I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 249

Chapter 249: The way to save Gu Changge, I would rather die on that day

Suddenly, the peach tree swayed, and the sky burst with radiance, akin to blossoming flowers covering both heavens and earth, accompanied by the ethereal sound of the Dao. Everyone gathered at the entrance of Peach Village was taken aback.

Even the elders, steeped in ancient wisdom, wore expressions of bewilderment. They all had heard Taoyao’s words moments ago, hence their astonishment. It was unprecedented for Taoyao to address a young man in such a manner.

“What’s so remarkable about this Gu Changge?” one queried, while another puzzled, “What has gotten into Master Taoyao?”

“It appears our preconceptions about Gu Changge may be unfounded,” mused another elder. “If even Taoyao speaks highly of him, then perhaps our doubts are misplaced…”

These sentiments were echoed by a few skeptics who, moments ago, had doubted Gu Xian’er’s explanation. Now, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief and reassurance. Their trust in Taoyao’s discernment remained unshaken. If she endorsed Gu Changge, then surely he was worthy of their trust.

As a few individuals pondered the situation, a sense of goodwill began to envelop them, fostering a growing appreciation for Gu Changge. Considering Gu Xian’er’s testimony, it seemed Gu Changge had quietly undertaken significant deeds on her behalf. Such revelations softened their attitudes considerably.

Soon, a vast white mist enveloped the area, thickening until it obscured everything before the entrance of Peach Village. Within this mist, crystalline petals danced, casting a radiant brilliance and filling the air with a fragrant allure, transforming the surroundings into a veritable fairyland.

Divine chains of law and order descended, shimmering with the essence of the Dao, mysterious and expansive.

Yet, to everyone’s bewilderment, save for Gu Changge, the unfolding spectacle remained hidden from view, its whispers silenced.

“Sister Taoyao, what transpired here today?” Gu Xian’er inquired, her brow furrowing in puzzlement. “Why this peculiar treatment of Gu Changge upon our first encounter?”

Observing the enigmatic scene, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but feel a twinge of confusion.

In Gu Xian’er’s estimation, while Yaoyao held significant influence, her connection with Gu Changge seemed unfounded.

Why, then, was Yaoyao engaging with Gu Changge in such a manner?

Was there some underlying complexity between Gu Changge and Master Yaoyao?

Was Yaoyao attempting to foster goodwill towards Gu Changge?

Considering Gu Xian’er’s familiarity with Yaoyao, she knew such a favorable attitude wouldn’t be extended to just anyone, especially considering it was Gu Changge’s first encounter with Yaoyao.

Yet, Gu Xian’er couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the situation. Had Yaoyao detected Gu Changge’s inherent demonic nature and begun an investigation?

A flurry of thoughts raced through Gu Xian’er’s mind, and she found herself eagerly anticipating Yaoyao’s intervention, hoping for a solution to aid Gu Changge. If Yaoyao could help him rid himself of his innate demonic nature, it would be a boon indeed.

Meanwhile, Gu Changge’s gaze fixated on the elegant figure amidst the peach tree, his mind awash with myriad thoughts. Sensing a probing force, akin to chains of cosmic order, he made no attempt to resist. This was a power beyond mere laws and order, delving into the very essence of the Dao. Such forces were insurmountable for beings of lesser stature.

Gu Changge remained composed, his gaze fixed upon the peach tree before him. Deliberately exposing the existence of his demonic heart had solidified his position as the young master of the Gu family, impervious to challenge.

Furthermore, his status as the rightful heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace remained unaffected. Thus, he harbored no concerns about any repercussions stemming from his demonic nature.

After all, the demonic heart was merely a facet of his innate talent, not a forbidden art that would incite the world against him. At most, it might cast him in an ominous light, prompting people to shun him like a serpent.

“Did you witness it, senior?” Gu Changge inquired calmly, his expression betraying no hint of worry.

“I did,” replied Taoyao, her form shrouded in ethereal light, her majestic presence discernible through the divine glow.

Upon hearing her response, Gu Changge continued, unperturbed. “Xian’er is, after all, partially under my tutelage. It’s only natural for me to take an interest in her affairs.”

“And are you displeased that I’ve uncovered your secret of the demonic heart?” Taoyao’s voice, soft and melodious, conveyed an air of serenity, dispelling any notion of anger.

“There’s no cause for discontent. Your prowess, senior, is truly admirable, and I hold great respect for it,” Gu Changge replied, his expression tranquil, though inwardly harboring a disdainful smirk.

Had he not intentionally allowed his demonic heart to emanate its sinister energy, what would Taoyao have discovered before him?

She grossly underestimated her own capabilities, thinking she could discern the truth with a mere inspection. Did she truly believe that the Great Dao treasure bottle could only absorb sources of energy?

Externally, however, Gu Changge maintained a facade of deference. “Of course, senior,” he acquiesced with feigned deference.

Taoyao’s laughter, when it came, was sudden and unexpected. Soft and melodious, yet tinged with a more sinister undertone, it would have left the villagers of Peach Village wide-eyed and dumbfounded had they been privy to it.

Was this still the same Taoyao they had always known?

Normally, she exuded an aura as solemn as a deity, radiating an aloof and awe-inspiring divine majesty. How, then, could she now appear so steeped in demonic essence?

Yet, this was indeed Taoyao’s true nature. Through her connection with Yaoyao, she could sense every nuance of her interactions with Gu Changge, recognizing that despite his outward appearance of unreliability, he remained a responsible master. Hence,

Taoyao harbored a favorable impression of Gu Changge, explaining her unusual demeanor towards him.

Moreover, Taoyao had gleaned the information she sought. Gu Xian’er’s earlier words had not been idle chatter; there was indeed an issue with Gu Changge. Those born with a congenital demonic heart were destined for ominous fates, a fact supported by the grim history of those who possessed such hearts throughout the ages.

The existence of the demonic heart was exceedingly rare, with only a select few individuals throughout history ever bearing its burden.

With such inherent talent, the weak were often swept away by the relentless currents of history, leaving behind no trace. Only the strong could etch their names into the annals of time, their tragic tales serving as cautionary tales for future generations.

Possessing a demonic heart was akin to bearing the weight of a grim legacy. Throughout ancient times, those branded with such a mark were fated for misfortune; their names whispered in hushed tones as cautionary tales of the world’s greatest taboos.

For Gu Changge, born with this cursed talent, Taoyao could only lament his unfortunate fate, beyond the initial shock. There were no words adequate to express the depth of his plight.

Yet Gu Changge’s ability to suppress his demonic nature spoke volumes about his inner strength, which earned him a measure of respect from Taoyao.

“Why the laughter, senior?” Gu Changge inquired, his expression momentarily betraying a hint of curiosity tinged with self-deprecation.

The juxtaposition of Taoyao’s laughter with her divine presence left Gu Changge slightly taken aback. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice that despite her demonic nature, there was no malice directed towards either himself or Yaoyao.

Indeed, it seemed that Taoyao, or perhaps the Peach Demon as she was now, harbored no ill intentions. In fact, she appeared to be integrating herself with various dao laws, a phenomenon that intrigued Gu Changge.

Meanwhile, Yaoyao remained in a deep slumber, her awakening estimated to be far off in the future. Gu Changge acknowledged that his previous actions had not been in vain, considering the significant shift in Taoyao’s treatment towards him.

“After all these years, encountering someone as intriguing as Xian’er, and now you,” Taoyao remarked, her tone gradually returning to calmness.

Gu Changge offered a nonchalant response, his expression unimpressed, as he observed the young lady encircled by myriad immortal spirits and echoes of dao, suspended in a state of unconsciousness. “What are your intentions towards the young lady, senior?” he inquired, a hint of concern underlying his question.

Though confident that Taoyao harbored no ill will towards Yaoyao, Gu Changge felt it necessary, as a senior, to express a degree of vigilance and care.

Taoyao, unsurprised by Gu Changge’s inquiry, responded, “I intend to help her heal some of her Great Dao injuries. She will remain in slumber for a while, but rest assured, I will not harm her. To me, she is like family or a sister.”

“I hope so,” Gu Changge replied, nodding in a somewhat reserved agreement.

“Surprisingly, you still doubt me?” Taoyao chuckled, her laughter ringing out. “I’ll return Yaoyao to you unharmed, but if you dare to mistreat her, I won’t hesitate to intervene.”

Gu Changge remained unimpressed. “Bullying the weak with strength is not the way of the younger generation.”

“Ah, you’re being sarcastic?” Taoyao’s voice took on a mischievous, almost demonic edge.

“If you can perceive it, then it serves its purpose,” Gu Changge retorted, finally regarding her with seriousness.

“Intriguing. It’s been a while since I encountered someone unafraid of me like you,” Taoyao mused, her tone laced with amusement.

“If only our meeting had occurred earlier, my days might have been less mundane…”

Taoyao’s words caused a momentary pause, followed by her laughter, unperturbed by Gu Changge’s skepticism. Then, as if on cue, a figure materialized before Gu Changge’s eyes—a specter, not of a person, but of a sprite.

She sat amidst the boundless wilderness, cradling her knees, with a lifeless peach tree as her backdrop. Despite the desolation around her, she exuded a striking beauty. Her cascading hair shimmered like a polished mirror, capable of reflecting every ray of light.

Though her gaze was fixed on the distant sea of clouds, her eyes mirrored the clarity of the sky and the majesty of the mountains, yet her expression betrayed a palpable loneliness, as if she awaited someone’s return.

“Is this a memory? Or a deliberate vision she’s allowed me to witness?” Gu Changge pondered, momentarily frozen in awe. Unable to discern whether this scene was a product of his own perceptions or a deliberate revelation by Taoyao, he remained uncertain.

However, one thing was certain: Taoyao’s essence differed fundamentally from the enigmatic peach tree glimpsed in the system’s projections. Taoyao and Yaoyao— they seemed more akin to sisters than mere counterparts.

The only path to becoming the peach tree adrift in the chaotic sea of true lightning was for the two to merge. But in doing so, would they retain their individual selves? This question lingered, perhaps already clear to the peach tree, prompting its familial affection towards Yaoyao.

With this understanding, Gu Changge needn’t dwell on what lay ahead.

“I can’t assist you with your innate demonic nature at the moment, but take this and seek out an old acquaintance of mine. He owes me a favor. If he’s still alive, he may be able to aid you,” Taoyao interjected once more.

Simultaneously, a crystal-clear peach leaf descended from the heavens, adorned with divine dao runes that shimmered in radiant brilliance. “Consider it a token of gratitude for your care of Yaoyao all this time,” Taoyao added.

With those words, Taoyao’s form gradually dissipated from the peach tree, leaving no trace behind. Even the white fog vanished, and the scenes around Peach Village gradually sharpened into clarity, as if everything had been but an illusion.

Under the peaceful shade of the peach tree, Yaoyao slumbered, undisturbed as the wisps of Dao rhyme and immortal energy intertwined within her.

Gu Changge accepted the peach leaf, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. Taoyao’s words had provided him with valuable insights. An old man—someone who had traversed the ages alongside Taoyao.

Though his demonic nature had long been resolved, making the search seem unnecessary, the significance of the peach leaf surpassed Gu Changge’s expectations. It represented a favor owed by a figure who shared an era with Taoyao.

Realizing the depth of this gesture, Gu Changge couldn’t help but smile. With his objectives nearly fulfilled, the attitudes of Taoyao and the elders of Peach Village towards him would determine the extent of the fortune he could glean from Gu Xian’er.

With the imminent resolution of the long-standing feud, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but feel a pang of curiosity upon seeing Gu Changge’s expression. “What did Sister Taoyao tell you?” she inquired, her gaze probing.

“Nothing,” Gu Changge replied curtly, his attention focused on the peach leaf in his hand.

Unperturbed by his silence, Gu Xian’er shrugged. “Fine, if you won’t tell me, I’ll ask Sister Taoyao myself,” she declared, fully aware of Gu Changge’s reluctance to share.

Rushing to the peach tree, Gu Xian’er sought answers in secrecy. Though Taoyao did not make a reappearance, she divulged everything upon hearing Gu Xian’er’s inquiries, leaving no detail concealed.

“Gu Changge was born with this…” Gu Xian’er’s eyes widened in astonishment, her beautiful features reflecting her incredulity. Taoyao’s revelation about Gu Changge’s innate demonic heart took her by surprise.

She had been seeking answers all along, but the revelation that it was an innate demonic heart left her dumbfounded. Throughout history, only a select few were born with such a mark, representing ill omens and misfortune.

No wonder Gu Changge’s lineage had gone to great lengths to conceal this truth. The implications of revealing such a secret to the rest of the clan weighed heavily on Gu Xian’er’s mind.

With Gu Changge’s identity as the young master of the Gu family, symbolizing the future of the clan, Gu Xian’er couldn’t help but contemplate the potential ramifications of his innate demonic heart being revealed to the family. She foresaw numerous challenges that Gu Changge would likely face even with his formidable power.

Regret and guilt gnawed at Gu Xian’er as she reflected on her own recklessness in bringing Gu Changge to Peach Village, inadvertently exposing the secret of his demonic heart. Yet, she found solace in the belief that neither the masters of Peach Village nor Sister Taoyao would take it upon themselves to expose this delicate matter.

“Sister Taoyao, is there any solution to the problem of the demonic heart?” Gu Xian’er broached the most pressing issue at hand.

Taoyao paused, taken aback by the question. In truth, she had no immediate solution; otherwise, she wouldn’t have entrusted the peach leaf to Gu Changge. The demonic heart wasn’t a simple affliction; it was deeply intertwined with a cultivator’s essence, residing at the core of their being.

While cultivators could theoretically be reborn from a drop of blood at a certain level of attainment, this was contingent upon the preservation of their blood essence.

In Gu Changge’s case, his demonic nature ran deep, rendering the removal of the demonic heart ineffective. Taoyao’s silence stirred anxiety within Gu Xian’er, who knew Taoyao’s character well.

“Sister Taoyao, you know what needs to be done, don’t you? Even if it’s difficult, I’m willing to try,” Gu Xian’er urged earnestly. “Gu Changge has done so much for me, and I want to help him in return.”

“Xian’er, you’re adamant about this…” Taoyao’s confusion was evident as she observed Gu Xian’er’s unwavering determination.

With a sigh, she spoke slowly, “Gu Changge’s innate demonic heart requires constant suppression to keep his demonic nature at bay. Just like when he unwittingly extracted your Dao bone before. It was his subconscious action…”

“So, the Dao bone can help him suppress the devil, right?” Gu Xian’er interjected, a realization dawning upon her. She had pondered this possibility before.

Taoyao’s affirmation confirmed Gu Xian’er’s suspicions. She understood that Gu Changge’s return of her Dao bone, despite the peril it posed, stemmed from his understanding of this truth.

Even in the face of dire consequences, he prioritized repaying his debt to her, disregarding his own predicament.

Taoyao nodded. “That’s part of the reason.”

“Would it be beneficial to give him the Dao bone now and let him fuse it again?” Gu Xian’er inquired.

After a brief pause, Taoyao responded, “Such opportunities are scarce. The demonic nature is not static; it continues to evolve and strengthen.”

“Xian’er, think carefully. Are you certain?” Taoyao prompted.

Upon hearing Taoyao’s words, Gu Xian’er knew what she must do. Sister Taoyao had presented her with a choice, and now it was time for her to make a decision.

Gazing at Gu Changge nearby, a mixture of anger and affection swirled in Gu Xian’er’s eyes as she called out, “Gu Changge, you’re so clever, yet you acted so foolishly!”

Gu Changge, engrossed in conversation with the village chief of Peach Village and others, turned around at the unexpected outburst. “Feeling itchy again? Haven’t the past few days taught you a lesson?” he retorted, his tone laced with annoyance.

However, as he observed Gu Xian’er’s expression and gestures, realization dawned upon him. Cursing himself inwardly for his obtuseness, he hummed softly as spatial fluctuations enveloped him.

In the blink of an eye, he vanished from his previous spot, reappearing in front of Gu Xian’er with a determined expression.

With a firm grip, Gu Changge seized Gu Xian’er’s wrists, halting her movements. To her astonishment, he produced a divine weapon, evidently intending to extract her Dao bone himself. Gu Changge’s demeanor turned icy, his expression devoid of warmth, radiating a chilling aura.

“Gu Xian’er, what are you doing, you fool?” he snapped, his voice tinged with frustration.

“Gu Changge, let me go! You’re the fool here. I’m trying to save you!” Gu Xian’er retorted defiantly, her glare unwavering. Yet, despite her efforts, she couldn’t break free from Gu Changge’s grasp.

“I can extract your Dao bone to suppress your demonic nature. It’ll prevent incidents like the one at the Nirvana Pool from recurring,” Gu Changge insisted, his tone firm. “For me, the Dao bone may be replaceable. I’ll be fine…”

“Shut up,” Gu Changge interjected sharply, his expression darkening as he covered her mouth.

“Listen to me. You must keep the Dao bone safe for me. If you dare to take matters into your own hands and remove it, Gu Xian’er, you’ll face dire consequences.”

Frustration boiled within Gu Xian’er as she met his gaze, her defiance unwavering. Her eyes blazed with determination, like a cornered kitten refusing to back down.

Gu Changge’s firm grip stifled Gu Xian’er’s attempts to speak, leaving her seething with suppressed anger. Despite her struggles, she remained unable to make a sound, frustration mounting within her.

However, Gu Changge remained unmoved by her indignation, his demeanor still daunting. “I’m not asking you to save me with your Dao bone,” he stated firmly, his gaze meeting hers.

Observing Gu Xian’er’s expression, Gu Changge’s stern facade softened, his tone gentler. “Why are you so foolish?” he murmured, his voice tinged with exasperation. “If that day ever comes, I’d rather face death than see you harmed like this.”

Gu Xian’er’s eyes widened in disbelief at his unexpected declaration. For a moment, her mind went blank, the weight of his words reverberating through her. Amidst the stunned silence that enveloped them, everyone present was left in awe of the unexpected turn of events.