I just became the Pirate King, and you're telling me I also time-traveled at the same time.

Chapter 206 Duan Tianya! Gu 3 Tong!

After Zhu Wushi died, the ownership of the Dragon Guard Manor changed hands and came into the hands of Zhuge Zhengwo.

Duan Tianya handled this situation well, as he was a sensible person, though he was still somewhat resentful about Zhu Wushi's death.

Guihai Yidao has a violent temper. After learning of Zhu Wushi's death, he voluntarily left the Dragon Guard Manor and his whereabouts are still unknown.

Haitang, the "Number One Secret Agent of the Mysterious Character," is still recruiting extraordinary people from all over the world at the Number One Manor in the World and has not yet returned to the capital. Zhuge Zheng wants to wait until everything in the manor is sorted out before calling her back.

The Dragon Guardian Manor holds too many secrets, and even with Duan Tianya's help, Zhuge Zhengwo still finds it extremely difficult to deal with.

Zhuge Zhengwo found a dragon robe in a secret room, along with many letters. The letters were exchanged between Zhu Wushi and a border general, seemingly plotting something, though the letters didn't explicitly state it...

But this did not prevent the brilliant strategist Zhuge Zhengwo from noticing some clues.

All signs indicate that the Iron-Blooded Marquis had been planning to seize the throne for a long time.

Zhuge Zheng did not expose these things in public, but found an opportunity to tell Chu Yang privately. He did not expect Chu Yang to be so calm, as if he had expected it all along.

This led Zhuge Zhengwo to have a guess.

Perhaps on that day in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, His Majesty deliberately provoked Zhu Wushi into demonic possession so that he could eliminate him at the same time.

The protective array used by Hulong Manor to deceive people was ordered to be removed by Zhuge Zhengwo.

The protective mountain formation, ostensibly meant to safeguard intelligence, was nothing more than a shield for Zhu Wushi's despicable acts.

Zhuge Zhengwo doesn't need them, so those illusion formations are unnecessary.

Some of the natural formations formed by the natural spiritual veins could not be removed, and they still covered most of the villa, leaving only the entrance exposed.

Zhuge Zhengwo led Chu Yang and the others into the Dragon Guard Manor from the entrance, while Duan Wuyai led the manor's secret agents to wait there early to welcome His Majesty the Emperor's arrival.

With mixed feelings, Duan Wuyai knelt down and bowed, saying in a dignified but not arrogant manner, "Your subject Duan Wuyai pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"I heard Guihai Yidao has left. Why are you staying?" Chu Yang dismounted and walked up to Duan Wuyai, asking, "He hates me for killing the Imperial Uncle. Don't you hate him too?"

"If my adoptive father hadn't succumbed to demonic possession but had died at Your Majesty's hands, I would probably have fought Your Majesty to the death to avenge him," Duan Wuyai said in a deep voice. "But since my adoptive father succumbed to demonic possession first, he should be executed. Otherwise, what will happen to all the people in the capital?"

"The scourge of demons has plagued the Ming Dynasty for decades, and it cannot be tolerated in the slightest! Your Majesty is fortunate that you had the ability to kill my adoptive father back then."

Chu Yang nodded and said with emotion, "Putting everything else aside, the Imperial Uncle is quite good at cultivating talent. Having an adopted son like you, he has lived a worthwhile life."

Duan Wuyai looked ashamed and bowed his head, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. I am unworthy of such praise. As a son, I failed to advise my adoptive father to be careful in cultivating the Absorption Technique, which led him to be greedy for merit and act rashly, ultimately going astray."

"Even a hundred deaths could not atone for it."

Zhuge Zhengwo comforted him, "Tianya, you can't think like that. You haven't practiced the Absorption Technique, so how would you know that technique is so evil? It's normal that you weren't on guard."

Zheng Dongliu nodded and said, "Young people shouldn't be so hard on themselves."

Hearing their words of comfort, Duan Tianya's expression softened a little. He had kept these words bottled up inside for too long, and finally he could let them out and release some of the pressure.

Chu Yang said, "Enough of this small talk. Lord Duan, please take me to see the legendary Gu Santong. I heard he's been imprisoned in a secret dungeon by the Divine Marquis. What's his situation now?"

Duan Tianya led the way, and upon hearing Chu Yang's question, he replied, "Your Majesty, Gu Santong had old injuries before, and after enduring so many years, his body is already depleted. He is now like a candle flickering in the wind."

Chu Yang sighed, "Does that mean he won't live much longer? It's truly lamentable that such a legendary figure has met such an end."

Duan Tianya's ears burned, and he didn't know how to respond. After all, it was Zhu Wushi who framed Gu Santong, and it wouldn't be appropriate for him to say anything from his position.

The group arrived at the prison where the prisoners were held at the Dragon Guard Manor. Duan Tianya went to one of the cells, turned a candlestick hanging in the corner, and then the cell floor collapsed, revealing a dusty staircase.

"This underground area is a maze of interconnected passages, with countless rooms and a vast number of prisoners."

"There are human remains and demon remains inside. It should be the place where Zhu Wushi absorbed their power."

"Strange blood still remains in some places, emanating an ominous aura..."

Zhuge Zhengwo took the torch from Duan Tianya and walked in the lead, saying with a smile, "Your Majesty must keep up closely, lest you lose your way, or this old minister will have to dismantle the entire secret prison below to find you."

Chu Yang grinned, "Don't worry about me. Who knows who will be looking for whom later? I hope Shenhou doesn't get lost."

Zheng Dongliu stood behind Chu Yang and laughed loudly.

Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun protected Chu Yang, while Duan Tianya stayed at the very back of the group to ensure that no one was left behind.

After walking for a while, the steps disappeared, replaced by a rough stone path, as if it had been carved out by brute force with swords and knives. Before them appeared a series of dark stone caves, their destinations unknown.

"Come with me."

Zhuge Zhengwo left a sentence and slowly crawled into a stone cave. Chu Yang followed behind, using his Observation Haki, but it was like a stone sinking into the sea, having no effect.

This indicates that Gu Santong has reached the level of cultivating through martial arts, and the true essence within his body has given birth to spiritual energy, which can interfere with the domineering aura.

Unfortunately... the oil had run out and the lamp had burned out.

Martial artists are different from cultivators. Their cultivation is entirely contained within their flesh and blood. No matter how high their cultivation level is, if their blood and qi are depleted, it will all be for naught.

Before long, a light appeared in the dark passage. When they crawled out, they found that their surroundings had turned into square stone houses, which were the secret prisons of the Dragon Guard Manor.

In the dim sunlight, a figure sat, his hair white and his body withered, his whole body bound by iron chains, his collarbone pierced by hooks, unable to move.

An invincible mischievous boy.

Ancient Three Passes.

A legend appeared before the crowd in this state, and everyone wore a complex expression.

"Knowing he's innocent, why not release him and let him rest?"

Chu Yang looked at Zhuge Zhengwo and Duan Tianya with displeasure.

"Your Majesty, please calm down." Zhuge Zhengwo bowed and said, "Gu Santong's collarbone has been pierced for many years. If it is opened rashly, his remaining essence will probably be completely depleted."

"These claws created by Zhu Wushi are no ordinary objects; they're mixed with demonic bone powder!"

Everyone gasped.

Zheng Dongliu flew into a rage and said, "Zhu Wushi is truly vicious! He has been loved by the people all these years, and they say he is benevolent and righteous. He is a shameless villain."

Yu Huatian sneered, "He wanted to kill Gu Santong, but he felt guilty and couldn't bring himself to do it. He was also afraid that Gu Santong might escape from the secret prison one day, so he chose this method. He really wanted to have his cake and eat it too."

The crowd cursed Zhu Wushi, while Duan Wuyai, standing to the side, was filled with shame, each word cutting to his heart.

The godfather he once idolized seemed to have never existed.

"The person is dead, why bother talking about these things?"

Chu Yang glanced at them casually, signaling them to shut up.

Filled with righteous indignation, Zheng Dongliu belatedly realized what was happening and turned to Duan Tianya, casting an apologetic glance at him.

Yu Huatian then offered his apologies.

The commotion seemed to have startled the drowsy Gu Santong. He slowly opened his eyes and silently observed the group of uninvited guests before him.

"The Marquis has been coming down quite frequently these past few days, but it's a pity that it's no use for you to worship me now. You'll have to wait until you're dead to worship me, so that my spirit in heaven can protect you."

Gu Santong winked mischievously at Zhuge Zhengwo, and said some sarcastic and unpleasant things.

Zhuge Zhengwo, unfazed by this, cut to the chase: "Gu Santong, didn't you want to see His Majesty? I've brought him to you!"

Gu Santong's eyes gleamed as he noticed Chu Yang, who was dressed in a dragon robe. He immediately perked up and asked urgently, "Young Emperor, did you defeat that old pig?"

Yu Huatian roared, "Insolence! Gu Santong, how dare you disrespect His Majesty!"

"Eunuch, how come you speak with such weak voice, even weaker than this old man?" Gu Santong mocked. "He's not your father, why are you in such a hurry?"

"You..." Yu Huatian trembled with anger.

"You're still unhappy that the emperor is your father? You little eunuch, you're not exactly loyal either." Gu Santong continued his verbal onslaught.

Yu Huatian's eyes turned red, as if he wanted to devour someone, and his clenched fists showed bulging veins.

"Calm down." Chu Yang patted his shoulder and reminded him, "If you want to make further progress in martial arts, the first thing you must do is learn to control your emotions, tame your restless mind, and restrain your wandering thoughts, so that you can become the master of your body."

Yu Huatian took a deep breath, and the anger in his eyes gradually subsided, as if he had realized something.

Not to mention him, even Zheng Dongliu and Zhuge Zhengwo nodded repeatedly after listening, and Duan Tianya fell into deep thought.

Gu Santong looked at Chu Yang with considerable surprise and couldn't help but exclaim, "Now I'm somewhat convinced that you defeated that old pig. I've been pondering these things for decades, and I never expected to hear them from you, the little emperor, right after we met."

"How did you come to understand these principles at such a young age?"

Chu Yang smiled and said, "The great path is right under your feet. Just listen and observe more. The reason why Senior Gu was stuck for so many years was simply because he was too obsessed with martial arts. If he had stopped for a while and appreciated the beautiful scenery around him, he would have already gained some enlightenment."

"The beautiful scenery around me..." Gu Santong murmured to himself, his once disdainful face now filled with bitterness. "If I had met you sooner, I wouldn't have ended up like this today."

Chu Yang shook his head and said, "Gu Santong will not easily change himself no matter who he meets. No matter how many times it happens, you and I will meet here."

Gu Santong gave Chu Yang a deep look, then suddenly burst into laughter, continuing to pull on the chains around his body and the hooks on his collarbone.

"How interesting! You and Zhu Wushi are nothing alike, which is quite to my liking."

"However, I still want to thank you for helping me get revenge. As a reward, I am willing to pass on the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill to you."

Everyone stared at Gu Santong in shock.

Yu Huatian excitedly said, "Your Majesty, this Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill is considered the number one extraordinary skill in the martial arts world. I've heard that once you master it, your body will be as tough as that of a demon, and it also has all sorts of miraculous uses."

Zhuge Zhengwo said, "Your Majesty, Gu Santong is willing to pass on the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill. It wouldn't be a bad thing for you to learn it. As the saying goes, it's never a bad thing to have more skills."

Gu Santong beckoned to Chu Yang and said, "Come forward and I will tell you the incantation. Everyone else, please step aside."

Upon hearing this, everyone retreated to the side of the passage.

Chu Yang remained standing still.

Gu Santong asked anxiously, "What does the young emperor mean? Doesn't he want to learn my martial arts?"

Chu Yang knew what kind of mischief Gu Santong was up to, so he decided to tease him a bit and said, "I once heard my royal uncle say that the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill requires a virgin body to practice. I am not qualified, so I will not trouble you to pass on your skills."

Chu Yang beat Gu Santong to his prepared lines, leaving Gu Santong momentarily speechless. He had originally intended to wait until Chu Yang was overjoyed and ready to accept the offer before speaking.

He just wanted to see Chu Yang's disappointed expression...

Chu Yang wasn't disappointed, but the others were quite disappointed.

Zheng Dongliu said in astonishment, "The Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill can only be cultivated by a virgin. No wonder there were rumors that it originated from a superior martial art of Buddhism."

Zhuge Zhengwo frowned, stroked his beard, and remained silent.

Cao Zhengchun, beaming with delight, said, "Senior Gu, why don't you pass on the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill to me? I am a virgin, and if I learn this martial art, I can protect His Majesty and help him withstand any danger."

Gu Santong shook his head and said, "I don't pass on this martial art to eunuchs."

Cao Zhengchun hurriedly asked, "Why is that?"

Gu Santong replied matter-of-factly, "Of course it's because I don't like it. My illustrious name, Gu Santong, has a successor who is a eunuch. Wouldn't that be a laughingstock among my fellow martial arts practitioners?"

Cao Zhengchun's face turned ashen.

Chu Yang couldn't help but laugh out loud; Gu Santong's mouth was truly annoying.

"I can't learn martial arts, but I appreciate your kindness. I'll have Duan Tianya send you more good food in the future, as a way of making it up to you on behalf of my royal uncle."

After Chu Yang finished speaking, he prepared to leave.

Gu Santong was surprised by his straightforwardness. Seeing that the other party really didn't intend to learn, he immediately said, "I was just lying to that old pig. The Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill can be practiced without being a virgin."

Chu Yang turned his head and asked, "Can you practice?"

Gu Santong nodded quickly, "It really works!"

Chu Yang thought for a moment, then shook his head with a regretful expression, saying, "But I heard from my royal uncle that this martial art can only be used five times in a lifetime, and it requires a lot of time to cultivate. It's really useless, so I might as well give up..."

Gu Santong finally couldn't hold back any longer and burst into a tirade, "That old pig tells you everything! His mouth is as big as a cotton waistband, what bad luck!"

"Get out of here! Get out of here! Stop practicing!"

Seeing that Gu Santong, known as the invincible mischievous child, was finally getting anxious, Chu Yang laughed smugly, "Senior, it's really fun to tease people. No wonder you like it so much."

Gu Santong stared blankly, and it took him a long time to react before he angrily shouted, "You little brat, you tricked me!"

Chu Yang said, "Didn't you treat the Imperial Uncle the same way back then? Why can't you stand it when it's your turn?"

Gu Santong clicked his tongue and asked curiously, "How did you find out I was playing the old pig?"

Chu Yang laughed and said, "If you were a virgin, how could you have a child with Su Xin? Judging by the timeline, he should be older than me."

Gu Santong suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

"I have a child? Where is he?!" (End of Chapter)