I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 212

Chapter 212: He is actually a gentle person, about Gu Changge’s true strength

At that moment, Gu Lintian, Gu Changge’s father, who had been standing guard outside the ancestral hall, suddenly sensed an unusual atmosphere within. He instinctively recognized the disturbance. Despite the protective barrier he maintained, something felt off. Even for someone as formidable as him, this deep sense of unease was unmistakable. Without hesitation, he swept his sleeve and swung open the doors of the ancestral hall.

But before he could step inside, a wave of malevolent energy assaulted him, causing his expression to shift. “This isn’t good,” he muttered under his breath. His worst fears were realized: the Nirvana Pool within had catalyzed a transformation in Gu Changge, potentially amplifying his demonic nature rather than quelling it.

“Xian’er, are you alright?” Gu Lintian hurried to the depths of the hall, where he found Gu Xian’er, tears streaming down her face, standing beside the Nirvana Pool. He asked with genuine concern, knowing that Gu Changge’s instability could pose a threat to her, much like it did a decade ago. The mere thought sent a shiver down his spine.

Relieved to find Gu Xian’er unharmed, he let out a sigh. “Uncle, I’m fine,” she reassured him, her voice trembling slightly. “But Gu Changge… his condition is deteriorating, and…” She trailed off, unable to continue as her voice faltered once more.

“And he broke his arms so as not to hurt me…” At that moment, Gu Xian’er didn’t need to elaborate further; Gu Lintian also noticed Gu Changge sitting with his eyes closed. Gu Changge’s arms hung limp, adorned with colorful bloodstains, a blend of divine energy and vitality pulsating within them. His wounds were already beginning to mend. In Gu Changge’s realm, as long as his true spirit remained intact, regenerating a severed limb was as simple as a fleeting thought. Such injuries meant little to him.

Gu Lintian, though unsurprised, couldn’t discern any difference in Gu Changge’s demeanor from usual. Yet, he couldn’t determine if this version of Gu Changge was the same as before. Even if he managed to suppress Gu Changge’s demonic nature, he couldn’t offer assistance beyond that.

“Changge is fine; you don’t need to worry about him. He’ll recover,” Gu Lintian reassured Gu Xian’er with a sigh. He glanced at the other three Gu family prodigies who had fainted in the corner; they seemed unharmed, merely unconscious. Nonetheless, Gu Lintian took precautions to erase their memories of the incident.

“Uncle…” Gu Xian’er’s voice trailed off as she struggled to comprehend the scene before her. Her thoughts swirled with confusion, doubts, and unanswered questions. While Gu Lintian might not fret over Gu Changge’s well-being, she couldn’t help but worry. If Gu Changge hadn’t sacrificed his arms at that critical moment, she might not be alive now, right?

For years, Gu Changge had battled his inner demons, a fact that lingered heavily on Gu Xian’er’s mind. Despite his outward beauty and unmatched talent, who knew the extent of his hidden torment? She vividly recalled the ferocity in Gu Changge’s expression moments ago, akin to a force capable of shaking the heavens and earth.

To maintain composure and clarity of mind amidst such intense emotions was a feat indeed. Especially considering Gu Changge’s recent actions to protect her, it was impossible for him not to feel it. Reflecting on this, Gu Xian’er observed Gu Changge’s expression, which seemed to shift through a myriad of emotions—guilt, introspection, and more. Despite his usual mischievous and sometimes aloof demeanor, Gu Changge had always shown kindness and gentleness towards her.

In that moment, Gu Xian’er felt as though the truth she had been seeking was within her grasp. “Uncle, why did Gu Changge suddenly act this way? It seems like you’ve been aware of all this,” she inquired, noticing Gu Changge sitting cross-legged, seemingly listening to their conversation while his arm wound healed rapidly. She wondered what expression he would wear upon opening his eyes.

Gu Lintian, after glancing at Gu Changge and then back at Gu Xian’er, shook his head and sighed. “As you’ve witnessed firsthand, let Changge explain everything to you. I won’t interfere in this matter.” The matter of the demonic heart was crucial, and any revelation had to come from Gu Changge himself. As a father, Gu Lintian refused to overstep his bounds. Moreover, given Gu Xian’er’s perceptive nature, she could likely discern the truth without his intervention.

With a wave of his sleeve, Gu Lintian departed with Gu Changge, leaving Gu Xian’er to ponder her questions. “Perhaps this is the secret Gu Changge has been guarding for so long,” she mused, unsurprised by Gu Lintian’s response. She had already surmised much of it. It seemed likely that Gu Changge’s innate talents at birth were intertwined with his deep-seated demonic nature, influencing his consciousness and behavior. The incident from her childhood, where he had attempted to extract her Dao bone, hinted at his struggle. Over time, Gu Changge’s cultivation had grown stronger, enabling him to gradually subdue his demonic nature without succumbing to it.

“Perhaps Gu Changge extracted my Dao bone to help suppress his demonic nature, and over the years, he’s felt guilty and tried to make amends,” Gu Xian’er whispered to herself, contemplating the situation. “He seems to understand that one day he may lose control of his demonic side, hence why he pushes me to cultivate diligently, to ensure I’m not a victim of his in the future.”

She chastised herself for her past arguments with Gu Changge, realizing now that they stemmed from her failure to grasp his true intentions. Despite his gentle nature, he had to cloak himself in indifference, a realization that weighed heavily on her conscience. It seemed her lack of understanding had disappointed him.

With her sharp intellect, Gu Xian’er pieced together the events of the day, recognizing Gu Changge’s struggle with his inner demons. Had it not been for his remarkable willpower, he wouldn’t have been able to suppress his demonic nature during the recent incident.

“Could it be that my Dao bone can aid Gu Changge in controlling his demonic side… But after today, he might no longer care for me,” she pondered, feeling a pang of distress. “Especially after calling myself useless and incapable of helping him.”

Despite her newfound insights, Gu Xian’er remained confused about how Gu Changge’s inherent demonic nature had led to this predicament. She understood the gist but lacked specifics. If she wanted more answers, she’d have to confront Gu Changge directly, a prospect she knew was unlikely given his secretive nature.

“Although the journey ahead may be arduous, I’m determined to help you overcome this, Gu Changge,” she vowed silently. She believed her mentors, who possessed greater knowledge, might offer a solution. There was also the enigmatic Peach sister from ancient times. Even Gu Lintian’s secrecy hinted at the seriousness of the situation, urging her to keep the matter discreet. While she couldn’t disclose it to Gu Changge for his own sake, she saw no harm in confiding in her mentors.

…

“Father,” Gu Changge spoke respectfully in the grand ancient hall, facing Gu Lintian. Despite his injuries, his demeanor remained composed, his arm fully healed without a trace of impact from the recent events in the ancestral hall.

“How did the Nirvana Pool affect you this time?” Gu Lintian inquired, scrutinizing Gu Changge carefully, unable to discern any visible changes. He was uncertain how Gu Changge’s recent outburst of demonic energy might have affected him, grateful that they had been isolated within the ancestral hall during the incident.

“It’s under control now,” Gu Changge replied calmly, though inwardly he couldn’t help but smile. He had no intention of revealing the truth to Gu Lintian; it was all part of his plan to earn Gu Xian’er’s trust. Such deception had proven effective throughout history, and Gu Changge’s acting skills left no room for suspicion. Every action during the incident had been deliberate, even the breaking of his arms, calculated to draw out the mysterious forces behind Gu Xian’er.

Gu Changge believed that if he orchestrated a similar scenario in the future, those powerful entities would undoubtedly intervene. It was a calculated risk he was willing to take. The bitter scheme and tragic drama may have caused sorrow for Gu Xian’er and even Gu Lintian, but Gu Changge felt no guilt. It was necessary to eliminate potential threats by revealing his vulnerability.

Now, it seemed the strategy had paid off. According to the system’s prompts, Gu Xian’er had accrued approximately 10,000 Luck Points through her actions.

“Xian’er might have some questions for you. You should prepare yourself to discuss the demonic heart with her. As an elder, I’d prefer not to intervene,” Gu Lintian advised, to which Gu Changge nodded in understanding.

“Don’t worry, father. I won’t let the demonic influence affect me again,” Gu Changge assured him. “And as for Xian’er, I know how to handle it.”

“If you say so, then I trust you. But I can’t help feeling sorry for putting you in this position all these years,” Gu Lintian sighed, reflecting on the unintended consequences of Gu Changge’s actions. He understood that Gu Changge hadn’t intended for any of this to happen, evidenced by his drastic measure of sacrificing his arms to restrain himself.

Gu Lintian recognized the gravity of the situation. If the threat of the demonic heart remained unresolved, it could spell disaster in the future. He recalled the ominous secrets surrounding the demonic heart, knowing the potential ramifications it could have for Gu Changge and their entire clan. Despite Gu Changge’s current status, the revelation of the demonic heart could lead to widespread enmity and upheaval.

After their conversation, Gu Changge departed from the hall and returned to his residence. Along the way, he encountered puzzled and wary looks from fellow clan members. Though Gu Lintian had taken steps to resolve the situation in the Nirvana Pool, news of Gu Changge’s encounter with the demonic heart had spread among the clan elders.

This revelation caused a stir among the clan members. They had never imagined that someone as talented as Gu Changge would harbor a demonic heart, let alone experience a tumultuous eruption in the Nirvana Pool. The revelation left many questioning and speculating about the true nature of Gu Changge’s abilities and character, sparking curiosity and concern throughout the clan.

It wasn’t uncommon for cultivators to confront inner demons as they aged and accumulated experience. However, Gu Changge’s encounter with a demonic heart at such a young age—still in his twenties—raised eyebrows and prompted speculation. Many clan members pondered the significance of this occurrence, with some suggesting that it might be linked to Gu Changge’s lingering guilt over extracting Gu Xian’er’s Dao bone years ago. Despite his efforts to make amends, the guilt persisted, possibly contributing to his vulnerability during the incident at the Nirvana Pool.

This theory gained traction within the Gu family, particularly among higher-ranking members who understood the complexities of cultivation. While concerning, many found solace in the belief that Gu Changge’s remorse indicated a sense of morality and conscience. Moreover, they reasoned that confronting and resolving a demonic heart was a natural part of a cultivator’s journey.

In the days following the Nirvana Pool incident, the matter gradually faded from public attention. Instead, focus shifted to Gu Xian’er, who seized the opportunity to break through to the False God realm. Her rapid advancement surpassed many of her peers, establishing her as one of the most formidable cultivators in the Ancient Immortal Gu family.

Amidst these developments, rumors circulated privately regarding Gu Changge’s true cultivation level. Some claimed he had already reached the status of a god king or even approached the quasi-sacred realm. However, Gu Changge remained enigmatic, keeping his true capabilities hidden from the world.

Such revelations sparked astonishment among many, highlighting the importance of the younger generation’s cultivation within the Gu family and beyond.

Despite Gu Changge’s ostentatious demeanor, few truly understood his actual realm. While he appeared slightly more powerful than some young supreme beings, his true strength remained shrouded in mystery. However, recent revelations from Wang Zijin, heir of the Human Ancestor Hall, shed new light on Gu Changge’s prowess. Zijin admitted that even she couldn’t fully gauge Gu Changge’s abilities, hinting that a confrontation between them would be unpredictable.

Zijin’s quasi-sacred realm cultivation sent shockwaves throughout the world of cultivation, leaving countless young cultivators in awe and uncertainty. Previously, Gu Changge had been revered as the strongest of his generation, a formidable presence casting a shadow over his peers. But now, with Zijin’s emergence, the landscape had shifted. The golden age, once illuminated by Gu Changge’s brilliance, now faced a new contender.

Zijin’s remarks sparked widespread speculation and discussion about Gu Changge’s true strength. Many began to question whether they had underestimated him in the past. The appearance of Ye Ling, the last inheritor of demonic arts, further fueled curiosity. Despite his initial boldness in attacking young supreme beings, Gu Changge’s subsequent encounter with him left a lasting impression of Gu Changge’s formidable power.

This newfound attention propelled Gu Changge back into the spotlight, with Dao sects delving deeper into his background and abilities. Some even speculated that Gu Changge’s techniques during his time in the Immortal Continent resembled those wielded only by cultivators of the sacred realm.

As speculation flourished, Wang Zijin seemed unperturbed, believing that she was merely helping Gu Changge cement his reputation. Despite her intentions, her revelations sparked a reevaluation of Gu Changge’s place in the hierarchy of cultivators, thrusting him once again into the forefront of discussion and debate.

…

“Is Wang Zijin truly foolish, or is she purposefully playing the fool?” Gu Changge frowned upon hearing the news in the hall. Despite his true cultivation reaching the middle stage of the sacred realm, his public cultivation level remained at the god king realm, far from the quasi-sacred realm. Gu Changge had intended to keep a low profile, but Wang Zijin’s actions had thrust him into the limelight, attracting unwanted attention.

Gu Changge harbored no desire for fame at this juncture. Excessive attention could expose flaws in his plans and disrupt his agenda. Furthermore, he had another objective in mind. If esteemed figures from ancient times, such as ancient freaks or emperors, were to challenge him, it could provide the perfect opportunity for a breakthrough. These individuals likely possessed unique talents, making them worthy adversaries for Gu Changge’s aspirations.

“It’s becoming troublesome. I’ll have to deal with her first,” Gu Changge muttered, squinting his eyes as he contemplated his next move. He understood the routines at play and intended to exploit them to his advantage. Wang Zijin likely believed her actions would alleviate Gu Changge’s burdens, fostering goodwill between them. However, she was unaware of Gu Changge’s plans to invite trouble to his doorstep, viewing the competition among the younger generation as an opportunity to secure valuable resources.

Meanwhile, Yan Ji, who had been tasked with investigating Gu Xian’er’s parents, reported back to Gu Changge. “According to your instructions, I’ve discovered that Miss Xian’er’s parents have indeed been trapped in a dimension,” Yan Ji informed him.

“Excellent,” Gu Changge nodded in approval. “I’ve also arranged for covert protection for them, but it seems they’re quite formidable and have detected our efforts,” Yan Ji added.

“That’s fine. I wanted them to notice. It’s important they realize I’ve spent considerable time searching for them,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile. He preferred to leave his mark on his acts of goodwill, ensuring they didn’t go unnoticed.

Gu Changge couldn’t wait to share this news with the entire Gu family, eager for them to recognize his goodwill as the young master. Yan Ji, upon hearing this, nodded in understanding, though she couldn’t help but voice her confusion.

“Why didn’t you appear in person, young master? And why did you instruct us to be secretive so the Gu family remains unaware?” she queried, puzzled by Gu Changge’s decision to remain in the shadows.

“If I were to show up in person, it would be counterproductive. People might suspect ulterior motives. That’s why secrecy is essential,” Gu Changge explained casually, though his words left Yan Ji even more befuddled.

Her crimson eyes betrayed her confusion and disorientation as she struggled to grasp the intricacies of the situation within the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Gu Changge’s response only deepened her bewilderment, yet she nodded in agreement nonetheless.

“Understood,” Yan Ji replied, though her confusion lingered. Gu Changge’s teasing only added to her embarrassment, causing her cheeks to flush crimson.

Meanwhile, outside the gates of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, a figure cloaked in mist and clad in a pristine white robe approached. After a long journey that took her first to the Ancient Ye Clan and now here, she addressed the guards stationed at the gate.

“The heir from the Human Ancestor Hall is here to visit young master Changge,” she announced, her voice muffled by the veil of mist that surrounded her.