I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 322

Chapter 322: Feeling a little dizzy, Zi Yang Heavenly King’s little calculation

After plucking the Starfire plant, Gu Xian’er transformed into the divine light and departed the area, paying no heed to Qin Wuya, who had been observing her from afar.

“Her personality, while reminiscent of Junior Sister from before, still bears some differences,” Qin Wuya mused with a deep sigh, emerging from behind the ancient tree. He withdrew his gaze and refrained from initiating contact.

Despite possessing the water of Reincarnation Lake, which could help Gu Xian’er regain her memories from her past life, Qin Wuya refrained from revealing himself abruptly, wary of arousing suspicion. Forcing her to drink from the lake would contradict his usual behavior, especially considering Gu Xian’er’s formidable cultivation and strategic prowess. Subduing her would require considerable effort, an investment he deemed unworthy.

Thus, Qin Wuya silently observed Gu Xian’er’s departure, unwilling to instigate further trouble. His initial intention upon witnessing his former Dao Companion’s reincarnation in the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country had been to locate his apprentice and brother in the Ancient Xuanwu Country. Given Zi Yang Heavenly King’s status, identifying the woman he sought should have been a straightforward task.

However, reality proved bewildering and unforeseen. Qin Wuya hadn’t expected his search in the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country to yield no trace of Zi Yang Heavenly King.

On the contrary, he learned that Zi Yang Heavenly King had allied with the inheritor of demonic arts to abduct the girl with the immortal body. Furthermore, they were implicated in the deaths of a group of young geniuses in the Land of Absolute Heavenly Extinction, nearly resulting in Gu Changge’s demise. This revelation deeply shocked him. Never had he imagined such atrocities occurring shortly after he departed for Reincarnation Lake.

Initially, Qin Wuya doubted that his junior brother could commit such heinous acts, given his gentle and timid demeanor during their time in the sect. Zi Yang had often been the target of bullying, and Qin Wuya had intervened to secure justice on his behalf. The idea of Zi Yang orchestrating the murder of geniuses, including the tragic demise of Prince Sheng, the descendant of Emperor Mountain, seemed inconceivable.

However, Qin Wuya’s certainty wavered. After all, people change over time. Zi Yang’s deep-seated animosity toward Gu Changge might have driven him to seize any opportunity to exact revenge, even if it meant collaborating with the inheritor of demonic arts.

Subsequently, unable to trace Zi Yang Heavenly King, Qin Wuya relied on rumors and reports that corroborated the allegations. These developments fueled his growing suspicions, strengthening the conviction that Zi Yang played a pivotal role in the nefarious deeds.

Fortunately, Zi Yang Heavenly King reached out to him directly, surmising that he had departed from Reincarnation Lake and journeyed to the Ancient Xuanwu Country. In response, Qin Wuya made the arduous journey to meet with Zi Yang and discuss their next steps.

“I hope this matter isn’t tied to my junior brother,” Qin Wuya lamented inwardly, his heart heavy with concern. “It seems the inheritor of demonic arts is formidable. When you court danger, be prepared to face it head-on.”

With a sigh, Qin Wuya set his resolve and hastened toward the rendezvous point he had arranged with Zi Yang Heavenly King. During their era, they had heard nothing of the inheritors of demonic arts. This sinister lineage seemed to emerge in later generations, instilling fear and trepidation among cultivators and geniuses alike. Even the most venerable immortal sects dared not underestimate these inheritors lest they allow them to thrive unchecked.

If Zi Yang Heavenly King indeed allied with such a figure, he risked falling victim to their treachery. As Qin Wuya approached the seemingly desolate ruins ahead, he detected subtle fluctuations indicative of hidden formations. Despite their cunning concealment, Qin Wuya’s keen senses easily discerned their presence.

“Junior Brother Ziyang,” he called out at the entrance of the ruins while simultaneously scanning his surroundings with a spiritual sense to preempt any potential threats.

“Elder Brother is finally here,” came the reply from deep within the ruins, eliciting a surge of relief from Qin Wuya.

As Zi Yang Heavenly King emerged from the depths, clad in purple robes, Qin Wuya’s concern dissipated, replaced by genuine relief. “Junior Brother Ziyang, are you unharmed?” he inquired, his voice laced with genuine concern.

“I’m fine now that Senior Brother is here,” Zi Yang Heavenly King reassured, his expression visibly lighter with Qin Wuya’s presence.

As they conversed, Zi Yang’s smile reflected his relief, his anxiety dissipating in the comforting presence of his senior brother. In Zi Yang’s eyes, Qin Wuya was his pillar of support. With him by his side, any challenge could be overcome, including the recent ordeal of being framed.

“Junior brother, what’s the full story? I’ve heard numerous rumors,” Qin Wuya inquired, his brow furrowing with concern.

Zi Yang Heavenly King didn’t hold back, recounting every detail of his ordeal, including his pursuit of the inheritor of demonic arts, the unjust framing, and his unwitting involvement in the abduction of Qing Xiaoyi. He laid bare the intricacies of the situation, concealing nothing from Qin Wuya.

“The individual behind this plot possesses a diabolical cunning, executing their plan flawlessly,” remarked Qin Wuya, a chill running down his spine as he absorbed the grim details.

Each thread of Zi Yang’s narrative seemed to lead to a dead end, leaving Qin Wuya astonished and unnerved. “No wonder you sought refuge here,” he remarked, empathizing with Zi Yang’s plight.

“And do you have any idea who might be behind this scheme?” Qin Wuya pressed his tone grave. “Could it be the Six-Crowned King? Rumors suggest he was among the first to learn of your alleged involvement in Qing Xiaoyi’s abduction.”

Zi Yang Heavenly King was taken aback. His prime suspect had been Gu Changge, yet uncertainty clouded his judgment. Despite using his immortal eyes to glimpse into the future, he remained unsure of his fate.

Though he had glimpsed Gu Changge’s presence during that time, Zi Yang Heavenly King couldn’t definitively conclude that Gu Changge orchestrated the entire plot against him. Moreover, Gu Changge himself had nearly perished in the clash with the inheritor of demonic arts in the land of absolute heavenly extinction. Thus, in Zi Yang’s estimation, the Six-Crowned King appeared more suspicious, especially considering his proximity to the events in the ancient Xuanwu country and their lack of hatred or evidence to justify Qing Xiaoyi’s abduction.

As Zi Yang laid out his suspicions, including the mysterious inheritor of demonic arts, he sought Qin Wuya’s insight into the matter.

“I understand, Junior Brother. Rest assured, I’ll do everything in my power to assist you,” Qin Wuya affirmed solemnly, his expression reflecting the gravity of the situation. Until they reached a resolution, pinpointing the true culprit behind Zi Yang’s predicament would remain uncertain.

“By the way, Senior Brother, I have a favor to ask,” Zi Yang interjected, his anticipation evident.

Qin Wuya nodded, receptive to his junior’s request. “Please, go on.”

“Given the recent developments with Holy Maiden Zi Yan being apprehended and placed under house arrest by Gu Changge, a rift has emerged within the Purple Mansion. Many elders now favor the patriarch’s side,” Zi Yang explained.

Understanding Zi Yang’s implication, Qin Wuya surmised, “So…you wish for me to intervene and rescue Zi Yan?”

Zi Yang confirmed Qin Wuya’s deduction with a nod. This task, while challenging, fell well within Qin Wuya’s capabilities. Sneaking into Gu Changge’s stronghold without detection would be the primary challenge.

While Gu Changge’s strength was formidable, it paled in comparison to Qin Wuya’s centuries of existence in the Nine Heavens. Though outwardly perceived as merely in the heavenly god realm, Qin Wuya’s true capabilities remained a mystery to many.

“Thank you, brother,” Zi Yang Heavenly King expressed gratitude upon hearing Qin Wuya’s willingness to assist. Unbeknownst to Qin Wuya, Zi Yang harbored his agenda, undisclosed for the moment.

Zi Yang possessed a possessive sentiment for Liu Zi Yan, the esteemed lady of the Purple Mansion. Initially, several elder figures of the Purple Mansion had pledged to arrange Liu Zi Yan as his consort once he assumed leadership. Zi Yang had also made efforts to cultivate a favorable impression with her, offering guidance and leaving a positive impression.

However, now that Liu Zi Yan was under house arrest by Gu Changge, and rumors circulated about her, Zi Yang felt uncomfortable and unsettled, his head swimming with thoughts.

….

In the ethereal expanse where Purple Mansion resided, the landscape sprawled endlessly, its borders elusive. Violet hues swirled in the air while clouds exuded an immortal essence. Immortal peaks and islands dotted the realm, cascading waterfalls shimmering silver, while chaotic mists veiled the landscape, imparting a grand and majestic aura.

At the heart of this realm stood a palace suspended in the void.

“Damn it!” exclaimed a tall, dignified middle-aged man, his fury palpable. Clad in a purple robe, his eyes gleamed with intensity as he clenched his fists tightly. The ashen pallor of his face betrayed his anger while his aura radiated powerfully.

Beside him, many elders attempted to offer consolation, yet their efforts proved futile in the face of his wrath.