I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 323

Chapter 323: I wonder who is at a loss. You lost again

“This young Gu Changge is really pushing it too far! Does he truly believe that just because he’s the scion of the Gu family, I won’t dare lay a finger on him?”

“It’s the Great Elder who’s shielding Zi Yang, the Heavenly King. What’s that got to do with me? He’s snatched my daughter away and put her under house arrest without so much as a word. How dare he blabber about wanting to play grandfather to my daughter?”

“Such audacity!”

This figure was Liu Ming, the patriarch of Purple Mansion, and he had naturally caught wind of the gossip swirling outside.

Now, he was nearly boiling with rage, his eyes ablaze with fury.

Initially, he held a favorable view of Gu Changge.

There was a young, dashing man, seemingly concerned with the world’s righteousness, displaying the demeanour of someone destined for great things.

But lo and behold, Gu Changge had gone and snatched his daughter, Liu Zi Yan, locking her up, and then had the nerve to make threats, demanding to know the whereabouts of Zi Yang, the Heavenly King.

How in the world would he know where Zi Yang was hiding?

Besides, another grand elder was in charge of safeguarding Zi Yang within the sect.

His authority wasn’t any lesser than Liu Ming’s, and there was even an ancient powerhouse who had recently awakened, showing great favoritism toward Zi Yang.

In light of this, he chose to turn a blind eye, ignore the situation, and pass it off to the Great Elder.

Could the patriarch of Purple Mansion not be seething with rage for being unjustly implicated?

If Zi Yan were to return to the sect with some grand revelation, he feared he might truly lose his cool, storming off to the Ancient Immortal Gu family to create a scene.

“Sect master, please, calm yourself. We must acknowledge our fault in this matter, but regardless, we cannot afford to provoke him while the Holy Maiden Zi Yan still holds ties to Gu Changge.”

“After all, the allure of the holy maiden is unparalleled, and if Gu Changge were to act impulsively…”

Upon hearing this, several elders chimed in with wry smiles, attempting to offer counsel. When such incidents arose, as elders of the generation, intervening might be seen as bullying the younger members. It was unlikely that Gu Changge’s backers would remain passive. Should this matter escalate, Purple Mansion stood to lose, potentially attracting unwanted attention from other Dao lineage forces.

Their attempts at persuasion, however, not only failed but further incensed the sect master of Purple Mansion.

“How dare he!”

“By all that’s holy, Gu Changge has truly infuriated me!”

“It’s a pity, I had once believed this young master would rise to greatness, securing a lofty position in the upper realm.”

The sect master of Purple Mansion wore a grim expression as he paced the hall, his demeanor growing increasingly ugly.

If he didn’t hold the reputation of the sect and the interests of other factions in any regard.

At that moment, he felt compelled to personally intervene, to journey to the ancient Xuanwu country and rescue Liu Zi Yan, all the while intending to teach Gu Changge a much-needed lesson.

“Husband, why fret over this? Zi Yan is resourceful; there’s no way she’d endure any mistreatment. And if we consider it, isn’t this situation an opportunity for her?”

Suddenly, a soft and gentle voice drifted in from outside the hall.

A graceful and opulent woman entered, exuding beauty, holding a communication talisman in hand as she spoke with a smile.

“Good day, Mrs. Sect Master,” the other elders greeted before exchanging glances and silently resigning.

The bond between the sect master of Purple Mansion and his wife was evident, especially in their doting affection toward their daughter, Liu Zi Yan.

“My dear,” the sect master’s anger dissipated upon seeing his wife, replaced by a softer expression as he asked curiously, “What news do you bring?”

“This is an update from Zi Yan. Take a look yourself. If we’re blessed with a grandchild, who’s to say who’ll benefit?” His wife chuckled, handing over the communication talisman to Liu Ming.

In her view, Gu Changge’s words were merely a ploy to embarrass Purple Mansion. He wouldn’t dare harm Liu Zi Yan, given his status. Such an act would be too irresponsible and would save them a world of trouble.

After all, Liu Zi Yan was renowned as the Virgin of Purple Mansion in the upper realms. There were concerns that her standards were too high, making it difficult for her to find a suitable match. In terms of talent and background, no one was more fitting than Gu Changge. Even if their connection was accidental, it could be viewed as a fortunate turn of events.

Liu Ming, the Sect Master of Purple Mansion, was clueless about his wife’s thoughts.

“Oh, Zi Yan sent a message? Has Gu Changge been bullying her?”

But soon, his expression shifted from shock to disbelief, then to a deep frown as he sighed heavily. After reading the contents of the communication talisman, Liu Ming struggled to maintain his composure.

“House arrest was just a pretext?”

“I never expected this. I must have misjudged. Knowing Zi Yan’s character, she couldn’t have been deceived.”

“Gu Changge’s scheme is quite cunning.”

“Actually, I understand Zi Yan’s concerns… If Gu Changge insists on seeking an explanation from Zi Yang Heavenly King, then I’ll cooperate.”

After some contemplation, the Sect Master of Purple Mansion regained his composure. Liu Zi Yan had detailed everything in the communication talisman, including the reasons behind Gu Changge’s invitation for tea that day. Their interactions—like tea-drinking, playing chess, and discussing Dao—had been leisurely, nothing like being confined.

Liu Zi Yan even seemed to enjoy their time together, finding a rare like-minded companion of the opposite sex.

This incident revealed Gu Changge’s resolute demeanor. Now, Liu Ming faced two options: to protect Zi Yang Heavenly King and potentially become an enemy of many Dao forces, including Gu Changge, or to collaborate with Gu Changge to locate Zi Yang Heavenly King and affirm that Purple Mansion had no ties to him.

“Husband, please consider this carefully. The future of Purple Mansion is at stake. If we’re not cautious, we could be obliterated, with no burial ground left for us,” his wife urged, emphasizing the danger of involvement with the inheritor of demonic arts.

Liu Ming furrowed his brow, deeply troubled by the complexity of the situation.

“The lineage behind Zi Yang Heavenly King is ancient and closely tied to our own. If he’s expelled due to this, I can’t intervene.”

“Then why not take a step back and assert that this matter was solely the doing of the first elder? It may offend him, but it’s a risk we must take,” his wife suggested.

“You’re right. I’ll leave it to you to convey,” Liu Ming agreed after a moment of consideration, giving instructions and drafting relevant orders.

Soon, a piece of news emerged from Purple Mansion, sending shockwaves rippling through all factions.

The Sect Master of Purple Mansion publicly declared that if Zi Yang Heavenly King had any ties to the inheritor of demonic arts, he would personally execute him without sparing any consequences.

The announcement sparked widespread astonishment, akin to an earthquake. Cultivators and prodigies alike were left reeling, blindsided by the sudden turn of events.

Was the Sect Master of Purple Mansion displaying leniency toward Gu Changge? Or was there a deeper motive at play?

Speculations ran rampant. Despite the sect master’s proclamation, Purple Mansion still intended to shield Zi Yang Heavenly King. What did this signify?

It hinted at internal discord within Purple Mansion.

Upon the emergence of this statement, numerous Dao forces and cultivators were taken aback, realizing the lack of consensus within Purple Mansion.

While some advocated for the protection of Zi Yang Heavenly King, others argued for impartiality.

The Sect Master of Purple Mansion’s declaration hinted at a potential easing of tensions, suggesting that Purple Mansion as a whole wouldn’t necessarily become the enemy of the world.

However, the absence of Zi Yang Heavenly King only exacerbated the turmoil, casting a shadow over the ancient Xuanwu country.

Outside the gates of Purple Mansion, an ancient entity from Emperor Mountain stepped forward, demanding justice. This ignited a terrifying conflict, reducing mountains and rivers to rubble. Some cultivators even witnessed stars falling from the sky.

Many disciples and cultivators of Purple Mansion found themselves under siege. Accused of being accomplices to the inheritors of demonic arts, they faced attacks whenever they ventured outside.

These events bred resentment among many Purple Mansion disciples towards Zi Yang Heavenly King. They questioned why they should suffer for the trouble he had caused.

…..

Deep within the ancient Xuanwu country, nestled within a resplendent and quaint palace, two figures sat facing each other.

The aroma of tea lingered in the air, intertwining with the essence of Dao.

Clatter!

With the utterance of the final word, the dynamics of the chessboard shifted instantaneously. Paths intersected, divine light surged, resembling a phoenix poised to ascend nine heavens, only to be struck down by a blade, its blood staining the sky.

“You’ve lost again,” Gu Changge grinned, regarding the woman in the purple gown before him.