I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 195

Chapter 195: I’m not afraid of the evil villain, but a handsome villain is complex to handle

The aftermath of the battle blanketed an area nearly 300,000 miles wide; the sky twisted, the sun and moon reversed their positions, and the very fabric of the universe seemed to unravel. Islands and mountain ranges were reduced to dust by the overwhelming aura.

The outer conflict had ceased. The stars, once terrifying, now scattered in all directions, morphing into skeletal remnants that drifted aimlessly in the heavens and earth.

A golden blade of Dao descended from the heavens, heralding the return of the Great Elder. Clad in a fluttering white robe, he exuded an immortal grace that belied the ferocity of the battle just past. Beside him was a massive seal containing a quasi-supreme being of the dragon clan.

“Is it truly over?”

The Great Elder inquired calmly, his lack of overt participation in the latter stages of the conflict evident. Though he had intervened to subdue the mightiest among the Dragon Clan, he remained aloof from subsequent skirmishes.

The revelation of Gu Changge as the heir of the Ancients had shocked even the Great Elder. Before this, he had never entertained the notion, assuming instead that Gu Changge would eventually leverage the power of the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Yet, it became apparent that Gu Changge’s trump card was his succession to the Reincarnated Heaven Lord.

Contemplating this, the Great Elder cast a probing glance at Gu Changge. With each passing moment, Gu Changge became increasingly mysterious. How many hidden cards did he possess? The Great Elder couldn’t help but wonder.

Fortunately, the rift between Gu Xian’er and Gu Changge had been resolved. Had it not been for the support of elder figures like himself behind the scenes, Gu Xian’er would likely have faced a bleak future in confrontation with Gu Changge alone.

Reflecting on this, the Great Elder couldn’t fathom the depth of Gu Changge’s enigma. If left unchecked, Gu Changge could have consumed Gu Xian’er entirely.

“It’s concluded. I won’t trouble you any longer, Great Elder,” Gu Changge said with a smile.

“Don’t forget what you’ve promised me,” the Great Elder retorted coldly. He waved his sleeves, and the subdued Supreme powerhouse of the Dragon Clan, who had been behind him, was now standing before Gu Changge.

“Fret not, Great Elder. I’ll uphold my end of the bargain,” Gu Changge assured him.

Observing the slumped figure of the Dragon Clan’s Supreme powerhouse, Gu Changge remained composed. Then, he turned his gaze towards the distant sky, sweeping over numerous formidable beings, before smiling faintly.

As a descendant of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, it falls upon Changge to rectify the chaos caused by the Dragon Clan for the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.

The onlookers, including various Dao lineages and creatures, were visibly taken aback by Gu Changge’s declaration. They struggled to grasp its significance.

“Huh?”

“Gu Changge, what are you implying?”

“He’s utterly ruthless and shameless!”

The Great Elder, too, was momentarily bewildered. Why would Gu Changge make such a statement in front of many cultivators?

Then, realization dawned upon him, and a surge of anger rose within. The Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace had always maintained neutrality, refraining from meddling in the affairs and disputes of Dao lineages. Despite being the successor of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, Gu Changge has yet to receive assistance from them during this battle.

Yet, contrary to their agreement, Gu Changge’s words now suggested otherwise, implying that the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace had actively aided him.

The Great Elder immediately understood Gu Changge’s intentions, and his anger flared. Not content with stirring turmoil within the Ancient Immortal Continent, Gu Changge sought to entangle the entire Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace in this affair.

Should this narrative spread, many forces in the Boundless Heaven would believe that the unification of the Ancient Immortal Continent had the covert backing of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.

In this manner, Gu Changge could effectively divert everyone’s attention and reap the benefits, leaving the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace to shoulder the blame for his actions. The Great Elder’s expression darkened, a mixture of anger and frustration evident on his face. He found himself unable to refute Gu Changge’s assertion, as only a select few were privy to the agreement made that day.

“Changge will remember the Elder’s kindness,” Gu Changge stated calmly.

“However, Great Elder, you still owe me a favor. Don’t forget this.”

Gu Changge was still determining the extent of the Great Elder’s cultivation, but he understood that it surpassed the quasi-supreme realm, likely surpassing even Gu Nanshan. Thus, he intended to keep this favor close at hand, perhaps to be utilized in the future. It wouldn’t hurt to let the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace weather a storm for a while, in Gu Changge’s estimation.

Despite achieving his goal, Gu Changge recognized the potential consequences of his actions. While it was confirmed that he had manipulated the elders into taking action, he preferred that the outside world perceive it as the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace orchestrating the events. After all, his rising prominence had drawn considerable attention, making it increasingly challenging for him to operate covertly.

Gu Changge had always been adept at profiting clandestinely while shifting blame onto others, especially the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace. Whether this strategy would prove effective remained to be seen.

“If the Great Elder disagrees with Changge’s methods, there are ways to explain it,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile. He knew the Great Elder well enough to understand that further discussion would likely yield little. His objective had been accomplished.

The Great Elder held little concern for Gu Changge; instead, he focused on strategizing the unification of the Ancient Immortal Continent.

“Humph!”

The Great Elder interrupted him, his expression dark, and with the void blurring around him, he briskly waved his sleeves and departed. He had resolved that from this day forth, all matters of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace would be entrusted solely to the current Palace.

Gu Changge’s shamelessness knew no bounds; he cared not for the consequences of his actions, tossing people around as if they were mere pawns. The Great Elder felt compelled to retreat into seclusion, needing time to clear his mind. Otherwise, he feared he might one day succumb to the urge to slap this shameless junior to death, unwilling to endure any further affronts.

“Summon the forces to purge the Dragon Clan and execute those who defy orders!”

Gu Changge commanded, his smile tightening into a grim line. “From this day forth, there shall be only one voice within the Dragon Clan.”

“Yes, Young Master!” echoed a booming voice behind him, like the rumble of a tsunami.

The vast army of the three clans mobilized to quash the remnants of the Dragon Clan, uprooting them to eliminate any lingering threats. Those who dared to defy were swiftly dispatched without hesitation. In this world, disobedience was not in short supply.

“My lord!” a voice called out. “Your orders have been carried out. The rebellious members of the Dragon Clan have been extinguished.”

A palpable pressure descended as the words were spoken, a testament to the weight of Gu Changge’s authority. Meanwhile, the quasi-supreme ancestors of the Ancient Snake, Black Heavenly Eagle, and Divine Crocodile clans suppressed numerous Dragon Clan powerhouses. They returned to Gu Changge’s side to deliver their report.

“Excellent work,” Gu Changge praised. “You’ve done well.”

Surveying the scenes below, satisfaction flickered across Gu Changge’s features.

Gu Changge nodded and gestured for the representatives of the three significant clans to withdraw. While their appearance might draw the scorn of various great Dao lineages, Gu Changge planned to conceal them in the shadows. With the matter of the Dragon Clan settled, Gu Changge now had the opportunity to contemplate the issue of his fellow transmigrator.

He suspected that Yue Mingkong was likely unaware of the existence of transmigration. After all, such crossovers were unprecedented anomalies in the timeline Yue Mingkong had experienced in her previous life. However, since it had revealed itself to him, Gu Changge was determined to uncover its origins, even if he had to search every corner of the world.

Gu Changge speculated that the transmigrator must possess extraordinary ability or advantage unless they were particularly unlucky. Yet, he remained uncertain whether the transmigration occurred before or after his arrival.

His immediate focus, however, was on unifying the Ancient Immortal clans. This would provide him with vast cultivation resources, particularly from the Ancient Immortal Dragon Clan. The treasures they possessed, including ancient dragons’ essence and true blood, greatly benefited Gu Changge’s cultivation.

With his demonic power cultivation reaching the pinnacle of the quasi-sacred realm, Gu Changge was only a step away from breaking through to the genuinely sacred realm. Upon achieving this, he could condense more Dao treasure bottles to aid in devouring and refining the remaining immortal spirits, thereby advancing to the next stage of cultivation.

Meanwhile, in a distant location far from Dragon Island, strong individuals from diverse Dao lineages gathered in the sky, observing the unfolding events.

“If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, who would believe that a young man could accomplish such feats?” remarked one observer.

“In this golden age, with stars shining brightly, it seems no one from the younger generation can match Gu Changge in sheer might.”

“In some aspects, Gu Changge is even more formidable than the inheritor of the demonic arts,” another voice said.

“His cunning tactics and strategic foresight are enough to send shivers down one’s spine. After all, he openly orchestrated the fate of the entire Ancient Immortal Community!”

Whispers filled the air as people exchanged their thoughts, unable to shake off the shock in their eyes.

“There are rumors that Gu Changge defeated and chased away the inheritor of the demonic arts, who has been in hiding ever since. He even eliminated some young supremes along the way. But the cost must have been heavy; Gu Changge likely sustained severe injuries.”

“Now, witnessing Gu Changge’s utilization of the imitation Ancient Wheel of Reincarnation, it’s evident that his cultivation runs much deeper than it appears. He’s concealing his true strength quite well.”

On the ancient warship, a palpable tension filled the air as discussions ensued among the experts of the Wang family. Whether from the younger or older generations, their expressions conveyed a mix of awe and astonishment.

While they refrained from intervening in the battle, they remained present, bearing witness to every moment. Initially, the return of Wang Ziji from the Ancestral Hall sparked joy and excitement, only to be swiftly tempered by the shocking display of Gu Changge’s power.

Many among them realized that Wang Ziji wasn’t the sole standout of her generation. Despite her remarkable talent and rapid progress in cultivation—advancing through realms at an unprecedented pace—she had yet to inherit the full power of her Dao heritage. In contrast, Gu Changge’s mastery over events and the sheer might he wielded left them deeply unsettled and astonished.

Without mentioning anything else, just the Black Heavenly Eagle, Ancient Snake, and Divine Crocodile factions alone constituted an incredibly formidable force. With Gu Changge at the helm, he could quickly sweep through any opposition.

The appearance of these three groups earlier had sent shivers down their spines. They were quasi-supreme entities, capable of shattering stars with a mere palm lift, and their mere presence could topple continents. In the hierarchy of great Dao lineages, they were the bottommost entities.

In the absence of supreme beings and ascended Dao lords, those who had reached the supreme realm were the unrivaled powerhouses. It was pretty likely that even the patriarch of the Ancient Immortal Wang family would have to show deference when encountering Gu Changge. Such a notion was unimaginable in the past.

“The methods employed by this young master appear simple on the surface, but in reality, they are meticulously crafted, with each step carefully orchestrated. Even I can only discern some of his clues and arrangements. To delve deeper, one would have to trace it back to the opening of the Ancient Immortal Continent,” remarked Wang Wushuang on the ancient warship.

The elder of the Wang family couldn’t help but sigh at the depth of Gu Changge’s calculations. It was undeniable that in this battle of the Ancient Immortal Dragon Clan, Gu Changge’s banner of justice played a significant role.

While some could see through his facade and recognize his intentions of seizing control of the Ancient Immortal Continent, there was little they could do in response. Did they genuinely believe that the Ancient Immortal Gu family, which supported Gu Changge, would remain passive spectators?

With Gu Changge claiming the lion’s share of victory in front of all sects and Dao lineages, they felt helpless and resigned. The Ancient Immortal Gu family had devoured the wealthiest slice of the pie, leaving others sad and powerless.

The array of methods Gu Changge employed showcased not just the vigor and ingenuity expected of a young master from an ancient immortal family but also his innate cultivation talent.

With such a prodigious young master at the helm, there seemed little doubt about the prosperity of the family’s heritage. However, on the flip side, Gu Changge’s sharpness and control over the formidable power of the Ancient Immortal Clan, including the obedience of quasi-supreme ancestors, couldn’t be overlooked.

In the coming days, all significant sects and Dao lineages would likely have to take heed and unite against the looming threat. Every gain seemed to go with a corresponding loss. What once started as mere youthful rivalry had escalated into a high-stakes battle, with extinction looming at every turn. Who wouldn’t feel a sense of apprehension?

“In the future, our young master may need to learn a thing or two from Gu Changge,” the elder of the Wang family mused. His statement wasn’t meant to praise or belittle either party excessively. Instead, it aimed to motivate their young master, reminding him of the standards set by Gu Changge, who also hailed from an Ancient Immortal family.

Despite their long-standing heritage, the Ancient Immortal family wouldn’t crumble due to the prowess of a single generation’s young master. Comparisons were inevitable, but contempt and malicious disparagement weren’t warranted.

“Gu Change is undeniably formidable, and I must admit my inferiority in vigor and cunning,” acknowledged the elder.

“However, it’s crucial to remember that schemes and tricks hold no sway in the face of absolute power. Without Gu Changge’s status as the heir of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord , it would be impossible for clans like the Ancient Snake and Divine Crocodile to obey his commands.”

As Wang Wushuang listened to the elder’s words, he shook his head, acknowledging his admiration for Gu Changge but not yet delving into profound reverence.

Without the assistance of the three major clans, this battle would have been far from easy,” remarked Wang Ziji, her gaze fixed on the distant figure with a peculiar expression. She slowly shook her head but refrained from elaborating further.

“In that case, let me ask you, what exactly does ‘absolute power’ entail?” seized the opportunity. The old demon of the Wang family smiled slightly, intending to impart some wisdom to the young master of his family.

Competition among the younger generation was natural, but it should be approached with acceptance rather than reluctance. Wang Wushuang had always harbored a sense of pride since birth.

While he readily acknowledged his inferiority in cultivation compared to his sister, who seemed to possess innate talent, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of resentment and disbelief towards Gu Changge, who, despite being younger, exhibited unfathomable power.

Now, in front of his sister, Wang Wushuang’s embarrassment was evident as he spoke up.

“Absolute power naturally refers to genuine cultivation. No matter how formidable Gu Changge may be, he could never surpass my sister in cultivation, right?”

His words were tinged with a hint of golden light in his eyes, betraying his inner turmoil.

Usually, Wang Wushuang wouldn’t voice such sentiments, but meeting his sister for the first time had stirred up a sense of unease within him. While ordinary geniuses might have struggled with such feelings, Wang Wushuang’s exceptional mental fortitude spared him from deeper emotional turmoil.

“Wushuang, remember that there will always be individuals greater than ourselves and realms beyond what we can comprehend. This applies not only to others but also to ourselves,” Wang Ziji finally spoke, her voice akin to heavenly music, her smile gentle as she regarded her younger brother.

Observing Wang Wushuang’s response, she felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he didn’t possess the fragile heart of a typical genius. Of course, this reminder was also meant for herself.

Initially feeling powerful, Wang Ziji soon realized that Gu Changge possessed a multitude of means that she couldn’t hope to compare with. The only aspects where she could stand out were talent and cultivation. This heightened Wang Ziji’s curiosity and interest in Gu Changge.

As a transmigrator familiar with various stories and possessing a formidable background and talent, Wang Ziji had stood at the pinnacle of countless cultivators since birth.

However, the following days felt uninteresting and mundane to her. She yearned to find something that sparked her interest, prompting her to consider traveling the world. And it just so happened that she encountered Gu Changge, a genius who stood out.

His calculating methods surprised her, and she couldn’t help but continue speaking, “Gu Changge’s cultivation isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Honestly, even I can’t discern his true cultivation realm.”

“Sister, you can’t ascertain his cultivation level either?” Wang Wushuang and the other geniuses of the Wang family froze, their gazes fixed on Wang Ziji in disbelief.

They had heard the clan elders mention that Wang Ziji’s strength likely reached the quasi-sacred realm. But if she couldn’t see through Gu Changge, who exactly was he?

Wang Ziji nodded, unashamed of her inability to gauge Gu Changge’s strength. ”

But to effortlessly activate an imitation Dao artifact, one’s cultivation level must surpass the ordinary. If you were given an imitation Dao artifact now, could you activate it as effortlessly as Gu Changge?”

“And you mentioned his reliance on his identity as the heir of the Reincarnated Heaven Lord. If you were to switch identities with him, claiming to be this heir, you could command the three major clans to obey you?”

“As long as the three major clans aren’t foolish, they wouldn’t submit to a mere young man. Gu Changge’s ability to make them obey must involve means far beyond simplicity,” Wang Ziji concluded, sharing her analysis and understanding of the situation.

Her unique perspective immediately silenced the Wang family members on the ancient warship. Some even audibly sucked in a breath, stunned by her insightful analysis.

“Indeed, worthy of a young lady; she easily perceives things so thoroughly,” the old demon of the Wang family nodded in agreement, impressed by Wang Ziji’s astuteness. His centuries-long experience allowed him to recognize her exceptional intelligence and talent.

“Understood,” Wang Wushuang finally broke the silence after pondering Wang Ziji’s words. He grasped the disparity between himself and Gu Changge. He realized he couldn’t replicate Gu Changge’s feats, sparking a sense of hopelessness and reluctance.

“Unfortunately, I’ve heard that Gu Changge has a marriage contract. Otherwise, he and the young lady would have made a fine match,” remarked the old demon of the Wang family, sighing wistfully.

“A marriage contract can always be canceled,” he added, hinting at a potential avenue for a mutually beneficial union.

This sudden topic of conversation took aback Wang Ziji, her expression turning slightly awkward. Why had he brought up such a matter? Could the fiance subplot she had been contemplating before become a reality? Did Gu Changge tear up the marriage contract with the original heroine only to enter into one with her?

It wasn’t entirely implausible considering Gu Changge’s character, which didn’t seem honorable.

“Clan elder, does Gu Changge have some sort of useless fiancee or something?” Wang Ziji tentatively inquired after a moment of thought, sensing a hint of a sinister undertone in the elder’s words. It sounded eerily like the setup of a dramatic plot.

“This…” The elder of the Wang family didn’t anticipate Wang Ziji’s question and was momentarily stunned. Meanwhile, Xiu’er, standing next to him, interjected, “Miss, the fiancée of Young Master Changge is the renowned future emperor of the peerless, immortal dynasty, Yue Mingkong, who possesses the regal demeanor of a female emperor. How can you label her as useless?”

Wang Ziji felt a pang of disappointment wash over her upon hearing this. If Gu Changge had such a fiancée, she might have found it acceptable and wouldn’t have shuddered at the thought like before. As for appearances, it seemed nothing wrong with being a bit greedy. After all, one’s appearance mattered regardless of the world they were in.

Previously, Wang Ziji had resigned herself to the idea that she would never encounter a young genius who would pique her interest, and her life would continue uneventfully.

The protagonist’s lackluster appearance and the usual handsome young faces had left her with a headache and disinterest. This world didn’t follow the female protagonist’s narrative but the typical male protagonist storyline, where characters gradually grew stronger from weakness, fostering an atmosphere of upgrading enthusiasm.

Despite not having met Gu Changge yet, Wang Ziji sensed his distinctiveness compared to other geniuses. Her instincts were rarely wrong, leading her to believe he might be her stroke of luck. She wasn’t afraid of the typical villain but rather the attractive villain.

Suddenly, a memory from her past life surfaced in Wang Ziji’s mind.

“Miss, since we’re all here, why don’t we pay a visit to Young Master Changge?” the elder of the Wang family suggested, seemingly noticing Wang Ziji’s disappointment.

This proposal took aback Wang Ziji, but she maintained her composure and smiled lightly. “Then let’s do as the clan elder suggests.”

However, Xiu’er couldn’t help but mutter, “Miss, earlier, you said you weren’t interested…”

Wang Ziji shot Xiu’er a sharp glare in response.

“You talk too much,” Gu Changge muttered as he rummaged through the splendid treasure house on Dragon Island, searching for the Dragon Clan’s treasures. Suddenly, he heard a system prompt.

“Ding!, the daughter of luck, is interested in the host, increasing luck points by 1000 points and destiny value by 5000.”

“Huh?”

Gu Changge’s eyes narrowed in surprise. Did this work? Or was he some charm that attracted attention even where it wasn’t needed?