I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 265

Chapter 265: Prepare a big surprise for Su Qingge, who is inseparable from the inheritor of demonic art

Locating Su Qingge’s whereabouts was relatively wasn’t easy for Gu Changge. Only a few places in the expansive Southern Heaven housed the Heavenly Extinction battlefield. With his extensive network, keeping tabs on a single person wasn’t laborious.

However, the real dilemma lay in Su Qingge’s unawareness of Gu Changge’s scrutiny and suspicion regarding her true identity. Gu Changge had to consider his approach carefully when encountering her.

“If I allow her to detect me first, I might tip my hand,” he contemplated.

Deciding against a confrontation, Gu Changge departed from his current location and headed toward the area reported by his subordinates. He refrained from directly meeting Su Qingge. Aware of her intelligence, he anticipated that she might discern his intentions from the slightest hint.

Therefore, Gu Changge planned to orchestrate a significant surprise for her, ensuring that Su Qingge remained oblivious to his scheming.

…….

In Southern Heaven, a newly emerged Absolute Heavenly Extinction battlefield loomed large in the middle. Towering mountains and desolate ancient trees painted a scene of desolation, with gray fog perpetually diffusing from the heights. A horde of Heavenly Extinction creatures congregated here, their eyes ablaze with scarlet intensity and their fangs bared.

Some bore a human-like semblance, while others defied classification, emanating a chilling aura that bespoke their lethal power. Most of them boasted strength at the True God realm level.

In this chaotic setting, a group of young men and women donned resplendent attire, bathed in the radiance of divine treasures as they engaged in combat with the Heavenly Extinction beings. Their synchronized movements and uniform garb betrayed their origin from a prestigious sect. The air crackled with divine energy as they launched a relentless assault, wielding an array of divine weapons imbued with various hues of brilliance.

These weapons unleashed devastating attacks from above, their formidable light carrying an overwhelming divine force akin to the explosion of a star. Under their onslaught, swathes of Heavenly Extinction beings were obliterated.

Numerous mountains and peaks crumbled into pieces under the onslaught of their aura. Among this group of extraordinary young men and women, a few stood out with their remarkable prowess, their robes adorned with wisps of laws, divine powers, and treasure techniques.

One particularly attention-grabbing figure was an elegant young man clad in a light blue tunic, exuding an air of refinement as he wielded a crystal-clear folding fan. With a graceful flick of his wrist, a radiant rune shot forth, transforming into a swirling multicolored hurricane that swept through the front lines.

The hurricane, infused with the power of the laws, decimated even the Heavenly Extinction beings in its path, reducing them to mere dust in an instant. Beside him, a group of young men and women praised him, lauding his incomparable strength.

“Senior Brother Zhao’s prowess is truly incomprehensible. Now that he has attained the True God realm, even the Heavenly Gods pale in comparison.”

“Yes, Senior Brother Zhao is the pride of our Ru Sheng Academy. His feats rival those of our senior brother. Perhaps in this expedition to the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield, Senior Brother Zhao will earn as many points as our senior brother.”

“Indeed, we may soon have to refer to the second Senior Brother Zhao as Senior Brother…”

These words of admiration flowed from the mouths of many disciples as they gazed upon Senior Brother Zhao with reverence and affection. Despite the praise, Senior Brother Zhao remained modest, shaking his head with a humble smile.

“It’s just a minor accomplishment. Compared to our senior brother, I still have a long way to go. Please, no need for such flattery.”

His words only elicited more adoration from his fellow disciples, who continued to heap praises upon him, leaving Senior Brother Zhao to wave his hands in a gesture of helplessness.

As the second senior brother of the Ru Sheng Academy, Zhao Yiyao was widely regarded as the foremost talent among the younger generation. The Ru Sheng Academy, known for its expertise in refining the aura of the Dao, boasted a long and ancient lineage. Its powerful practitioners could shatter stars with a mere breath of spiritual energy and rending the sky.

Although Zhao Yiyao’s strength in the True God realm could not rival the ancient masters sealed within the academy, he stood at the pinnacle among his peers. Tasked with leading a team into the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield, he bore the responsibility with pride.

“Oh, Miss Su, may I inquire about your teacher? Your mastery of these divine arts and techniques seems rather unorthodox, reminiscent of swordsmanship,” Zhao Yiyao suddenly remarked, directing his attention to a white woman standing behind the group, her face concealed by a light veil.

During their recent skirmish with the Heavenly Extinction creatures, Zhao Yiyao had observed the woman closely. Her movements and demeanor piqued his curiosity, suggesting a familiarity with various Dao forces.

The woman in white had entered the battlefield alongside them from the outset. Alone and seemingly lacking in formidable strength, Zhao Yiyao had felt a twinge of compassion and invited her to join their group for safety. In the hazardous environment of the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield, where dangers lurked at every turn, particularly from the Heavenly Extinction creatures and hidden inheritors of demonic arts, venturing alone was fraught with peril.

Despite the risks, the woman had ventured forth alone, earning Zhao Yiyao’s admiration for her bravery and determination.

However, Zhao Yiyao’s invitation to the white-clothed woman inadvertently sparked speculation among the disciples, who interpreted it as a sign of romantic interest. Despite the misunderstanding, Zhao Yiyao chose not to offer further explanation.

“My master has instructed me not to divulge her name easily, my apologies, Mr. Zhao,” the woman in white replied with a serene smile, her voice carrying a note of apology.

Understanding her reluctance, Zhao Yiyao nodded in understanding. “I understand, Miss Su. Please forgive my presumption.”

Although Zhao Yiyao had inquired about the woman’s identity, she only revealed her surname, Su. Unable to find information about a young supreme with that surname, Zhao Yiyao concluded she might be a casual cultivator with a powerful mentor guiding her.

Unperturbed by Zhao Yiyao’s praise, the woman in white remained humble. “You flatter me, Mr. Zhao. My skills are nothing remarkable; I am but a mere practitioner.”

“Miss Su, your modesty belies your true abilities. Your skills rival those of esteemed practitioners,” Zhao Yiyao remarked, his demeanor gracious and courteous. “I believe we may come to rely on you during our journey through the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield.”

Despite the initial misunderstanding, Zhao Yiyao had developed a genuine fondness for the woman’s dignified demeanor and impressive abilities. Their interactions during their time in the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield had deepened his admiration for her.

The woman, maintaining a respectful distance from others, demonstrated a demeanour consistent with the principles of the Ru Sheng cultivation practised by Zhao Yiyao.

Moreover, Zhao Yiyao couldn’t shake the feeling that Su had a unique constitution, reminiscent of something he had glimpsed in a discipline textbook. This coincidence stirred a sense of predestination within him.

“Senior Brother Zhao seems quite taken with this mysterious Su girl…”

“It’s only been three days since they met. What’s so special about her that has Senior Brother Zhao so interested?”

Seeing Zhao Yiyao’s attention towards Su, many female disciples of the Ru Sheng Academy couldn’t help but feel envious and resentful. Despite their admiration for Zhao Yiyao, they had never received such devoted attention from him.

The woman in white, however, seemed unfazed by the attention. Perhaps she understood Zhao Yiyao’s intentions but chose to feign ignorance.

This only fueled the jealousy of the female disciples. Why couldn’t they be treated with such care and consideration by Zhao Yiyao?

Unbeknownst to them, the woman in white was none other than Su Qingge. Her primary goal in the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield was to accumulate points by defeating creatures and gaining entry into the True Immortal Academy. While she initially planned to venture alone, she recognized the value of having companions in such a dangerous environment.

Agreeing to Zhao Yiyao’s invitation at the entrance, Su Qingge couldn’t help but notice the favorable impression she seemed to have made on the second senior brother of the Ru Sheng Academy.

However, she kept her composure, treating Zhao Yiyao no differently than a stranger. As their group ventured deeper, they encountered increasing challenges. The intensifying Heavenly Extinction aura strained their bodies while confronting Heavenly Extinction creatures of higher realms proved daunting. Most disciples were only in the False God realm, ill-equipped to face these formidable adversaries despite their arsenal of divine weapons and runes. Assessing their dwindling points, Zhao Yiyao suggested seeking refuge in nearby ruins, likely remnants of forces decimated by Heavenly Extinction creatures. Su Qingge hesitated but ultimately followed the group.

Meanwhile, another voice echoed in Su Qingge’s mind, the voice of her other soul. “You’ve noticed Zhao Yiyao’s physique, haven’t you?”

“I have. It’s a sacred body,” Su Qingge affirmed, her expression pensive. “But it doesn’t seem particularly beneficial to me.”

“It may not be significant, but it’s better than nothing,” the voice countered wickedly. “Do you truly believe yourself to be virtuous? You’ve claimed the lives of many geniuses.”

Su Qingge shook her head in response. “With so many people present, engaging in conflict isn’t prudent. The risk outweighs the reward.”

With that, she followed the Ru Sheng Academy group to the nearby ruins, where Zhao Yiyao and the others were already tallying their points.

Su Qingge assessed her points and realized she was still far from the required amount. Throughout their journey, she had seldom intervened, leaving the task of dealing with Heavenly Extinction beings to the disciples of Ru Sheng Academy. Consequently, she had accumulated a few points.

“Miss Su, do you have enough points?” Zhao Yiyao inquired with concern, noticing her slight frown. “If not, I can lend you some. I have plenty to spare.”

His offer drew the attention of many Ru Sheng Academy disciples, who looked on with envy. Why was Zhao Yiyao offering assistance to an outsider before them?

Unaware of the reactions behind him, Zhao Yiyao continued, “Don’t worry, Miss Su. I noticed you didn’t engage much on the way, allowing us to accumulate points. It’s only right…”

Su Qingge declined his offer with a shake of her head. “There’s no need, Mr. Zhao. I appreciate your kindness. I’ll acquire the remaining points on my own.”

With that, she turned to leave, prompting a collective sigh of relief from the Ru Sheng Academy group. Zhao Yiyao, however, reacted quickly, his complexion changing as he hurried after Su Qingge, who disappeared swiftly.

“Wait for me here. I’ll find Miss Su,” Zhao Yiyao instructed his junior companions before dashing off in pursuit.

The perplexed disciples exchanged murmurs, baffled by Su Qingge’s aloofness and Zhao Yiyao’s uncharacteristic behavior.

“Brother Zhao is really…”

“What’s up with this Su girl? She’s so indifferent to him. Besides being good-looking, what else does she have?”

“She’s mysterious. I can tell she’s not a good person at first glance…”

Confused by the situation, the Ru Sheng Academy disciples struggled to comprehend why Zhao Yiyao, typically composed and mature, was acting this way.

Meanwhile, Su Qingge swiftly traversed the mountain peaks, transforming into a beam of divine light as she delved deeper into the dense gray fog, which resembled the onset of night. She was determined not to let Zhao Yiyao become overly entangled with her, so she pressed on without pause.

“It seems that guy got himself lost. He’s truly incompetent. But it’s fortunate for him to still be alive,” another voice echoed in Su Qingge’s mind.

Su Qingge shook her head indifferently, replying, “Even if he follows, I can’t kill him. It would only raise suspicion.”

Her words silenced the voice in her mind momentarily. Indeed, she couldn’t afford to harm Zhao Yiyao, as it would only draw further scrutiny.

…

“Miss Su is incredibly fast. The Heavenly Extinction aura here is already intense, yet she’s venturing even deeper,” Zhao Yiyao lamented to himself after trailing her for a considerable distance, now lost amid the dense gray fog. Frustration crept over him, his fists clenching involuntarily.

The thick fog obscured his vision, rendering it impossible to discern Su Qingge’s whereabouts. Lost and despondent, Zhao Yiyao couldn’t shake off the melancholy that enveloped him.

Uncertain if he would ever cross paths with Miss Su again, he harbored a newfound appreciation for her, the first woman to capture his admiration. He yearned to bring her back to the academy, even if her sentiments toward him weren’t reciprocated. After all, genuine affection could develop over time.

But with Su Qingge nowhere in sight, he grappled with the grim realization that their encounter might have been fleeting. His heart weighed heavy with regret, lamenting his failure to seize the moment and compel her to stay.

“Why is Miss Su avoiding me?” Zhao Yiyao sighed ruefully, grappling with a sense of sorrow. He acknowledged his misstep in allowing her to slip away, knowing now that he should have halted her, even if it required force, to ensure their paths intertwined. But regrets served little purpose now.

Venturing deeper into the fog would only jeopardize his safety. Zhao Yiyao understood that he must proceed cautiously.

“It’s because she thinks you resemble a dog with nothing to do,” a playful voice suddenly echoed through the void.

Startled, Zhao Yiyao’s expression darkened, his gaze scanning the area warily as he listened for further signs of intrusion.

The unexpected voice unsettled him, sending shivers down his spine as his mind raced with apprehension. Could someone have been tailing him all along, observing their every move?

“Come out? I’m behind you,” the voice continued, causing Zhao Yiyao’s heart to skip a beat.

A wave of terror washed over him, chilling him to the core. His entire being quivered with fear, yet darkness enveloped him before he could even turn around.

In an instant, a sinister black light engulfed him, plunging him into unconsciousness.

“Indeed, the rumors hold true. In this world, no sycophant is innocent,” Gu Changge’s figure materialized in the void, his expression tinged with intrigue.

Now, Gu Changge had nearly completed his plan. Once Zhao Yiyao met his demise, the disciples of the Ru Sheng Academy would undoubtedly be outraged. Gu Changge had orchestrated the situation so that Su Qingge would have no choice but to follow through.

However, Gu Changge was taken aback by Su Qingge’s actions throughout the ordeal. She displayed no signs of being the inheritor of demonic arts. Yet, it could be attributed to Su Qingge’s cleverness and flawless facade.

“Qingge, I once cherished you deeply. Please don’t disappoint me,” Gu Changge muttered with a meaningful smile before vanishing again.

…

Inside the desolate ruins, an air of unease lingered.

“Brother Zhao has been gone for so long chasing after Miss Su. Why hasn’t he returned? Could he have accompanied Miss Su to confront the Heavenly Extinction creatures?”

“But if that were the case, he should have returned by now!”

“I don’t think so. Brother Zhao wouldn’t have abandoned us here. Could something have happened to him?”

Hours had passed since Zhao Yiyao ventured after Su Qingge. Yet, the disciples of the Ru Sheng Academy who sought refuge in the ruins remained on edge. They anxiously scanned their surroundings, hoping to glimpse Zhao Yiyao’s silhouette.

But amidst the thick gray fog and the cacophony of creature growls, there was no sign of him. Their hearts sank as worry crept in.

By now, Zhao Yiyao should have returned regardless of his pursuit. His sudden disappearance left them feeling helpless, their thoughts spiraling with dread.

“Could something have happened to Senior Brother Zhao?”

A female disciple’s face paled at the thought, struggling to accept the possibility.

“No, it can’t be. Senior Brother Zhao is skilled and armed with powerful divine weapons. It’s unlikely that something happened to him. Let’s continue waiting…”

“But what if Brother Zhao encountered the inheritor of demonic arts?” Another voice quivered, echoing the fears that had plagued them amidst the recent rumors.

The existence of the inheritor of demonic arts was no longer a mere tale.

In the end, although Gu Changge had managed to drive off the inheritor of demonic arts, it was highly probable that they hadn’t departed from the Heavenly Extinction battlefield and were lurking in the shadows. This realization left everyone feeling a sense of looming danger.

“Could that girl Su be involved with the inheritor of demonic arts? I mean, she chose to leave precisely at this moment, leaving Senior Brother Zhao alone to pursue her!”

“Yeah, I always had a bad feeling about her from the start!”

“It’s clear she’s implicated in this! This is no coincidence.”

These thoughts raced through the disciples’ minds, fueling their anger and resentment towards Su. To them, Senior Brother Zhao’s disappearance was directly linked to her actions.

The sudden vanishing of the Ru Sheng Academy’s second senior brother sent shockwaves through the Heavenly Extinction battlefield. Though he may not have been as formidable as the ancient prodigies, he was a renowned young supreme, revered across the realm. His abrupt disappearance without a trace left a profound impact.

Usually, if he encountered a formidable Heavenly Extinction creature, signs of battle would have been evident. But there were none—no remnants, no clues. It was as though he had evaporated into thin air.

This eerie absence fueled speculation, and the dreaded phrase “inheritor of demonic art” echoed through the minds of many.

In the accounts of the Ru Sheng Academy disciples, all evidence seemed to point towards the white-clad woman named Su. As a result, the Heavenly Extinction battlefield fell into an uneasy silence, bracing for another upheaval.

Driven by anger, numerous young cultivators set out to search for the woman in white, seeking justice for Zhao Yiyao. Entrances to the battlefield were fortified and guarded by vigilant cultivators to prevent the inheritor of demonic arts from escaping.

Leading the efforts from the Ru Sheng Academy was their senior disciple named Jun Gou—a handsome, slender young man with the appearance of a scholarly figure.

But those familiar with him knew better than to underestimate him. Jun Gou was born with three spiritual energies descending from the heavens, imbuing him with remarkable power. His every action was infused with a profound literary force, capable of awe-inspiring feats—turning brush strokes into mountains and strokes into seas.

“Junior brother was killed by the inheritor of demonic arts!” Jun Gou’s expression darkened with anger and determination, his eyes brimming with murderous intent.

“We must seek justice for Senior Brother Zhao! If it weren’t for that woman in white, Senior Brother Zhao wouldn’t have met such a fate…” A female disciple wept beside Jun Gou. Her sorrow was tinged with deep-seated animosity towards Su Qingge.

“It’s clear that Miss Su is deeply entangled with the inheritor of demonic arts!”

“Senior brother, we must find her quickly to uncover clues about Senior Brother Zhao’s disappearance…”

“Yes, Senior Brother, if our teacher questions us, we must have answers!”

The disciples echoed, urging Jun Gou to take action and avenge Senior Brother Zhao’s assassination. Failure to explain would lead to punishment, and even if Su Qingge was innocent, she needed to be apprehended for questioning.

“I understand. We must seek justice for our fallen brother,” Jun Gou affirmed, his expression growing colder.

Just then, a disciple from the Ru Sheng Academy rushed in with an urgent report. “Senior Brother, we’ve located the woman in white. She’s at the exit of the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield, intercepted by our forces.”

The disciples brimmed with hatred and relief upon hearing this news.

“This is our chance!”

“Let’s go! She won’t escape us now!”

With Jun Gou at the forefront, exuding a chilling aura, the disciples marched out with determination, prepared to confront Su Qingge and avenge their fallen comrade.

……

At that moment, spatial fluctuations rippled in front of a massive portal, drawing the attention of numerous young geniuses radiating powerful auras. They gathered around, eyeing a woman in white with a mixture of wariness, scorn, and scrutiny.

This location marked one of the exits of the Heavenly Extinction battlefield, offering passage to the outside world. Yet, the increasing influx of cultivators turned the area into a bustling hub of activity. Even the distant mountain peaks were dotted with figures of curious onlookers, drawn by the spectacle unfolding before them.

Many had come with the sole purpose of witnessing the drama. They were aware of the assassination of the Ru Sheng Academy’s second senior brother by an inheritor of demonic arts, and the mysterious woman in white stood as the primary suspect due to her connection with the incident.

While few suspected her of being the inheritor of demonic arts, most believed there was some association between her and the perpetrator. The crowd was eager to see how the Ru Sheng Academy would resolve the matter.

“Su, why would you attempt to assassinate our Senior Brother Zhao? He never wronged you; at most, he showed you kindness. How could you betray him like this?”

“With your appearance, you’re nothing but a treacherous snake…”

“Our Brother Zhao was foolish to trust you. He extended a helping hand to you in your time of need, and this is how you repay him?”

“Tell us, where is Senior Brother Zhao? Even if you’re in league with the inheritor of demonic arts, there’s no escaping justice today. Be wise and confess!”

The disciples of the Ru Sheng Academy, who had intercepted Su Qingge, shouted with righteous indignation. Their eyes blazed with anger and resentment, ready to take action.

Despite the accusations and hostility directed at her, Su Qingge remained calm, her demeanor unruffled by the storm of emotions around her.

She said flatly, “I’ve said it before, this matter has nothing to do with me. Since I left, I haven’t seen Zhao Yiyao. How would I know where he is?”

A dark frown creased her brow as she spoke, unsure why she was being implicated in such a way. After leaving Zhao Yiyao behind, she had ventured elsewhere to eliminate beings out of kindness, intending to exchange them for points. Since then, she hadn’t crossed paths with him again. Only recently did she learn of Zhao Yiyao’s unfortunate demise, a coincidence that seemed too suspicious.

Su Qingge pondered momentarily, concluding that she was unlucky. Now, she found herself in a situation where she struggled to explain.

If she were to engage in combat without resorting to forbidden demonic arts, her abilities would be limited to the True God realm at best. But utilizing such forbidden techniques was akin to inviting death. Was it worth being captured?

Su Qingge grappled with entanglement and helplessness in her heart, feeling trapped with no apparent way out.

“You’re still being sophomoric. If it weren’t for you, Senior Brother Zhao wouldn’t be in trouble,” the disciples of the Ru Sheng Academy retorted, their anger escalating, on the verge of taking action.

“Zhao Yiyao chose to follow me of his own accord. How is that my fault? It’s clear you’re being unreasonable. When faced with the inheritor of demonic arts, you don’t dare confront them, so you resort to bullying someone weaker like me?” Su Qingge’s voice remained composed but now carried a chill.

“What a sharp-tongued woman… If you hadn’t enticed my senior brother, none of this would have happened,” came a cold laugh.

Hovering above, divine lights illuminated the sky as the Ru Sheng Academy’s Eldest Senior Brother, Jun Gou, arrived. His expression was frosty as he fixed his gaze on Su Qingge as though attempting to discern her thoughts.

Seeing Su Qingge’s silence, he continued icily, “I find it hard to believe you’re uninvolved with the inheritor of demonic arts. If you want to prove your innocence, release your sea of consciousness and let me probe it. Then, if I’m mistaken about you, we’ll apologize and let you go unharmed.”

In his words, both Su Qingge and the surrounding young talents showed a change in expression.

After all, the sea of consciousness was the most sacred place for cultivators, containing the soul and numerous secrets. For cultivators, probing the sea of consciousness was akin to the ultimate violation, worse than death.

“But this seems to be the only viable option…” many young geniuses reluctantly agreed, seeing no other alternative.

“You don’t think so,” Su Qingge’s voice was icy.

Probing her sea of consciousness? The secrets harbored within were far more profound than Zhao Yiyao’s death. She couldn’t allow someone to pry into them so quickly.

“Oh? So you’re unwilling? Then don’t blame us!” Jun Gou’s voice remained frigid, belying the scholarly exterior with a terrifying underlying power.

With his words, a formidable pressure descended, emanating from his Heavenly God realm cultivation. It bore down on Su Qingge, threatening to crush her.

Su Qingge’s complexion paled, her hands clenched tightly. She was reluctant, wondering if she should resort to revealing her forbidden demonic arts. Was there any other way out of her current predicament?

Gu Changge suddenly surfaced in Su Qingge’s mind in that moment of hesitation. Who would dare to challenge her if she divulged her connection to him with his current power?

But before Su Qingge could speak, the spatial portal experienced sudden fluctuations, causing the expressions of many young figures outside to change.

A cultivator emerged from the portal, excitement evident in his voice. “Fantastic news! Young Master Changge has been informed of the appearance of the inheritor of demonic arts here and is rushing to join us!”