Chapter 018: Accompanying a Monarch is Like Accompanying a Tiger

“Is the Void God Realm truly that strong? If you ascend to the Upper Realm, you’ll find that Void God cultivators are… frankly, quite mediocre.”

Gu Changge spoke casually, swirling the wine in his cup. From his tone, one would think Void God experts were as common as cabbages in a street market.

Of course, this was mostly hyperbole.

Even in the Upper Realm, achieving the Divine Realm was no small feat. With lifespans exceeding 10,000 years, Void God cultivators were considered the backbone of the various Immortal Great Sects and Supreme Orthodoxies.

“Young Lord Gu… could you tell Qingge what kind of world lies beyond the Void God Realm?”

Su Qingge’s beautiful eyes lit up. She leaned forward slightly, clearly fascinated by the topic.

For a cultivator of the Lower Realm, the Void God stage was the legendary peak. What could possibly lie beyond the peak?

“Beyond the Void God is naturally the True God. Is that not obvious?” Gu Changge took a sip of wine, his tone indifferent.

It was a perfunctory answer, but Su Qingge wasn’t discouraged.

She quietly refilled his cup. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she stood up. Her lotus steps carried her behind him, bringing with her a faint, elegant fragrance.

“Young Lord Gu… is this pressure suitable?”

Su Qingge placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage him.

Her technique was clumsy and unskilled, but her demeanor was undeniably submissive—like a dutiful maidservant.

“Oh?”

Gu Changge raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised.

This behavior was completely out of character for the aloof, transcendent Holy Maiden he had met days ago. It certainly didn’t fit the archetype of a “Heroine.”

“Qingge knows it is difficult to win the Young Lord’s favor,” she whispered, her voice steady. “But I do not wish to give up.”

It was a brutally honest admission.

If anyone else were here, they would call her naive. But Gu Changge knew better. She was incredibly smart.

In front of someone like him, playing coy or manipulative was a death sentence. Radical honesty was her only card.

Gu Changge had to admit, he couldn’t bring himself to dislike her.

He understood her ambition. She refused to be a pretty vase on a shelf; she wanted to climb, to survive, to thrive. Gu Changge appreciated ambition.

However, appreciating her wasn’t the same as being moved by her.

He had no intention of falling for her. Using her, on the other hand… that was always on the table.

As he enjoyed the massage, Gu Changge noticed something interesting. Ever since the rift had formed between Su Qingge and Ye Chen, that vague sense of “Providence Backlash”—the danger warning from the System—had vanished.

This confirmed a theory: Providence Backlash only protects the Son of Providence and those strictly loyal to him.

Su Qingge still had massive Luck Points—ten times that of an average genius—but the “plot armor” was gone. Gu Changge sensed he could kill her right now without repercussions.

“High Luck Points do not equal ‘Child of Providence.’ Without the Protagonist Template, she doesn’t get the Heavenly Dao’s protection.”

Makes sense. Plot armor is reserved for the main character.

Having clarified this, Gu Changge’s mood improved.

“Beyond the Void God lies the True God Realm,” he explained, deciding to throw her a bone. “At that stage, one ignites their Divine Fire and forges a Divine Foundation.”

“Above that is the Heavenly God Realm—lofty, exalted beings who look down even upon True Gods.”

“Thank you, Young Lord, for your guidance.”

Su Qingge’s face glowed with delight. “So the path is: Void God, True God, Heavenly God, Divine King, Saint…”

Her voice trailed off, tinged with a hint of melancholy. She was merely at the Transcendent Realm. The gap between her and the Void God Realm was already an ocean; the realms beyond were galaxies away.

“Qingge will work hard to be worthy of the Young Lord’s favor,” she said suddenly, her eyes clear and serious.

Gu Changge’s smile turned playful. “You can certainly try.”

Win my favor?

Does she think my Villain Charm is so potent she’s already fallen for me?

Gu Changge didn’t buy it. She was simply making the most rational investment for her future.

Just then, Elder Ming’s voice transmission echoed in his ear.

Gu Changge’s smile widened, a strange glint entering his eyes. “Interesting. Right on schedule.”

While the coalition of hostile forces distracted the Sect, Ye Chen had successfully broken out of the dungeon. Of course, the Spirit Gathering Pill Gu Changge had “gifted” Yan Ji played a crucial role.

Everything was proceeding according to the script.

Gu Changge stood up abruptly. “I have matters to attend to.”

He left without another word, leaving Su Qingge standing there in confusion.

She watched his retreating back, biting her lip.

Did I say something wrong? Did I displease him again?

Truly… accompanying a monarch is like accompanying a tiger.

She sighed, left to reflect on her “mistakes.”

…

Meanwhile, at the Mountain Gate of the Taixuan Holy Land.

The sky darkened as massive warships and flying boats blotted out the sun.

The coalition army had arrived. The aura of thousands of powerful cultivators surged like a tsunami, causing the air itself to tremble. Terrifying roars from ancient war beasts shook the mountains.

The Yangxu Holy Land. The Great Sun Imperial Dynasty. The Ancient Xiao Family.

These were the titans of the Eastern Wilderness, each with tens of thousands of years of heritage. Having caught the scent of blood—the death of the Taixuan Supreme Elder—they swarmed like sharks.

However, upon arrival, the invaders were confused.

The White-Robed Supreme Elder of the Yangxu Holy Land frowned, staring at the scene below.

The Mountain Gate of the Taixuan Holy Land was wide open.

There were no defensive formations active. No disciples manning the walls. No panic.

“Why is the gate open?” he muttered. “Are they inviting us in? Or is this an empty city stratagem?”

“They haven’t even activated the Sect Guardian Formation?” boomed the Old Emperor of the Great Sun Dynasty, his voice like a golden bell. “Have they accepted their fate and chosen to surrender?”

Just then, movement caught their eye.

The Taixuan Sect Master strolled leisurely out of the gate, leading a group of Elders and disciples. He wore a faint, almost mocking smile.

“Welcome, everyone,” the Sect Master called out, his voice calm and steady.

“Have you all gathered here today… to pay your respects to Young Lord Gu?”