I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 293

Chapter 293: It’s a person who knows what to do at the right time, thank you, master, master is so nice

“It’s pointless to talk nonsense; I don’t care what kind of force is backing you. Let me ask you again, are you determined to protect this guy today?” However, Gu Changge didn’t allow Chu Hao to finish his words. He interrupted him indifferently, his eyes filled with disdain and superiority. In the eyes of everyone present, the title of Supreme Dao Cave was not worthy of Gu Changge.

“Master Changge…”

“If you pardon someone, there’s nothing in this world that can’t be resolved. Junior Brother Wang Xiao didn’t do it intentionally. He can compensate for any losses incurred by this girl.”

Chu Hao couldn’t help but furrow his brows. He had already kept his demeanor low, yet Gu Changge showed no respect whatsoever. He seemed to disregard Supreme Dao Cave entirely.

In truth, Chu Hao harbored his own pride. As for Gu Changge, he only cared about the forces behind him. After all, he had reached the quasi-supreme realm at the age of hundreds. He had remained extremely low-key, with no news about him circulating. Otherwise, it would have surely caused a stir and garnered the attention of all major factions. In Chu Hao’s view, Gu Changge, the so-called strongest of the younger generation, was nothing remarkable.

His peers, when they were his age, were merely wandering in the sacred realm, while he was on the brink of reaching supremacy. With such arrogance, Chu Hao initially resisted Gu Changge. He had softened a bit due to his father’s attitude, but today, Gu Changge’s blatant disrespect reignited his anger.

“Compensation? Do you think Gu needs such a thing?” Gu Changge remarked lightly. “Perhaps you believe your junior brother is entitled to compensation?”

“Sorry, but in my eyes, he’s not even worthy to touch a single strand of Qingge’s hair, let alone after today, when he caused Qingge such a serious injury. Today, I believe it would be too kind if he were to shred his body into thousands of pieces.”

Gu Changge’s words were casual, but they stirred up a storm in everyone’s hearts. Especially Su Qingge and Ji Qingxuan, despite their changed identities, it felt like he was addressing them directly, leaving their hearts in turmoil for quite some time.

Many of the proud women in attendance trembled even more, filled with envy. How many women in the world could elicit such words from Young Master Changge? They would likely have to consider themselves fortunate for the rest of their lives!

“Master, please save me!” Wang Xiao’s face drained of color upon hearing Gu Changge’s threat to tear his body apart. He trembled with fear.

“Don’t worry,” Chu Hao nodded, showing no disagreement with Gu Changge’s statement.

Boom!

At that moment, Gu Changge ceased all chatter and launched into action. His palm surged with monstrous aura, transforming into a terrifying golden grinding disc that blanketed the sky, descending with rolling force, runes cascading, rules interweaving, and tyranny reaching its zenith. Even Elder Xuan, a revered cultivator of the great sacred realm, underwent a drastic change in expression, feeling a sense of terror, his body tingling as if on the verge of cracking. If even he felt this way, then the other geniuses and cultivators were faring even worse.

In a panic, they scattered and fled, fearing even a brush with the aftermath. Such power transcended the capabilities of ordinary cultivators of the great sacred realm, and this was merely a casual strike from Gu Changge.

The geniuses of True Immortal Academy were struck with disbelief, their eyes widening in awe. “It’s terrifying! Is this just a glimpse of Young Master Changge’s true strength?”

“Previously, I thought his power was limited to the sacred realm at best, but the divine might he exhibits today is likely nearing the level of the great sacred realm!”

“Unbelievable! Who would have guessed… that Young Master Changge concealed such depths? Perhaps this is only a fraction of his true strength…”

With these realizations, the awe and reverence for Gu Changge deepened among the geniuses. Nonetheless, they wasted no time and swiftly departed the area, sensing that the battle might engulf the entire Vermillion Bird Imperial City and lay waste to everything in its path.

“Gu Changge!” Chu Hao’s expression soured as he tightened his grip on Wang Xiao. He hadn’t anticipated Gu Changge would act so abruptly without a word. Forced to retreat with Wang Xiao in tow, he couldn’t help but feel aggrieved. If he dared to confront Gu Changge, wouldn’t it mean provoking the vast and terrifying force behind him? This sense of constraint left Chu Hao deeply frustrated.

Boom!

But even as he retreated, Gu Changge’s palm descended, engulfing many buildings and pavilions below in explosions. Terrifying cracks fissured across the imperial capital, reducing swathes of palaces and mansions to ashes. Many cultivators who couldn’t flee in time screamed as their bodies and souls were annihilated. Witnessing this scene sent a chill down Chu Hao’s spine, igniting anger within him. After all, this was his birthplace, and he held deep affection for it. While Gu Changge showed no concern, Chu Hao did, especially for those cultivators, many of whom he knew well.

Gu Changge released Ji Qingxuan, his figure traversing the void as he spoke lightly, “Even now, are you still intent on protecting him?”

“Gu Changge, as a descendant of the Ancient Immortal Gu family and a candidate disciple of the True Immortal Academy, is this how you conduct yourself? Ignoring the lives and deaths of others?” Chu Hao’s heart seethed with fury as he raised his voice.

“What’s wrong with that?” Gu Changge’s tone remained nonchalant. “Yet you, as the prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, chose to forsake your own people to save this so-called junior. Do you think they are inferior to your junior brother? It appears your junior brother holds great sway over you.”

Each of Gu Changge’s words struck deep, stirring instant anger and resentment among many cultivators in the ancient Vermillion Bird country. As for blaming Gu Changge, did they dare? On the contrary, it was Chu Hao, as a prince, who failed to protect his own people, opting instead to rescue his junior brother and incur Gu Changge’s wrath.

It was clear to anyone with discernment that this matter needed addressing with Gu Changge. However, Chu Hao’s actions, prioritizing Wang Xiao’s rescue, only served to further antagonize Gu Changge.

“Gu Changge, you’re quite adept at tactics. Do you still have the nerve to feign gentlemanly conduct?” Chu Hao’s voice dripped with coldness as he deciphered the implications behind Gu Changge’s words. However, in this moment of distress, he couldn’t clarify matters to the cultivators of the ancient Vermillion Bird country.

“This Gu never claimed to be a good person,” Gu Changge smiled calmly. “It appears today the ancient Vermillion Bird country is set on opposing me?”

“Ding, the fortunate son, Chu Hao, has been harmed by the people of the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom, and his luck continues to diminish…” He paid no heed to the alert from the system. After all, everything was unfolding as he expected. Chu Hao initially believed Gu Changge’s target was Wang Xiao, but he was merely a pawn. From start to finish, Gu Changge’s true target was Chu Hao, the fortunate son.

“Gu Changge, this is my affair alone; it has nothing to do with the Vermillion Bird Kingdom. Please don’t involve them,” Chu Hao stated with a deep voice. The Vermillion Bird Ancient Kingdom and his father were his vulnerabilities. He was a man of deep loyalty and righteousness, evident in his swift return from the sect when the Vermillion Bird Ancient Kingdom faced the scourge of the Absolute Heavenly Extinction. Yet, Gu Changge now threatened him with these very vulnerabilities.

“Didn’t you just claim to be the third prince of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom? Now suddenly it’s none of your concern?” Gu Changge’s smile faded into a cold expression. “Someone, fetch the Lord of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom for me!”

“Yes, master!” The followers behind him promptly received the command, ready to transform into divine lights and rush toward the imperial palace.

“Gu Changge, stop!” Chu Hao’s expression shifted abruptly as he shouted. He never anticipated Gu Changge’s previous affable demeanor to vanish, revealing such terrifying claws and teeth that sent shivers down his spine.

Boom!

At that moment, he abandoned all pretense, and a terrifying quasi-supreme pressure erupted from his body, instantly sweeping through the entire Vermilion Bird Imperial City. Every cultivator present felt it—a sensation of soul palpitations and trembling, compelling them to bow down in that direction. The anger of a supreme being could effortlessly disrupt the heavens and the earth, obscuring the moon with a mere hand gesture and shattering stars with a flick of the fingers.

The power of the quasi-supreme realm was beyond description. If Chu Hao so desired, he could obliterate the Vermilion Bird Imperial City with just a single finger.

“Quasi-Supreme realm…”

“Goodness gracious, the third prince has reached the quasi-supreme realm! It’s incredible. When he left the Imperial City, he was only at the Heavenly God realm. In just a few hundred years, he’s ascended to the quasi-supreme realm!”

“Wow! This is mind-boggling!”

“The third prince is truly extraordinary. Achieving quasi-supremacy at such a young age defies belief…”

“At this moment, everyone is utterly astonished, their eyes wide with disbelief.”

Even Su Qingge, Ji Qingxuan, and the elegant woman in the pavilion were stunned.

“Brother Chu Hao shines brighter than anyone else,” the elegant woman said with adoration in her eyes.

“Big Brother is a quasi-supreme… that’s amazing…”

“I’m going to be okay,” Wang Xiao couldn’t help but feel surprised and hopeful. He had never imagined that his eldest brother was a quasi-supreme. With Supreme Dao Cave protecting him, Wang Xiao knew his life would be secure.

However, the moment Chu Hao revealed his quasi-supreme cultivation…

Behind Gu Changge, a majestic aura surged, akin to a sun shining in the sky of ages, bright and captivating yet weighty as a mountain river. Divine mountains, rivers, and seas; the sun, moon, and stars; the heavens and the earth all seemed to be in motion… Numerous divine scenes emerged vividly, as if reflecting ancient time and space, resonating with a natural Dao rhythm and exuding terrifying supreme pressure.

It manifested as a grand seal transformed into mountains and seas, majestic and weighty, surging and vast. The moment it appeared, the vault of heaven seemed obscured, as if it could barely withstand such power and was on the brink of collapse.

“A supreme weapon!” Once again, everyone’s expression changed dramatically, shocked to the core. The revelation of Chu Hao’s quasi-supreme cultivation was already frightening and astounding, but Gu Changge’s immediate use of a supreme weapon sent shivers down their spines and froze their souls.

What kind of wealth was this? Such a young individual possessing a supreme weapon! It was simply unimaginable. Yet, as it happened and Gu Changge activated it, it became evident that it was more than just an ornament.

“Are you sure you want to challenge me?” Gu Changge’s expression still held a hint of casual indifference.

“You…” Chu Hao’s face underwent a dramatic change, a profound anger simmering within him, only to be forcibly suppressed. He never anticipated that Gu Changge was already prepared and would directly employ a supreme weapon.

If he engaged in combat with Gu Changge, there was no doubt that the entire Vermilion Bird Imperial Capital would be razed to dust and ruins. Not even the entire territory of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom could withstand the clash of supreme beings; the resulting aftermath could easily extend over ten million miles, wreaking havoc and devastation.

He had hoped that revealing his quasi-supreme cultivation would deter Gu Changge and compel him to cease, but he hadn’t anticipated Gu Changge’s arsenal of tricks.

“Big Brother, save me!” Wang Xiao pleaded urgently. “If something happens to me, the clan won’t spare the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom. You know my uncle…”

Observing Chu Hao’s silent and restrained demeanor, Wang Xiao sensed an overwhelming unease. Panic swept through his body once again. He couldn’t help but cry out, terrified of death and unwilling to perish in this chaos.

“Hao’er, what’s happening here…” At that moment, high in the sky, the Vermilion Bird King, his face pale and bewildered, was escorted over by a group of Gu Changge’s followers. As the Vermilion Bird King beheld the scene, panic and unease gripped his heart. He remained oblivious to the unfolding events.

But seeing the deployment of the supreme weapon, he realized the imminent threat to the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom.

“Father…” Chu Hao gritted his teeth, forcing himself to regain composure. However, as he observed Gu Changge’s aloof and disdainful countenance, he seethed with suffocating resentment. When had he, proud to his very core, ever experienced such humiliation and suppression?

Yet, with the Lord of the Vermilion Bird Kingdom in Gu Changge’s grasp, what choice did he have but to yield?

“Young Lord Changge, what’s happening here…?” The Vermilion Bird King approached Gu Changge with profound trepidation and anxiety, carefully inquiring about the situation.

“I simply invited the Lord of the Vermilion Bird Kingdom to witness the spectacle. It’s nothing major; there’s no need to fret,” Gu Changge replied with a faint smile. He then cast a glance over his followers and spoke indifferently, “I instructed you to invite the Vermilion Bird Lord. Who gave you permission to disrespect him?”

“We acknowledge our mistake. Please forgive us, Master,” the followers knelt down in haste, seeking forgiveness.

Gu Changge nodded, his expression softening slightly. “I believe the Lord of Vermilion Bird Kingdom isn’t bothered by such trivial matters. You may rise.”

“Yes, thank you, Master,” the followers responded gratefully, rising to their feet.

Witnessing this exchange, nearby cultivators couldn’t help but feel a chill run down their spine. Even the Vermilion Bird King appeared as though he could be crushed at any moment before Gu Changge. They felt insignificant in comparison, mere specks in the presence of such power.

“Hao’er…” The Vermilion Bird Kingdom’s Lord sighed, sensing the gravity of the situation.

“It’s alright, Father,” Chu Hao reassured him, loosening his tightly clenched fist and choosing to yield.

With that, the formidable quasi-supreme pressure dissipated, signaling Chu Hao’s decision.

“Big Brother, you can’t abandon me…” Wang Xiao couldn’t help but despair at the turn of events.

“The third prince knows when to act,” Gu Changge remarked with a faint smile, offering no further explanation.

And then, the great seal behind the floating mountains and seas emitted a ray of supreme rules with a gentle tremor. Without the slightest resistance, the terrified Wang Xiao was directly obliterated, his body and soul destroyed in an instant.

“Wang Xiao is dead…” Ji Qingxuan, standing behind Gu Changge and covered in blood, watched the scene unfold. Her heart swirled with a complex mix of emotions—elation, relief, and even a twisted sense of pleasure. It was difficult to put into words the array of feelings she experienced. The people she once needed to tread cautiously around were now insignificant in the face of Gu Changge’s power, easily crushed like ants. This stark contrast left her momentarily disoriented. She had once cautioned her sister Su Qingge to be wary of Wang Xiao, never anticipating his swift demise.

“So this is life, sister’s life…” A thought she shouldn’t have entertained crossed her mind. If things had remained as they were and her identity hadn’t changed, how much simpler life would have been.

“Master…” Su Qingge, watching from a distance, also felt a surge of complex emotions, her heart heavy with mixed feelings.

“Now that the issue is resolved, I trust you’re feeling more comfortable?” Gu Changge casually addressed Ji Qingxuan as he approached. His mind buzzed with the prompts from the system. The acquisition of Luck points and destiny points from the confrontation with the Son of Luck had proven to be a fruitful harvest. As for Chu Hao’s matter, he saw no rush. Like slicing leeks, it was best done slowly to maximize the benefits.

“Well, thank you, Master,” Ji Qingxuan expressed with genuine gratitude. Her smile was radiant and her words sincere, almost from the depths of her heart. She half-expected Gu Changge to lift her up, as he had done moments ago, and felt a flutter of anticipation. However, she was taken aback when Gu Changge walked past her after uttering those words, offering no further interaction.

A moment of panic gripped Ji Qingxuan as she wondered if Gu Changge had detected something unusual. But recalling her sister’s advice, she understood Gu Changge’s character—he wouldn’t act without reason. In other words, his previous action wasn’t directed at her. This realization brought Ji Qingxuan some relief, though she found Gu Changge’s enigmatic nature challenging to decipher. She couldn’t be certain if he had truly sensed anything peculiar.

Putting aside her injuries, Ji Qingxuan hurried after Gu Changge. Throughout the ordeal, she avoided looking back at her sister Su Qingge, fearful of drawing Gu Changge’s attention to any abnormality.

“Qingxuan fears she may be caught in a dilemma, unsure how to proceed…” Su Qingge sighed inwardly, mindful of her current identity.

“Big Brother, what should we do about this situation? We’ve incurred Gu Changge’s wrath, and now even Senior Brother Wang Xiao…” Su Qingge’s tone betrayed her concern as she voiced her worries.

Chu Hao sniffed and forced a smile, waving his hand dismissively. “It’s nothing serious. I’ll report the matter to the sect first.”

And then, he turned to Elder Xuan, whose face betrayed a hint of sorrow, and addressed him, “Regarding the matter of Senior Brother Wang Xiao, I hope Elder Xuan will also notify the Wang family.”

“I’ve done all I could in this matter, but Gu Changge’s strength is overwhelming… There’s little I can do,” Elder Xuan lamented.

“I witnessed the events firsthand and understand that you’re not to blame, Elder Xuan. When the time comes and the Wang family inquires, I’ll ensure they understand the true circumstances… Xuan Lao, there’s no need for concern,” Chu Hao reassured him.

Relieved, Xuan Lao nodded. “Don’t worry, Mr. Chu. Leave this matter to me. The Wang family will handle it justly and won’t trouble Lord Chu.”

With mutual reassurance, the two men breathed a collective sigh of relief, though each harbored their own anxieties. Wang Xiao’s demise in the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom left them uncertain of the Wang family’s response, especially considering Gu Changge was the perpetrator.

“By the way, Senior Sister Qingxuan, what’s your relationship with that woman? Do you know her?” Chu Hao suddenly questioned, noticing the striking resemblance between Ji Qingxuan and the woman in white.

Surprised by the inquiry, Su Qingge also looked puzzled and curious. “I’m not sure. It did seem peculiar earlier, prompting me to leave the palace and investigate.”

Chu Hao contemplated for a moment. “Could it be that you have a sister your mother hasn’t told you about?” He vaguely recalled details of Ji Qingxuan’s past, including her mother’s escape to the lower realm to evade marriage before being apprehended and returned.

“I’ll inquire with my mother about it when there’s an opportunity,” Su Qingge agreed, nodding.

Satisfied with her response, Chu Hao let the matter rest.