197: Take the initiative

Advancing to the Top 16 was very simple. Even if the opponent was an elite of the Foundation Establishment Stage, the suppression of a major Realm was not easily overcome. Not to mention, Gu Yuchuan himself was a Six-Revolving Golden Core, an existence capable of challenging those at higher levels. How could he be challenged by someone at a lower level?

Gu Yuchuan easily won the battle and reached the Top 16. However, upon returning to his residence, he entered a secret passage and arrived at the Imperial Grandson's manor outside the palace.

The Imperial Grandson and the Crown Princes Consort sat with him. Following Gu Yuchuan's promotion, the Imperial Grandson's attitude toward him became even friendlier, and Wang Ruoxin's status in the Imperial Grandson's Palace rose significantly as well.

After all, although there were Nascent Soul Stage Cultivators around the Imperial Grandson, they were under the Crown Prince's command and wouldn't truly listen to him. The Imperial Grandson himself only had one Golden Core Stage subordinate who truly followed his orders. Because of the Crown Princes Consort's situation, Gu Yuchuan was naturally on the same side as him. Crucially, he had no ties to other factions and could be safely won over. Having such a powerhouse standing behind him was a massive advantage.

"Senior, please take a seat. Logically, I should have been the one to visit you after your promotion, yet I've let you come to me instead. It is truly quite rude of me."

Gu Yuchuan waved his hand, stopping the Imperial Grandson's somewhat hypocritical words. "Enough. Your Highness's status is far more noble than that of a Golden Core Stage Cultivator. There's no need to call me 'Senior' at every turn; it only creates distance. Let's just keep things as they were before."

These words struck a chord with the Imperial Grandson, who was naturally willing. "Very well. Since the Demon King is so magnanimous, I won't be pretentious. I wonder what business brings the Demon King here in secret today? I will certainly do my best to help you."

Gu Yuchuan's eyes dimmed slightly, carrying a hint of ruthlessness. "Your Highness is correct; I do have a matter to discuss. While cultivating, I had a premonition of heaven and man, sensing that someone is planning to move against me. Waiting for death is not my style. I wonder if Your Highness has any spies planted with Prince Zhao? Use them directly to have him come and attack me."

The Imperial Grandson's expression turned solemn. He hadn't expected such a request. While this could indeed strike a blow against Prince Zhao, the nature of the act was different. This time, Gu Yuchuan was taking the initiative. By helping him, wouldn't they be helping the Yao Race kill their own people? However, such an opportunity would not come again. Moreover, if he refused Gu Yuchuan, it would clearly affect their relationship, which was also something to consider.

After thinking it over, he realized it could be done, but he couldn't make the decision himself. He had to consult his father.

"Demon King, please wait here for a moment. Xin'er, take good care of the Great One. I'm going to see my father. This matter is too significant, and using the spies within Prince Zhao's ranks requires my father's permission. I will go ask for instructions; please make yourself at home."

With that, he left, leaving Gu Yuchuan and Wang Ruoxin behind. Wang Ruoxin went out to bring some spirit tea and spirit fruit. The Imperial Grandson was indeed powerful and wealthy, possessing abundant resources. The spirit tea and spirit fruit served were all Tier 3. With long-term consumption, even those with poor Aptitude could achieve a decent cultivation level. For instance, Wang Ruoxin, who was only a Low-Grade Demonic Beast, saw her cultivation improve day by day. Such was the power of resources.

Not knowing how long the Imperial Grandson would be gone, the silence between the two was a bit awkward. Gu Yuchuan took a sip of spirit tea and finally spoke.

"You've gotten what you wanted. How is it? Are you used to life in the Imperial Grandson's Palace?"

She nodded, a slight blush on her face. Clearly, she was very satisfied with her life over the past few days.

"Great King, His Highness treats me very well. Although some of the Concubines in the manor were dissatisfied with me at first and even gave me the cold shoulder, His Highness's regard for me has increased even further with your promotion. They no longer dare to say anything. I haven't congratulated you yet, Great King, on successfully becoming a Golden Core Demon King. From now on, it will be a whole new world."

Gu Yuchuan nodded. "It's good that you are doing well. Just remember why you came here. A man's favor is always fleeting."

Her face turned a bit pale. "I know, Great King. However, I must first secure his favor to grasp power. I understand that revenge is not something that happens overnight. I need to accumulate my own strength first before I can seek vengeance. Rest assured, I will definitely have my revenge."

Gu Yuchuan said nothing more and slowly began to savor the tea and snacks. Before long, the Imperial Grandson returned, his expression looking somewhat anxious.

"Demon King, you were right. Prince Zhao indeed intends to kill you and is already looking for people. My father said he agrees to this operation; it can even be carried out tonight. We must catch Prince Zhao off guard. You've done us a huge favor this time. My father said that when you return, he will definitely prepare some resources as a thank-you gift."

But Gu Yuchuan waved his hand. "I don't deserve a reward for no reason. I came to cooperate with you this time because he wants to kill me, and I had no other choice. To survive, I had to strike first. This is merely for self-preservation."

But the Imperial Grandson disagreed. "Actions speak louder than intentions. Our Eastern Palace lineage has gained so much from this matter; we cannot simply do nothing. That would be too improper. Rest assured, my father is the Crown Prince and has plenty of good things. He will surely give the Great King many items."

Since the other party insisted on giving rewards, Gu Yuchuan couldn't refuse. The matter was settled.

"Alright, then I shall head back. Just go ahead and act when you're ready; don't worry, I'm prepared, so nothing will go wrong. However, I might cause quite a stir, and even a Deity Transformation Venerable might get involved. Make sure you clean up your tracks. If your Imperial Grandfather finds out, it might backfire."

The Imperial Grandson's gaze became much more sincere. "Rest assured. If we couldn't even handle these matters, my father might as well give up the position of Crown Prince and stop competing altogether."

With everything clear, Gu Yuchuan didn't stay. He entered the secret passage and returned.

After returning, he lay on his bed as usual and began to conserve his energy. He didn't know the cultivation level of the Cultivators coming to assassinate him later. There would surely be a fierce battle, so he had to be careful.

An hour passed, and the atmosphere outside changed. Although he found no traces, he knew someone had arrived.