Chapter 698 Gu Hongyi's Fall - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain

Certainly, the hidden soul imprint would only reveal Gu Hongyi's location to Wang Haoran if triggered. Moreover, once activated, given Gu Hongyi's soul perception, she would undoubtedly become aware of it. In essence, it serves as a single-use locator. Currently, Wang Haoran has no need to utilize it. The reason he left behind this hidden soul imprint was out of concern that if he ever intended to kill Su Xuan, Su Xuan might leave the effective range of the 'Blood Source Curse's' casting. After all, Wang Haoran's power is currently limited, and the casting range cannot possibly cover the entire planet. If Su Xuan gets too far away, the blood source curse would be unable to effectuate Su Xuan's demise. "For you, it may be a small matter, but for me, it's significant. Regardless, thank you," Gu Hongyi smiled. "Very well, I've received your thanks," Wang Haoran nodded, subtly signaling that it was time to leave. Outside, a congregation of beautiful women awaited him, and Wang Haoran hadn't had his fill of their company yet. Gu Hongyi, lingering there, naturally posed a slight inconvenience to him. However, after Wang Haoran spoke, Gu Hongyi didn't leave. Instead, a look of hesitation crossed her face. "If there's something else, feel free to speak openly," Wang Haoran said, noticing her reluctance to speak. "It's about you and Xu Qingtong," Gu Hongyi ventured tentatively. After her argument with Su Xuan, she had calmed down a bit. Su Xuan held a bias against Wang Haoran, but was she not also speaking too much from Wang Haoran's perspective? From an objective point of view, seizing someone's beloved is indeed not a glorious act. "You mean my issue with Xu Qingtong?" Wang Haoran, catching on to what she might be implying, smirked lightly and asked, "Do you also see me as a despicable person stealing love?" "I don't think you are, but I wish to understand the reason behind it. Could you tell me?" Gu Hongyi wondered aloud. Wang Haoran fell silent for a moment, contemplating how to weave a story. Within seconds, he had an idea and sighed, saying: "From your perspective, I might seem to have stolen someone's love, but you don’t understand who Xu Qingtong was to me in a past life." "Xu Qingtong's past life?" Gu Hongyi responded, surprised. "In our past lives, Xu Qingtong was my consort. When I faced a formidable enemy in that life, we both perished, but not before promising to meet again in the next life. Alas, Qingtong's cultivation wasn't sufficient to retain memories of her past life," Wang Haoran said, his gaze turning hazy as if lost in reminiscence: "After reincarnating, I've been searching for her, as it was something I promised." "I did not anticipate Su Xuan getting involved. However, fate arranged our meeting, and when Qingtong first saw me, she redirected her affections toward me. It wasn't mere coincidence but rather an unfinished affinity, predetermined by fate." Hearing this, Gu Hongyi had a sudden epiphany. "I see now, I misunderstood you." "It's alright; I don't care what others might think. But it's best if you keep this to yourself; I don't want others to know," Wang Haoran instructed. "Of course, I won't speak carelessly," Gu Hongyi promised earnestly, feeling the confusions and gloom fade away. Even though her trust in him might seem irrational, it was not misplaced. Gu Hongyi's mood lifted considerably. "Existing as a soul restricts your capabilities tremendously. Have you ever thought of reconstructing your physical form?" Wang Haoran suddenly asked. "I've been maliciously harmed, and I yearn continuously to restore my body and exact my vengeance," a flash of hatred crossed Gu Hongyi's eyes. Wang Haoran wasn't surprised at all. Gu Hongyi's predicament clearly directed animosity toward Su Xuan. In Su Xuan's narrative, he no doubt capitalizes on this situation. In simple terms, Su Xuan seeks revenge for his master, Gu Hongyi. "You will find it extremely difficult to reconstruct your body on your own," Wang Haoran stated. "I took Su Xuan as my disciple, partly because of his potential, but also in hope that he might one day be capable of restoring my form," Gu Hongyi admitted frankly. "The time it will take Su Xuan to reach that point will be very long," Wang Haoran reminded her. "I'm aware, but this matter cannot be rushed," Gu Hongyi replied, resignation evident in her voice. "Perhaps not," Wang Haoran offered a cryptic smile. Gu Hongyi was taken aback but couldn't contain her excitement, though she hesitated to express it. "I can assist you," Wang Haoran volunteered. Since entering the Foundation Establishment Stage, the second layer of the Heaven-Opening Tower had automatically unlocked for him. The second layer of the Heaven-Opening Tower was designated for alchemy, containing countless alchemy scripts and tools. If the first layer of the Heaven-Opening Tower was a time manipulation device, the second layer was definitely an alchemy hack. As long as there were ample materials, Wang Haoran could use the second layer of the Heaven-Opening Tower to produce various pills, becoming the foremost alchemist in the world of cultivation. Even Tribulation Crossing Immortal Sovereign grade pills could be forged in the second layer of the Heaven-Opening Tower. Thus, replicating a body for Gu Hongyi through alchemy was absolutely feasible. Gu Hongyi held the preconceived notion that Wang Haoran was an Immortal Emperor, hence she had no doubts about his claim to restore her physical form. However, she understood it to be a time-consuming and energy-draining endeavor. Feeling overwhelmed by such an immense favor, Gu Hongyi hesitated to accept, expressing her apprehension, "We've only known each other a short while, and I fear I don't deserve such kindness." "I've already spoken, and I don't intend to retract it," Wang Haoran declared with a slight arrogance, "An Immortal Emperor never speaks in vain." Gu Hongyi was both surprised and honored, "Why are you being so kind to me?" Why be so kind to you? You're merely a formless soul; even if I managed to woo you, what could it lead to? Wang Haoran silently grumbled, maintaining a mysteriously profound facade outwardly: "Our paths are interwoven by a thread of destiny, and my actions are merely going with the flow. Whether you choose to accept this cause depends entirely on you." Given Gu Hongyi's current level of cultivation, she was far from grasping the mysteries of the Dao. Still, she trusted Wang Haoran's words. For her newfound affection toward him was testament enough. "As a mere soul, how could I defy the Dao?" Gu Hongyi responded softly, her words hinting at her acceptance of this destined relationship. "So, hereafter, you shall be one of my consorts," Wang Haoran said with a smile. "Greetings, Your Majesty," Gu Hongyi, in her ethereal form, gracefully descended and performed a courteous bow, her voice gentle as a whisper. "Rise," Wang Haoran nodded, signaling subtly, "Although I can aid in restoring your body, I'm short on materials and quite preoccupied." "Let Su Xuan and me handle this task," Gu Hongyi quickly suggested. She remained a mere soul, unable to linger in the outside world for long, necessitating Su Xuan's assistance. "That would be most suitable," Wang Haoran responded nonchalantly, but internally, he was elated. His suggestion had been entirely with the intent of enlisting Su Xuan as 'labor.' "To avoid unnecessary complications, let's keep this from Su Xuan, at least for now. I wish to conceal my true identity from others," Wang Haoran cautioned. "I'll tell Su Xuan that I've thought of a way to restore my body," Gu Hongyi devised a plausible reason. "Don't you all have cultivation practice?" Outside, a cold reprimand was heard. Realizing the speaker's high cultivation level and fearing exposure, Gu Hongyi said, "Your Majesty, I'll take my leave." "Go ahead," Wang Haoran nodded. With that, Gu Hongyi transformed into a stream of light, discreetly exiting from an unseen angle. Outside, Hua Feixuan chastised her many female disciples gathered around the room. Each disciple stood silent as snow under her scolding. After a while, Hua Feixuan dismissed them. She then turned her gaze toward the closed door not far away. Feeling displeased, Hua Feixuan mentally scolded her disciples for their lack of discipline, her personal disciple Hua Jieyu being particularly distracted. Meanwhile, various beautiful disciples from the Yin Moon Sect acted like infatuated fans merely watching. None showed any sense or decorum. With a steely sense of discipline, Hua Feixuan approached the door and knocked gently. Thud, thud. Shortly after the gentle sound of knocking, the door creaked open, revealing a peerlessly ethereal man in her gaze. Hua Feixuan was instantly dumbstruck. (End of Chapter)