I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Mingkong, you have changed the identity of another inheritor of demonic art

In the pavilion, it was hushed. Besides the people from the Heavenly Emperor Mountain, Yue Mingkong was the sole occupant. At this moment, her expression remained tranquil and indifferent, as if she held no concern for the world around her, her entire demeanor akin to finely sculpted jade.

She donned a flowing robe, possessing a picturesque immortal visage with no trace of makeup, her azure locks cascading like a waterfall, elegantly bound with a simple hosta. Despite the absence of flashy adornments, she exuded a presence that would cause any heavenly beauty to pale in comparison.

Her aura resembled that of a peerless empress, commanding reverence from all present from the Heavenly Emperor Mountain, none daring to harbor even a hint of disdain, instead treating her with utmost caution.

On the other hand, Yue Mingkong was Gu Changge’s betrothed. During this period, Gu Changge emerged as a hero on the battlefield, rescuing the beauty Ying Yu, a tale that had spread far and wide, stirring envy in many a maiden’s heart.

Today, when Yue Mingkong issued a sudden warning, it elicited bitter laughter from the Heavenly Emperor Mountain’s inhabitants and speculation rife about its connection to recent events. However, they understood that challenging her warning would be unwise. Certain matters were best left unexplored.

Gu Changge was undeniably admirable. While his actions on the battlefield may have earned him accolades, his engagement with their young lady made any favourable impression inconsequential.

“What’s the meaning behind Princess Mingkong’s words? Are you afraid I’ll steal away your fiancé?” Ying Yu discerned the implication of Yue Mingkong’s words and countered, her expression immediately furrowed.

She refused to be passive, disliking the notion of someone else dictating the course of events. As a daughter of heaven, she had no intention of bowing before Yue Mingkong. Though she admired Gu Changge, did Yue Mingkong’s statement grant her too much deference?

Upon hearing this, Yue Mingkong shook her head, her expression retaining its serene, captivating beauty. Her words remained steady, devoid of any fluctuation.

“I’m offering you advice for your own benefit. If you wish to spare yourself future pain, steer clear of Gu Changge.”

“As for the notion of stealing him away?” She added with a hint of mockery and disdain. She harbored no concern that any woman could capture Gu Changge’s attention from start to finish. Her possessiveness was evident, but she understood distinctions. Some women were fated to merely be pawns in Gu Changge’s game, incapable of posing any threat to her.

Though she kindly offered her counsel, she cared little whether Ying Yu appreciated it. She had spoken what needed to be said. Should Ying Yu become further entangled with Gu Changge, she would only bring suffering.

With Prince Ying becoming the inheritor of demonic arts and an enemy of the world, sibling turning against sibling, Yue Mingkong couldn’t believe Gu Changge remained idle. It was likely Gu Changge’s actions that precipitated these events. If Ying Yu were to discover the truth, the consequences could be dire. Yue Mingkong feared Ying Yu might seek vengeance, and Gu Changge, known for his unforgiving nature, would not show mercy.

Yue Mingkong believed she could avert this calamity by issuing a warning. Whether Ying Yu interpreted it as jealousy was inconsequential to her.

Unbeknownst to Yue Mingkong, Ying Shuang had already swapped identities with a stable boy. Gu Changge harbored no fear that Ying Yu would uncover the truth.

“What do you mean by that?” Ying Yu frowned, puzzled by Yue Mingkong’s seemingly pitying gaze.

However, Yue Mingkong offered no further explanation, her attention elsewhere, as tranquil as a celestial maiden. Her eyes gleamed with an enigmatic intensity.

Seeing Yue Mingkong’s silence, Ying Yu took a deep breath, calming herself before speaking.

“Young Master Gu has shown kindness to me and the Heavenly Emperor Mountain. I will endeavor to repay him. As for other matters, Princess Mingkong, you needn’t worry overly.”

With that, she decided to rise and bid farewell. Yue Mingkong nodded in response. “That’s good to hear.”

“Oh, Ming Kong, are you here? Let me look for it for a while…”

However, at that moment, a surprised voice rang out from beneath the pavilion, followed by approaching footsteps.

The newcomer was tall and poised in a moon-white robe, with a warm, jade-like smile gracing his face, trailed by several followers exuding a solid presence. It was Gu Changge.

With the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield embroiled in turmoil, Gu Changge had temporarily withdrawn to investigate the true identity of the inheritor of demonic arts. Additionally, he knew Yue Mingkong was in Southern Heaven and had questions for her.

Following the last expedition to the lower realm to defeat the Human Ancestor, it was reasonable to expect the appearance of the following Child of Luck to only occur for a while. However, according to system prompts, the emergence of the Red Witch seemed inevitable. Hence, Gu Changge intended to extract information from Yue Mingkong; perhaps she held pertinent knowledge.

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s voice, Ying Yu, who had been about to depart, was momentarily stunned. Her footsteps faltered, betraying her surprise. She wondered if Gu Changge had overheard her conversation with Yue Mingkong.

“Young Master Gu…”

“Young Master Changge…”

The members of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain hastened to salute Gu Changge with the utmost respect.

Gu Changge nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Yue Mingkong, who sat at the pavilion’s rear. There was a hint of amusement in the corner of his mouth, though Ying Yu couldn’t discern if it was her imagination.

Yue Mingkong, usually composed and collected, appeared momentarily flustered and uneasy under Gu Changge’s scrutiny as if caught in wrongdoing. However, this unease swiftly dissipated, her expression returning to its usual calm demeanor.

“Changge, is there something you need from me?” She was the first to break the silence, her tone tinged with a slight surprise yet devoid of genuine astonishment.

She harbored no surprise at Gu Changge’s unexpected appearance. Though this marked their first encounter since the last Gu family banquet, Yue Mingkong knew Gu Changge had been keeping tabs on her whereabouts within the Heavenly Star Realm. Despite this, he had never made an appearance. Today’s initiative to seek her out, presumably regarding Ying Yu’s matters, raised a flicker of doubt in Yue Mingkong’s mind—was he apprehensive she might disrupt his plans?

“I don’t need a reason to see you,” Gu Changge replied casually, a smile gracing his lips as he approached her side with natural ease, gently encircling her delicate waist in full view of the onlookers, presenting a picture-perfect image of an affectionate couple.

The display elicited wry smiles from the members of the Heavenly Emperor Mountain. Ying Yu had yet to anticipate such a public demonstration from Gu Changge.

To her, it felt like Gu Changge was affirming his sole devotion to Yue Mingkong. Momentarily disappointed, she quickly pushed aside the emotion.

Yue Mingkong, momentarily taken aback, regarded Gu Changge with cold, gem-like eyes. “Are you concerned that I might feel jealous of this young girl?”

Once, she would have been embarrassed by Gu Changge’s public display of affection. However, understanding his penchant for teasing, she chose not to be affected. She refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her flustered.

Gu Changge shook his head, his smile unwavering. “I know you’re level-headed. You wouldn’t be bothered by such trivial matters, so don’t go scaring people.”

Turning his attention to Ying Yu, who looked puzzled, he continued teasingly smiling, “Mingkong has always been a bit possessive. Whenever another woman comes near me, she reacts like this…”

“Gu Changge…” Yue Mingkong interjected, sounding slightly exasperated. Gu Changge knew she didn’t mean harm by it, but did she find his jesting too indiscreet?

Hearing this, Ying Yu couldn’t help but laugh and sigh. She hastened to assure him, “Young Master Gu, please rest assured, I won’t dwell on such trivial matters. Since you and Princess Mingkong have met, I won’t intrude as an outsider. If there’s an opportunity in the future, I’ll gladly extend an invitation for you to visit Heavenly Emperor Mountain.”

“With that, we bid you farewell.” With that, she led the Heavenly Emperor Mountain retinue away, not lingering.

“Miss Ying Yu, take care on your journey back,” Gu Changge said with a faint smile as he watched them depart.

Once they were out of earshot, Gu Changge’s smile faded, and he dismissed the remaining onlookers.

Turning his gaze to Yue Mingkong, he raised an eyebrow with curiosity. “Is Mingkong worried that I’ll harm Ying Yu? Do you see me as heartless and cruel?”

He knew Yue Mingkong couldn’t possibly be jealous over such trivial matters. At most, she acted out of kindness, unable to resist advising Ying Yu. But for Gu Changge, it was inconsequential.

To him, Ying Yu was merely a pawn to be manipulated at will, not unlike Ying Shuang. In every aspect, she paled compared to Yue Mingkong’s significance to him.

“To you, she’s just a pawn, but to her, you’re her savior and admirer,” Yue Mingkong replied softly, choosing not to mention Gu Changge’s manipulation of Ying Shuang, which led to the rift between the siblings.

Although she hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, Yue Mingkong knew it was undeniably linked to Gu Changge.

Gu Changge smiled, “Whether you consider yourself a chess piece or not, all I know is that you’re jealous…”

Yue Mingkong stared at him, “So if I were jealous, would you take my feelings into consideration?”

Gu Changge remained composed. Yue Mingkong rolled her eyes in response, choosing to ignore him.

However, they tacitly avoided mentioning the affairs of the lower realm altogether. Yue Mingkong’s cultivation had greatly improved due to the few Nirvana lotus seeds left by Gu Changge. Even when facing formidable adversaries, she could rely solely on her cultivation prowess.

“It seems during this time, you haven’t desired me as your husband at all?” Gu Changge observed her expression.

He sighed suddenly, a hint of sadness in his tone, “I’m glad to know my wife is here in Southern Heaven, but Mingkong, you seem rather indifferent to being with your husband. Do you realize how disheartening that is for me?”

Yue Mingkong met his gaze with icy resolve, remaining silent as if treasuring his words.

She understood Gu Changge’s penchant for jesting and refused to play into his hands.

Gu Changge appeared resigned, continuing, “Mingkong, you’ve changed. You no longer seem to care about me being your husband.”

Yue Mingkong’s expression remained serene, her ethereal face betraying no emotion, her gaze clear and unwavering.

It was as if she silently challenged him to see how far he would take his pretense.

But Gu Changge acted decisively the next moment, lifting her by the waist and carrying her deeper into the pavilion.

“Changge…” Yue Mingkong’s soft exclamation revealed her surprise at his sudden action. It wasn’t easy to maintain composure in broad daylight.

Gu Changge spoke calmly, “You know how to address me now, but you had to be coerced.”

“If you call me husband, I’ll let you go.”

“Husband,” Yue Mingkong responded honestly, her demeanor retaining a hint of cuteness.

Aware of her inability to match Gu Changge’s strength, she refrained from futile resistance.

“You’re joking, do you really believe that?” Gu Changge chuckled.

Yue Mingkong gritted her teeth, her mood shifting from good-natured to genuinely angry.

Soon after, a fierce battle ensued, marked by flashing runes, illuminated palace towers, trembling mountains, and collapsing buildings.

Witnessing the chaos, many cultivators were eager to investigate but were swiftly deterred by Gu Changge’s followers, leaving them apprehensive, understanding they couldn’t meddle in the affair.

……

“The inheritor of demonic art is prince Ying…”

“Is it true? Or is there something wrong…”

Meanwhile, a veiled woman pondered silently in a remote ancient city in Southern Heaven within a tranquil mansion.

Though her features were concealed, her refined beauty and aloof demeanor were unmistakable.

“Why is there another inheritor of demonic arts? Wasn’t there supposed to be only one in each generation?” She murmured, seemingly conversing with herself, yet it appeared more like she was addressing someone else.

“Could there be some unknown factor in this generation?” the woman in white pondered aloud.

“Impossible,” a sneering voice interjected in her mind, carrying a chilling aura of magic and malevolence.

“Then why?” The woman furrowed her brow, finding it challenging to unravel the mystery. “Could it be that this inheritor of demonic arts is a fraud? But there was quite a stir about it not long ago.”

“Whether it’s in the Heavenly Dao ancient city or the immortal ancient continent, signs of the inheritor of demonic arts have been found. The same occurred recently at the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Did something go awry?”

Her voice betrayed her uncertainty, unable to make sense of the situation.

“We needn’t concern ourselves. With the inheritor of demonic arts stirring up trouble, it’s much easier for us to operate now. No need for secrecy as before,” the sinister voice echoed in her mind.

“True. With the chaos surrounding the True Immortal Academy admissions, it’s an opportune moment for us,” the woman concurred, a hint of complexity flickering in her eyes as if she recalled something.

“What’s troubling you? The inheritor of demonic arts is now Prince Ying’s burden, nothing to do with us. We can act discreetly, and no one will detect anything amiss,” the demonic voice reassured her.

The woman nodded, but her expression remained troubled.

After a pause, the demonic voice spoke again, “Actually, we just need to be more audacious. With Gu Changge’s trust in you, once we consume him, we can…”

“Shut up.” The woman’s eyes turned cold at the suggestion.

A surge of terrifying power emanated from her being, causing the voice in her head to abruptly cease as if it dared not provoke her.

“How many times do I have to say it? Don’t mention it, or you’ll find that with my current abilities, I could easily consume you,” the woman in white’s voice returned to its cold and composed tone. Her words silenced the other voice in her mind, leaving it fearful.

But soon, her voice resumed, tinged with reluctance.

“You’re the inheritor of demonic arts, destined to oppose the world. Do you plan to remain by his side forever, merely a servant girl pouring tea and cutting fruit?”

“Gu Changge doesn’t see you as his woman. To him, you’re nothing more than a plaything. He’ll toy with you when he’s in a good mood and ignore you when he’s not,” the voice persisted.

“Shut up! Though he may not be virtuous, he wouldn’t stoop to such depths. I know him well,” the woman’s voice was icy and indignant yet tinged with uncertainty.

“Heh, you’re so confident. But do you truly believe you hold sway in Gu Changge’s heart? If so, why did he keep you in the upper realm for so long, ignoring and neglecting you? After he abandoned you at the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning, he won’t spare you a second thought…”

“You and I share the same thoughts. You’re just too afraid to admit it,” the voice continued, relentless.

“If you believe Gu Changge will support you, then go ahead and reveal your status as the inheritor of demonic arts. See what he does…”

“Shut up!” The woman’s expression turned glacial, demonic energy swirling around her like a consuming vortex.

As she trembled on the verge of a breakdown, the voice in her mind gradually subsided.

Confusion and sorrow washed over the woman in white. Were these not the very thoughts she harbored in her heart?