Chapter 564: Coming Clean; Cunning And Despicable

The rescue of Ji Shengchu, the Prime Ancestor of the Ji Family, might seem an issue to their Family on the surface, but in reality, it was actually a major matter concerning the security of the entire Upper Realm.

As a Human Ancestor, Ji Shengchu possessed astounding abilities. Despite being trapped in Kun Mountain for countless epochs, he managed to persevere without succumbing to death. If he could successfully escape Kun Mountain, he was undoubtedly capable of resolving the Eternal Overcast issue.

Moreover, Ji Shengchu once lent his aid to numerous Forces. Given his past contributions, no one could possibly decline Gu Changge's invitation to gather the younger generation together and strategize the rescue of Ji Shengchu. After all, it was an effort to ensure the safety of the Upper Realm.

"Yes, Young Master." Yin Mei understood Gu Changge's intentions and quickly went off to make the necessary arrangements. Many prodigies from different Forces were currently gathered in Dark Kun City. She was quite confident that no one would dare to ignore Gu Changge's invitation, even the Young War Immortal and his companions who had just been attacked by assassins.

As Yin Mei departed, Su Qingge, who had been waiting patiently outside the chamber, gracefully entered.

"Greetings, Young Master." She bowed respectfully, but could hardly conceal her inner turmoil.

Although Gu Changge was not surprised by her arrival, he still appeared to be pleasantly surprised.

"What brings you here, Qingxuan?" he asked with a smile.

Su Qingge was actually deeply perplexed as to why Gu Changge would give the order to have the Young War Immortal assassinated. As the Successor of Demonic Arts, that should have been her responsibility to prevent her true identity from being revealed.

Based on Gu Changge's character, it was unlikely for him to engage in pointless actions. Therefore, it could be inferred that the assassination of the Young War Immortal was carried out with a specific intention. However, despite pondering over it, Su Qingge was unable to figure out the reason behind it.

[Could it be related to the peculiar behavior the Young War Immortal exhibited during the Divine Rock Conference?] Since Su Qingge was currently living the identity of Ji Qingxuan, she was unsure of how to approach the matter.

"Young Master, I happened to overhear the conversation between you and Yin Mei..." Su Qingge spoke cautiously, carefully selecting her words. In truth, she did not eavesdrop but rather deduced the information through astute analysis and was certain it was Gu Changge who dispatched an assassin to eliminate the Young War Immortal.

"Oh, which part did you hear?" Gu Changge deliberately asked with feigned curiosity, despite already knowing the answer.

"I heard that you ordered for the Young War Immortal to be assassinated. Rest assured though, I won't breathe a word of it to anyone," Su Qingge quickly promised, seemingly eager to alleviate any doubts or misgivings Gu Changge may have had.

"What about it?" Gu Changge smiled faintly. "Are you wondering why I wish to end his life?"

Confusion appeared on Su Qingge's lovely face as she nodded and said, "Yes."

The smile on Gu Changge's smile faded as he calmly stated, "I wish to eliminate him because he possesses knowledge that he shouldn't."

"Knowledge that he shouldn't have known?" Su Qingge shuddered involuntarily. A chill ran down her spine as she gazed into his serene face, sensing that there was more to his statement.

[The Young War Immortal possesses knowledge that he shouldn't have known? Is he talking about my true identity as the Successor of Demonic Arts? Could it possibly be something else?]

As the prominent figure among the younger generation in the Upper Realm, Gu Changge chose to cover up her identity as the Successor of Demonic Arts rather than taking her life upon discovering her true identity. Su Qingge was an intelligent individual. She could not fathom any other explanation except for this possibility.

If Gu Changge was already aware of her true identity, then it was likely that he also knew that she had swapped identities with Ji Qingxuan and chose to feign ignorance. As Su Qingge pondered over these possibilities, her thoughts became jumbled and her emotions were in turmoil.

"So, you knew everything already, Young Master..." After a moment of silence, Su Qingge regained her composure and spoke with a slight tremble in her voice. The shocking truths she had discovered during her meeting with Gu Changge today had left her reeling, causing her to question the purpose of her pretense all this while.

"What do you mean?" Gu Changge asked with a faint smile.

"I recall you once said that if you knew the real identity of the Successor of Demonic Arts, you would definitely not allow them to remain in the world," Su Qingge's eyes were tinged with red, and her voice was quivering.

She recalled a moment where she had almost revealed her true identity as the Successor of Demonic Arts back at the Immortal Academy. Despite facing doubt and suspicion from the Elders, Gu Changge had chosen to believe in her without any reason. From then on, she decided to keep her identity hidden forever, even in death, as she couldn't bear to see the disappointment on Gu Changge's face.

To her surprise, Gu Changge not only uncovered the truth but also took it upon himself to conceal any evidence that could expose her true identity. This act of compassion had gone beyond mere kindness.

Upon hearing those words, Gu Changge shook his head. He could sense that Su Qingge was about to come clean with him. Given her sharp intellect, he knew she could easily piece together the puzzle of his recent assassination attempt on the Young War Immortal. There was no longer any point for her to continue hiding the truth of her identity.

"So, you still remember what I said..." Gu Changge remained stoic but emotion swirled in the depth of his eyes.

Su Qingge dropped her gaze. Her voice was filled with guilt and anguish as she apologised, "I'm sorry that I've disappointed you."

At this point, she wasn't sure if Gu Changge was angry or disappointed.

"Are you hoping that I'll put an end to you now?" Gu Changge asked calmly.

When Su Qingge heard this, her heart was filled with bitterness. At the same time, she also felt a sense of relief, as her suspicions had proven to be true. Gu Changge had been merely pretending all along.

Su Qingge took a deep breath and composed herself before responding, "If you had intended to kill me, you wouldn't have kept me in your presence for this long."

"Oh, your confidence is truly admirable. Should I remind you that there are many seeking to end your life? Do you believe that I am any different from them?" Gu Changge inquired with great interest. "I refrained from killing you previously because you were Ji Qingxuan. However, you are Su Qingge now, the Successor of Demonic Arts."

Su Qingge shook her head, her eyes slightly reddened. She lowered her head and spoke with unwavering conviction, "Young Master, you are unlike any other. While others may seek to end my life, I know that you would not."

After all, if Gu Changge truly intended to kill her, why would he bother to conceal her tracks by attempting to assassinate the Young War Immortal?

A small smile graced Gu Changte's lips. Without any warning, he reached out and grasped her slender and fair neck. "You think I can't bear to kill you?"

Su Qingge expressed no concern and calmly shook her head. "Should Young Master desire to end my life, I will not object. Meeting my demise in your hands may be the most fitting ending for me."

Her words were sincere, as years of concealing her true identity had left her exhausted. Passing away in such a peaceful manner would bring her a sense of release.

"Forget it, I'm not such a cold and heartless person. After all, you came with me from the Lower Realm, and I feel a deep responsibility for your current state," Gu Changge released her from his grip with a soft sigh.

"Whether you are a Successor of Demonic Arts or an ordinary cultivator makes no difference to me. No matter what Qinggge's identity may be, she has always been my servant, and that will never change."

Tears welled up in Su Qingge's eyes. She recognized the weight in Gu Changge's decision to spare her life. If her true identity was exposed, it would undoubtedly have severe repercussions on Gu Changge's life.

......

The entire Dark Kun City was talking about the assassination of the Young War Immortal. News of Gu Changge's plan to host a gathering of young prodigies at the Starcatcher Pavilion in two days' time to strategize the rescue of Ji Shengchu spread like wildfire, causing a great commotion throughout the city.

Many were surprised as they did not expect Gu Changge to join forces with the Ji Family and invade Kun Mountain to rescue Ji Shengchu. While his decision impressed others, it also left them with a lingering sense that there was more to the situation than met the eye.

After all, Gu Changge's action was essentially inviting the young prodigies to brave Kun Mountain with him together. It was common knowledge that Kun Mountain was notorious for its treacherous terrain, even Sacred Emperors Realm experts had to tread carefully. To invite other young prodigies to join him was akin to sending them to their demise.

"Gu Changge's personal invitation is rooted in the noble cause of rescuing a Human Ancestor, declining it would be unjustifiable!"

"Refusing to join is morally indefensible. What he's doing is no different than sending everyone into the fire pit."

Many could no longer sit still. Should they decline to act, it would not only tarnish the reputations of many promising young individuals, but it might also have a detrimental impact on them.

Although the journey to Kun Mountain was perilous, Gu Changge, as the leader of the younger generation, had already set the example by fearlessly risking his life. If others chose to cower in fear and retreat, it would only reflect poorly on themselves.

Numerous youthful prodigies such as the King with Six Crowns, the Phoenix Lady, the Sky Demon Sovereign, the Young Holy King, and Chosen Monk Jin Chan. who received the invitation fell silent. They knew full well that they had no valid reasons to turn it down.

"Damn it, Gu Changge is really planning to force us to go to Kun Mountain! What a cunning man!" The expressions of Young War Immortal, An Xi and others turned sour when they received the invitation letter. They had hoped for a moment of peace after surviving the recent attack, but it seemed like Gu Changge had other plans in store.

To ensure that the Young War Immortal would not decline due to his injury, Gu Changge even went above and beyond by arranging for a Divine Medicine to be delivered as a gesture of care and concern to the Young War Immortal. His gesture was undoubtedly a harsh blow to their dignity, causing them great humiliation.

"Gu Changge is definitely the culprit responsible for that assassination attempt! To think that he would attempt to feign kindness by sending me medicine! How utterly despicable." The Young War Immortal's face darkened despite his usual composure. He clenched his fists tightly in anger. His anger caused his injury to worsen and trickled from the corner of his mouth.