Chapter 496: Unfathomable Depths

As Zhong Shan glanced at Gu Zhengyi, his gaze shifted to the other three princes. The Great Xuan King, the Supreme King, and the Battle King all had flashes of discontent in their eyes, but they did not voice any objections. Clearly, they acknowledged the truth of the matter. However, expecting the three princes to submit to Gu Zhengyi easily was unrealistic. This solemn occasion, dedicated to honoring the ancient deity, was not suitable for any quarrels.

Everyone's eyes turned to Zhong Shan, anticipating his reaction, especially the three princes, who were torn between wanting him to stay and hoping he would refuse.

"Gu Zhengyi!" Zhong Shan suddenly called out to the First King.

Ignoring Huan Tu Long, Zhong Shan directly addressed Gu Zhengyi. Everyone was taken aback, including Huan Tu Long, who wisely chose to remain silent, having said enough in support of Gu Zhengyi.

"General Zhong!" Gu Zhengyi nodded slightly.

"I have a matter I wish to inquire about," Zhong Shan said.

"Please go ahead."

"I had a friend named Nan Batian, who used to be your subordinate, known as the 'Butcher of the Battlefield.' He fought valiantly under your command and was honored as a marquis. During the last moment when the ancient deity tore open the sky, I saw him in your ranks. Why is he absent now?" Zhong Shan asked.

Nan Batian, Zhong Shan knew his character well. For such a significant event as the worship of the ancient deity, Nan Batian, with his clear sense of gratitude and enmity, would surely have attended. However, earlier, Zhong Shan had noticed the battalion led by Nan Batian, but he was missing.

The title 'Butcher of the Battlefield' was earned through years of bloody combat. Although not as renowned as Zhong Shan, Nan Batian's ferocity on the battlefield was well-known. He had never lost a battle, always leading his troops like a sharp knife, piercing enemy lines, and carving a path to victory with his massive blade.

"General Nan?" Gu Zhengyi frowned slightly.

"What about him?" Zhong Shan pressed.

"When His Majesty tore open the sky, it created countless spatial rifts. Many were sucked into these rifts, including General Nan, who was unfortunately caught in one and has not been seen since," Gu Zhengyi explained with a sigh.

Spatial rifts? Zhong Shan's brow furrowed. He didn't doubt Gu Zhengyi's words, as lying in such a setting was impossible. Being sucked into a spatial rift?

Zhong Shan believed Nan Batian wasn't someone who would die so easily. However, finding him again might take a long time.

"Thank you!" Zhong Shan nodded.

"No problem. I hope General Zhong can stay until after the ceremony so we can discuss important matters," Gu Zhengyi suggested.

"No, we have already bid farewell to the Great Luo. We won't disturb you any longer," Zhong Shan replied.

Seeing Zhong Shan's determination, a gleam flashed in Gu Zhengyi's old eyes.

"In that case, let Qianyou stay. It's been a long time since we've had a heartfelt conversation," Gu Zhengyi suddenly said to Gu Qianyou.

After all, Gu Zhengyi was Gu Qianyou's adoptive father. It was reasonable for him to want her to stay.

"No. Since you adopted me, I have always repaid your kindness by gathering talents and treasures from all over the world without seeking anything in return. That should be enough. Now, I am Zhong Shan's woman. This is the last time I will call you father," Gu Qianyou replied, shaking her head.

Gu Qianyou was severing the father-daughter relationship. The bond had lasted mainly due to the ancient deity's influence. Gu Zhengyi adopted her at the deity's request, and Gu Qianyou had tirelessly repaid his kindness by gathering talents for him. However, when she was falsely accused by Marquis Qitian, Gu Zhengyi had coldly severed their relationship, shattering her hopes and destroying their bond.

Now, to think he would try to use me to threaten Zhong Shan?

Gu Qianyou immediately made her stance clear. By saying, "This is the last time I will call you father," she was severing their father-daughter relationship.

Upon hearing Gu Qianyou's words, Gu Zhengyi's previously cloudy eyes became clear again. He shook his head and said, "Father and daughter will always be father and daughter. This is something that cannot be changed."

Gu Qianyou's eyes flashed with anger. Was Gu Zhengyi planning to force her to stay? His tone suggested that a disobedient daughter needed to be disciplined by her father, indicating he might resort to force.

Zhong Shan pulled Gu Qianyou behind him and stepped forward, walking slowly to stand in front of Gu Zhengyi, barely a meter away.

Everyone watching was taken aback. What was Zhong Shan doing? Challenging Gu Zhengyi?

The three princes revealed playful smiles. Had Gu Zhengyi finally provoked Zhong Shan to the point of confrontation?

This was now a battleground of wills between Zhong Shan and Gu Zhengyi, a contest of aura that no one else could interfere with. Even Huan Tu Long, who had initially spoken, remained silent, watching these two formidable figures face off.

Zhong Shan showed no fear. Standing before Gu Zhengyi, he smiled slightly and took a deep breath.

"Gu Zhengyi, if I, Zhong Shan, want to leave, no one can stop me—not even you," Zhong Shan said in a low voice.

His tone was firm and unequivocal, brooking no doubt.

Indeed, if Zhong Shan wanted to leave, Gu Zhengyi alone couldn't stop him. Zhong Shan had too many secrets. Even if Zhong Shan did not act, Mister Corpse could ensure their safe retreat. After all, Mister Corpse had once stolen the body of a Buddha from the Pure Land, turning it into a powerful zombie.

From a distance, the crowd only saw Zhong Shan smiling at Gu Zhengyi, believing their conversation to be amicable. They had no idea it was a tense standoff filled with mutual threats.

Though Zhong Shan's voice was low and most didn't hear it, the three princes and Huan Tu Long nearby heard it clearly.

All four were momentarily stunned. Zhong Shan dared to threaten Gu Zhengyi?

The three princes felt a subtle satisfaction, all eyes on Gu Zhengyi to see how he would respond.

Behind them, Huan Tu Long glared angrily at Zhong Shan.

But just as Huan Tu Long was about to shout in anger, Gu Zhengyi lightly raised his hand to stop him.

Huan Tu Long immediately fell silent. Seeing this, Zhong Shan's heart tightened. Gu Zhengyi truly had remarkable control—Huan Tu Long, also a powerful emperor, obeyed him without question. Even with the ancient deity's authority backing him, such obedience was extraordinary. This could only mean one thing: Gu Zhengyi's true strength and depth were unfathomable.

"If Qianyou doesn't wish to stay, then let's not force her," Gu Zhengyi said with a shake of his head and a smile.

Hearing Gu Zhengyi's words, almost everyone nearby was stunned. They couldn't understand it. From all appearances, Gu Zhengyi had the absolute upper hand in terms of power, influence, and military strength. Why was he giving up this opportunity?

Everyone was puzzled.

Zhong Shan, too, was slightly taken aback. He looked at Gu Zhengyi with a newfound respect. This man was not simple. No, he was very similar to the ancient deity—too similar. This kind of composure was not something an ordinary person could possess. No wonder the ancient deity chose him.

Seeing Zhong Shan about to leave, the three princes did not try to stop him.

"Alright!" Zhong Shan nodded and stepped back.

"From the Seven Stars Hall, Zi Xun comes to pay respects—"

Just as Zhong Shan was about to leave with Gu Qianyou and the Zhong family army, a ceremonial officer called out again.

Seven Stars Hall, Zi Xun?

Hearing this name, Zhong Shan was momentarily stunned. Zi Xun? Could it be her? His gaze became slightly complicated as he looked towards the outer perimeter, just in time to meet Zi Xun's eyes. Zhong Shan's expression remained unchanged, while Zi Xun quickly looked away.

Zi Xun? Here to pay respects?

Most people didn't know Zi Xun's identity, but the four princes and Huan Tu Long were aware that Zi Xun was actually the biological daughter of Gu Shentong. She had never acknowledged him as her father, but now, with Gu Shentong deceased, Zi Xun had unexpectedly appeared.

The brief eye contact between Zi Xun and Zhong Shan went unnoticed by others, but neither of them pretended not to recognize each other.

"Elder Zi Xun!" Zhong Shan nodded in greeting.

Despite their one-night encounter, Zhong Shan wasn't foolish enough to mention it.

"You've reached the Imperial Extreme Realm?" Zi Xun's eyes flashed with surprise.

The Imperial Extreme Realm? Zi Xun had first noticed Zhong Shan's potential, observing his progress from the acquired stage to the innate stage. After their night together due to the influence of the old demon Hong Luan, Zi Xun had thoroughly examined Zhong Shan's potential. For him to reach the Imperial Extreme Realm so quickly, in less than a hundred years, was astonishing.

Zi Xun's tone wasn't overly enthusiastic, but it wasn't cold either. Her casual manner made everyone pause. They sensed a deep familiarity between Zhong Shan and Zi Xun, suggesting a close friendship. Yet, Zi Xun's expression carried a hint of jealousy, like a young girl seeing her lover with another woman.

Jealousy, that's what it was.

When did Zhong Shan, who already had Gu Qianyou, manage to get involved with Zi Xun as well?

The four princes were all surprised, looking at Zhong Shan with a hint of confusion. How could Zi Xun, an Imperial Extreme Realm powerhouse, have ties with Zhong Shan?

Of course, what the others didn't know was that Zi Xun's attainment of the Imperial Extreme Realm was entirely due to Zhong Shan. The celestial rose he had given her, a gift from the remnant of an immortal spirit resembling Gan Baobao, had been the key.

"It was a stroke of luck," Zhong Shan nodded.

Zi Xun also nodded, glanced at Gu Qianyou, then stepped forward to light incense for Gu Shentong.

Gu Qianyou observed Zi Xun, a hint of suspicion in her eyes, but said nothing, standing silently behind Zhong Shan, waiting with him.

Meanwhile, the three princes exchanged strange glances at Gu Zhengyi. Did he know something about the relationship between Zhong Shan and Zi Xun?

Gu Zhengyi, maintaining his usual demeanor, stood there calmly, exuding an air of profound mystery that left everyone guessing.