I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 270
Chapter 270: What bullshit similar flower? Rumors say that the queen is ruthless.
Afterwards, several elders spoke with Qing Xiao Yi and Qing Feng before departing with them, intending to assist them in laying the foundation for their cultivation journeys. Neither sibling had any prior experience in cultivation.
Naturally, Qing Feng was included in his sister’s blessings, much to the envy of many present. It seemed that from that day forward, this once-ordinary beggar would ascend to a status beyond their reach.
Soon, tranquility returned to the surroundings as the immortal mist billowed, the mountain breeze whispered, and the aroma of Immortal Fruits permeated the air.
“Thank you, Young Master Changge, for intervening just now,” the old man in white expressed, wiping the cold sweat from his brow with lingering apprehension.
He had nearly dismissed a great genius, and if not for Gu Changge’s intervention and assurance that he had followed protocol, he might have faced punishment from the elders. Thus, his gratitude towards Gu Changge was profound.
“You’re welcome, Elder,” Gu Changge replied with a nod, his attention elsewhere.
“I’m Wang Zhongyong. If Young Master Changge requires anything in the future, do not hesitate to ask,” the old man in white introduced himself respectfully.
Gu Changge acknowledged the offer with a nod before departing with Su Qingge and the others, heading towards True Immortal Academy.
As they journeyed, Gu Changge pondered over Xiao Yi’s situation. It seemed odd that she possessed such a unique physique yet had never attracted the attention of any known figures in the past.
It begged the question: were there hidden secrets within this pair of siblings?
However, while observing Qing Feng, Gu Changge noted no significant change in luck. With such an exceptional sister, one would expect his luck to surpass that of most present.
However, the events at the gates of True Immortal Academy were merely a minor incident for Gu Changge.
The Immortal Demon Body, he had heard of such a physique in passing. Legend had it that it had only appeared once in ancient times, giving rise to an immortal and faithful king.
This being was incomparably mighty, with some claiming that their cultivation surpassed that of immortals, reaching an unfathomable realm. The unique trait of this physique lay in its ability to merge immortality and demonic essence, invert the principles of yin and yang, and transcend the cycle of reincarnation.
Even without cultivation, the body of one possessing the Immortal Demon Body would be nourished by the various substances of heaven and earth, far surpassing ordinary cultivators. Gu Changge suspected that the inversion of yin and yang might relate to defying life and death or reversing the aging process and innate qualities.
Therefore, Gu Changge kept a watchful eye on Qing Xiao Yi.
Word of Gu Changge’s arrival at True Immortal Academy quickly spread among the young geniuses gathered at the mountain gate, causing quite a stir. Though Qing Xiao Yi and Qing Feng garnered attention, they were far from causing the same commotion as Gu Changge.
While Gu Changge was not the first cultivator to arrive, his stature and rumored strength made him stand out. Many believed he ranked among the top ten candidates, with his prowess thought to surpass even the other contenders.
As a result, all the peaks and immortal islands of True Immortal Academy buzzed with activity as young talents flocked to catch a glimpse of Gu Changge. The terrain of the academy was vast, with islands suspended in the sky and mountains rising and falling like an ancient world that had existed since the dawn of time.
Whoosh whoosh!
Divine lights swept across the heavens and the earth across the peaks, where the cream of the younger generation resided in their cave dwellings and sacred mountains. These quasi-candidate disciples enjoyed spacious areas akin to ancient cities, complete with majestic palaces and mansions where their followers resided.
In this vicinity, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth was dense, cascading from the mountains like waterfalls, giving rise to phenomena such as immortal phoenixes, basalt formations, and unicorns. However, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment as they realized Gu Changge was nowhere to be seen at the mountain gate.
They arrived with anticipation but left with a tinge of letdown. The True Immortal Academy’s expanse was vast, and until they claimed their respective areas, locating other geniuses proved challenging.
In its efforts to provide ample opportunities for geniuses to experience and compete, True Immortal Academy meticulously arranged individual cultivation and resting areas, fostering an environment where “the strong preyed on the weak.”
Meanwhile, Gu Changge proceeded straight to the palaces within True Immortal Academy’s depths. There, a chaotic fog hung in the air, obscuring the sky and the earth, creating an atmosphere of mystery and antiquity akin to a towering structure emerging between heaven and earth.
Instructing Su Qingge and the other followers to wait for him, Gu Changge ventured forth alone.
During his time in Peach Village in the Land of Immortal Abandonment, Tao Yao had given him a token, claiming it could resolve his demon heart issue. Accepting it, Gu Changge learned that the person owing Tao Yao a favor resided in True Immortal Academy, prompting Gu Changge to seek him out upon arrival.
For Gu Changge, resolving the matter of his demon heart wasn’t a concern; instead, he focused on leveraging this owed favor. Though Tao Yao’s current state was dubious, her mention of owed kindness indicated a debt from her prime, suggesting the individual in True Immortal Academy had significant origins.
Gu Changge traversed numerous sacred and ancient mountains without hesitation, arriving at a solitary peak in the void. Unimpeded on his journey, his reputation preceded him throughout the Upper Realm.
This location marked the forbidden area of True Immortal Academy, typically accessible only to elders. Gu Changge descended from the sky, arriving at the palace gate. The structure appeared deceptively simple from the outside, spanning nearly 100 miles in radius. However, Gu Changge knew its inner sanctum likely harbored a complex and formidable interior.
At the palace gate, guards clad in golden armor and immortal attire stood sentinel, swords ready. Each guard possessed formidable cultivation in the Great Sacred Realm, emanating a potent aura that filled the surrounding space.
“Is that Young Master Changge?” The guards exhibited surprise at Gu Changge’s arrival but harbored no hostility.
They were well aware of the caliber of individuals entering this generation of True Immortal Academy. It would be impudent to suggest that the young man before them wasn’t among the most formidable beings in the academy’s cohort; even some elders would hesitate to confront him. Hence, their demeanor toward Gu Changge was marked by utmost respect.
“I’ve come to see an elder,” Gu Changge stated succinctly, receiving a nod from the guards who dared not impede his progress.
Inside the hall, the atmosphere was vast and profound, resembling the boundless expanse of the universe with galaxies cascading and chaos swirling. An array of divine books adorned the desk at the centre, radiating a shimmering aura of gold and silver.
Several ancient-looking figures, their faces obscured and surrounded by chaotic energy, engaged in discussion. Suddenly, a man in a flowing Dao robe, exuding an immortal air, furrowed his brows as if sensing something amiss.
“What’s that fellow up to?” His expression betrayed a hint of discomfort.
“What are the seniors discussing?” queried a man with dry dragon horns adorning his head, momentarily puzzled as he continued reading from an ancient tome.
“That Gu family lad, what mischief is he stirring now?” The Dao-robed man’s tone turned chilly. “He’s never one to stay out of trouble.”
“But isn’t it said that the gentleman from the Gu family possesses a refined and elegant temperament? How could he attract the ire of a fellow Daoist?” questioned another elder.
“Perhaps the rumors aren’t entirely accurate. After all, there was that incident with his clan sister’s bone when he was young; his heart may not be as pure as portrayed,” mused one of the ancient figures.
The others nodded in agreement, their deference to the Dao-robed elder evident as they pondered his words.
At that moment, Gu Changge’s figure appeared at the threshold of the main hall. Stepping inside, he offered a slight smile to the group of elders gathered in the center and respectfully greeted them, “Disciple Gu Changge greets all the elders.”
Having entered True Immortal Academy, he naturally assumed the role of a disciple of the academy. The few ancient figures before him hailed from various corners of the Upper Realm. Though unfamiliar to him, addressing them as elders would not incur their displeasure.
“Not bad, quite a cultivation base… Contrary to the rumors, which spoke of many deviations,” remarked one of the elders, casting a careful gaze over Gu Changge.
Soon, a mist-like aura emanated from Gu Changge’s form, veiling him in an enigmatic shroud that seemed to transport him to another realm. Even the esteemed elders, some nearing the Quasi-Emperor Realm, found themselves unable to penetrate this veil of concealment.
While surprised by this technique, they opted not to pry further. After all, as the scion of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, Gu Changge must possess formidable abilities or divine artifacts to warrant such measures to obscure his presence.
“Great Elder, it’s been a while. Your complexion seems much improved,” Gu Changge remarked, suddenly noticing an old acquaintance among the assembly.
The Great Elder of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace was also present, though his demeanor still harbored a distinct disdain for Gu Changge.
“As long as you’re not in my presence, why should I appear otherwise?” retorted the Great Elder with a cold snort. Gu Changge’s comment seemed to have struck a nerve, stirring up memories of past conflicts during their time at the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.
He still recalled the day Gu Changge departed from the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace. The Great Elder had even ascended to the peak where he stood, reminding him that he owed a favour lest he should refuse it later.
“What does the elder have to say about this? As the heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace, Changge wonders if he has wronged the Immortal Palace in any way,” Gu Changge stated calmly. “In the Ancient Immortal Continent, I even assisted the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace in unifying the ancient immortal clans, bringing about peace and tranquility to the realm…”
“Enough, there’s no need for circling words in front of us,” the elder interrupted with a dismissive wave, wearing an expression that seemed to say, ‘Speak too much, and I’ll send you packing.’ He had witnessed Gu Changge’s audacity more times than he could count. Though he admired Gu Changge, his unwavering insistence on avoiding loss was exasperating.
Nevertheless, as the heir of the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace and now an elder at the True Immortal Academy, Gu Changge was entitled to some consideration. Moreover, the elder had heard that the Gu family had dispatched three ancestral figures, presumably to support Gu Changge. While other factions had sent their ancestors, the Gu family seemed especially concerned about the well-being of their younger generation within the True Immortal Academy.
“Haha, it seems like there’s a good relationship between the senior and Changge.”
“Yes, it’s uncommon to witness such camaraderie between a senior and a junior.”
Several ancient figures in the hall chuckled at the exchange, displaying profound respect for the elders and adopting a deference typical of juniors. The interaction between the Great Elder and Gu Changge surprised and impressed them.
“After all, the Great Elder was known for his care for the younger generation during his time in the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace.”
Gu Changge maintained his gentle and refined demeanor in response to the comments, smiling amiably. “Indeed, we have a good rapport. Tell me, what brings you to seek us out this time?”
The First Elder snorted curtly, wasting no time. Aware of Gu Changge’s penchant for getting to the heart of matters, he cut to the chase. “What is it that you seek, Changge?”
Gu Changge’s expression turned slightly earnest. “I’ve come to seek someone among the elders. I wonder if you are acquainted with them?” With that, he produced the token given to him by Tao Yao.
The crystal-clear peach leaf token shimmered with interwoven laws and order, radiating various energy pathways.
“This is…”
“The cultivation base of the one who left behind this peach leaf is unfathomable…”
Upon seeing the peach leaf, the expressions of many old figures in the hall shifted slightly, becoming more solemn.
“Could this be related to the mysterious peach tree behind Xian’er?” The Great Elder’s demeanor shifted as he recognized it. His knowledge surpassed the others, having heard rumors about the peach tree.
Gu Xian’er had never deceived him, divulging information about all the masters from Peach Village. One of those masters had led him to accept Gu Xian’er as his apprentice.
“If the person you’re seeking is within the True Immortal Academy, it’s likely that individual,” the Great Elder remarked, a hint of contemplation in his eyes regarding Gu Changge’s intentions.
“Oh? In that case, I’d appreciate it if you could lead the way,” Gu Changge replied, raising an eyebrow in slight surprise at the swift resolution.
“That individual has a peculiar temperament. If you’re not from the demon world, you should proceed with caution,” the Great Elder cautioned, his gaze fixed on Gu Changge. “Don’t blame me for not warning you. If things turn sour later, I won’t intervene.”
“Understood,” Gu Changge replied nonchalantly. The token was bestowed by Tao Yao, indicating a debt owed to her. Unless the individual in question disrespected Tao Yao, Gu Changge was determined to meet him.
With a wave of the Great Elder’s sleeve, the space before them rippled, and the two figures vanished instantaneously.
When they reappeared, they stood before an emerald-green lake. Immortal mist enshrouded the area, while lush green grass surrounded the serene waters. In the distance, auspicious beasts roamed freely, quenching their thirst by the lake.
Near the lake’s edge, a nondescript rock of modest height rested motionless. It lacked distinguishing features or celestial markings, appearing entirely ordinary at first glance. Yet, Gu Changge sensed an underlying complexity to the rock.
Among them surged a vitality akin to a vast sea of stars yet remained silent and motionless. Like the hardest stone in the universe, it would endure countless calamities without a scratch.
Beside the rock stood a slender woman draped in a flowing phoenix robe. Her hands rested casually behind her back, her features exquisitely beautiful, her eyes deep and tranquil. A touch of rouge between her brows lent her an alluring charm, yet there was an unmistakable grace and dignity about her, reminiscent of a queen presiding over the heavens.
Though she observed the sudden arrivals, the woman remained silent, her gaze contemplative and enigmatic.
“Elder.”
Upon arrival, the Great Elder paid his respects to the stone rather than acknowledging the woman. “Is this token related to you?” he inquired, gesturing with the peach leaf.
Meanwhile, Gu Changge’s gaze swept over the woman, his expression thoughtful. Though initially indifferent, a slight furrow formed on his brow as a sense of familiarity washed over him. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he had encountered this stone before.
Memories flashed through his mind—reflections of the past atop a mountain, a young girl in red practicing swordsmanship, and himself seated beside her on this very stone? Though it appeared aged now, it hadn’t aged as much during that encounter.
…..
For a moment, Gu Changge’s expression became inexplicable. Logically, the Demon Lord’s vest had no direct connection with him, Gu Changge, yet memories began to resurface, faint and fragmented.
If this stone harboured memories, it should not remain silent—it seemed damaged and incomplete, much like Tao Yao. Gu Changge suspected that his past actions may have left a significant impact, perhaps entwining him in its cause and effect.
However, he did not dwell on it and handled the situation casually.
A soft buzzing filled the air as the peach leaf descended, causing the stone to tremble faintly. Suddenly, a terrifying aura emanated from it, permeating the surroundings with overwhelming demonic energy as if signaling the awakening of an evil force.
But the disturbance dissipated as quickly as it came, and the stone was again enveloped in a shroud of black light. In its place stood a diminutive old man with a hunched back, dark complexion, and vacant expression.
Taking the peach leaf in his hands, the older man examined it closely. His plain countenance brightened momentarily before a look of bewilderment clouded his features.
“Old friend, have you made it through?” he murmured, with a hint of pain. “I can’t remember… I can’t remember anything anymore.”
Glancing at Gu Changge, his eyes widened in disbelief, and he took a few steps back.
“The Demon Lord isn’t dead?” he exclaimed, almost blurting out the words. His face paled with shock, his dark complexion now tinged with an ashen hue.
“Master…” The woman in red’s expression shifted suddenly, puzzled by her master’s unexpected reaction. She glanced at Gu Changge again and couldn’t help but speculate about his identity. With such cultivation, there were likely few in the younger generation today.
The Great Elder, who had been watching the dark older man intently, also reacted with alarm at the mention of the Demon Lord. His expression mirrored the shock he felt. Even at his level, the mere mention of the Demon Lord invoked a deep sense of dread. The Demon Lord’s influence permeated time and space, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
“What do you mean?” the elder demanded, his voice resonating with authority.
The dark-skinned older man, now identified as Lao Shi, shifted his gaze to Gu Changge with a newfound calmness. “It seems the temperament is similar, and that thing… no wonder,” he muttered.
“If there truly are similar blossoms in this world, it would be inconceivable for my master to be associated with him,” he added, dismissing the elder’s inquiry.
Unperturbed by the elder’s question, Lao Shi turned to Gu Changge. “My name is Lao Shi,” he introduced himself before inquiring, “And what shall I call you, young master?”
Gu Changge, who had maintained his composure throughout, responded calmly, “Gu Changge.”
Despite appearing calm on the surface, Gu Changge’s heart was anything but peaceful. The older man’s slip of the tongue regarding the Demon Lord’s past sent a chilling wave through his body, prompting his Dao treasure bottle to emerge, ready to contend with the ominous energy. However, the aura dissipated as quickly as it had appeared.
The memory fragments resurfacing in his mind hinted at a terrifying possibility: he might be the Demon Lord himself. The stone’s hostility towards him suggested his current state was likely self-inflicted. As for the favor Tao Yao owed him could be related to her intervention in an attack against him.
Gu Changge speculated that Tao Yao, the woman in red, and the old stone were connected to his demon lord vest, adding intrigue to the situation.
“Gu Changge? It’s really him!” The woman in the phoenix robe’s expression cleared, recognizing Gu Changge’s identity.
“Gu Changge? So it’s you? I hope… you can bring about a similar outcome,” Lao Shi muttered cryptically, sighing. “Did Tao Yao send you to me?”
“Yes, Tao Yao mentioned that you might be able to help me with my physical issues,” Gu Changge replied truthfully, maintaining his composed demeanor.
The fact that the other party referred to Tao Yao as “Tao Yao” confirmed Gu Changge’s suspicions. Memory issues were clearly plaguing both Tao Yao and Lao Shi, leading to the misnomer.
The Great Elder remained silent, contemplating Gu Changge’s inherent demonic nature. The old stone before him was also undoubtedly demonic, raising questions about their connection and the reason for Gu Changge’s visit.
“In truth, I don’t have much clarity on this matter… The Peach Demon may believe that I resisted demonic control after being bathed in the master’s blood and heart. But that was merely luck…” Lao Shi chuckled self-deprecatingly. “With Tao Yao’s current condition, she likely can’t recall anything.”
“You can’t rely on others for this. You must rely on yourself, as no one else can aid you,” Lao Shi added, his tone resolute. History has shown time and again the dire consequences of being born with a demonic heart.
The elder was further astonished by Lao Shi’s claim of being his master. How was Gu Changge connected to him, and what did Lao Shi mean by “similar flowers”?
Lao Shi’s origins surpassed even the elder’s lengthy existence. Though the elder boasted of his long life, it paled compared to the epochs Lao Shi had traversed.
The era of the Demon Lord was shrouded in mystery, its depth unfathomable to any living being. Gu Changge remained composed, acknowledging the situation without further comment.
What Lao Shi said aligned perfectly with Gu Changge’s intentions. He wasn’t seeking a solution for his demonic heart; instead, he sought the favor of the old stone. The notion of a “similar flower” and the demon lord were essentially facets of his being. However, Gu Changge kept these thoughts to himself. Given the hatred displayed by Lao Shi, Tao Yao, and the red-clothed witch, he maintained his calm demeanor.
Though Lao Shi viewed him as a similar flower, Gu Changge didn’t anticipate any hostile actions. His current status provided him with security. If Lao Shi dared to attack him, Gu Changge would retaliate, even if it meant bringing Lao Shi down.
“Senior, have we met before?” Gu Changge inquired, masking his inner turmoil with a composed facade. “You evoke a sense of familiarity.”
Lao Shi’s reaction was surprise and confusion. Gu Changge’s mention of familiarity left him momentarily speechless. He pondered Gu Changge’s words, unable to refute their truthfulness.
As many poignant memories flooded Lao Shi’s mind, he couldn’t help but feel a complex array of emotions. He recognized the duality inherent in the world, where good and evil, beauty and ugliness coexist. The red-clothed girl and the silver-haired man who often meditated atop him had contributed to his spiritual wisdom. Compared to the Seven Immortal Stones and the Holy Spirit Stone, he was an ordinary rock with uncommon significance. Every action and consequence were intertwined, shaping the course of fate.
“Perhaps, this is what they call fate,” Lao Shi mused, his gaze softening as he regarded Gu Changge. To him, the demon lord represented the epitome of evil, while Gu Changge embodied the reflection of a similar flower on the opposite spectrum.
“If you don’t mind, young master, you can seek me out in True Immortal Academy for any future endeavors. My influence here may still hold some weight,” Lao Shi offered, explaining his inability to leave the academy due to his current state.
His unexpected benevolence surprised the red-clothed woman and the great elder, who found Lao Shi’s attitude towards Gu Changge perplexing.
Gu Changge, taken aback by Lao Shi’s words, expressed his puzzlement. “This is our first meeting, senior. I’m only here to repay Tao Yao’s favor.”
Lao Shi waved off Gu Changge’s concern with a smile. “No need to worry about it, young master.”
He then introduced the red-clothed woman beside him. “This is my apprentice, Xi Yao.”
“Ah, so you are the current ruler of the demon world, Queen Xi Yao?” Gu Changge acknowledged that the woman before him was merely a dharma body, not her true form.
As the ruler of the demon world, Queen Xi Yao couldn’t easily depart from her domain. However, her dharma body boasted quasi-supreme realm strength, suggesting she might have ascended to the supreme position. A talent of such caliber couldn’t simply be described as transcendent.
Six thousand years ago, amidst the chaos of the demon world, Queen Xi Yao’s name reverberated throughout the upper realm, shaking all parties. She navigated internal and external strife, ultimately unifying the demon clans and establishing dominance. Her leadership prowess far surpassed that of ordinary individuals.
Throughout the history of the demon world, numerous demon emperors and demon immortals have emerged. However, Queen Xi Yao’s origins remained shrouded in mystery, instilling fear even in the Supreme Teaching and the Immortal Taoism, who dared not provoke her lightly.
During Queen Xi Yao’s reign, six demon emperors held sway over the demon world, though Gu Changge suspected they were, at best, quasi-emperors rather than true emperors. The demon world’s fortunes were insufficient to produce six genuine emperors. Queen Xi Yao’s ability to unify the demon world amidst such adversity astonished many.
“Please, Young Master Changge, there’s no need for formalities,” Queen Xi Yao urged. “Despite being distant in the demon world, I’ve heard countless rumors about you. Seeing you today, I find those rumors truly unbelievable. Amongst the younger generation, your potential is unparalleled.”
As Gu Changge listened, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect for Queen Xi Yao’s words. Despite her lofty status, she spoke with sincerity and grace, embodying nobility and dignity, befitting her position as queen of the demon world. While she didn’t resort to flattery like ordinary individuals, her words carried genuine goodwill.
Witnessing her master’s deferential behavior towards Gu Changge also shocked Yao Xi. It was a testament to Gu Changge’s remarkable presence that even someone of her master’s stature would display such reverence.
Numerous Dao sects were in the upper realm, but few could rival the demon realm. Positioned at the centre of the upper realm, where dragon veins converged and fortune flowed abundantly, the demon world stood as a formidable entity.
Gu Changge, recognizing his junior status in front of Queen Xi Yao, responded modestly, “Empress Xi Yao jests. Among the younger generation, many are deserving of Your Majesty’s praise.”
Upon hearing this, Queen Xi Yao grew intrigued and fixed her gaze on him curiously, asking, “I wonder, what rumors has Young Master Changge heard?”
She knew that tales of her actions 6,000 years ago had been circulated by various factions, often distorting the truth and tarnishing her reputation. Rumors had portrayed her as ruthless, vicious, and disruptive to the demon world’s peace.
Gu Changge casually smiled as he replied, “The rumors alleged that the queen was ruthless, merciless, and brought chaos to the demon world.”
To read without the ads, register an account and login then refresh the page!!!
If you enjoy this novel, please take a moment and review it on Novel Updates. It would be a great support to the team!!!
Also join us on Discord to explore our other works and meet our team and other Fantasy World Online supporters!!!
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Berserkar_Master
Omg what the hell happened to the translation its like a MTL, no even MTL more understanding some words