I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 324
Chapter 324: It’s good to think, at this time, Zi Yang Heavenly King wants to kill you
Inside the main hall, the scent of tea drifted, and wisps of green smoke hung in the air. As Gu Changge spoke, a profound silence settled over the room.
Ji Qingxuan stood by Gu Changge’s side, pouring tea for him, occasionally glancing at the woman in the purple skirt before her. Despite her observations, Ji Qingxuan remained composed and demure.
The woman in the purple dress appeared to be in her twenties, her veil now absent, revealing her fair and beautiful face. Her complexion was flawless, her lips and teeth pristine, her black hair lending her a serene allure. Yet, her ethereal beauty was marred by streaks of black ink across her face, lending an eerie quality to her appearance.
Despite the strangeness of her visage, she exuded an air of aloofness, her complexion pale with clenched fists betraying her anger.
Were outsiders to witness this scene, they would surely be incredulous, their indignation rising in defense of the disgraced woman, eager to restore her honor.
Liu Zi Yany held a chess piece poised to fall, her plans thwarted by sudden developments in the game, leaving her bewildered and unsure of her next move.
In the end, she could only lament, “Once again, I’ve lost.”
In recent days, every chess match with Gu Changge ended in defeat. Despite her confidence in her chess prowess, she found herself outmatched, unable to secure a victory even against opponents she once deemed inferior.
But facing Gu Changge, who was roughly her age, she consistently found herself on the losing end, unable to secure a single victory. It seemed there was no avenue of retreat, as Gu Changge meticulously calculated every possible escape route.
Initially, Liu Zi Yan couldn’t fathom it. After all, one’s energy reserves were finite. Gu Changge’s formidable cultivation hinted at countless hours devoted to honing his skills. Yet, his mastery of chess seemed equally unmatched. Liu Zi Yan struggled to reconcile this reality, especially considering her dedication to the game. How could such a prodigy exist?
Gu Changge’s approach to chess was seamless and intricate, leaving Liu Zi Yan feeling palpitations even during their matches. It reminded her of the grandiosity she witnessed that day, where all existence became pawns and the cosmos, the board—a boldness beyond her grasp.
Unbeknownst to Liu Zi Yan, Gu Changge’s supposed mastery of chess was merely a product of the system’s points. Prior to this, he possessed no knowledge of the game and only acquired it through point redemption. If not for Liu Zi Yan, he wouldn’t have bothered.
“Yeah, Holy Maiden Zi Yan, another loss for you. I even gave you a three-piece advantage, yet the outcome remains unchanged,” Gu Changge remarked with a hint of resignation, his smile masking his true thoughts.
With a casual flick of his wrist, he reached for a nearby brush, intending to smear ink on the face of the woman before him. Liu Zi Yan tensed, her gaze fixed on him. “Will Young Master Changge not show mercy?”
“How many times must I let you win? Is Holy Maiden Zi Yan trying to embarrass herself?” Gu Changge retorted with a light chuckle, his demeanor akin to that of an immortal jade.
Even though his actions were somewhat spiteful, it was difficult to hold ill feelings towards him, especially for women.
Hearing his words, Liu Zi Yan could only resign herself, closing her eyes as her long lashes trembled, allowing Gu Changge to scribble on her face with the brush.
Who would have thought that she’d resort to making a bet just to persuade Gu Changge to teach her chess? Of course, it was Gu Changge who proposed the bet, and while Liu Zi Yan didn’t see anything inherently wrong with it, she couldn’t help but be irked by Gu Changge’s poor taste.
“It’s done,” Gu Changge announced, stopping his writing, his eyes holding a hint of amusement.
Liu Zi Yan, feeling a surge of annoyance, didn’t even need to glance at a bronze mirror to know her face was now smudged with black ink. For a woman who cherished her appearance, this was nothing short of torture. Such a prank could only be pulled off by Gu Changge.
“Let’s play another round,” Liu Zi Yan insisted, her eyes betraying stubbornness and determination as if she had to triumph over Gu Changge.
“I’m not interested,” Gu Changge replied, shaking his head as he brought the teacup to his lips, his demeanor calm and indifferent, as if detached from the situation.
“No, Young Master Changge, you can’t just bully people like this and refuse to play,” Liu Zi Yan exclaimed suddenly, her patience wearing thin as she lost her composure.
She knew she was in trouble if she couldn’t win a single game against Gu Changge.
“Regardless, Holy Maiden Zi Yan, you’re no match for me,” Gu Changge remarked calmly. “It’s pointless to keep winning like this.”
Liu Zi Yan understood his implication and found the bet tiresome. So, she decided to be direct.
“What do you want, Young Master Changge, to promise me another round?” she asked straightforwardly.
“Why is Miss Zi Yan so fixated on this? Do you enjoy being bested by me?” Gu Changge asked, a strange smile playing on his lips.
Liu Zi Yan was momentarily stunned, a blush creeping onto her face as she waved her hand hastily. “Young Master Changge, don’t talk nonsense. I simply enjoy the challenge and nothing more.”
“Very well,” Gu Changge replied with a smile, his handsome face devoid of any flaws. Despite his pale complexion and lingering injuries, his demeanor remained refined and aloof. He glanced outside the hall and gently set down his teacup.
“I almost thought you were scheming to present a grandchild to the sect master of Purple Mansion, given your persistence,” he teased.
Liu Zi Yan’s face flushed even more, though the ink stains made it less noticeable. She quickly composed herself and explained, “Young Master Changge, you jest. I’ve never entertained such thoughts.”
She had heard numerous rumors circulating lately, particularly about Gu Changge’s audacious remarks to the sect master of Purple Mansion regarding becoming a grandfather, leaving her stunned for quite some time.
She had approached Gu Changge earnestly about the matter, only to be met with the response, “Holy Maiden Zi Yan is quite beautiful.” Liu Zi Yan could hardly forget the mix of shock, embarrassment, and anger that flooded her at that moment. She wished she could disappear into the ground despite knowing that Gu Changge’s house arrest was merely a facade. Yet, she had believed it to be true.
Furthermore, Liu Zi Yan could discern that Gu Changge held no genuine interest or intentions toward her. Otherwise, why would he make such a remark?
“Oh, perhaps I’m overthinking things,” Gu Changge mused, his gaze drifting outside the hall with a pensive expression.
Observing him, Liu Zi Yan couldn’t help but inquire curiously, “Young Master Changge, you seemed preoccupied with something outside the hall earlier. Is everything all right?”
Gu Changge glanced at her, shook his head, and replied, “I suddenly feel a bit restless, as if I’ll be uneasy in the coming days. Miss Zi Yan should also be cautious.”
“Be cautious?” Liu Zi Yan was puzzled, failing to grasp the significance of Gu Changge’s words.
“In the upcoming days, Holy Maiden Zi Yan should move in and stay with me,” Gu Changge stated without further explanation.
“Gu Changge… don’t even think about it…”
“I… I’m not going to have your baby!”
Upon hearing these words, Liu Zi Yan was momentarily stunned, her face pale with shock as she took a few steps back, unable to comprehend what had just been said.
In her panic, the first thing that came to Liu Zi Yan’s mind was what Gu Changge had mentioned to the sect master of Purple Mansion about becoming a grandfather just days ago. Without thinking, she blurted it out. But as soon as the words left her mouth, she realized her reaction was too extreme.
“Why is Holy Maiden Zi Yan always dwelling on such matters?” Gu Changge sighed, raising an eyebrow in apparent exasperation. “What I meant was for your safety. By moving here, I can better ensure your protection…”
Liu Zi Yan’s eyes widened as she quickly caught on. She wasn’t foolish. Gu Changge’s recent actions hinted that he had sensed something amiss.
“Are you suggesting that someone might attempt to assassinate me?” Liu Zi Yan asked, her frown deepening as she considered the possibility. She knew the stakes were high. If anything happened to her now, Gu Changge would be implicated. Moreover, the Purple Mansion had already faced opposition regarding the protection of Zi Yang Heavenly King. Her demise would only exacerbate matters.
“If I were Zi Yang Heavenly King, I’d undoubtedly send someone to eliminate you,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, still unable to fully grasp Liu Zi Yan’s mindset.
Upon hearing this, Liu Zi Yan fell into deep contemplation. Every action she took was for the sake of the Purple Mansion, yet Zi Yang Heavenly King’s actions threatened to plunge them into peril.
With resolve, she realized she had become Zi Yang Heavenly King’s obstacle.
Gu Changge promptly summoned a group of followers, instructing them to intensify patrols and remain vigilant to prevent any intruders.
Lost in thought, Liu Zi Yan decided to forgo their chess match and departed first.
“Qin Wuya, it’s your move…” Gu Changge mused, a smile playing on his lips as he anticipated the unfolding events.
He had already discerned Zi Yang Heavenly King’s true intentions. It wasn’t to harm Liu Zi Yan but to rescue her. And the only ally Zi Yang Heavenly King could turn to was his senior brother, Qin Wuya.
Gu Changge then sent a message to Tang Wan, assigning her a task. Additionally, involving Chu Hao, another fortuitous individual, would further strengthen their position.
…..
Meanwhile, outside the palace complex, a man of average build and unremarkable appearance furrowed his brow as he stared down a distant alley. He murmured to himself, a strange-patterned stone circulating inexplicably in his right hand.
“With Gu Changge’s current condition, as long as I avoid his followers, he won’t be able to track me down. When the time comes, rescuing Holy Maiden Zi Yan without detection will fulfill the task assigned to me by Junior Brother Zi Yang.”
This man was none other than Qin Wuya, who had agreed to Zi Yang Heavenly King’s plea to rescue Holy Maiden Zi Yan. To accurately ascertain the movements of Gu Changge’s followers and understand the defence arrangements of the palace where Gu Changge resided, Qin Wuya spent three full days observing the area before feeling confident in his plan.
The palace was heavily guarded, with strict communication protocols and a ban on unfamiliar faces entering. Even the forbidden areas in the imperial capital of ancient Xuanwu country didn’t boast such stringent security measures. This underscored the severity of Gu Changge’s injuries.
While Gu Changge had claimed to have nearly recovered from his injuries, the truth was far from that. The injuries he sustained were deep-rooted and not easily healed.
“If his injuries weren’t serious, he wouldn’t be this vigilant, refusing to let any potential threats slip through,” Qin Wuya noted to himself. “It appears that despite Gu Changge’s formidable abilities, he fears covert attacks. The inheritor of demonic arts lurks in the shadows, eager to strike. Gu Changge poses a grave threat that must be neutralized.”
Qin Wuya concealed his presence carefully, blending seamlessly into his surroundings near the palace. Even the vigilant patrolling geniuses failed to detect him.
As dusk settled, the distant afterglow bathed the palace complex in a majestic light, reminiscent of an ancient citadel standing tall in the world, exuding unparalleled grandeur. Tianjiao cultivators passing by couldn’t help but marvel at the sight, their gazes lingering briefly before continuing on their way without daring to linger.
Suddenly, a faint ripple emanated from the void. Qin Wuya’s figure blurred as he stepped forward, disappearing. Even a cultivator proficient in spatial manipulation would struggle to trace his movements.
In Qin Wuya’s hand, the luminous stone from the Nine Heavens possessed remarkable properties, capable of concealing a cultivator’s appearance and aura with unparalleled efficacy. Coupled with his array of techniques, Qin Wuya was brimming with confidence.
As he navigated the palace grounds, Qin Wuya observed numerous geniuses on patrol, none of whom detected his presence. It was evident to him how tightly guarded the area around Gu Changge had become since his injury. Unless someone intended to assassinate Gu Changge, they wouldn’t dare venture here.
Most of the geniuses and cultivators patrolling the area were merely going through the motions, their vigilance not as acute as Qin Wuya had anticipated. Many simply roamed the vicinity aimlessly.
Upon entering the palace complex, Qin Wuya’s demeanor shifted slightly as he surveyed the formations and patrolling cultivators. With caution, he deftly avoided detection and made his way toward the innermost pavilion. He had a clear objective in mind and was well-acquainted with the layout of Gu Changge’s palace and the location where the disciples of the Purple Mansion were being held—a mere hundred miles away from Gu Changge’s quarters.
For cultivators like Qin Wuya, utilizing their spiritual senses to locate the Holy Maiden of the Purple Mansion was a matter of instinct. His top priority was to find Zi Yang Heavenly King’s daughter and ensure her safety, thereby alleviating Purple Mansion’s fears of Gu Changge’s retaliation.
As Gu Changge had suspected, Zi Yang Heavenly King was not in good shape. Despite the protection provided by Purple Mansion, rumors were already circulating within its walls. If Zi Yang Heavenly King was indeed linked to the inheritor of demonic arts, the Purple Mansion would show no mercy. It would likely move to eliminate him to prevent any potential disaster.
With the prospect of losing the support of Purple Mansion looming over him, Zi Yang Heavenly King was gripped by panic, realizing his vulnerability in the face of impending danger.
Meanwhile, in a tranquil mansion, Liu Zi Yan, on the brink of sleep, furrowed her brow as a sense of foreboding washed over her. The rune in her hand flickered, its brilliance radiating as she prepared to defend herself.
Outside the courtyard, a dark shadow descended, obscuring the moonlight as if veiled by ominous clouds. Liu Zi Yan’s unease heightened as she beheld the figure of a black-robed intruder standing before her, the silence of the night broken by his sudden appearance.
Moreover, Liu Zi Yan noted the sinister shift in the surrounding aura with the man’s arrival. The night sky seemed to darken, and an evil black fog enveloped the courtyard, shrouding it from view. Even if she were to make a commotion, the patrolling cultivators and geniuses outside would remain oblivious to her plight.
Such a display of power left Liu Zi Yan deeply unsettled.
The intruder was undoubtedly well-prepared! Consider that Liu Zi Yan was currently lodged within the palace complex where Gu Changge resided, a location fortified with stringent defenses beyond imagination. Yet, someone had managed to infiltrate. This raised the alarming possibility that if this individual harbored ill intentions, assassinating her would be disturbingly simple.
Expanding her perspective, if this intruder was indeed aligned with the inheritor of demonic arts, their aim might be to exploit Gu Changge’s weakened state and eliminate him before he could fully recover. The thought sent a shiver down Liu Zi Yan’s spine. Could someone truly be plotting her demise to incite enmity between Gu Changge and Purple Mansion?
In hindsight, Liu Zi Yan regretted not heeding Gu Changge’s advice to move to the adjacent courtyard. Had she followed his counsel, she’d have had someone nearby to watch over her, vastly improving her safety.
“Heh, Holy Maiden Zi Yan…” the black-clad figure sneered, gazing at Liu Zi Yan as though she were his prey. Swathed in black mist, his features obscured, he exuded a chilling aura that seemed to suffocate the air around him.
At the sight of him, Liu Zi Yan’s mind immediately flashed to the image of the inheritor of demonic arts. While this person before her wasn’t the actual inheritor, he was undoubtedly linked to them in some capacity.
At that moment, across the realm of absolute heavenly extinction, nearly every genius bore witness to the scene unfolding. Alongside the inheritor of demonic arts stood several ominous figures cloaked in black robes and enveloped in swirling black mist, each boasting cultivation levels at least equivalent to the Great Sacred Realm.
“Who are you, and why do you seek my demise? Did Zi Yang Heavenly King dispatch you?” Liu Zi Yan’s voice cut through the tense air, her tone icy as she struggled to maintain composure amidst the mounting danger. She knew that panicking now would only worsen her situation. Additionally, she hoped to glean information from her assailants.
“Who’s Zi Yang Heavenly King?” the man in the black robe sneered dismissively at her question. “You’re on the brink of death, yet you still have questions. If you seek answers, you’ll find them in hell.”
With no further preamble, he lunged forward with a palm strike, his attack resembling a celestial sword descending with the force of inflexible laws. The overwhelming pressure of the Great Sacred Realm bore down upon Liu Zi Yan, signaling her imminent demise.
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