I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 297

Chapter 297: Everything is your back-end calculation, as a leek, you must have the awareness of leek

In the Golden Ridge Ancient City, home to the Tang family, the first family of the city with branches spread across the upper realm, lay their true clan hidden within a small world. This fact was known only to a select few cultivators. The Tang family’s rise to prominence came through their business ventures, boasting a complex network of relationships renowned throughout the upper realm.

Among their ranks was a prodigy whose business acumen surpassed all predecessors, elevating their once modest family to a position where even immortal sects dared not underestimate them. Presently, the Tang family resided within this secluded small world, bustling with creatures and cultivators, with a divine palace island suspended in the air, radiating magnificence and antiquity.

Within the grandest palace at its heart sat a tall, imposing elder, Mr. Tang, the current patriarch of the family, his aura palpably fierce, as if poised to rend the very fabric of existence. Before him lay a memory stone dispatched by Yin Mei.

“Curses! Tang Tian seems bent on vexing me endlessly! Can he not spare me even a moment’s peace? Is he purposefully trying my patience?” Mr. Tang bellowed, slamming his hand against the table in a display of frustration.

Beneath him, the assembled figures of the Tang family remained silent, wary of provoking further ire. It was understood that when Grandpa Tang was incensed, none dared to interject, not even the most favored descendant, lest they incur a three-month sentence of confinement.

“What’s the matter, just stirring up trouble for me. Could it be that my Tang family’s fortune will rest on this unworthy descendant in the future?” Mr. Tang muttered, his frustration simmering.

Gradually, Mr. Tang regained his composure, his gaze flickering with intensity as he let out a cold snort. “How dare you conspire against the Tang family,” he growled, his voice laced with disdain. “Is this Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan girl truly blind?”

His words ignited a storm of protest among the gathered senior members of the Tang family, each brimming with righteous indignation. It was evident to anyone with insight that this was a calculated scheme by Yin Mei. Yet, how could it be proven? The witness had been disposed of by Yin Mei the moment she appeared, and any trace of evidence obliterated.

Despite their suspicions, they were forced to swallow their grievances. After all, as seasoned members of the Wan Dao Business Alliance, they understood the intricacies of such situations. Though Yin Mei hailed from an ancient royal lineage, lacking concrete evidence rendered their protests futile.

“It appears this matter is merely a petty maneuver in Yin Mei’s conflict with Tang Wan. Sending this memory stone was merely a gesture,” Grandpa Tang remarked, his tone sharp with insight.

Realizing the delicate balance of power at play, the Tang family refrained from intervening further. Crossing the ancient royal family would escalate the situation beyond a mere feud between Yin Mei and Tang Wan. In such matters, even the mighty Tang family had to tread cautiously, bowing their heads in deference.

“Father, do we just have to swallow this defeat?” The inquiry came from Tang Feng, a middle-aged man and father to both Tang Tian and Tang Wan. Though he felt powerless regarding his son’s actions, he distanced himself from the situation. Tang Tian’s folly had led him into the snares of others, leaving Tang Feng questioning the cause.

“What other choice do we have?” Mr. Tang replied bluntly, his tone tinged with resignation.

“Let Tang Wan handle this on her own. She’s the one being targeted this time. Do you really think we should intervene?” he continued, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distance.

“Our family can’t afford to involve itself. If the old guard of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan steps in, we’ll face even more trouble,” Tang Feng reasoned, his tone carrying a note of concern.

“I’ve noticed a subtle shift in power dynamics lately. The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan has always sought to dominate the business alliance…” Grandpa Tang interjected with a cold snort, his words hanging heavily in the air.

The senior members of the Tang family fell silent at his words, acknowledging the truth in his assessment. The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan had made their intentions clear by targeting Tang Wan. It was evident that interference from the Tang family would only escalate tensions, leading to a confrontation with the powerful ancient clan—a risk they couldn’t afford to take.

“Shouldn’t we heed the warning Wan’er sent back?” Tang Feng queried, his expression troubled. “She mentioned that things won’t be straightforward this time.”

“How straightforward can it be? It’s merely handing the adversary some concessions. Tang Wan’s compassionate nature drives her to seek the family’s aid while denying herself any benefits,” Grandpa Tang dismissed with a wave of his hand. “The old man sees through her intentions well enough.”

“Even now, with the other side’s intentions laid bare, she still seeks to leverage the family’s support?” Tang Feng voiced his concerns, his brow furrowed.

“What if it’s a trap, Father?” Tang Feng pressed, placing considerable trust in Tang Wan’s intuition. However, the strained relationship between Mr. Tang and Tang Wan, stemming from the incident involving Chu Hao, added another layer of complexity to their interactions.

“Are you suggesting we deceive?” Grandpa Tang retorted with a sneer.

Tang Feng found himself momentarily speechless. Was there indeed a trap, or perhaps Yin Mei harbored intentions of harming Tang Wan? Such a scenario seemed implausible, considering the repercussions. Yet, uncertainties lingered, casting a shadow over their deliberations.

….

“Why doesn’t the family believe me this time? What could be their reasoning?” Tang Wan pondered aloud, incredulous at the news relayed by her family. The fact that Yin Mei had sent a memory stone left her questioning the true motive behind the gesture.

The absence of a formidable ally dispatched by the family only exacerbated Tang Wan’s doubts. Was Yin Mei truly acting without ulterior motives, or was it merely a calculated move on her part?

“Has Yin Mei seen through it all, or is this merely happenstance?” Tang Yuan sighed, her sense of unease deepening with each passing moment. Despite consulting her celestial divinations, the future remained shrouded in uncertainty.

It defied logic for Yin Mei, with whom she had no prior conflicts, to suddenly target her. Tang Yuan couldn’t shake the suspicion that Yin Mei sought to extract concessions from her through this perceived threat.

“Could Yin Mei have foreseen that I’d turn to the family for assistance?” Tang Yuan mused anxiously, grappling with her dwindling sense of security despite the presence of numerous supporters and hidden allies.

“In any case, I refuse to believe Yin Mei would dare to harm me,” Tang Wan resolved firmly, steeling herself for what lay ahead.

Upon arriving at the ancient city, Tang Wan wasted no time and proceeded to the predetermined rendezvous point—a renowned stargazing tower, resplendent in gold with intricately carved pillars evoking a sense of age-old wisdom.

As the name suggested, the tower held the promise of reaching for the heavens with each step. Its tiers were adorned with cloud motifs, suffused with spiritual energy and bathed in a luminous glow. From its summit, one could command a panoramic view of the entire city, with any disturbance promptly alerting its inhabitants.

The fading light of dusk lent an air of grandeur to the scene. “Perhaps I was overly cautious, choosing such a conspicuous location for our meeting,” Tang Wan remarked to herself, her apprehensions easing slightly. “Surely, there should be no cause for concern.”

With a sense of reassurance, Tang Wan hastened to the tower’s apex, guided by attendants from the Watchtower, eager to unravel Yin Mei’s intentions.

“Miss Wan,” greeted Yin Mei upon Tang Wan’s arrival at the rooftop of the stargazing tower. Clad in white, she sat gracefully, fingers strumming a zither, while her two maids delicately held her fox tails aloft to prevent them from touching the ground. Her celestial beauty captivated all who beheld her, rendering them momentarily spellbound.

Opening the conversation, Yin Mei extended a gracious invitation for Tang Wan to take a seat. “I understand you must be perplexed, Miss Wan, but I had no choice but to extend this invitation,” she explained with a genial smile.

“Let’s dispense with pleasantries, shall we?” Tang Wan interjected, her usual warmth replaced by a cold intensity. “I have only one question for you: Where is my brother?”

“Fret not, Miss Wan, Tang Tian is safe. However, before I disclose his whereabouts, I must ask for a favor,” Yin Mei replied, her smile unwavering.

“What favor?” Tang Wan’s heart eased slightly at the news of her brother’s safety, yet her tone remained stern.

It appeared that Yin Mei’s previous ominous signs might not have been directed towards her after all.

“The interests of those major ancient cities under your control must be relinquished to me,” Yin Mei stated calmly. “As you’re aware, I’ve only recently assumed power, and many are still skeptical. I have no choice but to make this demand. Please forgive any offense.”

“I knew it. You’ve strategized well,” Tang Wan remarked, her guard now lowered considerably. She had feared Yin Mei might not make any requests, which would have posed a genuine problem.

“I agree to your terms, but don’t mistake this for granting you unchecked authority,” Tang Wan cautioned, her tone firm.

“Since Miss Wan has consented, I am relieved,” Yin Mei replied with a smile before proceeding to her second request.

“The second request? Don’t overstep your bounds,” Tang Wan retorted, her anger flaring. “Yin Mei, your greed knows no bounds.”

“If you’re unwilling to comply, then perhaps I’ll keep your brother a while longer. After all, your Tang family wouldn’t dare cross me,” Yin Mei remarked nonchalantly, displaying a dismissive attitude toward Tang Wan.

Reluctantly, Tang Wan agreed to the second condition, her heart heavy with resignation yet relieved that the situation wasn’t as dire as she had feared.

Though Tang Wan maintained a facade of indignation, internally she acknowledged Yin Mei’s greed as somewhat normal. However, she remained powerless in the face of Yin Mei’s dominance.

“Now that both your conditions are agreed upon, where is my brother?” Tang Wan inquired, her demeanor noticeably more relaxed. In a place like the stargazing tower, even the slightest disturbance would draw the attention of the entire city.

So Tang Wan harbored no worries of any deceit from Yin Mei.

“The final condition…” Yin Mei continued to smile, reassuring Tang Wan. “Rest assured, this truly is the last one.”

“I must see my brother unharmed before I can…” Tang Wan began, her expression troubled. Though she refrained from voicing her concern, she had anticipated Yin Mei would impose further demands.

With such a favorable opportunity, Tang Wan couldn’t shake the suspicion that Yin Mei would only mention two conditions. However, she refused to be led blindly, wary of potential treachery. She held little faith in Heavenly Dao Oaths, knowing the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan’s cunning extended even to lifting such curses.

Yin Mei hesitated at Tang Wan’s condition, her demeanor betraying a hint of difficulty. “I understand,” Tang Wan declared firmly, invoking her Dao heart as a vow. “I swear to fulfill Yin Mei’s conditions today and uphold my promise. If I break this oath, let heavenly thunder strike me, and may my body and soul be obliterated, forbidden from death.”

Observing Yin Mei’s reaction, Tang Wan sneered, her skepticism unabated. “You’re very straightforward, Sister Wan. I like it,” Yin Mei responded, her tone lightening as she adjusted her address.

With a nod, Yin Mei motioned to depart from the stargazing tower, prompting Tang Wan to follow suit. Tang Wan, now less doubtful, reasoned that her visit to see Tang Tian was of her own initiative, beyond Yin Mei’s calculations. As they left, Tang Wan reflected on her performance, finding it aligned seamlessly with her expectations. Yin Mei’s actions showed no signs of ulterior motives, affirming Tang Wan’s trust in her own intuition.

Taking precautions, Tang Wan brought along the many formidable individuals supporting her, including several Quasi-Sacred Realm experts and even a hidden Great Sacred Realm presence. With such protection, she believed any potential threat would be swiftly detected.

As they exited the stargazing tower, Tang Wan noticed Yin Mei leading her towards a palace residence. Upon arrival, Yin Mei veered into a secluded courtyard, its serene ambiance striking Tang Wan.

Without hesitation, Tang Wan followed Yin Mei into the courtyard, while Yin Mei’s maids intercepted her entourage of powerful allies.

“You all may wait here,” Tang Wan instructed calmly, concealing a jade talisman within her sleeve for emergency communication with her companions outside.

Once inside the courtyard, Tang Wan was taken aback by its elegant decor, which exuded a refined and tranquil atmosphere. The juxtaposition of Yin Mei’s association with such sophistication puzzled her momentarily.

“Where is my brother?” Tang Wan inquired as she caught up with Yin Mei in the front courtyard.

“Follow me. Rest assured, I have no intention of mistreating your brother. After all, he’s been quite the appetite,” Yin Mei remarked casually as she pressed forward.

As they progressed, Tang Wan’s gaze fell upon a dungeon nestled deep within the courtyard. Though a sense of relief washed over her, she hesitated to advance further.

Suddenly, a spine-chilling sensation coursed through Tang Wan’s body, sending shivers down her spine and unsettling her very soul.

“How is this possible…” Tang Wan’s mind reeled as she struggled to process the unfolding events. Suddenly, everything clicked into place, connecting cause and effect in a cascade of realizations.

Before her, a young man sat at a stone table, absorbed in his writing. His demeanor exuded a serene, almost ethereal tranquility that seemed to harmonize with the universe itself. Yet, Tang Wan felt a chill permeate her being, overriding any sense of natural warmth.

She recognized the figure before her: Gu Changge, the very individual responsible for her previous suffering. Questions swirled in Tang Wan’s mind like a tempest. Why was he here? Shouldn’t he be overseeing the True Immortal Academy in the ancient Vermilion Bird Country? What was his connection to Yin Mei? Could it be that he orchestrated Yin Mei’s actions from behind the scenes?

Fear gripped Tang Wan as uncertainty clouded her thoughts. Instinctively, she reached for the jade talisman concealed within her sleeve, intending to alert her allies outside.

However, before she could act, the man in white lifted his head, casting a casual glance in her direction. With a nonchalant demeanor, he spoke:

“Oh? Miss Wan is here?” Gu Changge greeted casually, his tone devoid of menace. “But before proceeding, I advise you to refrain from crushing the jade talisman in your hand. Doing so may result in dire consequences for your brother.”

Though Gu Changge’s words sounded like a gentle warning, Tang Wan felt a wave of dread wash over her, causing her grip on the jade talisman to falter.

“Furthermore, let me reiterate that passing on the jade talisman is not an option here,” Gu Changge continued, his demeanor relaxed as he completed the final stroke of his writing. Yin Mei, by his side, offered him tea, a gesture of serene hospitality.

“Why are you here, Gu Changge?” Tang Wan inquired, her mind racing as she realized the trap she had fallen into. Despite her apprehension, she reasoned that Gu Changge wouldn’t dare to execute her outright.

“Does my presence really matter?” Gu Changge responded cryptically, his gaze piercing as he studied Tang Wan. “What’s important is that you understand one thing: no one can rescue you today.”

“Not even Chu Hao, with all his prowess,” he added with a chilling smile.

Tang Wan felt a surge of dread as an overwhelming sense of impending doom enveloped her. Could Gu Changge truly intend to kill her here? The notion seemed unfathomable, yet the palpable aura of menace emanating from him left her shaken to her core.

“Don’t fret, I have no intention of ending your life just yet. You still serve a purpose to me,” Gu Changge assured, his smile a dismissive gesture toward her fear.

With a casual wave of his hand, the space before him seemed to warp and divide, enveloping everything in a gray mist of supreme aura. Tang Wan’s expression shifted abruptly, recognizing the profound spatial manipulation at play. This was a level of mastery even the most seasoned experts in spatial law could only dream of attaining.

Gu Changge had created an independent pocket of space with a mere gesture—an astonishing feat that left Tang Wan reeling with astonishment. Unless she could unravel the intricacies of this spatial manipulation, their encounter would remain unknown to the outside world.

“So you orchestrated all of this behind the scenes?” Tang Wan questioned, bitterness tainting her words. She hadn’t anticipated crossing paths with Gu Changge here, despite her efforts to assist Chu Hao.

“How did you find out?” she added, her surprise evident.

Gu Changge’s smirk conveyed a sense of superiority. “Do you really think you could keep your association with Chu Hao hidden from me? Or that you could aid him in his endeavors without my knowledge?”

“As a pawn in this game, you should understand your role,” he continued, his tone dripping with condescension. “It’s best not to delve too deeply.”

In his palm, a dark light flickered to life, coalescing into a small bottle enveloped in a menacing mist. Its presence alone sent shivers down Tang Wan’s spine, its ominous aura hinting at untold horrors lurking within.