I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 284

Chapter 284: It is nothing more than making an excuse to fight, stay away from Gu Xian’er in the future

When the palm descended, the sky seemed to invert as if a fragment of the cerulean heavens plummeted and enveloped them, causing numerous mountains below to collapse into ashes.

Many young prodigies had no chance to flee. Even those who activated their protective artifacts found them exploding instantly, their bodies disintegrating into a crimson mist as their souls scattered in panic.

The spectacle stunned onlookers, whether elders or other young talents, who ascended into the sky to observe from a safe distance. While clashes and confrontations among the younger generation were common in True Immortal Academy, such a blatant display of power was rare.

“It’s Gu Changge! What’s his game? Is he planning to challenge Zi Yang Heavenly King?”

“Given the circumstances, it’s highly likely. Yet, I’ve heard of no feud between them.”

In the heavens above, elders expressed surprise, their eyes ablaze as they observed Gu Changge from afar. Though Gu Changge delivered the blow, the sheer number of followers accompanying him was equally daunting, blotting out the sky.

If faced with such a force, ordinary young talents might find their knees buckling in submission. It seemed as though Gu Changge had brought his entourage to confront Zi Yang. But what could have led to such hatred?

Candidate disciples typically avoided open hostilities.

“Zi Yang, vacate this place at once.”

With the sun’s rays illuminating the endless mountains, divine lights converged from all directions, converging at this location. As Gu Changge’s chilling command echoed once more, a shiver ran down everyone’s spine, their souls quaking in response.

“This Gu Changge is simply pushing his luck too far. I have no quarrel or animosity with him, yet he’s treating my followers like this,” Zi Yang muttered, his mind not superficial, his expression darkening as anger simmered. His fists clenched tightly, his frustration mounting.

Gu Changge had barged into their domain for no apparent reason and launched a brazen attack on his followers. Wasn’t this sheer bullying?

“Junior brother, what’s the meaning of this? Do you have any prior conflict with this individual?” Qin Wuya’s brow furrowed as he spoke, his expression clouded with concern.

Having survived the trials of the Nine Heavens for three hundred years, Qin Wuya’s gaze had grown sharp and discerning. Upon encountering Gu Changge, he sensed the man was no ordinary adversary. Gu Changge’s cultivation level likely surpassed Zi Yang’s unless Zi Yang harboured some formidable hidden technique.

Despite his concerns, Qin Wuya seethed with anger. He hadn’t anticipated witnessing his younger brother being bullied upon their reunion.

Given Zi Yang’s status and background in this lifetime, who else would dare provoke him so brazenly?

“I can’t fathom why he’s acting so audaciously, vowing not to relent. It’s as if he intends to wield absolute power within True Immortal Academy,” Zi Yang muttered, his expression contorted with displeasure.

“Who is this individual? Even the elders of True Immortal Academy seem hesitant to intervene. This could escalate into a major incident. How could Junior Brother provoke such a figure, or is the other party deliberately targeting him?” Qin Wuya’s gaze bore into Gu Changge, sensing malevolence emanating from him.

In the distance, a four-spirit chariot approached, surrounded by celestial beasts—real dragons, white tigers, vermilion birds, and immortal phoenixes. A figure resembling a youthful deity stood atop the chariot, his hair ablaze like a radiant sun. It was Prince Sheng from Heavenly Emperor Mountain.

“If these two were to engage in combat, it would be quite the spectacle. I’m curious to witness the extent of Gu Changge’s prowess…” Prince Sheng’s eyes gleamed with anticipation.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Phoenix maiden made her appearance as well.

News of Gu Changge’s sudden aggression toward Zi Yang spread like wildfire throughout True Immortal Academy, sending shockwaves across its expanse. A clash between candidate disciples was rare, especially involving someone of Gu Changge’s stature.

As she recalled their clash at the mountain gate, where she sparred with Jin Chan, revealing her formidable strength, she grew even more curious about Gu Changge’s prowess.

“Changge is targeting Zi Yang Heavenly King?”

Upon hearing the news in the palace, Yue Mingkong registered a hint of surprise before dismissing it. She was well aware of Gu Changge’s capabilities. Even if Zi Yang ranked first in the upper realm, he couldn’t match Gu Changge.

“Why is Gu Changge picking a fight with someone, bothering with others?”

“Oh, it’s that repulsive Zi Yang. In that case, no problem.”

At that moment, Gu Xian’er, seated cross-legged on a bluestone, paused momentarily upon hearing the news. However, her surprise quickly gave way to a faint smile tinged with a hint of satisfaction. It seemed Gu Changge intended to vent her frustrations.

Any disciple keeping abreast of True Immortal Academy’s recent developments would be aware of her skirmish with Zi Yang Heavenly King. It had been ignited by Zi Yang’s disregard for her warning and insistence on approaching her.

True to her character, Gu Xian’er couldn’t abide such insolence and had directly confronted Zi Yang. However, despite her progress, she remained no match for Zi Yang, who had already reached the sacred realm.

While she had made strides in her cultivation, she could only contend with quasi-sacred-level geniuses at best. Facing Zi Yang, she inevitably found herself at a disadvantage.

After a brief skirmish, in which Zi Yang displayed marginal superiority, he retreated rather than press the attack.

Yet, to Gu Xian’er, this concession was a blow to her pride.

She harbored a determination to eventually defeat Zi Yang Heavenly King, to trample his dignity beneath her feet and reclaim her own.

“Gu Changge claims he doesn’t care about me, yet he rushes to my defense when I’m under attack…”

“Hmph.”

Gu Xian’er emitted a soft snort, her demeanour betraying her contentment as if she had Gu Changge all figured out. Naturally, she kept these thoughts to herself, wary of voicing them in Gu Changge’s presence.

With a swift movement, she transformed into divine light and departed the scene, intending to observe from a safe distance. As long as she remained concealed within the crowd and avoided catching Gu Changge’s notice, she should be fine, right?

“Heavenly King Zi Yang, you dare to ignore my warnings?”

Meanwhile, Gu Changge stood in the sky, pristine and immaculate, his body enveloped in a swirling aura of five-colored divine light. His eyes bore terrifying visions, revealing a chilling indifference as he peered at the two figures below.

His tone remained nonchalant, even as he struggled to concoct a suitable pretext for confronting Zi Yang. Yet, Zi Yang’s provocation of Gu Xian’er provided the perfect pretext.

“Gu Changge, what’s your game?” Zi Yang retorted sharply, his figure soaring into the sky.

With a resounding boom, a formidable burst of energy erupted, dispersing the clouds and forming a colossal, blood-red dragon that dominated the sky.

Accompanied by his senior brother today, Zi Yang no longer felt the need to cower before Gu Changge, unlike their prior encounter at the mountain gate.

“So, you finally decide to show yourself?” Gu Changge observed Zi Yang’s ascent with indifference, seemingly unperturbed by the direct challenge.

Zi Yang’s expression darkened at Gu Changge’s insouciance. Did Gu Changge view him with such contempt? Did he believe Zi Yang needed to skulk in the shadows forever?

“Gu Changge, there’s no feud between us. So why did you target my followers?” Zi Yang demanded coldly, his tone laced with hostility.

With many spectators present, Zi Yang couldn’t afford to repeat his past behavior, admitting defeat and avoiding confrontation. His reputation among the younger generation had already suffered a blow. Though most candidate disciples valued their reputations greatly and were reluctant to engage in conflict, Gu Changge was an exception. Unparalleled in his confidence, he harbored no fear of competition, and instead, others actively avoided crossing paths with him.

“Claiming no grievances or grudges? Your memory seems faulty. Have you forgotten my warning at the mountain gate?” Gu Changge remarked casually. “I expressly instructed you to steer clear of Gu Xian’er. Do you take my words so lightly?”

Zi Yang’s expression shifted. He remembered those words, but how could he comply with Gu Changge’s demand? In the vision of the future he glimpsed, Gu Xian’er met a tragic end at Gu Changge’s hands. Zi Yang couldn’t bear to allow such a fate to befall her. Despite their current hatred, he was resolved to rescue her from harm’s way. After all, Gu Changge was no saint; he had deceived Gu Xian’er before.

“Ah, it seems you haven’t forgotten,” Gu Changge continued casually, his demeanor unruffled. “Yet, you dare defy my orders, Heavenly King Zi Yang. Do you truly believe that being a candidate disciple exempts you from my reach?”

Gu Changge’s calm delivery belied the gravity of the situation, but those nearby, including elders and disciples, understood the implications.

“So formidable. Young Master Changge holds Zi Yang Heavenly King in such low regard.”

“This explains the grudge between Zi Yang Heavenly King and Young Master Changge.”

One observant young genius felt compelled to explain the situation to those nearby, linking it to Gu Xian’er, the goddess of the Ancient Immortal Gu family and Gu Changge’s cousin.

Upon her arrival at the mountain gate, Gu Changge’s cousin, with her mesmerizing beauty, stirred quite a commotion among the young talents. Her past had been thoroughly scrutinized. From a young age, her cousin Gu Changge callously extracted her Dao’s bone and subsequently abandoned her. While her tragic tale garnered sympathy, her prodigious talent and strength made her a formidable presence.

Despite her tragic past, she exuded an air of pride that attracted numerous admirers and suitors in short order. Among them was Zi Yang, Heavenly King. Rumors circulated that Zi Yang was captivated by Gu Xian’er’s arrival at the mountain gate and fervently pursued her with unrelenting determination. Recognizing Zi Yang’s status as a candidate disciple, other young geniuses refrained from competing and withdrew.

A few days prior, Gu Xian’er and Zi Yang Heavenly King clashed for unknown reasons, resulting in a heated battle that ended with Zi Yang’s departure. Many speculated this event as the catalyst for Gu Changge’s actions. Prince Sheng pondered deeply, “Could Gu Changge truly have a sister-in-law? No, if so, how could he have callously extracted her Dao bone in his youth?”

“This behavior is hardly that of a virtuous individual. At the time, the so-called Dao bone extraction might have been an act of desperation,” Prince Sheng continued, sensing Gu Changge’s ulterior motives. While he purported to seek justice for his cousin, his true aim seemed directed at Zi Yang, Heavenly King.

This realization sent a chill down her spine. Gu Changge regarded their candidate disciples as prey, seizing any opportunity to strike. Yet, many disciples and elders pondered alternate perspectives.

“There are rumors circulating that Gu Changge retrieved a bone from outside Heavenly Dao Ancient City to return it to his sister on that day, and he felt deeply remorseful about it. Now, perhaps Zi Yang Heavenly King’s actions have triggered Gu Changge’s rebellious streak?”

“Regardless, today’s showdown promises to be quite the spectacle.”

Divine lights flickered one after another, hovering high in the sky, eagerly observing the unfolding events below.

“Gu Changge, what’s your game?”

Observing Gu Changge’s dismissive attitude, Zi Yang Heavenly King’s fury simmered, his countenance darkening with a storm brewing within him.

Never had he encountered a young cultivator as arrogant and domineering as Gu Changge, not even the enigmatic six-time champion.

“I simply believe you’re asking for trouble,” Gu Changge retorted, his response characteristically casual.

“According to the saying, ‘a gentleman should stand aside for a fair lady.’ Gu Changge, do you truly believe you can rule over True Immortal Academy single-handedly? Even this matter requires your intervention?”

With his temples pulsating, Zi Yang Heavenly King struggled to maintain composure. Why should he hold back if Gu Changge had already thrown down the gauntlet?

“I’m not meddling, I just don’t consider someone like you worthy,” Gu Changge responded nonchalantly. “Today, I’ll teach you a lesson in humility.”

He moved into action without further ado, refusing to entertain Zi Yang’s retorts.

With a graceful stride, he became enveloped in a blaze of fiery light, the five-colored radiance swirling around him as he vanished from sight.

Simultaneously, an extraordinary vision unfolded behind Gu Changge, a sight never before witnessed by the onlookers.

As if the gates of an immortal realm had been thrust open, an immense aura surged forth, evoking images of thousands of celestial beings converging in a grand procession.

This spectacle sent shivers down the spines of geniuses and elders alike, leaving them in awe.

Before this revelation, speculations abounded regarding Gu Changge’s talents.

Some claimed he possessed space manipulation abilities, granting him unparalleled speed.

Others insisted he wielded supreme swordsmanship, mastering the pinnacle of martial arts.

Given the rumors, it seemed Gu Changge had no discernible weaknesses. His talent displayed today even appeared to be a manifestation of the immortal realm itself. This transcendent vision surpassed ordinary perceptions, leading many to speculate on the existence of such a world.

“How many more tricks does Gu Changge have up his sleeve? It’s unsettling…” Prince Sheng’s breath quickened, struggling to regain composure as he felt a weight pressing upon him.

“Truly formidable,” remarked the Heavenly Phoenix maiden, her eyes gleaming with admiration.

“This scent… not good…”

“Junior Brother, flee!”

At this critical juncture, Zi Yang Heavenly King and Qin Wuya’s expressions shifted drastically, the latter urgently warning the former.

“Cursed be it, my Immortal Heavenly Eye’s backlash hasn’t subsided, hindering its use.”

Zi Yang Heavenly King’s countenance contorted, then with a sweep of his robes, a resounding rumble echoed forth as rich purple energy emanated from his being, enveloping him like a swirling mist.

The recovery of his Divine Dao bone.

In a trance, he stood at the nexus of heaven and earth, the oppressive purple fog engulfing the ancient realms, imbued with unparalleled purity and primordial power.

As the visions might clash with the divine aura, a cataclysmic brilliance erupted akin to hundreds of stars exploding.

Even the elders of the Supreme Realm couldn’t help but grimace, sensing the overwhelming might of Zi Yang Heavenly King.

Truly, he was an ancient prodigy who once reigned supreme in the upper realms.

However, after unleashing this devastating blow, Zi Yang staggered back, his complexion pallid, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth.

“The resilience of Zi Yang Heavenly King is not to be underestimated! To withstand a blow from Gu Changge!”

“Divine Dao bone…”

Prince Sheng and the other celestial prodigies wore solemn expressions, well aware of the fearsome power of the Divine Dao bone.

The might of the Divine Dao bone was legendary, surpassing even the powers of flying immortals that bolstered attack and speed. In ancient lore, those linked to primordial rulers possessed this potent luck within, aspiring to ancestral reverence.

However, Zi Yang Heavenly King’s cultivation realm was insufficient, unable to sustain continuous stimulation of primordial energy. Nevertheless, his capability remained formidable. Even the grand sages wouldn’t dare confront it head-on.

“I wonder how Master Changge will handle this? He seems so nonchalant, almost indifferent,” pondered the Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, her gaze fixed on Gu Changge’s calm demeanor, filled with curiosity and doubt.

“Divine Dao bone…”

“This talent is squandered on you.”

A flicker of strangeness passed through Gu Changge’s eyes.

Then, he struck again. Though not employing his full power, this blow was more forceful than the previous casual one.

With his current strength, unaided by additional means, he held no fear even against a quasi-supreme.

For him, Zi Yang was akin to ripe fruit ready for the plucking.

Boom!

It descended like a cubic world, its weight immense, mingled with multicoloured rays of light and the force of the attack, shattering the sky!

The void ruptured instantly, revealing a terrifying abyss!

Witnessing this scene firsthand, all the prodigies couldn’t help but feel their legs weaken, their faces paling, nearly collapsing.

This power transcended the capacity of the void, causing it to shatter and explode repeatedly!

The aura was overwhelmingly grand and terrifying, leaving even the grand sages horrified and unwilling to confront it.

As the fist descended, its light enshrouded the heavens and earth, causing the sky to tremble before bursting apart.

Zi Yang’s heavenly eyes widened as he coughed out blood, his mind blanking out with a buzz.

Before he could react, the layer of Primordial Light broke, utterly unable to withstand the onslaught.

This was the ultimate method to dismantle all defenses!

“Gu Changge’s power is too terrifying. What kind of physique is this? It resembles the power of Nirvana recorded in the Human Ancestor Hall,” gasped many elders, astounded by Gu Changge’s physical prowess.

Evidently, there was likely no one in the younger generation who could match him.

“What qualifications do you have, you insignificant creature?” Gu Changge asked lightly once more, oblivious to bullying the weak.

As his punch crushed Zi Yang entirely, the latter coughed out more blood, his body exploding into fragments, his expression contorted in a mixture of unwillingness, resentment, anger, and humiliation.

It wasn’t that he lacked strength; rather, the chasm between them was too vast. Faced with cultivators of equal realm, he would undoubtedly emerge victorious.

However, facing Gu Changge, no ordinary genius could hope to compensate for the gap.

“Your realm is certainly not at the sacred realm! If we were in the same realm…” Zi Yang Heavenly King’s expression darkened as he gritted his teeth, attempting to speak from a distance while swiftly recuperating from his injuries.

But before he could finish his sentence, Gu Changge cut him off.

“Keep your thoughts to yourself. Trash is trash. Stay away from Gu Xian’er from now on,” Gu Changge declared calmly as though he had just performed a trivial task.

While he could have killed Zi Yang, such an action would indeed have been stopped by the elders of the True Immortal Academy and wouldn’t have been worth the trouble.

However, upon hearing this, all the nearby geniuses and elders fell into a stunned silence.

Gu Changge was immensely powerful, and his character was equally formidable.

Even ancient monsters like Zi Yang Heavenly King, who had once ruled over the upper realms, were reduced to this state.

The other young prodigies couldn’t help but shiver, their souls trembling as a chill ran down their spines.