Gu Chengming smacked his lips, savoring the lingering sensation from his lips.
Why was Emperor Bai so forceful this time? Those two small hands had clutched his waist so tightly he’d nearly suffocated on the spot.
Though she had always been quite forceful in expressing her passion before...
Well, he couldn't quite figure out the reason, but Gu Chengming didn't let his thoughts dwell on it for too long. After coming to his senses, he turned his attention to the Dao Throne.
After all, the primary goal this time was to help Zhou Qingmu secure the Dao Throne. If she failed, all their efforts would be for naught.
Because of this, Gu Chengming was still a bit worried about whether Director Zhou had succeeded.
With that thought, he looked toward the spot where Zhou Qingmu had vanished, only to find that she had already refined the Dao Throne at some unknown point. The pressure of a Sixth Realm True Monarch radiating from her body was proof enough.
The Fifth Realm cultivators lying on the ground with bruised and swollen faces buried their heads even lower almost simultaneously. In this situation, playing dead was clearly the optimal solution.
Gu Chengming felt a wave of relief. Just as he was about to offer his congratulations, he noticed his Director’s expression was a bit subtle—roughly like someone who had just hit the jackpot, only to find that a small portion of the prize money had been stolen.
This quickly made Gu Chengming realize what she must have seen just now, and for some reason, he started feeling a bit guilty.
On the other side, Zhou Qingmu watched Little Gu smacking his lips, and an odd sensation couldn't help but well up in her heart.
She didn't bring up the scene she had just witnessed, acting as if nothing had happened. She smiled and said with her excellent acting skills, “Fortunately, I did not fail my mission.” Her words were crisp and clean. Had Gu Chengming not been secretly observing her expression, he might have been fooled by her calm and breezy demeanor.
Gu Chengming relaxed and gave a sincere smile. “Congratulations, Director.”
He was truly happy for Zhou Qingmu. Now that she had reached the Sixth Realm, the Night Guard Division finally had a pillar of support again. From now on, they wouldn't have to worry about petty people trying to step all over them.
“Now, the Director must return to the Night Guard Division to take charge of the overall situation,” he said earnestly.
Zhou Qingmu let out a soft laugh.
“What kind of talk is that?” Her gaze fell on him, her expression gentle. “How long has Director Little Gu even been in that seat? I think it’s better if I stay in the position of Vice Director to assist you.”
Gu Chengming considered it. “The Night Guard Division still needs a visible Sixth Realm True Monarch to act as a deterrent.” This wasn't a joke.
With the Great Calamity approaching, if the Night Guard didn't have a visible Sixth Realm expert sitting in the division, they really wouldn't be able to suppress the restless rogue cultivators and external sects.
Zhou Qingmu thought for a moment and smiled. “Not necessarily. In the current situation, this might actually be more of a deterrent to others.”
Gu Chengming pondered for a moment, and his expression became strange.
It seemed she was right. A Fourth Realm cultivator sitting in the position of Director of the Night Guard Division, with a Sixth Realm True Monarch submissively serving as a Vice Director to assist him... To any normal cultivator hearing about this pairing, their first reaction would likely be—
This kid is absolutely an old monster who has hidden his cultivation to start over.
Once he let loose, he could probably rival a True Monarch with a high-level Dao Throne. Otherwise, how else could one explain a True Monarch being so willing to serve as his deputy?
Seeing his expression, Zhou Qingmu’s smile grew even wider.
The night wind swept through the ruins of the Le Palace, kicking up a few withered leaves that swirled into the distance. The Fifth Realm cultivators on the ground still maintained their “already dead” poses, motionless and professional to a moving degree.
Zhou Qingmu glanced at the horizon. The moonlight had tucked itself behind the clouds, and the night grew thicker.
“Let’s go.” She tilted her head toward Gu Chengming, her tone light. “Back to the Night Guard Division for a late-night snack.”
Gu Chengming asked, “The Director’s treat?”
Zhou Qingmu replied, “Ki—” Ah, no, she was being Gu-suppressed again.
As the word reached her lips, she suddenly changed her tune. “Naturally.”
Gu Chengming felt that his Director seemed to be cutting her sentences short today, but he didn't think much of it. He just smiled and nodded. “Then I shall humbly accept.”
The two stepped out of the Le Palace ruins one after the other, their figures gradually vanishing into the night.
Behind them, the Zhongzhou Sect Leader lying on the ground finally dared to move. He cautiously raised his head, watching the two receding figures, and swallowed hard. “That Director Gu...”
The Eastern Wandering Swordsman beside him added weakly, “Don’t ask. If you ask, the answer is just that we can’t afford to provoke him.”
...
Just as Gu Chengming had expected, after everything that happened at the Le Palace ruins reached the capital, the first reaction of the cultivators everywhere was surprisingly unified—
As expected, that kid is an old monster starting over.
It made sense. Although Gu Chengming’s previous achievements were startling, each one could still be categorized under the label of a “youthful hero.” Slaying the Jiao in the East Sea and hunting demons at Falling Snow Pass, while absurd, weren't completely off the charts.
But the further things went, the more the flavor changed.
Crushing the scores in the Sect Disciple Grand Examination, becoming famous in a single battle at Floating Islet City, and now alone fighting Near Heaven of the Babbling Branch plus a group of Fifth Realm experts at the Le Palace ruins... This person’s resume read like the protagonist of a storybook. The problem was that a typical protagonist at least needed some room to grow; this guy had started at max level and just kept running.
Then there was the fact that Gu Chengming was only in his early twenties.
In the thousands of years of the cultivation world’s history, when had such a precedent ever occurred?
Even the Life-Defying Calamity-Slaying True Monarch, hailed as the number one genius of his time, had spent countless years struggling before reaching the peak step by step.
But this guy? From entering a sect to thrashing Fifth Realm experts was as easy as drinking water. Along the way, he didn't forget to date, collect techniques, and become a Holy Son.
Thus, the conclusion most people reached was—
This old geezer isn't even trying to act anymore!
Of course, the few people close to Gu Chengming knew the truth.
To be honest, Zhou Qingmu sometimes really wished Gu Chengming were some ancient powerhouse reincarnated.
If that were the case, the hurdle in her heart wouldn't be so hard to overcome.
If he were an elder, at least she wouldn't feel a sense of guilt while pursuing him, and she wouldn't feel a wave of insecurity every time she thought about her own age.
But she knew Little Gu wasn't. He was a genuine, brilliant young genius with no past-life memories and no old monster feeding him power, having walked to where he was today one step at a time entirely on his own.
Thinking of this, Zhou Qingmu’s feelings were complicated.
Of course, Zhou Qingmu didn't know that if Gu Chengming knew her thoughts, his first response would likely be: “The fact that I, Gu Chengming, have this cultivation today is indeed entirely due to my own efforts. Cultivation LOVELOVE System, add points!”
Naturally, Gu Chengming didn't know what Zhou Qingmu was thinking.
Speaking of which, Zhou Qingmu herself was considered a young genius. She entered the Imperial Academy at fourteen, created the 《Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art》 at seventeen, and rose to prominence in the court in her early twenties. Back then, the people of the capital were full of praise whenever her name was mentioned.
But between geniuses, there was ultimately a gap.
For instance, the expiration date on her “young” label seemed to be nearing its end.
After promoting to a Sixth Realm True Monarch, Zhou Qingmu’s days actually became even busier.
Previously, when she was at the half-step Sixth Realm, although no one in the court dared to openly oppose the Night Guard Division, there were constant underhanded tricks in the shadows.
The Ministry of Revenue’s funding would always get stuck at the final approval stage, the Ministry of War’s mobilization orders would take half a month just to clear the paperwork, and even those civil officials in the Ministry of Rites began using flowery parallel prose in their documents to insult her in roundabout ways.
But now? With a Sixth Realm True Monarch in residence, all problems were solved instantly.
The Ministry of Revenue’s funding arrived the next day, the paperwork for mobilization orders was shortened from half a month to half a day, and the Ministry of Rites’ documents were written with neat handwriting and friendly language. Even the opening address changed from “Director Zhou of the Night Guard Division” to “True Monarch Zhou Qingmu of the Night Guard Division.”
At the same time, the congratulatory gifts sent from all sides filled the back courtyard of the Night Guard Division.
Although the pressure in the court had lessened after her promotion, it was followed by a significant increase in duties.
And among all these matters, what troubled Zhou Qingmu the most was the issue regarding Gu Chengming.
The scene she had witnessed of Gu Chengming kissing that white-haired girl simply wouldn't leave her mind for some reason.
On top of that, her Gu-suppression was becoming increasingly severe. She had even secretly replayed that scene in her mind while pleasuring herself a few times.
Every time she finished, lying on the couch in her manor, her mood would be exceptionally complicated.
The deeper the Gu-suppression, the greater the sense of crisis.
Zhou Qingmu saw clearly that her Little Gu was truly interested in that white-haired girl, and the two were clearly in love.
This was a very grim situation for her. If she didn't act soon, that position would likely be permanently occupied by someone else.
Finally, on the day when her Gu-suppression reached its absolute limit, Zhou Qingmu changed into plain clothes, picked up a jar of wine, and knocked on the gate of Gu Chengming’s courtyard.
...
Meanwhile, Gu Chengming was struggling with two things.
The first was Near Heaven of the Babbling Branch, who had escaped from the Dao Throne competition that day.
Afterward, he had looked through many records only to discover that this Near Heaven wasn't actually considered a member of the Longevity Sect.
The Babbling Branch was originally a side branch of the Longevity Sect, specializing in Law from the Tongue. Later, for some unclear reason, a portion of this branch rebelled against the Longevity Sect, taking the title of “Near Heaven” with them to establish their own lineage.
Strictly speaking, the relationship between the Babbling Branch and the Longevity Sect was actually quite hostile.
Traitors were often more loathsome than enemies; this was a consensus in any world.
If left alone, the Babbling Branch might have served as a major check on the Longevity Sect.
After all, the enemy of my enemy could tentatively be called a friend.
But Gu Chengming had already used Love Infinite. How could he allow his success rate with Love Infinite to drop from one hundred percent?
Well, that was just a joke.
But he truly had developed a killing intent toward Near Heaven. He had heavily injured her, and a deadly feud had surely been established between them. If he didn't deal with her, there would likely be more trouble in the capital.
【Red Dust Phantom Step deeply agrees.】
【Red Dust Phantom Step's recognition of you has deepened.】
Gu Chengming was quite gratified. A kindred spirit was hard to find, and Miss Red Dust was still the most reliable.
However, even after he used the Red Dust Wood to repeatedly investigate in the direction Near Heaven had escaped that day, he couldn't find even a trace of her.
It really lived up to the saying: the combat methods of those from the Longevity Sect might not be brilliant, but their methods for escaping and staying alive were truly top-tier.
The second matter was Gu Chengming’s attempt to improve himself.
As time passed, Gu Chengming’s realm naturally reached the Fourth Realm, Fifth Level.
Since promoting to the Fourth Realm, the improvement brought by the realm itself had actually become negligible. But to an outsider, this speed would likely make their jaws drop again.
For Gu Chengming, however, it was a natural progression.
After all, the enemies he faced now were all specialists in unique mechanics. A difference of one or two levels—or even four or five—hardly mattered against opponents who could command truth or reverse time at will.
For his strength to undergo a further qualitative change, the key still lay in the CGs.
And right now, a CG happened to be sitting right in front of him.
—Love's Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art.
However, Gu Chengming had merely gone to look at the room for the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art before giving up.
He was kicked out as soon as he took his first step inside. It seemed it would be an incredibly complex CG. The time and effort required to clear it would definitely not be short.
For now, it was better to deal with the trouble of Near Heaven first.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu had asked once if he wanted her help in finding the person.
A Sixth Realm True Monarch finding an injured Fifth Realm expert wouldn't be too easy, but it would certainly be much better than him wandering around aimlessly.
Gu Chengming thought about it but politely declined. He wanted to try himself first, and only if he truly couldn't find her would he ask the True Monarch to step in.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu didn't ask further, but she pressed the jade slip containing the aura into his hand again, telling him to keep it safe.
During those days of searching for traces of Near Heaven, Zhou Qingmu came to his door.
It was dusk at the time. Gu Chengming had just returned from a patrol. He pushed open the courtyard gate and saw his Vice Director standing with her hands behind her back under the veranda, looking at the osmanthus tree in his yard that he had used his Jiahao ability to force into bloom.
“Director?” Gu Chengming walked over quickly. “What wind blew you here?”
Zhou Qingmu turned around, her expression composed. “The Dao Throne of Foolish Joy Gu has stabilized. There are some matters I wanted to explain to you in person.”
Gu Chengming nodded and invited her inside, personally brewing a pot of tea and bringing it over.
“The Director looks well,” he said sincerely after studying Zhou Qingmu’s face.
“Thanks to you.” Zhou Qingmu took the tea cup and took a small sip.
Then, she gave a brief explanation of the rules of the Foolish Joy Gu Dao Throne.
“Governing Rites with Play.” She thought for a moment and chose the shortest way to explain. “Within the range of my authority, I can frame the present moment within a dramatic framework. Everyone, regardless of their cultivation level, must follow the rules of the play within it.”
“If the rules are not followed, the play cannot be performed, the roles cannot be established, and the people will not be in harmony.”
Gu Chengming was thoughtful. “With this hand, the Director will surely find handling matters in the court much smoother in the future.”
Zhou Qingmu gave a small smile. “I don’t expect it to be of much use in the court.”
Her gaze lingered on his face for a moment as if she had something to say, but in the end, she pulled it back.
Her purpose in coming was naturally not to discuss the rules of her Dao Throne, but she couldn't just come out and say, “Little Gu, let’s talk about that white-haired girl.” So she planned to slowly circle around through official business and then wait for an opportunity to act after a few rounds.
The two chatted idly, the atmosphere quite harmonious.
Until a moon-white figure emerged from the back hall.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu carried a plate of freshly steamed date paste cakes, walking leisurely to the table. She placed the plate next to Gu Chengming’s hand. “Little friend, you said you wanted to eat these just now.”
Her tone was gentle and her attitude natural, carrying a sense of intimacy as if she were “making snacks for him in her own kitchen.”
Zhou Qingmu’s movements paused. She naturally knew the True Monarch was staying here.
Gu Chengming had mentioned it to her before, saying that True Monarch Liuyun Suyu was temporarily staying in his courtyard to help guide him through some difficulties in his cultivation. Zhou Qingmu hadn't thought much of it at the time, treating it as a normal interaction between a senior and a junior.
She was an ancient True Monarch, after all; what was wrong with guiding a junior?
But looking at this posture now...
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu didn't leave after putting down the plate; instead, she very naturally sat down beside Gu Chengming.
Zhou Qingmu finally understood. This True Monarch Liuyun Suyu also had feelings for Gu Chengming.
She secretly studied the side of True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s face. In her moon-white robes, she was cold and ethereal. In terms of looks and temperament alone, she was top-tier anywhere in the world.
For some reason, what surfaced in Zhou Qingmu’s heart wasn't defeat, but a secret joy.
In terms of age, there was a gap of about a dozen years between her and Gu Chengming, while between True Monarch Liuyun Suyu and Gu Chengming, the gap was over ten thousand years.
This was great; she suddenly didn't feel like an “old woman” anymore.
Compared to ten thousand years, thirty-some years could basically be rounded down to being in the same age group.
Zhou Qingmu suppressed the upward curve of her lips and took another sip of tea.
Rounding it down, she could even be considered young and beautiful.
Zhou Qingmu returned to her manor with this inexplicable sense of secret joy.
...
That night, Zhou Qingmu tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
It wasn't that her Gu-suppression had flared up again; she was simply pondering a question.
It was already obvious that True Monarch Liuyun Suyu had feelings for Gu Chengming. Logically, she should be on guard, as an extra competitor meant an extra variable.
But the more Zhou Qingmu thought about it, the more she felt something was off.
Who was True Monarch Liuyun Suyu? An ancient Sixth Realm True Monarch with heaven-defying cultivation and vast connections. She lived in Gu Chengming’s courtyard and even made snacks for him; her official wife aura was through the roof.
But the catch was that this True Monarch had yet to say anything clearly. She spent all day calling him “little friend” this and “little friend” that. In terms of offensive power, she wasn't even as direct as that white-haired girl.
What did this mean? It meant that this True Monarch had the strength but lacked any actual combat experience.
Or rather, in the matter of romance, she was a novice just like Zhou Qingmu.
Thinking of this, Zhou Qingmu suddenly had a flash of inspiration. As the old saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is a friend.
One afternoon, True Monarch Liuyun Suyu was in the courtyard under the osmanthus tree, flipping through a volume of old notes. She suddenly felt a gust of wind, and a familiar figure appeared at the courtyard gate—it was Zhou Qingmu.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu looked up slightly, her fingertips pausing on the notes.
She knew that this Vice Director of the Night Guard Division was quite close to Little Gu.
It wasn't anything unusual; her little friend worked in the Night Guard Division, so being close to his subordinate was perfectly normal.
She closed the notes and said warmly, “True Monarch Zhou? My little friend is not in the courtyard right now.”
“I’m not looking for Little Gu,” Zhou Qingmu said crisply.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu was slightly taken aback. Zhou Qingmu walked over to the stone stool opposite her and sat down, getting straight to the point.
“True Monarch, do you have feelings for my Little Gu?”
The courtyard fell silent for a moment.
The leaves of the osmanthus tree rustled in the wind, as if gasping at this sudden direct ball.
True Monarch Liuyun Suyu nearly lost her grip on her notes.
She looked at Zhou Qingmu, then looked at her again, confirming that she wasn't joking.
Was she here to declare war?
The True Monarch’s back stiffened slightly. She had lived for countless years, and whether it was competing with fellow disciples, debating the Dao in the Sixth Realm, or fighting fiercely between immortal sects, she could handle anything. The only thing she had never dealt with was a situation like this.
However, in the next moment, Zhou Qingmu’s subsequent words left her completely stunned.
“If the True Monarch truly has such intentions, I am willing to form an alliance with you.”
Zhou Qingmu sat upright on the stone stool, her tone as matter-of-fact as if they were discussing official business.
“Our situations are similar. We might as well share what we know.”
A question mark slowly floated over True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s head.
“?”
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