CG/Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, Unlocked

The sword light fell.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch did not take this strike seriously at first.

Although he was currently pinned in Wuxian Neighborhood by True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s time Dao seal and his Dao Throne power was being pushed back step by step, he was still a True Monarch. Even if he wore an earthly manifestation that wasn't fully compatible, even if his injuries weren't healed, and even if he was forced into a stalemate with True Monarch Liuyun Suyu, it was absolutely impossible for him to be cut down by a casual strike from a Fourth Realm cultivator.

Between the Fourth Realm and a True Monarch lay the gap of the Dao, the gap of Dao Thrones, and the gap of how deeply one’s own existence was recognized by heaven and earth.

No matter how eccentric Gu Chengming was, he was still only in the Fourth Realm.

That was what the Longevity Sect True Monarch originally thought—until the Knight Sword was fully unsheathed.

In that instant, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

If it were just sharp sword qi, surging spiritual power, or some secret technique that could bridge the gap to wound an enemy, he could understand it.

But when this sword light lit up from Gu Chengming’s hand, what he felt was an absurd sense of a natural predator.

Like a snake meeting an eagle, or filth meeting the blazing sun.

Before he could understand why, the sword light was already falling.

Gu Chengming stepped forward, the Knight Sword letting out a bell-like chime in his palm.

The blade descended, and the platinum sword light pressed down along the frozen rain screen of Wuxian Neighborhood. The raindrops were sliced open, turning into countless brilliant specks of light in mid-air.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch finally couldn't help but move. That section of old string in his sleeve suddenly tightened, and the black-red aura beneath the ground surged frantically. He activated the Longevity Sect pieces remaining in Wangyue’s remains at any cost, forcibly slamming them against the moon-white Dao seal True Monarch Liuyun Suyu had pinned down.

A True Monarch’s intuition told him that he had to dodge this sword!

But True Monarch Liuyun Suyu had long been waiting for this moment. She raised a hand and tapped; in the next instant, every frozen raindrop in Wuxian Neighborhood simultaneously reflected her figure.

The dark river behind the gray-robed Daoist suddenly froze. Those forks that should have led to the past and future were sealed shut by the moonlight.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch grit his teeth, the scale patterns in his palm exploding. Black scales climbed from the back of his hand all the way up his neck. Finally, he no longer cared about maintaining his Daoist appearance, and half of his face revealed his demon beast true form.

“Liuyun Suyu!” he roared. The old strings beneath the ground shattered inch by inch, and the resulting black-red aura bit toward True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s Dao Throne marks like venomous snakes.

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu frowned, but she did not retreat. Instead, she glanced at Gu Chengming.

Gu Chengming understood her meaning, and the Knight Sword finally slashed home.

The moment the blade landed before the Longevity Sect True Monarch, the black-red Dao Throne aura tore apart like paper.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch originally thought he could block it for at least half a breath, but when the light of the All-Being Discrimination Sword touched his scales, it didn't even collide with them. Instead, it seemed to directly find the part of his existence that most deserved to be held in contempt.

The sword light entered his body.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch froze before the old stage. The black scales on his body lost their luster one by one, and the dark river deep within his pupils was illuminated by the platinum sword light. Countless escape forks in the river surfaced with cracks simultaneously.

He looked down and saw a sword mark appear on his chest.

The mark ran diagonally from his left shoulder to his right ribs. In the next instant, the mark exploded.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch’s body shattered and dispersed from within. The black scales, gray robe, demon blood, Beihuan status remnants, and the projection of the Longevity Sect’s main branch were all peeled away layer by layer in the platinum sword light.

That former True Monarch soul tried to escape from the shattered shell, but it was pinned down firmly by True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s moon-white Dao seal, losing even its last chance to flee into old karma.

He stared fixedly at Gu Chengming.

Perhaps until the very last moment, he didn't understand why he, a dignified Longevity Sect True Monarch, would die under such a sword.

—Dammit, what the hell is a Black-Scaled Freak or a Filthy Furry?! Why is there a sword move with that name?!

Until the moment he died, the Longevity Sect True Monarch didn't know that what Gu Chengming had shouted were actually the labels used to describe him.

The platinum sword light closed completely.

The Longevity Sect True Monarch’s figure vanished inch by inch before the old stage. Finally, only a dark and tattered Dao Throne phantom remained floating in the air, like a black scale fished out of a long river, surrounded by the mixed auras of the Unfettered, Beihuan, and the Longevity Sect’s remaining main branch.

As soon as that Dao Throne appeared, it instinctively tried to rise toward the sky.

Returning the Dao Throne to Heaven!

This was one of the oldest rules in the cultivation world.

But True Monarch Liuyun Suyu did not give it that chance.

She raised her hand and beckoned. All the moon-white light in Wuxian Neighborhood constricted simultaneously, wrapping the Dao Throne phantom within. The throne vibrated slightly as if trying to struggle, but it gradually quieted down under the suppression of True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s time Dao Throne.

She closed her fingers, and the Dao Throne phantom was gathered into her palm.

The frozen rain screen in Wuxian Neighborhood finally fell again, and the sound of rain splashed back into the mortal world.

A corner of the old stage collapsed, the masks on the wall shattered into several pieces, and the standing water on the ground rippled with a belated wave, as if the entire abandoned neighborhood only dared to breathe at this moment.

Gu Chengming sheathed his sword. The Knight Sword quieted down and returned to its solemn and upright appearance, as if that wicked mechanism from just now had nothing to do with it.

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu walked over slowly.

Her face was still somewhat pale; clearly, forcibly sealing the Longevity Sect True Monarch’s many escape routes just now had not been easy.

However, as she held that Dao Throne phantom in her palm, her eyes held a bit more relief and weariness.

Gu Chengming looked up. “How are your injuries, Senior?”

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu shook her head. “I’m fine. I only need to rest for a few days before refining this Dao Throne.” Having said that, she looked at Gu Chengming, her expression softening. “Thank you.”

Gu Chengming said, “You’re too kind, Senior. If you hadn't trapped him, my sword wouldn't have been able to land at all.”

A smile flickered in True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s eyes. “But the one who finally struck him down was you.”

She paused, seemingly feeling that a simple thank you was too light, so she added seriously, “Little friend, I have noted this karma... if there is an opportunity, if I have leisure in this life, I am willing to accompany you by your side.”

Gu Chengming thought to himself, Senior, aren't your words a bit too heavy? But then he reconsidered—perhaps the older generation of cultivators just spoke with such weight.

Like those lines about 'a young lady having no way to repay except with her life'... maybe it was just a characteristic of how the old-timers spoke?

As Gu Chengming was thinking about how to respond appropriately, True Monarch Liuyun Suyu suddenly looked at the Knight Sword at his waist, a hint of curiosity appearing in her eyes.

She hesitated for a moment before asking, “Was that sword move just now from that Life-Defying Calamity-Slaying True Monarch?”

—Is, is it?

Gu Chengming was silent for a moment, then chose his words carefully. “I suppose so?”

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s eyes lit up slightly. “As expected of you, little friend. Your talent is truly extraordinary.”

Gu Chengming suddenly felt a bit guilty. Although he didn't know how the original Life-Defying Calamity-Slaying True Monarch used the Knight Sword, it probably wasn't as eccentric as his own way, right?

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu didn't notice his guilt and turned her gaze to the surroundings.

“This place needs cleanup. The Longevity Sect pieces were activated by him; it’s best if the Imperial Observatory and the Night Guard Division take over and seal it immediately. The Imperial Academy should also send people to check the ley lines to ensure no remnants remain.”

Gu Chengming nodded. “I’ll message Director Zhou.”

He took out a Sound Transmission Talisman and briefly explained the situation in Wuxian Neighborhood. He deliberately glossed over the specific logic of the All-Being Discrimination Sword, only writing that the Longevity Sect True Monarch had been slain, the Dao Throne had been temporarily collected by True Monarch Liuyun Suyu, and the scene required the three parties—the Night Guard Division, the Imperial Observatory, and the Imperial Academy—to be cordoned off.

Soon, Zhou Qingmu replied: “I’ll be there shortly. Do not put yourself in danger again.”

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu caught a glimpse and spoke with a slightly subtle tone, “Vice Director Zhou cares about you quite a bit.”

Gu Chengming coughed. “Director Zhou has always been responsible.”

True Monarch Liuyun Suyu smiled but said nothing.

The two stayed in Wuxian Neighborhood for a while longer. After confirming that the Longevity Sect True Monarch showed no signs of resurrection, Gu Chengming left with True Monarch Liuyun Suyu.

Gu Chengming looked back at the old stage. The rain was falling on it again, gradually washing away the remaining black-red aura.

A former Longevity Sect True Monarch had died just like that.

The Longevity Sect had lost a True Monarch who could enter the game, True Monarch Liuyun Suyu had obtained a Dao Throne she could refine, and the pressure on Zhou Qingmu before her Name Erasure had lessened significantly.

One matter had finally settled.

However, while the matter had settled, the trouble of the aftermath clearly hadn't.

The Night Guard Division had to seal the scene, the Imperial Observatory had to investigate the Longevity Sect remnants, and the Imperial Academy had to reorganize the ley lines.

Gu Chengming originally wanted to stay a bit longer, but the Dao Throne phantom in True Monarch Liuyun Suyu’s hand was vibrating gently; clearly, it wasn't suitable to leave it in such a place for long.

Thus, the two left Wuxian Neighborhood for the time being, returning to their residence to suppress the Dao Throne before discussing further follow-up after the Night Guard Division took over.

...

After following True Monarch Liuyun Suyu back to the residence, Gu Chengming belatedly remembered something.

He had just used the All-Being Discrimination Sword—did that count as clearing the room for the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art?

The moment this thought appeared, his heart stirred slightly.

The pure white space of the Laboratory of Love expanded in the depths of his consciousness. The gray-mist corridor extended quietly, with familiar doors standing on both sides.

When Gu Chengming’s consciousness arrived before the door belonging to the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, he found that the patterns on the door had already lit up.

At the same time.

While Gu Chengming was outside the door pondering the clear conditions, the atmosphere inside the door had been frozen for a long time.

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was sitting opposite the original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art across a low table.

If one ignored the obvious indignation on the face of the original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, the scene could perhaps be described as dignified and polite.

“This matter is not in accordance with the rites.”

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art sat upright at the table, her clothing and hat immaculate, but her eyes held a long-suppressed frustration. “When other techniques unlock their Laboratory of Love, they can all work together with Chengming to overcome difficulties. Only when it came to me was I locked up by my own ‘Love’ version, unable to send even a single word out.”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art sat opposite her, her expression cold and her attire even more luxurious than the original. She let out a cold laugh.

“I am the opponent you all need to defeat. Why do you think I would help you?”

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was momentarily speechless, but she was still very indignant.

“Even so, you shouldn't have isolated me here.”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art looked up. “If I let you out, what is the first thing you would do?”

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art pondered. “Naturally, I would assist Chengming, making him understand the great rites and distinguish great righteousness, breaking the situation with the righteous path.”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art looked at her, her eyes full of disappointment as if seeing someone who failed to live up to expectations.

In fact, among all the rooms in the Laboratory of Love, the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was actually the biggest cheater.

The trial she set for Gu Chengming had a clear answer from the very beginning.

Because the All-Being Discrimination Sword would definitely be used.

As long as Gu Chengming encountered an enemy who was compatible enough, deserved to be killed enough, and had a high enough realm, this trial would become very smooth. It could even be said to be specifically designed to give him a power boost.

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art had locked up the original partly to make this seemingly easy trial appear slightly difficult, and partly to prevent the original from causing any trouble by forcibly complicating a matter destined for success.

Of course, she wouldn't tell the original these things.

Speaking of which, the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was actually the one most given to Gu-suppression.

But to make herself seem less suppressed by Gu, she had instead set up hurdles in harmless places—such as not letting Gu Chengming enter the room at first, trapping the original here, and hiding the Knight Sword’s mechanism behind layers of complexity.

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art naturally didn't know these complexities and only felt the other was being excessive.

“Acting in such a way, isn't that a loss of fairness?”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art said calmly, “Fairness? This is the Laboratory of Love, not the Imperial Academy.”

Just as the original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was about to continue arguing her case, the long chime of a ritual bell suddenly came from outside the room.

Both looked up at the same time as a platinum sword light reflected through the crack in the door.

The All-Being Discrimination Sword was a success.

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art was stunned, then she began to laugh, softly whispering a word of relief.

Then she looked provocatively at the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art. “No matter how many obstacles you set, the outcome remains unchanged in the end.”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art didn't speak, looking as if she had finally breathed a sigh of relief.

It didn't matter. Since he had already passed her trial, she would let them play it out themselves from here.

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art had expected the other to be exasperated, but to her surprise, the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art only slowly stood up and looked at her.

“At the critical moment, face your own heart. Don't let yourself regret it.”

The original was slightly taken down, then frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

The Love version said calmly, “Exactly what I said.”

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art stared at her for a moment, then suddenly realized something, the tips of her ears turning a very faint red.

“Absurd. Rites are those that arise from emotion but are governed by the rites. Between Chengming and me, there is naturally a bond of righteousness. Why would there be a need for...”

“Why would there be a need for what?”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art wore a half-smile, and the original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art fell silent.

In the next moment, the door was pushed open.

...

As soon as Gu Chengming entered the room, he saw two versions of the Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art.

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art looked at him and nodded slightly. “You have passed my trial.”

Gu Chengming remembered the way that sword had been unsheathed, and his expression turned a bit subtle.

The Love version seemed to see what he was thinking and said calmly, “The prejudices of all beings are inherently crude and shallow. To be able to take their edge without being defiled by them is what it truly means to hold this sword. You did well today.”

“My existence here has reached its end. My mission is complete. Since the Knight Sword has acknowledged you, the room for the Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art will be fully opened.”

“I was originally just one side of her heart and part of this room’s trial. Since you have entered this door, it means she no longer needs to use me as a cover.”

The Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art took one last look at Gu Chengming before her platinum light specks dispersed into the room. The Knight Sword at Gu Chengming’s waist let out a soft hum, as if completing the final handover.

Only Gu Chengming and the original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art remained in the room, and the atmosphere suddenly grew quiet.

The original Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art sat at the table, her hands placed properly on her knees.

“The path of rites and law lies in understanding boundaries and knowing when to advance or retreat. Today, you used the prejudices of all beings as a sword, yet you did not indulge in the prejudices themselves. You used malice as an edge, yet you still maintained the foundation of punishing evil. This sense of boundary is truly rare.”

Gu Chengming listened quietly as she continued, “In the past, I was always worried that your actions were too risky, your methods too strange, and the path you walked too difficult for worldly rites and laws to tolerate. But having watched you all this time, although you often do shocking things, you have always had a scale in your heart.”

Her voice grew softer and softer.

For some reason, although these were the principles she was usually best at speaking, saying them now felt like she was looking for a reason to continue sitting here.

She looked at Gu Chengming, her gaze moving from his eyes to the Knight Sword at his waist, then slowly back to his face.

“When gentlemen associate, they should be bound by righteousness. Between you and me, from the time the technique followed you to today when we stood side by side to slay the enemy, there are already many karmic links. In terms of ritual systems, this is fellow Daoists supporting each other; in terms of great righteousness, this is rectifying the world;”

Gu Chengming did not interrupt her. As she spoke, she suddenly stopped.

She found that the more she said, the more she couldn't hide the affection in her heart.

So-called fellow Daoists, so-called great righteousness, so-called mutual fulfillment—these were all true words.

But even all these true words added together couldn't cover that thought that was even harder for her to voice.

She suddenly remembered the words the Love version had said to her before leaving.

The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art finally raised her eyes. Her ears were slightly red, but her expression was more serious than at any other time.

“What I just said... those were all secondary.”

Gu Chengming’s heart stirred. She looked at him and said softly, “It is simply because I love you, and my emotions are beyond control.”

The Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art seemed to have finally set aside that dignified outer shell. She stood up, walked to Gu Chengming, reached out to wrap her arms around his waist, stood on her tiptoes, and slowly kissed him.

The kiss was initially a bit reserved, but soon those long-suppressed feelings spread out bit by bit through their touching lips and teeth.

Within the study, platinum radiance quietly fell.

...

—CG/Love: Zhou Rites Heavenly Rectifying Art, Unlocked.