I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 209

Chapter 209: Intertwined and calculated step by step, poured black water but you can only accept it while pinching your nose

Listening to the discussions among a group of venerable elders and influential figures in the sky, many cultivators fell into a stunned silence, their spines tingling with apprehension.

The current inheritor of demonic arts had brazenly infiltrated the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s banquet with suspicions of being backed by a formidable organization. His target: the enigmatic woman from the Ancient Immortal Wang family, whose true identity remained unknown to most.

It was speculated that the inheritor of demonic arts aimed to incite conflict between the Ancient Immortal Gu family and the Ancient Immortal Wang family. However, discerning individuals recognized the implausibility of such an act being orchestrated by the Gu family.

“Based on the fluctuations of divine power and hidden secrets, it appears to be the aura of Heavenly Emperor Mountain. This poses a significant problem!” remarked one observer, prompting gasps of disbelief among the younger cultivators overhearing the conversation.

“The inheritor of demonic arts in league with Heavenly Emperor Mountain?” they echoed in shock, their expressions betraying their disbelief as they absorbed the words of the esteemed elders. The revelation that the magical powers from the battle were linked to Heavenly Emperor Mountain sent shivers down their spines, leaving them drenched in cold sweat.

Even the members of the Ye Clan, who typically held Heavenly Emperor Mountain in reverence, were horrified by the implication. For them, Heavenly Emperor Mountain was a symbol of supreme authority, revered by all. The notion that it could be associated with the inheritor of demonic arts was inconceivable, causing their minds to reel in disbelief.

“Could it be that Heavenly Emperor Mountain was the mastermind behind this…? This is truly horrifying,” exclaimed a young supreme with a solemn expression, encapsulating the collective shock and horror felt by those present.

At that moment, Gu Changge descended from the sky after successfully retrieving the puppet’s core from under the watchful gaze of the venerable elders. His expression mirrored the contemplative demeanor shared by many young supremes, displaying a hint of thoughtfulness amidst his solemnity.

Dismissing the notion of Heavenly Emperor Mountain’s involvement, he shook his head in disbelief. “If this matter truly implicated Heavenly Emperor Mountain, why would the perpetrator reveal their connection by employing the mountain’s divine powers during the battle? It seems far too reckless. I refuse to believe anyone could be that foolish,” he asserted, his tone tinged with skepticism.

Gu Changge sighed, indicating his own confusion on the matter. “Brother Gu’s reasoning is sound, and it aligns with my suspicions,” affirmed Wang Wushuang, who had regained his composure.

Observing the reactions of Ye Langtian and the other young supremes nearby, Gu Changge discerned their recognition of the loophole in the narrative. A peculiar glint flickered in his eyes, signaling the initial success of his stratagem.

While Gu Changge had initially framed the situation, he hadn’t aimed for flawless execution. By casting doubt upon Heavenly Emperor Mountain, he intended to leverage the uncertainty for his next move. Whether or not others believed the narrative, the cloud of suspicion hanging over Heavenly Emperor Mountain had been effectively sown—a calculated move on Gu Changge’s part.

However, he harbored no ill intentions toward Heavenly Emperor Mountain. His defense of the institution surprised many ancient creatures, who regarded him with gratitude. They had feared Gu Changge might unjustly target Heavenly Emperor Mountain, given his considerable power. Despite the revered status of Heavenly Emperor Mountain, it would not have been sufficient to placate Gu Changge’s potential wrath.

With formidable forces backing him, including the Ancient Immortal Gu family, the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning, the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, and the ancient immortal clans, Gu Changge held considerable sway in the realm. Few dared to disregard him, given his influential support.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the recent events, Gu Changge’s proactive stance in absolving Heavenly Emperor Mountain of suspicion brought relief to many. His reputation and the backing of powerful factions made his words reassuring.

For those gathered, Gu Changge’s words resonated deeply. “Is there any reason to doubt or question what Young Master Changge has stated?” remarked one elder, acknowledging the clarity of Gu Changge’s assertion. The conspicuousness of the aura linked to Heavenly Emperor Mountain suggested deliberate manipulation to cast suspicion upon the institution.

Another elder, hailing from an immortal great sect, echoed this sentiment, asserting that such an obvious attempt to smear Heavenly Emperor Mountain was unlikely to deceive astute individuals.

This perspective quickly gained traction among the assembled, with many agreeing that the apparent attempt to implicate Heavenly Emperor Mountain lacked credibility. The notion that the institution would leave such blatant evidence was deemed improbable.

As discussions turned toward seeking justice for Heavenly Emperor Mountain and uncovering the true culprit behind the dark magic, Gu Changge’s expression momentarily shifted, hinting at a playful demeanor before returning to its usual composure. However, beneath the surface, Gu Changge’s mind churned with plans and considerations.

His focus soon turned to Wang Ziji, prompting a hush to fall over the gathering. All eyes, including those of the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s members and the guests from various Dao heritages, turned to her. Gu Changge’s inquiry carried significant weight, and many awaited her response with keen interest.

Wang Wushuang, Ye Langtian, and the young supreme of the Golden-winged Unicorn clan wore expressions of anticipation, eager to hear Gu Changge’s perspective.

“Why does Young Master Changge seek this woman’s opinion? Is there something special about her identity?” Curiosity arose among those unaware of Wang Ziji’s background, intrigued by her resilience against a Great Sacred Realm assassin at such a young age.

Amidst the murmurs, some voices rose in defense of Wang Ziji, hushing those who dared to speak ill of her. The reverence she commanded stemmed from her lineage as the successor of the Human Ancestor Hall, a title that demanded respect and awe.

Realization dawned on the onlookers as they comprehended Wang Ziji’s significance. Her connection to the esteemed Human Ancestor Hall explained her proximity to Gu Changge and elicited astonishment from those around her.

Unperturbed by the scrutiny, Wang Ziji directed her attention to Gu Changge, sensing his contemplation. With a serene smile, she expressed her viewpoint, aligning with Gu Changge’s assessment.

“Actually, my opinion mirrors Brother Gu’s,” she began, her tone calm yet persuasive. “Currently, the prevailing assumption is that Heavenly Emperor Mountain is being framed, absolving them of involvement with the inheritor of demonic arts. However, this presumption is precisely what raises suspicion.”

Her words carried weight, each syllable resonating like a thunderous revelation. She posited that by prematurely dismissing Heavenly Emperor Mountain’s involvement, attention might inadvertently be diverted from the true culprit. It was a subtle yet profound insight, challenging the accepted narrative and prompting introspection among the listeners.

The expressions of the group of old antiques, especially, turned even more horrified, as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a sudden awakening. They realized that what they had assumed and what Wang Ziji elucidated were not vastly different. They had initially led the charge in dismissing suspicions of Heavenly Emperor Mountain’s involvement with the inheritor of demonic arts, believing it couldn’t possibly be related. But in light of Wang Ziji’s insights, they now entertained the unsettling notion that perhaps their conclusions were premature.

“As expected of the saintess of the Human Ancestor Hall! Her acumen is remarkable, instantly grasping the crux of the matter,” voiced an elder cultivator, echoing the sentiments of many.

“The formation of suspicions is indeed a delicate balance between truth and falsehood. While we’re currently inclined towards suspicion, there’s no concrete evidence linking Heavenly Emperor Mountain to the affair. If it were indeed their machinations, it’s a chilling thought how close we came to being misled,” another remarked, expressing gratitude towards Wang Ziji’s discernment.

Amidst the chorus of praise for Wang Ziji, admiration filled the air, her youth coupled with her profound insights earning her widespread respect. Even the younger generation nodded in agreement, acknowledging her analytical prowess.

As Wang Ziji turned to Gu Changge with a smile, inquiring if his perspective aligned with hers, Gu Changge nodded, his expression tinged with admiration. “Indeed, I didn’t anticipate Miss Ziji’s perspective to mirror mine. I, too, nearly fell for their ruse. Nonetheless, Heavenly Emperor Mountain remains the prime suspect,” he affirmed.

At his words, Wang Ziji’s smile broadened, her satisfaction palpable. Yet, despite the reassurances, a lingering sense of foreboding enveloped the gathered cultivators, casting a shadow over their thoughts.

Even with Heavenly Emperor Mountain involved, the world was on the brink of change.

“Nevertheless, the descendants of the Human Ancestor Hall have emerged, and we still have young master Changge, who possesses the talent of the true immortals. All hope is not lost…”

“With the inheritors of demonic arts wreaking havoc, it’s imperative to devise a strategy to locate and eradicate them in one decisive blow.”

Such thoughts pervaded the minds of everyone present, with the younger generation finding solace in the leadership of young master Changge, seeing a beacon of hope in the fight against the inheritors of demonic arts.

Despite the varied expressions around him, Gu Changge maintained a composed demeanor, concealing the amusement bubbling within him. Tonight’s objective had been achieved—the blame had been successfully shifted to Heavenly Emperor Mountain. Even if Heavenly Emperor Mountain wished otherwise, they had no choice but to begrudgingly accept it. The thought was utterly revolting.

Unbeknownst to them, they had been unwittingly ensnared in Gu Changge’s calculated scheme.

“Ding, the reputation of the mortals has been tarnished by the mortal who usurped the powerhouse, granting you 3,000 luck points and 15,000 destiny points,” the system prompt sounded, bringing a smile to Gu Changge’s lips.

It seemed his plan had unfolded flawlessly. A seemingly inconsequential action had set off a chain reaction, causing a ripple effect across the Upper Realm. This insignificant boy who tended to horses had proven to be a force to be reckoned with, playing his cards with precision.

…

Soon, news of the events at the Ancient Immortal Gu family spread far and wide, igniting a sensation that reverberated throughout the realms. With eyewitnesses confirming the authenticity of the reports, there was little room for doubt.

The reappearance of the inheritor of demonic arts sent shockwaves rippling through the world, instilling fear in the hearts of all who heard of the audacious attempt to assassinate the descendant of the human ancestor hall. Had it not been for the intervention of the Gu family’s formidable figures, the consequences would have been dire.

This incident cast a spotlight on Heavenly Emperor Mountain, thrusting it into the eye of the storm. The use of its divine power during the assassination attempt raised eyebrows and sparked a flurry of speculation across the realms.

Various theories circulated, fueling apprehension and caution among the races. The resurgence of the inheritor of demonic power, shrouded in even greater mystery and menace than before, sent tremors through the collective consciousness of all beings.

Amidst the sensationalism and shock, another bombshell dropped—Emperor Ying Shuang, the son of the Ying Emperor and heir to Heavenly Emperor Mountain, made a public announcement.

This revelation triggered a seismic wave of disbelief and anger, as many scrutinized the timing of the Emperor’s proclamation. It coincided with the birthday banquet of Gu Changge’s mother and the attempted assassination of the descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall, raising suspicions and prompting questions about the uncanny timing.

The Dao heritages were left reeling from the implications of this revelation, with many unable to shake the feeling of unease at the seemingly too-perfect alignment of events.

In the eyes of many, this was a blatant provocation to numerous Dao sects, an act of audacity and recklessness. The White Tiger Clan, in particular, seethed with hatred at the thought of their kin falling prey to the inheritor of demonic arts, their essence devoured in the process.

Though they held reverence for Heavenly Emperor Mountain as members of the ancient sword clan, the connection between the inheritor of demonic arts and the Mountain left them uneasy and fueled their desire for justice. The patriarch, consumed by anger and sorrow, roared to the heavens, desperate to vent his fury.

However, clan elders swiftly intervened, urging caution and restraint. While they mourned the loss of their young master, they recognized the danger of rash actions without concrete evidence linking Heavenly Emperor Mountain to the tragedy.

Amidst the turmoil, support for Heavenly Emperor Mountain remained steadfast among many clans, who viewed the accusations as baseless and malicious. They questioned the motives behind tarnishing the Mountain’s reputation, citing its longstanding history and revered status as reasons to doubt any involvement in such nefarious schemes.

As rumors swirled and factions rallied, doubts gnawed at the collective consciousness. Was Heavenly Emperor Mountain truly entangled with the inheritor of demonic arts, or was it the victim of a calculated smear campaign?

Meanwhile, high above in the sky, aboard a grand phoenix boat adorned with intricate runes, a figure dressed in resplendent attire sat in contemplation within the opulent confines of an attic. Surrounded by ethereal maidens, shock and disbelief etched across his features as he grappled with the tumultuous events unfolding below.

Despite his intentions to venture into the world against the opposition of Heavenly Emperor Mountain, he had not anticipated the backlash he now faced. Instead of reverence and admiration, he was met with scorn and anger, leaving him bewildered and unsettled.

In this moment, Ying Shuang was stunned, his expression twisting into an ugly mask of disbelief and indignation. As the reigning emperor, he wielded unmatched authority and commanded reverence wherever he tread. Who dared to disdain or underestimate him?

With the mighty support of Heavenly Emperor Mountain behind him, he should have been impervious to doubt or suspicion. Yet, the mere association of his name with the inheritor of demonic arts left him seething with anger, unwillingness, and an unsettling fear.

For Ying Shuang was no true emperor; he was but an imposter inhabiting a stolen body, devoid of memories of his past. Faced with the prospect of scrutiny and potential attack, he trembled with trepidation, his palms slick with cold sweat.

This ordeal was akin to the trials of impersonating the emperor, a test of nerves and deception that now left him wracked with uncertainty and regret. No longer did he exude the confidence he once possessed; instead, he was consumed by anxiety and plagued by doubt.

Gone was the ease of his former life; now, he harbored resentment towards the unknown entity who had usurped his identity and cast him into this perilous role. In his darkest moments, Ying Shuang yearned for the simplicity of his former existence, where the burdens of power and deception did not weigh upon his soul.

“Oh my god, if you want me to enjoy all this, why do you let me take on all this?” Ying Shuang’s voice quivered slightly, grappling with the weight of his predicament. He understood that complaints were futile; he had to face his challenges head-on.

Soon, he regained his composure and began to reason with himself. “At this time, I can’t panic, let alone show cowardice. The reputation of Heavenly Emperor Mountain hangs in the balance. Whether I am the inheritor of demonic art or not, I cannot admit it. I must find a way to clear my name…”

Various thoughts raced through his mind, but he knew that proving his innocence would be a formidable task unless he could unmask the true inheritor of demonic art.

“All of this was orchestrated by Gu Changge and the descendants of the Human Ancestor Hall… Damn…” Ying Shuang seethed with anger, vowing to settle the score once the dust had settled and the identity of the true inheritor of demonic art was revealed.

“Brother, are the rumors true?” A faint voice interrupted Ying Shuang’s thoughts, drawing his attention to the doorway.

Standing there was Ying Shuang’s sister, Ying Yu, her shoulder-length silver hair framing her beautiful face. Clad in ethereal fairy garments, she wore a look of concern and confusion.

Since their last encounter, waves of attackers had assailed them relentlessly, driven by vendettas and fueled by their brother’s high profile. Ying Yu had been forced to fend them off, navigating a treacherous landscape of enemies and allies alike.

Now, her expression betrayed her uncertainty, a reflection of the bewildering circumstances that surrounded them. This wasn’t like her brother at all, and Ying Yu couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

And the inheritor of demonic art? Since her brother broke the seal, he had been practicing in the palace for all these years and had never left half a step.

Could her brother truly be the inheritor of demonic art?

“How do you feel about this?” Ying Shuang asked calmly, concealing his inner turmoil.

Outside the pavilion, Ying Yu hesitated. Something about Ying Shuang’s behavior had seemed off lately, prompting her to probe him on multiple occasions. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to talk about it, but we need to resolve this matter,” Ying Yu replied coolly before leaving.

As she pondered the situation, Ying Yu realized that clearing her brother’s name as the inheritor of demonic art and contending with all the major sects was an unrealistic endeavor. The upper world was vast and teeming with countless powerful beings. Even the formidable Heavenly Emperor Mountain couldn’t stand against the entire world.

“So the best course of action is to cut off the source. The rumors originated from the Ancient Immortal Gu family that night. Gu Changge and the Human Ancestor Hall?” Ying Yu mused aloud, contemplating the involvement of two significant figures.

She couldn’t fault their logic, but the key issue remained: Heavenly Emperor Mountain had been unjustly framed, and the subtle strategy employed by the hidden inheritor of demonic art to sow doubt was cunning.

“It seems that Gu Changge needs to be taught a lesson. Perhaps only by taking action against him can we dispel suspicion. Among today’s younger generation, his power is enough to reverse this situation in an instant,” Ying Yu concluded, devising a plan to make Gu Changge realize the error of his ways.

“It’s all thanks to my sister’s remarkable abilities; otherwise, I really wouldn’t know what to do in this situation,” Ying Shuang murmured to himself, feeling a sense of relief as he sensed his sister’s departure. He knew that with his sister’s talents and the support of their powerful clan, they had resources to navigate through this crisis.

However, as he dwelled on the situation, a deep-seated hatred and anger boiled within him. His thoughts turned to Gu Changge, the descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall. Gu Changge, who had always outshined him since childhood, now evoked feelings of resentment and jealousy.

How could Gu Changge have put him in such a perilous predicament with just a few words?