I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Even more than life, this damn romance

The stone wall was just a facade. Gu Changge saw through it instantly, the layers of ripples spreading before his eyes as he walked in.

What greeted him was a small stone chamber adorned with ancient patterns carved into the four walls, depicting scenes of ancient creatures offering sacrifices to the heavens.

In a trance, the vision of an ancient vastness unfolded before him. In the boundless immortal realm, countless subjects and beings worshipped, kneeling reverently and offering their obeisance, the sound echoing throughout the world.

At the centre of it stood the ancient portal known as the Immortal Gate. Within its gap lay a reflection of an ancient and expansive world, immortal mist swirling out from its cracks like a dance.

“This is the Immortal Gate,” Gu Changge remarked.

Yue Mingkong had discovered it long ago, but unfortunately, she couldn’t gain entry.

Gazing at the portal, a peculiar smile played upon Gu Changge’s lips. Soon, he noticed Yue Mingkong entering behind him. His smile vanished, replaced by a calm demeanour.

“If you doubt me, you may enter first when I open this immortal door,” Gu Changge said casually, though his words belied the tension between them.

“Of course, if you fear treachery on my part, you may choose to remain outside.”

His words seemed disconnected from their previous exchange. Yet, Yue Mingkong sensed Gu Changge’s demeanour shift from a warm smile to a cool detachment.

“I trust you,” she said, her voice softening involuntarily.

Gu Changge glanced at her, his smile returning. “That would be for the best,” he replied.

Yue Mingkong’s gaze remained clear and cold, seemingly unmoved by the exchange.

But at that moment, a surge of anger unexpectedly rose within her. It was evident that Gu Changge didn’t take her declaration of trust seriously, as evidenced by his demeanour. She regretted uttering those words. Gu Changge’s nature was cold, aloof, and undeniably arrogant.

However, he had begun to thaw, albeit slowly. Yet, with her admission, their relationship seemed to regress to its initial state, if not worse. Yue Mingkong was filled with regret and a sense of bewilderment.

Gu Changge must have had his reasons; otherwise, he wouldn’t have reacted so strongly to her statement. The allure of the Immortal Gate before her seemed to fade away, and the arrangements she meticulously made over the past month now felt meaningless.

At this juncture, Yue Mingkong sought understanding. In truth, her primary goal after returning to this time was not merely to avenge Gu Changge but to win his heart. However, Gu Changge appeared oblivious to her inner turmoil as he gestured dismissively.

After pacing back and forth in front of the Immortal Gate, he began to recall the information he possessed.

There are only two ways to open the Immortal Gate now: wait for it to open or prompt it with the immortal script spontaneously…

I don’t know when it will open on its own. When it does, the Immortal Ancient Continent will indeed descend into chaos, attracting the attention of numerous powerful immortal forces.

With his thoughts racing, Gu Changge formulated a plan. The key was the immortal script and ancient texts used to invoke immortals and address mortal matters.

“There’s an immortal script available in the system store for 18,000 Destiny Points, albeit quite pricey.”

Without hesitation, Gu Changge swiftly made the purchase.

Buzz!

Ancient immortal texts flickered in Gu Changge’s mind, resembling small bright stars emitting dazzling gold light. Gradually, these texts merged into a vast and clear immortal scripture, forming a vague immortal shadow.

“The key is in hand,” Gu Changge remarked, a strange smile on his lips.

Yet, Yue Mingkong remained oblivious to this peculiar demeanour. She was still entangled in her thoughts, contemplating how to address and rectify the situation with Gu Changge. She was determined not to let their relationship, which had begun to thaw, freeze over again due to this misunderstanding.

“I’m about to open this Immortal Gate. Will you enter first, or shall I?”

Gu Changge’s voice interrupted her reverie, his tone casual. His words hinted at his ability to open the Immortal Gate in advance, surprising Yue Mingkong. She had waited here for a month, her efforts seemingly in vain. However, Gu Changge’s suggestion left her even more conflicted.

The order of entry seemed inconsequential. How long had she prepared for the immortal spirit? Over a month. She had even leveraged the eternal energy of this place to advance her cultivation significantly. Giving up now felt disheartening. Yet, after glancing at Gu Changge, Yue Mingkong made her decision.

“I won’t enter,” she declared.

“I’ll remain outside to protect you. Please don’t overthink it. I simply wish to apologise for my earlier words. I misunderstood you in the past, and I won’t contest you over the immortal spirit.”

“If this doesn’t demonstrate my sincerity, then you may take my life. I assure you, I won’t retaliate. After all, even if I were to resist, I wouldn’t stand a chance against you,” Yue Mingkong stated calmly, her expression resolute.

She made a deliberate choice to relinquish her claim. In her mind, this was the only way to demonstrate her sincerity to Gu Changge truly. If he remained unconvinced, he would likely end her life. She recognized the gravity of her decision, knowing that she held numerous secrets about Gu Changge. Yet, Yue Mingkong’s outward calm belied the turmoil within.

Despite her apparent composure, she was consumed by fear. The thought of Gu Changge permanently severing ties with her was unbearable. She would rather face his murderous intent, as in her previous life, than endure the agony of becoming strangers with him. The prospect was more tortuous than death itself.

“Are you truly resolved?”

Gu Changge’s inquiry caught her off guard. Even he was slightly surprised by Yue Mingkong’s unwavering determination. Was she indeed prepared to face his lethal blow?

He had anticipated various reactions from her, perhaps expecting her to plead or display vulnerability, even shedding tears and admitting her mistake. But her decisiveness caught him off guard. Did she genuinely expect him to take her life if he doubted her sincerity?

Was she that foolish? Gu Changge couldn’t fathom it. He hadn’t entertained suspicions about Yue Mingkong; her doubts weren’t unfounded. His intentions toward her had always been tinged with ulterior motives, and as a profoundly rational individual, he found it challenging to be emotionally swayed. Any semblance of affection he harboured was rooted in carnal desire, devoid of genuine emotional attachment.

Why would you be so foolish?

I could never bring myself to harm you.

Gu Changge sighed softly, his tone tinged with exasperation.

Her naivety irked him, leaving him feeling oddly bored. So foolish that he couldn’t bring himself to torment her any further. What transpired today might have seemed like a trivial jest to him, but to Yue Mingkong, it was a matter of life and death. She loved him more than life itself. Such devotion was something Gu Changge had only encountered in romance novels in his previous life; he never expected to experience it firsthand.

Should he step forward, gently embrace her, and utter soothing words? It seemed too contrived, too hypocritical, even if Yue Mingkong’s naivety might lead her to believe it. Such a gesture would disrupt the intricate game of chess he had set in motion.

“Why spare me, Gu Changge?”

Yue Mingkong’s question left her bewildered, unsure of the implications behind his words. Did his mercy signify acceptance of her apology, or was it something else entirely?

“What purpose would killing you serve? A living you holds far more utility,” Gu Changge replied with a faint smile.

“Then you truly are ruthless,” Yue Mingkong remarked, her tacit understanding apparent. All she desired now was clarity regarding Gu Changge’s feelings for her. Everything else pales in comparison.

Believing that everything happened for a reason, Yue Mingkong sought to uncover the motives behind Gu Changge’s enigmatic facade. Conversely, Gu Changge appeared indifferent toward her, raising his hand in a motion that birthed a cascade of brilliance akin to a divine flower blooming amidst the shadows, its radiance illuminating the four corners of existence.

Buzz!

Buzzing resonated through the virtual space as ancient and mysterious words poured forth, escaping Gu Changge’s lips in a rhythmic recitation. Trance-like, blurry figures materialised around them—ancient sages and ancestors, kneeling in reverence and supplication to the immortals.

Is the Immortal Gate truly opening?

Yue Mingkong’s gaze followed the trajectory of the words as they converged toward the stone gate ahead. With a resounding click, a brilliant cascade of light burst forth, the stone door parting to reveal a path beyond.

In awe, Yue Mingkong observed a sky-high immortal glow traversing the heavens, suffusing the surroundings with incomprehensibly rich essence thick as a mountain range. It felt as though they were on the brink of immortality itself.

Without Yue Mingkong’s meticulous arrangements of formations and runes, sealing every inch of the void, the aura would have undoubtedly permeated the skies, beckoning countless seekers to this sacred place. Despite her efforts, the area was inundated with dense immortal energy as the Immortal Gate swung open, revealing the Immortal Road beyond.

Before Gu Changge’s eyes stretched a vague and ethereal path through the Immortal Gate, seemingly connecting to another vast world. There, towering immortal trees, glorious flowers, and fragrant holy medicines awaited.

How did Gu Changge manage to open the Immortal Gate so effortlessly? Was it the scripture or perhaps knowledge from his previous life?

Yue Mingkong’s gaze held a deep contemplation as her attire billowed in the immortal rain. Her entire being was enveloped in its shimmering embrace, each inch of her skin suffused with immortal energy, radiant and pure.

Yet, amidst the blessings lay a foreboding aura capable of rending all life. The Immortal Road was not a path for the faint-hearted; traversing it would demand great sacrifice and determination from Yue Mingkong.

However, committed to her vow of protecting Gu Changge from outside, Yue Mingkong remained steadfast and resolved not to depart. Should any cultivator arrive later, she could stall them, affording Gu Changge precious time. Yet, even as she contemplated her role, Gu Changge had already taken the initiative, stepping onto the Immortal Road.

Above his head, a black treasure bottle floated, undulating with potent pressure before morphing into divine light, streaking toward the immortal path.

According to memories from the past, the Immortal Road will remain open for half a month before closing automatically.

Only those who have reached the pinnacle of cultivation stand a chance to tread upon it and uncover the secrets of immortality.

Yue Mingkong’s brows furrowed, mulling over the implications.

Thankfully, the aura within the vicinity remained concealed by her intricate formations, extending for miles in every direction. Detection was unlikely unless a significantly stronger entity were to arrive.

For the time being, Gu Changge should be safe. His cunning intellect alleviates any concerns.

Yue Mingkong acknowledged, recognizing the precariousness of their situation. They now operated in the shadows amidst a brilliant spotlight, their actions poised to trigger shockwaves throughout the Immortal Continent, potentially unsettling countless ancestors.

Through the hazy Immortal Road, Yue Mingkong caught glimpses of the vast world within the Immortal Gate. A colossal lake brimming with immortal energy materialised, spanning thousands of miles. Its waters shimmered with divine light and vibrant Dao energy, exuding an otherworldly allure.

Amidst the ethereal mists, time seemed to stand still, with an ancient, sentient green lotus blooming at its heart—where Gu Changge’s silhouette emerged.

His gaze fixated on a luminous source at the heart of the lake, his eyes bearing an enigmatic intensity. Deep within its depths, a verdant glow reminiscent of an ancient, dense star pulsated. These emerald clouds mystically descended into the lake before ascending into the air, their ethereal dance captivating.

Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong shared a knowing glance; they recognized it as the immortal spirit—the fabled Spirit of Immortality. Even for quasi-supreme cultivators, it held unparalleled value. The mere prospect of obtaining even a fragment could incite fierce battles, with cultivators unleashing their quasi-supreme powers without hesitation.

Seated cross-legged, Gu Changge remained unperturbed amidst the majestic pressure of the world around him. A formidable treasure bottle hovered above him, oscillating as it released a cascade of black light, shielding him from the weighty atmosphere. Simultaneously, a vortex-like aura emanated, hinting at his pinnacle cultivation in the God-King Realm.

The green rays from the immortal lake were now absorbed by Gu Changge’s Great Dao Treasure Bottle, funnelling into his inner world and within, a divine aura of immense power emerged, adorning the space like a towering palace reminiscent of the mythical Southern Heavenly Gate. As the immortal aura surged, Gu Changge’s cultivation skyrocketed, ascending to unprecedented heights.

Though the immortal spirit appeared rare, each strand harboured the purest essence of immortality. Gu Changge’s power surged with each absorption, transcending realms with every strand assimilated.

Peak God King realm!

Quasi-supreme realm!

Quasi-supreme early realm!

Mid stage!

……

“You claim to be my old ancestor? Your name is Gu Nanshan?”

Gu Xian’er’s gaze held suspicion as she confronted the older man who had appeared before her beneath the ancient tall tree.

Despite his assertion of ancestry, the old man’s appearance was far from impressive. Hunched and unkempt, he bore the visage of a weathered farmer, his face darkened and his teeth stained with remnants of vegetable leaves. Even his rusty kitchen knife bore the marks of age and neglect. In any other setting, his appearance would likely deter potential buyers, soiled as he was.

Gu Xian’er, however, possessed a remarkable capacity to accept such unconventional figures, having been raised amidst the eccentricities of her master’s ancient acquaintances since childhood and yet reconciling her ancestry with the ragged figure before she proved challenging.

“Xian’er, he is indeed an ancestor of your lineage,” the Great Elder affirmed, his form materialising in the void with a warm smile.

“Master,” Gu Xian’er greeted respectfully, her reverence for her elder evident.

“Now, do you believe me?”

Gu Nanshan scratched his ear sheepishly, his embarrassment palpable. Despite his claims, Gu Xian’er’s initial scepticism had not escaped him, as evidenced by her discreet handling of a forbidden weapon upon his sudden appearance.

This display of caution both relieved and pained him. Over the years, Gu Xian’er endured much hardship, was deprived of her family’s protection, and was subjected to untold tribulations. She was born into the prestigious Ancient Immortal Gu family and was destined for greatness. Her fortune was concentrated in one individual. However, Gu Changge’s actions deprived her of her rightful inheritance, cast her into exile, and subjected her to unimaginable suffering.

It was no easy feat to reach her current state, and Gu Nanshan couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt towards her. He, as her supposed ancestor, felt unworthy of such reverence.

If he hadn’t been buried in cultivation for so long, emerging only recently for fresh air, he wouldn’t have discovered that a wolf cub like Gu Changge resides among his family’s descendants, committing such audacious acts within the same generation. The revelation left him incensed.

Yet, upon further investigation, Gu Nanshan learned that Gu Changge’s actions were calculated and purposeful, devoid of needless extravagance. This realisation brought him some measure of relief. Surprisingly, the person he felt the most guilty towards was Gu Xian’er, his junior.

“Xian’er greets the ancestor,” Gu Xian’er respectfully acknowledges the appearance of the Great Elder, affirming her belief in the identity of the old farmer before her.

“Such a clever and sensible young girl,” Gu Nanshan remarked fondly.

The more he observed her, the more enamoured he became. Despite her youth, Gu Xian’er possessed remarkable intelligence, charm, and strength—a true embodiment of good fortune. Her body bore the marks of encounters with formidable individuals, signifying her auspicious destiny.

“Xian’er, fret not. With your ancestor’s protection, no harm shall befall you, not even at the hands of Gu Changge. Though he may hold sway over the younger generation, he will not dare to cause trouble in the presence of this ancestor,” Gu Nanshan reassured, determined to alleviate Gu Xian’er’s worries.

However, Gu Xian’er’s bright eyes held a hint of scepticism.

“Are you certain, old ancestors? Can Gu Changge truly be restrained?”

“Don’t fret. With me here, Gu Changge wouldn’t dare lay a hand on you,” Gu Nanshan affirmed.

But as Gu Xian’er mulled over his words, a seed of doubt crept into her mind. Was this old ancestor genuinely reliable?

The disappointment etched across Gu Xian’er’s features was unmistakable, replacing the once-cute expression with a sense of disillusionment.

“Huh?” Gu Nanshan’s surprise was evident.

“Xian’er, do you mean to imply that you wish this ancestor to eliminate Gu Changge on your behalf? But… such a task…”

He trailed off, grappling with the moral implications of such an act. As an old ancestor, he hesitated to entertain the notion of harming a junior, even one as troublesome as Gu Changge.

“Who said anything about killing him, old ancestor?”

Gu Xian’er interjected anxiously, her disappointment giving way to a glimmer of anticipation.

“If that’s not an option, then perhaps you could suppress Gu Changge’s cultivation for me… It would be ideal if you could bring it down to my level, or even lower…”

She deliberated carefully. Even if their cultivation realms were equal, she doubted her ability to defeat Gu Changge, given his formidable strength.

Gu Nanshan’s initial bewilderment evolved into a narrowing of his eyes, a flicker of suspicion crossing his features. What was the meaning of this? Shouldn’t Gu Xian’er harbour deep-seated animosity towards Gu Changge? Had he been misinformed?

Observing the exchange, the Great Elder chuckled softly, opting to remain silent. He had anticipated this turn of events, keeping a keen eye on developments within the Immortal Ancient Continent.

Gu Nanshan, however, understood the long-standing grievances between Gu Xian’er and Gu Changge, prompting him to reconsider his approach.