Chapter 124: All cards revealed; Knowing Gu Changge’s biggest Secret?

Even if Chi Ling was beaten to death this instant, she probably wouldn't believe that the Gu Changge in front of her is actually the true Inheritor of the Forbidden Demonic Arts she had always wanted to find.

Moreover, she did not realize the fact that Ye Ling's current predicament was all due to Gu Changge.

The reason being…

How could any resentment or grudge be formed between two people who have never met face-to-face before?

They should at least have some conflicting interests first if so!

Thus, Chi Ling never thought of this possibility.

Currently, she was even relieved and thankful for Gu Changge's assistance.

"Maiden Chi Ling trusts Ye Ling to such an extent; surely you must know his current whereabouts?" At this moment, Gu Changge asked, looking somewhat puzzled.

"No clue, but I can find a way to contact him." Upon hearing his words, Chi Ling decided to reveal the truth after a brief moment of deliberation.

After all, she must obtain Gu Changge's help. If Chi Ling withheld the truth about matters as small as these, how would Gu Changge be able to trust her and lend her his helping hand?

"It's good that you can contact him." Gu Changge couldn't help but smile when he heard her response.

It just so happened that he was planning on how exactly he could pinpoint Ye Ling's location.

Chi Ling then immediately came running in, so honest and gullible like a gift from the Heavens, truly leaving Gu Changge speechless

Afterwards, the two of them talked all the way, wandering amongst the Divine Islands of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace before finally arriving at the Supreme Peak where Gu Changge's residence was situated.

In the distance, Chi Ling spotted a peerless beauty in a plain dress standing in front of the glorious palace, arms crossed with a gaze that shone cold and deep, detached from worldly affairs.

The mountain wind blew, as blue silk flew and danced in the air, showing off the incomparable figure hidden beneath the loose robes.

However, her gaze was like that of a powerful empress, looking down upon everything. As Chi Ling came in contact with the terrifying pressure revealed by that woman, she felt wholly restrained and restless.

Chi Ling shivered involuntarily.

"Brother Changge, that person must be Empress Mingkong, right?" she asked nervously.

At the same time, Chi Ling helplessly squeezed out a reluctant smile. After all, she usually bore a cold and proud personality, for she was one of the powerful Young Supreme as well!

Nonetheless, under the pressure of this woman, Chi Ling subconsciously lowered her head and even felt hints of lingering fear.

Gu Changge smiled lightly, "Don't mind her. We've recently gotten into a small lover's quarrel over some minor matters, hence she has such a sullen expression."

A minor dispute? A lover's quarrel?

Chi Ling stood stunned for a moment, before reacting with embarrassment.

'Me and Brother Changge are walking together and chatting, could this have caused a misunderstanding with Empress Mingkong?'

For some reason, Chi Ling felt compelled to explain this situation clearly to Yue Mingkong, not wanting her to be mistaken about it. Not because Chi Ling feared Yue Mingkong, but because she didn't want to offend her over such trivial matters.

At least, in her opinion, Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong were a match made in Heaven. Nowadays, there were many marriage contracts and hook-ups between the Young Supremes in the Upper Realm, but still, there were none comparable to them.

Whether one discussed status, appearance, or talent, Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong proved a perfect match in every single category.

This made Chi Ling feel even more guilty, especially given how she had conversed with Gu Changge for so long.

"I'm worried Empress Mingkong might misunderstand our relationship." Chi Ling said.

"A misunderstanding, huh... that's simply not possible." Gu Changge laughed out a smile.

Seeing how naturally he answered, Chi Ling gave the matter no further thought.

That said, the Empress Mingkong's might had truly frightened her! Despite how young she was, she already possessed the demeanour of a peerless Empress that looked down on all beneath the sky.

Following that, Chi Ling began to take her leave but stopped just before. She thought of something, pondered for a while, then spoke.

"By the way, Dao Brother Changge, I've thought about it just now. If the true Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor were to appear inside the ranks of Young Supremes, who would be the most plausible culprit?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Changge immediately became interested, unable to help but ask, "In your eyes, Maiden Chi Ling, who is the most likely?

He did not believe that Chi Ling would hit the nail on the head and guess correctly, but he wanted to see who might turn into the second victim that bears the Inheritor of Forbidden Demonic Arts' black pot, succeeding that poor sucker, Ye Ling.

Chi Ling grew silent, before replying to Gu Changge.

"From what I see, there's a high chance it might be Ye Langtian, the Young Master of the Ye Clan… of course, this is mere speculation, but his actions and attitude towards Ye Ling reeks of villainy."

Although she recognized that Gu Changge had some relations with Ye Langtian, Chi Ling believed he would not gossip about such pressing matters behind her back to the possible culprit.

She still held great belief in Gu Changge's character.

But the opposite was true for Ye Langtian's actions, which she doubted fully and looked upon with suspicion.

"Oh, you suspect Brother Ye?"

Gu Changge laughed uncontrollably at those words, then spoke with great interest, "This is very surprising to me, why doesn't Maiden Chi Ling suspect that I am the true Inheritor of Forbidden Demonic Art?"

Chi Ling didn't even think before responding, shaking her head instantly, "With the position Dao Brother Changge currently holds, your achievements in the future will be uncountable and inestimable, why would you instead become the Demonic Art Inheritor? Even having this type of thought is foolish in my opinion."

'In the younger generation, anyone can be the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor but Brother Changge can't.'

'This is because the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor must expose themselves someday, while with the identity Brother Changge holds, he is destined to be on the righteous path.'

'Unless he goes crazy, deciding to willingly abandon both his lifelong bond with the Ancient Immortal Gu Family plus all the benefits of being the future ruler of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, Brother Changge will never become the Inheritor of Forbidden Demonic Arts.'

'Or… it could be that he is confident in his ability to become invincible, to become the strongest in all the realms.'

"I did not expect Maiden Chi Ling to trust me so much. It is an honour for this Gu to have such a high place in your heart." Gu Changge grinned, his smile laced with a deep meaning

After this, Chi Ling morphed into a shimmering rainbow and left to go join her clan, preparing for the matter of the Immortal Road.

As she did so, the smile on Gu Changge's expression also disappeared as he headed back into the palace.

"Chi Ling, heir of the Vermillion Bird Clan?"

Beside the palace doors, Yue Mingkong glanced at him before speaking blandly.

Naturally, she recognized Chi Ling. In her past life, Chi Ling was Ye Ling's most celebrated confidant.

However, in this life, she was able to talk and laugh with Gu Changge so easily. This made Yue Mingkong even warier of Gu Changge's despicable methods.

'Ye Ling is now like a rat scurrying across a crowded street, hated by everyone to the point where he dare not show his face, hiding god knows where. All because he was framed by Gu Changge.'

'Yet now, that same Gu Changge is talking so closely with his future confidant, even to the point of discussing important matters.'

Yue Mingkong was speechless.

'From the looks of it, this Chi Ling would probably become yet another sacrificial pawn that Gu Changge can trick and take advantage of in the future.'

"It seems as though Mingkong recognizes her."

Gu Changge grinned, reaching out a hand to hug her slender waist, but to no avail as Yue Mingkong gently drifted back, easily evading his touch.

A pair of eyes stared coolly at him, unable to hide the trace of jealousy, that rebellious look that said she won't let him have his way was smoothly plastered on.

"Mingkong, are you still mad at your hubby?"

[Editor's Note: It was not my idea to use 'hubby' here alright. Blame the translator for the cringe.]

Gu Changge sighed with a look of endless headaches, "Since that night, you have been ceaselessly angry at me, could it be that you have yet to calm down?"

'Gu Changge, you are really brave, huh. You dare bring up this matter in front of me without batting an eye.'

Mingkong's eyes glazed over with a frosty light.

These days, she was constantly sending people out to investigate, yet they came back with no results regarding whom exactly that woman Gu Changge had gone to meet with was.

To add on top of that, there was the hectic scene following Ye Ling's suspicion of being the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor. Therefore, Yue Mingkong was unable to investigate anything properly due to the chaos that had developed everywhere.

Even until now, she knew nothing about how Gu Changge managed to put the black pot of Demonic Inheritance on the poor schmuck Ye Ling's head.

"You better not even think of touching me until you tell me the identity of that Fox Spirit from the other night"

Yue Mingkong observed Gu Changge icily, not budging a single inch at his charade.

"What you should know, I'll tell you. What you shouldn't know, it's better if you don't pry further. That said, it's been so many days, does Mingkong truly not suspect me, your husband, of anything?"

Gu Changge's smiling expression slowly disappeared as a piqued one took its place.

Yue Mingkong's heart briefly skipped a beat as she realized what those words meant.

But her expression didn't show any abnormality as she asked back, "Suspect you of what?"

Gu Changge shook his head side-to-side, a bit disappointed, "You are incredibly intelligent, so you should know that there is no use in playing the fool when I'm here."

Mingkong's phoenix-like eyes slightly narrowed, a ray of vigilance shining within them. A jade hand hidden under the robe quietly clenched the dazzling runic short sword.

She knew Gu Changge far too well.

The more casual he acts, the more grave the situation. This question of his was not a simple one.

During this time, Yue Mingkong had constantly stayed by Gu Changge's side, so none of his actions had escaped her watching gaze.

Gu Changge's plan of making Ye Ling the prime suspect of being the Demonic Inheritor… the most crucial part is that the dead body of Bai Lie contained traces of the Immortal Devouring Demonic Art.

The body's reveal was what confirmed the suspicion on Ye Ling.

As for Bai Lie's death, no one understood the matter better than Yue Mingkong.

It just so happened that Gu Changge had left the courtyard at that time…

Even if she kept pretending to be confused, this loophole was too obvious, easily discoverable by a single look from a dolt, much less her esteemed self.

As long as one had a brain, they would come to understand what happened.

Either Gu Changge was the true Inheritor of Forbidden Demonic Arts or he possesses a close connection with them.

It didn't matter which, both touched upon his biggest secret.

However, because of Yue Mingkong's Regression, she had actually known about this secret of his since long ago, but she kept the fact that she knew it from him. She played the fool and acted obliviously.

But now there was a problem, Gu Changge also knew that she knows about his true identity as the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor.

It sure sounded like a mouthful, but the logic was there.

[Editor's note: Tell me about it, Author-san.]

Gu Changge's inactivity these past few days, probably served as a method to gauge her reaction.

The identity of the Demonic Art Inheritor was definitely Gu Changge's most hidden card and is not something that can be shown to others regardless of their relationship to him.

Hence… her situation had actually been very dangerous these past few days.

Gu Changge could kill her at any time. Knowing Gu Changge's personality, he would not be budged or swayed by the shallow relationship between them.

The only difference is 'when' he chooses to strike.

Upon hearing his words, Yue Mingkong immediately became cautious

The Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace was Gu Changge's territory, and he secretly controlled a follower of the Great Sacred Realm.

If Gu Changge truly wished to kill her, he was practically guaranteed to succeed.

When her thoughts had reached this point, Yue Mingkong's phoenix-like eyes froze, as visions of her wedding night from her previous life flooded in. The scene at their bridal chamber.

'Oh, how familiar a killing intent this was, so ephemeral and untraceable. So familiar…'

'I did not expect our showdown in this life to come so quickly.'

Honestly speaking, these days when they played their roles of fiancée and the to-be-husband… even if they did not speak much, even if he always teased and bullied her to no end… Yue Mingkong could not bear to part with him.

This was a feeling she had never felt in her past life.

Buzz!

Within the sleeve of her dragon robe...

Yue Mingkong tightly gripped the sword filled with runes in her hand. In order to go against Gu Changge, she actually had secretly made numerous preparations. However, her chances of success were barely 30% and no higher.

"Mingkong, I'm liking you more and more. Beautiful, mature, elegant, and powerful… you are truly the ideal and perfect wife."

With a faint smile, Gu Changge approached Mingkong while speaking.

"The ideal and perfect wife?"

Yue Mingkong was stunned, her expression slightly shaken.

Then she realized it was Gu Changge's tactic, to numb and shock her with these words.

'It seems he is starting to lay all his cards down.'

Yue Mingkong felt a chill creep up her spine.

"Mingkong. You're a smart woman, so why bother acting like a fool when you clearly understand? It's been so many days; surely you should have thought it through by now." Gu Changge's expression carried hints of disappointment as he sighed.

"Gu Changge. What are you saying? I can't understand what you're trying to say." Yue Mingkong stared frostily at him, even though she knew he was talking about the matter with the Immortal Devouring Demonic Arts.

"How much longer do you plan on dragging this on? Are you still not prepared to face the truth?"

Gu Changge sighed, "From the start, you've known that Ye Ling couldn't possibly be the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor. You said it yourself, he is the Inheritor of the Ancient Deity of Reincarnation."

"The facts are plain to see, yet you still try to pull one over me?"

Hearing this, Yue Mingkong stood still and realized there was no use in continuing this useless charade.

"So you want to kill me?"

Yue Mingkong stared at Gu Changge once more, "I know the truth. I know that you are the Forbidden Demonic Arts' Inheritor, not Ye Ling."

Gu Changge's expression exhibited no change as he lightly laughed, "See? You should have just fessed up sooner, no need to always go through with these unnecessary motions."

"The matter regarding the Demonic Inheritance is serious, and I did intend to kill you…"

Having said that, Gu Changge paused, looking a little wistful.

"Oh? So why aren't you doing it now?" Yue Mingkong felt strange, suspicious of his intentions at this moment.

Gu Changge had directly told her the truth, that he was indeed the Inheritor of the Forbidden Demonic Arts, finally putting all his cards on the table. Yet, why wasn't he trying to kill her?

Hearing those words, Gu Changge actually revealed a thoughtful smirk.

"Because I can't bear to do it."

"..."

'Huh?!'

Yue Mingkong was shocked into silence! Her beautiful lashes fluttered as her eyes widened, she was wondering if her hearing had suddenly failed her.

'I know Gu Changge's biggest secret, but he didn't choose to eliminate me?'

She suddenly felt dizzy. Yue Mingkong never ever expected Gu Changge to say such a thing. It was strictly impossible based on her past experiences.

"You… can't bear to? You actually won't kill me?" Yue Mingkong still couldn't believe it.

"Wow, it seems Mingkong has quite the misunderstanding regarding her hubby." Gu Changge remained calm but was unable to resist shaking his head.

"If I wanted to kill you, what would even be the use of telling you all this, honey?"

[Editor's Note: Okay, this 'honey' part is my decision, but he was calling her with affection. Doesn't honey sounds nice?]