I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 192

Chapter 192: He didn’t name something that lofty. Her role was the smooth-sailing protagonist.

Gu Changge effortlessly subdued the entire clan of sacred crocodiles. Under the terrifying control of the immortal binding technique, he could even dictate the fate of three quasi-supreme-level old ancestors of the sacred crocodile clan with a single thought.

The key was eliminating specific individuals to instill greater fear in the rest, ensuring they wouldn’t harbor any rebellious intentions. Gu Changge wasn’t afraid of rebellion; it wouldn’t concern him if it occurred. What he sought was a loyal instrument, a tool for his purposes. If one broke, he could easily replace it. He held little attachment to these forces and could discard them at any moment.

In Gu Changge’s view, the major clans in the Immortal Continent were prime assets. Their bloodline talents were uniquely blessed, surpassing many human cultivators and beings in the outside world. Therefore, Gu Changge planned to forge a formidable army within the Immortal Ancient Continent. This army would serve him in the future, capable of defeating supreme beings and dominating all realms.

Soon, Gu Changge’s command was received.

“Greetings, my lord!”

The three remaining quasi-supreme realm ancestors of the Divine Crocodile clan knelt before Gu Changge, addressing him with utmost respect. They believed themselves to be under Gu Changge’s control due to a slave seal, unaware that the root of the issue lay in the immortal scripture they had acquired from the Black Heavenly Eagle clan.

Even if they racked their brains, no one could have guessed that the immortal scripture was the cause. Even if they did understand, they likely wouldn’t believe it. Gu Changge’s methods were meticulous and astonishing, described as seamless with good reason.

“I’m not some indiscriminate killer. As long as you serve me without fear, you’ll naturally receive your share of benefits…”

Gu Changge casually remarked, making empty promises as his gaze swept across the assembly.

“Select all the clan members above the True God realm who are brave and skilled in combat,” he commanded.

“From this day forward, you and the others will be known as the Divine Crocodile Army,” Gu Changge said with a deep, meaningful smile.

The light descended with a wave of his sleeve, bestowing the Divine Creation Technique. He didn’t bother with lofty names; what mattered was that he could remember and distinguish it well enough.

“Yes, my lord,” the three Quasi-Supreme Realm Ancestors replied, though they knew Gu Changge was unlikely to be benevolent. Who would dare refuse him at this moment?

Behind them, the members of the Divine Crocodile Clan wore bitter expressions as they accepted the cultivation technique from Gu Changge. The name was the Divine Creation Technique, but if it truly lived up to its name, why would Gu Changge give it to them?

Meanwhile, the clan members who hadn’t reached the True God realm felt fortunate and breathed relief. The Main Hall was filled with many influential individuals, including thirteen Sacred Realm existences. Gu Changge saw this as a force to be considered.

Subsequently, the Divine Crocodile Clan received the order from the old ancestor: they would submit to Gu Changge. They began selecting members for the Divine Crocodile Army, entirely at Gu Changge’s disposal.

Initially, the order shocked the entire clan. Many members were bewildered, not understanding why they had to obey Gu Changge’s command. But since it came from an old ancestor, no one dared to disobey.

Gu Changge’s reputation was well-known throughout the Immortal Continent. None of them expected to end up submitting to him. The news was entirely unexpected, leaving them in disbelief.

Soon, news circulated from the upper echelons of the Divine Crocodile clan: Gu Changge was the chosen heir of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. Their ancestors had followed the Reincarnated Heaven Lord, so they naturally followed Gu Changge. To maintain their reputation, they couldn’t admit that Gu Changge had coerced them with the slave seal.

Gu Changge subdued the large Divine Crocodile clan within three days and began training the army. However, because Gu Changge intentionally controlled the news, it had yet to spread. He had another purpose, waiting for the right moment to use this leverage to strike a fatal blow to the Immortal Ancient clan.

Accompanied by three Quasi-Supreme Realm ancestors of the Divine Crocodile clan, Gu Changge headed to the territory of the Ancient Snake clan. Despite appearing united on the surface, friction and competition simmered between these three clans. Nevertheless, they were the most potent and long-standing clans descended from the Reincarnated Heaven Lord, surpassing most others in the Immortal Continent.

Soon, several terrifying pressures descended upon the Ancient Snake clan, tearing through space like the sky was crashing down.

“My lord, this is the territory of the Ancient Snake clan,” a Divine Crocodile clan ancestor respectfully informed Gu Changge, leading him to the location.

They couldn’t afford to be the sole clan submitting to Gu Changge; they had to bring their old acquaintances along.

The poor cultivator has to die, so why shouldn’t the poor cultivator’s friend?

This mindset prevailed among the major clans and current dao heritages – if they could bring down one more, why not? It also saved Gu Changge a lot of effort.

In an instant, the entire Ancient Snake clan was thrown into turmoil!

Soon, inside the main hall, numerous elders and senior members of the Ancient Snake clan congregated, their eyes filled with respect as they gazed upon the young man at the center.

From the moment Gu Changge arrived, they sensed his presence, especially with three Divine Crocodile clan ancestors accompanying him, their purpose clear.

“My clan is willing to serve you, and we will not hesitate to go through fire and water for you,” declared all the senior officials of the Ancient Snake Clan sagely.

Why would the Divine Crocodile clan submit readily if resistance were genuinely possible? Their attitude hinted at underlying issues, and the Ancient Snake clan members were not naïve. They had to be astute to avoid unnecessary casualties and understand the situation clearly.

Some members of the Ancient Snake clan remained silent, contemplating their next moves.

In the Ancient Snake clan, Gu Changge established an Ancient Snake Army, selecting strong individuals above the True God realm and bestowing the Life Creation Technique upon them. Gu Changge didn’t bother naming it; he was too lazy to think about such trivial matters.

Despite not being revealed yet, these forces already possessed a formidable presence. With the feathered clan, the Black Heavenly Eagle clan, and now the Divine Crocodile and Ancient Snake clans under his control, Gu Changge held immense power. With a word, he could turn the Immortal Continent into a bloodbath.

As several days passed, Gu Changge estimated that the time the Great Elder had given the Immortal Ancient Dragon Clan to consider was nearly up. He issued an order, and all the powerhouses of the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning stationed at the Supreme Peak rode their Ancient warships, breaking through space and descending upon Dragon Island.

Soldiers descended upon the city!

Upon hearing the news, countless cultivators and beings were shaken by Gu Changge’s sudden return to the Immortal Ancient Continent, signaling a looming tide of bloodshed.

In a rush, divine light converged outside Dragon Island.

“So, you’ve arrived, Great Elder,” greeted Gu Changge, his figure appearing on an ancient warship clad in a feathery white robe woven with light, smiling faintly at the Great Elder who guarded the place.

“I hope you can keep your promise,” sighed the Great Elder, unable to do anything against Gu Changge.

This sight caused countless onlookers to gasp in shock, realizing that Gu Changge compelled the Great Elder.

Meanwhile, light soared to the sky on Dragon Island as the mountain protection formation glowed, and all clan members knelt in prayer, emitting a thunderous dragon roar.

Hundreds of thousands of miles away, in the heavenly domain, amidst rolling mountains and beautiful landscapes, a red cloud-encrusted fire carriage raced through the clouds. Pulled by nine superior heavenly horses, it was followed by a group of powerful knights in armor riding terrifying beasts, exuding extraordinary bloodlines.

The carriage, shimmering like silver snow, passed through the gates of heaven with a resounding clang, accompanied by the majestic sounds of divine talismans. The elderly carriage driver bore a serene expression, handling the weight effortlessly. Everything about the scene exuded the nobility and grandeur of the individual within.

After witnessing the scene, nearby cultivators opted to step back, unwilling to approach. From their cautious demeanor, it was clear that the individuals in the carriage were either wealthy or noble, and engaging with them was out of the question.

“I told you not to send them anymore. Go back and inform your young master to cease bothering us. The young lady has no interest in him whatsoever. If he persists, don’t blame her for taking action,” declared a voice from within the carriage as the curtain was lifted, revealing the head of a young maid with bright eyes, white teeth, and braided hair.

The maid, Xiu’er, appeared to be eleven or twelve years old, her beauty striking. Frowning, she glanced at the knights trailing behind her and voiced dissatisfaction.

“Miss Xiu’er, the young master ordered this. We can’t refuse,” explained the head knight, a middle-aged man clad in golden battle armor.

“Just bear with us. We’ll depart immediately after escorting Sage Ziji beyond the Heavenly Domain.”

“It’s that irritating fellow Zhao Tianxing again. Why won’t he leave us alone?” grumbled the head knight, his words drawing a displeased expression from Xiu’er.

Xiu’er harbored extreme disdain for the young master behind this group of knights. The reason was simple: the carriage’s occupant was none other than Sage Ziji, one of the heirs of the Human Ancestor Hall, for whom Xiu’er was responsible for daily care.

The mastermind behind the knights was Zhao Tianxing, a renowned young supreme from the Zhao Clan of the Heavenly Domain. Upon learning that Sage Ziji was leaving the Human Ancestor Hall, Zhao Tianxing dispatched knights to escort her despite attempts to conceal the matter. Their persistence extended to the border of the heavenly domain, nearing the inner domain’s territory.

Due to their relentless pursuit, Xiu’er’s patience with Zhao Tianxing had reached its limit. Any politeness she previously extended was now nonexistent.

Furthermore, Xiu’er was well aware that the lady behind her held little favor for Zhao Tianxing, finding him utterly tiresome. On several occasions, Xiu’er couldn’t resist delivering a firm blow to Zhao Tianxing, only to find him persisting in his pursuit, seemingly impervious to her attacks.

Despite her efforts, Zhao Tianxing remained undeterred, almost like a masochistic general, much to Xiu’er and her lady’s annoyance. Were it not for Zhao Tianxing’s father intervening, he would have suffered severe consequences and been incapacitated for months.

“Zhao Tianxing doesn’t have the guts to confront us himself, so he sends you lot. Suppose it weren’t for Miss’s leniency. In that case, you’d all be six feet under by now,” Xiu’er spat angrily, disregarding Zhao Tianxing’s status as the young master of the Zhao family, her small face contorted with discontent.

She found being protected while simultaneously being stalked utterly repulsive, a sentiment she was sure her lady shared.

“Our young master may be the master of the Heavenly Zhao Clan, but Sage Ziji has never treated him kindly. Our young lord merely wanted to ensure Sage Ziji’s safety on this journey, hence the escort,” one of the knights defended.

“Even if there’s no gratitude for our efforts, we’ve still worked tirelessly. Miss Xiu’er, do you not see the countless dangers we’ve averted on this journey?” another knight said, voicing his dissatisfaction.

“If you fail to recognize our contributions, don’t blame me for being blunt. Miss has numerous suitors in the heavenly domain. Where does your young master stand among them?” he added pointedly.

Xiu’er’s expression darkened at his words, her voice dripping with coldness.

Despite her youthful appearance, the little maid possessed considerable strength, her cultivation level not to be underestimated. Trained by Miss and endowed with a spirit body, her abilities were formidable.

The knights’ expressions shifted at the maid’s words, their faces contorted with anger, yet they could only suppress their ire. They had come to escort Sage Ziji, expending considerable time and energy, though their efforts seemed unappreciated.

Had it not been for Sage Ziji’s esteemed status as the heir of the Human Ancestor Hall, they would have been tempted to teach the maid a lesson, especially considering her brazen behavior.

However, they needed to be aware of Sage Ziji’s factual background. Only a select few within the Human Ancestor Hall were privy to the power behind her. The elder who had brought her to the Human Ancestor Hall for cultivation had concealed this information.

“Leave. I detest moral kidnappers the most. You still have a chance to depart before my anger flares,” a calm yet chilling voice suddenly emanated from the carriage, imbued with a cold intent, resonating with runic vibrations like a surging sea, casting an icy blue hue.

Instantly, the atmosphere grew frigid, and the heavens and earth seemed to tremble under the surge of divine might as if an impending ice storm loomed overhead.

“Sage Ziji, you…” the knights began, their faces draining of color as they felt the chilling aura.

It was the first time Sage Ziji had spoken on the journey, previously ignoring their existence entirely. It was evident she was indeed angered now.

Their expressions grew increasingly ugly, tinged with resignation and puzzlement. What did “moral kidnapping” mean? Their heads spun in confusion. They couldn’t comprehend why their well-intentioned actions had upset the holy maiden.

Their fear stemmed not from Sage Ziji’s strength but from the formidable power of the Human Ancestor Hall behind her. Sage Ziji’s true strength remained mysterious, but her reluctance to engage in conflict was noted. While she displayed an enigmatic prowess, it was inconceivable for a junior like her to challenge individuals who had cultivated for over 100,000 years.

Despite their confidence in their strength, they were wary of offending such a transcendent force as the Human Ancestor Hall, particularly amidst rumors of the imminent return of the reincarnated Human Ancestor.

“Leave, and tell Zhao Tianxing that if he dares to bother her again, his father won’t be able to protect him,” declared Sage Ziji, her celestial voice cold and authoritative, resonating with dominance.

The air crackled as her words transformed into thousands of radiant divine swords, gleaming with astonishing sharpness, capable of cutting through anything. The knights’ faces paled at the implications. It was clear that any future harassment from their young master would be met with swift and merciless retaliation.

“If you value your lives, depart at once. The consequences of angering the young lady can be severe,” warned the old coachman, who had remained silent until now, his eyes open and alert.

A glimmer of golden light flashed in the depths of his eyes, reminiscent of a serpent. Opening his mouth, he spoke indifferently, yet the mighty pressure of the Great Sacred Realm permeated the heavenly vault, causing it to tremble.

“This… It’s a Great Sacred Realm…”

Hiss!

“How is this possible? The strength of this old driver is astonishing!”

The riders stood shocked and frozen, their eyes wide with disbelief as their souls quivered in fear.

The next moment, they spurred their mounts, no longer daring to linger, hastily transforming into divine lights and fleeing into the distance. None of them had anticipated that Sage Ziji’s old carriage driver would be a Great Sacred Realm existence. With such a guardian, their escort was rendered unnecessary.

Reflecting on their earlier attitude, a chill ran down their spines. If someone of such caliber wished, they could have quickly been detained.

Shivering, they realized Sage Ziji was far more mysterious than they had initially thought.

“I didn’t expect Grandpa Snake to be involved in this,” Sage Ziji’s voice echoed from within the carriage after a moment of silence, expressing gratitude to the old man outside.

“It’s nothing, Miss. Don’t let such trivial matters anger you. It’s not worth it,” the old driver replied, smiling gently as he regained his composure.

“It seems my suspicions were correct. Grandpa Snake’s true cultivation isn’t as simple as it appears… He was concealing it before,” remarked a beautiful woman in a long aqua-blue dress within the carriage.

A cunning glint flashed in her eyes as she spoke, lending her a particularly charming appearance.

One couldn’t deny that the woman’s beauty was unparalleled. She possessed an ethereal quality akin to the tranquility of a secluded valley or the elegance of mist in a forest—both serene and enchanting. Her demeanor exuded a cunning intelligence that seemed to penetrate through all things. She seamlessly blended with the surrounding world as if she embodied its inherent beauty—a flawless manifestation.

Her jet-black hair danced lightly, and her flowing skirt added to her allure, accentuating her physical appearance and temperament. Her beauty was so overwhelming that it made others feel inadequate, as if everything good in the world paled in comparison before her. Any man looking at her would undoubtedly think of only one word: perfection.

This woman was Wang Zijin, one of the two descendants of the Human Ancestor Hall. At this moment, she appeared content, the earlier anger and coldness nowhere to be seen.

“Miss… What did you mean by ‘moral kidnapping’ just now?” inquired the little maid named Xiu’er, poking her head back into the carriage from outside, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar term she had heard.

“Why do you always have so many questions?” Wang Zijin asked, tapping Xiu’er on the forehead with an unhappy expression. She had casually chosen Xiu’er’s name, finding it amusing, but hadn’t expected to use it for so long. Xiu’er, however, saw no issue with her name, finding it charming and spirited.

“Miss, please explain it to me. What is moral kidnapping?” persisted Xiu’er, eager for clarification.

“It’s like someone giving you a miraculous pill, a sacred medicine, or a cultivation method and expecting you to marry them. Would you agree to such a proposition?”

Wang Zijin explained with a slight smile, her tone tinged with sarcasm. From her perspective, wasn’t that the situation with the group of knights earlier, as well as many of her former suitors? They would force gifts upon her and expect her to comply with their desires.

Regarding such behavior, Wang Zijin couldn’t help but think, ‘Screw you, bastards.’

“Oh, I see. In that case, I definitely wouldn’t agree,” replied Xiu’er, shaking her head vehemently, her expression reflecting her displeasure.

Xiu’er encountered many new and unfamiliar truths that carried profound meanings throughout her journey. She deeply admired Wang Zijin, viewing her as almost omnipotent.

“Miss, you know so much!” Xiu’er exclaimed, her admiration evident in her expression.

“Do you think so?” Wang Zijin’s response was tinged with a hint of melancholy. Despite her outward appearance of confidence, she couldn’t shake off a lingering disappointment. It had been over twenty years since her arrival, yet she still struggled to adapt.

It wasn’t that she possessed extraordinary knowledge but rather that the people of this world were much more straightforward than those she had encountered in her previous life. Many concepts that had been common knowledge to her were met with confusion here, requiring repeated explanations.

You see, Wang Zijin wasn’t originally from this world. She hailed from an era of information explosion, residing on an azure planet within an ancient country boasting a rich cultural heritage of five thousand years.

In the vernacular of her previous life, she was a transmigrator—a being reborn into a new existence. Born into a wealthy family, she lacked for nothing, and her parents were successful and affluent. However, fate had dealt her a cruel hand, burdening her with several incurable congenital diseases that left her frail and bedridden for the better part of her first two decades.

Her only solace came from delving into the world beyond her hospital room through the screen’s network. There, she experienced virtual adventures as the Supreme Key God, battling against formidable foes and relishing the luxury of having wealthy parents.

Despite her outwardly opulent life, Wang Zijin was, in reality, relatively sheltered, having ventured out into the world only a handful of times in her entire existence. Then, on the eve of her twentieth birthday, she bid farewell to that world forever.

Upon awakening, she found herself reincarnated as a baby girl into the esteemed Wang family, one of the world’s preeminent powers. According to the knowledge Wang Zijin had amassed, she had crossed over into an unimaginably daunting fantasy realm—a world where the mighty could reshape the cosmos with a mere gesture, and the weak possessed the ability to move mountains and traverse the skies.

This wasn’t the world where fighting spirit manifested as mere bravado. Furthermore, her innate talent was nothing short of astounding, far removed from the mundane existence of the third young Miss she had known in her previous life.

In essence, Wang Zijin found solace in her time-traveling journey. This new existence felt more grounded and natural than her former life. No longer confined to a hospital bed, reliant on screens for glimpses of the outside world, she quickly found her place in this new reality, vastly different from her previous experiences.

Blessed with an unparalleled physique, she seemed to be the universe’s favored child, surpassing her peers in both background and strength. She encountered no typical obstacles or petty dramas that plagued her previous life.

Initially, Wang Zijin entertained the notion that she might be cast as a tragic figure, her betrothed abandoning her overnight, relegating her to the role of the vilified supporting character seeking to dissolve the engagement. Yet, she soon discovered this wasn’t the case.

Thanks to her extraordinary talent, few young talents could rival her, eliminating any need for a scandalous breakup. Her role in this new life was that of the unimpeded protagonist, destined for success without the need for dramatic twists or turns.