The Legendary Son-in-law of the Emperor Chapter 1864 - 1861: Riding the Roc

"The stakes?"

Gu Changfeng offered a sneering grin. "Well, it’s not out of the question. If you lose, you have to announce to all the heroes on the Emperor Road that I am a dog!"

The East Desolate Wolf’s gaze turned frigid, and he said with detachment, "And if you lose?"

Gu Changfeng chuckled. "Although there is no possibility of us losing, since you asked, allow me to propose a wager."

"Should we be defeated, we shall cease to refer to you as dogs and will willingly relinquish the Dao baptism on the Emperor Road."

"How does that sound?"

Gu Changfeng gazed at the East Desolate Wolf with a smile playing on his lips.

These pronouncements caused a flicker of surprise among Gu Changge’s other followers. As they looked towards Gu Changfeng, a trace of dissatisfaction could be seen in their eyes.

Why had he unceremoniously dragged them into this? Did he even consult with the Young Master?

There were, in fact, quite a few individuals who harbored a dislike for this cousin of the Young Master. However, owing to the Young Master’s influence, they had refrained from voicing their opinions.

Gu Changfeng’s current actions only served to amplify their displeasure.

Nevertheless, they too did not anticipate a loss. Consequently, they did not intervene to stop him.

"In that case, let us commence," the East Desolate Wolf stated, a grin stretching across his face, his eyes as piercing as blades.

"This promises to be quite an interesting spectacle to observe," remarked other influential figures present on the Emperor Road, observing the scene with knowing smiles.

Ever since the Gu Family's announced return, comparisons between Ye Xuan and Gu Changge have been frequent, with many anticipating a destined clash between the two. This current situation appears to be the prelude to that very confrontation.

While this is merely a contest among the followers of Ye Xuan and Gu Changge, the fact that neither Ye Xuan nor Gu Changge intervened speaks volumes about their tacit approval, or perhaps ambition.

Gu Changge, indeed, harbored such intentions. As for Ye Xuan, he remained unconcerned; the East Desolate Wolf's propensity for conflict was well-known, and Ye Xuan would not hinder him.

Allowing for such fiery impulses was only natural. And Gu Changfeng? He was clearly asking for a thrashing, and a lesson would indeed be beneficial in his case.

Thus, what was originally a path for comprehending the Dao and gaining recognition on the Emperor Road

Has transformed into a subtle, yet intense, confrontation between Ye Xuan and Gu Changge.

On one side stood Ye Xuan, leading the charge.

On the other, Gu Changge spearheaded his contingent.

Both factions ceased their verbal sparring and surged forward with unwavering resolve.

Even Gu Changge, usually composed, rarely displayed such overt seriousness.

Meanwhile, Ye Xuan maintained his characteristic calm from beginning to end, seemingly unfazed by the escalating tension.

It was, in his eyes, merely a game amongst children.

However, for the East Desolate Wolf and his comrades, the gravity of the situation was profound. This seemingly trivial overt and covert battle might well represent the nascent stages of a confrontation between two future Great Emperors.

Therefore, as their respective followers, securing this victory was paramount!

A battle, serene yet charged with turbulent undercurrents, thus began.

Under the gaze of myriad onlookers, both parties accelerated their pace, pushing onward with increasing speed.

Many observers, eager to witness this contest, found themselves unable to keep up, prompting sighs of admiration.

Yet, figures like Zhou Ye, Duan Qingcang, Mu Tian, and the Rakshasa Holy Daughter, among others, could match the speed and watched the unfolding events with keen interest.

Some playful instigators from Snow Storage even fanned the flames from the sidelines, further urging both sides to increase their tempo.

Several individuals were nearing the point of overtaking both Ye Xuan and Gu Changge.

Initially, Gu Changge had advanced with genuine determination. However, upon noticing Ye Xuan’s nonchalant demeanor, his interest waned, and he allowed his subordinates to take the lead.

Shortly thereafter, the two prominent leaders found themselves trailing behind their respective groups.

Gu Changge turned his attention to Ye Xuan, a sense of curiosity piqued by this prodigy significantly younger than himself. "Does Brother Ye feel assured of victory?"

Ye Xuan responded with a gentle smile. "What are your thoughts?"

Gu Changge's eyes remained placid as he calmly stated, "Changge also feels assured of victory, albeit on our side."

"Naturally, a victory of this nature holds little significance. Upon reaching the culmination of the Emperor Road, will Brother Ye engage Changge in a duel?"

Gu Changge’s eyes gleamed with a nascent fervor. "Changge perceives that both Brother Ye and your ally, Liang Difan from the Divine Continent Valley, possess genuine Immortal Bodies. Furthermore, you do not wield the legendary Dark Immortal Body; rather, you possess a Taiyang Immortal Body akin to Changge’s, while Liang Difan apparently holds a Taiyin Immortal Body. Is this assessment accurate?"

Ye Xuan gave a soft laugh. "Indeed."

Gu Changge then solemnly inquired, "Therefore, shall we engage in battle?"

Ye Xuan shook his head. "If you genuinely desire to contend with me, it will not be on the Emperor Road, but beyond its confines."

Gu Changge displayed surprise. "Pray tell, why is that?"

Ye Xuan replied with placid certainty, "Because, outside of this path, you would perish."

Gu Changge paused, then broke into a broad grin. "Brother Ye’s jest is not particularly amusing."

Ye Xuan offered a slight shrug. "It is the unvarnished truth."

Gu Changge's curiosity intensified. "So, beyond the Emperor Road, I would not face death?"

Ye Xuan regarded Gu Changge with a serious mien. "Because by that juncture, you should have ascended to the status of Emperor. Perhaps then, I might deem you worthy and grant you your life."

Gu Changge suppressed his smile, speaking in a low tone, "Then this Gu will remember Brother Ye's goodwill and will certainly give face when the moment arrives."

With those words, Gu Changge ceased his conversation with Ye Xuan and swiftly moved forward, soon reclaiming the lead.

Ye Xuan watched Gu Changge's retreating figure, a faint smile gracing his lips.

In these times, genuine belief is a rare commodity.

It matters little.

Time will reveal all.

"Young Master Ye, if you do not hasten, Gu Changge may triumph, leaving you to become the object of ridicule."

Just then, a voice called out from his side.

A resplendent golden Roc bird ascended from behind.

It was the Sky-winged Little Roc King from the Qing State, holding the seventeenth position on the Mystic Yellow List.

During the previous Great Ruins, he had been thoroughly defeated by Ye Xuan.

The Sky-winged Little Roc King appeared unconcerned about Ye Xuan and even initiated a conversation.

Ye Xuan cast a glance at the Sky-winged Little Roc King, replying with a smile, "Your reminder is timely."

Instantly, the Sky-winged Little Roc King felt a profound tremor within his soul.

Shortly after, Ye Xuan found himself seated upon the Sky-winged Little Roc King's back, soaring ahead at great speed, effortlessly overtaking Gu Changge and the others to reach the forefront.

"Eh?!"

Witnessing this spectacle, the assembled crowd gasped in astonishment.

Is it permissible to utilize a mount on the Emperor Road?

Do mounts not also require an understanding of the Dao's aura?

The onlookers were utterly perplexed.

"Is that not the Sky-winged Little Roc King?"

Upon recognizing the golden Roc beneath Ye Xuan, they were struck with shock.

"Even on the Emperor Road, this fellow can achieve such swift flight?"

This particular development became another focal point of discussion.

"The Young Master is truly formidable!"

Hai Dong and his companions could not contain their laughter upon observing the scene.

Only the Sky-winged Little Roc King harbored a sense of bitterness, lamenting internally, "Brother Ye, I merely intended to offer a reminder; you cannot treat me this way!"

Ye Xuan sat with his legs crossed on the Sky-winged Little Roc King's back, absorbing the potent Dao aura, and declared with an air of leisure, "To bear my weight is a blessing from your past life."

The Sky-winged Little Roc King could only murmur, "Such a blessing… whoever wants it can have it…"

By the time they reached the true conclusion of the Emperor Road, the Sky-winged Little Roc King finally grasped that Ye Xuan's words were no mere jest.