I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 252

Chapter 252: A premonition of sibling’s rebellion about another inheritor of demonic art

“Gu Changge…”

Ying Yu was the first to speak at that moment.

It was her first encounter with Gu Changge in person, and he appeared even more formidable and commanding than the rumors had suggested. The formidable entourage trailing behind him spoke volumes in itself. Even though she was in the quasi-sacred realm, she couldn’t discern Gu Changge’s cultivation; it was as if a veil shrouded it.

This brought to mind the rumors of Gu Changge’s clash with the Great Sacred Realm in the Ancient Immortal Continent. He seemed far more mysterious than she had initially imagined. This realization instilled a greater sense of caution within Ying Yu. She had intended to confront Gu Changge about the humiliation she had endured at the Gu family’s Mountain Gate, but now, those thoughts seemed distant.

“Well, what counsel does Miss Ying Yu offer?”

Gu Changge responded upon hearing his name, displaying a hint of surprise. Upon his initial investigation into Ying Shuang, he had become aware of Ying Yu’s existence, but her sudden appearance at his doorstep caught him off guard. It had been quite some time since someone willingly walked into his domain like this.

“Gu Changge, you claim my brother is the inheritor of demonic arts. Isn’t that a rather presumptuous assertion?”

Ying Yu was direct, her silver eyes fixed on him, cutting through the tension in the air. Her question took Gu Changge aback.

“Did Gu Tai say that? Perhaps Miss Ying Yu has been misinformed?”

He responded truthfully, genuinely surprised by her accusation. He had never made such a claim.

“Oh, I see…” Ying Yu’s expression shifted slightly as she came to a realization. At that moment, she understood her mistake.

Gu Changge hadn’t directly accused Ying Shuang. He hadn’t even mentioned Ying Shuang during his time at the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Gu Changge had merely echoed the speculation of Wang Ziji, the descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall.

If Ying Yu sought retribution, she should direct her grievances towards Wang Ziji. Gu Changge had no involvement in the matter.

“You…”

Ying Yu’s demeanor wavered, acknowledging her error. She recognized that her accusation was misplaced. Gu Changge hadn’t framed Emperor Mountain himself but acted under the assumption that Emperor Mountain was attempting to divert attention from their potential involvement.

At the time, amidst the confusion surrounding Emperor Mountain’s alleged framing, Gu Changge and Wang Ziji had taken opposing stances. They believed Emperor Mountain was manipulating the situation to deflect suspicion. It was a cunning tactic, casting doubt on Emperor Mountain’s innocence without directly implicating them.

Nonetheless, Ying Yu persisted, refusing to back down.

“Gu Changge, that may have been your implication at the time, but why persist with the argument now? There’s no history of animosity between my brother and you. Why did you allow him to be framed?”

She pressed on, unwilling to let the matter rest now that she finally had the opportunity to confront Gu Changge.

At that moment, Ying Yu wished her brother would join her in facing Gu Changge. However, Ying Shuang remained sequestered in his mansion, awaiting news from the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield. It left Ying Yu utterly helpless, with no alternative course of action.

“Why should I argue? I haven’t definitively identified the inheritor of the demonic art. Does Miss Ying Yu believe such matters are child’s play, where accusations can be thrown around casually?” Gu Changge countered, his tone measured.

“As for my supposed lack of grievances with Prince Ying, why would I involve myself in this?” Gu Changge continued.

“My conversation with Holy Maiden Ziji merely explored a possibility. If blame is to be assigned, wouldn’t it fall upon the Holy Maiden’s shoulders? Did you come seeking trouble with the assumption that Gu is easily dealt with due to our gentle temperament?” His smile faded as he spoke, replaced by a profound, indifferent expression.

“I… I didn’t mean that, Gu Changge. You’re reading too much into it,” Ying Yu responded through gritted teeth, her soul quivering in the presence of Gu Changge’s formidable aura. Though he had appeared composed moments ago, his words now carried a weight that suffocated her.

As Gu Changge’s expression shifted, Ying Yu felt the palpitations intensify, her intuition heightened by his demeanor.

Gu Changge’s words drew the attention of the pavilion’s occupants and the surrounding cultivators, their expressions morphing into intense focus. The matter of the demonic arts inheritor was paramount, and Ying Yu’s actions seemed to many as stirring up trouble without cause.

Neither Gu Changge nor the descendants of the Human Ancestor Hall had explicitly accused Prince Ying of being the inheritor of demonic arts; they had merely offered their conjectures. Yet, after much discussion among cultivators, a prevailing suspicion emerged. It was inconceivable that anyone would pursue such a thankless endeavor unless they believed it true.

Wang Ziji’s words had swayed many, especially considering Human Ancestor Hall’s longstanding battle against the inheritor of demonic arts. Additionally, recent events, such as another descendant of the Human Ancestor Hall’s visit to Emperor Mountain, further fueled suspicions toward Ying Yu’s family.

In the bustling ancient city of Southern Heaven, populated by numerous background figures, Ying Yu dared not incur public wrath even as the emperor’s daughter.

“It seems to me she’s desperate, seeking refuge with Young Master Changge,” remarked one observer.

“Just wait until her brother’s true nature as the inheritor of demonic arts is revealed. Then we’ll see how she fares.”

“I believe she’s shielding the inheritor of demonic power and positioning herself as an enemy to us all,” another voice chimed in.

“Perhaps we should end this today, before allowing a future menace to emerge,” suggested a third.

The icy tones of these discussions, tinged with a palpable sense of hostility, reached Ying Yu’s ears, causing her complexion to pale slightly.

Gu Changge’s words calmed the tension somewhat, though Ying Yu’s actions had undeniably stoked public ire.

“Well, it appears Miss Ying Yu is of a straightforward nature. Gu will overlook today’s events,” Gu Changge conceded with a sigh, gesturing dismissively. “You should reflect on your actions.”

With that, Gu Changge signaled to his followers, who promptly began ushering away the onlookers. His gesture communicated his desire to let the matter rest, and those nearby dared not defy his wishes.

As the anger dissipated, relief washed over the man in black and the others. They silently thanked Gu Changge, recognizing that his intervention had likely spared them from a violent confrontation they couldn’t hope to win.

Left in the pavilion were only Wang Wushuang, Ye Langtian, Chi Ling, and other young elites, along with the still-pale-faced Ying Yu and her companions. Gu Changge’s unexpected leniency left her both surprised and perplexed. She had expected retaliation for her aggressive approach.

Why, then, had he chosen to defuse the situation?

“Since we’re all here, why not join me for a drink, Miss Ying Yu?” Gu Changge suggested calmly, taking a seat and extending the invitation to the bewildered Ying Yu.

“Miss…”

The man in black whispered urgently to Ying Yu, nudging her to comply with Gu Changge’s invitation.

This is a request from Young Master Changge. Let’s not be stubborn. And I apologize to Young Master Changge for any disrespect earlier.

Though his parents had tasked him to follow Prince Ying, the man in black wasn’t foolish. He understood that Ying Shuang was in a precarious position. Until the issue of the inheritor of demonic arts was resolved, aligning with Gu Changge seemed the wiser choice. Gu Changge’s superiority in status and power over Ying Shuang was undeniable.

This display of diplomacy impressed the young elites present, who Gu Changge’s effortless dominance had humbled.

“Gu Changge, thank you for intervening,” Ying Yu expressed her gratitude sincerely, acknowledging the debt of gratitude she owed him.

Observing the situation, the others acted sensibly, granting Ying Yu the seat beside Gu Changge. Hesitant at first, Ying Yu eventually accepted the seat. Sitting too far away from Gu Changge would have been deemed rude.

Gu Changge, however, appeared unfazed by the seating arrangement. Once Ying Yu was settled, he seemed to lose interest in her, turning his attention elsewhere.

Yet, as Ying Yu settled into her seat, she couldn’t shake the discomfort, reminiscent of the unease she had felt while awaiting judgment at the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s mountain gate. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that Gu Changge’s intervention had ulterior motives.

But as Ying Yu pondered further, it became apparent that Gu Changge’s actions were carried out without hesitation. Perhaps she was overanalyzing the situation.

Why would he ignore her after seating her if he harbored ill will towards her or her brother?

The man in black behind Ying Yu kept urging her with subtle gestures, signaling her to take the initiative to make a toast. It was clear that remaining passive in this situation would be unwise.

Ying Yu suddenly realized her folly. When had she become so foolish?

“Gu Changge, this toast is in appreciation for your intervention,” she stated awkwardly, her lack of familiarity evident in her blunt words.

Gu Changge glanced at her with mild interest upon hearing her toast. His response was calm and casual.

“There’s no need for that. I recognized your straightforward nature and knew you meant no harm. Had your intentions been malicious, I could have easily dealt with you,” he remarked, his words carrying a subtle but unmistakable chill.

Ying Yu couldn’t help but shiver at the implication of Gu Changge’s words. She understood their truthfulness; Gu Changge possessed the power to back up his claims.

“Instead of wasting time on me, perhaps you should inquire more of your brother,” Gu Changge suggested calmly.

“Maybe he’s keeping something from you? After all, he didn’t come forward to confront me.”

Gu Changge’s smile belied the seriousness of his words. Ying Shuang’s reluctance to confront him was likely due to the leverage Gu Changge held over him, a fact not lost on Ying Yu.

“I understand,” Ying Yu replied, swiftly regaining her composure. Gu Changge’s actions indicated his lack of hostility towards Ying Shuang and Heavenly Emperor Mountain. The earlier suspicions had been based solely on the most plausible scenario. The fault didn’t lie with Gu Changge; the question of who was at fault lingered in Ying Yu’s contemplation.

Observing the scene, Gu Changge’s expression bore a hint of intrigue. To manipulate the luck points of the Son of Luck, the most effective strategy would be to target the person closest to him. A few subtle hints could quickly unravel the truth for Ying Yu. Had Ying Shuang been deceiving her all along? Gu Changge had already discerned the dynamics between the siblings.

Taking the initiative, Ying Yu began drinking the wine offered by Gu Changge, though it was clear she wasn’t accustomed to alcohol. Despite her limitations, she drank several cups, feeling a slight dizziness creeping in. Thankfully, Gu Changge quickly lent a hand as she nearly stumbled.

“Thank you, Young Master Gu,” Ying Yu murmured, her face flushing with the effects of the wine.

Gu Changge shook his head with a hint of amusement.

“Miss Yingyu, you’ve had a bit too much,” he remarked gently.

The black-clothed man named Agu interjected, eager to defend Ying Yu.

“Young lady rarely drinks wine, so I hope Young Master Changge won’t fault her,” he explained, offering a flattering excuse.

Gu Changge waved his hand dismissively.

“Then, please take Miss Ying Yu back,” he instructed.

With that, Gu Changge concluded the matter.

Ying Yu’s two maids stepped forward to escort her away.

“Young Master Changge, we’ll take our leave now,” the black-clothed man smiled, leading his group away.

A peculiar glint flickered in Gu Changge’s eyes, unseen by the others. Earlier, when he had assisted Ying Yu, he had discreetly left a rune mark to track her and Ying Shuang’s whereabouts. How would Ying Shuang react to his sister returning to inebriation after having imbibed with Gu Changge himself?

As the rest of the young elites bid farewells, Ye Langtian and Ye Liuli opted to stay behind. They shared numerous updates about True Immortal Academy, including news that piqued Gu Changge’s interest.

“Another inheritor of demonic arts appeared?” Gu Changge raised an eyebrow, his demeanor unchanged.

“Are you certain of this?”

“We witnessed it firsthand, and based on our knowledge of the inheritor of demonic arts, we’re confident in our assessment,” Ye Langtian affirmed solemnly.

“The mysterious individual we encountered was seen cultivating in the wilderness, absorbing the essence of ancient corpses. The scenes were reminiscent of the forbidden demonic arts described in historical records.”

“He even acquired an ancient artifact linked to forbidden arts at an auction,” added Ye Liuli.

“I see,” Gu Changge responded, nodding thoughtfully.

Various conjectures swirled in his mind. Was this purported inheritor of demonic arts genuine or a clever facade? Gu Changge had not inherited his demonic powers from any predecessor; they were inherent to his being. Did this individual inherit their powers from a previous inheritor? The image of a particular figure flashed in Gu Changge’s mind, stirring his curiosity further.

Though uncertain, Gu Changge resolved to uncover the truth.