I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Are you Master’s wife? Brain goes blank

“Numerous clansmen saw Young Master Changge return from beyond the mountain gate with a girl around five or six years old.”

“That little girl appears cute and well-behaved…”

Upon hearing the maid’s report, Gu Xian’er fell into a thoughtful silence, her discomfort growing.

Cute and well-behaved? Could it be that Gu Changge prefers a sister with that type of demeanor? Her own nature, on the other hand, was far from quiet and obedient. At times, she enjoyed challenging Gu Changge.

So… had Gu Changge found himself a new sister?

“That can’t be…”

An inexplicable pressure weighed on Gu Xian’er. Initially, she hadn’t fully believed the news. Yet, with so many clansmen attesting to it, it was hard to dismiss. Given Gu Changge’s past actions, how could he have a young girl by his side? It seemed out of character for him.

And he claimed there was something special about this little girl?

Regardless of her doubts, jealousy began to gnaw at Gu Xian’er’s heart.

After all, she had always been Gu Changge’s one and only younger sister.

Now, with this little girl in the picture, what if Gu Changge doesn’t dote on her as much in the future?

It’s not like she wanted to compete for attention with a child or anything like that. Ugh.

It’s just that Gu Changge had finally shown some tenderness towards her. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being equally affectionate with another little girl.

And why should that girl effortlessly receive what she had worked so hard to earn?

Gu Xian’er wasn’t a saint; she had her own selfish desires. Thinking about it made her even more envious.

She used to be the one who resented Gu Changge the most, but now she found herself feeling the most distressed and guilty towards him.

Yet, Gu Changge’s behavior towards her lately made her uneasy.

For a moment, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but worry.

Was it because she didn’t visit Gu Changge some time ago, making him think it’s better to bring back a new younger sister?

But his attitude had been icy, showing little interest in her. Gu Xian’er began to spiral into wild, suspicious thoughts, feeling less sharp and cunning than usual.

Afterward, she took a deep breath, regaining her composure with a cold and calm expression.

“Take me to see the little girl that Gu Changge brought back. As a sister, I should take a good look at her,” she said, almost convincing herself with the last sentence.

“Got it, miss,” the maid who reported nodded, albeit with a bitter smile. She couldn’t afford to miss this report, but now that Gu Xian’er was involved, she worried about Gu Changge’s potential reaction.

Guided by the maid, Gu Xian’er made her way to the island where Gu Changge resided. Along the way, bystanders were surprised and incredulous.

Given the deep animosity between Gu Xian’er and Gu Changge, it was hard to believe they were interacting so calmly now.

While some knew of the familial ties between them, they underestimated the depth of their past grievances. To them, it seemed like ancient history, oblivious to the simmering tensions between the siblings.

“If I recall correctly, this is the first time Miss Xian’er has set foot on this island where the young master resides, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I heard she never came here before, but I wonder why…”

“Maybe she saw the young master leaving and decided to pay a visit.”

“I heard the young master ran into trouble at the Nirvana Pond last time, and Miss Xian’er was greatly affected along with others.”

“However, Miss Xian’er has made significant cultivation breakthroughs during this time. It’s impressive, but it’s a shame. If she hadn’t been sidelined all these years, she’d be on par with the young master by now.”

The clansmen observed the scene, whispering among themselves, filled with curiosity and admiration.

Gu Xian’er’s celestial beauty required no explanation; many clan elders believed it rivaled Gu Changge’s.

Gu Xian’er arrived at the palace where Yaoyao resided, paying no heed to the murmurs of nearby clansmen. Her main intention was to see how charming this little girl truly was.

Inside the palace, the maid whispered to Yaoyao about the rules of the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Unaware of Gu Xian’er’s arrival, they continued their conversation without interruption.

Yaoyao’s little face remained serious as she listened to the rules of the Ancient Immortal family. The family to which her master belonged seemed far more intimidating than any other force she knew, solely based on the strictness of its rules.

“Are you the little girl Gu Changge brought back?” Gu Xian’er suddenly spoke from the entrance of the palace, her voice cool and composed. Her unexpected presence startled the two inside the palace, who had been unaware of her arrival until that moment.

“Miss Xian’er!” The maid in the hall was taken aback upon hearing Gu Xian’er’s voice, quickly responding with respect. She couldn’t help but wonder why Gu Xian’er had come to this place.

Yaoyao also turned to look in surprise at the entrance of the palace, where a stunning and elegant figure stood. With her slender frame and flowing immortal attire, she resembled a celestial maiden from the heavens, her eyes carrying an aloof and icy demeanor.

“You… are you the master’s wife?” Yaoyao asked, still a bit bewildered, unsure of who this beautiful woman was. Her words slipped out instinctively, assuming that the woman might be her master’s partner. But considering her apparent youth, Yaoyao questioned her assumption.

“Huh… what?” Gu Xian’er’s expression shifted, her cold demeanor faltering. Her mind felt as if it had been struck by a hammer, suddenly going blank.

The flawless and delicate face of Gu Xian’er clouded over in an instant, her heart pounding rapidly with panic. She quickly waved her hand in denial, dismissing the notion with a flustered tone.

“I’m not, it’s not me, don’t talk nonsense,” she hurriedly refuted. How could this little girl speak so recklessly, suggesting she was the master’s wife? Gu Xian’er was just Gu Changge’s younger sister. The idea of being addressed as a mistress was absurd.

However, despite her initial hostility before arriving, it seemed to dissipate now in the presence of this well-behaved and polite little girl. Gu Xian’er’s brows twitched slightly. The girl appeared to possess a fairy-like aura and resembled a porcelain doll, endearing her to Gu Xian’er.

Upon realizing that the girl was most likely Gu Changge’s apprentice, Gu Xian’er felt reassured. This didn’t threaten her status as his sister at all. Moreover, she sensed a familiar and peaceful aura emanating from Yaoyao, akin to the feeling she experienced while listening to Sister Taoyao back in Peach Village.

Feeling a sense of warmth and kindness towards Yaoyao, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but smile. She crouched down, gently patting Yaoyao’s head.

“What’s your name? Gu Changge is my brother, but I’m not your master’s wife,” she clarified gently.

“Hello, little teacher, my name is Yaoyao,” Yaoyao replied, feeling more at ease in Gu Xian’er’s presence.

“Senior Sister?” Yaoyao uttered, addressing Gu Xian’er with a touch of reverence.

“Yaoyao’s name is really nice. Yaoyao is so beautiful. Since you call me that, then I have to give you a gift, otherwise Gu Changge may talk bad about me later,” Gu Xian’er remarked, momentarily taken aback by the title but ultimately pleased with it.

With a satisfied smile, Gu Xian’er waved her jade hand, conjuring a series of divine weapons into existence. Among them were a jade tripod, a golden seal, a large bell, and a plain belt, each emanating a surging golden light and vast power. These were incredibly valuable items, coveted by cultivators throughout the realm.

Despite her reputation for frugality, Gu Xian’er was willing to part with these treasures as a gesture of goodwill. It was a clear indication of her regard for Yaoyao.

“Thank you, Senior Sister,” Yaoyao expressed her gratitude with a sweet smile, understanding the importance of accepting the gift to avoid any offense to Gu Xian’er.

Gu Xian’er nodded in approval, displaying an elder-like smile. Yaoyao’s demeanor and response left her feeling a sense of warmth and camaraderie, as if they had known each other for ages.

Afterward, Gu Xian’er stayed and posed numerous questions to Yaoyao, inquiring about Gu Changge’s whereabouts and any news during his absence.

Upon learning that Gu Changge had ventured to the lower realm to repay a debt of gratitude, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but be surprised. As she listened further, Yaoyao recounted the heroic deeds of Gu Changge as a savior, suppressing a terrifying true demon and ultimately saving the world. This revelation left Gu Xian’er speechless for a long while.

Indeed, Gu Changge’s seemingly indifferent exterior belied a gentle and compassionate nature within. His act of saving the world only reinforced this truth in Gu Xian’er’s mind. She resolved to confront him at the earliest opportunity, determined not to let him shoulder such burdens alone.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge became aware of Gu Xian’er’s visit to Yaoyao, but he remained unperturbed. Having brought Yaoyao back to the family, he had already devised countermeasures for any inquiries that might arise.

“Gu Xian’er might have noticed something unusual about Yaoyao, but I wonder if she can make contact with the peach tree behind her?” Gu Changge’s expression took on a peculiar twist as he pondered this possibility.

Following the recent incident at the Nirvana Pond, Gu Changge had kept his distance from Gu Xian’er for quite some time. Knowing her character, he realized she wouldn’t continue to endure indefinitely. To resolve their longstanding animosity, Gu Changge had meticulously laid plans, now awaiting the moment when Gu Xian’er would take him back to Peach Village to meet her masters, a move that would help bring their feud to a close.

Gu Xian’er possessed a relatively straightforward and benevolent demeanor, but the ancient beings backing her were not easily deceived. Thus, Gu Changge needed to prepare thoroughly for this encounter.

“As the time approaches, Yan Ji should be returning soon,” Gu Changge thought, recalling another crucial matter. While he could manipulate the truth to some extent, he couldn’t deceive indefinitely. Moreover, Jiang Chuchu was beginning to comprehend the situation, prompting Gu Changge to offer her an opportunity.

Concerned about the possibility of Wang Ziji, another descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall, detecting any irregularities and disrupting his plans, Gu Changge decided to summon Yan Ji back. He crafted a plausible excuse—visiting him during his seclusion to discuss strategies for combating the inheritors of demonic arts.

In the ensuing days, news of Gu Changge’s return spread throughout the Gu family, sparking astonishment among many of the younger generation.

As news of Gu Changge’s return spread throughout the Gu family, it was framed as another breakthrough in his cultivation rather than his return from the outside world. This subtle distinction caused ripples in the upper realm, stirring up a fresh wave of speculation and uncertainty.

The major immortal sects and the descendants of supreme Dao sects felt the weight of this development, sensing an increased pressure in the air. Even the newly emerged ancient beings furrowed their brows, sensing the shifting atmosphere. The younger generation, in particular, found themselves in awe of Gu Changge once again.

Long hailed as the strongest figure among the younger generation, Gu Changge’s resurgence in cultivation further widened the perceived gap between him and his peers. Many young cultivators began to wonder if they would ever be able to bridge this gulf.

Amidst Gu Changge’s return, the silence surrounding the inheritor of demonic arts descended once more. There were no reports of demonic arts-related incidents, and the various factions found themselves engaged in heated debates over the sudden quiet.

Meanwhile, Heavenly Emperor Ying’s son, Ying Shuang, remained secluded within Heavenly Emperor Mountain, showing no signs of departing. This coincidence raised eyebrows among cultivators, leading many to question the timing of Ying Shuang’s absence amidst the inheritor of demonic arts’ disappearance.

….

Meanwhile, atop Heavenly Emperor Mountain, Ying Shuang found himself caught in a bitter predicament, his pride swallowed and his heart heavy with frustration.

Leaving the safety of Heavenly Emperor Mountain would expose him to attacks from those who sought to crusade against the inheritor of demonic arts. Yet, remaining within the confines of the mountain while the true culprit remained elusive would only cement his association with the blame.

It was a dilemma with no easy solution. Unless the genuine inheritor of demonic arts emerged to clear his name by eliminating the remaining suspects, Ying Shuang would continue to bear the burden of false accusation.

“Regardless of what the outside world believes, brother, the matter of the inheritor of demonic arts has nothing to do with you,” reassured Ying Yu, her long silver hair cascading as she spoke with a furrowed brow, attempting to console Ying Shuang’s troubled expression.

“I understand, but being wrongly accused like this is unjust, and it could happen to anyone,” Ying Shuang lamented with a wry smile, his tone tinged with helplessness. “I can’t fathom who I might have offended to be unjustly framed.”

His words painted him as a victim, his frustration palpable as he pondered over his predicament. Yet, beneath his outward demeanor of resignation lay a simmering resentment toward Gu Changge and the others.

Despite his grievances, Ying Shuang had meticulously ensured that his current persona closely mirrored his previous self, save for the disparity in cultivation strength. In every other aspect, even Ying Yu found no discernible irregularities.

This solace amidst adversity brought Ying Shuang a measure of relief, solidifying his role as the prince and reinforcing his sense of identity.

“There’s something amiss about this whole affair,” Ying Yu murmured, her gaze fixed intently on Ying Shuang’s countenance, searching for any telltale signs of deception. “If it were merely Gu Changge’s claim, it might be dismissed as a misunderstanding. But for both descendants of the human ancestor hall to concur that you’re the inheritor of demonic arts… It seems too coincidental. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s more to this than meets the eye.”

Her words carried a hint of suspicion, implying a doubt regarding Ying Shuang’s sincerity. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that he might be withholding information from her.

Upon hearing Ying Yu’s suspicions, Ying Shuang’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a composed expression. “Sister, what you said is also what I am suspicious of. Logically speaking, I have never met the three of them,” he replied calmly, though he felt uneasy under Ying Yu’s scrutinizing gaze.

Brushing aside his discomfort, he shifted the conversation to the impending completion of the True Immortal Academy. “Forget it, anyway, soon the True Immortal Academy will be completed, and the Emperor Mountain will also send the strongest person to go there. I heard that it’s the person who lived in the same life as his father,” he said, hoping to steer the discussion away from his own unease. “When the time comes, he will protect me, and in the True Immortal Academy, there will be no one who does not have long eyes and dares to provoke.”

As Ying Yu continued to speak, her eyes gleamed with yearning at the mention of the True Immortal Academy. It was a place that gathered the resources of many Dao sects in the upper world, aimed at cultivating a true immortal in this life. Though her talent was formidable, as the descendant of the emperor, she harbored doubts about her ability to compete with the numerous young talents. The True Immortal Academy offered the perfect opportunity for her to hone her skills and fulfill her potential.

As Ying Yu expressed her anticipation for the True Immortal Academy, Ying Shuang’s smile grew stiff. Truth be told, he had little desire to attend the academy. He was well aware of his own abilities and doubted how many of the younger generation he could outmatch. Yet, as the prince, this was a responsibility he couldn’t shirk.

“My sister is right. After spending so long in the Emperor’s Palace, when the time comes for the True Immortal Academy, it’s an opportunity for me to showcase the prestige of the Emperor’s Mountain,” he asserted confidently. Ying Yu couldn’t help but admire his resolve; this was the brother she knew well.