I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 266
Chapter 266: Unreservedly choosing to believe, Gu is confident
A thick spatial aura permeated the air as several cultivators emerged, bearing news.
“Young master Changge is on his way here?”
“Excellent. With Young Lord Changge’s strength, we needn’t worry even if we encounter a true inheritor of demonic art.”
At the entrance of the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield, many young cultivators couldn’t help but freeze as these words reached them. Their expressions shifted from surprise to excitement.
The sudden disappearance of Zhao Yiyao, the second senior brother of Ru Sheng Academy, suspected to have been assassinated by an inheritor of demonic art, had stirred anxiety among many.
This uncertainty drew them here to witness how Ru Sheng Academy would address the matter of the mysterious woman in white. If she had ties to the inheritor of demonic art, they were prepared to unite and confront her, denying her a peaceful departure.
“Young Master Changge…”
Upon hearing these words, Jun Gou froze momentarily. Then, a cold smile crossed his face. His gaze turned even icier as he fixedly stared at Su Qingge, saying, “Now even Young Master Changge is drawn here. If you don’t offer an explanation today, no one can save you. Even if you have powerful backers, they won’t matter now.”
“Don’t tell me you’re waiting for the inheritor of demonic art to rescue you? You really don’t see the urgency. At this juncture, refusing to release your consciousness, you must have some kind of trump card.”
In Jun Gou’s estimation, Su Qingge’s apparent calmness suggested she possessed significant backing, which explained her composure. However, the situation escalated with the involvement of the inheritor of demonic art and the subsequent attention it garnered from Gu Changge.
Gu Changge, widely acknowledged as the strongest among the younger generation, bore the responsibility of countering the inheritor of demonic art. If he discovered any connection between the woman before him and the demonic art inheritor, the consequences for her would be dire.
Gu Changge’s methods, while not lacking in cruelty, also didn’t veer too far into the extreme.
Jun Gou initially intended to coax an explanation out of Su Qingge so he could return to the sect with some clarity. Ignoring the situation would make it challenging for him, as the senior disciple, to face a gathering of disciples and elders.
If Su Qingge failed to show reason, Jun Gou would have to take action.
“Young master is coming…”
However, what surprised Jun Gou and the others was that the white-clad woman before them remained unfazed when they mentioned Gu Changge’s impending arrival. Instead of panic, her cold and composed eyes betrayed a hint of surprise, which morphed into an even more serene and relaxed expression. Her previously chilly countenance even softened into a slight smile.
This reaction puzzled Jun Gou. Shouldn’t she be more rattled at this point?
“Do you think Young Lord Changge will be swayed by your beauty?” he couldn’t help but remark indifferently. “In matters concerning the inheritors of demonic art, Young Lord Changge’s methods will likely be harsher than mine.”
“You needn’t concern yourself. I understand the young master better than you do,” Su Qingge’s voice remained as composed as ever, with a touch of mockery this time.
“What do you mean, young master?” Jun Gou’s expression shifted slightly. From Su Qingge’s demeanor, it seemed she knew Gu Changge and referred to him as young master. This unexpected revelation left a sour taste in his mouth, hinting that things were taking an unexpected turn.
Many of the nearby young prodigies also noticed this change and found it intriguing. This white-clad woman appeared to have a connection to Young Lord Changge, indicating she might have a background more substantial than initially assumed.
After all, being acquainted with Gu Changge implied that her status reached a level beyond that of an ordinary young prodigy like them. The coercive tactics employed by Ru Sheng Academy earlier seemed excessive and bordering on bullying.
Many pondered the situation: if the woman in white did indeed have ties to the inheritor of demonic art, then the academy’s actions were justified; however, if not, Many couldn’t help but feel a cold sweat prickling their skin at the thought of the potential consequences for Ru Sheng Academy.
“Senior brother, you owe senior brother Zhao an explanation. His body is barely cold, and we still haven’t found…” The female disciple who had previously confronted Su Qingge continued to plead with Jun Gou, oblivious to the shifting dynamics.
She had witnessed senior brother Zhao’s concern for Su Qingge, which fueled her resentment. Now that something had happened to him, she blamed Su Qingge squarely.
“Quiet,” Jun Gou snapped, his frown deepening. “I know how to handle this situation better than you do.”
The oppressive aura of the Heavenly God realm dissipated, but the tension lingered. The Ru Sheng Academy members, sensing Jun Gou’s anger, fell silent, though their hatred towards Su Qingge remained palpable. They seemed to demand retribution for senior brother Zhao’s life.
Su Qingge, however, remained calm and composed, choosing to remain silent. Her thoughts turned to how she would explain her presence in Southern Heaven to the young master later.
When she had departed from the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning, she had informed Gu Changge’s mother of her intent to search for her birth mother. Yet, she had first ventured to the auction house to sell an ancient artifact tied to her past. The news of the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield’s appearance in Southern Heaven and the opportunity it presented to gain entry into the True Immortal Academy had redirected her path here.
Suddenly, a bright light accompanied by spatial fluctuations emanated from the entrance portal, signaling the arrival of another cultivator.
“Someone’s approaching,” a voice broke the silence, drawing everyone’s attention.
Su Qingge’s gaze, like everyone else’s, was fixed on the portal, her anticipation evident.
“It’s Young Lord Changge…”
In the next instant, exclamations of awe filled the air as many faces lit up with respect.
The young man who emerged was slender and poised, clad in flowing white garments accentuating his handsome features. There was an air of natural elegance about him, exuding a divine aura that seemed to merge seamlessly with his being and the Dao.
It was Gu Changge, drawn by rumors of the inheritor of demonic art’s presence here. A retinue accompanied him, their imposing presence far surpassing that of the other young prodigies present.
“Greetings, Young Lord Changge!” the crowd chorused respectfully, their reverence palpable.
Gu Changge nodded in acknowledgment, his voice warm and unaffected. “No need for formalities. I’ve heard rumors of the inheritor of demonic art’s presence, so I’ve come to investigate. Have you uncovered any leads?”
His demeanor was composed, lacking any airs of superiority, yet his mere presence commanded respect, leaving the others slightly on edge as they spoke.
“Young Master Changge, indeed, we’ve found a clue related to the inheritor of demonic art. It involves this woman in white here…” A young cultivator stepped forward, indicating Su Qingge, who looked elated and apprehensive.
“Young master…” Su Qingge began, her voice tinged with nervousness and the joy of reunion after a prolonged absence. Yet, underlying her words was an uneasy worry she dared not acknowledge. After such a long separation, she feared Gu Changge might have forgotten her, especially considering the persistent reminders from the other soul during her solitude.
“Qingge, what brings you here?” Gu Changge’s voice rang out, his surprise evident as he glanced towards Su Qingge as if noticing her presence.
Upon hearing his voice, Su Qingge’s heart fluttered momentarily, but she quickly composed herself, rubbing her brow in exasperation.
“I heard from Mother that you left the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning to find me. I’ve been wondering when you’d show up…” Gu Changge’s tone held a hint of reproach, but it was overshadowed by concern and worry.
“Why did you come to the Heavenly Extinction Battlefield alone? Don’t you realize how dangerous it is here?” His words carried both scolding and genuine concern.
“Young master, I…” Su Qingge smiled momentarily at a loss for words, her eyes glistening with emotion. She had expected Gu Changge to inquire about the circumstances leading to her presence here, but his immediate concern caught her off guard.
Her earlier worries dissipated in an instant. Without questioning the details, Gu Changge’s implicit trust in her touched her deeply, stirring her heart and soul.
Even the other soul in her mind fell silent, overwhelmed by the unexpected events.
“Young Master Changge, do you know Miss Su?” Jun Gou’s voice broke the moment, his embarrassment palpable as he cautiously addressed Gu Changge.
The members of Ru Sheng Academy behind him sensed the shift in the atmosphere, their faces paling slightly. Gu Changge’s tone of concern and familiarity indicated a close relationship between him and the woman in white.
“From the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning? And connected to Gu Changge’s mother?” The realization dawned on them, leaving them stunned.
The few disciples who had previously criticized Su Qingge now wore even paler faces. A sense of impending doom washed over them; some even felt as if the ground was about to fall beneath their feet. Were it not for the quick intervention of their companions, they might have crumpled to the ground in a faint.
“What’s the matter? Qingge is my attendant. Did she do something wrong?” Gu Changge’s smile faltered slightly as he furrowed his brows, his concern evident. “Could it be that the clue regarding the inheritor of demonic art you mentioned is related to her?”
With this remark, it seemed as if Gu Changge had only just realized the gravity of the situation. However, his words sent shockwaves through the gathered young geniuses, their expressions shifting dramatically.
Even if she was just an attendant by Gu Changge’s side, her status far surpassed theirs. Many among them harbored the desire to converse with Gu Changge, a privilege they could only dream of as mere attendants.
Furthermore, Gu Changge’s mention of his mother from the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning suggested a deeper connection to the white-clad woman. Subconsciously, many speculated that she had been groomed for Gu Changge’s service since childhood—a not uncommon practice in the various supreme dao systems and immortal sects.
The attitude of many young prodigies toward Su Qingge shifted, now tinged with respect and deference, contrasting sharply with their earlier disdain.
“Young Master Changge, allow me to explain…” Jun Gou interjected, his forehead sweaty as he addressed Gu Changge. “We were unaware of Miss Su’s relationship with you. Had we known, we would never have dared to disrespect her.”
In their eyes, ignorance absolved them of blame. Only those with a complete lack of sense would continue to dwell on their previous actions. Jun Gou admitted silently to himself that he had attempted to probe the white-clad woman’s consciousness earlier.
If this situation were to unfold, Jun Gou and the entire Ru Sheng Academy contingent behind him would suffer severe repercussions. The mere thought sent shivers down Jun Gou’s spine, his once cold demeanor replaced by a pallid complexion and beads of cold sweat forming on his back. He even cast a pleading glance towards Su Qingge, hoping she wouldn’t take offence.
Given the circumstances, Jun Gou’s drastic change in attitude seemed natural to the onlookers. After all, the revelation of the white-clad woman’s true identity warranted such deference.
“Why call it a misunderstanding? Nothing has been clarified, yet you’re quick to dismiss it as such,” Gu Changge interjected, his brow furrowed as he observed Jun Gou’s cautious demeanor. “Do you assume I’d show bias?”
“This Gu prides himself on honesty. If Qingge has erred, even as my attendant, I will not show leniency,” Gu Changge continued his tone firm, prompting a bitter smile from Jun Gou, who sensed the gravity of the situation.
“Qingge, why are you here?” Gu Changge’s tone turned stern as he directed his gaze towards Su Qingge. “If you dare to conceal anything from me, you know the consequences.”
Faced with Gu Changge’s stern gaze, Su Qingge quickly responded, seizing the opportunity to clear the air.
“I wouldn’t dare to hide anything from you, young master,” Su Qingge began, her voice steady as she recounted her journey. “After arriving in Southern Heaven, I intended to rely on my own abilities to hunt Heavenly Extinction beings and secure a place in the True Immortal Academy.”
She elaborated on meeting the Ru Sheng Academy group at the entrance and their subsequent collaboration in slaying Heavenly Extinction beings. Su Qingge detailed her encounter with Zhao Yiyao and the events leading up to his disappearance, providing a thorough account that left no room for doubt.
Even the Ru Sheng Academy members present couldn’t find fault with her narrative, attesting to its credibility.
As Su Qingge’s account unfolded, Zhao Yiyao’s image took a nosedive in the eyes of those present. In their minds, Su Qingge’s allegiance to Gu Changge explained why she didn’t claim Zhao Yiyao as her companion. After all, what significance did Zhao Yiyao hold compared to Gu Changge?
Many of the young prodigies couldn’t help but feel a sense of disdain towards Zhao Yiyao. Despite being the second senior brother of Ru Sheng Academy and known for his integrity, his infatuation with Gu Changge’s maid and subsequent actions seemed foolish and misplaced. His fate likely wouldn’t have been much different if he had not met with misfortune.
The more they contemplated, the more convinced they became that Zhao Yiyao was solely to blame for his predicament. Pursuing Su Qingge, failing to detach himself from her when she wasn’t interested, what else could have been expected?
Furthermore, Zhao Yiyao’s unfortunate encounter with the inheritor of demonic art only served to fuel the notion that Ru Sheng Academy was scapegoating Su Qingge to save face. It seemed like a convenient explanation rather than a genuine pursuit of truth.
Su Qingge understood suspicion would naturally fall on her after Zhao Yiyao’s demise. But would she have been so foolish as to harm him? It seemed unlikely, especially considering her unexpected backing—Gu Changge.
To suspect Su Qingge was to cast doubt on Gu Changge himself indirectly—an implication that few dared to entertain.
At that moment, Su Qingge’s voice remained eerily calm as she continued her narrative.
“Then Zhao Yiyao suddenly vanished. Ru Sheng Academy disciples accused me of harming him and detained me at the entrance, demanding access to my consciousness. That’s the extent of it. I wouldn’t dare to withhold anything from the young master.”
Su Qingge’s words drained the color from the faces of the Ru Sheng Academy members, including Jun Gou. Some even stumbled and collapsed to the ground, overcome by the weight of the situation.
“Probing the sea of consciousness?” Gu Changge’s gaze bore into Su Qingge, his expression inscrutable. He repeated the words slowly, then turned his attention to her with an indifferent tone.
“Qingge, if Ru Sheng Academy suspects your connection to the inheritor of demonic art, why not allow them to probe your consciousness?” His voice remained steady, devoid of any emotion.
“In fact,” he continued, “considering you’re under my care, wouldn’t any ties you have to the inheritor of demonic art implicate me as well? After all, the inheritor has slipped through my grasp multiple times. Does Ru Sheng Academy also harbor suspicions toward me? Perhaps they’d like to probe my consciousness too?”
As Gu Changge addressed Jun Gou directly, his gaze held a challenge, daring the Ru Sheng Academy to confront him as well.
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TheKerberos
how many Oscar award are we gonna give to Gu Changge?