Chapter 517: Truce, Plot Against This Old One
Currently, in Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, other than the Great Domains that had yet to fall, the rest were engulfed in flames of war every day.
News regarding the annihilation of the Blood Dragon War God Clan swiftly spread across land, causing great commotions.
The endangered clans fell into a state of panic, worried that the Upper Realm Army would attack them soon. Since the almighty Blood Dragon War God Clan wasn't able to defend against the daunting Upper Realm Army, these weak forces wouldn't stand a chance.
Meanwhile, Great Cloud Domain and Crimson Shack Domain were also haunted by horror as countless were anxious. All they could see was darkness without the slightest trace of hope.
*Boom!* Explosions would thunder in the sky every day as armies as vast as the universe charged across land with relentless desire for blood.
As chaos spread throughout the regions, another shocking news suddenly scattered from Sky Deer City, flooding the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains like a raging tsunami of stupefaction.
Some cultivators claimed that Gu Changge wished for no further bloodbath as the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were no longer a threat to the Upper Realm after the destruction of Sky Deer City. Thus, intending to restore peace to both realms, he planned to gather leaders of various forces to discuss a truce.
At once, the news stirred up the biggest turmoil ever.
Nevertheless, all those across the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains remained sceptical, thinking that Gu Changge wouldn't do such a thing and claiming the news to be an untrustable rumour.
Given how the Upper Realm was so intent on taking down Sky Deer City, there was no way they would let the people of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains off so easily. Besides, even if Gu Changge's motive was genuine, it was doubtable—indubitably impossible, even—that the other forces of the Upper Realm would agree to it.
In the eyes of virtually all from the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, Gu Changge was far more detestable than the others of the Upper Realm. Anyone could have sought for peace, but not Gu Changge. Never.
Regardless, it was undeniable that Gu Changge's strength could easily drive them to immense panic and dread.
*Boom!*
On the second day, while the news was doing its 'magic', a commandment, emitting golden glows, rose to the sky from the depth of Sky Deer City as if it was a flag on a pole. Rising into the centre of the universe. The commandment pierced through the skies and shone blighty for all to see.
Its vast aura surrounded the world as the tips of mountains were quaking while the stars beyond shifted.
The golden commandment contained fathomless power, resembling dazzling stars that illuminated and caused the Eight Wastelands to tremble. Countless that detected the terrorising disturbance could feel their souls shivering, as an urge to kneel towards the commandment suddenly arose within them.
"This is..."
The supreme experts of different clans of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were cautiously observing the situation in Sky Deer City. However, when they saw the golden commandment soaring to the sky, their hearts were filled with fear as their souls uncontrollably shivered.
"Isn't that a commandment written by Gu CHangge himself...?"
"The truce is real...?"
"To think that piece of news was actually real. He is really intent on inviting the leaders of various clans to discuss a truce!"
"Impossible... What ulterior motive does he have?"
With that, the ancient beings that were studying the commandment found themselves thoroughly dumbfounded as their hearts trembled..
Once more, they assiduously read the texts on the golden commandment in concern that they might have missed a word, only to find themselves stunned on the ground.
"But why? What is he actually planning?" They were amazed and dismayed.
[Is he sincerely inviting the leaders of the major clans to discuss a truce? What intention does he have? Can we really trust him?]
As the golden commandment rose to the sky and illuminated the world to announce the conference for peace, everyone across the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were absolutely stupefied. They didn't even dare to imagine the unthinkable.
Right when the flames of war were blazing at its brightest, Gu Changge sent forth a commandment, stipulating a conference for truce out of nowhere. That was obviously out of evil intent from any perspective.
Previously, many were suspecting whether the news was true, but after seeing the proof of it, they were stunned in confusion.
Nevertheless, to many, that was a glimmer of hope amid absolute darkness. After all, their perspectives were different, hence naturally, so were their concerns.
On the other hand, the higher-ups of the major clans thought about the other aspects of the matter and could tell Gu Changge must not bear any truly good intentions. The conference for peace was a blatant scheme, a trap. One setup to kill all of them should they attend it.
[Laughable. How could he possibly be trusted?]
Many people's image of Gu Changge was still the handsome yet terrorising young man with frightening abilities in Sky Deer City. Regardless, without question, even in the vast Upper Realm, it was impossible to find another young man on Gu Changge's level. The power he possessed was simply unattainable by his peers.
Now, with the commandment Gu Changge personally wrote, it acted more akin to a signal.
Compared to the higher-ups of clans, ordinary people bore completely different ideas. Suddenly, all they saw was hope as they, naturally, didn't want to be slaughtered by the Upper Realm. If there was really a truce, they would instantaneously agree to it without any question.
After experiencing the horror of the great war, they couldn't pray for peace more desperately. They still wish for their families and clans to grow and the realm to flourish. Therefore, if Gu Changge's promise was real, they would undoubtedly support it with all they could.
Naturally, even the many forces of the Upper Realm were startled by Gu Changge's commandment.
"The massive banquet shall be held in Sky Deer City. What do you think?"
In an ancient, extravagant palace, Gu Changge softly chuckled as he reached out his hand to fondle the snowy face before him.
In the meantime, the Sky Deer Goddess stood in front of him. She wore a flawless white dress as her silky hair swayed. There was nothing but unparalleled beguilement on her cool, delicate face.
"Doesn't matter where it is held. The decision is solely yours." Her gaze was somewhat complicated. "Young Master Gu, are you planning to take them all at once? Or, are you genuinely intent on establishing a truce?"
The Sky Deer Goddess was dumbfounded. She could tell Gu Changge could easily plan to set up a trap disguised as a banquet.
Undoubtedly, to those of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, such an idea was immensely alluring. Like moths to a fire, they would storm towards it despite knowing how miniscule their chance of survival was.
Although she had no intention of interfering in the matters of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, she couldn't help but feel guilty. If they actually behaved like moths to a fire, Gu Changge would be giving them hope before shattering this very hope right in front of their faces, and nothing could be more cruel than that.
Judging from what she knew about Gu Changge, he might actually pull off such a detestable act.
"Do you prefer me taking them all at once or granting them this so-called truce?" Gu Changge replied with a faint smile.
"Will you proceed with your plan according to my preference?" The Sky Deer Goddess asked him as she peered at him.
"No." Gu Changge chuckled as he gently caressed the fringe at the sides of her face and said, "But you may take a guess. I may have a reward for you should you answer it correctly."
The Sky Deer Goddess then shook her head and countered, "How will I ever guess what's on your mind?"
"That's not nice. You sound as if we are complete strangers." Gu Changge answered with a subtle grin and turned to the exterior of the palace, waiting for the perfect opportunity.
"Of course I want to get closer with you. Sadly, you never trust any single person." Hearing that, the Sky Deer Goddess subconsciously shook her head as an indescribable feeling arose in her heart.
She knew that someone such as Gu Changge would never open his heart to others, let alone giving her a little bit of his trust. Even now, after Sky Deer City had fallen and the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains no longer posed any threat, he remained distant.
"The idea of me not trusting anyone is wrong. You simply haven't earned it yet." Gu Changge responded with an ambiguous answer and a casual smile.
He was no saint nor a selfless hero. With the Nine Mysteries Yearning Physique, it made no sense for him to take advantage of what was presenting itself to him. After all, who would want a factor that could manipulate his life and death? In his eyes, that was no different to being turned into a pawn.
Furthermore, although it was unlikely for the Sky Deer Goddess to betray him, she was still nothing but a pawn to him.
He didn't perceive himself as an apathetic man, though he was aware that he was more rational than most men. Therefore, it wasn't up to him whether a person was trustworthy, but the person themself.
Certainly, the Sky Deer Goddess now bore subservience to him, but without his current strength and influence, she wouldn't have submitted so easily. Although such a description might sound inappropriate, that was the very truth.
Naturally, Yue Mingkong, Jiang Chuchu, and Gu Xianer were exceptions. Gu Changge considered them to be unique individuals, but people who he could put his faith in, nonetheless.
"I understood. Then, I shall order the men in the city to make preparations."
The Sky Deer Goddess nodded without speaking more and left the palace to prepare her men for the trap disguised as a banquet.
Although Sky Deer City was basically a territory of the Upper Realm now, she still possessed inexplicable influence in the city. Of course, most of this was thanks to Gu Changge's identity.
After watching as the Sky Deer Goddess left, Gu Changge gently shook his head and smiled without much change in his expression.
He was aware of her thoughts. To her, having been able to secure Sky Deer City without letting it fall amid the great war was a tremendously fortunate accomplishment. Furthermore, she was smart enough not to intervene Gu Changge's decision.
[It is about time that the Supreme Mountain Elder reveals himself to the world.] Gu Changge thought and summoned some family members. [Now, a way to call for him.]
At the same time, after a moment of contemplation, he left the palace and headed to the underground dungeon.
In order to show his sincerity in the trap banquet, he decided to release the Second Mountain Elder and Luo Ying for the time being. Undoubtedly, he wasn't actually letting them go by releasing them as he was merely using them as hostages to threaten the Supreme Mountain Elder and Xiao Yang into attending the banquet.
Furthermore, with such a leverage in his hands, the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains would understand that they had not a choice in this open scheme of his.
An infinite distance away from Sky Deer City, there was the Colossal Palace City. It was one of the most ancient and spectacular cities in the Great Cloud Domain. Within, vibrant mists and Celestial Lights intertwined as many mystic mountains were surrounded by the fragrance of nature.
Lately, the recent news caused massive turmoil across the region.
Green lights wafted between the most prosperous pavilions and palaces as well as the sky, preventing those of the Upper Realm to peek into it. There, a small-sized banquet was being held, and the attendees were all eminent figures across Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains. They had all gathered to discuss how to survive amid such a disastrous situation. Nonetheless, following Gu Changge's commandment, they had to make changes to the conference.
Amid the drifting white mists, gleaming lights flowed as divine lights surged. As captivating celestial music sounded, glamorous figures elegantly walked in the banquet hall in their swaying robes.
Compared to the outside world that was filled with flames of war, this region was relatively harmonious as female dancers wandered about.
At that moment, a muscular man from the Domain Ruler Clan of Great Cloud Domain, whose entire body was covered by Mists of Chaos, sat in the backseat of the banquet hall.
As he gently shook his glass of drink, he analysed and stated, "Without a question, Gu Changge's banquet is an open trap. The so-called truce is nothing but a lie that is to drive us all to one spot so he can take us all down at once. His effort to restore peace is nothing but a means to win the hearts of ordinary people, while his true purpose is to deal with us. Sadly, not only is his strength formidable, but his methods are out of the world as well. Now that he has sent forth a commandment, perhaps everyone across the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains will side with this. He's even seeking for the Supreme Mountain Elder of the Nine Great Mountains. Though, whether the Supreme Mountain Elder has surfaced in the outside world remains a mystery."
Many agreed to his statements with stern faces, while others had their doubts.
"What a sly tactic, leaving us no choice but to accept his offer."
"Either way, we may die upon accepting it, or we will die if we refuse to show up."
Other influential figures expressed their concurrence. Their faces grew hideous from the reluctance and perturbation.
As its name suggested, an 'open trap' was something all of them could see coming. Yet, they couldn't refuse to step into it. After all, if they wished not to follow the Blood Dragon War God Clan into the path of peril, they could only accept Gu Changge's offer.
In fact, everyone in Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains were desperately hoping to live in peace. The Upper Realm Army's annihilation of clans did nothing but aggravated their dread.
At such a moment, upon Gu Changge's sudden invitation, nobody wouldn't be tempted.
On the other side of the pavilion, a few individuals sat in the corner.
A blind old man in white robe appeared as though he had merged with nature. The people standing beside him were none other than Xiao Yang, Gu Wudi, and the rest.
"The banquet seems to be a trap targeting the clans. But, since Gu Changge knows of my existence, what is he planning? He even directly requested me in front of everyone? Does he intend to plot against this old one?"
After listening to the chatter of the nearby people, the blind old man in white shook his hand. Although his tone was calm, it harboured unconcealable restlessness.
Those beside him were also visibly solemn, especially Xiao Yang. Essentially, the Supreme Mountain Elder had intended to bring them to the Blood Dragon War God Clan and ally with the other forces to come up with a way to rescue Luo Feng.
Alas, before they could locate the base of the Blood Dragon War God Clan, they received news about its annihilation. Furthermore, it was annihilated by an army Gu Changge directly led.
As such, Xiao Yang was stupefied and distressed. Every time Gu Changge made a move, it was as though he predicted whatever they had planned and obstructed their every path without allowing them an escape route. If the Supreme Mountain Elder wasn't by his side, Xiao Yang would have been completely devastated.
Judging by the circumstances, it was as though everyone was being manipulated by Gu Changge. Thus, right now, all they could do was come up with a way to unite all the forces to discuss a way to rescue the Second Mountain Eldere, Luo Ying, and the rest. Otherwise, should the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains fall into Gu Changge's hands, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"It seems this old one has no other choice but to attend the banquet." Although the Supreme Mountain Elder was a blind man, he could perceive all things as though they were transparent to him. And after pondering for a while, he figured that he might be able to turn the table around.
Although Gu Changge's invitation was an open scheme against the people of the Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains, to the Supreme Mountain Elder, it might be a timely opportunity to amass all power and forces of the entire Eight Wastelands and Ten Domains at once.
In other words, the Supreme Mountain Elder did not think of it as a total loss to attend.