Before entering the Imperial City.
Gu Fangchen led the carriage procession straight from the outer city to the inner city. Only when they passed by the Prince's Residence did they finally stop.
By now, Gu Yuandao's pitiful state had already been surrounded and witnessed by the citizens and noble families of both the inner and outer city, for a full ten minutes.
And during those ten minutes, with every passing second, at least a hundred new people learned of his humiliation, each spreading the tale and ensuring his social death another hundred times over.
Gu Fangchen sneered coldly in his heart.
Well, Gu Yuandao sure can endure... Since he's so good at enduring, let him enjoy it a little longer.
This poison known as "Buddha's Hand Silken Thread" indeed could control a person's mind.
But a poison that had been handpicked specifically to serve as a scapegoat tool, how could it possibly inflict real harm on Gu Yuandao?
Its effect only looked terrifying; in truth, for the person afflicted, even the pain was fleeting, lasting only for a brief instant. As for the body, completely unharmed.
Gu, poison, the two were never far apart. Normally, any gu had at least some poisonous quality.
Yet "Buddha's Hand Silken Thread" was different. Its origin was tied to the Buddhist sects, and it carried no toxin.
Truly, Gu Yuye had gone through great lengths to ensure his own son would not be harmed.
Moreover, the reason the poison was named "Buddha's Hand Silken Thread" was because it required someone to manipulate it behind the scenes; only then would those silk-like spiders alter a person's mind.
If there was no manipulator, the gu would merely burrow into the target's head and remain dormant.
Thus, Gu Yuandao's so-called "unconsciousness" was entirely fake.
He had simply withdrawn his divine soul into the Middle Shade, preserving his consciousness within the Spirit Platform, crafting the illusion of being comatose. In truth, his divine sense could clearly perceive everything happening outside...
Gu Fangchen had Gu Lianqian hold him all along the route for everyone to see. The discussions, the stares, all of it, Gu Yuandao heard and felt clearly.
But he could only endure it.
He knew that the moment he showed even the slightest sign of consciousness, Gu Fangchen would immediately seize the opportunity and accuse him of the crime of "disrespecting the mother."
That would not only be social death, it would be total ruination, leaving him no chance to recover.
Therefore, no matter the torment, he could only let Gu Fangchen parade him again and again.
Now everyone knew: on the way, the Prince's consort's carriage had been ambushed by the Demon Sect. From guards to maids, everyone, even the mortals without cultivation, was unscathed.
Only Gu Yuandao, a divine cultivator, had fallen under the Demon Sect's control and almost harmed the consort.
The famed top scholar, who once possessed the Righteous Qi of the Vast Heavens to stabilize his heart, once he left the capital, this was how shameful he became?
To Gu Yuandao, who prided himself on his spotless reputation, this was spiritual torture equivalent to death by a thousand cuts.
And to think, at times like this, Gu Fangchen's negative reputation actually worked to his advantage.
Gu Yuye and his son had to cover their dirty tricks with care. Especially Gu Yuandao, who had built an image of a flawless gentleman, he could not afford a single stain.
But Gu Fangchen was different.
As someone already drenched in infamy, he was practically invincible to slander.
As long as it wasn't an actual crime, no insult could touch him.
A saint who falls from the altar becomes a rat everyone curses.
But a prodigal son turning over a new leaf? That's priceless redemption.
As long as Gu Fangchen did one good thing, his reputation would soar.
The recent fluctuations on the Lesser Heaven List and the rising chatter across the martial world about him were proof enough.
Ning Caiyong stepped down from the carriage, gently smoothing Gu Fangchen's hair. Her tone was soft:
"Chen'er, come back early, don't let anyone bully you."
Hidden in the shadows, Hu Wenxin and the Sword Keeper both twitched their lips.
"..."
Does she really think this son of hers could be bullied?
If he doesn't torment others to death, that would already be a blessing!
"Mm."
Gu Fangchen nodded and then handed off the people he brought back for Ning Caiyong to arrange. His manner made it abundantly clear, he still considered himself the master of the Prince's Residence.
As for Gu Yuandao, he left him to Gu Lianqian's care.
Gu Yuye, who had expected Gu Fangchen to at least leave Gu Yuandao behind to recover, finally couldn't hold back.
"What sort of behavior is this! Yuandao is gravely injured, of course he should recover first before entering court!"
Gu Fangchen raised his hand, waving the imperial edict lightly.
"How long would that take? The banquet's about to begin. The edict clearly names both me and Gu Yuandao. What, you'd have His Majesty wait?"
"Gu Yuye, your courage truly knows no bounds!"
He began by slapping a hat of guilt onto him, leaving Gu Yuye's face dark and twisted, as if he'd swallowed filth.
Gu Fangchen turned toward the direction of the Purple Extremity Hall, bowing with grave decorum.
"Besides, I've already had my master look him over. Gu Yuandao won't die for now, so the banquet is the priority."
"His Majesty's matters come first. If Gu Yuandao were awake right now, as the newly minted top scholar, he'd surely agree."
Only then did Ding Xingfeng lazily step down from the carriage, hands clasped behind his back, smirking.
"The Gu family's always been full of loyal subjects. Given a chance to demonstrate devotion, he'd probably be overjoyed. What, Northern Garrison Prince, won't you even leave such an opportunity to your own son?"
Gu Yuandao: "..."
Gu Yuye: "..."
What could they even say?
Any further protest, and they'd sound like traitors to the throne.
Gu Yuye drew a deep breath, confirmed his son was indeed only pretending to be unconscious, and finally allowed them to pass.
The banquet had invited everyone from the Prince's household, but Ning Caiyong, weary from travel, chose to rest and not attend.
As she watched Gu Fangchen depart, turning to return into the residence, Gu Yuye, silent until now, finally stepped forward, seizing her slender wrist in a low, heavy voice:
"Caiyong, after decades as husband and wife, are we really to grow so estranged?"
"And Yuandao, he's your flesh and blood. Will you really treat him as a stranger, cold and uncaring after all these years apart? Do you feel no sorrow after nineteen years of separation?"
The beautiful woman paused, lips pressed tight. Her lashes lowered as she drew a deep breath, her voice cool:
"Is it me who treats him as an outsider, or you and your son who have always treated me as one?"
"The truth of that, my lord, you know best."
She looked down at the hand gripping her wrist, fingers brushing the small wooden sword pendant at her chest, then lifted her gaze and asked softly:
"My lord, if the Sword Pavilion hadn't fallen during the Seven Sects Rebellion, would you be disappointed?"
At that moment, the woman long known for her gentle grace now wore a mask of icy cold.
Ning Caiyong and Ning Songjun did share some resemblance.
But even those familiar with the siblings had never thought them truly alike, until now.
When her gentleness vanished, the resemblance was striking.
If she held a sword in her hand at that moment, her aura would've been so sharp it was almost tangible, like the Sword Sage himself had appeared, sending chills through the bones.
Gu Yuye's expression darkened. He barked:
"Did that little bastard tell you something? Is that why you're misunderstanding me now?"
He sensed her change of attitude and tested her, and her response confirmed his fears.
She knew. She knew too much.
Gu Yuye stared at his wife, disappointment etching every line of his face.
"So you think I harbor ill will toward the Sword Pavilion? Caiyong, you truly let me down."
"Everyone says I'm a cold man, but you, you know I've always been deeply devoted to you. Decades of care, all plain to see, yet you think it worthless."
His voice grew heavy:
"Caiyong, am I, in your eyes, truly a man who betrays his word and faith?"
For a moment, Ning Caiyong faltered.
But then she slowly withdrew her hand and turned away.
"Whether you are or not isn't for me to say. Heaven sees all."
"Go. His Majesty's banquet is about to begin..."
With that, she lifted her skirts and walked into the residence.
Gu Yuye didn't stop her. He looked down at his empty palm, face expressionless, he had his answer.
Knowing her temperament, if even a shred of trust remained, she would've at least said a few comforting words.
But she hadn't.
Which meant, she no longer trusted him at all.
And yet, her heart was not devoid of feeling.
When he played the card of affection, she had indeed hesitated. That flicker of emotion was the shadow of their past.
But when she wanted to respond, she held herself back.
For someone so tender-hearted to turn cold, it meant she knew far more than he had ever imagined.
Gu Yuye took a step forward, eyes dark and cold, striding toward the Imperial City.
Back then, the Sword Pavilion had been a foundation stone for his rise. But now, that very stone stood in his way.
And if it blocked his path forward, then it would have to be kicked aside.
...
Gu Fangchen strode toward the Purple Extremity Hall.
Along the way, countless guests heading to the same banquet saw him and bowed in shock.
Then, when they saw Gu Yuandao being supported by Gu Lianqian behind him, their astonishment deepened.
"What happened to the top scholar?"
Gu Fangchen put on a solemn face.
"Ah, alas, we ran into a Demon Sect ambush on the road. Had my master not been there, it would've been a massacre, but strangely enough..."
At the word "master," the onlookers' gazes turned curiously toward the slouching old man behind him.
Master?
Since when did that wastrel have a master?
Back when he was still a useless fop, the Prince's consort had indeed found several skilled martial cultivators to teach him.
But lacking both talent and discipline, each of them quit within two days, forcing her to find replacements again and again.
And this shabby old man, what was he supposed to be?
(Ding Xingfeng had lived in seclusion for years. Few alive still recognized him, and his mastery of concealment arts meant even those who once knew him might not.)
So in their eyes, this scrawny old man, how could he slay Demon Sect members like chopping melons?
Ding Xingfeng ignored the looks, rolling his eyes and picking his ear with his pinky.
Once, he had cared deeply for his reputation, his martial achievements, his glory.
But after his Dao heart was shattered, not only did he let go, he developed a kind of reverse peace.
Years of fishing beneath the White Horse Temple's mountain had left him immune to scorn.
His cultivation of patience was second to none.
Until a certain mad brat came along, offending every taboo in a single breath and shattering that peace entirely.
Those who recognized him, however, were struck speechless with shock.
The Martial Saint, had returned to the world!
And the Martial Saint had taken Gu Fangchen as his disciple!
They couldn't decide which news was more earth-shattering.
The very rumor Gu Yuye had struggled so hard to suppress, was now spreading uncontrollably.
Yet soon, their focus shifted, drawn by Gu Fangchen's storytelling. Their attention, and their judgment, turned toward Gu Yuandao.
Gu Lianqian, head low, looked as if she wanted to burrow into the ground. Her face flushed red.
Even though she wasn't the one being mocked, with all eyes upon her, she felt the shame as if it were her own.
Too awful.
She even felt the brother she supported had become unbearably hot to the touch.
And against her will, one thought flickered through her mind,
Ugh... I just want to throw Second Brother away right now!
If even Gu Lianqian, uninvolved as she was, found this unbearable,
Then what of Gu Yuandao himself?
Within his Spirit Platform, his divine sense twisted with humiliation and rage.
He hadn't expected that after losing so miserably, Gu Fangchen would drag his corpse around for mockery, parading him like a performing monkey before everyone.
At this point, even if a stray dog passed by, Gu Fangchen would probably grab its leg and kick him with it!
Such a vile man, utterly intolerable!
Did he not know the saying, "leave a line, so you can meet again"?
But Gu Yuandao had conveniently forgotten, it was he and his father who first refused to leave any line to begin with.
By the time Gu Yuye caught up, Gu Fangchen had already retold the entire incident to at least thirty people, and was still enthusiastically continuing.
Gu Yuye finally barked,
"Enough! We've arrived!"
He stepped forward to the eunuch Xiao Qiu.
"Please announce us."
Gu Fangchen smacked his lips, looking at the Purple Extremity Hall mere steps away, then at the bewildered palace maid he'd been chatting up.
He sighed, waved magnanimously, and said,
"Go on. I'll tell you the rest next time..."
The veins bulged on Gu Yuye's forehead.
Next time?!
Just then, a lilting voice laughed:
"What a coincidence, meeting an acquaintance here."
Gu Fangchen turned, and sure enough, he saw one.
The familiar stranger walked forward, her breathtaking face adorned with a meaningful smile.
"Such a lively story you're telling. Why not share it with this princess?"
When Gu Yuye saw the familiarity in her tone, his pupils constricted sharply, instantly remembering the long princess's peculiar fiancé...