I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 171

Chapter 171: I am the greatest in the world, and my temperament has always been gentle, and I don’t like killing innocents

Even the ancestors of the quasi-supreme realm found themselves powerless against Gu Changge. This sight plunged all the clan members of the Black Heavenly Eagle into despair. None wished to be reduced to mere enslaved people; they were accustomed to holding high status, and allowing someone to tower over them was unthinkable.

So, when Ye Ling, the descendant of the Ancient Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation, appeared, their first instinct wasn’t to greet him but to plot his demise, aiming to avert future troubles.

In the presence of Gu Changge, the suppression they experienced was even more terrifying than the slave seal. While the seal could only inhibit their cultivation, making it challenging for them to assail Ye Ling, Gu Changge wielded direct control over their lives. Even an ancestor of the quasi-supreme realm was not exempt. As it emerged from the depths, Gu Changge’s mere intention subdued them, a bizarre method filling them with dread.

How can this be? This isn’t the supreme being. But why does it exude that kind of aura?

Hei Ming, who had just arrived, observed everything in shock. Unaware of Gu Changge’s identity, he sensed a vague familiarity akin to facing the mysterious and supreme existence from the past. His expression morphed into extreme astonishment, instinctively believing that Gu Changge, like himself, was also favoured by the Supreme Being.

In return, Gu Changge glanced at Hei Ming, wearing an inexplicable smile. This pawn held great value, yet it had to be deployed judiciously.

“Master Gu, please.”

An older man in white robes with a withered yet vigorous face emerged from the depths of the mountains. His eye sockets were hollow, and his expression registered profound shock. A terrible aura of the quasi-supreme realm emanated from him before swiftly receding.

He was another ancestor of the Black Heavenly Eagle clan, the individual who had been suppressed by Gu Changge’s mere thought moments ago and had not yet made an appearance.

Gu Changge nodded casually, hands clasped behind his back, exuding an air of natural confidence. The void seemed to blur with each step, and the old ancestor led the way forward.

A few moments later, they arrived at the main temple of the Black Heavenly Eagle clan, where the crowd of clansmen watched in awe and fear as Gu Changge entered. All the clan’s high-level leaders, whether engrossed in cultivation or attending to important matters, had hastily gathered there, their expressions filled with dread, trembling with fear, and too frightened to speak.

Outside the palace, the younger generation of the Black Heavenly Eagle clan stood bewildered. Though unaware of the situation, they had heard rumours of Gu Changge’s unexpected visit and the reverence shown by their clan’s ancestors.

Why would they treat an enemy of the ancient immortal clans with such deference? Was it out of fear? No explanations had been provided, leaving them perplexed and struggling to comprehend the situation’s complexity.

Only Hei Yanyu and Hei Ming were permitted to enter the temple due to their special status.

“Young Master Gu, please take your seat,” another quasi-supreme, appearing wretched and withered, addressed Gu Changge as she entered the main temple.

She was a gloomy older woman, bearing the distinct features of the Black Heavenly Eagle clan, her immense wings seemingly capable of shrouding the sky. Yet now, she regarded Gu Changge with deep fear and terror in her eyes.

She had never encountered anything as bizarre as this in all her years of cultivation. The sensation was akin to an explosion of thought in her mind, threatening to tear apart her quasi-supreme primordial spirit. It was a terror beyond measure. Gu Changge, a mere youth, possessed such unfathomable power, leaving her questioning the source of his terrifying abilities.

Gu Changge took his seat at the apex of the hall, his expression playful as he surveyed those below. A heavy silence descended. Even the senior clan elders in the Sacred realm were drenched in cold sweat, too terrified to utter a word.

Who among them knew Gu Changge’s intentions? Directly provoking him could spell instant death. The sense of life and death hung solely on his whims, akin to walking on the edge of a precipice with a sword poised overhead. One misstep could lead to their demise.

“Yanyu, serve tea for Young Master Gu,” the quasi-supreme ancestor instructed, casting a fearful gaze towards Hei Yanyu.

“Yes, Ancestor.”

Hei Yanyu replied, her fear of Gu Changge palpable. As she surmised Gu Changge’s true identity, her trepidation only grew. Yet, she dared not disobey her ancestors’ orders. With trembling hands, she approached Gu Changge with the tea. Though usually composed and gracious before the clan, she was but a woman in her twenties, now gripped by the natural fear of death.

“Lord Gu… Master, please have some tea.”

She stammered, catching herself before addressing him as ‘young master Gu,’ recalling Gu Changge’s demeanour. A misstep in naming could prove fatal. Her decision was straightforward— if even a quasi-supreme ancestor couldn’t oppose him, then the Black Heavenly Eagle clan’s submission to Gu Changge was inevitable and unalterable. It was better to express her surrender directly.

This display left many Black Sky Eagle Group high-level leaders feeling conflicted and silently sighing in resignation.

They shared the same resignation as Hei Yanyu, recognizing the inevitability of their situation. As Gu Changge turned a severe gaze towards Hei Yanyu, he noted her youthful appearance, seemingly seventeen or eighteen, with exquisite facial features. Her black, cloudy hair was adorned with nine phoenix hairpins, and she wore a glorious river and mountain jade robe, radiating a divine aura unmatched in beauty. Not only was she attractive, but she also displayed wit and a deep understanding of current affairs, as evidenced by her earlier astute guess regarding his true identity.

“What’s your name?”

Gu Changge inquired casually as he accepted the tea, though it was a superficial question. He already knew Hei Yanyu’s name and identity, along with her thoughts.

However, Gu Changge refrained from revealing his ability to read their minds. Such awareness could reduce them to mindless puppets devoid of individual agency. Gu Changge sought collaborators, not followers, who acted solely on his commands.

For him, it was preferable to have individuals willing to assist him rather than mindlessly obey his every whim. Otherwise, he might as well devour them all.

Furthermore, adhering to the principles of the Immortal Devouring Demonic Art, it would be wasteful to consume quasi-supreme realm enslaved people outright. It would be challenging to break through to the Sacred realm with such a group. At best, he could only attain the middle stage of the quasi-supreme realm. Devouring the two quasi-supreme realms enslaved people without utilising their potential would be squandering valuable resources.

“Reporting to the master, my name is Hei Yanyu.”

She promptly replied, a flicker of relief crossing her features. Previously, when identified by Long Teng, she harboured rebellious thoughts, was unwilling to submit, and plotted against him, driven by her ambitions. However, there was no need for her to meet her end now.

Although Hei Yanyu harboured no desire for her current situation, she found herself powerless to resist. Gu Changge nodded in acknowledgement, opting not to delve further into the conversation. His gaze swept over those assembled below.

“We have met our master!”

With Hei Yanyu setting the example, many high-level leaders of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan swiftly changed their tune, professing their loyalty to Gu Changge. The hall resounded with shouts of allegiance.

“I know you harbour hatred towards me, wishing for my demise,” Gu Changge remarked, taking a sip of tea with a light smile.

“So…”

With a simple gesture, he pointed at individuals within the hall. Instantly, their expressions contorted in terror, realising their fate. With a loud bang, they exploded into a mist of blood, their bodies and spirits obliterated.

“Try not to harbour hatred towards me. For I will know,” Gu Changge stated calmly.

“Remember my words: I am the greatest in the world, and those who oppose me will meet the direst of ends.”

Gu Changge’s words, though spoken lightly, carried a chilling undertone of “defy me and face death.”

Witnessing this scene, the hall’s occupants felt a shiver run down their spines. Gu Changge’s methods were astonishing and terrifying, seemingly able to sense their innermost thoughts.

With this sudden and brutal display, many faces paled, overwhelmed by intimidation. Even the two quasi-supreme realm ancestors, who had lived for countless years, hastily pledged their allegiance, hoping to evade Gu Changge’s wrath.

“We hope our master will pardon any past transgressions; our clan willingly surrenders,” they pleaded, clinging to life with the desperation of those who’ve seen their mortality laid bare.

In the face of death, even the most resilient beings are reduced to mere ants, clinging to survival above all.

Furthermore, their ancestors had long ago surrendered to the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. Thus, their descendants’ submission to Gu Changge was not entirely unexpected or unacceptable. As long as they served Gu Changge faithfully, they were confident he wouldn’t arbitrarily execute them.

“I still admire those who understand their place,” Gu Changge remarked, his smile unwavering as he rose with hands clasped behind his back.

If you’re sensible, only a few need to perish. Why not comply?

Yet, despite his smile, a chill ran through the assembled, sensing the gravity of his words.

“We understand, master.”

The hall occupants responded in unison, their voices trembling with submission, afraid to entertain further doubts.

Gu Changge sensed the dissipation of hatred from their hearts, nodding in satisfaction. He favoured such swift and efficient methods of subjugation; they saved time and alleviated stress. However, he had no intention of revealing how he controlled their lives and deaths. The fear of the unknown served as the most potent deterrent.

“Don’t fret. I cannot take innocent lives lightly,” Gu Changge reassured them.

“As long as you serve me faithfully, I may grant you dominion over the remaining Ancient Immortal clans, allowing you to reign supreme over the Immortal Ancient Continent in one fell swoop. It’s within the realm of possibility,” he added with a smile, though harbouring no real intention of doing so.

Verbal reassurance cost Gu Changge nothing, yet it garnered immense gratitude from the Black Heavenly Eagle clan members. Their expressions reflected a mix of relief and excitement, though they harboured doubts regarding the sincerity of Gu Changge’s promises.

However, as the young master of the Ancient Immortal Gu family and heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, his prestigious lineage lent credibility to his words. Indeed, many found it far easier to trust him than Ye Ling’s assertions.

Subsequently, a quasi-supreme ancestor formally announced the clan’s submission to Gu Changge, declaring their allegiance and readiness to follow his commands.

This proclamation sent shockwaves through the entire Black Heavenly Eagle clan. While some expressed confusion and resistance, their objections were swiftly quelled by the firm suppression of the ancestors. Anyone who dared to resist was promptly expelled from the clan, as Gu Changge’s uncompromising methods left no room for defiance.

Despite initial resistance, the clan ultimately acquiesced to Gu Changge’s authority, their desire for survival outweighing lingering doubts. This swift resolution pleased Gu Changge, affirming the clan’s willingness to obey his rule. The Black Heavenly Eagle clan was motivated by a genuine desire to survive.

“Looks like you’re quite clever too. In the future, you can assist me in gathering prodigies from various backgrounds.”

Gu Changge remarked with an intrigued expression as he walked alongside Hei Yanyu toward the depths of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan to retrieve the reincarnation dao platform.

“Any clan will do. After this incident, the Immortal Ancient Continent will remain open. It will serve as the perfect breeding ground for the future. If you perform well, I’ll reward you handsomely.”

Hei Yanyu was initially stunned by Gu Changge’s unexpected words, her trembling voice betraying her surprise as she hastily assured him, “Master, rest assured, I will see to it that this task is completed.”

As the implications of Gu Changge’s directive sank in, a chill ran down Hei Yanyu’s spine. Collecting prodigies from various backgrounds carried a weighty significance, one she understood all too well. Gu Changge didn’t elaborate further, but his intentions were unmistakable.

Though the two of them may not openly acknowledge it, Hei Yanyu grasped the gravity of the situation. She resolved to keep this knowledge to herself. After all, the matter of the inheritor of demonic arts was too terrifying, and it revealed Gu Changge’s hidden identity.

As they traversed mountains, buildings, and palaces, they finally arrived at the reincarnation dao platform, crafted from reincarnation stones since ancient times. Legend held that it was left behind by the Reincarnated Heaven Lord, bearing his imprints and imparting the mysteries of reincarnation.

“Master, this is the location of the Reincarnation Dao Platform. Typically, only clan elders of high cultivation levels are permitted to approach and meditate upon the mysteries of reincarnation,” Hei Yanyu explained respectfully.

When they arrived at the reincarnation Dao platform, Gu Changge dismissed all but Hei Yanyu. Though precious, the platform paled in significance compared to the clan’s safety. However, Hei Yanyu couldn’t shake the feeling that refining the platform would draw the ire of the ancient clans, as it bore their markings, and they feared theft.

Reincarnation Dao Platform!

Gu Changge murmured as he stood on the cliff, his gaze fixed on the looming structure obscured by clouds and mist. With a burst of divine light from his eyes, he conjured a peerless, immortal sword that slashed towards the platform.

“This is… the power of reincarnation…” Hei Yanyu gasped, her suspicions confirmed.

Boom!

With a resounding boom, brilliant light erupted, and immortal rain cascaded in all directions. The once-vague platform materialised before them, majestic as a divine mountain, adorned with ancient inscriptions that shimmered with silver and iron strokes, their movements resembling dragons.

Gu Changge stepped onto the magnificent platform, its dazzling colours reminiscent of immortal stone, its runes interwoven with pure energy. The misty black and white divine light rained down, imbued with the profound essence of reincarnation.

Gu Changge sat cross-legged on the platform, undisturbed as time passed. Hei Yanyu watched from a distance, her shock palpable. The laws of reincarnation, once utilised to absorb energy, were now being devoured and refined by Gu Changge. His audacity left her trembling.

Buzz!

Gu Changge remained motionless as the black runes of the Dao condensed and merged, forming a treasure bottle that swallowed the black and white divine lights. The area was inundated by boundless divine light, resembling a falling galaxy with terrifying power. Gu Changge refined these energies, rapidly enhancing his control over the power of reincarnation.

Eventually, a seal containing the reincarnation mark, composed of countless black and white runes, condensed and branded itself into his divine consciousness.

The reincarnation mark serves as an extra life. Even if my true spirit is destroyed, I can reappear from this mark.

This provides me with an additional means of survival.

Gu Changge opened his eyes with the refinement complete, their pupils flashing with black and white divine light. He sensed that he had even touched upon the threshold of the domain of time. The power of reincarnation encompassed many aspects, with life, death, and time being among the most significant.

Having finished his task, Gu Changge returned to his original position. Without the heritage of reincarnation, the Dao platform held no further value to him, its material inferior to many immortal golds.

“Congratulations, master,” Hei Yanyu offered, recognizing the significance of Gu Changge’s accomplishment.

Hei Yanyu hastily congratulated her, but Gu Changge dismissed her, instructing her to return to her duties within the clan. As he left, Gu Changge couldn’t resist the allure of exploring the treasures within the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan, honouring his principle of not taking anything without merit.

Meanwhile, the actions of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan did not go unnoticed by other significant clans, such as the ancient snake and crocodile clans. An elder from the ancient snake clan, holding a snake-headed cane, expressed concern over the seal on the Reincarnation Dao platform being tampered with. Though the platform remained untouched, the subtle disturbance raised suspicions and instilled vigilance towards the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan.

Realising the turmoil within the Immortal Ancient Continent, the elders resolved to ensure the survival of their clan amidst the chaos, summoning a group of individuals for a crucial discussion.

Outside the Immortal Ancient Continent, the heavens buzzed with activity as news of the clans’ reckless slaughter spread among the various heritages. This sparked outrage and prompted the dispatch of background figures to address the situation. The repercussions rippled across the realms, igniting a frenzy of anticipation for the impending events.

Despite his promise to several of the oldest beings in the Ancient Immortal Continent, even the Great Elder could not intervene. The sky darkened as ancient warships, floating mountains, and powerful cultivators converged, their formidable presence causing even the most steadfast souls to tremble. It was evident that significant upheaval was imminent.