I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 294

Chapter 294: The growing leek, the childhood sweetheart of the son of luck

With Gu Changge’s departure, the place also returned to its previous clamor. Many cultivators and geniuses engaged in lively discussions, their expressions were extremely shocked, and they couldn’t regain their composure for a long time. What they witnessed today left many people astonished. Whether it was the supreme weapon that Gu Changge wielded or Chu Hao, the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom who had reached the quasi-supreme realm, it was enough to cause a major stir. The Great Sacred Realm was already quite rare, let alone someone at its peak being forced by Gu Changge to the extent of breaking his arms and damaging his origin.

The events here quickly spread through the discussions of various cultivators, causing a huge sensation. The hidden royal family might claim insignificance, but only a few dared to underestimate it. As a direct disciple of the hidden Wang family, Wang Xiao had offended Gu Changge. The outcome, ultimately, was what many had anticipated. After all, Wang Xiao had been the one to harm Gu Changge’s maid from the outset. If he didn’t provide an explanation, it would be akin to a direct affront to Gu Changge.

Failure to resolve such a matter well might even lead to conflict between the two factions. Despite the hidden royal family’s long and formidable lineage, it paled in comparison to the Ancient Immortal Gu family. While some viewed Gu Changge’s methods as excessive and forceful, many shared this sentiment. After all, anyone who had crossed Gu Changge’s path before had met an unpleasant fate. Gu Changge’s strength was apparent from the start; he had bullied and humiliated geniuses along his journey. Even candidates like Jin Chan and Zi Yang Heavenly King had wilted under his hands, suffering shame and profound embarrassment.

The demise of Wang Xiao, a mere footnote, caused no ripples in the vast sea. However, what truly captured everyone’s attention was the awe-inspiring power demonstrated by Chu Hao, the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom.

Quasi-Supreme Realm!

Prior to this, the existence of such a prodigy was virtually unheard of. Perhaps only a few cultivators from the ancient Vermillion Bird country were privy to some of the third prince’s early exploits. He had kept an exceedingly low profile, and rumors about him were scarce. It seemed inconceivable that such a remarkable figure had remained unknown until now.

Subsequently, many cultivators began delving into Chu Hao’s background. From his birth to the manifestation of his astonishing talents, his deeds were nothing short of astounding, causing a sensation.

For instance, his birth was marked by a spectacular vision, with cranes presenting gifts. At the tender age of one, he cultivated alongside a dragon in the palace’s frigid pool, obtaining a millennia-old cold elixir from an ice dragon. At three, he stumbled upon an Immortal Cave, acquiring the Cloud Breaking Immortal Boat and the Colorful Dao Sword. By seven, he was learning mystical scriptures in his dreams.

Upon investigation, many cultivators were left stunned, filled with envy and jealousy. Compared to them, Chu Hao seemed blessed beyond measure, akin to a divine being’s offspring.

Such blessings rendered people speechless. It was no wonder that a small ancient Vermillion Bird country had managed to nurture such a prodigy. Chu Hao emerged as an exceptionally radiant dark horse, capturing everyone’s attention with his attainment of the quasi-supreme realm at just a few hundred years old.

According to eyewitness accounts, Chu Hao’s cultivation had nearly reached the pinnacle of the quasi-supreme realm of the Nine Heavens, with just one step remaining before attaining the supreme realm. Once this news spread, it sent shockwaves across all factions. Ancient powers like the Immortal Great Sect and Supreme Dao Lineages took notice, recognizing the extraordinary luck embodied by Chu Hao.

Behind Chu Hao, the enigmatic and understated Supreme Dao Cave also emerged into public consciousness. Though it maintained a low profile, its true background rivaled that of some immortal great sects and supreme Dao sects. Numerous heritages contemplated extending invitations to Chu Hao.

A talent nearing quasi-supreme status at merely a hundred years old was unprecedented. Even today’s many candidate disciples of the True Immortal Academy were considered incapable of achieving such heights. Given the immense difficulty of reaching the quasi-supreme realm, which often required millions of years in seclusion, the prospect of a quasi-supreme nearing several hundred years old was staggering.

However, despite Chu Hao’s brilliance, another factor gave pause to the Dao forces seeking to recruit him. It was rumored that the ancient Vermillion Bird country had offended Gu Changge, and Chu Hao had played a direct role in this. This revelation led many Dao forces to question the wisdom of recruiting Chu Hao, considering the potential repercussions of his actions against Gu Changge.

….

“Curious. After striking Chu Hao this time, his luck should’ve taken a nosedive, yet it appears to have surged instead.”

Upon returning to the palace, Gu Changge couldn’t help but notice the unexpected change in Chu Hao’s luck, prompting a moment of surprise. Publicly humbling Chu Hao had indeed caused a shift in sentiment among the people of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, resulting in a significant drop in his luck. However, Gu Changge soon observed a steady rise in Chu Hao’s luck.

“This fortunate lad, not a mere block of wood after all. Seems to be full of surprises,” Gu Changge remarked, more intrigued than annoyed. To him, Chu Hao’s blossoming luck resembled a thriving leek, growing vigorously.

“Following the usual pattern, there should be other forces at play here, aside from those backing Chu Hao. But what else… Ah, could it be the leading lady in Chu Hao’s story?” Gu Changge speculated, his eyes flickering with insight.

Though rare, Gu Changge had encountered Chu Hao’s type of reincarnation luck template before. In summary, it could be described in four words: luck defies the heavens. Despite Chu Hao’s noble background as the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, in realms like the Upper Realm, he seemed no different from someone from a remote countryside, garnering disdain from many geniuses who considered the kingdom desolate.

“In that case, Chu Hao’s leading lady must hail from an impressive background. Could she be the source of his newfound fortune?” Gu Changge mused, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

Subsequently, he ordered his numerous followers to closely monitor the situation in the Vermillion Bird Imperial Capital and investigate the woman who had a significant connection with Chu Hao in the past. Though the Vermillion Bird Lord still appeared to reign over the country, in truth, Gu Changge had assumed control, with even the imperial palace under his surveillance. However, to avoid alerting Chu Hao, Gu Changge refrained from assigning anyone to monitor him directly. Monitoring a quasi-supreme being was simply impractical.

“Master…”

At that moment, Ji Qingxuan, whose injuries were nearly healed, entered the room. The injuries sustained earlier had naturally mended swiftly after she took some medicinal herbs and divine pills. Despite her attempts to appear calm and composed, she couldn’t shake off the unease and nervousness weighing on her heart. This environment was different, and uncertainty still lingered within her.

Facing Gu Changge alone, especially with her guilty conscience, Ji Qingxuan felt the overwhelming power emanating from him even more intensely. Even when she encountered her ancestor at the Ji residence, she hadn’t experienced such a potent mixture of nervousness, anxiety, and fear.

“How’s the injury?” Gu Changge inquired casually, raising his head to glance at her.

“It’s almost healed. Thank you for your concern, sir,” Ji Qingxuan responded hastily, though she couldn’t shake off her underlying nervousness.

However, Gu Changge seemed unperturbed by her unease, either not noticing or choosing not to acknowledge it. He reached out and drew her into his arms, asking casually, “Do you have any insights about that woman who bears a striking resemblance to you?”

Nestled in Gu Changge’s arms, Ji Qingxuan savored the feeling of tranquility. Here, she didn’t have to fear or worry about anything. She wondered if anything in the world could compare to the joy of being cradled in her master’s embrace.

In that moment, she fully immersed herself in the role of her sister, Su Qingge.

Upon hearing this, she deliberately lifted her lovely face and offered an explanation, “Master, I believe she may be my younger sister. When my mother was brought back to the Upper Realm, she might have been pregnant…”

Gu Changge snorted, his expression indifferent. “Then don’t you intend to meet her?”

“If the opportunity arises, I will go meet her. But if her older brother offended you, Master, I wouldn’t want to cause any trouble…” Ji Qingxuan responded smoothly, having carefully considered her words beforehand.

“Why would I mind?” Gu Changge smiled

“Young Master, you’re so gracious,” Ji Qingxuan replied, her smile dripping with sweetness.

“Oh? Where am I?” Gu Changge asked casually.

“Master…” Ji Qingxuan began, but was cut off by Gu Changge, who emitted a low hum.

In the next moment, her beautiful eyes widened in surprise, caught off guard. Hadn’t her sister mentioned that her master had never made advances toward her before? Why was he suddenly…?

However, at that moment, Ji Qingxuan couldn’t dwell on such thoughts as her mind went blank.

Are you one step ahead of your sister?

….

Amidst the uproar in the outside world due to this incident, the ancient Vermillion Bird country was equally unsettled.

“Hao’er, you’re in a difficult situation…” Within the depths of the Royal Palace of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom, Lord Vermillion Bird, having learned of the events, appeared helpless and sighed with sadness etched on his face. Initially, he had thought the conflict was between Gu Changge and Chu Hao. However, upon discovering that Chu Hao had intervened to protect someone who had offended Gu Changge, even though that person was Chu Hao’s junior brother and a direct disciple of the hidden royal family, Lord Vermillion Bird couldn’t help but feel it was an unwise decision.

Since offending Gu Changge, even if Gu Changge didn’t overtly express animosity, the enmity had already been established, making resolution nearly impossible. It simply wasn’t worth it.

“It seems Gu Changge summoned me at that time merely to force your submission. Had you not complied, Hao’er, I might have faced Gu Changge’s wrath by now,” Lord Vermillion Bird remarked with a tinge of fear in his tone. Despite being the ruler of the Vermillion Bird kingdom, he felt small and vulnerable before Gu Changge’s power.

The bitter realization left him feeling helpless, yet he dared not harbor resentment.

Chu Hao’s expression soured slightly as he clenched his fists, his pride evident as he recalled the humiliation he endured.

“Father, I saved Wang Xiao for the sake of the ancient Vermillion Bird country. You don’t understand the precarious position of the hidden royal family. If I hadn’t intervened, they would’ve pinned the blame on our kingdom,” Chu Hao explained.

“The hidden Wang family wouldn’t dare provoke the Ancient Immortal Gu family. Even if they knew Gu Changge had killed Wang Xiao, they’d remain silent. And with the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s backing, they wouldn’t bother with a small kingdom like ours, even if I’ve offended Gu Changge,” Chu Hao reasoned.

“Speaking of which, Hao’er, do you know about the factions attempting to curry favor with Gu Changge and the Ancient Immortal Gu family?”

“Alas… your actions today have truly confounded me,” Lord Vermillion Bird sighed, his face etched with sorrow, understanding Chu Hao’s implications. However, Chu Hao’s perspective was overly simplistic. While the Ancient Immortal Gu family might disdain dealing with a small kingdom like theirs, there were still numerous Dao Lineages eager to please them and Gu Changge.

“This…” Chu Hao’s expression paled as he quickly grasped the gravity of the situation. Even if he did nothing, he had underestimated the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s influence. Countless Dao Lineages would target the ancient Vermillion Bird country to win favor with them.

“Father, I didn’t consider this thoroughly at the time,” Chu Hao admitted guiltily. “My actions have brought calamity upon the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom. Gu Changge’s arrogance and strength provoked my impulsiveness…”

“Let’s not dwell on that,” Lord Vermillion Bird interjected, seeking to ease the tension. “Hao’er, you’ve reached the quasi-supreme realm. Even if other powers seek to harm our kingdom, they’ll have to consider your status. I believe the Supreme Dao Cave behind you won’t remain passive.”

With a sense of relief, Lord Vermillion Bird continued, aware that Chu Hao had achieved the quasi-supreme realm. It was worth noting that even the ancient Vermillion Bird country’s ancestors had only attained the Great Sacred Realm. Chu Hao’s accomplishment in just a few hundred years brought pride to his father’s heart.

Truly, he was a worthy son!

Chu Hao also smiled, nodding in agreement. “Father, don’t worry. With me here, no one can bully the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country.”

At that moment, a guard interrupted, “My lord, Miss Wan is outside the palace and requests an audience with you.”

“Miss Wan?” Lord Vermillion Bird paused for a moment, then smiled at Chu Hao. “You’ve returned just in time, and Miss Wan happens to be in the imperial capital. You two should catch up.”

“Wan’er…” Chu Hao’s expression turned slightly distant as he recalled a young girl’s face. She had been his childhood sweetheart. How long had it been since he last saw her? He wondered how she was faring.

Quickly regaining his composure, he smiled sincerely. “So she’s in the Vermillion Bird Imperial Capital.”

With that, Chu Hao swiftly exited the palace.

Outside, a graceful woman stood elegantly, clad in a simple, unadorned long gauze dress. Her name was Tang Wan. Despite wearing no makeup, her fair and delicate skin exuded charm, her demeanor gentle and refined.

With a welcoming smile, Tang Wan waited patiently, alone, displaying the poise of a well-bred lady. Even a stranger encountering her would form a favorable impression.

“Today’s events must have been tough on Brother Hao, but I believe he’ll overcome it,” Tang Wan murmured to herself, having witnessed the day’s tumultuous events. From Chu Hao revealing his quasi-supreme realm cultivation to his ultimate surrender under Gu Changge’s coercion, she understood the strain he must have endured.

In her view, without the pressure exerted by Gu Changge and the people of the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom, Chu Hao wouldn’t have yielded so easily. It wasn’t a matter of his strength being inadequate, but rather the emotional ties binding him to his kingdom. In a different context, Gu Changge wouldn’t have had such an easy time pressuring Chu Hao.

“In just a few hundred years, Brother Chu Hao has reached the quasi-supreme realm. His dazzling brilliance was only witnessed by me from the start,” Tang Wan mused to herself, reminiscing. As she contemplated, she spotted a handsome, towering figure emerging from the palace—it was Chu Hao.

“Wan’er…” Chu Hao’s voice rang out in surprise, his joy palpable.

“Brother Hao, it’s been too long…” Tang Wan smiled, her eyes reflecting her inner thoughts.

Subsequently, the two engaged in a heartfelt conversation, catching up on each other’s lives over the years. While Chu Hao kept some secrets to himself, he openly shared many experiences, including his adventures. Tang Wan listened with fascination, admiration evident in her expression.

“Wherever you go, Brother Hao, you shine bright,” Tang Wan complimented warmly.

“What’s the point of shining if I still end up being pushed around by others? Once this matter is resolved, I’ll have to immerse myself in seclusion again. Only after breaking through to the supreme realm can I protect the Vermillion Bird kingdom and Father Emperor from being bullied,” Chu Hao sighed, his current struggles laid bare before Tang Wan.

“I believe in you. But what about me, Brother Hao?” Tang Wan teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Of course, no one will dare to bully you either,” Chu Hao asserted confidently, his demeanor protective as he regarded his childhood sweetheart. Despite his dedication to cultivating the Dao, he wasn’t devoid of affection. Furthermore, he sensed that Tang Wan had been waiting for him.

“However, Wan’er, with your background, I doubt anyone would dare to cross you. You went to great lengths to conceal your true identity from me all those years,” Chu Hao remarked, a hint of helplessness in his smile as he recalled their past. In his youth, he had assumed Tang Wan was merely a merchant’s daughter, confiding in her without reservation. Only later did he discover that she was the heiress of the formidable Wan Dao Business Alliance, concealing her true status all along.

The Wan Dao Business Alliance stood as one of the most renowned business conglomerates in the Upper Realm, its influence stretching far and wide.

Although Tang Wan’s grandfather merely headed a branch of the alliance, his authority rivaled that of the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country. Despite being the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, Chu Hao had little opportunity to interact with her.

“If it weren’t for that, how would I have known that Brother Hao is different from those other geniuses?” Tang Wan smiled at the memory.

Then, with a touch of mischief, she added, “Now that Brother Hao is a quasi-supreme cultivator, even within the business alliance, he commands enough respect to catch the attention of high-ranking figures. My grandfather won’t have much to say…”

“Your grandfather spoke out of concern for you, Wan’er. Don’t be upset with him,” Chu Hao interjected quickly, gesturing dismissively.

“I understand, Brother Hao. But why do you concern yourself so much with others’ feelings? If you changed your demeanor, Gu Changge wouldn’t have such power over you,” Tang Wan sighed lightly, a hint of helplessness in her smile.

From the outset, she harbored no illusions about Gu Changge. Despite his seemingly affable facade, she knew his inherent arrogance and disdain couldn’t be disguised. This time, Gu Changge easily manipulated Chu Hao by threatening the lives of the people of the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom and Lord Vermillion Bird, viewing them as insignificant beings.

“Gu Changge is formidable…”

“Dealing with him is indeed challenging,” Chu Hao admitted, frustration evident as he clenched his fists.

“I have an idea, Brother Hao. Why don’t you seek out those geniuses who have crossed paths with Gu Changge? I’ve heard that Zi Yang, the Heavenly King of the True Immortal Academy, seems to be at odds with Gu Changge…”

With that, Tang Wan retrieved a jade slip from her sleeve and handed it to Chu Hao, containing information she had gathered for him.

“Thank you, Wan’er,” Chu Hao expressed his gratitude as he accepted the jade slip, his spiritual senses immediately probing its contents. He was deeply moved by Tang Wan’s foresight, appreciating her proactive approach in preparing a countermeasure for him.

“As long as I can be of help to Brother Hao,” Tang Wan replied with a smile, her sincerity evident.

Subsequently, they engaged in further conversation before Tang Wan bid her farewell and departed. Though Chu Hao felt reluctant to see her go, he understood the urgency of the situation at hand.

With the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom facing both internal and external threats, survival had become paramount.

However, Tang Wan, mindful of the potential risk of attracting Gu Changge’s attention, employed a spatial magic tool for her departure. As a result, a ripple of energy enveloped her, and she vanished from sight.

Her departure mirrored her arrival—cautious and vigilant.