I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 211

Chapter 211: For the Demon Lord, it’s hard to suppress the devilish nature, and the bitter and tragic drama is staged

Gu Changge’s father stood outside the ancestral hall, his expression deep and composed, yet tinged with a subtle concern. Every now and then, he gazed out over the deep Nirvana Pool, sensing the fluctuating aura within. Gu Changge’s cultivation level fluctuated unpredictably, at times seeming to reach the true god realm, at others the heavenly god realm, and even verging on the quasi-sacred. This shifting state puzzled him; he had never witnessed such a phenomenon before and found himself at a loss for words.

Meanwhile, Gu Xian’er sat cross-legged inside the hall, surrounded by an ethereal glow that seemed to embody immortal essence. Amidst the newly formed immortal bones, she appeared akin to a celestial being immersed in meditation for her rebirth. Though her aura also surged, it lacked the unpredictable nature of Gu Changge’s.

The other three individuals present paled in comparison, their presence negligible.

“Changge forges his own destiny. As his father, I shouldn’t pry too deeply, but I must find a way to shield him from the presence of the devil…” His father murmured, his gaze distant as visions played out before his eyes.

With a wave of his hand, he cast a ripple of energy that secluded the surroundings, veiling the scenes within the hall. Even the entrance to the ancestral hall became obscured, rendering it difficult for anyone to perceive what was happening inside unless they ventured in themselves. This precaution was necessary to prevent the rest of the clan, especially idle ancestors like Gu Nanshan, from succumbing to curiosity and interfering with the proceedings.

“If the old ancestor arrives, I must devise a means to keep him at bay,” his father mused, his expression growing serious as he contemplated the task ahead. He stationed himself outside the hall, barring access to others in order to maintain the utmost secrecy.

“This is the only way to ensure their safety. I have faith in Changge’s resilience; I trust that he will emerge unscathed,” he reassured himself, embodying the unwavering belief of a father in his son.

Boom!

Suddenly, within the ancestral hall, an explosion of energy erupted, accompanied by thousands of immortal fluctuations and divine lights that flowed like a mighty river. The faint glow of immortality suffused the air, lending an ethereal atmosphere to the scene. The energy emanating from the Nirvana Pool surged with even greater intensity.

Gu Changge’s presence was radiant and unmoving, his aura enveloping those nearby, causing their hearts to race. Despite the overwhelming spectacle, his consciousness remained remarkably serene, unaffected by the visions that captivated others.

Originally designed for the Gu family bloodline, the Nirvana Pool provided a platform for future generations to undergo transformation. However, Gu Changge’s inherent talent stemmed from a demon heart, while many of his other abilities were linked to a different system. Now, due to the influence of his lineage, these talents were undergoing a transformation of their own.

Near the Nirvana Pool, layers of brilliance shimmered, each exuding distinct auras associated with supreme talents such as reincarnation and space manipulation. Additionally, Gu Changge assimilated numerous potent talents from young supremes, causing a mixture of abilities to awaken within him—Gengjin, Zhiyang, Taiyin, among others—creating an enigmatic fusion.

Ultimately, this convergence gave rise to a sensation akin to chaos birthing the cosmos. The detached bones acquired from the system store reverberated with energy, emitting a cascade of celestial order like a starry waterfall.

Though the Nirvana Pool wielded considerable influence, Gu Changge remained relatively indifferent, recognizing its potential to only advance his cultivation to the mid-stage of the Sacred Realm.

However, a nagging sense of familiarity tugged at him—the feeling emanating from the devil heart, reminiscent of the Eight Desolate Devil Halberds from before.

“Am I the Demon Lord?” Gu Changge pondered, sensing that the trouble caused by his alter ego within the devil heart extended beyond Gu Xian’er and Yue Mingkong.

While the system had addressed some of the devil heart’s drawbacks, Gu Changge couldn’t shake the realization that, whether devilish or virtuous, both natures were intrinsic to him. He doubted that his actions differed significantly from those of the devil.

Speaking of which, it was Gu Changge’s demonic nature that ultimately led to Yue Mingkong’s demise in their previous lives, as well as his own actions in extracting Gu Xian’er’s Dao bone. These were deeds he couldn’t deny, although he attempted to shift the blame onto the devil heart.

“Judging solely from this aura, the origin of the devil heart is undeniably ominous… If the Nirvana Pool can reflect past lives, was I a transmigrator in my previous life? Is there any limit to what can be uncovered?” Gu Changge mused, feeling somewhat apprehensive. It seemed as though these events were designed to test his resolve.

However, he soon dismissed these thoughts. Regardless of whether the devil heart revealed the identity of the Demon Lord or any other revelations, they held no bearing on his present self. Furthermore, Gu Changge had mastered the ability to cloak his mind in indifference, allowing him to act with absolute detachment and disregard for personal emotions.

Yet, he refused to succumb to the allure of his demonic nature. He recognized that his cultivation was aimed at attaining strength, not betrayal. Allowing the demonic nature to dominate would lead him down the same path as the version of himself Yue Mingkong encountered.

Gu Changge acknowledged that he wasn’t a saint, but he also refused to believe he was entirely devoid of emotion. His feelings toward Yue Mingkong and others were different, albeit to varying degrees.

“The devil heart cannot control me. Initially, my consciousness was suppressed by its influence, but only because it had accumulated over time…” Gu Changge reflected, his thoughts racing.

Suddenly, the sound of his divine heart reverberated through the air, its rhythmic beats echoing like thunder between heaven and earth. The overwhelming demonic nature surged forth from his heart.

Within the weapon space, the Eight Desolate Demon Halberd erupted into exultant cheers, celebrating its master’s enlightenment.

Humm!!

A misty black light, carrying an aura capable of unsettling all realms, erupted from the blood vessels. As Gu Changge delved into his own heart, he sensed a surge of ancient, supreme power within the devil heart.

Faintly, the echoes of strange scriptures reverberated, accompanied by countless sounds of obeisance and chanting. Upon closer inspection, he would discern the visage of a supreme demon lord, reigning over the heavens and earth, with a monstrous shadow looming behind him. Amidst swirling gray mist, he brandished a fierce halberd that threatened the very fabric of the universe, standing aloof in the celestial expanse.

Boom!!

The halberd descended, shattering time and space, causing even reincarnation to crumble. The universe seemed to tear asunder, as if true immortals fell beneath its weight, and even the immortal king met his demise.

Though these visions defied description, they possessed the power to drive one to madness. Despite the blurred countenance of the demon lord, Gu Changge recognized himself within.

“Is this my purported past life? Was I truly the demon lord?” he pondered, or perhaps it was a glimpse into the future.

In the next moment, a revelation dawned upon Gu Changge, and the scene vanished. In the darkness, he sensed a transformation within his demon heart, imbuing it with an ineffable and profound significance. Perhaps it could be termed an unyielding devil heart. Yet, it remained for him to uncover its benefits.

Soon, Gu Changge opened his eyes, willingly withdrawing from the state of absorbing the mysterious essence within the Nirvana Pool. His primary objective in entering the pool had been accomplished, and now it was time to focus on Gu Xian’er.

A tragic and poignant drama lay ahead; otherwise, how else would it unfold?

Humm!!

In the next instant, Gu Changge’s aura underwent a profound shift. A trace of demonic energy began to emanate from his form. His countenance turned suddenly indifferent, devoid of emotion, as if submerged in a void of apathy.

If Dao embodied ruthlessness, then Gu Changge’s current state mirrored its essence—utter indifference.

“Young master!”

“What’s happening? This…”

The abrupt transformation seized the attention of the three young supremes from the Gu family, who were engaged in cultivating and refining their bloodlines by the Nirvana Pool. They snapped open their eyes, stunned by the sight before them. Disbelief etched their pale faces as they recoiled in horror.

Swiftly withdrawing from their cultivation states, they sensed a chilling aura, suffused with an overwhelming intent to kill, enveloping them entirely. A profound sense of dread gripped them, rendering their bodies rigid with fear.

To them, Gu Changge appeared as a towering figure, exuding an aura of absolute dominance. Each of them felt as insignificant as ants before him, vulnerable to being crushed with a mere thought.

They couldn’t comprehend why Gu Changge, previously immersed in fruitful cultivation, had transformed into this terrifying entity.

Gu Changge’s presence instilled in them a bone-chilling fear, freezing their souls with dread. It seemed that with a single thought, he could obliterate them in the Nirvana Pool, extinguishing their existence without a trace.

“Young Master, we are of your kin…”

“Young Master, snap out of it!”

Trembling, they attempted to communicate with Gu Changge, hoping to rouse him from his trance-like state.

After all, the sudden transformation caught them completely off guard. Who could have predicted that Gu Changge would undergo such a drastic change?

Puff!

Gu Changge regarded them with an indifferent gaze, as though they were insignificant ants at his feet. Despite his apparent disregard for their lives, the three could discern a struggle flickering across his features. It appeared that Gu Changge was deeply reluctant to embrace this altered state.

“Could it be that the young master encountered a mishap in his cultivation, leading to this transformation?” one of them ventured, his voice trembling with uncertainty. Indeed, the current Gu Changge bore a striking resemblance to the demonic entity they had heard of.

“How could a virtuous person succumb to such darkness? We must inform the head of the family and the clan elder…” another suggested, hastening towards the hall’s exit in a bid to summon help. They knew they stood no chance against Gu Changge and couldn’t even put up a fight.

But their calls went unanswered.

Observing their attempted escape, Gu Changge’s expression shifted slightly, remaining indifferent as he waved his hand, unleashing a surge of vibrant, five-colored divine light.

Puff!

With a sickening thud, the three were sent hurtling backwards, blood gushing from their mouths as they collided with the wall, rendering them unconscious, their fates uncertain.

“Gu Changge…”

The commotion stirred Gu Xian’er from her meditative state beside the Nirvana Pool. Though she was deeper in meditation than the others, the disturbance didn’t escape her notice. As she emerged from her trance and beheld the scene before her, she was struck by shock, confusion, and a sense of bewilderment.

Uncertain of the trio’s fate and unable to investigate further, she swiftly formulated a response.

She could sense that something was deeply amiss with Gu Changge’s current demeanor. Though outwardly he appeared normal, his indifferent expression evoked memories of the time he extracted her Dao bone during her childhood. That familiar scene sent shivers down Gu Xian’er’s spine.

“Gu Changge, what’s happening to you?” Gu Xian’er questioned, her heart on high alert.

The aura emanating from Gu Changge had now reached the quasi-sacred realm, a departure from his usual manifestation in the true god realm. This unexpected development heightened Gu Xian’er’s vigilance even further.

Gu Changge’s formidable strength was evident; a mere Nirvana Pool couldn’t propel his cultivation to such heights in one fell swoop. It indicated that he had been concealing his true power, which was now laid bare.

“I’m on the verge of breaking through to the False God realm. If Gu Changge were to attack me, I wouldn’t stand a chance,” Gu Xian’er acknowledged with grim certainty.

With that realization, she produced a round, dark golden sword pill in her palm—a sacred artifact imbued with holy power. She hoped it would provide temporary defense against Gu Changge’s potential aggression, allowing her to seek aid from the rest of the clan outside the hall.

Today was perilous; Gu Changge seemed unaware of the situation, yet her bloodline transformation had plunged her into this predicament. Did he forget the vow he made before the Great Elder at the Heavenly Dao Ancient City?

Gu Xian’er’s brow furrowed deeply as she prepared to confront the unexpected challenge before her.

“Could it be reminiscent of the past, when Gu Changge exhibited similar behavior?” Gu Xian’er pondered, shocked by the realization.

Suddenly, her expression shifted as she gazed at Gu Changge. Moments ago, she had been filled with vigilance and confusion, but now her countenance reflected a complex mix of emotions, tinged with a sense of relief upon uncovering the truth.

“The second nirvana’s immortal bone nearly brought calamity when I left you alone, yet you’ve managed to surprise me once again, brother,” Gu Changge remarked, seemingly penetrating Gu Xian’er’s intentions. A formidable and unusual sword light pierced through the air between his fingers, humming ominously as it targeted the sword pill in her hand.

In response, Gu Xian’er swiftly summoned a blue-black umbrella, unfurling its immense form to cast a radiant barrier in an attempt to suppress Gu Changge. It was a potent treasure in its own right.

However, with a casual flick of his hand, Gu Changge invoked a terrifying divine chain of laws that tore through the void, effortlessly rending the powerful artifact asunder.

“How can this be? He’s unimaginably strong…” Gu Xian’er’s complexion paled. The exertion required to wield divine artifacts drained her mana significantly, and deploying two consecutively had already depleted her reserves considerably.

Confronted with Gu Changge’s overwhelming power, she realized she couldn’t even hope to withstand him.

With resolve hardening within her, Gu Xian’er made a decision. She prepared to unleash the unparalleled might of a secret treasure bestowed upon her by a master in Peach Village.

However, Gu Changge seemed to anticipate her intentions.

Boom!!

His movements were swifter than hers, and in that moment, the very fabric of the void seemed to collapse, enveloping her in a terrifying stasis—a sensation akin to being crushed beneath an unimaginable weight.

Unable to move or even lift a finger, Gu Xian’er found herself utterly immobilized.

Buzz!!

The void quivered as Gu Changge advanced steadily. In a swift motion, he raised his palm and closed the distance in an instant, seizing Gu Xian’er by the neck and hoisting her off the ground.

“Gu Changge…” Gu Xian’er’s face drained of color, struggling to catch her breath. The power contained within her newly formed immortal bone had undergone a second transformation, exuding a formidable force that sent shivers down the spine.

This power bore resemblance to the legendary prowess of a flying immortal, manifesting as the ultimate offensive capability. Yet, under Gu Changge’s terrifying suppression, her immortal bone lay dormant, unable to exert any influence. Any trace of aura it emitted was swiftly quelled by Gu Changge, rendering it utterly ineffectual.

“How foolish and pitiable. After all this time, what tricks do you think you have that I don’t know?” Gu Changge’s tone dripped with indifference, tinged with a hint of mocking disdain.

As Gu Xian’er’s face paled, she was overwhelmed by memories of childhood despair and powerlessness. Cold darkness encroached upon her consciousness, leaving her feeling utterly defeated.

Against Gu Changge, resistance was futile; she couldn’t even muster the strength to speak. The gap between them was insurmountable. Despite her relentless cultivation, she remained far outpaced by Gu Changge’s overwhelming might. He possessed the power to snuff out her life with ease.

Moreover, Gu Changge was keenly aware of her arsenal—the divine weapons and secret treasures bestowed upon her by her masters. Yet, she found herself unable to employ them, denied even the opportunity to try.

“Am I to meet my end at Gu Changge’s hands today?” Gu Xian’er’s thoughts turned bleak as she succumbed to darkness, resigned to her fate.

In a moment of clarity, she recalled the towering figure who had once stood before her, seemingly capable of warding off any adversary. A sense of nostalgia washed over her.

“No wonder he pushed me to train relentlessly, all for this moment… To give me a fighting chance against him,” she realized.

Now, everything became clear to Gu Xian’er. Gu Changge’s past actions, his insistence on her rigorous training, even at the risk of defying the great elder—all were in preparation for this inevitable confrontation.

“Your brother will accept this new immortal bone with a smile,” Gu Changge remarked casually, displaying no concern for Gu Xian’er’s plight.

Though her expression remained calm, Gu Xian’er’s heart churned with resignation and acceptance of her fate.

She refrained from voicing any complaints against Gu Changge, recognizing the peculiar state he was currently in. The aura emanating from him, seeping from his very bones, sent tremors through her being.

“If you desire this immortal bone, take it,” she murmured to herself resignedly, acknowledging her inability to break free. The prospect of meeting her end at Gu Changge’s hands wasn’t entirely unbearable.

Yet, she couldn’t shake the sense of regret. There were still so many things left undone—her parents and grandfather remained missing, their whereabouts unknown.

Hum!!

Gu Changge raised his palm, the other transforming into a peerless immortal sword, radiating with dazzling sword intent. His intention was clear: to pierce through Gu Xian’er’s body and extract her immortal bone.

But in the next instant, a violent aura swept over Gu Changge’s countenance, as if an unparalleled devil sought to unleash havoc upon the heavens.

“Get lost!” he bellowed, his voice resonating with a low, tumultuous struggle, tinged with coldness. His hand, poised to tear Gu Xian’er apart, froze in mid-air, trembling uncontrollably. It seemed as though he battled against an unknown and inexplicable force.

Though his expression remained impassive, a myriad of emotions—anger, coldness, violence—now flickered across his face.

“Gu Changge…”

“What’s happening to you?” Gu Xian’er exclaimed, bewildered, as Gu Changge suddenly released her, allowing her to tumble to the ground.

Eyes widened in disbelief, she had braced for death just moments ago. But to her astonishment, Gu Changge chose to spare her, refraining from further aggression.

How was this possible?

Was another force now controlling his body and consciousness, while his original self fought to regain control?

In a swift realization, Gu Xian’er comprehended the gravity of the situation.

Otherwise, how could one explain Gu Changge’s extraordinary display of power and his current behavior?

“Gu Changge, what’s happening to you? How can I assist you?” Gu Xian’er’s anxiety and worry surged beyond words.

In this moment, her concern wasn’t for her own safety but for Gu Changge’s well-being. It was evident that he was grappling with a significant issue, his actions seemingly involuntary, indicating he was not in control of himself.

“Go away, I told you to leave! Can’t you understand? Leave as far as you can!” Gu Changge’s voice erupted in a low growl, his eyes ablaze with a violent aura. It was as though he struggled to command his own body.

One of his hands tightly clutched the other, causing talismans to blaze brightly, threatening to rupture the fabric of the void and unleash a perilous atmosphere. Though it appeared as if he might lunge at Gu Xian’er, his other hand restrained him, rendering movement difficult.

It was an incongruous and bewildering scene, but Gu Xian’er grasped its significance. Gu Changge was struggling to suppress a terrifying power that seemed beyond his control.

“I won’t leave. I can help you. What can I do? Can I assist you after you’ve obtained this immortal bone?” Gu Xian’er’s words spilled forth anxiously, her reasoning sound.

Considering Gu Changge’s earlier attempts to extract her immortal bone, it was evident that it held great significance to him.

“Leave! You’re worthless. What could you possibly do for me? I have no need for your immortal bone,” Gu Changge retorted, his tone cold and dismissive. “I won’t harm you, but I won’t soil my hands with your blood. Gu Xian’er, leave. Go as far away as you can.”

His gaze turned even colder as he spoke, his demeanor growing more violent.

“Gu Changge, don’t delude yourself. Your arrogance knows no bounds. Even in this state, you refuse to accept assistance or kindness from others…” Gu Xian’er’s voice quivered, on the verge of tears.

Boom!

But Gu Changge seemed oblivious to her words, engulfed by an even more terrifying demonic energy. His countenance turned colder and more indifferent, devoid of the array of emotions he had displayed moments ago.

“It’s foolish to wait for death when one could be living,” he remarked calmly, his demeanor composed.

With a sweeping motion, he extended his large hand once more, poised to strike at Gu Xian’er again.

“Gu Changge, snap out of it! Don’t let the demonic nature consume you!” Gu Xian’er cried out, her voice tinged with desperation as she attempted to rouse Gu Changge’s original consciousness.

It was evident that Gu Changge’s psyche had once again fallen under the sway of the demonic nature, reverting to a state vastly different from moments earlier.

“I am myself. Why should I awaken?” Gu Changge replied nonchalantly.

As his palm neared Gu Xian’er, his expression shifted once more, appearing almost schizophrenic. His voice turned cold and violent. “Don’t touch her.”

In an instant, the entire arm erupted in a deafening explosion. Gu Changge’s state seemed to ease, the formidable aura stagnating as the demonic energy began to recede like a retreating tide.

Closing his eyes, Gu Changge’s countenance reverted to a state of calm serenity, standing motionless in silence.

This sight left Gu Xian’er stunned, tears streaming silently down her face. To her, Gu Changge had fought against the demonic nature within him to shield her from harm.

How else could one explain his actions?

Unbeknownst to Gu Xian’er, the peach blossom concealed beneath her sleeve lost its luminous glow, fading into a dim phantom that remained unseen.

Had Gu Changge truly intended to harm her, the phantom on the peach blossom would have undoubtedly rekindled.

Yet, Gu Xian’er remained unaware of this revelation.