I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 222

Chapter 222: Can’t teach, but it’s good to have a disciple, someone who is more intimate than relatives

The menacing and terrifying Black Wind Bandits, standing before this immortal, were wiped out from the heavens and the earth with just a wave of his hand. Such a terrifying display left the villagers of the entire Northern Mountain Village kneeling on the ground in incomparable awe, as if witnessing a miracle. Their words overflowed with gratitude for Gu Changge. Yet, Gu Changge merely performed this feat casually, showing no concern whatsoever. The laws of heaven and earth were under his control, like toys that could be manipulated at will.

“Mr. Immortal is so strong…” Yaoyao exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock. This was the first time she had witnessed such power, surpassing anything she had conceived of regarding cultivators.

Can a cultivator truly be this powerful? In her mind, the cultivator who had taken away her brother that day was already an immensely formidable being. His roars could shatter mountains and rivers, and his aura pierced the sky. Yet, compared to this Immortal, he seemed insignificant.

“At this point, are you still calling me Immortal?” Gu Changge asked, smiling at her.

“Master… Master,” Yaoyao stammered, her words trembling. She then respectfully bowed to Gu Changge. After all, she was still just a little girl, and the relief from the life-threatening crisis had eased her mind considerably.

Initially unsure why, Yaoyao found the courage to stand before Granny Yinhua, while others trembled in fear before the mysterious master. She felt at ease, without the overwhelming pressure others experienced. Especially when he appeared suddenly during the crisis, saving her life and offering to accept her as a disciple. It felt like a ray of light breaking through the darkness, a surprise that left her head spinning.

Even her Granny seemed envious of her newfound fortune. “She’s truly a well-behaved and sensible little girl. The more I see her, the more I like her. I’m glad I decided to visit the Heavenly Domain on a whim,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, conveying a sense of happiness with his words, as if afraid of missing out on such a promising disciple.

Of course, only he knew the truth behind those words.

“Master,” Yaoyao responded, her eyes brimming with joy and happiness. Even at her young age, she could sense the sincerity in his words. Though Gu Changge’s face remained blurred to her, concealed by a layer of immortal mist, she could discern a natural and gentle expression in his eyes. It was a far cry from the aloof indifference she had heard about in rumors.

“You possess the heart of a child, pure and unblemished,” Gu Changge remarked, a slight smile playing on his lips as he reached out to pat her head. At this moment, he could easily surmise what Yaoyao was thinking. After all, she was the daughter of luck, young and astute. Even if he hadn’t intervened just now, it was unlikely that the leader of the Black Wind Bandits would have harmed Yaoyao.

Gu Changge had keenly sensed a formidable aura emanating from Yaoyao’s gaze moments ago—a force capable of shattering the earth and everything in its path. Though fleeting, it was a power that could potentially overturn the entire Heavenly Domain. However, upon his arrival, this terrifying energy swiftly dissipated.

According to the well-known plot and caretaking routines, this was likely the fruit of the mysterious peach tree. Therefore, regardless of anything else, he had to ensure that he controlled this fruit himself. Although he had never been inclined to teach others, this time, for the sake of convenience, he intended to present himself as a master. Even orchestrating the cliché scenario of the hero saving the damsel in distress was necessary to garner goodwill. Without it, the girl might not be willing to accompany him.

Furthermore, Yaoyao was the younger sister of the reincarnation of the human ancestor in this world. Dealing with the reincarnation of the human ancestor would best begin with her.

“Master, is Yaoyao truly as remarkable as you say?” Yaoyao’s face flushed with shyness upon hearing Gu Changge praise her in such a manner. Despite recognizing him as her master, Yaoyao and Gu Changge were not yet very familiar, making it challenging for her to appear entirely natural. Gu Changge understood this well and remained patient.

Although the hero-saving-the-beauty trope felt outdated and even made him a bit embarrassed by his own acting skills, if Yaoyao took the bait, it would all be worthwhile. After all, she was just an innocent and pure young girl. No matter how perceptive she might be, she couldn’t possibly realize that all of this was orchestrated by Gu Changge.

The other people present didn’t dare to harbor any doubts; they only held deep respect for Gu Changge, akin to reverence for a god.

“Yaoyao is truly fortunate. I dare say she carries great luck within her, capable of turning any dire situation into a favorable one and transforming crisis into opportunity,” even the silver-haired granny, the sole cultivator in the vicinity, was filled with excitement and joy. Envy even crept into her heart as she realized that Yaoyao’s good fortune was unmatched by ordinary people.

To be valued by this unfathomable and powerful immortal, and accepted as a disciple, felt far superior to being taken away by the Immortal Lun Sect countless times. Even Yaoyao’s elder brother couldn’t hope for such a promising future as hers.

As for any suspicions regarding Gu Changge’s ulterior motives, she hadn’t entertained such thoughts at all. Moreover, considering Gu Changge’s strength, it would have been effortless for him to whisk Yaoyao away without anyone being able to stop him or even notice. Why would he go through such elaborate measures?

Given Gu Changge’s identity and power, there were undoubtedly countless cultivators who wished to become his disciples. “Yeah, you’re actually really good,” Gu Changge remarked, unable to suppress a smile at her question.

With a wave of his sleeves, a clear light shimmered before his eyes. Suddenly, the mud stains on Yaoyao’s face seemed to be washed away by a pristine spring, revealing a clean and fair complexion. Her features were exquisite and flawless, her eyes as beautiful as jade. Despite her old and patchy clothing, it couldn’t conceal her remarkable charm, reminiscent of a fairy-tale princess.

Granny Yinhua, usually at her side, had helped conceal this extraordinary aura. Otherwise, anyone discerning enough would have noticed Yaoyao’s exceptional nature.

“Master…” Yaoyao’s face flushed with embarrassment, her shyness evident in her demeanor.

Even as she grew older, it remained rare for Yaoyao to reveal her true face to others. Not even her brother had seen her in such a state; her face was always obscured by mud. The sight of her clean visage stunned the villagers of the entire Northern Mountain Village, leaving them feeling as though a little fairy had descended to earth. It became clear why she was valued by the immortal; she herself was more than just a mortal. Such a pure temperament, devoid of ambition yet possessing natural beauty, was not something ordinary people could possess.

“Don’t worry,” Gu Changge assured her. “In the future, in front of the teacher, you won’t need to cover up. No one will dare to snatch you.” With a gentle smile, he touched her head, offering her reassurance. Though she was just a young girl, it was evident that she enjoyed beauty and disliked having mud smeared on her face all day. Gu Changge’s words boasted his adeptness at influencing their thoughts.

“Mmmm, Yaoyao will listen to Master,” Yaoyao nodded obediently, her eyes sparkling with joy. As Gu Changge had surmised, she truly disliked having mud on her face. After all, what girl wouldn’t love beauty?

Suddenly, Gu Changge shook his sleeves, and bursts of dazzling immortal lights appeared in the void before him, illuminating the surroundings with their brilliance. Exquisite and gorgeous immortal clothes and treasures materialized, featuring colorful skirts adorned with various magical runes and chains of laws and order. From their appearance alone, these items were undoubtedly divine clothes far beyond anything seen in the mortal world. Their value was priceless, and they were exceedingly rare.

Moreover, the accompanying accessories were equally stunning, including various immortal stones, bracelets, earrings, and more, all dazzling in their splendor. Granny Yinhua widened her eyes in astonishment, her heart gasping at the sight. She had never laid eyes on such treasures before.

The aura emanating from each piece of immortal clothing was undeniably formidable, seemingly capable of effortlessly crushing anything in its path. Even the smallest earring shimmered with numerous flickering runes and strands of law’s aura, displaying a truly shocking power. Indeed, aside from this immortal, it was likely that no one else in the Heavenly Star Realm could possess such items.

“Master…” Yaoyao gazed at the array of treasures before her, wondering if he was allowing her to choose among them. Joy sparkled in her eyes as she beheld the exquisite and delicate clothes and accessories, adorned with the brilliance of the sun, moon, and stars. It was the first time in her life that she had seen such magnificent items.

“It’s all for you,” Gu Changge confirmed with a smile. He recalled the numerous garments that Gu Xian’er had bought but never worn, throwing them to him during their time in the Heavenly Dao Ancient City. Gu Xian’er had always chosen the most expensive and beautiful ones, intending to make him suffer. Now, these items came in handy.

While others typically gifted treasures when accepting disciples, Gu Changge felt that Yaoyao might appreciate these items even more. Besides, he had an abundance of treasures at his disposal and could give away as much as he desired. After all, he was affluent and powerful. Though he couldn’t directly impart his teachings to his disciple, he could certainly provide for her. Moreover, with Yaoyao’s naïve personality, even the others present would likely be impressed and quickly succumb to her charm.

“It’s all for Yaoyao?” Yaoyao echoed, her eyes filled with a mixture of astonishment and confusion. She was suddenly overwhelmed by the generosity before her.

She had thought the master might ask her to choose one or a few items, but she hadn’t expected that all of them were for her. Yaoyao could discern that these immortal clothes and accessories were extraordinary and invaluable. In any other place, their appearance would likely trigger a scramble among cultivators, leading to much bloodshed.

“Yeah, it’s all for you,” Gu Changge confirmed with a smile, casually waving his hand as golden light flashed before his eyes once again. Countless divine artifacts, weapons, medicines, elixirs, and engraved classics manifested in the void, resembling a walking treasure trove of profound teachings. The sheer abundance of resources was beyond measure; even someone quasi-supreme would be envious, unable to compare to Gu Changge’s wealth.

“This…” Granny Yinhua was dumbfounded, especially when she beheld the multitude of divine artifacts. Her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. She wasn’t mistaken; there were not just one or two divine artifacts, but hundreds! Hundreds of divine artifacts—what in the world was this? What kind of force stood behind this immortal? Her scalp tingled, and her soul trembled at the thought. What sort of terrifying master had Yaoyao chosen to worship?

“Why is my master being so kind to Yaoyao…” Granny Yinhua’s eyes became moist. Aside from her grandmother and brother, there was now a third person treating her so well. Upon their first meeting, he had bestowed upon her so many precious gifts, leaving her feeling embarrassed to accept them.

“Silly girl, you must understand that in this world, sometimes, a master is someone more intimate than your relatives,” Gu Changge remarked, his expression appearing slightly moved. He then sighed softly and gently touched her head, wearing a gentle smile, but saying nothing more.

“A person more intimate than a relative?” Yaoyao murmured the phrase to herself, pondering its meaning.

At Gu Changge’s insistence, Yaoyao accepted some of the gifts but refused to ask for too much. Even at a young age, she displayed remarkable sensibility, which pleased Gu Changge greatly. He couldn’t help but feel satisfied; had she been an ordinary person, she likely wouldn’t have refused.

Though Gu Changge himself wasn’t particularly interested in this young girl, he recognized her value in dealing with the reincarnation of the Human Ancestor and in boosting his Destiny Points and Luck Points. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have expended so much effort. Nevertheless, Yaoyao’s well-behaved nature made cultivating her alongside Gu Xian’er seem like a manageable task.

Yet, there was a lingering question in Gu Changge’s mind: Was Yaoyao his first apprentice? As he pondered this, he felt a stirring in his heart, as if a previously unknown memory had been unlocked. Vague images began to emerge from the depths of his mind—a figure cloaked in blood-red, possessing a fierce and unmatched aura. Ultimately, this figure was struck down by a demonic halberd and plunged into a bottomless abyss. The scene was hazy, and the memory faded as quickly as it had appeared.

“Since the Nirvana Pool incident, I’ve been able to vaguely recall some scenes… Could it be a self-sealed memory that I didn’t know about? Or perhaps a memory from a past life?” Gu Changge pondered silently. Recently, he had experienced similar instances, such as his inheritance of the Immortal Devouring Demon Art. This part of his inheritance had naturally emerged in his mind when he was just three years old, not taught by anyone else.

It was a puzzling phenomenon, one that only he seemed to experience.

In other words, the seals were cracking on their own, allowing some memories and inheritances to resurface. It seemed likely that Gu Changge had implemented these seals himself, perhaps out of concern for revealing his identity, and had sealed away the memories of his demonic power. Now, however, these sealed memories were beginning to resurface.

“Could it be that Yaoyao is not my first disciple?” Gu Changge pondered, sensing a part of his memory nudging him, as if to remind him that the next Child of Luck was approaching. Yet, he quickly set aside these thoughts and ceased dwelling on them. The most pressing matter at hand was resolving the issue of the Human Ancestor. Once that was accomplished, everything would become much simpler.

Closing his eyes, Gu Changge waited patiently in Northern Mountain Village. Meanwhile, with Granny Yinhua’s assistance, Yaoyao dressed up and adorned herself in new clothes before presenting herself once again before Gu Changge. Compared to her previous shabby attire, she appeared entirely transformed. Radiating an ethereal beauty, her aura was divine, her grace unmatched. Against the backdrop of her luxurious and colorful immortal garments, her hair cascaded softly, giving her the appearance of a celestial being from the heavens.

Gu Changge couldn’t help but acknowledge that she was indeed the daughter of luck, and as the fruit of the mysterious peach tree, her temperament was unparalleled.

“However, if I’m not mistaken, the next step in the usual routine would be that Yaoyao cannot actually cultivate…” Gu Changge contemplated silently. “As an immortal fruit, she harbors incredibly formidable power, but she is unable to utilize it on her own.”

“But it doesn’t matter; it saves me the trouble of teaching. I’ll just let it be…” Gu Changge mused further. “But it’s not yet time for the master to express concern.”

Despite the many thoughts racing through his mind, a gentle smile graced Gu Changge’s face. “Yaoyao, from today onwards, will you follow your master?” he inquired.

“Mmmm, Yaoyao will listen to Master,” Yaoyao nodded in agreement. Though she cherished her bond with Northern Mountain Village, she understood that Gu Changge couldn’t remain there with her.

“But master, can grandma come with us?” Yaoyao asked tentatively, anticipation evident on her face. She felt deeply indebted to Granny Yinhua and wished for her to accompany them, but she wasn’t sure if Gu Changge would agree.

“Since she has cared for Yaoyao for so many years, why not bring her along?” Gu Changge replied with a smile, surprising Yaoyao with his swift and decisive agreement.

“Thank you, Master!” Yaoyao expressed her gratitude obediently.

“Thank you, Mr. Immortal!” Granny Yinhua exclaimed with excitement and gratitude. She knew that Yaoyao’s kindness had brought her this opportunity. Now that her cultivation had been exposed, staying behind would only endanger her. Following Gu Changge was undoubtedly the wisest choice.

Unbeknownst to Granny Yinhua, Gu Changge had other reasons for bringing her along, even if Yaoyao hadn’t mentioned it.

Subsequently, Gu Changge escorted the two of them away from Northern Mountain Village, intending to find a suitable foothold in an ancient city within the Heavenly Domain. As Yaoyao’s master, he had obligations to fulfill, including teaching her cultivation techniques, strengthening her body, and laying her foundation. These were essential steps in her journey.

Soon, rumors began to spread throughout the Heavenly Domain and its sacred mountains, causing a stir among various factions. A man in white accompanied by a young girl, an elderly woman, and a servant ventured into restricted areas and sacred mountains, brazenly requesting divine blood essence and medicines. Even a master who had lived for over 100,000 years and reached the sacred realm fell victim to their demands. His most prized possession, his horn, was slashed by the man in white, and his rarest blood essence was extracted to aid in the girl’s foundation building.

When the sacred mountain refused to comply, the servant of the man in white obliterated it with a single palm, sparking discussions and unease throughout the Heavenly Domain. Terrifying rumors circulated, leaving many sacred mountains and restricted areas apprehensive, fearing they might be the next targets.

This news sent shockwaves through countless monks and creatures, pushing them to the brink of disbelief. Many speculated that the immortal who had appeared in the Xuan Domain had now set foot in the Heavenly Domain. The identity of the young girl accompanying him stirred up a frenzy of speculation among cultivators and factions alike.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Black Wind Bandits found himself breaking out in a cold sweat as he listened to reports from his subordinates. The events at Northern Mountain Village had not only rattled them but had also caught the attention of forces beyond their territory. When the immortal had descended, wiping out the bandits with a mere wave of his hand, the fantastical tale spread far and wide. The firsthand accounts from villagers only served to bolster its credibility, prompting numerous factions to discreetly dispatch investigators.

The atmosphere surrounding Northern Mountain Village had shifted significantly. Though its residents were mere mortals without cultivation, no force dared to provoke them. Speculation ran rampant that the girl accompanying the immortal hailed from the village, leading even Holy Land disciples to tread cautiously in their interactions with its inhabitants.

“Master, shall we seek revenge?” the third chief ventured, his expression solemn. But before he could finish his question, their leader delivered a resounding slap to his face.

“Revenge? What nonsense! Listen carefully, all of you. Don’t breathe a word about Northern Mountain Village. Act as though you know nothing, understood?” Their leader’s tone was harsh, but inwardly, he felt a wave of relief, his back slick with cold sweat.

He was convinced that the immortal from the upper realm was none other than the mysterious figure who had intervened during the recent turmoil. Though he couldn’t fathom the immortal’s intentions, he trusted in his wisdom. To him, the fact that the immortal hadn’t eradicated the entire Black Wind Bandits was a testament to his mercy. It was a gift, and he had no intention of squandering it. The leader knew better than to question the immortal’s designs; he would follow his lead, no matter the cost.

Buzz!!

With this realization, the bandit leader became even more resolute, promptly taking action to sever his memory of that particular incident. Now, aside from the immortal from the upper realm, no one knew that he had orchestrated the Black Wind Bandits’ sudden assault on the village. The truth was effectively obscured, leaving no trail for anyone to follow.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge embarked on a journey with Yaoyao through the Heavenly Domain, seeking precious divine blood materials to aid in her training. Along the way, he delved deeper into her background and that of her brother.

Their story began when Granny Yinhua stumbled upon a baby by the river during her seclusion. Granny Yinhua herself had once been a disciple of a formidable master in the Holy Land, possessing considerable talent. However, the sect she belonged to had suffered a swift decline and ultimately crumbled after encountering opposition from another sect. Gu Changge found little interest in this backstory; had it been a Child of Luck, he might have entertained thoughts of assisting Granny Yinhua in restoring her sect. But for him, it held no significance.

The baby Granny Yinhua had found was none other than Yaoyao’s older brother, Jiang Yang, the current reincarnation of the Human Ancestor. Jiang Yang likely carried with him a past marked by bitterness and abandonment, cast aside by his parents as a last resort. Gu Changge, however, harbored no interest in delving into these details. The name “Jiang Yang” deviated from the typical names associated with Children of Luck, a fact that surprised Gu Changge but seemed reasonable. Such reincarnations were not bound by clichés; their beginnings were illustrious, their backgrounds robust. Even their dispositions likely differed from those of ordinary Children of Luck. To Gu Changge, it presented no challenge.

After all, there was no one from the upper realm to intervene here. In the Heavenly Star Realm, he didn’t claim to wield power over the entire domain, but in essence, the difference was negligible. Now that the identity of the reincarnation of the Human Ancestor had been confirmed, everything became much simpler: eradicate the reincarnation of the Human Ancestor before he could fully realize his potential and drain all his luck points.

This became Gu Changge’s next purpose and plan. From Granny Yinhua’s revelations, Gu Changge learned that the Human Ancestor had reincarnated over a year ago and was taken away by the cultivators of the Immortal Lun Sect for training, with no updates since. The Immortal Lun Sect, with its ancestor being Immortal Lun Supreme, surprised Gu Changge. According to the Heavenly Star Realm’s world barrier, attaining the supreme realm was the pinnacle, achievable only through exceptional luck or through seclusion for countless years.

The fact that the Immortal Lun Sect’s ancestor resided in the supreme realm hinted at his origins beyond this world, possibly from the upper realm. Moreover, while the Human Ancestor’s reincarnation was cultivating in the Immortal Lun Sect, Gu Changge was uncertain about the extent of his awakened memories.

“The so-called Awakening of Reincarnation is essentially a form of possession, where the original consciousness is supplanted, allowing the previous memories to take control,” Gu Changge mused, a deep smile playing on his lips. Dealing with such a Child of Luck was a scenario he was well-acquainted with, and one he felt confident in handling.

He had already formulated a plan. Yaoyao and Granny Yinhua, being the relatives of the reincarnation of the Human Ancestor, were naturally his primary vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, apart from Gu Changge, no one knew the true identity of the reincarnation of the Human Ancestor, not even Yaoyao.