The fake prince was exposed at the beginning, and I took office as emperor on the spot

Chapter 200 The Revenge You Said (Part 3)

The Ghost General Ruoye is a super evil spirit of the second rank below the Nine Netherworlds.

Moreover, it has existed in the Netherworld for at least a thousand years. Such a powerful evil spirit could not possibly be unknown in the mortal world.

In the present world, there are always madmen who actively communicate with the Nine Netherworlds, such as the long-extinct "Blood God Cult".

These madmen deliberately opened the rift between themselves and the Nine Netherworld in order to sign a long-term contract, enabling them to precisely summon the evil spirit they needed.

The Blood God Cult found Ruoye.

Because they couldn't understand the words of the evil spirits, and because Ruoye was a filthy mass of flesh and blood, they arbitrarily gave Ruoye the title of "Blood God" and made it their own faith, worshipping and offering sacrifices to it for many years.

The great evil spirits beneath the Nine Netherworlds don't mind getting free food and drink; they only need to occasionally crush a few small insects to obtain a large amount of fresh blood.

This is a rare delicacy from the depths of the Nine Netherworlds. Back when Gu Fangchen first revealed her aura in the Nine Netherworlds, the horde of evil spirits roared "I'm super cold!" and charged at her...

However, after the destruction of the Blood God Cult, Ruoye lost its worship.

It was only today that it was suddenly re-established, and it's a huge deal involving an entire region.

Ruoye immediately ran out, only to find that the one who summoned her was once again the messenger of the "Four-Phase Robbery Lord" from last time!
Ruoye flew down, looked at Gu Fangchen with some doubt, and cupped her hands in greeting:
"The 'Heaven and Earth Reversal' formation has been successfully activated, bringing the 'Wrathful Dragon Vein' into the mortal world. What business does the envoy have with me now?"

He surveyed the current situation and Gu Fangchen's condition, frowned, and looked at the members of the Demonic Sect with a bloodthirsty gaze, coldly saying:

"Do you need my help? The envoy did us a great favor last time. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Before Gu Fangchen could speak, the members of the Demonic Sect behind her were stunned.

They couldn't understand what Ruoye was saying, but they could see that the large mass of flesh and blood suddenly transformed into a human form after hearing Gu Fangchen speak, and then bowed to Gu Fangchen very politely, even with a hint of respect.

This has completely overturned their understanding of evil spirits—

You summon evil spirits, fine, but why are they so polite to you?

Under normal circumstances, sacrifices are nothing more than a transaction. Evil spirits don't really understand human language; they are simply released to eat and then leave.

How come when it comes to you, the evil spirits can understand human speech and act in an organized manner? Are you still the evil spirits you summoned?
Of course, in reality, the evil spirits didn't really understand human speech, but Gu Fangchen could understand their gibberish and even knew how to gibberish back and forth.

Previously, Gu Fangchen's inexplicable network of connections, with people helping her wherever she went, was already an open mystery.

Now he's got connections, not just people, he's got connections in the underworld too!

Moreover, this is no ordinary evil spirit. Just by looking at the sacrificial array, one can tell that its cultivation level must be extraordinary. The aura it just emitted was at least at the second rank.

This is truly bizarre!
Previously, Gu Fangchen's extensive network of connections could be attributed to his cunning and scheming nature, but what's going on now...?

Could it be that he died?

To go to the Nine Netherworlds and still win the resurrection match and come back, what kind of cultivation level does that require?
Gu Fangchen coughed twice, popped two pills into her mouth, and said:

"There are indeed some things I need your help with, but it's not because of that..."

He looked at the altar array behind him. At this moment, all nine altars in the desert sea had been successfully activated, forming the true [Blood God Altar].

All that's missing is a blood offering for the sacrifice.

But soon, someone will help fill this vacancy...

This altar was almost fully activated back then; the resources underneath were plentiful enough to sustain the Nine Nether Passage for a while.

Ruoye licked her lips, her gaze towards the group outside turning sinister, and said:

"Then, envoy, why don't you wait until I finish this meal before we discuss this further?"

Gu Fangchen wasn't in a hurry, so she nodded:
"Of course, please go ahead."

Then, he sat down on the spot and began to regulate his breathing, coldly watching Ruoye transform back into its enormous and twisted original form, wantonly slaughtering and devouring all the members of the demonic sect.

Every single member of the demonic sect who appears here deserves to die.

However, Ruoye's ultimate goal is nothing more than to overthrow the entire present world and let the Nine Netherworld rule everything; neither side is any good.

Now, Gu Fangchen is merely using one tiger to devour another.

He looked at the scene of blood and gore, twitched the corner of his mouth, and found that he had gotten used to it.

Although he was still unsure of who he was, he seemed to have already integrated into the game world he once thought he was in.

"wrong……"

Gu Fangchen sat on the ruins, crossed one leg, touched her chin, and suddenly her expression changed.

When the game was first released, players complained that the world was too cruel and the morality was very low, and that they often got tricked and killed.

On the surface, these people seem to be cultivators, but they have absolutely nothing to do with "cultivating immortality".

Throughout the entire "Mirror in the Dust," there are very few truly good people. The vast majority of practitioners are merely pursuing the "Tao" they believe in with madness.

For this, they were even willing to sacrifice everything, becoming obsessive and mad, walking alone.

From the player's perspective, it's natural to think that this was intentional on the part of the game developers; otherwise, how could they provide so many bosses?

In terms of playability, a sufficiently dark world view, filled with monsters, is necessary to allow players to fully enjoy the thrill of combat.

But now he knows that this world is actually real.

Based on the information available, he, or a part of him, is the embodiment of the "heart's blood" and "spirit" of the unfortunate prince Gu Fangchen, who became cannon fodder.

Then, perhaps it was the Dao Master of "Hengchang" or someone else, who threw him into another world and created the game "Mirror in the Dust," in which he deduced the six endings.

Then, there is also the possibility that the other world is fake.

His life as the player Gu Fangchen was an illusion created by others.

After achieving his goal, he was rescued, allowing Gu Fangchen to be whole again...

In this real world, almost all practitioners, even those from Yaoshan Academy who spout righteousness, even if they initially had virtuous individuals, eventually became completely detached from morality.

Once she stepped out of the player's mindset, Gu Fangchen suddenly realized that this was actually a very serious and strange thing.

In other words, most of the high-level cultivators are seen as crazy by normal people.

Even among them are people who genuinely seek the right path and have never strayed from their pursuits, yet their actions contradict their ideals.

If it's just one or two people, then it's a human problem.

But if almost everyone does this, then the phenomenon itself is the problem!

Gu Fangchen's expression turned solemn as she recalled the two lines of last words left behind by the man who should have grown old together—

"Heaven and earth are like a furnace, yin and yang are the charcoal, man is the copper, and the Tao is the fire."

"Those who preach the gospel like adding fuel to a fire will eventually burn themselves out. Wrong, wrong, wrong..."

When he saw that sentence, he immediately noticed the most suspicious thing about it.

The "Tao," originally the ultimate goal of cultivators, has here become the flame that burns in the furnace.

Gu Fangchen suddenly felt a chill run down her spine when she thought about the scheme she had set up for Gu Yuye using the dragon vein.

If those who preach the Way, like Gu Yuye, believe that they have seized the Mandate of Heaven, what they are actually grasping is the false dragon vein that will ultimately take their lives?

The "Tao" is a dangerous flame, yet practitioners believe they can make it their own and treat it as a lifeline.

However, in reality, it is nothing more than setting oneself on fire and bringing disaster upon oneself.

Gu Fangchen previously thought that outside that Heavenly Gate might really be a furnace, and that ascension was a lie, with someone actually waiting outside.

As soon as someone jumps out of the furnace, it grabs them and refines them instantly.

But what if that assumption never existed at all?

If that's the case, then "should be white-haired" shouldn't be written like that.

These two sentences are quite straightforward, and it's easy to imagine such a possibility.

He might as well just write "Don't ascend, don't ascend, don't ascend," which would be simpler and more direct.

Why make such a sigh?

The phrase "should grow old together" is less a warning and more a sign of helplessness.

He seemed to feel that things were beyond repair, which is why he could only sigh helplessly...

This means that the situation may have become too dire to reverse, and this is all he can do; he cannot turn the tide.

Gu Fangchen took a deep breath, feeling as if she had figured things out.

If the "path" of spiritual practitioners is wrong from the beginning, then everyone who has embarked on the path of spiritual practice is "those who are adding fuel to the fire."

In this situation, I really don't know how to help...

Except for one person.

That is, Gu Fangchen herself.

Theoretically, none of his current cultivation level is something he cultivated himself.

Because of his player mindset, he leveled up like a rocket.

Spiritual cultivation relies on "experience books" and "spirit-nourishing bottles," while martial arts cultivation relies on "refining magic" to create puppets.

Even his second level of cultivation was advanced by the system improving his comprehension.

To be honest, he didn't know what this comprehension was all about. As long as his comprehension was improving, he could cultivate, but at other times, he was completely clueless.

So strictly speaking, it's not that he's cultivating, but rather that the system is helping him cultivate!
What is "Tao"?
Gu Fangchen really didn't know.

All he has are simple numbers...

"Fortunately, I've figured it out now."

Gu Fangchen exhaled a breath of turbid air. He had now reached the fourth rank, which was the most crucial moment.

Going up next is the threshold between the middle three ranks and the upper three ranks.

This threshold is about seizing one's own "Dao" from the world, which is the process that normal practitioners must go through.

If Gu Fangchen hadn't figured this out, she might have actually tried to comprehend the Dao on her own out of curiosity.

Of course... with his terrifying comprehension that even Ding Xingfeng almost wet himself, there seems to be no need to worry about his success.

Thinking of this, Gu Fangchen suddenly twitched her lips, and a guess popped into her mind:
"Could it be that they deliberately threw me into modern society so that I would become a materialist in my past life and have no chance of enlightenment in this one?"

Hey, now that I think about it, it actually makes a damn good point!
However, now that the key to the problem has been figured out, it means that Emperor Yong'an, or rather "Master Hengchangdao," was actually working with Ying Baishou for the same purpose.

It is to stop the flames of "Tao" from rising further and eventually burning everyone to ashes.

The principle of "constancy and balance" cannot allow everything to lead to destruction.

Gu Fangchen stood up, her eyes gleaming.

Since that's the case, then when he returns to Huangtian City, he might be able to have an open and honest talk with Emperor Yong'an, at least to test whether that's what he meant.

"What does the envoy want me to do?" Ruoye, having eaten a large meal, landed beside Gu Fangchen with great satisfaction and asked.

Gu Fangchen looked in the direction of the [Martial Immortal's Tomb], narrowed her eyes, and said calmly:

"Actually, it's nothing. A batch of tributes will be killed later, but someone will try to take them. I hope you can intercept them."

Ruoye laughed loudly: "What's so difficult about that?"

"With the support of this formation, and with ample blood and food, I can defeat anyone below the first rank in a short period of time!"

Of course, it's hard to say whether it will be a direct defeat or a one-for-one exchange.

However, according to his senses, there were no major enemies within this desert sea. The most powerful one was at one of the altars, and was clearly one of his own.

Gu Fangchen continued:
“This is only the first step. The second step is for you to guide the souls of these sacrifices.”

"Guide the way?"

Ruoye was taken aback.

Gu Fangchen nodded:
"I will open another rift and let them return to the world!"

Such is the law of reincarnation in this world. Among the soldiers of the Xuanhuang Army, most of them had low cultivation levels, or even no cultivation at all.

Their own souls are not capable of remaining in the mortal world.

However, Gu Fangchen's [King Yama's Decree] skill can directly open a fixed rift and summon back the vengeful ghosts from the Netherworld.

In the game, this rift is more than just a skill effect.

These are real, exploitable fissures.

So, if Gu Fangchen uses her skill at this moment, and then has Ruoye help guide the way, she can directly make these killed soldiers return as vengeful ghosts.

Furthermore, this crack will continue to follow the specified object.

This means that it is a mobile teleportation array.

Gu Fangchen herself can use it too!
The only price this skill pays is that it will teleport you to the underworld, but there's no restriction on whether you can come back!

With Ruoye protecting him, he can still return during the skill's duration!

……

Gu Yuye slowly walked out of the exit of the [Martial Immortal's Tomb].

The Xuanhuang Army, which he had summoned, was already standing neatly outside. The moment they saw him, they all showed excitement and anticipation and knelt down on one knee.

"Your Majesty!"

Those who managed to come this time were Gu Yuye's true loyalists.

Their presence here demonstrates their utmost loyalty, indicating their readiness to support Gu Yuye's ascension to the throne.

However, part of the reason is that they did not personally experience the series of schemes and changes that took place on the banks of the Jiangling River, and still believe that the current situation is a scheme by Gu Fangchen and Emperor Yong'an.

Gu Yuye was framed by that tyrannical ruler!

When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; what happened to Ding Xingfeng back then is about to be repeated!
All the acting skills Gu Yuye has accumulated over the years finally came into their fullest use at this moment.

Even though things were already showing signs of going wrong, these soldiers still wanted to believe in the Zhenbei King in their hearts, who was wholeheartedly dedicated to guarding the country for the Great Wei and was extremely cautious.

Gu Yuye remained calm, looking at the many soldiers before him with a satisfied smile, and said:

"I have shared life and death with you all for decades, and to see you still standing by me through thick and thin at this moment is my great fortune!"

The soldiers below instantly had tears in their eyes, deeply moved.

A general raised his arm and shouted:

"We swear to serve Your Highness to the death! We beg Your Highness to lead us into Huangtian City and cut off the head of that foolish and shameless old emperor!"

"Cut off their heads! Cut off their heads!"

The roar of the crowd was so loud it even drowned out the sandstorm, and the ground trembled.

Gu Yuye's smile deepened, even becoming somewhat eerie and sinister.

He leaped into the air, looking down at the army below, and stretched out his hand, spreading his five fingers.

A touch of blood gradually expanded in his originally black eyes, covering both eyes, which, combined with the stiff expression on his face, gave him an inhuman appearance.

He opened his mouth and said:

"Army formation, rise!"

"Yes!"

The soldiers instinctively cooperated, tacitly relaxing their minds and handing over their life force to Gu Yuye for control.

When those countless invisible flames of life rose into the sky.

Gu Yuye burst into laughter and grabbed the outstretched hand tightly.

In an instant, dark clouds filled the sky, and from the yellow sand, a huge, rotting hand emerged, grabbing all the soldiers and their life-or-death flames.

The soldiers were caught off guard, their faces turning pale with confusion and terror.

"What's this?!"

"This is not the Xuanhuang Army Formation!"

"Your Highness, what are you doing?"

Gu Yuye snorted coldly:
"What for? We've been raising an army for a thousand days to use it for one. Since you're willing to share life and death with me, I'll naturally grant your wish!"

His eyes widened, his expression contorted with rage, and he coldly shouted:

"Hurry up and dedicate everything you have to me to help me advance in rank!"

The soldiers then realized something was wrong, but by then it was too late.

They had already given up their lives, and their fates were now in Gu Yuye's hands. They could only show expressions of despair, anger, and confusion.

Only then did they realize that it was not Emperor Yong'an who framed Gu Yuye at all.

Instead, their King Zhenbei is a complete madman!

Even if Gu Yuye rebelled, they would still follow him. Such loyalty would make others at least pretend to be friendly with them for a while.

Only when the cunning rabbit is dead can the hunting dog be cooked.

But Gu Yuye didn't say a word and directly decided to refine them all, using them as tools for his own advancement.

They all cursed:
"Gu Yuye, you'll die a horrible death!"

"I won't let you go even if I'm a ghost!"

"..."

But Gu Yuye's gaze remained unwavering, only icy cold.

"A joke? These people will be crushed into dust, body and soul, and won't even be able to become ghosts anymore. That's just a joke."

He sneered:
"Fine, if you're so capable, come and seek revenge."

The enormous hand closed and crushed.

The moment Gu Yuye's army was mobilized, the lives of hundreds of thousands of people became his nourishment...

In an instant, hundreds of thousands of lives were cut off. Under Gu Yuye's greedy gaze and outstretched arms, invisible threads emerged from the life flames, connecting to his body and flying towards him.

The moment when everything was about to become Gu Yuye's cultivation level.

A scarlet array suddenly appeared on the ground.

Nine pillars of blood converged in this direction, and an even thicker, almost sky-piercing beam of blood-red light shot into the sky!

In the blink of an eye, it enveloped the soldiers, repelling the invisible threads!
The sacrificial formation set up by the "Blood God Cult" was activated ahead of time, and the sacrificial object had a higher cultivation level, so it had a higher priority than Gu Yuye's military formation.

They snatched it away directly!

Then, the blood-red light transformed into a huge mass of filthy flesh and blood, which opened its terrifying maw and swallowed the soldiers whole!
The great evil spirit from the Netherworld chewed twice and then digested the blood food.

Gu Yuye: "..."

His expression froze on his face, and his outstretched arms also stiffened.

After Ruoye had eaten and drunk his fill, he let out a long sigh and chuckled.
"Envoy, thank you for the gift. I will do as agreed and guide you!"

Gu Yuye stiffly raised his head little by little and saw Gu Fangchen floating in mid-air. His eyes instantly turned red!

"Gu! Fang! Chen!!!"

He finally broke down completely, gritting his teeth and roaring loudly, veins bulging on his forehead, truly enraged.

"I should have killed you back then! No, it's not too late now!"

Gu Yuye's face was contorted with rage as he charged toward him in a flash, his longsword transforming into a streak of light.

Gu Fangchen sneered:
You should worry about yourself!

[The King of Hell's Decree], activated!

Gu Fangchen silently recited the command in her heart, and then disappeared from the spot.

Gu Yuye missed his target, and gritting his teeth as he looked at the massive mass of flesh pressing down on him:
"You think that just because you've summoned an evil spirit, I can't do anything to you?!"

His expression was uncertain as he looked at the longsword in his hand, seemingly struggling with whether to make a certain decision.

But before he could make a decision, a passage to the underworld appeared beside him.

Countless vengeful ghosts emerged from it!

Gu Yuye had already experienced something like this once before, and he was startled, so he immediately began to back away.

However, this time, the situation is very different from before!
Surprisingly, familiar faces began to appear among them—the soldiers he had just killed!

These soldiers transformed into vengeful ghosts, their resentment terrifying. Upon seeing Gu Yuye, they all rushed towards him!

Moreover, their numbers are increasing, with hundreds of thousands of vengeful ghosts turning the Nine Nether Passage into a troop transport route.

Gu Fangchen's figure suddenly appeared from within, and she said leisurely:

"This is the revenge you spoke of..."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: 6 chapters owed

(End of this chapter)