I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 219

Chapter 219: The routines are too old, he should come up with new tricks, building the immortal road to the sky

Through Jiang Chuchu’s body, Gu Changge glimpsed the scheme against the human ancestor. The faith of the beings in heaven and earth was a significant source of fortune for the human ancestor. However, such faith was inherently elusive. The tactics of tarnishing sounded simple, but in practice, they proved to be highly unrealistic. If the plan to discredit the human ancestor failed, Gu Changge contemplated resorting to his expertise in distorting truth, manipulating right and wrong, and muddling black and white.

“That being said, discrediting the human ancestor’s merits won’t be a walk in the park,” Gu Changge mused. “After all, they’ve crafted quite a stellar image. Tainting it won’t come easy. Throughout the annals of history, many truths have been obscured.”

“The Human Ancestor Hall seems to favor cultivating such an image to garner worship and reverence from the beings of heaven and earth.”

“Moreover, there might be a correlation between the human ancestor’s cultivation style and the faith bestowed upon them.”

Afterward, Gu Changge departed from the inner world and returned to the Taixu Sect. Although he didn’t glean any effective methods from Jiang Chuchu, the Heavenly Star Realm comprised only eight domains. There was no need to rush. If the forces of the Human Ancestor Hall truly aimed to infiltrate this realm, he could consider ambushing a select few and eliminating them here.

Although Jiang Chuchu couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of the human ancestor’s reincarnated body, she could sense the presence of the Human Ancestor Hall’s members. Gu Changge possessed the means to extract information from her.

“In addition to that, I must keep tabs on Yue Mingkong…” Gu Changge muttered, closing his eyes. His surveillance on Yue Mingkong proved invaluable once more. Before long, he pinpointed Yue Mingkong’s exact location: the Flood Domain. Although it lay at least a hundred million miles away from the Xuan Domain where he currently resided, reaching there wouldn’t pose too much trouble. However, he had no intention of revealing himself to Yue Mingkong.

In the ensuing days, the entire Xuan Domain was plunged into turmoil.

A profoundly cultivated and mysterious superior immortal descended upon the Taixu Sect, revealing an old connection with the sect’s ancestor from 800,000 years ago. This news spread like wildfire, sending ripples of anxiety and uncertainty through the other three major powers. They feared the Taixu Sect might seize the opportunity to attack and dominate the entire Xuan Domain. In such a situation, ambition naturally swelled within every faction.

The Taixu Sect, already formidable and commanding, now had this Supreme Immortal backing them. Would they refrain from further aggression against the other powers? In the eyes of many, it seemed only a matter of time before the Taixu Sect made its move.

Soon, an oracle issued forth from the Taixu Sect, plunging the entire Xuan Domain into uproar. “The Xuan Domain needs to be unified,” proclaimed the Taixu Sect Patriarch in a simple, understated voice. This declaration left all cultivators and creatures stunned, perceiving it as the will of the enigmatic Superior Immortal. It appeared that this mysterious figure intended to aid the Taixu Sect in unifying the Xuan Domain.

This seismic news swiftly spread, shaking the foundation of the Heavenly Forest Sect, one of the other three major forces in the Xuan Domain. Inside their main hall, the current Saint Lord addressed a group of elder disciples with a grave expression.

“The Taixu Sect will undoubtedly come for us,” he declared solemnly. “That Superior Immortal can easily breach realm barriers, possessing strength that defies comprehension, reaching an unimaginable level.”

“Even if we were to awaken our oldest ancestors, it would likely be futile. We’re at a critical juncture for survival.”

His words weighed heavily on the gathered disciples, mirroring his own somber mood.

“Why is the Taixu Sect blessed with such incredible luck, receiving aid from such a formidable Superior Immortal?” one elder lamented. “I refuse to accept it! Must the foundation of the Heavenly Forest Sect, built over hundreds of thousands of years, be destroyed?”

“Why? Why?” another questioned. “Wouldn’t it be better to remain in the Upper World? Why must this Immortal meddle in the affairs of mere mortals?”

“He clearly hails from the Nine Heavens, yet he deigns to intervene in the trivial conflicts of this mortal realm,” remarked another elder in despair.

Despite their anguish, the elders grappled with the reality that their beloved sect might fall into the hands of the Taixu Sect. Resistance seemed futile, leaving them with a sense of helplessness.

With such actions, the consequences were akin to sealing the fate of the entire sect. The Heavenly Forest Sect found itself shrouded in a desperate and reluctant atmosphere. Against Gu Changge, they couldn’t muster any resistance, nor did they dare harbor any resentment.

In the Xuan Domain, they were esteemed figures capable of dictating the fates of countless creatures and cultivators. But in the eyes of that immortal, they were insignificant, not even worthy of consideration.

Similar dramas played out among the other major powers in the Xuan Domain. The oracle cast by the Taixu Sect plunged the entire domain into a suffocating fear. Apart from the Taixu Sect, the rest of the powers were deeply concerned, especially the cultivators who had witnessed the descent of the Upper Immortal firsthand.

The strength of an Upper Immortal who could bestow divine weapons at will was unfathomable. What course of action should they take in such circumstances? Naturally, it seemed prudent to obey orders, display submission, and refrain from resistance, as defiance only led to certain doom.

With these thoughts in mind, many great powers in the Xuan Domain, not lacking in sagacity, began to proactively surrender to the Taixu Sect, opting for submission. Numerous cultivators recognized that, at this moment, the Xuan Domain, previously embroiled in constant strife, was on the path to unification.

This development reverberated across several other domains. In the broader context of the Heavenly Star Realm, the overall power of the Xuan Domain could only be considered upper-middle level, excluding the Heavenly Domain where the Dragon Veins of the Heavenly Star Realm converged.

The other top powers of the domains became more or less aware that a mysterious Immortal had emerged within the Taixu Sect of the Xuan Domain.

Numerous rumors circulated among the cultivators regarding this immortal figure. Some claimed he was an old acquaintance of the Taixu Sect’s ancestor from 800,000 years ago, an ancient being with millions of years of existence and inscrutable cultivation. Others described him as possessing an immortal aura, his divine bones radiating an otherworldly brilliance, his appearance shrouded in mystery.

The Heavenly Star Realm became fraught with dark turbulence as these rumors spread. Under the pretext of recruiting disciples, the forces led by the Taixu Sect scoured the realm for talented and powerful young cultivators. Preferential treatment was offered to those who had experienced setbacks in their youth and later soared to prominence, though such individuals were rare.

While the Xuan Domain teemed with countless cultivators and beings, very few met the criteria sought by the Taixu Sect. Many viewed the sect’s actions as unjustifiable, yet given the imminent unification of the Xuan Domain, the urgent need for manpower and the widespread recruitment of disciples seemed only natural.

“His fortune indeed surpasses that of the average genius, but compared to the reincarnation of the human ancestor, it pales in comparison—a difference like night and day,” remarked one observer.

“Nonetheless, it’s better than nothing. A few thousand luck points are better than none at all,” another concurred.

In the main hall, Gu Changge shook his head slightly, a tinge of disappointment coloring his expression. He dismissed the Taixu Sect Patriarch with a wave of his hand, his attention shifting to a young genius who appeared stunned and bewildered, unaware of the impending events. There was a hint of curiosity in Gu Changge’s gaze as he learned of the young genius’s origins.

This prodigy had faced adversity, experiencing betrayal by his fiancée and childhood sweetheart, and witnessing his mother’s injury in an enemy attack. Despite his powerful lineage, his father’s actions had led to years of neglect and disdain. Misled by a childhood friend, he had suffered further setbacks, including being cheated out of a divine blood grass.

Gu Changge had initially anticipated a bountiful harvest of luck points from such a story, but it seemed luck was not as abundant as he had hoped. Nevertheless, even a meager amount of luck was not to be dismissed lightly, especially in his current circumstances.

“I wonder why the superior immortal summoned me here,” the young genius remarked calmly in Gu Changge’s presence, maintaining his composure despite the situation. He possessed a natural audacity, buoyed by his innate luck.

However, Gu Changge paid him little mind, opting instead for a swift and decisive action. With a swift movement, he dispatched the young genius with a single palm, effortlessly siphoning off his thousands of luck points. Lost in his thoughts, Gu Changge pondered the lack of promising candidates around him, recognizing the need for a new approach.

“It seems waiting for opportunities to present themselves won’t suffice. I must take proactive measures; relying solely on these individuals may not yield the desired results,” he mused.

With resolve, Gu Changge departed from the Taixu Sect, materializing high above in the sky outside. With a single step, he vanished into the void, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty.

Meanwhile, in the Heavenly Star Realm’s Heavenly Domain, nestled within a remote and expansive mountain range, a secluded peak towered majestically. The air teemed with spiritual energy, ancient trees reaching toward the heavens, emanating the fragrant scent of divine medicine. Everywhere, the essence of heaven and earth coalesced, giving rise to various mythical beasts: True Dragons, divine Phoenixes, Black Tortoises, and Qilins.

Any dragon-line cultivator skilled in terrain navigation would be astounded by the sight, scanning the mountains for anomalies. Each peak seemed to exude an aura of grandeur and vitality.

From high above, a dragon vein coursed through this place, suffusing it with warmth and vitality. In the upper world, this location would undoubtedly be coveted as a path to immortality, sparking fierce competition among various factions. Below, a multitude of cultivators and creatures with majestic bloodlines had gathered, engaged in the excavation of the mountains.

Perched high in the sky, a formidable figure enveloped in divine radiance stood, brandishing a whip and berating the laboring throng below. These individuals, treated as slaves, toiled tirelessly, their expressions vacant and lifeless as they constructed altars and other structures, seemingly unaware of their grueling labor.

A powerful entity, bearing two wings reminiscent of a spectral hue, surveyed the scene with a self-satisfied smirk, addressing a few companions nearby.

“Today, I’ve captured yet another group of slaves. This accomplishment will surely earn me favor from the patriarch,” declared the figure, identified as Qing Gui, with a sense of pride.

“Rest assured, Brother Qing Gui, your achievements will not go unnoticed,” reassured one companion.

“In less than a hundred years since joining our Immortal Lun Sect, you’ve already risen to the position of deacon, an achievement that fills us with admiration,” chimed in another.

“When the path to immortality unfolds, you will undoubtedly lead the charge and ascend to the upper realm in the annals of our sect’s history,” added a third, with a hint of flattery and sycophancy.

The flattering tone of Qing Gui’s associates was not surprising, given his stature as a God King, far surpassing their own status in the Heavenly God realm.

On the other hand, Green Ghost held significant sway within the Immortal Lun Sect, entrusted with the crucial task of safeguarding this ancient site. His value to the sect was undeniable, and his future prospects seemed boundless. Entrusted with numerous important responsibilities, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he basked in the praise from his companions.

Recalling the Sect Master’s instructions, Green Ghost’s expression turned resolute as he addressed those gathered around him.

“There’s no mistaking the signs. Now is the perfect moment for our clan to ascend to the upper realm. The ancestors of the Immortal Lun Sect await us there!” he proclaimed, his words igniting fervor in the hearts of his comrades.

Their emotions swelled with excitement and anticipation, each voicing their determination to forge the path to immortality.

“Indeed! Achieving such greatness is beyond imagination,” one exclaimed.

“In recent millennia, ascending to the upper realm has become increasingly difficult. Many speculate that the path has been severed,” added another.

“But if heaven seeks to impede us, why should we submit?” declared a third.

“Casting the road to immortality presents the best opportunity for our sect to elevate itself. None shall know of the perfect site we’ve discovered here,” chimed in yet another, their enthusiasm palpable.

For a moment, their thoughts consumed by the prospect of ascending to the upper world, they eagerly awaited the day when their dreams would become reality. Ascending to the upper world was the lifelong aspiration of countless cultivators, and they were no exception. With such an opportunity before them, excitement and anticipation coursed through their veins.

The Immortal Lun Sect stood as an enigmatic and formidable force within the Heavenly Star Realm, boasting a lineage dating back millennia. The sect’s revered elders, nearly ten in number, held sway from their secluded sanctuary, a force to be reckoned with by all who dared to challenge them.

In addition to its formidable array of Great Sacred Realm ancestors and other revered beings, rumors swirled within the Immortal Lun Sect of a potentially sealed Great Sacred Realm existence buried deep within its confines. Such a heritage was nothing short of astonishing in the Heavenly Star Realm, showcasing the sect’s strength and prosperity.

At its zenith, whispers circulated of a supreme being within the Immortal Lun Sect—an ancestor rumored to be the very founder of the sect. However, tales of this Immortal Lun Supreme carried an air of mystique. It was said that this figure hailed from an origin beyond the Heavenly Star Realm, possessing innate strength of terrifying magnitude. After establishing the Immortal Lun Sect, this enigmatic figure vanished, purportedly ascending beyond this realm. Amidst the myriad rumors surrounding this figure, the truth remained elusive, shrouded in uncertainty.

Despite the ambiguity surrounding the origins of the Immortal Lun Sect’s power, its formidable reputation was beyond question. In the Heavenly Domain, few dared to provoke the sect, as those who had ventured to challenge it had vanished into the annals of history.

“I’ve heard whispers of an incomparably mysterious upper immortal appearing in the Xuan Domain. Could it be that they descended here due to activity in the upper realm?” interjected a formidable figure, instantly capturing the attention of those present, including Green Ghost.

The notion of an immortal descending from the upper realm carried an unparalleled air of dread.

“It seems unlikely. If our ancestor hadn’t conveyed a message through a dream to the patriarch, urging us to forge the path to immortality, how could we have any knowledge of such matters? I believe this may simply be a coincidence,” remarked a nearby companion, shaking his head.

“Regardless, we must exercise caution and ensure that no one detects the activities here on Flying Immortal Mountain. Especially that immortal from the Xuan Domain. Let’s hope it departs soon,” cautioned one individual, their tone laced with concern.

“Understood. This matter is of utmost importance. When rounding up the laborers, I’ll proceed with caution. The repercussions of disturbing the terrain of Flying Immortal Mountain are dire. Several batches of laborers have already perished,” replied another, casting a worried glance at the laborers below, toiling away to construct the altar, their intent to forge the path to immortality palpable.

The endeavor to forge the immortal road had commenced over a decade ago, but progress had been hindered by the mysteries shrouding the natural terrain of Flying Immortal Mountain, which emanated an ominous aura.

“Hey, how is that guy still alive? I distinctly recall all the laborers who arrived with him meeting their demise. He even boiled three groups of people to death…” observed a burly man suddenly, spotting a tall youth with a pale countenance and tattered, blood-stained clothing among the laborers below. Despite his worn appearance, the youth exuded an air of determination that caught the observer’s attention.

“That’s the young man I picked up in a small village. His name is Jiang Yang,” Green Ghost remarked with a perplexed expression, recognizing the youth. “I sensed something special about his physique at the time—his aura and strength far surpassed that of ordinary individuals. I thought I had stumbled upon a miraculous talent and brought him back to the Sect. Little did I know, he possesses the cursed Desolate Sacred Body, making cultivation a daunting task.”

“Despite the resources of the Immortal Lun Sect, he remains uncultivated, a bottomless pit draining our efforts. Given his considerable strength, we’ve assigned him to mountain labor,” Green Ghost continued, elucidating the youth’s origins to the gathered crowd.

The revelation left the crowd astounded, comprehending the complexities surrounding the youth’s circumstances.

They turned to gaze into the youth’s eyes, witnessing a transformation marked by profound regret. The Desolate Sacred Body, as its name suggested, was a cursed physique, condemned by an ancient entity. No amount of resources could facilitate cultivation breakthroughs, rendering it futile to invest further efforts.

“How long has it been since we’ve seen such a physique? No wonder he was able to boil multiple batches of laborers to death; his strength is indeed remarkable,” remarked several individuals with nods of agreement before swiftly moving on. Ultimately, a character of such insignificance would inevitably exhaust their strength and perish in obscurity.

“If it weren’t for the curse, we might have treated it as a treasure and invested resources into cultivation. But as it stands, it’s nothing more than a laborer,” concluded another, dismissing the matter as unworthy of further consideration.

Meanwhile, beneath their indifferent scrutiny, Jiang Yang struggled amid his torment, his mind plagued by thoughts of his sister and grandmother. Despite his bloodied fingers and weary frame, he persisted in his arduous labor, driven by a determination to survive. The overseer of this place had promised him freedom after three years of toil, and with one year and three hundred days remaining, Jiang Yang clung to this lifeline.

“Why bother? Accept my presence, and you’ll be freed from this torment,” a voice echoed within Jiang Yang’s mind—a blend of helplessness, sighs, and profound compassion.

“Why should I accept you? Who are you? Get out of my body!” Jiang Yang retorted with anger, his spirit stirred by the unexpected intrusion. With fiery resolve, he demanded the voice depart from his being, refusing to succumb to its influence.

“This is clearly my body. However, your consciousness was born before I awakened. I have no intention of erasing you,” Jiang Yang countered, his voice tinged with a mixture of helplessness and determination.

The voice persisted, its tone bland yet persistent. “Accept my existence, and I can fulfill all your long-cherished wishes, including caring for your sister and grandmother.”

Jiang Yang’s expression shifted as he grappled with conflicting emotions. “Sister and granny…” he murmured, torn between his desires and the implications of accepting the voice.

The voice, unmoved by Jiang Yang’s hesitation, continued in its leisurely manner. Sensing Jiang Yang’s internal struggle, it reiterated the difference between accepting its presence willingly and being forcibly erased.

Jiang Yang contemplated the implications, his smile bitter. “In the end, I won’t be here either way. Will I still be the real me then? I won’t make any promises to you.”

The voice, momentarily taken aback by Jiang Yang’s resolve, posed a rhetorical question about its identity and the benefits of acceptance.

With a flash of determination, Jiang Yang spoke, his thoughts on his sister and grandmother firm in his mind. “I may not know who you are, but I won’t give up as long as there’s a glimmer of hope.”

Amused by Jiang Yang’s persistence, the voice laughed indifferently before fading away. Jiang Yang was resolute; no one could deter his return in this life. Despite his unfinished reincarnation memories, he remained undeterred by the challenges ahead.