I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 305

Chapter 305: You have been carrying the blame for so long, but you are still very unhappy; let me help you get rid of it

Zi Yang Heavenly King’s abduction of Qing Xiaoyi quickly became the talk of ancient Qinglong country, spreading like wildfire throughout the trial grounds and causing a commotion akin to an earthquake.

Geniuses and cultivators who caught wind of the news were stunned and incredulous. Who would dare to spread such a rumor without evidence?

Surely, if there was no proof, it was clear that he was being framed. After all, Heavenly King Zi Yang was no ordinary individual. He was a prospective disciple of the True Immortal Academy, once the mightiest in the Upper Realm, an ancient prodigy of the Purple Mansion.

Spreading such gossip was akin to inviting dire consequences. After offending Heavenly King Zi Yang, could ordinary folk even hope to survive?

However, soon, memory stones from the elders’ investigations surfaced, circulating among major markets and shops, attracting the attention of numerous geniuses eager to seize them first. Any discerning eye could distinguish the authenticity of these memory stones.

Thus, when the records circulated, a heavy silence blanketed the area. Both young prodigies and other curious cultivators couldn’t help but shiver with apprehension.

Anyone even remotely familiar with the situation would realize its near-irrefutable nature. The mysterious individual who initially abducted Qing Xiaoyi clearly had a meticulously planned scheme.

If it weren’t for Qing Feng’s possession of the divine artifact, the Heavenly Palm Bottle, he would have been obliterated by a mere palm strike, body and spirit alike. Such a turn of events was beyond anyone’s imagination; it could only be described as miraculous!

The existence of the Heavenly Palm Bottle provided crucial clues, reshaping the understanding of the situation through its divine power. After all, besides Heavenly King Zi Yang, who else could wield the power of Hongmeng?

Such talent couldn’t belong to an obscure figure. Moreover, the rarity of Hongmeng’s power made it exceedingly precious; it was a rarity even in eternity.

Throughout the ages, only Heavenly King Zi Yang had demonstrated such remarkable ability. The impact of this revelation was profound.

“Heavenly King Zi Yang kidnapping Qing Xiaoyi?”

Yue Mingkong’s beautiful eyes narrowed as she quickly dismissed the notion. It was inconceivable that Zi Yang Heavenly King would stoop to such deeds; he was merely being implicated once again. As for who might be framing him, besides her betrothed, who else possessed such means?

“Does this Heavenly King Zi Yang have any ties to the practitioner of demonic arts?” Wang Ziji murmured, casting a glance at Yue Mingkong. The two, despite being on the same team, harbored mutual disdain. Wang Ziji, a transmigrator, struggled to comprehend the intricacies of the situation, while Yue Mingkong, a regressor, lacked any recollection of Wang Ziji.

The only topic of conversation that seemed to ignite between them was Gu Changge. Wang Ziji always managed to slip in a few words about Gu Changge, mentioning how Gu Changge still owed her a favor. In response, Yue Mingkong would casually remark that, given Gu Changge’s abilities, he would never fulfill any debt he owed. This exchange only served to deepen the animosity between them.

Yue Mingkong asserted that Wang Ziji was nothing more than a pawn manipulated by Gu Changge, easily disposable. Wang Ziji, in turn, harbored resentment, accusing her of deceit.

In their day-to-day interactions, many of the proud women who chose to align with them found themselves miserable.

“Could it be that Heavenly King Zi Yang has ties to the practitioner of demonic arts, and Ying Shuang discovered him in secret?”

“No wonder I heard rumors of the demonic art’s inheritor appearing in ancient Xuanwu country recently. So that’s the connection.”

Prince Sheng piloted the four spirit chariots, his eyes gleaming like celestial blades, radiating an imposing aura with runes flickering around him. His stature was commanding, exuding an aura of authority.

“Amitabha, this time, I shall accompany Prince Sheng on the mission to subdue demons,” Jin Chan Buddhist declared, riding a golden-winged bird, surrounded by a halo of Buddha’s light, his demeanor solemn and resolute.

His previous mount, the golden nine-headed lion, remained at the True Immortal Academy this time.

Behind them trailed numerous geniuses, all eager to pursue the inheritor of demonic arts. Some sought redemption for the humiliation suffered at Heavenly Emperor Mountain, while others aimed to defeat evil and safeguard the world.

In prominent ancient countries, numerous geniuses were engaged in earnest discussions over the matter, their minds reeling with shock, unable to find calm.

“Who would’ve thought Qing Feng possessed a Heavenly Palm Bottle? With such a profound blessing, he truly should have perished!”

“Yeah, I reckon Zi Yang didn’t anticipate that twist when he launched his attack, letting the guy slip through his fingers.”

“I heard this incident rattled Young Master Changge. He rushed to ancient Qinglong country overnight, neglecting affairs in the ancient Vermillion Bird country.”

“Well, with Gu Xian’er there, it’s natural for Young Master Changge to make haste. I heard if it weren’t for him, the elders wouldn’t have been ready to go public…”

“Considering it involves Heavenly King Zi Yang, it’s no wonder several elders were hesitant.”

“Thanks to Young Master Changge, at least we’re aware of the situation; otherwise, we might’ve been kept in the dark.”

Several geniuses sighed. Regardless, now that the elders had confirmed the matter, even if Heavenly King Zi Yang attempted to deny it, it would be futile.

Many had noticed Heavenly King Zi Yang’s absence from ancient Xuanwu country during this period, claiming he was tracking the inheritor of demonic arts. Little did they know, it was merely a ploy for him to evade scrutiny. Instead, he ventured to ancient Qinglong country and abducted Qing Xiaoyi, who possessed an immortal body.

As for why Heavenly King Zi Yang wanted to abduct Qing Xiaoyi, speculation ran rampant. The most alarming theory suggested a connection between Zi Yang and the inheritor of demonic arts, or perhaps they were colluding in secret. It was theorized that he kidnapped Qing Xiaoyi to aid the inheritor in collecting her essence.

Of course, another narrative circulated that Heavenly King Zi Yang sought vengeance for Gu Changge’s humiliation. After all, Gu Changge had vowed before the True Immortal Academy elders to deal with Qing Xiaoyi and Qing Feng. With Qing Xiaoyi’s mishap, how would Gu Changge explain himself to the elders?

What he said that day didn’t come back to bite him. Many geniuses speculated that Heavenly King Zi Yang might have had ulterior motives.

In short, there were all sorts of rumors and conjectures, but not a single one entertained the notion that Zi Yang might have been framed. Even disciples of Purple Mansion were stunned for a moment.

They couldn’t believe the outcome, yet couldn’t find an explanation. If the rumors were false, why hadn’t Heavenly King Zi Yang stepped forward to defend himself? After all, he was the contemporary representative of Purple Mansion.

With a plain gauze mask and purple hair as smooth as silk, she furrowed her brow, contemplating using a communication talisman to reach out to Heavenly King Zi Yang. But she hesitated, uncertain whether he had truly been wronged. Yet, after attempting to make contact, there was no response, leaving her uneasy. Could it be that Heavenly King Zi Yang was currently in hiding?

Meanwhile, in the ancient Xuanwu Kingdom, within the mansion, the Six Crowned King, meditating on the bluestone, opened his eyes upon hearing his subordinate’s report. He couldn’t help but let out a deep exclamation.

“As expected of Gu Changge, he uncovered the truth so swiftly.”

Initially, he had some concerns, wondering if he had overestimated Gu Changge’s capabilities, fearing he might have been kept in the dark. But it turned out that Gu Changge had already discerned the truth, albeit with the aid of the Heavenly Palm Bottle and a stroke of luck. Nevertheless, it was sufficient to demonstrate Gu Changge’s prowess.

The Six-Crowned King wasn’t disappointed.

“My lord, did you already know it was Heavenly King Zi Yang’s doing?” his shocked subordinate inquired upon hearing his exclamation.

For the Six Crown King, there was profound admiration and reverence, and typically, he would never question his words. So, when the outside world buzzed with the news, the Six Crown Prince’s demeanor suggested he had long been aware.

“Of course, I knew,” the Six Crown King affirmed, smiling confidently and calmly, offering no further explanation.

“As expected of my lord!” The subordinate’s eyes brimmed with reverence, unwavering in his trust in the Six Crown King’s words. To him, the words of the Six Crown King were akin to law.

Returning, the subordinate soon spread the news, revealing that the Six Crown King had known all along that Heavenly King Zi Yang was the one who abducted Qing Xiaoyi, even before Gu Changge!

This revelation sent shockwaves throughout the ancient Xuanwu country. With Zi Yang absent, Jun Yao, the Six Crown King, emerged as the pillar for many True Immortal Academy geniuses. Moreover, his power far surpassed that of Heavenly King Zi Yang.

The disclosure sparked widespread speculation.

“He knew before Young Master Changge?”

“How’s that possible? Why didn’t he speak up earlier? Was he playing mysterious, or did he have ulterior motives?”

Various theories swirled, yet none doubted the veracity of the Six Crown King’s words. Instead, they pondered myriad possibilities. Had the Six Crown King harbored suspicions of Heavenly King Zi Yang for some time? Or did he possess knowledge others lacked?

In essence, a plethora of rumors spread, and the abduction of Qing Xiaoyi by Heavenly King Zi Yang became common knowledge.

As a result, Gu Changge led numerous followers from ancient Qinglong country to ancient Xuanwu country. The attention of many geniuses, including Yue Mingkong, Wang Ziji, Prince Sheng, and others who seemed detached from worldly affairs, converged on the unfolding events.

Boom! Above the sky, vibrant rainbows shimmered in all directions. Cultivators converged from every corner, traversing the clouds and mist. Many geniuses rode various mounts and weapons, hastening towards the ancient Xuanwu country. Word had spread that Gu Changge had arrived, igniting curiosity about Zi Yang Heavenly King’s abduction of Qing Xiaoyi. Could there be a connection to the inheritor of demonic art?

The atmosphere in the ancient Xuanwu country shifted dramatically, drawing widespread attention. Streets buzzed with the activity of cultivators, and geniuses from all walks of life gathered, accompanied by formidable ancient creatures serving as mounts.

Among them strode a tall young man with fiery hair—Ying Shuang.

“Zi Yang Heavenly King went after Qing Xiaoyi…”

“But he didn’t pursue Gu Changge…”

“Why would he do that?”

Listening to the murmurs around him, Ying Shuang felt perplexed. As the scapegoat for the inheritor of demonic art, he kept a keen eye on such matters. Yet, he couldn’t fathom Zi Yang Heavenly King’s motives. If there were a link between the inheritor of demonic art and Gu Changge, it wouldn’t absolve him of guilt.

“Sooner or later, Gu Changge’s deeds will be exposed, and justice will be served for all he’s falsely accused me of,” Ying Shuang vowed silently. With clenched fists and simmering hatred in his eyes, he concealed his emotions deep within.

The person he detested most was undoubtedly Gu Changge!

“I still have something to attend to today. I wonder why Yin Mei invited me to the tea house?”

“Perhaps it’s about recent events?”

Setting aside his musings, Ying Shuang couldn’t help but smile slightly as he headed toward the tea house. There were more pressing matters awaiting his attention.

Despite Yin Mei’s previous dismissals, she didn’t shoo him away this time when she spotted him. Though still appearing impatient and somewhat disgusted, Ying Shuang saw it as progress. He harbored hopes of one day impressing Yin Mei.

For instance, today’s encounter hinted at a growing familiarity between them.

Upon arriving at the tea house, Ying Shuang spotted Yin Mei on the second floor by the window. She sat there, chin resting on her delicate hands, gazing out as if lost in thought. Her beauty was captivating, exuding an ethereal allure with flawless features and luminous skin.

“Yin Mei,” Ying Shuang couldn’t help but speak, his excitement barely contained as he attempted to steady himself in her presence. However, her beauty left him unable to compose himself fully. Back when he was a stable hand, he could only steal glances at her secretly. How could he now meet her gaze directly?

“You came?” Yin Mei frowned, her tone light. “Do you know why I called you here?”

“This…” Ying Shuang was momentarily taken aback, not expecting Yin Mei to be so direct. Despite his initial shock, he shook his head. “I don’t know.”

“Really?” Yin Mei’s gaze lingered on him, a hint of intrigue in her expression as she took a sip from her cup.

“But I know what piques your interest,” Ying Shuang interjected, though he wasn’t entirely sure of Yin Mei’s intentions. He suspected she might be warning him to steer clear of her in the future.

Observing her silence, Ying Shuang decided to take the initiative. “Oh? What’s on your mind?”

Yin Mei regarded him with a slightly different expression. “The matter concerning the inheritor of demonic arts.”

Ying Shuang seized the rare opportunity to broach the subject with Yin Mei, uncertain if such an opportunity would present itself again. “The inheritor of demonic arts?” he echoed. “I know more about it than you do. In fact, I even know who the real inheritor is. But you may find it hard to believe.”

“However, for your safety, I’ve chosen to speak up. Whether you believe me or not is up to you,” Ying Shuang continued, his tone earnest. “Regardless, I would never harm you.”

Yin Mei scoffed lightly. “Then spill it.”

Ying Shuang smiled faintly, almost echoing his words verbatim. “The inheritor of demonic arts… is none other than Gu Changge.”

As soon as the words left his lips, he anticipated a myriad of reactions from Yin Mei—surprise, anger, disbelief. She might even kick him out for daring to suggest such a thing.

But what surprised him was Yin Mei’s remarkable calmness. There was no hint of shock or disbelief in her demeanor.

“Aren’t you shocked? Or do you not believe it?” Ying Shuang couldn’t help but express his astonishment, finding Yin Mei’s composed reaction extraordinary.

“I’m not shocked because I already know,” Yin Mei responded calmly.

“What… you know?” Ying Shuang’s voice trembled slightly as a chilling sensation shot up his spine. Despite his infatuation with Yin Mei, he wasn’t naive.

“Why did you summon me then?” Ying Shuang struggled to maintain composure, though fear crept into his voice.

“Because I was seeking you,” another voice, with a faint smile, interrupted from behind Ying Shuang.

In that moment, dread gripped Ying Shuang, rendering him frozen. He dared not turn to face the speaker.

“Master, are you here?” Yin Mei greeted the newcomer with a smile, rising from her seat.

The color drained from Ying Shuang’s face, his limbs turning cold as ice. He remained motionless, like a statue, unable to comprehend the unfolding revelation.

The self-assured confidence he had moments ago shattered, replaced by an overwhelming sense of fear. It dawned on him that Yin Mei had been Gu Changge’s ally all along.

He realized he had been the fool, kept in the dark while others knew the truth.

“Should I address you as Ying Shuang? Or perhaps as the stable hand? Or better yet, my scapegoat?” Gu Changge strolled over casually, passing by the rigid Ying Shuang to take a seat. He picked up a steaming teacup, sipped, and inquired with amusement.

“You… You know everything?” Ying Shuang’s voice quivered despite his attempts to steady himself, fear coursing through him.

“Yes, I’ve known all along,” Gu Changge admitted with a light smile. “I regret letting you bear the blame for so long. Today, I’ll rectify that.”

His words were simple, accompanied by a casual sip from his teacup. Yet, Ying Shuang was rendered dumbfounded, his body consumed by an icy chill and overwhelming fear.

Despite his pretense, he was just a fortunate, stable hand. Faced with this revelation, fear was all he could feel.

“Gu Changge, I’ll fight you!” Ying Shuang erupted, no longer holding back his pent-up rage. His hatred, fury, and resentment surged forth all at once.

In his eyes, a terrifying aura loomed, followed by a burst of colorful light that pierced the sky. The power of the Ying bloodline surged within him as if he had been revitalized.