I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 274

Chapter 274: The purpose of the bait has been completed, the first impression of Gu Changge

Amidst the crowd, the eyes of a slim young man garbed in dark golden armor sparkled with vibrant hues. When he caught sight of Gu Changge, his countenance twisted with a mixture of hatred and ire, though he swiftly masked it, adopting a composed demeanor. Even those most familiar with him remained unaware that he was Prince Ying Shuang. He had assumed a different visage, that of an unfamiliar young prodigy.

“What troubles you?” Beside the young man clad in black-gold armor stood an elderly figure draped in voluminous robes, his visage serene and ageless. Ying Shuang referred to him as Mo Lao.

This individual was an enigmatic old sage. Following abduction by the three renowned sages in the Heavenly Extinction battlefield, he was cast into a desolate expanse. They claimed that someone would eventually seek him out.

Ying Shuang harbored doubts. He couldn’t shake the suspicion that Gu Changge orchestrated the three sages. Even the words spoken seemed deliberately crafted by Gu Changge. It all seemed designed to cast him as the scapegoat for Gu Changge’s deeds and saddle him with the mantle of the demonic arts inheritor.

However, Ying Shuang was unprepared for someone arriving, purporting to represent an organization of demonic arts inheritors, all disciples of the demon lord, much like himself. Old Mo stood out as one of the most fearsome and inscrutable among them.

Ying Shuang yearned to proclaim his innocence, insisting that he was wrongly accused and that the true inheritor of the demonic arts lay elsewhere. Yet, he understood that once such accusations were confirmed, not even his supreme weapon, like the golden ancient bell, could forestall his demise.

Today, Emperor Mountain could no longer provide him refuge. He had become a universally reviled figure akin to a mouse scurrying across the street. Wherever he showed up, droves of cultivators would undoubtedly descend upon him, seeking his demise. This incensed Ying Shuang greatly, fueling his natural animosity toward Gu Changge, the formidable adversary who now stood before the mountain gate.

“Last time, you suffered a significant setback at the hands of Gu Changge. But this time, at True Immortal Academy, things will be different. With our backing, even someone like Gu Changge will have to tread carefully,” reassured the old man known as Mo Lao, observing Ying Shuang’s demeanor with a knowing smile.

In addition to being a devotee of the Demon Lord, Mo Lao harbored another identity—as an elder of True Immortal Academy—a secret unknown even to the academy’s other elders. Upon hearing Mo Lao’s words, Ying Shuang regained his composure, nodding in acknowledgment. “I understand.”

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Gu Changge, stationed at the mountain gate, had eyes fixed on him. Yet, Gu Changge’s audacious appearance at True Immortal Academy suggested unwavering confidence, devoid of fear of detection.

“I heard that Mingkong is on her way here. I’ve come specifically to await her arrival,” Gu Changge remarked with a slight smile, addressing the inquiry of the white-clad old man.

“So, the bond between Young Master Changge and Princess Mingkong is truly strong,” remarked the old man in white with a hint of emotion, prompting envy among the gathered onlookers. Mingkong, mentioned by Gu Changge, referred to his betrothed, the future empress of the Peerless Immortal Dynasty, Princess Yue Mingkong.

“No way, this fellow asked me to fetch her myself. Do you think I could refuse?” Gu Changge’s smile remained gentle and refined. His tone was tinged with a hint of helplessness and fondness. But for reasons unknown, many young elites, particularly the haughty daughters of the heavens, felt a surge of jealousy and envy.

It was inexplicable. Had they just witnessed a display of affection?

Their envy intensified when it came to Princess Yue Mingkong. Were there still women in this world deserving such attention from Young Master Changge?

Of course, Gu Changge’s declaration was likely made in jest. His true motive lay in sensing Ying Shuang’s presence, prompting him to visit the mountain gate to identify those around Ying Shuang. The purported organization of demonic arts inheritors seemed too orchestrated, gathering together because of some underlying force.

And who else but the progenitor of demonic arts could wield such influence?

Hence, Gu Changge sought to unravel the intentions of this so-called organization. “Considering the demeanor of the True Immortal Academy’s representatives, it’s likely that the old man is an elder of the academy, with a cultivation base at least at the supreme level. Does this mean Ying Shuang has the backing of a supreme being?” Gu Changge’s expression bore a hint of intrigue.

He mulled over whether to retain Ying Shuang, who had changed his appearance and inadvertently aided in drawing attention from the Organization of Demonic Arts Inheritors. Yet, Ying’s contribution was minimal. However, if Ying Shuang were to perish, Emperor Mountain might take notice, posing a minor inconvenience for Gu Changge. Hence, he pondered how to dispatch Ying Shuang openly and fairly without giving the impression that the true inheritor of demonic arts had met his demise. It necessitated a touch of finesse—a scenario suggesting the inheritor’s escape in a state of suspended animation.

Moreover, Gu Changge intended to have Su Qingge make initial contact with the organization. After all, she was the genuine inheritor of demonic arts, requiring some manipulation. Despite Su Qingge testing his allegiance, she withheld her identity as well. Gu Changge couldn’t divulge the truth to her, not because of distrust but because such matters couldn’t be freely shared. Save for Yue Mingkong, Jiang Chuchu, and Hei Yanyu from the Ancient Immortal Continent. No one knew Gu Changge’s actual status as the demonic arts inheritor. And due to various circumstances, they couldn’t have leaked the secret.

“Next, Su Qingge will inevitably begin clandestine practice of demonic arts under my tutelage. True Immortal Academy boasts many prodigies, and those venerable figures may not oversee them all… Su Qingge will succumb to temptation,” he mused. “It’s the ideal environment for cultivation.”

As Gu Changge pondered outside the mountain gate, the air resonated with the melodious cry of a high-pitched phoenix.

In the eastern sky, nine black-headed Divine Phoenixes pulled a chariot, hurtling through the heavens with astonishing speed, descending towards their destination. Beneath the clear moonlight, Princess Yue Mingkong arrived.

Meanwhile, in another direction, a colossal nine-headed golden lion, gleaming like molten gold, soared from the skies. It commanded attention by resonating with the echoes of Dao and radiating a luminous Buddha’s light. Seated atop the lion, an extraordinarily handsome young cultivator, bearing peculiar markings between his brows, donned a moon-white Cicada robe, his hands folded in solemn meditation.

The True Immortal Academy erupted into vigorous activity, the atmosphere electric with excitement. Many young elites were visibly astonished, recognizing the newcomers.

“Nine lions? Is that from the Golden Crane Temple atop the Abyss?”

“I’ve heard of this generation’s Buddhist named Jin Chan. Could it truly be him? It’s unexpected that even the long-dormant Abyss town would dispatch a Buddhist here. It appears today holds significant import.”

“If it’s indeed him, it’s no trifling matter. Jin Chan Buddha is said to possess 108 Buddha bones within him. Legend has it that on the day of his birth, a Buddha apparition appeared in the heavens, bestowing upon him a smile.”

“They say this Buddha ventured into the Demon Burial Abyss and emerged unscathed… Whether it’s true or not remains to be seen!”

“Imagine venturing into a place like the Demon Burial Abyss. It’s utterly chilling.”

The conversation buzzed among the geniuses, their awe palpable toward the young cultivator. The status of Buddhists equaled that of the Human Ancestral Hall and Emperor Mountain, with the lineage of the Buddha’s heir enduring through numerous generations. Such reverence underscored the profound mystery surrounding this Buddhist figure.

“Have you ventured into the Demon Burial Abyss?” Gu Changge’s gaze narrowed slightly as he overheard nearby discussions. He had been strategizing for the imminent birth of the red-clothed witch in that place, only to find that this generation’s Buddhist prodigy had already emerged.

“Changge…” A familiar voice, tinged with surprise, interrupted his thoughts.

Yue Mingkong approached gracefully, and the elderly gatekeepers, taken aback, refrained from further inquiry. She remained flawlessly beautiful, her face akin to an immortal, unadorned, captivating painting. Her tall stature, with soft, flowing hair and serene, deep eyes, exuded an aura of tranquility.

Her attire, crafted from silk spun by divine silkworms of the quasi-sacred realm, shimmered with a ethereal glow, woven with intricate patterns of laws and orders—rare and precious beyond compare.

Accompanied by an entourage, Yue Mingkong drew near. Gu Changge turned to her with a faint smile, smoothly clasping her delicate hand. “You’re here?”

“Mm,” she responded, standing beside him, taken aback. “You waited specifically for me?”

She found it hard to believe that Gu Changge would extend such consideration toward her, setting aside time to wait for her at the True Immortal Academy. Yet, seeing him upon her arrival stirred a mix of gratitude and joy within her.

“Of course. Everyone here can vouch for me,” Gu Changge replied with a smile.

Observing the exchange, envy stirred among the young elites, yet they recognized the natural bond between the man and woman before them.

Yue Mingkong’s gaze flickered with suspicion as it scanned the crowd of young prodigies below. Finding no cause for concern, she breathed a sigh of relief.

But soon, her gaze shifted toward the golden Cicada seated atop the nine-headed lion, triggering a cascade of thoughts. It marked the first time this enigmatic young Buddhist master revealed his true countenance.

In her previous life, she recalled that the Golden Cicada had assisted a specific ancient figure in dispelling suspicions of being the inheritor of demonic arts, seemingly earning praise from Gu Changge. During the tumult at the Devil Burying Abyss, the golden Cicada had rushed to the scene, remaining there for an extended period before vanishing from her awareness.

She remained ignorant of Gu Changge’s motives for sealing the Devil Burying Abyss in her past life. Although the endeavor was not entirely successful, it had achieved significant progress, delaying matters considerably. Moreover, when Gu Changge queried her about certain aspects of the Devil Burying Abyss, she indirectly provided him with information. Yet, there remained one unresolved question: why did certain events, including the emergence of the True Immortal Academy and the turmoil at the Devil Burying Abyss, occur much earlier in her life than in her previous one?

“Dalai Lama Golden Cicada?” Gu Changge, appearing composed, took the initiative to address the Golden Cicada, who had now descended from his mount as though preparing to extend a greeting.

Observers couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the impending meeting. As the present-day Buddhist prodigy, the Golden Cicada exuded an aura of mystery, yet his nine-headed golden lion boasted the strength of the sacred realm. He must possess at least sacred realm prowess if he could command such a creature.

Gu Changge’s power was unquestionable, with rumors circulating that he had even clashed with Great Sacred realm entities without suffering defeat. This only added to his mystique and unpredictability.

As the two figures prepared to meet, anticipation surged among the onlookers. Would their encounter result in a clash of titans? The prospect left many rising to their feet in eager expectation.

“Greetings, Young Master Changge,” the Golden Cicada intoned, landing gracefully on the ground and offering a respectful bow with folded hands, his demeanor serene.

However, the golden nine-headed lion behind him growled softly, its fur bristling with unease in the presence of Gu Changge, displaying a hint of fear and apprehension.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Gu Changge inquired with interest.

“Shan Jing’s sense of smell is quite keen. Perhaps Young Master Changge or Princess Mingkong has unsettled him,” the Golden Cicada responded calmly.

Shan Jing, the name of the golden nine-headed lion, possessed an almost instinctive ability to detect various scents, distinguishing between good and evil with uncanny accuracy. He perceived a suffocating aura emanating from Gu Changge, akin to a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood rushing toward him. Beneath Gu Changge’s elegant façade lay concealed, palpably chilling methods.

This initial impression left the Golden Cicada pondering. Despite having just descended from the Buddhist Mountain, he had heard numerous near-flawless praises of Gu Changge. However, it seemed these accolades merely scratched the surface; the Gu family heir was far from benevolent.

“I’ve done nothing to provoke him. It appears Shan Jing is quite discerning when it comes to Gu and Mingkong,” Gu Changge remarked casually. “But a mount is still just a mount. One can’t generalize too much.”

“I’ve long heard of the mysteries surrounding the Buddhist Mountain—its divine powers and great influence. My heart yearns to explore its depths, yet I’ve not had the opportunity to uncover the truth,” Gu Changge continued. “Today, encountering Brother Golden Cicada before the mountain gate, I wonder if you might offer some guidance?”

His tone was relaxed, his words carrying no hint of aggression, yet they reverberated throughout the area.

“What?” The crowd was momentarily stunned, realizing Gu Changge’s implication: he intended to spar with the enigmatic Buddhist prodigy, Golden Cicada, right before them.

Boom!!!

Almost instantly, the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Shock etched across every face, mingling with excitement and anticipation. For many, witnessing Gu Changge engage in combat firsthand was a rare occurrence, sparking curiosity about his true strength.

The prospect of a public duel between Gu Changge and the enigmatic Buddhist prodigy sent astonishment through the crowd. Issuing a challenge to fight in such a manner was unprecedented, amplifying the shock factor.

Even Yue Mingkong, visibly surprised, struggled to comprehend Gu Changge’s intentions.