NOVPUB"Just as Second Uncle Gu Chengfeng said," Gu Chen mused, "it is impossible to expect everyone to agree with me. Nor do I believe that everyone will trust me unreservedly."
In the six Sacred Lands that loomed over the Nine Provinces for tens of thousands of years, with their deeply ingrained authority, Gu Chen was indeed strong, but he had to admit, should the six Sacred Lands exert their full strength, he might still meet his defeat at this stage.
Therefore, there were very few in the whole world who now looked favorably upon Gu Chen.
This was a point that Second Uncle Gu Chengfeng had mentioned that Gu Chen genuinely had not considered.
At this moment, Gu Chengfeng looked at Gu Chen with grave concern and said with urgency, "Eldest nephew, the entire Da Xia is thrown into chaos because of you. The six Sacred Lands have issued an ultimatum to the world, leaving Da Xia with two choices: kill you or wage war against the Sacred Lands. Which one do you think Da Xia will choose?"
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen frowned in silence. He understood his uncle's point, knowing that the wise would already know how to choose.
Moreover, such significant matters that could affect the nation's destiny were not easily changed by one person, even if Emperor Ji Yuan and Gu Chen were close friends. His desire to protect Gu Chen might not be enough to ensure his safety.
After all, the current court, or rather, Da Xia, was not solely ruled by Ji Yuan. He was but a puppet emperor with no real power, long since overpowered by King Huai.
Gu Chengfeng's expression was somber as he said, "Therefore, eldest nephew, we cannot take a gamble on this matter, nor can your second uncle afford to risk it. Listen to me, we must leave Tiandu now and find a secluded place to hide for a while."
The execution order from the Sacred Lands symbolized their steadfast resolve to deal with Gu Chen. The world, vast as it was, offered only temporary refuge.
Gu Chengfeng, of course, understood this principle, but he was helpless, unable to stand by and watch his nephew, whom he had raised, walk towards death, opposing the whole world.
At this point, Aunt Xu Qinge looked anxiously at Gu Chen and said, "Eldest nephew, listen to your second uncle. Let's lay low for a while."
Concern also filled the pretty face of Gu Qingyan as she looked at Gu Chen, waiting for his response.
After musing for a moment, Gu Chen spoke, "Second Uncle, it might not be possible for us to leave Tiandu."
"Why not?" Gu Chengfeng asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Because of King Huai." Gu Chen hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth and simply explained his grudge against King Huai.
"So you're saying that King Huai has essentially been blackmailing us all this time?!" Gu Chengfeng's pupils shrank when he heard this.
It had never crossed his mind that one day, his family of three would become a burden to his eldest nephew.
"This complicates things." Gu Chengfeng's brows knitted in frustration as he paced back and forth in the yard.
The extent of King Huai's power and influence was something Gu Chengfeng, who served in Da Xia, understood all too well.
Tiandu allowed King Huai's commands to carry as much weight as edicts carved in gold.
And within Tiandu, if King Huai decided to target his family, Gu Chengfeng realized he had no means to retaliate.
Noting his uncle's concern, Gu Chen spoke up, "Don't worry, Second Uncle. I'll go meet with the Tower Supervisor and decide what to do next."
"The Tower Supervisor?" Gu Chengfeng was taken aback and said with surprise, "You can meet the Tower Supervisor?"
Gu Chen had never gone into detail about the Tower Supervisor with Gu Chengfeng, which is why the latter was shocked to learn his nephew could meet with the Tower Supervisor so readily.
Gu Chen nodded slightly and then, under the worried gaze of his family, he left the Gu Mansion.
Upon exiting the Gu Mansion, Gu Chen sharply noticed the countless 'hidden' stares directed at him. All these were spies watching the Gu Mansion.
All of this was because of the execution order from the Sacred Lands.
This thought ignited a flame of anger within Gu Chen, but he refrained from attacking these people, as it would serve no purpose.
Subsequently, Gu Chen made his way to the Star Gazing Platform at the top of the Bagua Building and met the white-haired, white-bearded Tower Supervisor.
For many years, the appearance of the Tower Supervisor had not changed. He had always been sitting here quietly, watching and deducing the trends of the world.
"I pay my respects to the Tower Supervisor." Gu Chen gave a formal bow, holding the Tower Supervisor in high regard.
In that instant, the Tower Supervisor turned around. His ancient eyes looked at Gu Chen with a flash of satisfaction while also cautioning, "Be wary of King Huai, for all of this is within his planning."
Instantly, Gu Chen comprehended the Tower Supervisor's meaning. His eyebrows knitted together, he said, "Are you implying that from the moment I left Tiandu to head to the Da Guangming Sect, I fell into King Huai's trap?"
The Tower Supervisor shook his head and explained, "It's not a trap. It's an overt plot. He'd pinpointed your character, knowing you'd act this way when faced with challenges."
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen's eyes became cold and sharp. He had to admit, King Huai indeed had a clever strategy, but this time, he was bound to be disappointed!
"Thank you, Tower Supervisor, for looking after my uncle's family." Saying this, Gu Chen bowed deeply to the Tower Supervisor.
No matter what, Gu Chen did not want any misfortune to befall his uncle, aunt, and cousin. So, he entrusted their safety to the Tower Supervisor.
"It's nothing." The Tower Supervisor obviously understood Gu Chen's intention. He nodded slightly without saying much else.
He did not ask Gu Chen about his chances against the execution order. With the Heavenly Seed, Gu Chen had become difficult to deduce, even for him.
However, from the moment Gu Chen appeared before him, the Tower Supervisor could still perceive many things.
"The second celestial change is about to begin. Be careful," the Tower Supervisor suddenly warned.
"Is the second celestial change finally going to start?" Upon hearing this, Gu Chen's expression tightened with anticipation growing in his heart.
Because this proves that he will once again have power value credits incoming.
The Tower Supervisor said, "The upper realm's movements won't stop for now, and subsequently, formidable individuals might descend. You must be careful."
"Oh?"
Gu Chen's brow furrowed at the Tower Supervisor's words, indicating the severity of the situation.
At that moment, something seemed to occur to Gu Chen. He informed the Tower Supervisor of the mysterious woman's situation and inquired about her origins.
Unexpectedly, the usually prescient Tower Supervisor now frowned and said, "I can't calculate her fate; this mysterious woman you speak of has someone shielding her destiny."
At this point, the Tower Supervisor's expression became stern. Regardless of the reason, it served as proof of the mysterious woman's transcendence, suggesting that even in the upper realm, she held significant influence.
Had it not been for Gu Chen's verbal report today, he wouldn't have known about such a person's descent.
"The upper realm is boundless and brimming with talented individuals beyond measure; one must never underestimate it," the Tower Supervisor whispered, a warning for Gu Chen.
Gu Chen's heart grew cautious as he realized the extraordinary nature of the mysterious woman once again.
The Tower Supervisor then looked Gu Chen up and down and said, "When you reach the Grand Completion of the Divinity Penetrating Realm and are ready to break through to the Coagulation Field Realm, come to me if you have any questions."
"Thank you, Tower Supervisor." Gu Chen's expression immediately brightened upon hearing this.
With the guidance of the Tower Supervisor, a pinnacle martial artist of the Coagulation Field Realm, crafting his own "Field" would become much simpler.
He was far more capable than Wu Feng, who was only in a remnant soul state.
Afterwards, Gu Chen talked with the Tower Supervisor for a while and confirmed the rough time of the second cosmic anomaly's arrival.
Regarding the matter of the Holy Land's Extermination Order, neither Gu Chen nor the Tower Supervisor brought it up too much, suggesting that the Tower Supervisor knew Gu Chen could handle it himself.
If any Coagulation Field Realm experts from the six Holy Lands made a move, the Tower Supervisor would inform Gu Chen in advance, allowing Gu Chen to prepare a response.
After half an hour, Gu Chen left the Qintian Monitor and went to the Jing Tian Department headquarters within Tiandu's inner city to meet Qin Wu.
"Gu Chen!" Upon seeing Gu Chen, Qin Wu's face was grave, clearly worried about the Holy Land's Extermination Order.
"Before you returned, the morning court was in uproar over you. On the Golden Throne, all the ministers were accusing you. Though His Majesty wished to protect you, he was powerless."
Qin Wu once sought the Tower Supervisor, hoping he would intervene on behalf of Gu Chen, showing such determination, but the Tower Supervisor refused.
Obviously, the Tower Supervisor felt there was no need, believing Gu Chen could handle it himself.
Unless necessary, he would not take action.
Upon hearing this, Gu Chen remained calm. After conversing with the Tower Supervisor, he had anticipated everything.
All this trouble was undoubtedly instigated by King Huai.
Qin Wu said, "Be extremely cautious. Recently, all the officials are impeaching you. They believe you've brought immense troubles upon Da Xia, and many people are dissatisfied. With instigation from those with ulterior motives, even the common folk feel the same,"
"Some even believe that, despite your extraordinary talent and strength, you always stir up trouble. There are various rumors among the people claiming that you've remained unharmed because King Huai has been cleaning up your messes behind the scenes,"
"Moreover, some commentaries even say that compared to the merits you've earned for Da Xia, the troubles you've caused are greater, involving Da Xia in every incident, especially this time with the Holy Land's Extermination Order. The slander about you is everywhere, and many in the court suggest taking action against you. If this continues, your reputation will be utterly ruined."
Gu Chen said indifferently, "When the time comes, King Huai will be able to act, removing me and establishing his renown."
Qin Wu nodded gravely and said, "Exactly, and I must tell you that King Huai has acquired the complete legacy of the Medicine King Sect. Even the four supervisors of the Mingjing Department have ascended to the Divinity Penetrating Realm because of him, and many in Da Xia have benefitted from his grace. Now, he's trying to extend his reach to the Jing Tian Department. I fear I may not be able to stop him for much longer."
There are many Innate Realm martial artists within the Jing Tian Department who, despite their loyalty, might not resist such temptation.
After all, they are martial artists, and no martial artist doesn't wish to become stronger.
Moreover, with the impending Nine Provinces' catastrophe, even Qin Wu, if possible, wishes for Da Xia's strength to keep growing. If King Huai can truly enable some defense commanders to break through to the Divinity Penetrating Realm, Qin Wu might really let King Huai's influence directly stretch into the Jing Tian Department if left with no other choice.
At that time, Da Xia might truly fall entirely under King Huai's sway.
However, Gu Chen seemed unconcerned and said, "Let's set this aside for now. Commander Qin, I've come to you this time for another important matter."
"Oh?"
Qin Wu was taken aback, unable to comprehend what could be more crucial than the current situation?
But in the next moment, when he saw what Gu Chen had taken out, his eyes widened instantly.
"Is this..." Qin Wu, as the deputy commander of the Jing Tian Department, was certainly no stranger to rarities and recognized what it was instantly.
"Indeed, this is the divine fruit for refining one's being!" Gu Chen said with a slight smile.
"Truly the divine fruit for refining one's being?!" Qin Wu was overjoyed, snatching the fruit from Gu Chen's hand and examining it meticulously.
He was well aware of the divine fruit's medicinal effects, and very much so.
"How many of these do you have?" At that moment, Qin Wu looked at Gu Chen with excitement.
Gu Chen said with a smile, "Commander Qin, gather all the defense commanders of the Jing Tian Department to the capital while everything is calm."
