The Immortal Chu Dynasty had only been established for a little over a hundred epochs, far less than the other top-tier forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization, which had weathered countless trials and tribulations. It could be said that the dynasty was entirely propped up by Chu Gucheng alone.
If anything were to happen to him, the entire structure could collapse like a house of cards.
"His existence is what supports the vast faith and fortune of the Immortal Chu Dynasty. If the image he has built in the hearts of his people is destroyed, it would mean the collapse of his source of faith. The consequences would be terrifying…"
The spirit of the Book of Scavenging materialized in mid-air, her graceful yet indistinct figure floating like mist.
She murmured to herself, analyzing Gu Changge's methods and strategies.
Although she hadn't been by Gu Changge's side for long, she had already learned a great deal from him.
Through constant exposure, she had gained a deeper understanding of the subtle control and manipulation of fate and destiny.
Originally, she had followed Gu Changge because of an agreement they had made.
Gu Changge would help her escape from the Book of Scavenging, and in return, she would complete a task for him.
But now, it seemed that staying by Gu Changge's side allowed her to learn things that would greatly benefit her after her escape.
Just the way Gu Changge dealt with the Immortal Chu Dynasty without shedding a drop of blood struck her as incredibly ingenious.
It was likely that Chu Gucheng, the ruler of the Immortal Chu Dynasty, still had no idea who was secretly scheming against him or who his enemy was.
And that was the most terrifying part.
Thinking of this, the spirit of the Book of Scavenging sighed softly.
If she had possessed such methods and cunning back then, how could she have ended up imprisoned within the Book of Scavenging, reduced to a mere spirit?
Gu Changge withdrew his attention from Chu Bai. The current situation was still within his control and expectations.
As for how Chu Bai would seek revenge against Chu Gucheng, that was his own affair.
On the Demon Court side, Di Kun would likely gain the favor of the Demon Ancestor and take over the Demon Court.
Once Di Kun took control of the Demon Court, it would mean the entire Demon Court would fall under Gu Changge's control.
The Demon Court was also one of Gu Changge's chess pieces, though this move had yet to surface.
"I'm curious, why did you choose to target the Immortal Chu Dynasty? What is your goal?"
At this moment, the spirit of the Book of Scavenging suddenly spoke up, unable to resist asking Gu Changge.
Although she had been by Gu Changge's side for some time, she still didn't understand his true intentions.
First, he had unified the Immortal Spirit Civilization, then established the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, and ordered Zhuo Fengxie, Hun Yuanjun, and other Dao Realm experts to spread the teachings and doctrines of the Heaven-Slaying Alliance across the Vast Expanse, gathering followers and believers.
Now, Gu Changge had turned his attention to the Immortal Chu Dynasty, seemingly aiming to take control of the entire Prime-Origin Civilization.
She had never encountered such a mysterious and unfathomable figure, and even now, she didn't understand Gu Changge's goals or origins.
To her, Gu Changge was an indescribably terrifying existence, transcending the logic of this world.
"In the grand scheme of things, everything is predestined. In the River of Fate of the Prime-Origin Civilization, the Immortal Chu Dynasty will soon stand in my way. That's why I will act to remove it."
Gu Changge responded as casually as ever.
The spirit of the Book of Scavenging was even more puzzled.
How exactly was the Immortal Chu Dynasty standing in his way? Was it because of Chu Gucheng's existence, or was there another reason?
But why not target other forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization, such as the Imperial Immortal Palace or Purple Dew Mountain?
If his goal was to expand the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, wouldn't the entire Prime-Origin Civilization be in his way?
"If the Immortal Chu Dynasty is in your way, that's understandable. But why haven't you chosen to deal with other forces, such as the Imperial Immortal Palace or the Divine Ascension Cavern?"
She rarely had the opportunity to communicate directly with Gu Changge, so this time, she took the chance to voice all her doubts.
Perhaps in a good mood, Gu Changge glanced at her and said with a hint of amusement,
"Naturally, it's because the Immortal Chu Dynasty is the easiest to deal with. It has many enemies and isn't well-regarded by the other forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization. I could have targeted other forces, but why settle for a harder target when there's an easier one right in front of me?"
The spirit of the Book of Scavenging blinked and said in a low voice,
"But compared to the other forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization, the Immortal Chu Dynasty is the most prosperous and powerful. Its ruler, Chu Gucheng, is supported by all his people, and under his command are countless powerful experts. He could be considered a wise and virtuous ruler."
"I once governed a top-tier nation myself. Under my rule, the nation flourished, its people thrived, and countless races came to pay tribute. Based on the principles and doctrines you established for the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, it seems that the Immortal Chu Dynasty doesn't conflict with your interests."
This was what puzzled her the most. Since Gu Changge had gone to such lengths to establish the Heaven-Slaying Alliance,
and had set forth many principles and doctrines, such as saving the world, upholding humanity, and rectifying the Heavenly Dao,
why target Chu Gucheng, who could be considered a virtuous ruler aligned with humanity? Shouldn't their ideals be similar?
"Is that really how you see the Heaven-Slaying Alliance?" Gu Changge suddenly let out a laugh, his tone ambiguous.
The spirit of the Book of Scavenging was momentarily stunned, unsure how to respond to this question.
She truly couldn't understand Gu Changge's actions.
But since Gu Changge was doing this, he must have his reasons.
"It seems there's a reason why you were schemed against and trapped in the Book of Scavenging."
Gu Changge laughed again but didn't explain further.
He was genuinely surprised. He had thought the spirit of the Book of Scavenging would be a cunning old fox.
But she was so naive, actually believing that he had established the Heaven-Slaying Alliance just to uphold humanity?
If only things were as simple as she imagined.
Even Hun Yuanjun, Zhuo Fengxie, and others who now served Gu Changge didn't believe his goals were so pure.
Let alone the other forces in the Prime-Origin Civilization.
Chu Gucheng and others, who had experienced the horrors of the Black Calamity Era, would never believe that the Heaven-Slaying Alliance, which bore similarities to the Heaven-Warring Organization connected to the source of the Black Calamity, had noble intentions.
The spirit of the Book of Scavenging clearly hadn't expected to be mocked by Gu Changge one day.
Fortunately, her figure was shrouded in mist, so her expression couldn't be seen. Otherwise, one might have noticed her face flushing with embarrassment.
Back then, she had been schemed against by those closest to her, stripped of her authority,
and imprisoned in the Book of Scavenging, reduced to a spirit, all because she had been too naive and trusting of those around her.
"I've learned my lesson," she said sincerely after a moment of silence.