I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 214

Chapter 214: The person who pretends to be the descendant of the ancestral hall, who does not cry without seeing the coffin

“Everyone can leave,” Gu Changge’s smile finally vanished, and he gestured for all the dancers in the hall to depart.

“Young Master Changge…” Jiang Chuchu furrowed her brow, puzzled by Gu Changge’s actions and growing wary.

What she couldn’t determine was Gu Changge’s status as the inheritor of the demonic arts. Did the Ancient Immortal Gu family know? And if so, how did they view it?

“It’s been quite some time, no need to feign ignorance. It’s rather tedious,” Gu Changge remarked casually, a hint of mockery in his tone that contrasted starkly with his previous demeanor.

Jiang Chuchu was taken aback, struggling to maintain her composure. Was Gu Changge issuing a challenge?

A chill ran down her spine, a sudden sense of peril engulfing her. But before Jiang Chuchu could react, Gu Changge made his move, flicking his sleeve.

A terrifying spatial disturbance ensued!

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Chuchu’s eyes widened as a spatial crevice emerged beside her, rapidly expanding and enveloping her.

Buzz!!

In an instant, she vanished into thin air, whisked away into Gu Changge’s inner world.

The spatial crevice sealed shut just as swiftly, leaving no trace of its existence.

“It’s foolish to present yourself as prey willingly,” Gu Changge chuckled, unable to contain his laughter. Then, from the void before him, a graceful figure emerged.

It was Yan Ji.

“How’s the aura mimicry coming along?” Gu Changge inquired, regarding her intently.

In the ancient heavenly lord of reincarnation’s lineage, there existed numerous methods of disguise, even capable of concealing one’s true origins.

Jiang Chuchu typically veiled her face in front of others, shrouding her true appearance in mist. Mimicking her aura and physique was a simple task for Yan Ji, who didn’t even need to alter her outward appearance.

“I’ve been given a mysterious technique by the young master. After a brief observation, I can already replicate it by about eight or nine points,” Yan Ji affirmed, a glimmer of radiance enveloping her form as she spoke.

Under the influence of this technique, Yan Ji’s figure began to transform until it resembled Jiang Chuchu perfectly, even her voice matching flawlessly. Moreover, Yan Ji’s cultivation was at the Great Sacred Realm, rendering her impervious to detection by ordinary individuals and even quasi-supreme beings.

Satisfied, Gu Changge nodded. “In that case, you shall be the future representative of the Human Ancestor Hall.”

His verbose exchange with Jiang Chuchu served the purpose of allowing Yan Ji to observe and learn, blending truth with deception.

“But, young master, can I truly evade the scrutiny of the Human Ancestor Hall with this guise?” Yan Ji questioned, her faith in Gu Changge’s plan unwavering. However, she harbored doubts about her ability to deceive the Hall’s cultivators if confronted directly.

“It’s of no concern. You needn’t return to the Human Ancestor Hall. Simply venture into the world, and I’ll handle the rest,” Gu Changge reassured with a serene smile.

Yan Ji nodded in acquiescence. While Gu Changge’s demands were demanding, Jiang Chuchu’s persona was relatively easy to emulate due to her reserved nature and straightforward demeanor. Unless encountering familiar faces from the Human Ancestor Hall, Yan Ji believed she could maintain her facade without detection.

With that, Gu Changge vanished, retreating into the inner world.

Yet, one essential component remained for Yan Ji to convincingly masquerade as a descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall: Jiang Chuchu’s ancestral decree. This was non-negotiable.

Simultaneously, within the inner world, Jiang Chuchu’s composure had evaporated, replaced by a sense of unease.

Gu Changge’s sudden assault, wielding his formidable spatial prowess, resulted in an instantaneous appearance of a rift, ensnaring her within this enigmatic and unfamiliar realm. The events unfolded so swiftly that Jiang Chuchu scarcely had time to react.

When the world around her came back into focus, she found herself standing amidst a sprawling ancient forest. Majestic mountains towered overhead, ancient trees reaching towards the sky, while crystalline blue lakes and verdant emeralds dotted the landscape. The air shimmered with an ethereal mist, suffused with an emerald hue.

On the distant horizon loomed a grand and awe-inspiring Heavenly Palace, its sheer size and sacred presence dominating the landscape. Its pillars appeared sturdy enough to uphold the heavens themselves, resembling an ancient tower reaching for the skies.

“What is this place? How did Gu Changge bring me here?” Jiang Chuchu’s brow furrowed, her mind struggling to find calm amidst the bewildering surroundings.

Here, she could sense no external auras, leaving her with an unsettling sense of isolation.

What mysteries lay within the magnificent and sacred Heavenly Palace before her? Could it be the remnants of an ancient immortal garden? Did Gu Changge truly possess such a ruin?

Jiang Chuchu understood that various pocket dimensions existed in the world, portable instruments crafted by supreme beings, shrouded in mystique. She inadvertently fell into Gu Changge’s trap.

“If Gu Changge orchestrated this, it implies that the Ancient Immortal Gu family remains unaware of his true identity. He couldn’t have attacked me within the Gu family… He must be keeping everyone in the dark…” Jiang Chuchu mused, her frown deepening as she whispered to herself.

In this secluded realm, she was at the mercy of Gu Changge’s machinations, her fate uncertain within the confines of this intricate spatial instrument.

Shortly after, she found a spot to sit cross-legged, as dazzling runes began to manifest on her body. The brilliance emanated brightly, simple yet profound, akin to a vast expanse of rain-like light poised to descend.

For a moment, the place seemed to transform into a realm of celestial beings. Countless immortal lights and runes intertwined like waves upon the sea. Thunderous sounds reverberated, manifesting into an ethereal haze, exhibiting various forms: axes, spears, swords, halberds, dragons extending their claws, phoenixes unfurling their wings, basalt splitting the earth, and white tigers roaring.

These formidable offensive forces continuously evolved, attempting to rupture the spatial confines.

Boom!!

Jiang Chuchu’s aura, now reaching quasi-sacred realm levels, surged forth. She recognized the finite threshold this space could endure. If she breached it, the space would inevitably collapse, rendering Gu Changge unable to keep her trapped.

However, to her astonishment, her attacks seemed futile. Even with her full might, the space remained impervious, unlike any barrier she had encountered before.

“How can this be?” Jiang Chuchu’s disbelief was palpable. Her power, formidable enough to rend barriers in many lower realms, seemed utterly ineffectual against Gu Changge’s spatial divine weapon.

“Could his spatial divine weapon be of a superior grade?” she pondered, attempting another assault. Yet, her efforts yielded no results. Not even a ripple stirred, leaving her with the unsettling realization that this space exceeded the capabilities of the outside world.

“I refuse to accept this. Am I destined to be imprisoned here by Gu Changge for eternity?” Jiang Chuchu’s resolve wavered, contemplating her next move.

She reached for a crystal clear mirror, preparing to act.

Hum!!

The void before her blurred and fractured.

“Don’t waste your efforts. Unless I grant your release, you will spend your days here until old age claims you,” Gu Changge’s figure emerged from the rift. Sensing Jiang Chuchu’s intent, he frowned lightly.

“Gu Changge…” Jiang Chuchu’s gaze bore infinite wariness and fear.

Boom!!

In the blink of an eye, Jiang Chuchu took decisive action against Gu Changge, determined to break free from her confines by eliminating him. Since the spatial barrier was impenetrable, she reasoned that his demise would secure her escape.

At that moment, a formidable purple aura materialized behind Jiang Chuchu, accompanied by the radiant presence of an immortal-like figure brandishing a whisk, seemingly capable of cleaving the very fabric of reality.

The power of her quasi-sacred realm cultivation was unmistakable.

“What gives you the audacity to strike against me?” Gu Changge sneered, seemingly unfazed. With a casual wave of his sleeve, a beam of clear light descended, coalescing into a moon-shaped wheel hurtling toward her.

Simultaneously, Gu Changge unleashed the full might of his sacred realm cultivation, catching Jiang Chuchu off guard, causing her previously composed demeanor to falter.

As the moon wheel collided with her whisk, shattering its power, Jiang Chuchu recoiled in shock, realizing the immense gap in their cultivation levels.

Her only recourse was to utilize an advanced movement technique, traversing through space in an attempt to evade Gu Changge’s devastating strike. Despite her prodigious talent, she underestimated the vast chasm between their abilities.

Meanwhile, Jiang Chuchu summoned a Dao seal, radiating a resplendent purple aura and emanating the solemn chants of the Dao. The seal, adorned with the ancient inscription “Dao,” symbolized the intertwining laws and principles, poised to obliterate a typical sacred realm cultivator.

Yet, Gu Changge effortlessly countered with a flick of his finger, unleashing a razor-sharp sword energy infused with the essence of the laws. It descended upon Jiang Chuchu like a bronze immortal sword, poised to intercept her with lethal precision.

Boom!

The Dao seal Jiang Chuchu sacrificed was instantly pierced by Gu Changge’s sword, disintegrating into a cloud of powder. Simultaneously, Jiang Chuchu spat out a mouthful of blood, reeling from the impact as her blood churned within her veins.

In terms of sheer strength, she stood no chance against Gu Changge. If they were evenly matched in cultivation level, she might have had a fighting chance. However, Gu Changge’s superiority was undeniable.

“Even now, do you still fail to comprehend the vast chasm between us, Holy Maiden Chu Chu?” Gu Changge’s tone dripped with disdainful contempt as he toyed with Jiang Chuchu like a cat playing with a mouse.

In the inner world, escaping from Gu Changge’s grasp was virtually impossible unless one’s cultivation vastly surpassed his own.

In the next moment, black and white divine light erupted from Gu Changge’s eyes, distorting time and shattering the fabric of existence, coalescing into a sword of reincarnation.

“Reincarnation power…” Jiang Chuchu’s expression shifted slightly as she hastily summoned a sacred vestment for defense. However, it proved futile as the vestment was swiftly torn apart by the relentless assault of the divine light, leaving her unable to withstand even a fraction of its aura.

She vomited blood once more, sent hurtling backwards. Meanwhile, Gu Changge extended his palm, exerting his overwhelming might, causing Jiang Chuchu’s expression to fluctuate rapidly.

Boom!

A brilliant light exploded between her brows, revealing a mysterious palace. A haunting Dao resonance echoed forth, as if an unparalleled immortal female sat cross-legged within, exuding radiant brilliance.

She was the reincarnation of an ancient immortal, a claim not made lightly.

Sensing the looming danger, Gu Changge’s expression shifted, acknowledging the threat.

Hum!!

A treasure bottle materialized, emitting a dark black brilliance as it aimed to extract the divine essence from Jiang Chuchu’s brow. The god within it seemed poised to awaken, radiating an incandescent light.

In response, the Eight Desolate Demon Halberd materialized in Gu Changge’s hand, exuding a sinister aura. With a cold gaze, he brought down the halberd, effortlessly cleaving through the divine light, causing Jiang Chuchu’s complexion to pale as blood trickled from her lips, indicating a profound injury to her consciousness.

Gu Changge’s strength was overwhelming, surpassing the bounds of the sacred realm and bordering on the realm of the great sacred realm. His weapon wielded a peculiar and deadly power.

Realizing her inability to match Gu Changge’s might, Jiang Chuchu grappled with the stark reality. “Calm yourself. If you allow me to plant a slave seal, you may yet have a chance at survival,” Gu Changge proposed evenly.

But Jiang Chuchu saw through his ruse. “Don’t delude yourself. Killing me would alert the Human Ancestor Hall, exposing your identity,” she retorted, knowing that her death would inevitably trigger an investigation by the Human Ancestor Hall. If her life token broke, it would reveal her visit to the Ancient Immortal Gu family, rendering Gu Changge’s attempts to conceal his actions futile.

“You’re astute, realizing your continued value,” Gu Changge remarked casually, brushing off Jiang Chuchu’s words. “Rest assured, I won’t end your life just yet.”

“Hand over the token of the Human Ancestor Hall,” he commanded.

Jiang Chuchu’s expression faltered in surprise. What could Gu Changde possibly want with the Human Ancestor Hall’s token? Was he planning to utilize it for deception?

Her quick thinking allowed her to discern Gu Changge’s intentions.

“Impossible. The Human Ancestor token holds immense significance; I cannot relinquish it to you,” Jiang Chuchu asserted firmly, regaining her composure as she settled into place. From her ring emerged a lingering small tower, bathed in a faint golden light that enveloped her protectively.

“Though I won’t end your life, there are fates far worse than death,” Gu Changge remarked dispassionately, intending to coerce Jiang Chuchu.

While killing her at this juncture would prove unfavorable, there remained utility in keeping her alive. Gu Changge contemplated planting a slave seal or employing a demon bottle, methods that would undoubtedly involve penetrating Jiang Chuchu’s consciousness.

Moments earlier, Gu Changge had sensed a forbidden presence within Jiang Chuchu’s consciousness—a vast and perilous power concealed within a mysterious palace. Although Jiang Chuchu couldn’t access it, its potential value was not lost on Gu Changge. However, rashly intruding upon her consciousness risked triggering her demise if he inadvertently interacted with the palace.

Navigating this delicate process proved troublesome; he couldn’t kill her, implant a slave seal, or utilize a treasure bottle without courting significant consequences. Jiang Chuchu’s death would inevitably spawn myriad complications for Gu Changge. Additionally, Yan Ji’s inability to maintain her disguise would disrupt Gu Changge’s subsequent plans.

Thus, Gu Changge opted for a subtler approach—a gradual manipulation akin to boiling a frog in warm water. By demonstrating the vast disparity in strength between them, he sought to quell Jiang Chuchu’s escape aspirations. After all, trapped within his inner world, she had nowhere to flee. Whether he allowed her release was a mere matter of contemplation.

At Gu Changge’s words, Jiang Chuchu’s gaze turned frigid as she locked eyes with him, understanding his insinuation all too well. She refused to believe that Gu Changge was incapable of such despicable acts.

“You have three breaths to reconsider,” Gu Changge stated indifferently, giving her an ultimatum.

Jiang Chuchu harbored no desire to die or capitulate to him. However, as the Heavenly Maiden of the Human Ancestor Hall, she held her reputation and honor above all else. Out of the three options before her, compromising her chastity was the least likely route, even if it meant not accessing the forbidden palace within her consciousness. Gu Changge could exploit this vulnerability to extract what he sought.

“Gu Changge, you’re vile!” Jiang Chuchu seethed with hatred, struggling to maintain her composure, her eyes ablaze with icy determination.

Buzz!!!

Without uttering another word, Gu Changge brought down his halberd. The golden circle of light before Jiang Chuchu trembled lightly before shattering into countless fragments, leaving her visage drained of color.

“Impatience is a flaw,” Gu Changge remarked dispassionately.

“I won’t surrender the Human Ancestor token. You’ve trapped me here, intending to find someone to impersonate me and conceal it from the world. There’s no way I’ll allow it!” Jiang Chuchu declared defiantly, her gaze unwavering, as though she were prepared to meet her end.

Even if it meant sacrificing herself, she refused to allow the demon Gu Changge to achieve his nefarious goals and unleash chaos upon the world.

“Foolish,” Gu Changge muttered, his eyes darkening as he unleashed his palm, radiating a monstrous devilish light, concealing divine runes akin to a colossal millstone of obliteration descending upon Jiang Chuchu.

Boom!

In that moment, the entire void seemed to buckle under the weight of billions of tons, freezing and solidifying as if time itself had come to a standstill.

“Gu Changge, you won’t escape retribution!” Jiang Chuchu’s demeanor turned glacial as she began channeling all her power into her Spirit Sea. Brilliant runes emerged, intertwining with laws as she prepared to self-destruct.

At this critical juncture, her only recourse to thwart Gu Changge was self-annihilation!

The only way to garner the attention of the Human Ancestor Hall was through her own demise, allowing them to investigate and uncover the truth about Gu Changge.

“Absurd. In my domain, your fate is not yours to control,” Gu Changge scoffed disdainfully, his laughter laced with contempt.

For someone unafraid of death like Jiang Chuchu, Gu Changge knew there were methods to handle such individuals. However, Jiang Chuchu likely failed to realize that Gu Changge’s concern lay solely with the forbidden palace within her consciousness. He feared inadvertently triggering its upheaval, leading to her demise. Despite her inability to harness its power, unless she could break through the palace and shatter her true spirit, it remained an idle threat.

As Gu Changge’s palm descended, Jiang Chuchu’s expression shifted, realizing she couldn’t muster her own power, which dissipated instantly. Even her own death seemed beyond her control.

“I’ll give you the Human Ancestor token. Please, stop…” Jiang Chuchu pleaded, her expression pale and devoid of the calm she had maintained earlier.

“It’s too late,” Gu Changge replied, his demeanor cold and indifferent.

Outside the palace, Gu Changge emerged from the void, clutching the golden token emitting an aura that seemed to draw upon the essence of all beings. Handing it to Yan Ji, he spoke, “Is the Human Ancestor token truly such a significant object?”

Yan Ji, curious about Jiang Chuchu’s fate, inquired, “Did you kill the heir of the Human Ancestor Hall, Master?”

“No, she’s not to die yet,” Gu Changge replied, shaking his head. “She may be stubborn, but she still serves a purpose.”

Within the inner world, Jiang Chuchu hugged her knees, her expression cold yet tinged with bewilderment. She glanced at her right arm, noticing that the guardian sand she had treasured for over twenty years had vanished. Each successive generation of holy maidens from the Hall of the Human Ancestors had to remain pure.

“Gu Changge…” she gritted her teeth in frustration.