I Could Have

The Dark Emperor frowned slightly—she had already decided to choose Gu Qingfeng.

It was obvious that Gu Qingfeng far surpassed Wei Guyun in both physique and character, making him the ideal candidate for a husband.

But as the Dark Emperor, she couldn’t ignore the unity of the Dark Realm.

Just as she was struggling with the dilemma, Gu Qingfeng spoke.

With a cold laugh, he said, "You think you can just demand a duel? Today, the Dark Emperor is choosing a worthy husband based on physique, not strength. If it were about strength, would a mere third-level Divine Realm trash like you even be in the running?

Honestly, with your level of power, I could crush you with one hand. Fighting you would be like bullying a child. Wei Guyun, I suggest you stop making a scene—everyone is watching."

Wei Guyun finally noticed the gazes of those around him. Indeed, their expressions had changed, looking at him as if he were a clown.

Some even frowned, their faces tinged with disgust, as if silently urging him to stop causing trouble.

Wei Guyun’s face turned pale, then flushed with anger. By now, he loathed Gu Qingfeng to the core, convinced that the man was nothing but a coward who didn’t dare face him in battle.

"Gu Qingfeng, you coward! You don’t dare—"

"Enough!" The Dark Emperor suddenly snapped, her voice icy.

"Dark Emperor, it’s not me—it’s Gu Qingfeng who—" Wei Guyun, seeing her anger, scrambled to defend himself, his desperate demeanor resembling that of a groveling sycophant.

"Brother Wei, you’ve overstepped today," the Dark Emperor said, her tone cool.

Though her words were not harsh, Wei Guyun staggered as if struck by lightning, nearly collapsing on the spot.

"I overstepped? I just don’t want you to be deceived by Gu Qingfeng!" Wei Guyun’s voice was low, almost tearing with anguish.

The Dark Emperor’s frown deepened. "Brother Wei, you’re exhausted. Go rest."

Wei Guyun wanted to say more, but when he met the Dark Emperor’s unfamiliar gaze—one he had never seen before—his spirit seemed to shatter in an instant, leaving him utterly lifeless.

Two perceptive Divine Realm experts quickly stepped forward, supporting him. "Dark Emperor, Brother Wei seems unwell. We’ll take him to rest."

With that, they led Wei Guyun away.

Gu Qingfeng watched Wei Guyun’s retreating figure with a cold smirk.

Fight me? Hah, keep dreaming.

In his current state, Gu Qingfeng could effortlessly crush Wei Guyun—but he refused to give him the satisfaction.

What was the most agonizing thing in the world?

The torment of "I could have."

I could have won. I could have succeeded. I could have…

That bitter regret, the gnawing frustration of believing you could triumph but being denied the chance—that was true suffering!

For someone as prideful as Wei Guyun, this kind of torment could even drive a man to his grave.

If Gu Qingfeng had defeated him outright, Wei Guyun might have despaired, but he would have consoled himself—"I gave my all, but my opponent was too strong."

But by refusing to fight?

Wei Guyun would be left drowning in resentment and humiliation, forever convinced he could have won—if only he’d had the chance.

And that was the agony Gu Qingfeng wanted. Daring to compete for his woman? He’d make sure Wei Guyun lived in misery!

With one rival dealt with, Gu Qingfeng turned to Jue Mingzi, his lips curling in amusement. "Brother Jue Mingzi, is there anything you’d like to challenge me to?"

The question instantly drew everyone’s attention to Jue Mingzi.

The old man’s face flushed red. Knowing the situation was hopeless, he forced a smile. "Brother Gu, you jest. With your peerless talent, this old man is no match. My earlier words were merely to set the stage for your brilliance.

Ahem—in fact, I just remembered urgent matters at home. I must take my leave."

With that, Jue Mingzi fled as if chased by demons.

Today, his dignity had been thoroughly trampled.

Having eliminated all competition, Gu Qingfeng turned excitedly toward the Dark Emperor.

Their eyes met.

"Brother Gu, would you—"

"I accept," Gu Qingfeng cut in eagerly.

Realizing he might have been too forward, he quickly added, "After all, it’s for the sake of humanity."

The Dark Emperor paused, then nodded. "Very well. In three days… we shall wed."

As she spoke, an unfamiliar flutter stirred in her heart.

No matter how formidable her strength or how lofty her status, she was still a woman. Faced with the gravity of marriage, even her unshakable composure wavered.

After announcing it, she suddenly felt the weight of everyone’s gazes and excused herself, departing swiftly.

The crowd of onlookers, their envy barely concealed, offered their congratulations to Gu Qingfeng before dispersing.

Left alone, Gu Qingfeng could no longer contain his joy. He grinned wildly.

To think a goddess like her would soon dance for him every day—no more torturous longing! Hahaha!

He was a simple man, unashamed of his emotions. Marrying a celestial beauty? Of course he’d celebrate!

After reveling in his triumph, Gu Qingfeng returned to his abode.

Three days was too long to wait—he’d have to summon Little Corpse Charm to ease his impatience for now.

---

Three days later.

The Dark Realm was alive with festivity, a stark contrast to its usual solemnity. Red lanterns adorned key palaces, and the air buzzed with celebration.

In a side hall,

Guests filled the seats, the space aglow with light.

A newlywed couple stood at the center, their ceremony brief and efficient.

Soon, it was time for the bride to retire to the bridal chamber while the groom endured the traditional drinking gauntlet.

Once the Dark Emperor, veiled in red, had departed,

the Divine Realm experts swarmed Gu Qingfeng like wolves, lining up to toast him.

Gu Qingfeng smirked at the rowdy crowd—he wasn’t worried. With his Indestructible Demonic Dragon physique, even spiritual wine couldn’t intoxicate him.

"Brother Gu, congratulations! The Dark Emperor is the most beautiful woman in the Qing Realm. To have won her heart—you must drink this cup!" one Divine Realm cultivator cheered.

In high spirits, Gu Qingfeng downed it without hesitation.

"Cheers!"

"Hah! That’s the spirit!"

"Brother Gu, your capacity is astounding! Another toast!"

"And one from me! Today isn’t just your celebration—it’s a joyous occasion for the entire Dark Realm! Three cups in a row!"

Gu Qingfeng accepted every toast without refusal.

But as he drank, he suddenly noticed something amiss—damn it, poison!

Fortunately, his immunity to all toxins rendered it harmless.

With so many toasts, he couldn’t pinpoint which cup had been tainted, but he’d already consumed them all.

His gaze swept the crowd, landing on Wei Guyun.

Of course he’d show up.

Gu Qingfeng smirked inwardly.

No doubt the poison was his doing—slipped into a cup when no one was looking.