I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 218

Chapter 218 Taking the initiative to use it for yourself is equivalent to condoning the evil

When the entire Xuan Domain erupted in commotion due to the arrival of the immortal, the atmosphere at Taixu Sect was no exception. In the midst of the grand and towering hall, the current Sect Master and numerous elders were gathered, their expressions a mix of solemnity, respect, and a hint of curiosity and doubt.

Above them hovered several ancient figures, old masters who had emerged from seclusion upon hearing the astonishing news. These were the formidable pillars of Taixu Sect throughout the years, not ones to easily reveal themselves. Yet, the gravity of the situation compelled them to convene in the main hall and oversee the unfolding events.

Outside, the next generation of Taixu Sect’s disciples, including young prodigies and prominent figures, shared in the collective shock and curiosity.

Amidst the murmurs and whispers, Gu Changge reclined with closed eyes, radiating an air of unparalleled calm and indifference, seemingly unaffected by the commotion outside.

“Heard he’s the rumored immortal?”

“Standing there, it’s like he’s in a whole other realm, far beyond our reach.”

“It’s terrifying. Never seen anything like it.”

A confident woman spoke with a mixture of awe and longing in her voice.

“That kind of presence, it’s beyond comprehension. Even a mere hint of his aura is enough to send shivers down your spine. Much more intimidating than facing the sacred beings of old.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Immortal could hear our whispers. Our ancestors must have been of similar caliber!”

Their hushed conversation reflected the shock and reverence that the rumors had stirred within them.

A person claiming to have been friends with ancestors from 800,000 years ago actually appeared in the lower realm in person, vowing to repay the favor. It was a spectacle beyond their wildest imagination, something they wouldn’t have believed if they hadn’t witnessed it with their own eyes. Gu Changge, however, paid no heed to the admiring and flattering words swirling around him. In fact, he somewhat hoped someone would challenge the situation to alleviate the boredom.

“Reporting to the Sect Master, here’s what transpired,” Zhao Wu said, his voice quivering with excitement as he recounted the events leading Gu Changge to Taixu Sect. Although Gu Changge remained silent throughout the journey, Zhao Wu sensed a hint of appreciation from him, motivating him to spare no effort in vividly narrating the scene.

No one doubted the authenticity of Zhao Wu’s account; instead, they were equally thrilled. “I wonder what the senior’s name is?” the Taixu Sect’s Sect Master asked eagerly, his voice trembling slightly. It seemed only natural to expect someone of Gu Changge’s stature to have connections after ascending to the upper realm. Even the venerable figures accompanying Gu Changge couldn’t gauge the depth of his cultivation, further confirming his immense power.

“No need for formalities,” Gu Changge finally spoke, his expression flat with a hint of impatience. His words carried an air of loneliness and indifference.

He scanned the entire hall with a gaze that pierced through to the soul, leaving the old antiques of the sacred realm feeling utterly disheartened. Their very souls quivered, and they involuntarily took a few steps back, unable to withstand the intensity of his stare. The rest of the attendees were almost brought to their knees by the sheer force of his presence.

“Today, I shall repay the debt owed to Chu Taixu,” Gu Changge declared calmly, his expression unwavering. “I shall impart to you the cultivation method of Taixu’s creation, the very method your ancestors and I devised together. Though difficult for him to descend to the lower realm, I shall teach it to you in his honor.”

The mention of Chu Taixu’s name was drawn from the majestic statue Gu Changge had glimpsed upon entering Taixu Sect. Presumably, it referred to the sect’s founding ancestor. Gu Changge’s words, though seemingly nonsensical, had a basis.

With a gesture, he conjured ancient golden runes into the void before him, evoking the image of a vast and evolving galaxy. The sight left everyone in the hall breathless, including the disciples outside who watched with widened eyes and quickened breaths. They hadn’t anticipated such a direct approach from the High Immortal.

An incredibly precious scripture materialized before their eyes, manifesting within the void. Each person in the hall stared intently at the ancient runes, striving to decipher their true meaning.

“It’s not just… a sacred scripture…” one of the old antiques of the sacred realm murmured in disbelief, his eyes wide with excitement. “It contains the essence and mystery of transcending the sacred realm…”

His revelation sparked awe among the others, who remained transfixed on the scripture, fearing to look away lest they miss a crucial detail. Doubt regarding Gu Changge’s words dissipated; after all, who would go to such lengths to deliver this scripture unless there was genuine intent behind it?

Gu Changge’s demeanor left them torn between belief and skepticism, yet they couldn’t help but admire what they perceived as the comportment of a superior being. After bestowing the scripture, Gu Changge retreated into silence once more, his aloof and indifferent facade reinforcing the image of an immortal in the eyes of the onlookers.

However, behind his composed exterior, Gu Changge’s mind buzzed with various thoughts, his interest piqued by the unfolding events. He mused on the proverb that there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and indeed, no pie falls from the sky without a catch. The Taixu Creation Method, a name of his own invention, served as a means to deceive these fools into practicing it.

Though Gu Changge’s plan appeared straightforward, each step was meticulously crafted, leaving no room for error. Even those in the quasi-supreme realm would be compelled to adopt and practice this method obediently. Ordinary folks, eager for benefits without question, would embrace it without hesitation.

In terms of control, this cultivation technique surpassed even slave seals, akin to the immortal binding technique. Directly usurping Taixu Sect, deeply rooted after centuries of existence, would require considerable effort. Oppression through sheer cultivation would elicit strong resistance and potentially draw unwanted attention from other forces—a scenario contrary to Gu Changge’s intentions.

His purpose in the lower realm was primarily to facilitate the reincarnation of the human ancestor, necessitating a low profile. Hence, he devised this method to subtly enlist Taixu Sect’s cooperation.

Under Gu Changge’s scheme, everyone in the hall dutifully transcribed the scripture, as did many young disciples outside.

Though his countenance remained placid, Gu Changge couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. The Sect Master of Taixu Sect, displaying his own cunning, wasted no time upon hearing that the cultivation method was devised jointly by their ancestors and Gu Changge. He promptly initiated its preservation as a legacy for future disciples to cultivate. In a short span, they grasped that the technique’s profundity far surpassed any they had encountered before.

Gu Changge, seemingly indifferent to their reactions, left the Sect Master of Taixu Sect feeling reassured. “Mr. Immortal’s kindness knows no bounds; we are truly grateful,” voices of gratitude echoed throughout the hall and beyond.

Admiration swelled for Gu Changge’s act of personally bestowing the cultivation technique upon the lower realm to fulfill a favor, perceived as an embodiment of Dao heart.

“So, my debt with Brother Taixu has been repaid,” Gu Changge remarked, a cryptic expression briefly flitting across his face.

Subsequently, Gu Changge resided peacefully at the highest peak of Taixu Sect, despite the Sect Master’s efforts to extend his stay. However, within days, the control effect of the cultivation technique began to manifest, rapidly engulfing the entire Taixu Sect, even ensnaring the sect’s most powerful ancestor.

The allure of the technique proved irresistible, compelling even the most formidable cultivators to succumb. Soon, aside from a handful of unqualified disciples, the entire sect fervently practiced the method.

This scene mirrored Gu Changge’s past experiences controlling factions like the Black Heavenly Eagle on the Ancient Immortal Continent. Yet, the elders and disciples of Taixu Sect remained oblivious, believing they were on the cusp of a breakthrough in their cultivation.

Amused by their ignorance, Gu Changge refrained from confrontation. Instead, he directly manipulated the Sect Master through the cultivation technique, issuing a series of commands. Nearly half of the Xuan Domain fell under Taixu Sect’s control, effectively placing everything under Gu Changge’s sway.

Naturally, Gu Changge’s first task was to scour the Xuan Domain for individuals blessed with extraordinary luck, as the reincarnation of the human ancestor was likely hidden among them. Despite obtaining a plethora of information through Taixu Sect’s extensive search efforts, it wasn’t sufficient. To further narrow down the search, Gu Changge turned his attention to Jiang Chuchu, trapped within her inner world by his hand. He believed she possessed numerous means to discern the human ancestor’s reincarnation.

Inside the inner world, on a massive bluestone, Jiang Chuchu sat cross-legged with closed eyes, enveloped in a ethereal glow. Suddenly, she sensed spatial fluctuations and snapped her eyes open. Hatred and murderous intent flickered in her cold gaze before swiftly dissipating, leaving her expression seemingly serene—a facade hiding her true feelings.

As Gu Changge strode in, he paid no heed to her reaction. Jiang Chuchu kept her eyes shut, unwilling to face the man who had subjected her to endless humiliation.

“Open your eyes and look at me,” Gu Changge commanded, his tone irresistible. “You know the consequences of defying me here. Disobedience will lead to a fate worse than death.”

With gritted teeth, Jiang Chuchu reluctantly met Gu Changge’s gaze. Fully aware of the dire consequences, she spoke coldly, “Gu Changge, what diabolical scheme are you planning now?”

Throughout her confinement, Jiang Chuchu had relentlessly pondered methods to escape her inner world. Yet, each attempt ended in failure, leaving her despondent and resigned to a lifetime of entrapment. The sight of someone assuming her identity outside, in collusion with Gu Changge, only intensified her anguish. Powerless to resist, suffering seemed her only companion. Her sole glimmer of hope lay in the forbidden palace within her Sea of Consciousness, but her current cultivation level rendered it inaccessible—a power she couldn’t wield.

Surrendering to Gu Changge was out of the question; she’d sooner succumb to old age or torture. When Gu Changge got straight to the point, demanding information on the human ancestor’s reincarnation, Jiang Chuchu’s disbelief was palpable. Not only had Gu Changge enlisted someone to impersonate her, but now he sought to scheme against the human ancestor’s reincarnation—a brazen move indeed.

“I have no idea,” Jiang Chuchu stated firmly, a mix of truth and defiance in her tone.

Gu Changge chuckled incredulously. “Are you truly ignorant or simply feigning ignorance?”

“If I knew where the human ancestor’s reincarnation was, I would’ve found him myself long ago, rather than being trapped here by you,” Jiang Chuchu retorted icily, her heart heavy with despair and loathing toward her captor.

“Being a descendant of the Ancestral Hall, shouldn’t you know?” Gu Changge taunted mercilessly. “Saintess Chuchu, do you still believe there’s a chance of escape?”

Unperturbed, Jiang Chuchu replied calmly, “Even if I can’t escape, I won’t aid my enemy. Give up, Gu Changge.”

Unbeknownst to her, Gu Changge had already departed the upper realm, racing to the location of the human ancestor’s reincarnation. The search relied solely on the secret methods and instructions of the Human Ancestor Hall, along with Jiang Chuchu’s own talents. Gu Changge frowned, realizing that Jiang Chuchu truly had no knowledge of the matter.

Despite being trapped within her inner world, Jiang Chuchu’s subtle emotional fluctuations remained perceptible to Gu Changge. He deemed the secret methods of the Human Ancestor Hall less efficient than the system’s exploration, easily judged by the number of luck points. However, relying on this method felt akin to searching for a needle in a haystack. Neither Jiang Chuchu nor Gu Changge had ever encountered the human ancestor’s reincarnation before.

“Gu Changge, do you already know where the human ancestor’s reincarnation appeared?” Jiang Chuchu queried, noting a subtle shift in Gu Changge’s expression and pondering his rapid progress.

“Not only do I know, I’m already there,” Gu Changge disclosed candidly, his demeanor revealing genuine interest. “Are you worried I’ll find and eliminate the reincarnation of the human ancestor before you? Perhaps I could offer a quicker demise, if you ask nicely.”

Jiang Chuchu shuddered at his chilling remark, her face drained of color as she sensed the ominous aura emanating from him. “You can’t comprehend the methods of the human ancestor. Even if you succeed in killing the reincarnation, there are other ways for him to return. You cannot challenge the human ancestor.”

Raised in the Human Ancestor Hall, Jiang Chuchu understood the vast power wielded by the human ancestor, nearly omnipotent despite Gu Changge’s current advantage. However, Gu Changge scoffed at her assessment. “As my woman, would you remain indifferent if the human ancestor slew me?” he retorted. “What fascination has the Human Ancestor Hall cast upon you? To revere the human ancestor so blindly? What was the purpose of your lifelong cultivation? To be a mere pawn of the human ancestor?”

Jiang Chuchu’s complexion darkened at Gu Changge’s cutting words, unable to maintain her composure. His shameless audacity left her stunned, while Gu Changge remained indifferent to her reaction.

However, Gu Changge’s words left Jiang Chuchu feeling perplexed. He was right—what was the purpose of her cultivation since childhood? Moreover, her relationship with Gu Changge had become exceedingly complex. She harbored an intense hatred towards him, considering him responsible for wreaking havoc upon the world as the inheritor of demonic arts. She felt obligated to restore peace and order for the common people, a concept ingrained in her since childhood.

“Are you merely a tool for someone? Have you never considered living for yourself?” Gu Changge’s words, delivered with a smile, seemed almost casual.

Jiang Chuchu was momentarily taken aback, recalling similar sentiments expressed by Wang Ziji in the past. Quickly shaking off these distracting thoughts, she regained her composure and regarded Gu Changge coldly. “I am a descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall. My purpose is to uphold justice, preserve peace, and eradicate devils like you,” she asserted firmly.

Gu Changge sneered in response. “And yet, here I stand. Do you truly have the ability to kill me? You’re nothing but trash, daring to speak so boldly.”

His disdainful words struck a nerve, leaving Jiang Chuchu momentarily speechless. It was the first time she had been called trash, and she struggled to find a retort.

“Am I wrong? You’re powerless against me, yet you claim to uphold justice in the world. How many righteous individuals have you slain?” Gu Changge continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “When you stand idly by, are you not indirectly condoning evil? Is that befitting of your identity? What sets you apart from me?”

Gu Changge’s rhetorical question cut deep, his sincerity evident in every word. He had noticed an interesting phenomenon: Jiang Chuchu’s unstable Dao heart was affecting the luck of the human ancestor’s reincarnation. It seemed the fate of the human ancestor’s reincarnation was intertwined with the reverence bestowed upon him by the creatures of heaven and earth.

Jiang Chuchu’s complexion paled at his words, momentarily at a loss for a response.