Chapter 1354

Chapter 1354: Aura from Nine Heavens, Breaking Out in a Cold Sweat

Gu Changge’s eyes were deep, his mind racing through countless scenarios in an instant, canvassing every corner of time and space in an attempt to discern the mastermind behind the plots within the Dao Chang Realm.

In truth, he had sensed something amiss long before, back when he first encountered Barbara within the Dao Chang Realm. However, at that moment, he dismissed it as mere coincidence, attributing Barbara’s presence to chance.

He reasoned that while variables existed, they were rare occurrences. Surely, a genuine variable wouldn’t manifest itself in other realms? Particularly considering Barbara was undergoing a reincarnation trial, lost within a dream within a dream. Without Gu Changge’s intervention, she might have remained ensnared in that unbreakable dream, forever chasing truths beyond her reach.

Gu Changge wasn’t entirely surprised by such trials. Rather, he sensed a rich history surrounding Barbara. It seemed plausible that she had stumbled into the Dao Chang Realm from another realm, undertaking a trial there.

In the vast expanse of the world, disciples from the most powerful realms were often dispatched to remote locations for trials. Success in these trials was a prerequisite for advancing one’s status, ascending to become an inner sect disciple, or even a true disciple, to delve into the profound teachings and divine powers of the sect.

At that moment, Gu Changge intentionally left a mark on Barbara, hoping to confirm her origins, perhaps to leverage her in the future.

Barbara herself hailed from a realm outside the Dao Chang Realm, untouched by its distinctive aura.

The land she found herself in, known as the Desolate Continent, was originally one of the birthplaces of the barbarians, with no inherent connection to her.

It was unfortunate that across numerous reincarnations, she consistently forgot her past, always believing herself to be a member of the barbarian tribe. As the last princess of the barbarian clan, she bore the weighty responsibility of saving her people and opposing the immortals. Simultaneously, she yearned to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the barbarian god.

Unbeknownst to her, the true generation of barbarian gods observed them dispassionately from another realm, regarding the patriarchs of the barbarian clans—those who sought the real barbarians and other generations of barbarian gods—as mere sustenance. This included her adoptive father, the patriarch of her current generation of the barbarian clan.

Even her beloved Grandpa, whom Barbara had always revered, was revealed to be the true mastermind behind a previous generation of the Barbarian Gods, orchestrating the elaborate illusion that ensnared her.

Through countless cycles of death and rebirth, she gradually lost touch with her past and true origins. When Gu Changge stumbled upon her, he harbored little sympathy. To him, she was merely a pawn to be trained for his own purposes, a source of future fortune.

Yet, as time went on, he recognized in Barbara echoes of Chan Hongyi from bygone eras—stubborn, resilient, and enduring.

Additionally, Gu Changge was moved by compassion. He pointed out falsehoods, carefully instructed Barbara, imparted techniques, and aided her in breaking free from her predicament.

Moreover, Barbara harbored a demon heart, foretelling her eventual transformation into a demon. Gu Changge deliberately triggered her demon heart prematurely, facilitating her transition.

He reasoned that if left unaddressed, Barbara would inevitably uncover the truth and endure profound anguish. Only through intense hatred could her demonic heart be truly awakened—a process that might have been orchestrated by the unseen orchestrator behind the trial.

Initially dismissing Barbara’s trial as happenstance, Gu Changge now reconsidered, sensing a deeper motive behind the planner’s actions. Barbara’s appearance in the Dao Chang Realm seemed less coincidental, perhaps orchestrated by the same individual.

“Beyond this individual, others are now conspiring against the Dao Chang Realm. Could it be that secrets lie within the Dao Chang Realm unbeknownst to me?” Gu Changge pondered, his mind racing from Barbara’s ordeal to the ancient cultivator who emerged within the realm.

His encounter with Qing Yi, a true spirit, while assuming the mantle of a demon lord and traversing the world, seemed serendipitous. At the time, he hadn’t settled on a secluded abode in the mortal realm or initiated his grand plan. It was witnessing Qing Yi lead the resistance against a formidable threat that spurred him into action.

As Gu Changge drew closer to Qing Yi, allowing their relationship to develop naturally until her retreat to the real world of mountains and seas, he remained passive, flowing with the currents of fate.

“This aura, it seems different from what I anticipated. It emanates from the Nine Heavens…” As the thought crossed Gu Changge’s mind, he finally discerned the causal link, confirming the identity of the individual scheming against the Dao Chang Realm.

However, if the threat originated from the Nine Heavens, he could afford to defer action for the time being. After all, within the Nine Heavens, he possessed another pawn with deeper strategic significance.

While Gu Changge opted to remain uninvolved with the affairs of the Nine Heavens for now, he knew he would eventually need to address them. The Nine Heavens occupied a unique position in the vast expanse, revered in legends across realms as the origin of immortal Dao. Yet, to Gu Changge, they seemed more like a final resting place for celestial incarnations interred during the great upheaval—a perspective that set them apart from the supremely powerful realms.

With the culprit behind the Dao Chang Realm’s plots identified, Gu Changge formulated alternative plans, leveraging the situation to his advantage. He intended to mobilize the Spiritual royal family’s army for an assault on the immortal civilization.

While the immortal civilization might not rival the most formidable civilizations, it still ranked among the upper echelons of ancient civilizations, surpassing the Spiritual civilization by far. Conquering the realm of the immortal civilization would expedite resource acquisition for Gu Changge’s ambitions, crucial for executing his grand design that would reshape the entire world.

Without sufficient resources, his endeavors would falter. Thus, consolidating power and gathering resources became paramount, laying the foundation for a monumental undertaking that would reverberate throughout the boundless world.

The matter concerning Chu Lian was but a minor episode, one that he wouldn’t invest much energy into.

Meanwhile, within Juxian Village, Ling Huang personally visited Chu Lian’s courtyard, settling herself on the stone bench. Following Gu Changge’s instructions, she broached the subject with Chu Lian.

“Cousin holds Mr. Chu Lian in high regard. He believes you possess the qualities of a skilled general and will undoubtedly achieve great feats in the future. With Mr. Chu Lian’s assistance, overthrowing the rule of the Spiritual royal family would be within reach.”

Ling Huang’s smile exuded elegance and dignity, her posture poised and graceful. Adorned in wide sleeves and with hair like clouds, her neck was slender and her legs straight and slender. Her attire, with a trailing skirt, hinted at her refined upbringing.

While Chu Lian pondered the unresponsive spirit orb of ambition, Ling Huang’s unexpected visit lifted his spirits inexplicably. The presence of the beautiful woman before him, coupled with her soothing words, brought a sense of ease.

“Senior brother, Miss Huang’s personal recruitment speaks volumes about Mr. Gu’s high regard for you,” remarked Ming Xiu, Chu Lian’s junior sister, with a smile. Observing her senior brother’s favorable impression of Miss Huang, she discreetly monitored the interaction.

“Step aside, Miss Huang and I have matters to discuss,” Chu Lian waved off his attentive junior sister, eager for a private conversation with Ling Huang.

At last, he seized the opportunity to engage in a confidential dialogue with Miss Huang and address his queries.

Ling Huang maintained a serene smile, exuding an air of elegance and composure. The stone table between her and Chu Lian maintained a subtle distance, neither too close nor distant, reflecting a sense of mutual understanding.

As Ming Xiu departed, Chu Lian settled onto the stone bench, unable to suppress his thoughts. “Miss Huang, our conversations during this journey have been quite pleasant. I believe you’ve gained some insight into my character. I’m not one to be swayed or reliant on others. While I appreciate Mr. Gu’s generosity and admire his actions, I’ve always harbored similar aspirations, albeit lacking the means to realize them.”

“I would also ask that Miss Huang convey my gratitude to Mr. Gu upon her return.”

With the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions remaining silent, Chu Lian couldn’t discern whether their current location posed a threat. Was the cloaked old man the source of its concern? Without clarity, he deemed it prudent to decline Ling Huang’s offer temporarily, focusing instead on securing their departure from the area.

Although he also wanted to achieve a great cause, overthrow the atrocious rule of the Spiritual royal family, purge the world, and bring peace.

“Master Chu Lian, there’s no need to rush your decision,” Ling Huang interjected calmly, her smile unwavering. “You can take some time to reconsider. My cousin’s influence surpasses imagination. As his guest secretary, he can provide you with countless benefits, both in terms of strength and resources.”

“And I suspect Mr. Chu Lian is in dire need of resources. Even if you don’t require them personally, your junior sister could certainly benefit. Moreover, Mr. Chu Lian likely has other connections behind him…”

“You can mull it over later,” Ling Huang suggested with a knowing smile, unsurprised by Chu Lian’s immediate refusal. This reaction aligned with Gu Changge’s instructions and expectations. Her primary objective was to convey Gu Changge’s interest in recruiting Chu Lian, fostering trust and dispelling any wariness he might harbor.

Chu Lian found himself somewhat swayed by Ling Huang’s words. Despite assistance from the Ball of Ambitions, the costs of cultivation remained a daunting hurdle. Ling Huang’s reminder regarding his junior sister’s needs further tugged at his conscience.

Acknowledging Ling Huang’s advice, Chu Lian replied, “Since Miss Huang has brought it up, I’ll give it further consideration.”

However, his curiosity about Ling Huang’s relationship with Gu Changge outweighed his thoughts on the recruitment offer. “But I must admit, I’m more intrigued by the connection between Miss Huang and Mr. Gu. You two don’t seem like cousins. Your reverence for him, especially when you remove your veil in his presence…”

Had Chu Lian not been so observant, he might have missed these subtle cues. Ling Huang’s veil altered slightly each time she exited the carriage, hinting at moments of unveiled exposure upon her return.

In their encounters, Ling Huang consistently veiled her appearance, concealing her true visage from view. She was slightly taken aback by Chu Lian’s astuteness, not anticipating his direct observation of her subtle habits. How had he managed to discern such details?

While Ling Huang prided herself on her performance, maintaining composure throughout their journey, Chu Lian’s insight was unexpected. Yet, he had a point. Ling Huang indeed wore her veil at all times except in Gu Changge’s presence. After all, how could the empresses of the illustrious Spiritual royal family, the youngest entities in the Dao Realm, unveil their faces to outsiders?

“Young Master Chu Lian possesses keen observation skills to notice such nuances,” Ling Huang remarked, mildly impressed. “However, it’s difficult to divulge the nature of my relationship with my cousin. I hope you understand.”

“My cousin’s stature and standing far surpass my own. While he’s typically affable, he maintains the respect and decorum befitting his status,” Ling Huang added with a smile, evading further explanation.

Chu Lian’s realization mirrored his earlier speculation, although the enigmatic presence of the cloaked old man remained beyond comprehension. Yet, hearing such words from someone he held affections for stirred a discomfiting sensation within him.

The conversation veered toward other topics before Ling Huang bid her farewell, returning to make her report.

Left with a tinge of regret, Chu Lian couldn’t shake the feeling of being sidelined. While he harbored a favorable impression of Ling Huang, her deference and admiration toward Gu Changge during their discussion left him feeling somewhat envious.

However, Chu Lian wasn’t one to dwell on interpersonal relationships; he had more pressing matters on his mind. Shortly after Ling Huang’s departure, Chu Lian was pleasantly surprised to notice the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions stirring, responding to his inquiries.

Swiftly, he employed the Eight Directions Cloud and Rain Flag to shroud their surroundings in secrecy, warding off prying eyes. With urgency, Chu Lian bombarded the spirit with a flurry of questions and doubts that had accumulated during this period.

During this time, the Artifact Spirit of the Ball of Ambitions had severed its connection with the outside world, rendering it unaware of recent events. It wasn’t until Chu Lian provided a detailed account that the spirit grasped the situation.

“At the time, within your clan’s territory, the abrupt disappearance of a formidable aura raised alarm bells. It appeared to sense something amiss and doubled back. Fearing potential danger, I swiftly severed all external connections to avoid detection by the owner of that ominous aura,” the spirit of the Ball of Ambitions explained, shedding light on the circumstances.

Chu Lian was jolted by this revelation, breaking out in a cold sweat at the realization of the gravity and peril of the situation. Had it not been for the spirit’s explanation, he might never have comprehended the severity of the threat looming over them.

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