking beauty at that.

“Enough…”

Just as Chen Yi stood there uneasy and embarrassed, the young man who had been resting with his eyes closed finally opened them and stopped the red-dressed woman.

His voice was calm and mellow, like jade bathed in moonlight—warm yet noble.

Even in the flickering night firelight, Chen Yi could clearly see those deep, tranquil eyes, unfathomable as an abyss.

She froze slightly, noticing that those eyes were also examining her.

Their gazes met for an instant, and for some reason, she lowered her head, her face growing hot.

The red-dressed woman quickly withdrew her fan, sticking out her tongue playfully.

Not far away, Layman Huijue and the others noticed that several people behind the red-dressed woman seemed to stiffen slightly, clearly finding her behavior awkward and strange.

“This junior Chen Yi thanks… Senior for saving my life.”

Chen Yi quickly regained her composure, forcing herself to calm down. Her cool and beautiful face showed hesitation as she did not know how to address him.

The man in black robes before her looked far too young.

Of course, she understood that many powerful, unfathomable old monsters could not have their age judged by appearance.

“It was nothing. No need to be polite.”

Gu Changge’s tone carried little fluctuation. He merely glanced at Chen Yi before withdrawing his gaze.

If he had not sensed karmic ties related to Gu Xian’er on this woman, he would not have been interested in saving her at all.

As for her companions, they were saved merely in passing.

The dark creatures ravaging the heavens were originally his doing.

Without necessity, why would he bother attacking them?

“This junior Chen Yi is from the Slanted Moon Sect. On this journey, we are heading to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance together with fellow cultivators. Our information was leaked on the way, and we were ambushed by dark creatures. Without Senior’s help, we would already have perished.”

“Senior’s great kindness is impossible for me to repay. If Senior ever has a need in the future, Chen Yi will brave fire and water without hesitation.”

Although Gu Changge appeared completely unconcerned, Chen Yi still thanked him earnestly, not forgetting this life-saving grace.

The red-dressed woman’s eyes shimmered when she heard Chen Yi mention the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, clearly becoming more interested.

The others behind her also showed some interest. Even those who had been resting with their eyes closed opened them to look at Chen Yi.

This group was heading to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?

Now things had truly become interesting.

Of course, if they wished to probe Chen Yi’s intentions, it would be effortless—but in front of Gu Changge, they did not dare.

“I thought after saying you couldn’t repay him, you’d offer yourself in marriage.”

The red-dressed woman covered her mouth and laughed teasingly.

Chen Yi was stunned, then understood her meaning. Her face flushed again, stiff and embarrassed, not knowing how to respond.

In her leisure time, she had heard disciples talk about such matters. If one was saved while traveling and the savior was handsome, one should devote oneself to him for life. If he was plain and ordinary, then repay him in the next life as a cow or horse.

She had laughed at such talk before, never expecting to be teased like this one day.

Gu Changge had long been used to Mu Fuguang’s shameless, loose tongue. He glanced at her but could not be bothered to care.

“Miss Chen Yi needn’t be so polite. No need for braving fire and water. Meeting in such a remote star region is fate. Seeing you attacked by dark creatures, how could I stand by?”

Gu Changge looked at Chen Yi and smiled faintly. His tone was warm as ever, yet his gaze remained calm and emotionless.

Chen Yi seemed unable to endure his gaze and lowered her head again, her hands twisting nervously under her sleeves. She did not understand why. In the past, when facing the many elders of her sect, she had always been calm and composed.

Yet today she felt as uneasy as a young female disciple.

“Forgive my embarrassment, Senior. No matter what, if there is ever a chance, Chen Yi will repay this kindness,” she said seriously, lifting her bright eyes.

Gu Changge only smiled slightly and said nothing more.

Mu Fuguang and the others beside him found Chen Yi’s talk of “repayment” rather amusing, their expressions strange.

Though Chen Yi and her companions came from powerful ancient factions and civilizations, in the eyes of these beings they were no different from ordinary creatures.

They were also surprised that Gu Changge had saved them at all—after all, kindness was not a trait associated with him.

After leaving Boundary Sky Ridge, Gu Changge had taken Mu Fuguang and Daoist Changming to the Crossing Nether Temple, subduing the old bald monk Mu Fuguang had mentioned—Compassion Zen Buddha.

Compassion Zen Buddha was originally one of the three corpses severed by an ancient Buddha Lord. Through endless years of nourishment by Dao essence, he regained consciousness and founded the Crossing Nether Temple by an absolute yin river, vowing to ferry all dead souls.

He was undeniably a ruthless and terrifying figure.

Mu Fuguang had battled him for days and nights without result, drying up time and space and destroying countless timelines. In the end, Gu Changge personally suppressed him with overwhelming force.

Later, Gu Changge continued traveling through forbidden zones, recruiting more powerful subordinates.

Among them was the childlike boy named Tong Xian, another Forbidden Zone Ruler from Tong Xian Kiln. Though not as strong as Mu Fuguang or Compassion Zen Buddha, he was still stronger than most who had passed eight Heavenly Decay Tribulations.

These forbidden zones would periodically awaken, devouring nearby civilizations to restore their vitality—much like dark calamities.

Gu Changge taking their rulers away was, in a sense, a blessing for nearby civilizations.

…

A night passed in silence beside the flickering campfire.

Chen Yi felt helpless inwardly. To Gu Changge, saving them was likely nothing more than a trivial gesture, like casually helping a few mortals.

Yet they treated it with such gravity.

At dawn, the campfire was extinguished. Chen Yi and the others recovered somewhat.

They still bore heavy responsibilities—they were emissaries heading to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance.

The attack by dark creatures had only been an expected danger. The real unknown dangers awaited them there.

“Senior, we must be on our way. We still shoulder an important mission. The journey is long and cannot be delayed. If there is a chance in the future…”

Chen Yi and Layman Huijue prepared to bid farewell.

From a certain perspective, they were all expendable pawns sent out by their respective factions.

“And what are you going to the Heaven-Slaying Alliance for?” Mu Fuguang asked with great interest.

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