I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 296

Chapter 296: The art of being able to foretell misfortune, cannot possibly care about childhood sweethearts

In the midst of the dark and damp dungeon, lay a profoundly wretched, blood-soaked young man, securely bound, his eyes filled with a mixture of anger, fear, and disturbance. It was none other than Tang Tian, who had been apprehended by Yin Mei at the Drunken Immortal Building. By now, he was well aware that he had been set up.

Right from the start, Boss Zhu of the Drunken Immortal House had orchestrated everything, reassuring Tang Tian with a slew of words to lull him into complacency. But in his foolishness, Tang Tian hadn’t suspected a thing.

Unfamiliar with the concept of being a scapegoat, Tang Tian could hardly contain his urge to protest. “Yin Mei, I’ve never wronged you. Why conspire against me like this?” he exclaimed, glaring angrily at the white-clad woman before him, his hatred plain to see.

Yin Mei, her gaze cold and devoid of warmth, retorted, “What nonsense are you spouting? Denying your involvement now won’t help your case.”

“You’re the one behind all of this,” Tang Tian accused, his mind racing to connect the dots. “You orchestrated the involvement of that maid and Shopkeeper Zhu. Your target was my sister, and you resorted to such despicable tactics to achieve your goal.”

“I demand to see my grandfather. How dare you drag me into this over a mere maid…” Tang Tian’s thoughts raced as he pieced together Yin Mei’s motives. He concluded that she must be vying against his sister for something, hence resorting to such tactics to threaten her.

“I can’t make heads or tails of what you’re saying,” Tang Tian protested, his voice thick with confusion and disbelief.

“You refuse to confess, huh? No matter. My Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox clan has plenty of methods to deal with the likes of you. We can easily sever your lower half, and even as a cultivator, you won’t be able to regenerate it…” Yin Mei’s tone remained icy as she spoke.

With her cold demeanor intact, Yin Mei exited the dungeon, addressing the guards outside with a detached air. “Since he won’t confess, proceed with the execution.”

Upon hearing these words, Tang Tian’s expression in the dungeon shifted suddenly, panic flooding his features. “How dare you!” he cried out.

“Yin Mei, I’m the sole heir of the Tang family. If you treat me like this, my grandfather and family won’t stand idly by.”

The prospect of becoming a mutilated shell filled Tang Tian with dread. He couldn’t fathom what awaited him if Yin Mei’s threats were realized; he knew the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox clan possessed the means to carry out such a punishment.

“Don’t think the Tang family would risk angering my Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox clan over you. In the grand scheme of a cultivator’s lifespan, your generation holds little significance,” Yin Mei retorted coldly.

“Proceed,” she commanded.

“Yes, Miss,” the guards outside acknowledged with sinister smiles, entering the dungeon with large, crocodile-like golden pincers in hand, ready to carry out Yin Mei’s orders.

“Yin Mei, please, stop this…” Tang Tian pleaded desperately.

“Stop!” he shouted, his face draining of color as he watched the unfolding horror, unable to contain his trembling. He hadn’t imagined Yin Mei would actually go through with it. The thought of such a fate was more unbearable to him than death itself.

“Do you dare to confess now?” Yin Mei’s smile remained outside the dungeon, her nine fluffy snow-white fox tails lending her an air of dignity and breathtaking beauty.

“I… I confess…” Tang Tian choked out through gritted teeth, seething with hatred towards Yin Mei.

In his heart, he wished for her demise, regretting ever trusting such a heavenly beautiful woman with a heart as venomous as a scorpion’s.

“Very well, speak your truth,” Yin Mei instructed, holding a memory stone in her hand.

Half an hour later, she emerged from the dungeon and made her way to a serene, secluded mansion. In the courtyard sat a man in white, calmly sipping tea. With handsome features and an aura of transcendence, it was difficult to imagine the sinister commands that had originated from his lips.

“Did he confess?” Gu Changge, the man in white, asked, glancing up at Yin Mei with a faint smile.

“He did,” Yin Mei replied sweetly, presenting the memory stone containing the recorded confession.

She handed it over to Gu Changge, who accepted it with a nod, his smile widening slightly at the confirmation of Tang Tian’s admission.

“Excellent,” Gu Changge nodded in approval, casting a sweeping gaze around before flashing a smile. “Let’s arrange the banquet now and await the arrival of our esteemed guests.”

“As for this memory stone, make extra copies and ensure the Tang family receives them,” he instructed.

“Understood,” Yin Mei acknowledged, then voiced her concerns, “But Master, what if the Tang family becomes suspicious? Tang Wan doesn’t strike me as a fool. Will she see through our plan?”

“Tang Wan won’t be fooled. Not only will she see through it, she’ll likely inform her grandfather as well. I want you to deliver the memory stone to the Tang family first. If they’re not fools, they’ll understand that this matter is far from simple,” Gu Changge replied casually, his confidence unwavering. Every detail had been meticulously calculated, leaving little room for error.

He was eagerly anticipating surprising Chu Hao, the fortunate son, who was currently embroiled in resolving the crisis at the Heavenly Extinction scourge, dealing with the affairs of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom. Gu Changge knew Chu Hao wouldn’t spare a thought for his childhood friend amidst such chaos.

“I understand. It all hinges on the Tang family’s and Tang Wan’s response to Tang Tian’s situation,” Yin Mei agreed, quickly grasping Gu Changge’s intentions.

With Tang Wan’s intelligence, she would likely discern the orchestrated nature of the situation. Even if she attended the banquet, she’d recognize it as a mere formality. When the time came to negotiate for Tang Tian’s release, she’d likely inform her grandfather beforehand, opting not to involve the full might of the Tang family.

By providing the memory stone to the Tang family beforehand, revealing Tang Tian’s confession, Yin Mei aimed to demonstrate that the situation was easily resolvable. It was a matter of attitude, perhaps even a veiled threat.

After all, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox clan had no reason to fear the Tang family. In the hierarchy, Tang Tian, as a direct disciple of the Tang family, held a much higher status than the maid beside Yin Mei. Even if the Tang family took a hard stance, Yin Mei couldn’t argue her case. The Nine-Tailed Fox clan wouldn’t risk a full confrontation with the Tang family over a mere maid; it was simply a matter of self-interest.

Meanwhile, in the Golden Altar Ancient City, not far from the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, stood an important ancient city under the auspices of the Wan Dao Business Alliance. It served as a vital nexus connecting nearby major ancient cities.

In a serene and distinctive courtyard within this ancient city, a graceful woman draped in a long, unadorned gauze dress sat quietly behind a curtain, engrossed in examining numerous jade slips before her. Her countenance exuded gentleness and allure, her complexion porcelain-like and fair. With a jade brush in hand, she meticulously inscribed something onto the slips.

As she wrote, a formidable aura enveloped the surroundings, and layers of mysterious energy materialized beneath her strokes. Each character she penned appeared in golden lines, imprinting onto the jade slips before her very eyes. In the haze, one could almost perceive living landscapes of mountains and rivers, seemingly manifesting from the very jade.

“The Miss’s prowess in calligraphy is unmatched. With her skill, she could likely surpass even cultivators in the sacred realm,” remarked the maid standing beside the woman, unable to contain her admiration as she observed the scene unfold.

“What’s with worrying about enemies in the sacred realm? Brother Hao has already reached the quasi-supreme realm,” the maid remarked.

“He’s on the brink of breaking through to the Supreme Realm. Compared to him, I’m lagging far behind. I can’t fathom how he managed to cultivate so rapidly over these years. He’s truly a prodigy. I’m just glad I recognized his talent early on…” Tang Wan, the gentlewoman, spoke with a mix of happiness and admiration as she mentioned Chu Hao.

However, despite her smile, there was a hint of helplessness in her expression. She had discreetly left the ancient Vermilion Bird Country with a spatial device, opting to temporarily reside in this ancient city. Knowing Chu Hao’s current predicament, she didn’t venture too far from him.

Although the courtyard appeared tranquil, it harbored numerous hidden dangers, with intricate formation patterns laced throughout. Unauthorized entry would trigger the activation of these formations, leading to swift annihilation of body and spirit. Tang Wan had also stationed numerous experts from the business alliance outside, each with formidable cultivation levels.

Despite her precautions, Tang Wan couldn’t shake off the nagging worry. Offending Chu Hao meant inviting the wrath of Gu Changge. Tang Wan couldn’t shake off the feeling that Gu Changge harbored more sinister intentions beneath his public facade.

Though Gu Changge had refrained from further confrontation with Chu Hao during their public encounter, Tang Wan sensed that he was biding his time, planning his next move against Chu Hao.

As someone born with a unique talent for discerning fortune and misfortune, Tang Wan couldn’t ignore the ominous feeling gnawing at her.

In the end, Tang Wan couldn’t shake off her thoughts and relied on her innate talent for seeking good luck and avoiding evil. This ability propelled her to prominence within the Wan Dao Business Alliance, earning her the respectful title of “Miss Wan” from all who knew her. Such a rare talent was invaluable and would not be overlooked for generations.

However, recent events had shaken Tang Wan to her core. Despite her attempts to deduce Gu Changge’s secrets with her special technique, she encountered an unexpected backlash. This unprecedented situation left her shocked, horrified, and puzzled, leading her to the conclusion that Gu Changge harbored a formidable threat.

Driven by her fears, Tang Wan took a considerable risk to warn Chu Hao. Though Chu Hao had already reached the quasi-supreme realm and was poised to break through to the supreme realm, the top brass of the Wan Dao Business Alliance deemed it unwise to antagonize Gu Changge over him. Thus, Tang Wan had to tread carefully, even though she had contributed significantly to the alliance’s success over the years.

Despite her reluctance, Tang Wan dared not confide in her grandfather. His disdain for Chu Hao’s humble origins meant he would likely dismiss her concerns. Without strong backing, Chu Hao risked becoming a pawn in the hands of powerful factions, unless he could establish himself through extraordinary means, such as uncovering an immortal heritage or founding a Dao sect.

“I hope Chu Hao understands the risks I’ve taken. Otherwise, all my efforts will be in vain. He shouldn’t have acted impulsively,” Tang Wan lamented. She pinned her hopes on Supreme Dao Cave standing by Chu Hao’s side. If he successfully ascended to become the future Palace Master of Supreme Dao Cave, his influence would grow, dissuading Gu Changge from reckless actions.

Tang Wan sighed deeply, reflecting on how she had never anticipated being so fearful of a young man.

In Tang Wan’s estimation, Gu Changge’s strength was so formidable that he could rival even a Supreme Being. His nonchalant demeanor when activating the supreme weapon that day hinted that he hadn’t reached his full potential. Such authenticity couldn’t be feigned. Despite her years in the Wan Dao Business Alliance, Tang Wan remained discerning and wouldn’t easily underestimate anyone, especially not Gu Changge, who commanded respect from the entire younger generation for his unparalleled power.

“Miss, something terrible has happened,” a guard suddenly burst into the courtyard, his face fraught with anxiety, indicating a major incident had occurred.

“Could you not be so flustered and maintain your decorum?” the maid interjected before Tang Wan could speak, visibly displeased.

“It’s all right. Calm down and tell us what’s happened,” Tang Wan reassured, though an uneasy feeling gnawed at her.

This sense of foreboding reminded her of the last time she faced a catastrophe in a mansion, nearly losing her life. Yet, she had emerged saved and even gained the inheritance of an ancient powerhouse, along with a secret technique to draw Dao.

“The eldest miss, it’s terrible. The young master has offended the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan and is now in the custody of Yin Mei Heavenly Maiden, of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan,” the guard reported, his voice trembling. He knew Tang Wan had a soft spot for Young Master Tang Tian and hoped she could resolve the crisis.

“Tang Tian offended the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan? How did this happen? Wasn’t he staying safely in the city? How could he provoke them?” Tang Wan’s initial shock quickly transformed into concern and urgency. She couldn’t ignore a matter involving her brother.

Though Tang Wan acknowledged her younger brother Tang Tian’s incompetence and domineering nature, she couldn’t fathom how he could easily provoke the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan. Could there be a misunderstanding?

“My lady, here’s what happened. According to a cultivator who witnessed it firsthand, at the Immortal Drunken Building that day, Master Tang Tian attempted to abduct a nine-tailed heavenly fox girl with ill intentions. Yin Mei Heavenly Maiden intervened and retrieved the girl,” the guard hastily recounted the sequence of events, the news having spread throughout the city.

“How could Tang Tian be so reckless and audacious…” Tang Wan, though typically gentle, was momentarily stunned. But as reality set in, she felt a surge of anger, her temper flaring. Her concern for her troublesome younger brother transformed into frustration and ire. She now harbored a strong desire to confine him to the clan, forbidding him from venturing beyond its boundaries.

“I know my brother’s character. Despite his flaws, he lacks the courage to commit such acts. He must have been set up by someone. Were there others accompanying him at the time?” Tang Wan’s tone, though calm, bore an unmistakable air of authority, her eyes flashing with intensity.

“Well… According to the cultivator who witnessed the incident, Master Tang Tian made the decision after seeing Yin Mei’s maid emerge alone. He acted on his own accord, ordering someone to incapacitate her and bring her to the Drunken Immortal Building,” the guard replied, feeling compelled to divulge everything.

“Is that truly the case? Where are the cultivators tasked with protecting my brother? I wish to speak with them,” Tang Wan demanded, her demeanor cold and determined. Years of wielding authority with an iron fist had honed her resolve, and she wasn’t about to let this matter slide easily.

At that moment, Tang Wan exuded a terrifying aura that made even her longtime maid, Qiqi, palpitate with fear.

“Miss Qiqi, the cultivator assigned to protect the young master was slain by Yin Mei Heavenly Maiden in her rage. His body and spirit were utterly annihilated, and there were no survivors,” the guard’s voice quavered and stuttered.

“They were all killed?” Tang Wan’s voice rose sharply, reflecting her mounting anger. Although it seemed unreasonable, the fact that the protector was slain before any attempt to find the maid suggested a callous disregard for life. It left a lingering sense of desecration.

Yet, if Yin Mei Heavenly Maiden acted in a fit of rage, her actions, though extreme, could be rationalized. However, Tang Wan couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this than met the eye.

“Understood. Where is Tang Tian now? Has Yin Mei made any demands?” Tang Wan’s voice, now steady and composed, cut through the tension.

“Master Tang Tian is currently held captive by the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan, and the family is facing considerable difficulty in handling the situation,” the guard replied hastily.

“Thank you,” Tang Wan nodded, grasping the gravity of the situation. Regardless of the truth behind the incident, the damage to the family’s reputation was irreparable. It was a blow to the Tang family’s standing in the city.

In Tang Wan’s view, if this incident was premeditated, it likely served Yin Mei’s agenda. Despite the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan’s support behind the Wan Dao Business Alliance, they weren’t the only influential force. Yin Mei’s recent ascendancy to power, coupled with her youth, meant her influence within the alliance wasn’t unassailable. Consequently, friction and rivalry between the two were inevitable.

As a seasoned veteran, Tang Wan possessed greater maturity and strength in navigating such conflicts. If Yin Mei had orchestrated this debacle, it wouldn’t be surprising.

“I overestimated Yin Mei’s integrity. To resort to such methods against me…” Tang Wan sighed, contemplating whether there were more schemes in store.

She frowned, then decided to depart from the courtyard. Initially planning to contact Chu Hao before leaving, Tang Wan was met with a sense of helplessness upon learning that he had departed for the site of the Heavenly Extinction calamity in the ancient Vermilion Bird Kingdom. Even if she informed him of the situation, there was little he could do to assist.

Tang Wan had hoped Chu Hao would accompany her for added safety and reassurance. However, given his absence, she abandoned the idea.

“The rescue won’t be straightforward. The family must be notified. Despite Grandpa’s disdain for Tang Tian, he won’t stand idly by while he’s captured by the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan.”

Realizing the need for additional support, Tang Wan resolved to dispatch more reinforcements from the family. She promptly sent a message to inform her relatives, recognizing the importance of thorough preparation in such dire circumstances.

Her innate ability to foresee misfortune and good fortune had saved her from countless crises in the past, and she trusted it to guide her through this ordeal as well.