I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 201

Chapter 201: Yue Mingkong, who digs deep into the “truth”, her time of regression was too coincidental

Wang Ziji was dressed in men’s attire, wearing a soft blue silk outfit that gave off an air of sophistication, resembling a gentleman of high society.

Her complexion was fair and delicate, radiating with a lustrous glow. With a smile on her lips and eyes that slightly curved, she exuded an aura of aloofness as she confidently approached Gu Changge at the entrance of the main hall.

Many young attendees couldn’t help but notice her, and they were taken aback. Even Wang Wushuang, the descendant of the Ancient Immortal Wang family, seemed to be trailing behind her as they walked.

This raised questions. What did it signify? It suggested that Wang Ziji’s status surpassed that of Wang Wushuang, yet no one had encountered her before.

“To already have a connection with Gu Changge implies that her background is anything but ordinary!”

Such speculations circulated among the young geniuses, all eyes fixed on Wang Ziji. Among the guests were not only the esteemed elders of the Ancient Immortal Wang Family but also other young prodigies from various Dao lineages. Wang Wushuang, shining brightly, was among them, but Wang Ziji remained an enigmatic figure.

Now, even Wang Wushuang seemed to defer to this unfamiliar figure, leading people to suspect that Wang Ziji might be a hidden gem within the Wang family.

“Miss Ziji.”

“Please.”

Upon seeing Wang Ziji, Gu Changge displayed no surprise, instead offering a gentle smile and gesturing for all the guests to enter the hall.

After all, it was his mother’s birthday celebration, and as her son, it was only fitting for him to welcome the guests alongside her.

Furthermore, Gu Changge harbored intentions of observing which young talents would grace the occasion this time and perhaps finding a suitable scapegoat.

Two weeks prior, she had taken Gu Xian’er on a shopping spree in the Heavenly Dao Ancient City, aiming to open her eyes to the concept of wealth.

This experience was a profound shock to Gu Xian’er, who had grown up in poverty and had always been diligent and thrifty. In her eyes, Gu Changge possessed boundless riches, and the wealth glimpsed during their outing was merely the tip of the iceberg, a drop in the bucket. She couldn’t fathom how to make Gu Changge part with even a fraction of his wealth, let alone a single hair.

This realization left her disheartened, unable to envision the life of a wealthy individual. Consequently, her resentment towards Gu Changge skyrocketed almost instantly, solely fueled by his wealth. This intense aversion prompted her to label Gu Changge as despicable and shameless, accusing him of greediness and harboring a desire to drain his family’s resources.

In her mind, Gu Xian’er even began plotting ways to acquire all of Gu Changge’s wealth in the future. However, her intentions were transparent to Gu Changge, who saw through her scheme with ease.

Expecting Gu Changge to reprimand her, Gu Xian’er was taken aback when he instead remarked casually that it would eventually be hers. This response left Gu Xian’er bewildered, as if implying she would inherit everything from Gu Changge.

While Gu Changge conversed with Wang Ziji and others, this perplexing exchange lingered in Gu Xian’er’s mind.

Boom!

Suddenly, a group of cultivators arrived in a flurry of divine lights, entering the hall with a resounding boom. Leading the group was Ye Langtian, scion of the Ancient Ye Clan, his sister Ye Liuli trailing behind him like a radiant sun goddess, exuding an unparalleled brilliance.

“Brother Gu, greetings!” Ye Langtian respectfully bowed to Gu Changge upon entering the main hall. His gaze then swept over the numerous young talents from the Gu family behind Gu Changge, his eyes narrowing slightly in assessment.

Judging solely from their aura, the young prodigies of the Ancient Immortal Gu family seemed to possess a slight edge over those from their own clan. This observation hinted at the formidable background of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, one of the most dominant Dao forces in the Upper Realm. Yet, there remained a significant gap between them, with the Ancient Immortal Gu family standing at the pinnacle, overlooking the realm like immortal beings.

“Brother Ye,” Gu Changge responded with a gentle and composed demeanor, clad in pristine white attire as he greeted the assembled young supreme beings.

His appearance struck a chord with many who had only heard rumors of his arrogance and strength. Seeing him now, so modest and approachable, left them feeling pleasantly surprised.

“Who’s that?” Ye Langtian’s attention was drawn to Wang Ziji, noting her prominent position among the Wang family’s prodigies.

Wang Wushuang offered a brief explanation, “That’s my sister, Wang Ziji.”

He didn’t elaborate further, but it was sufficient to pique Ye Langtian’s interest.

Many young supremes observed the scene with keen interest, their minds buzzing with speculation. Gu Changge nodded and smiled intermittently as he engaged in conversation with the guests, while Wang Ziji, by his side, appeared charming and animated, engrossed in lively discussion.

To most observers, this interaction seemed entirely ordinary. However, Yue Mingkong, accompanying a graceful and ethereal woman in the hall, couldn’t help but furrow her brows. How could anyone fail to see through Wang Ziji’s disguise as a man? It was nothing short of self-deception.

What puzzled Yue Mingkong even more was when Gu Changge had formed acquaintance with this woman. Many aspects of Gu Changge’s current life seemed to deviate from the trajectory of his past, leaving her unsure of this new acquaintance’s identity.

It appeared as if some clueless seductress had managed to cozy up to Gu Changge, first with Yin Mei’s sudden appearance, whom she had previously warned him about, and now with this unfamiliar young woman.

Yue Mingkong’s expression remained composed and inscrutable as she scrutinized Wang Ziji, committing her appearance to memory. In Wang Ziji, she sensed a different kind of threat compared to Yin Mei—an intuition born of womanly instinct.

Although she was certain that Gu Changge wouldn’t easily be swayed by any woman, the sudden emergence of another female presence beside him was something Yue Mingkong couldn’t tolerate. Moreover, she detected an air of complexity surrounding Wang Ziji—whether in cultivation or talent, there was an aura of impenetrability.

Having received the infusion of the emperor’s aura, Yue Mingkong had achieved a breakthrough in her cultivation, ascending to the realm of the god king—a significant advancement compared to her previous level.

Yet, even with her heightened abilities, she found herself unable to fully decipher Wang Ziji’s origins. “Her background is not ordinary; she’s likely an ancient prodigy,” Yue Mingkong murmured, her thoughts racing with speculation.

Accompanied by the graceful woman beside her, she proceeded to greet the guests from the Supreme Dao heritages and the Immortal Great Sect. Each individual present in the hall possessed such formidable power that a mere gesture from them could cause seismic tremors in the outside world.

These were figures who had dominated the realms thousands and tens of thousands of years ago, once invincible in their youth. Their current might was so overwhelming that it could shake the very earth.

“Mingkong, what has caught your attention?” Gu Changge’s mother, the former holy maiden of the divine sect of absolute beginning, inquired, noticing Yue Mingkong’s focused gaze. She leaned in curiously, seeking an explanation.

To Gu Changge’s mother, Yue Mingkong was the epitome of an ideal daughter-in-law. In terms of talent, personality, background power, and appearance, she was unparalleled—a perfect match for Gu Changge, akin to a match made in heaven.

Today, as the emperor of the peerless immortal dynasty, Yue Mingkong wielded considerable power, her actions capable of reshaping destinies and altering the course of seas. Yet, she willingly set aside many crucial responsibilities to accompany Gu’s mother, earning even greater admiration from her prospective mother-in-law. She harbored genuine fondness for Yue Mingkong, esteeming her as the ideal future daughter-in-law—a woman with a heart as pure as that of a simple girl.

Despite her formidable reputation for iron-blooded skills and methods, befitting of a future empress, Yue Mingkong’s attention remained fixed on Gu Changge’s activities. When Auntie inquired about her gaze, Yue Mingkong responded with a gentle smile, skillfully redirecting the conversation towards Gu Changge.

Meanwhile, Wang Ziji remained constantly by Gu Changge’s side, wearing a joyful expression. This presence irked Yue Mingkong, despite knowing that Gu Changge likely viewed Wang Ziji as a mere tool rather than a romantic interest.

Since their departure from the Ancient Immortal Continent, Yue Mingkong and Gu Changge had grown distant, with Gu Changge’s demeanor towards her turning notably cold. Yue Mingkong longed for the past, when Gu Changge would playfully tease her, rather than display this indifference. It seemed that this was the true face of Gu Changge, unmasked in Yue Mingkong’s eyes.

Observing the interaction between Gu Changge and Wang Ziji, Mother Gu expressed surprise at the woman’s remarkable talents. “I’ve never seen such a prodigy in the Ancient Immortal Wang family before. Her strength has already reached the quasi-sacred realm,” she remarked, noting the exceptionalism of the woman conversing with Gu Changge.

“The quasi-sacred realm?” Yue Mingkong’s expression froze momentarily, her sense of threat intensifying. Mother Gu’s assessment was undoubtedly accurate. To achieve such cultivation prowess at her age was truly astonishing.

If she hadn’t accepted the empowerment of the emperor’s aura, she would have already attained the realm of a heavenly god. Such was the astounding talent of that woman, evident in her remarkable prowess.

“Given Changge’s current disposition, it’s likely he’s only recently acquainted with the woman, so don’t dwell on it too much, Mingkong,” Mother Gu remarked, noticing Yue Mingkong’s subtle emotional fluctuations. She sought to reassure her, aware of the delicate nature of Gu Changge’s secrets, particularly concerning his demonic heart.

Mother Gu was among the few privy to these secrets, but she treaded cautiously, mindful of the potential consequences if they were revealed. She harbored guilt for withholding such information from Yue Mingkong, understanding the dangers of disseminating it further. Gu Changge’s facade remained consistent in public, making it challenging to discern any underlying changes in temperament unless one was intimately familiar with him.

“Don’t worry, Auntie, I trust Changge,” Yue Mingkong responded with a soft smile, noting the emphasis on the word “now” in Mother Gu’s statement. It hinted at an awareness of Gu Changge’s altered temperament, sparking a renewed determination in Yue Mingkong to uncover his past secrets during her visit to the Ancient Immortal Gu’s household.

“Brother Gu, I’m afraid today won’t be without turmoil,” Wang Ziji interjected, sensing the tension in the hall as she conversed with Gu Changge. Having delved into Gu Changge’s background, she was well-acquainted with his fiancee, Yue Mingkong.

Gu Changge understood her implication but maintained a warm smile. “Mingkong is level-headed and won’t misconstrue anything,” he reassured, before turning his gaze towards the hall, subtly acknowledging Yue Mingkong’s presence with a nod and smile.

Yue Mingkong was momentarily stunned by Gu Changge’s subtle gesture, but she quickly caught on to his intentions and responded with a gentle smile. Many guests present couldn’t help but be moved by the sight, marveling at the seemingly perfect match between the two, deeming them a divine couple.

“There’s no reason for jealousy, and Yue Mingkong doesn’t seem like an ordinary woman,” Wang Ziji mused, slightly surprised by the scene. She had anticipated a clichéd confrontation but realized she had overestimated the situation. As a bystander, she couldn’t help but be intrigued by the dynamics at play.

However, Wang Ziji, with her laid-back demeanor, couldn’t help but find such drama appealing. Yet, as she left the Human Ancestral Hall, she began to realize that things weren’t as predictable as she had thought. Gu Changge’s actions defied the typical patterns she had learned, leaving her feeling uncertain about her role in his plans. She found herself unable to decipher his intentions, a sensation that only fueled her curiosity further.

“I feel sorry for you, Mingkong,” Mother Gu sighed softly, observing the interaction with a sense of pity. She could sense the underlying conflict between Gu Changge and Yue Mingkong, noting Gu Changge’s distant attitude towards her.

Even upon Yue Mingkong’s arrival at their family, Gu Changge hadn’t made an effort to greet her—an echo of his initial treatment of Yue Mingkong. Mother Gu was unaware of the specifics of their rift but recognized that Yue Mingkong’s cooperation with Gu Changge stemmed from a desire to maintain appearances.

“Auntie, it’s not Changge’s fault; it’s all my fault…” Yue Mingkong shook her head gently, expressing regret. “I’ve been too wary of him and misunderstood his intentions…”

Mother Gu was taken aback by this admission, unable to conceal her surprise. “You knew all of this, Mingkong?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Yue Mingkong realized she had inadvertently revealed too much and promptly fell silent. She had been guarding against Gu Changge’s demonic heart, fearing it might resurface, causing him to revert to his previous indifferent demeanor. Hearing Mother Gu’s response only deepened her disappointment, confirming her suspicions.

Mother Gu’s inadvertent confirmation of Yue Mingkong’s fears affirmed her belief that Gu Changge harbored secrets from his past, triggering significant changes even in her previous life. However, the specifics remained elusive to Yue Mingkong at present.

“Was Gu Changge’s sudden descent to the lower realm half a year before my regression truly just for the sake of finding an opportunity?” Yue Mingkong pondered, puzzled by the situation. Her thoughts then turned to the two women Gu Changge had brought back from the lower realm.

“Auntie, I heard that Changge brought back two women from the lower realm,” Yue Mingkong began, addressing Gu’s mother. “One is named Lin Qiuhan, currently studying alchemy in the Ancient Pill Sect. The other is Zhao Qingge, who Changge sent to me for cultivation…”

These details had been uncovered by Yue Mingkong’s investigations and were relatively easy to obtain. If she wanted to unravel Gu Changge’s activities in the lower realm, she knew she would need to inquire further from these two women.

“Qingge is a clever girl, and I’ve taken a liking to her, so I’ve decided to guide her in her cultivation,” Mother Gu responded with surprise upon hearing Yue Mingkong’s revelation.

“Auntie, do you know what’s unique about her?” Yue Mingkong inquired further.

“Qingge harbors two souls within one body. She was once affiliated with the devil’s way, and although I attempted to trace her origins using a secret technique, her soul is too fragmented for me to discern anything,” Mother Gu explained, sharing information she had also conveyed to Gu Changge.

Yue Mingkong’s frown deepened upon hearing this revelation, indicating her growing concern.

At the birthday banquet, Zhao Qingge remained in the Divine Sect of the Absolute Beginning, indicating that she wasn’t brought by Mother Gu and was left under Gu Changge’s care. Yue Mingkong speculated that Gu Changge had used them and discarded them once they were no longer of use, based on his typical demeanor.

It seemed apparent that Gu Changge had no intention of bringing them back to the Upper Realm, suggesting that they were mere decorative pieces or tools in his grand scheme.

“It seems that the key lies in his time in the Lower Realm, coinciding with my regression. All of this can’t be a coincidence,” Yue Mingkong concluded, considering the timing of Gu Changge’s activities in relation to her own experiences.

Indeed, in her previous life, Gu Changge didn’t bring anyone back from the Lower Realm, indicating that he had acquired something significant in this current life that eluded him previously.

Meanwhile, as Gu Changge conversed with the younger generation, his demeanor remained natural and unassuming, devoid of arrogance. The young geniuses praised and admired his actions in the Ancient Immortal Continent, regarding him as the strongest among their peers.

During a conversation, Ye Langtian brought up the issue of inheritors of demonic arts wreaking havoc in secret, shifting the focus of discussion to this pressing matter.

As soon as those words were uttered, a palpable tension filled the air, causing nearby geniuses to cast wary glances in the direction of the speakers. It was as if a chilling aura had swept through the gathering, sending shivers down everyone’s spine.

Gu Changge’s expression turned contemplative, indicating that he was giving serious thought to his response. “Indeed, Brother Gu is the only one among us who has faced and severely injured the inheritor of demonic arts,” another young Supreme interjected. Clad in a shimmering silver light, with three pairs of arms behind him, his formidable strength marked him as a member of an immortal great sect.

Even Wang Ziji, upon hearing this, became intrigued. As the inheritor of demonic arts was considered an enemy by the ancestral hall she represented, she couldn’t help but wonder about Gu Changge’s strength. Considering that even she couldn’t discern the extent of his abilities, it wasn’t inconceivable for him to have dealt a severe blow to the inheritor of demonic arts. Like everyone else, she was eager to hear Gu Changge’s perspective on the matter.