I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 172

Chapter 172: It’s my lucky star; all the clans of Ancient Immortal Continent are so miserable

The Grand Elder’s white robe fluttered inside the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace as scenes played out before his eyes, giving him an immortal appearance. Standing atop the mountain peak, he peered through the layers of grey fog. He observed the events unfolding in the Ancient Immortal Continent. With a deep understanding of the situation, he couldn’t help but shiver.

Gu Changge employs such a ruthless tactic, driving all the Ancient Immortal clans to their demise. I underestimated him.

The Great Elder remarked with complex expressions. Beside him stood a medium-statured older man in tattered clothing, his face weathered and unremarkable, resembling a humble farmer. Despite his humble appearance, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the esteemed Grand Elder of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, indicating a close acquaintance.

The older man grinned in response to the Elder’s comment.

“He is the heir of the Gu family, after all. Such tactics shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

The Elder regarded the older man intently. “Has your clan made a decision?”

“There’s no decision to be made. With my clan’s young master facing peril within the Ancient Immortal Continent, it’s only right that I intervene. Unless you plan to stop me?” the older man replied with a toothy grin, hinting at the formidable might of the Ancient Immortal Gu family.

The Elder sighed. “Do you not understand the implications of Gu Changge’s actions? This is a ploy to provoke conflict among the Ancient Immortal clans.”

“I don’t care. My clan’s young master was attacked by another race wielding a divine weapon. This has angered my clan, and, fortunately, the Ancient Immortal Continent hasn’t faced destruction,” the older man retorted.

“Other Dao heritages and immortal forces are sending reinforcements.”

“Why would you seek to impede me? Do you have an issue with my Ancient Immortal Gu family?”

The Great Elder fell silent, unable to answer the older man’s probing question.

“Do you have a problem with the Ancient Immortal Gu family?”

The older man questioned with a knowing smile, his demeanour hinting at the formidable forces at the family’s disposal.

The Great Elder frowned, contemplating the potential consequences of opposing the old farmer. He understood that a confrontation could escalate quickly, especially with the influx of powerful factions into the Ancient Immortal Continent. Engaging in conflict with the Gu family ancestor would only create further chaos, violating his agreement to protect the clans within the continent.

“Brother, are you intending to eradicate all of the ancient immortal clans with your strength?” the Great Elder inquired cautiously after a moment of silence.

“And if I recall correctly, you are not a direct ancestor of Gu Changge’s lineage, but rather of Xian’er’s lineage…”

As the Great Elder spoke, a peculiar gleam flickered in his eyes. He was aware of Gu Changge’s bone-digging incident and suspected the Gu family ancestor before him was also privy to this knowledge.

Over time, he had noticed a shift in the family’s dynamics, with Xian’er’s lineage seemingly losing influence within the Gu family. This discrepancy had yet to escape his notice.

No one would dare conceal the truth as long as he inquired about the Gu family’s past. Thus, the Grand Elder’s purpose in coming to the Ancient Immortal Continent was likely not to support Gu Changge or seek justice for him. In the Elder’s view, the Gu family ancestor before him was probably there to safeguard Gu Xian’er, fearing she might fall victim to Gu Changge’s schemes.

Gu Changge was now the heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, representing the palace’s authority, at least during this expedition. Despite any personal reservations the Elder held towards Gu Changge, he knew he had to buy time for him.

“Gu Changge is the young master of my Gu family. You’re worrying needlessly. Why would I harm him? Our family prohibits members from harming each other.”

The Elder reassured, though he detected a hint of discontent in the ancestor’s demeanour.

The older man maintained his smile, though a spark of dissatisfaction glinted in his eyes. Despite the Elder’s assurances, the Gu family ancestor harboured reservations about the situation.

The Grand Elder remained composed, understanding the underlying implications. Though the Gu family ancestor claimed indifference, his dissatisfaction with Gu Changge’s actions was palpable. Yet, with the ancestor’s assurance, the Elder felt a sense of relief, believing Gu Changge should be safe. However, if Gu Changge faced repercussions, it wouldn’t be without consequences.

With a narrowed gaze, the Grand Elder chose to compromise. “I’ll accompany you on your journey this time,” he declared.

The Gu family ancestor didn’t appear surprised by the offer, instead offering a meaningful smile.

“It seems you care more about Gu Changge than the Gu family?” he remarked.

The Elder snorted. “He remains the heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace. The next Palace Master’s choice is a disciple of our Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.”

For the Grand Elder, principles precede personal feelings, a testament to his unwavering commitment to righteousness.

Gu Changge might be irksome, but he was just a junior who enjoyed playing petty games and provoking others. However, despite his irritating behaviour, there was an aspect of Gu Changge that the Great Elder couldn’t help but admire.

“Hehe…”

The older man offered a noncommittal smile before waving his weathered sleeves. Suddenly, a powerful pressure emanated from behind him, and a faint channel materialised in the void, appearing to traverse the universe and the stars.

Boom!

A brilliant portal of light pierced through, followed by the spread of heavenly sounds and the dense infusion of immortal energy, evoking the sensation of stepping into another realm. Immortal soldiers emerged astride ancient pure-blooded beasts, exuding a palpable aura of battle-hardened experience, their eyes sharp as blades unsettling the very fabric of reality.

It was unmistakable. This was an unstoppable force from the Ancient Immortal Gu Family, striking the scene with the intensity of a thousand armies converging, filling the heavens and earth with thunderous resonance.

The display left astounded even the other Dao heritages en route to the Immortal Ancient Continent.

“To dispatch such a formidable force, it appears the Ancient Immortal Gu Family is taking this matter quite seriously…” the Great Elder remarked, momentarily taken aback.

Among this elite assembly, every member boasted the stature of a God King, demonstrating their battle-hardened resolve and unwavering strength.

“This force was not dispatched by me but by the order of Gu Changge, the young master. This time, they won’t heed my commands,” the older man-like Gu family ancestor clarified, shaking his head.

Gu Changge had summoned them? What was his intention in doing so?

At that moment, the Great Elder found himself even more perplexed, unable to discern Gu Changge’s true intentions.

“Let’s go, brother,” the older man declared, leading the way. With a single step, the dense mist veiling the Ancient Immortal Continent dissipated instantly.

Accompanied by this formidable and fearsome team, the Great Elder sighed and followed suit. He realised that this time, he might not be able to shield the clans of the Ancient Immortal Continent from harm.

Meanwhile, similar upheavals were unfolding throughout the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace. Thunderous roars reverberated as warships descended from the heavens, with all the great sects of the vast Heaven converging upon this realm. The events orchestrated by Gu Changge hand drew countless forces here, providing them with a legitimate pretext for their arrival.

Previously, they had operated clandestinely, relying on the younger generation to maintain appearances. But now, they descended en masse with their mighty elders, tearing away the facade they once wore.

—

In the territory of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan within the Ancient Immortal Continent, Gu Changge concluded his thorough search somewhat satisfied. However, he ensured that the Black Heavenly Eagle clan refrained from spreading news about his visit.

This precaution was crucial. Until his plans were fully realised, Gu Changge couldn’t afford any overt associations with the Black Heavenly Eagle clan. This small measure he took would soon yield significant, potentially lethal consequences.

After all, the Black Heavenly Eagle clan held considerable sway over the Ancient Immortal Continent. It would have far-reaching ramifications if they were effortlessly brought under his control.

Any clandestine counterattack could harm the other clans significantly at this crucial juncture.

“Now that Ye Ling’s matter has been settled, the next priority is mine. The Immortal Spirit’s emergence is imminent in the next few days, and I must locate Yue Mingkong’s whereabouts.” Gu Changge declared upon returning to the palace.

He could have spent more time dispatching his followers to ascertain Yue Mingkong’s location. While he couldn’t predict when or where the Immortal Spirit would manifest, finding Yue Mingkong was paramount. As a regressor, she undoubtedly understood his ultimate objective and would likely attempt to seize or obstruct it.

With Yue Mingkong conveniently out of sight, Gu Changge wore a faint smile. Utilising his fiancée as a treasure hunter didn’t evoke any sense of guilt within him. He anticipated Yue Mingkong’s furious reaction upon discovering his ploy yet remained unperturbed.

Unbeknownst to Yue Mingkong, her every move fell into Gu Changge’s carefully laid trap. Soon, his operatives returned with news of her location, catching her off guard and surrounded by Gu Changge’s agents.

Gu Changge, ever the strategist, had calculated ten steps ahead while taking just one. Aware of Yue Mingkong’s regressive abilities, he relished the opportunity to outmanoeuvre her, particularly in the Ancient Immortal Continent, where her actions were anticipated.

Upon learning of Yue Mingkong’s presence in the Bai Heng Mountains, Gu Changge paced the palace, contemplating the significance of this information.

With Yue Mingkong’s presence, the likely emergence site of the Immortal Gate was now determined – the Bai Heng Mountains.

Gu Changge couldn’t help but acknowledge her unwitting assistance in facilitating his plans, sparing him considerable effort and trouble.

However, to avoid arousing Yue Mingkong’s suspicion, Gu Changge resolved to orchestrate a chance encounter in the Bai Heng Mountains rather than openly acknowledge her role.

Summoning his followers, Gu Changge utilised the Reincarnated Heaven Lord’s puppets, sending them into the sky to create a diversion.

Meanwhile, in a vast mountain range, a group led by Ye Langtian and Ye Liuli awaited developments with anticipation. Suddenly, a procession of chariots and warships appeared, led by a terrible middle-aged man named Ye Mou, Ye Langtian’s clan uncle. Alongside him were fellow Ye clan members, their collective purpose to seek justice for Ye Langtian and his companions after receiving news of their plight.

This stance represented the Immortal Swordsmen’s resolve.

“The clan is aware of the situation. The Ancient Immortal Continent will become a battleground for various factions in the coming period, and no one will be spared,” Ye Mou affirmed, smiling reassuringly at the gathered Ye clan geniuses.

“So, our next adventure is concluded?” Ye Langtian sought confirmation.

“Yes, you will be under our protection. The ancient immortal clans have been too arrogant and dismissive of us. Today, they will learn the might of our immortal clan.”

Ye Mou declared, reflecting the sentiments of the Dao heritages from outside. Regardless, ensuring the safety of all races’ geniuses remained their primary concern.

However, Ye Liuli chimed in, noting that despite the targeting of Gu Changge by various Immortal Ancient Clans, their safety was relatively assured. She emphasised the injustice of the feathered clan’s actions and admired Gu Changge’s efforts, viewing them as beneficial for the world.

Yet, Ye Mou cautioned against underestimating Gu Changge’s cunning. He revealed that the Ancient Immortal Gu family had swiftly responded, dispatching a formidable force in support. This development signalled trouble for the feathered race.

Ye Langtian and the others were astounded by Gu Changge’s strategic acumen. While they recognized their inferiority in cultivation compared to him, they couldn’t help but feel overshadowed by his superior tactics and foresight.

He would have been oblivious to the unfolding events without Uncle Clan’s reminder.

“Thanks to Gu Changge, our Ye Clan can also benefit from this,” Ye Mou remarked, his demeanour turning grim as he peered into the depths of the Ancient Immortal Continent, where powerful clans converged, heralding an imminent and terrifying battle.

The chaos in the Ancient Immortal Continent was mirrored elsewhere, with similar scenes playing out in different locations. The Golden-winged Clan, the Immortal Lake Clan, the Immortal King’s Family, and numerous other prestigious sects and heritages deliberated their responses.

Meanwhile, ancient warships, flying boats, and magic mountains descended outside the Ancient Immortal Continent. Amidst them stood a figure emanating potent demonic energy, their formidable spiritual sense sweeping across the land like a vast galaxy, instilling fear in all who encountered it.

The Demon Sect of Absolute Beginning!

Why is that stubborn lot here?

Many cultivators recoiled in fear, retreating hastily at the sight of the Demon Sect’s presence. Renowned for their cruelty and staunch defence of their own, they were a force to be reckoned with, striking fear into the hearts of all who dared to cross them.

“The matriarchal force supporting the young master of the Gu family appears to be the Demon Sect of Absolute Beginning,” a voice quivered outside the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The events unfolding in the Ancient Immortal Continent were not confined to its borders; news of the turmoil spread far and wide, thanks to a specific method of dissemination.

The egregious actions of the ancient immortal clans, characterised as “too much bullying,” stirred a significant reaction among outsiders.

It’s miserable for these immortal ancient clans.

They shouldn’t have provoked anyone, especially not the young master of the Gu family.

Such sentiments reverberated among many cultivators, who suddenly empathised with the plight of the various clans within the Ancient Immortal Continent.

Given the typical behaviour of the Demon Sect of Absolute Beginning, the Ancient Immortal Continent would be thrown into chaos.