I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 199

Chapter 199: Going to find a second scapegoat, Gu Xian’er, you are swollen again

Gu Xian’er had been estranged from the Gu family since childhood, having never returned despite having relatives, mentors, and affiliations within Peach Village. Nonetheless, her desire to reconnect with her roots remained steadfast.

For Gu Changge, her return for the upcoming birthday banquet presented an opportune moment to bridge the longstanding divide between the various branches of the Gu family and assert his dominance over the clan—a goal he had harbored from the outset.

Given his mother’s advanced age of 5,000 years yet enduring youthfulness, the birthday celebration promised to be a grand affair, attracting dignitaries from both the Ancient Immortal Gu Family and the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning.

As the host, Gu Changge anticipated gathering numerous prodigies, inevitably leading to some contention. However, maintaining his composure and authority as host amidst such disputes was a trivial matter for him.

More pressing concerns weighed on Gu Changge’s mind. With the impending actions of the Human Ancestral Hall, he foresaw the emergence of ancient prodigies and successors of ancient emperors. Recognizing their terrible talents, Gu Changge sought to hone his skills in the laws of the sacred realm yet lacked the necessary resources.

Furthermore, it was imperative to find a scapegoat to deflect attention from the inheritor of demonic arts—soon to be exposed with Ye Ling’s affiliation with the Ancient Ye Clan, inevitably leading to scrutiny from the Ancestral Hall.

On the flip side, the Ancestral Hall maintained a lofty status, shrouded in mystery and possessing an arsenal of divine techniques. It was highly likely that they would utilize Ye Ling’s bloodline to track his whereabouts. Once news of Ye Ling’s demise circulated, Gu Changge would undoubtedly face significant repercussions. Hence, he deemed it imperative to prepare for the impending aftermath.

“I must make the necessary arrangements, but before that, I must ascertain who will bear the blame this time…” Gu Changge’s countenance grew contemplative as he mulled numerous potential candidates. Faces of young supremes like Wang Wushuang and Ye Langtian flitted through his mind, only to be dismissed one by one.

Gu Changge recognized the importance of selecting a scapegoat with a formidable stature. An ordinary young supreme wouldn’t suffice; the chosen individual must possess considerable strength and influence, surpassing Ye Ling’s capabilities to lend credence to his demise.

“The strength I bestowed upon Ye Ling at the outset was formidable, even enabling him to contend with me and evade capture…” Gu Changge pondered, grappling with a dilemma. His previous efforts to enhance Ye Ling’s abilities had been extensive, even to the point of compromising his origins in collaboration with Yin Mei to maintain the charade. Consequently, Ye Ling’s reputation as a formidable adversary was widespread among cultivators.

Gu Changge hesitated to implicate an average young supreme, as they would likely need to catch up in combating Ye Ling. Thus, he sought to fabricate an illusion of Ye Ling’s demise while attributing the inheritance of demonic power to another individual or a clandestine organization—an elaborate ruse intended to mislead and test his adversaries.

In terms of cultivation, Gu Changge found no suitable candidates apart from Wang Ziji. However, she was unequivocally unsuitable; as a descendant of the Ancestral Hall, implicating her would be akin to courting disaster.

“It appears I must ascertain which ancient freaks or heirs of ancient emperors are poised to emerge soon and focus my efforts there,” Gu Changge resolved.

With a newfound goal in mind, Gu Changge anticipated the forthcoming grandeur of his mother’s birthday banquet, sure that it would attract Dao heritages, prestigious sects, and Ancient Immortal families. Such an event would undoubtedly be teeming with activity.

“Considering Yue Mingkong’s disposition, she will undoubtedly attend, providing me with an opportunity to glean valuable information,” he mused. Moreover, he saw fit to capitalize on the occasion to further his inquiries into the whereabouts of the reincarnated body of the human ancestor and the enigmatic peach tree associated with Gu Xian’er.

Gu Changge’s attention had shifted significantly from Gu Xian’er to the mysterious peach tree. He believed it to be an ancient behemoth crucial to his plans.

“Gu Xian’er’s stance towards me holds considerable sway over the disposition of the mysterious peach tree and its guardians,” Gu Changge acknowledged. To maneuver this situation to his advantage, he had laid meticulous plans.

He understood that a mere spectacle wouldn’t suffice to impress or sway the ancient beings who had witnessed countless ages. Thus, he had orchestrated a tragedy, banking on its impact to resonate with them.

Recalling the incident when he dispatched Yan Ji to scout Peach Village, she was grievously wounded by the peach tree despite her attainment of the Great Sacred Realm. Gu Changge pondered the potential of harnessing or subjugating such a formidable entity.

The prospect elicited a more profound smile from Gu Changge as he contemplated the possibilities ahead.

The news of the Ancient Immortal Gu family hosting a birthday banquet for Gu Changge’s mother reverberated throughout the heavens, causing a stir among Dao heritages far and wide. Gu Changge’s mother, once renowned as a goddess, had been the previous master of the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning. The revelation that she was now celebrating her five-thousandth birthday left countless cultivators astonished. Coupled with her son’s meteoric rise to prominence as the unrivaled leader of the younger generation, many cultivators couldn’t help but sigh in awe.

In response to the news, numerous Dao heritages and prestigious sects, including the Vermilion Bird Clan, the White Tiger Clan, the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, the Ancient Immortal Wang Family, and the Ancient Ye Clan, among others, dispatched representatives bearing gifts to the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s territory.

Meanwhile, atop the mountain where the Great Elder typically resided, a girl with a lovely visage sat in contemplation, her gaze fixated on the billowing clouds below as if lost in thought. Occasionally, a gust of wind would lift the corners of her skirt, revealing a delicate calf akin to snow lotus roots. Her presence exuded an air of purity and grace, untainted by the world’s troubles as if she were a divine being graced with heaven’s blessings.

This girl was none other than Gu Xian’er, who had just completed her training. Despite her remarkable progress in cultivation, nearly breaking through to the False God realm under the relentless pressure from Gu Changge, she found no solace in her achievements.

Because no matter how much she provoked him, Gu Changge continued to ignore her. She even went so far as to intrude upon his seclusion on the Supreme Peak, threatening to challenge him. However, Gu Changge remained indifferent, not even dignifying her with a response. His demeanor towards her was akin to that of a stranger, completely detached and unaffected.

This cold treatment left Gu Xian’er feeling deeply uncomfortable, though she understood that her animosity towards Gu Changge was reciprocated. She realized that Gu Changge’s deliberate avoidance was a form of revenge to prevent her from uncovering his hidden secrets from their past. Despite this, Gu Xian’er remained defiant and resolute in her actions.

However, her mood quickly soured when she received a letter from the Ancient Immortal Gu family. The letter, bearing the unmistakable aura of her uncle Gu Lintian, patriarch of the Ancient Immortal Gu family and Gu Changge’s father, stirred up mixed emotions within her.

“Come home?” Gu Xian’er muttered softly as she stared blankly at the letter in her hand. It was unexpected for her uncle to reach out to her in such a manner, expressing genuine concern and remorse for the hardships she had endured over the years.

Although Gu Xian’er could sense her uncle’s sincerity, she couldn’t shake the unease in her heart. Despite understanding the circumstances that led to her expulsion from the Gu family, it was difficult for her to overlook the past. Gu Lintian, the same individual who had once cast her out, was now extending an invitation for her to return to the Ancient Immortal Gu family.

This uncle held significant power within the Gu family. When her father contended for the position of family head, he had narrowly lost to this uncle. Gu Xian’er had always harbored a longing to return to the Ancient Immortal Gu family, the place of her birth where her family members and relatives resided. This desire was something she couldn’t simply let go of.

“When Gu Changge acknowledged my identity as a member of the Gu family, I should have anticipated all of this,” Gu Xian’er mused, addressing Dahong, the large red bird perched on her shoulder.

Dahong squinted at her in response, seemingly implying she was hypocritical—wanting to return but unable to relinquish her pride. Gu Xian’er, irritated by the bird’s expression, wished she could pluck its feathers and roast it over a fire.

However, Dahong’s gaze didn’t reflect Gu Xian’er’s true feelings. Gu Changge mentioned that Gu Xian’er’s character was indeed prideful, and she often placed great importance on maintaining her dignity.

If the Ancient Immortal Gu family had sent a grand procession and numerous influential individuals to invite her back, Gu Xian’er would have “reluctantly” accepted the invitation. But receiving only a simple letter felt like a slight to her pride.

Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but feel indignant. Why was there no sincerity in the invitation? Why hadn’t they considered her status and reputation? Gu Changge had already publicly acknowledged her as a member of the Gu family, so shouldn’t the Ancient Immortal Gu family extend a more earnest invitation?

“There’s no sincerity at all. They underestimate me,” Gu Xian’er scoffed, her disdain evident in her tone. Gu Lintian overlooked the importance of this matter. In his view, the Ancient Immortal Gu family owed Gu Xian’er an apology, and perhaps he feared that a grand gesture might be interpreted as insincere by Gu Xian’er or others in the Dao heritages.

After pondering for a moment, he decided to write a letter and send it to Gu Xian’er. However, he never anticipated that Gu Xian’er possessed such a stubborn character.

“If you don’t return, whoever loves it will return. I won’t go back anyway,” Gu Xian’er muttered to herself, calming down slightly.

“Oh? Where are you going if not back?” Suddenly, Gu Xian’er heard a faint voice.

The next instant, the world seemed to fall into silence, and a terrifying pressure descended, accompanied by a rumbling sound akin to a mountain collapsing. Time and space appeared to freeze, and the cycles of reincarnation halted.

A buzz resonated as a channel rose in the sky, and Gu Changge’s figure emerged. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing at Gu Xian’er with an impassive expression as she stood there, visibly tense.

“Gu Changge…” Gu Xian’er’s reaction was delayed as she looked at him, her expression slightly bewildered by his sudden appearance.

Before this, Gu Changge had been utterly indifferent to her, as unyielding as ice, provoking her irritation. So why had he suddenly chosen to visit now?

Gu Changge stood tall and regal, his immortal robes billowing around him as if embroidered with the stars of the heavens. His demeanor exuded an air of grandeur and nobility, his presence commanding attention.

“Where did you say you weren’t going back to?” Gu Changge repeated calmly, his gaze fixed on Gu Xian’er.

Unable to meet his eyes, Gu Xian’er shifted her gaze away, feeling defenseless in his presence. She knew she couldn’t match Gu Changge’s strength, especially with the Great Elder absent from the mountain peak.

After returning from the Ancient Immortal Continent, the Great Elder had been brimming with anger, disappearing without a trace after imparting some subsequent cultivation techniques to Gu Xian’er. She surmised that his fury was likely directed at Gu Changge due to the events on the Ancient Immortal Continent.

Gu Xian’er couldn’t shake off the feeling that she would undoubtedly be hurt if Gu Changge wanted to punish her. After all, she had provoked him incessantly during this period, even though he had seemingly paid her no mind. Given his vengeful nature, it seemed inevitable that he would seek retribution sooner or later.

“Did I say anything?” Gu Xian’er muttered softly, unable to withstand the imposing aura emanating from Gu Changge.

She decided to play dumb for the time being, though she suspected that Gu Changge might have overheard her murmurs, hence his sudden appearance. Nonetheless, she refused to cower before him.

“Oh, you didn’t say anything, did you? It seems like your recent cultivation progress has given you delusions once again,” Gu Changge remarked, his expression devoid of warmth as he spoke with a hint of mockery.

Gu Xian’er’s expression shifted slightly at his words, sensing something was amiss. Reacting swiftly, a silvery glow enveloped her body as an immortal aura coursed through her, intertwining into various runes that coalesced into a majestic phoenix, spreading its wings behind her.

The radiant light and formidable aura exuded by the phoenix were awe-inspiring, seeming to rend the very fabric of the sky with its majestic wingspan.

Gu Xian’er activated a lightning-fast treasured art in a split second, spreading her wings and vanishing into the spatial realm behind her. She had sensed that Gu Changge was about to strike, and she wasn’t about to stick around to find out the consequences.

Buzz!!!

However, Gu Changge’s speed far outpaced hers, and just as Gu Xian’er attempted to retreat, a vast and terrifying force surged from the nearby space, trapping her in its grasp. The once serene void now resembled a turbulent sea, each inch thick as a mountain, firmly immobilizing her.

“Oh no,” Gu Xian’er muttered under her breath, realizing her inability to break free from the powerful restraint. Despite her recent breakthrough in cultivation, she found herself utterly helpless against Gu Changge’s might.

“You little troublemaker, it’s only been a few days since your last punishment, and you’ve already caused trouble again. ” Gu Changge remarked with pity and regret, “This cannot go on, though his actions belied his words with their icy detachment.

Buzz!!!

With a surge of energy, a massive void imprint materialized in the sky, descending with formidable force towards Gu Xian’er. Despite her attempts to resist, her newborn immortal bone’s radiance proved futile against Gu Changge’s overwhelming power. The simplicity of Gu Changge’s Dao allowed him to effortlessly suppress her with the force of the laws, highlighting the vast disparity in their strengths.

Gu Xian’er remained oblivious to this fact, unaware of the vast gulf separating their abilities. Otherwise, she would surely protest the unfairness of the situation. In Gu Changge’s estimation, however, Gu Xian’er’s current strength was commendable, especially given her status as a favored daughter of fortune with two templates in her possession.

Yet, Gu Changge’s ambition demanded more significant achievements, prompting him to maintain his cold demeanor as he delivered his taunts.

“Gu Xian’er, is this the result of your ongoing provocations? You can’t even endure a single slap from me. You’ve disappointed me greatly,” he remarked, his words laced with disdain.

“If we were to engage in true combat, you’d be dead by now,” he added, his imposing figure casting a shadow over her as he looked down upon her with indifference.

“Gu Changge, you’re just using your superior cultivation to bully me. What kind of achievement is that?” Gu Xian’er seethed angrily as she ground her teeth, bracing herself for another blow.

No matter how diligently she cultivated, she could never bridge the gap between her and Gu Changge’s overwhelming strength. She was quickly subdued by his might each time, dealing a devastating blow to her confidence.

She knew deep down that Gu Changge must possess abilities far beyond what his apparent cultivation level suggested. Perhaps he was on the brink of breaking through to the Sacred Realm.

“In a real fight, fairness is a luxury no one can afford,” Gu Changge remarked, his tone indifferent to her plight.

“I know you won’t kill me…” Gu Xian’er managed to say, despite being pinned to the ground.

“Oh?” Gu Changge responded calmly, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

“Regardless, Gu Changge, remember this: I’ll catch up to you sooner or later, and then you won’t be able to bully me anymore,” Gu Xian’er asserted defiantly, her eyes flashing with determination.

This time, Gu Changge remained silent, opting instead to mention his father’s letter. With a wave, he released the suppression on Gu Xian’er.

Anticipating her reluctance to return home, Gu Changge was determined to make her face a reality.

“I’m not going back. Your father is not my father,” Gu Xian’er retorted, her demeanor returning to its usual calm composure.

“Gu Xian’er, I think you’re mistaken about something. I’ve been ordered to bring you back, not to invite you to come along willingly,” Gu Changge chuckled, unable to contain his amusement.

He knew he had to stand for a strong-willed girl like her firmly. The message was clear: if Gu Xian’er resisted, he wouldn’t hesitate to subdue her again.

Gu Changge would resort to force to bring her back to the clan if she didn’t comply. Mentally preparing herself for the inevitable, Gu Xian’er gritted her teeth, knowing she had little choice.

“It’s not that I want to return, but you’re forcing me. Gu Changge, don’t misconstrue that,” Gu Xian’er reluctantly conceded, though her demeanor clearly showed her discontent.

“Got it. You’re begging me to take you back, not the other way around,” Gu Changge affirmed, nodding as if in understanding.

“Huh?!” Gu Xian’er’s expression froze, then erupted into anger at Gu Changge’s misinterpretation.