I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 289

Chapter 289: Although pythons can swallow dragons, sisters reunite and swap identities

“There’s no need to be nervous, Vermilion Bird King. Gu, and the others aren’t any ordinary beasts of burden flooding in.”

“This time, our arrival in the Vermilion Bird Kingdom is led by Gu and the heir of the Human Ancestor Hall, so you don’t need to worry. Are you still not at ease with the character of the heir of the Human Ancestor Hall?”

This was accompanied by a light, chuckling voice.

Buzz!!!

On the ancient warship, there was suddenly a surge of golden light, bright and dazzling, with intertwined runes.

And then a golden light extended from beneath Gu Changge’s feet as he walked straight downward.

Behind him, a group of young geniuses followed closely. Even Jiang Chuchu was a few steps behind, and no one dared to walk alongside him.

Such formidable power caused the hearts of the people of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom who came to greet him to tremble, setting off waves of disbelief.

The geniuses of the True Immortal Academy. Who among them wasn’t proud and confident, convinced of their invincibility, and unwilling to admit inferiority to others?

But now, they willingly followed in unison?

What kind of identity did the young man walking ahead possess?

“Calling himself Gu?”

“And also the heir of the Human Ancestor Hall?”

For a moment, the Vermilion Bird King’s mind roared as if struck by a large bell, instantly realizing something. His eyes widened involuntarily.

“It’s hard to believe that… It could be that one!”

“Greetings, Young Master Changge!”

His reaction was swift, and he hastily shouted respectfully, almost from the depths of his heart, not daring to display any extra emotion.

Other than this individual, which other genius in this world could attain such a situation where one person would walk and ten thousand would follow?

“Greetings, Young Lord Changge!”

The remaining ministers and great generals, at this moment, also reacted and spoke with reverence.

Simultaneously, they breathed a sigh of relief in their hearts. After all, there were simply too many rumors about this individual, and even in a place like the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, they often heard them. Whether it was about being the strongest of the younger generation, possessing True Immortal talent, or anything else, it was difficult to conceal his powerful mystique.

“You all don’t have to be polite; this trial is quite burdensome. I also hope that Lord Vermilion Bird Kingdom does not mind.”

Gu Changge waved his hand, his expression as gentle and elegant as ever.

“Young Master Changge, you’re very kind; your words are too flattering.”

The Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom appeared flattered before his arrival; he hadn’t expected it would be led by Gu Changge at all. This stirred a multitude of emotions and happiness within him.

The rumors claimed that young Master Changge was as gentle as jade and extraordinary. Today, witnessing it firsthand, he found it to be truly accurate, as Master Changge even treated a small country master with politeness and courtesy. Thus, he certainly didn’t need to worry about the rest of the entourage, as long as they didn’t do anything to offend or anger this group of geniuses; it shouldn’t bring trouble to the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom.

Observing this, several beautiful princesses of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom also summoned the courage to secretly gaze at the rumored young Master Changge, their minds abuzz with thoughts. Some had even begun contemplating what they would name their future children and grandchildren after the moment they laid eyes on Gu Changge for the first time.

At this juncture, various thoughts circulated in the hearts of the people, each opening their mouths to offer compliments and show respect. Gu Changge appeared to speak gently and politely, demonstrating the etiquette befitting the heir of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, causing the eyes of many princesses and ladies to sparkle with different hues.

Of course, only Jiang Chuchu knew clearly that the façade Gu Changge presented to the world was just a pretense. The only person who truly understood his cold and indifferent nature was the one who had witnessed it. Sometimes, she pondered whether Gu Changge’s demeanor in front of her was also a calculated facade meant to torment her heart. If that were the case, then how frighteningly adept at manipulation Gu Changge truly was.

“If he were intentionally pretending, he wouldn’t have treated me with such disdain…”

With a gentle shake of her head, she dismissed this speculation. Jiang Chuchu still believed that Gu Changge’s heart retained some goodness; otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed her to go and seek out the location of the source of absolute heavenly extinction. The truth was, he could have discovered more about the situation, but sometimes his cold indifference and despair overshadowed this goodness.

Then, the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom hastily issued orders to vacate the finest palace residence for Gu Changge and the group of True Immortal Academy geniuses to settle in. Soon, news of Gu Changge leading the True Immortal Academy geniuses to the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom spread like wildfire, causing a tremendous sensation throughout the kingdom. If there was any genius in the world who could be remembered by everyone, it would be Gu Changge! Even young children who had just begun cultivating had heard of his name. Among the younger generation, the name Gu Changge held a mythical significance, carrying different meanings.

Therefore, upon hearing of Gu Changge’s arrival in the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, the kingdom, which had previously been in chaos and panic, felt a sense of certainty. Even amidst the turmoil, the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom became filled with happiness and excitement, as if blessed in the midst of crisis.

“Based on this turn of fortune and the information I’ve gathered, it seems that this third prince who has suddenly returned is the one favored by luck this time,” mused Gu Changge inside the palace. In his eyes, flickered a black and white divine light, a strange power that seemed to draw from and strip away elements evolved from the rules of heaven and earth.

The aura of the entire Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom was undergoing a noticeable change before his eyes. After dispatching someone to investigate, he quickly learned about the life of this third prince.

Born under a favorable omen, with an immortal crane delivering a remarkable gift on the day of his birth, he displayed extraordinary talent. However, the Vermilion Bird Ancient Country couldn’t support his cultivation, forcing him to leave home, travel extensively, and eventually join an obscure sect. After a few hundred years, he returned, his current level of cultivation unknown.

“Although it’s a python, it can swallow the dragon…” mused Gu Changge. “This third prince’s luck is surprisingly purple, reminiscent of the human ancestor’s reincarnation.”

Gu Changge gently closed the jade slip he had been examining. “So, is he the reincarnation of some ancient great power?”

With some ideas forming in his mind, he contemplated the implications of a child of such luck, perhaps harboring some hidden backhands. There were various types of reincarnation; some involved heavy trauma leading to a soldier’s reincarnation, while others, like the human ancestor, actively reincarnated, leaving behind numerous strategies to rise to power again in the future. What Gu Changge wasn’t sure of was the cause of this third prince’s reincarnation.

“Jiang Chuchu has already moved ahead to find the location where the Absolute Heavenly Extinction erupted, showing diligence and saving me some effort. However, it seems she doesn’t want to see me,” Gu Changge remarked, unfazed. He then instructed a group of True Immortal Academy geniuses to commence their trials to eradicate the Heavenly Extinction Creatures and halt the calamity.

Despite appearances, he felt obliged to take some action, though he had no interest in such mundane matters. It sufficed for his followers to take the lead. As for stepping in to protect these geniuses? He was no babysitter; he had more important matters to attend to.

With that, Gu Changge left the palace, his figure in search of suitable prey. It was time for a breakthrough in cultivation.

“Is this Su Qingge quest line about delving into her background?” he queried the system within his mind. Lately, the rewards reaped from the quest line concerning Su Qingge had been quite substantial. Conveniently, he required a significant number of luck points to procure the Transcendental Bone in the upcoming days.

“Yes, master,” replied the system.

“It appears we must still keep tabs on Su Qingge’s whereabouts. Based on the information I’ve just gleaned, Su Qingge and the woman beside Third Prince Chu Hao seem to share numerous connections,” mused Gu Changge. However, he didn’t feel the need to personally track Su Qingge; such matters didn’t warrant excessive attention. Su Qingge would naturally offer an explanation in due time.

“In addition to that, my cultivation level is nearing the Great Sacred realm. If I can locate a quasi-supreme cultivator with a unique background, even a Great Sacred one will suffice.”

Various thoughts raced through Gu Changge’s mind. The ancient kingdoms of Xuanwu and White Tiger weren’t very far from his current location. That’s where his prey awaited.

Meanwhile, in a partial hall, the Vermilion Bird Kingdom Lord wore a pleased expression as he discussed matters concerning Gu Changge with Chu Hao. Nearby, Ji Qingxuan and Wang Xiao listened intently, each displaying different expressions.

Wang Xiao harbored dissatisfaction with their remote living quarters, especially since the group of geniuses from the True Immortal Academy resided in the best locations with the densest spiritual energy. However, upon seeing the Lord of the Vermilion Bird Kingdom approaching, he fell silent.

Ji Qingxuan listened intently, her cold, clear eyes reflecting a pensive demeanor.

“Father, I’ve heard of him. As the heir of the Ancient Immortal Gu family, the heir of the Heaven Dao Immortal Palace, and the future ruler of the Divine Sect of Absolute Beginning, the power behind him is unimaginably formidable…” she remarked thoughtfully.

“I truly didn’t expect him to possess such influence,” Chu Hao nodded, visibly relieved. He had feared his father would suffer humiliation, but the current situation suggested otherwise.

Gu Changge displayed a gentle and elegant temperament, devoid of any airs of superiority. Strangely, despite his tranquil demeanor, there was no trace of animosity toward the masked Gu Changge. Initially, Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom had subconsciously expected these noble-born geniuses to be haughty and aloof, as he had encountered such attitudes along his journey due to his less-than-ideal origins.

Letting out a long sigh, Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom remarked, “Indeed, Young Master Changge embodies the epitome of genius. His every word and action exude a sense of warmth, devoid of any condescension or arrogance. If you and he were contemporaries, Hao’er, you might have even become friends.”

Hearing this, Chu Hao smiled but didn’t offer much in response. He had heard countless rumors about Gu Changge, both from within the Ancient Immortal Continent and the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace. Some of Gu Changge’s actions, in his opinion, didn’t befit the demeanor of a true gentleman, indicating that they followed different paths. Nonetheless, the fact that Gu Changge refrained from humiliating his father in public was enough for Chu Hao.

“Gu Changge is actually here…” Ji Qingxuan suddenly interjected with a cold and composed expression, her demeanor unchanged, seemingly tired of listening to the father-son conversation.

“Hmm? Then, senior sister, be cautious. Although the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom isn’t particularly dangerous, it’s rare for you to venture out alone,” Chu Hao advised with a momentary smile, nodding in apparent concern.

“Hmmm,” Ji Qingxuan spoke curtly.

“Then, Senior Brother, you guys talk. I’ll accompany Senior Sister Qingxuan around,” Wang Xiao interjected hastily upon seeing Ji Qingxuan’s departure. However, Ji Qingxuan’s figure flickered and swiftly disappeared at the entrance of the hall, giving the impression that she didn’t want him to follow.

“This guy…” Wang Xiao’s face flashed with anger as he quickly chased after her.

“Hao’er, this pair of senior sister and senior brother…” the Vermilion Bird Kingdom master began, but hesitated.

“Father, I understand. Both of them come from extraordinary backgrounds, with proud characters. Especially Wang Xiao, he’s somewhat well-behaved. But the senior sister simply isn’t talkative. In reality, she’s quite kind and understanding,” Chu Hao explained calmly, his demeanor stable and unassuming. “Let them go. In my opinion, the most important matter is still how to address the scourge of this Absolute Heavenly Extinction outbreak…”

The Vermilion Bird King nodded, and the two resumed their discussion.

…

“Ji Qingxuan is incredibly fast. She disappeared in the blink of an eye. Ever since she arrived here, I’ve sensed something off about her. What exactly is she hiding from us?” Wang Xiao’s face darkened as he chased out of the palace, unable to spot Ji Qingxuan’s figure. Despite his strength, it paled in comparison to Ji Qingxuan’s. If she didn’t want to be tracked, it would be easy for her to evade him.

“Elder Xuan, can you see Ji Qingxuan’s figure?” Wang Xiao called out to his own protector.

Upon leaving the mountain gate, Supreme Dao Cave had dispatched protectors out of concern for their safety. However, these protectors often remained hidden in the void, only appearing when danger was sensed. After all, nobody wanted to reveal all their secrets.

“Not seen.”

But soon, Old Xuan’s voice entered Wang Xiao’s ears, deepening his already gloomy expression.

“Hmm?”

“Is that Ji Qingxuan?”

Suddenly, Wang Xiao’s gaze shook as he spotted a familiar figure disappearing into a mansion down the street. However, he remembered that Ji Qingxuan wasn’t wearing that attire earlier. It was hard to believe she had taken the time to change outfits.

“So mysterious. Who are you meeting?”

“When the Gu family heir was mentioned earlier, she didn’t seem right. Could she have met the Gu family heir before? But isn’t the Gu family heir in the opposite direction?”

Contemplating this, Wang Xiao’s unease intensified, and his fists clenched involuntarily. Could Ji Qingxuan have met someone without his knowledge? But Ji Qingxuan hadn’t even left the mountain gate before.

“If I go there hastily, she’ll notice me. I need to see who Ji Qingxuan is meeting first.”

Determined, Wang Xiao’s figure flashed, his expression unusually grim as he arrived at a pavilion. From there, he had a clear view of the mansion Ji Qingxuan had entered.

Meanwhile, inside the mansion that Wang Xiao observed, the atmosphere was serene. A gentle stream meandered among emerald bamboos, lending an air of elegance to the surroundings.

Su Qingge’s expression reflected a mix of curiosity and bewilderment as she gazed at the woman before her.

“It’s really you,” Su Qingge uttered.

“It’s really you,” echoed the woman opposite her—Ji Qingxuan. Despite her calm and composed demeanor, turmoil churned within her.

She never imagined that her sister, who lived in the lower realm, would one day appear before her in such a manner. It all felt too sudden. She had heard from her mother that she had an older sister living in the lower realm, just over a year older than her.

At that moment, Ji Qingxuan understood the strange feeling that had been guiding her here. She murmured softly, “I was just wondering why it feels so strange…”

“It seems your feeling should match mine. So, should I call you sister? Or…?” Su Qingge’s smile was serene and composed. Upon closer inspection, the girl before her bore a striking resemblance to her in height and appearance. With a little grooming, even the most familiar person might struggle to tell them apart. This realization gave Su Qingge a sense of connection between their minds. She wondered if the other party also experienced a sense of duality.

“Sister, my name is Ji Qingxuan,” Ji Qingxuan stated in a calm, cold voice, offering her introduction.

“I know your name is Su Qingge. My mother told me,” Ji Qingxuan added, her voice bearing no discernible difference from Su Qingge’s. If they were described as twins, no one would doubt it.

“Ji Qingxuan, what a lovely name… How is mother doing now?” Su Qingge couldn’t help but inquire after a moment of silence. Her mother had always been her greatest weakness. Despite having few memories, her mother held an irreplaceable significance in her heart.

“Mother actually misses you very much. But due to the family’s decree, she hasn’t stepped out of the courtyard for years. Apart from me, only my uncle has visited her,” Ji Qingxuan explained, her voice icy cold and composed. “After all, when my mother fled her marriage, she brought shame upon the Ji family…”

When they brought my mother back, she was already pregnant with me. If it weren’t for her begging for mercy, they would have knocked me out then,” Ji Qingxuan recounted without emotion, as if it were someone else’s story.

“Later, after I was born, my talent was recognized by the family… It wasn’t easy for you either,” she added, acknowledging Su Qingge’s own struggles.

Listening to Ji Qingxuan’s calm narration, Su Qingge couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. Despite living in the upper realm, she understood that it hadn’t been easy. Raised without a father and with her mother facing confinement due to societal judgment, Su Qingge had borne burdens beyond those of her peers. In contrast, Ji Qingxuan’s life in the lower realm had been far from privileged, despite her father’s status as the Holy Master of Taixuan Holy Land.

“What about you, sister? How did you come to the upper realm? With your cultivation, it must have been difficult,” Su Qingge inquired, genuinely curious.

“I was just lucky. I met the master…” Su Qingge replied, offering a smile with no hint of deceit.

“The master? Could it be…” Ji Qingxuan’s demeanor suddenly turned chillingly cold, her aura becoming menacing.

Su Qingge quickly clarified, “You misunderstand. I truly was fortunate. While in Taixuan Holy Land, I encountered Young Master Changge, who had come to the lower realm in search of something…”

“Sister, do you know Young Master Changge?” Ji Qingxuan’s eyes widened in surprise, completely unexpected.

“Yes,” Su Qingge affirmed, explaining the circumstances again while omitting some irrelevant details, including her inheritance of demonic arts.

“Sister, I suddenly envy your life a bit. It sounds so wonderful,” Ji Qingxuan confessed, her eyes betraying a hint of longing and envy. “I’ve grown up living for the family, always striving for their attention, just hoping to rescue my mother.”

Su Qingge looked at her with a mixture of pity and understanding. “I wish I could have a life like my sister’s,” Ji Qingxuan murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.

Su Qingge paused, contemplating how she could assist her elder sister. With her current strength, rebelling against the family to rescue their mother was impossible.

“Qing Xuan, I happen to be in the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom right now. What if you take my place for a while? You can do as you wish without worrying about consequences. And I’ll take your place,” Su Qingge suggested. “As long as we don’t expose our switch, we should be fine.”

Ji Qingxuan was stunned by the proposal, uncertain of its feasibility. “Is that… okay? Sister, what if there’s a flaw?”

Su Qingge reassured her. “Just be cautious not to arouse suspicion, especially around Young Master Changge. He’s very astute; you can’t hide anything from him. I’ll brief you on everything. If you ever want to leave, it’s fine. No one will blame you.”

“Young Master Changge…” Ji Qingxuan mused, her gaze shifting thoughtfully, before finally emitting a soft hum of agreement.