Difficult to handle Then let's not handle any of it.

"I care not for any Primordial Thunder Extreme. All I know is that Gu Qingfeng is my benefactor, and no one shall lay a hand on him," Gu Ruochen declared with unwavering resolve.

The situation fell into a deadlock once more.

The gazes of the several Immortal Kings upon Gu Ruochen held hostility, confusion, and even contempt. It was as if they were laughing at his youthful naivety—what did a benefactor matter in the face of profit? How did such a fool even become an Immortal King?

The Chongming Immortal King, standing to the side, sneered inwardly. This Gu Ruochen was truly a reckless fool. He had worried about future retaliation, but today he would sabotage Gu Ruochen's relations with the other Immortal Kings, making his path forward difficult henceforth.

Thus, the Chongming Immortal King said indifferently, "Fellow Daoist Gu, you are making this very difficult for us."

Gu Ruochen frowned slightly, sensing the ill intent in the other's gaze. Just as he was about to speak, a wild, arrogant laugh suddenly erupted from below.

"Kekekeke... Difficult? Then let's not bother with it at all!"

Accompanied by the maniacal laughter and the horrified stares of the immortals below, a demonic figure shot up into the sky, soaring to the heights of the firmament to stand alongside the Immortal Kings.

It was Gu Qingfeng.

Standing high in the heavens, under the scrutiny of several Immortal Kings, Gu Qingfeng showed not a trace of fear. Instead, his eyes swept over them with disdain, as if looking down upon a swarm of ants. The fierce winds of the ninth heaven whipped his black hair wildly and made his robes flutter loudly, complemented by his overwhelming demonic aura, making him seem like a demon god descended.

The immortals below were stunned. This was a council of Immortal Kings, and he dared to barge in?! How was this any different from seeking death?

Gu Qingfeng's actions gripped the hearts of the countless people below—not out of concern for him, but out of fear that the Heavenly Tribulation Emperor might perish, leaving them with no one to help them transcend their tribulations in the future.

High above, the Immortal Kings remained silent, their gazes fixed upon this bold and uninvited guest.

As they sized up Gu Qingfeng, he was sizing them up in return.

His eyes swept over them one by one.

The Tiandu Immortal King, clad in purple robes, a long sword on his back, shrouded in immortal light, his features indistinct—seemingly a sword cultivator. Not family.

The Xuanjun Immortal King, a white-robed scholar, features unclear, human race. Not family.

The Liuyun Immortal King, in wide water-blue daoist robes, features unclear, a well-built human. Not family.

The Chongming Immortal King. Family!!

"So you are Gu Qingfeng?" the Tiandu Immortal King, who had been silent for a long while, suddenly asked.

"And you are the Chongming Immortal King?" Gu Qingfeng ignored Tiandu's question entirely, turning instead to address the Chongming Immortal King.

The Chongming Immortal King was slightly taken aback, then couldn't help but laugh in surprise. "Gu Qingfeng, Fellow Daoist Tiandu is speaking to you. Why do you not answer him, but single me out instead?"

Gu Qingfeng, utterly fearless and unconcerned about the Immortal King before him, replied arrogantly, "This Emperor simply finds you displeasing to the eye. What of it? Got a problem?"

The Chongming Immortal King's expression darkened.

"Pfft..."

The Liuyun Immortal King beside him burst into laughter, her body shaking with mirth. "Hahaha, what an interesting fellow. Chongming Immortal King, did you offend him previously?"

"Laughing? Did this Emperor permit you to laugh, Big-boobed Sister?"

Liuyun Immortal King's laughter instantly froze, turning cold. "Boy, be careful what you say. Words can bring disaster!"

"Chongming! What the hell are you barking about!!"

Gu Qingfeng paid no heed to Liuyun Immortal King, redirecting his attack back to the Chongming Immortal King.

Liuyun Immortal King: "......"

Chongming Immortal King: "......"

I didn't say a damn thing!

He was very clear about the current situation. Gu Ruochen wanted to protect him, while the other four Immortal Kings wanted to capture him to obtain the Primordial Thunder Extreme.

And his own goal?

It was even simpler: amidst this crowd, keep a firm eye on the Chongming Immortal King. Ideally, he would end up being captured by Chongming. Perfect.

So, if others insulted him, he'd insult Chongming. If others attacked him, he'd attack Chongming. Just target him relentlessly.

"Outrageous! Gu Qingfeng, you dare to disrespect me repeatedly! Fellow Daoists, please leave this brat to me to deal with," the Chongming Immortal King said.

Gu Qingfeng's eyes instantly lit up. The two were perfectly in sync.

"You said it yourself! Come on then! This Emperor is standing right here today. If you don't deal with me, you're a turtle-egg bastard!"

The Chongming Immortal King felt both pleased and furious—pleased because Gu Qingfeng was playing right into his hands, giving him the perfect excuse to act alone; furious because Gu Qingfeng's words were utterly infuriating, grating on his ears.

"Very well, boy. If I don't take you back today, strip your sinews and flay your skin, I'll take your—"

"Enough!" The Tiandu Immortal King coldly snorted, his immense aura sweeping across the scene, instantly suppressing all other sounds.

He ignored the farce between Gu Qingfeng and the Chongming Immortal King, turning his calm gaze to Gu Ruochen. "Fellow Daoist Gu, have you considered our three conditions?"

Gu Ruochen met the other's threatening gaze with a composed smile. "The first two conditions are acceptable. But Fellow Daoist Gu is the exception. He is my benefactor."

Tiandu Immortal King's face turned completely icy. "No one in this world can refuse me. Not even—"

Before he could finish, another roar erupted.

"Chongming! What the hell are you barking about again!"

The Chongming Immortal King finally exploded. "I didn't say a damn thing!!"

"Bullshit! This Emperor clearly saw your mouth move just now! I have no grievance with you, yet you dare to insult me repeatedly? This is beyond intolerable! This Emperor will fight you to the death!"

"You insolent wretch! How many times must I say it? I didn't say a damn thing!!"

BOOM!

Gu Qingfeng paid no attention. When someone is determined to pick a fight, no amount of explanation matters.

He erupted with his full power, demonic flames erupting from his body like a volcano, shooting straight into the clouds, and then charged at the Chongming Immortal King.

THUD!

Gu Qingfeng threw a fierce punch at the Chongming Immortal King's body, and then...

Then he passed right through him, his entire body phasing through the Immortal King's form.

He was momentarily stunned, not yet understanding what had happened.

Behind him, the Chongming Immortal King began to curse, "Insolent fool! If my true body weren't currently in the Immortal Fall Battlefield, and I could only send a projection here today, you would be dead without a doubt!"

A projection!?

Hearing those words, the light in Gu Qingfeng's eyes instantly died out. He deflated like a punctured ball.

"A projection and you're still yapping? What a waste of this Emperor's time! What are you all looking at, you ants? Meeting adjourned!"

With that, Gu Qingfeng turned and left without a backward glance. With no family present, what was the point of wasting time with these Immortal King projections?

As for whether he would offend a host of Immortal Kings?

He couldn't care less. A true man lives in this world—how can he be hesitant and constrained, not true to himself?

All living beings are born equal. Who dares to stand above others?

So what if you're stronger than me? This Emperor never bows to power!

Born with this stubborn nature, my fate is hard—I never learned to bend!

Well, it has absolutely nothing to do with the source of calamity.

"This youngster is utterly disrespectful. Fellow Daoist Gu, are you certain you wish to protect him? He will surely bring trouble in the future," the Liuyun Immortal King advised.

Gu Ruochen smiled faintly. "No need for your concern, Fellow Daoist Liuyun. He aided me in attaining my Dao. I will ensure his safety."

"Take care of yourself." The Celestial Capital Immortal King said coldly, "When our true bodies return from the Immortal Fall Battlefield, it will be time for a reckoning."

Gu Ruochen smiled and said, "We await you at any time."

Then, the several Immortal Kings gave Gu Ruochen one final cold glance before vanishing without a trace.