I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 328

Chapter 328: The news caused a huge sensation in the world; it’s time to close the net after a long time

Upon hearing Gu Changge’s words, all the geniuses were stunned. It appeared that Young Master Changge had long devised a plan and wasn’t merely letting things slide.

“How’s Brother Gu’s injury?” Six Crowned King approached, his eyes flashing as he fixed his gaze on Gu Changge. In truth, both he and Heavenly Phoenix Maiden harbored other thoughts, but challenging Gu Changge wasn’t on their agenda. Instead, they pondered whether Gu Changge was truly injured or not. Just like before, when Gu Changge seemed severely wounded, was it truly as grave as it appeared?

However, it seemed Gu Changge adopted a guise of serious injury to deceive some. He intended to lure those who believed they had a shot at his demise straight to his doorstep, just like this occasion. Gu Changge appeared to be injured, yet his injury was still profound. However, when he attacked, he emanated an aura of majesty and weightiness, nearly suffocating those around him and compelling them to kneel. He could even effortlessly contend with powerhouses nearing the supreme level, regardless of the outcome.

If he were genuinely injured, how could he possess such immense power and terror, even activating the Supreme Weapon? This realization sent shivers down the spines of the Heavenly Phoenix Maiden and the Six-Crowned King, suggesting Gu Changge might have completely misled them. If Gu Changge’s injury were merely a facade, then anyone who attempted to trouble him at this juncture would essentially be a fool, inviting their demise.

Additionally, Six Crowned King sensed that Gu Changge hadn’t yet revealed his true strength and had concealed much.

“The injury is manageable; it might improve with some rest,” Gu Changge remarked with a slight smile, causing Qing Jun’s complexion to pale. Yet, as he spoke, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth once more, indicating his injury remained severe. However, everyone had witnessed his earlier display of strength and invincibility, leaving them speechless. How could it appear as a serious injury from any angle?

It seemed likely that Gu Changge’s proclamation was a deliberate ploy to lure adversaries into revealing themselves, only to be captured en masse.

“Brother Gu’s prowess is truly remarkable,” Heavenly Phoenix Maiden stated earnestly, a sentiment echoed by Ying Yu’s nod of agreement.

“I am grateful to you, Young Master Changge, for your assistance today,” Liu Zi Yan expressed, directing her gratitude towards Gu Changge. She was someone who valued gratitude, despite Gu Changge’s public assertion that she was under house arrest. Only Liu Zi Yan knew she was treated more like a guest, enjoying a comfortable existence. She often indulged in tea and chess discussions with Gu Changge, leading a rather leisurely life.

Had it not been for the sudden attack by the black-robed man tonight, she might have found herself playing chess with Gu Changge tomorrow.

“No problem. After all, if something happened to you, I’d find myself in a bit of a bind too,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, then turned to Liu Zi Yan and inquired, “And you? Are you hurt?”

“Young Master Changge watches over me so diligently; how could anything happen to me?” Liu Zi Yan’s captivating gaze remained fixed on him.

Gu Changge nodded in approval. “That’s reassuring.”

“What’s going on here?” Many onlookers, particularly those observing Liu Zi Yan’s demeanour, were perplexed. They couldn’t fathom why she would express such sentiments to Gu Changge. Wasn’t she supposed to harbour hatred toward him?

Six Crowned King and Heavenly Phoenix Maiden were quick to grasp the situation. Almost instantly, they expressed their admiration, “Ah, we understand now. Brother Gu’s foresight is truly commendable.”

Seeing the lingering confusion among the crowd, Liu Zi Yan elucidated, “In reality, I’ve been a guest here with Young Master Changge during this period, contrary to the rumors of my house arrest circulating outside.”

“Due to internal disputes within the Purple Mansion, I devised this strategy to pressure them.”

“Heavenly King Zi Yang maintains a close association with the inheritor of demonic arts. If the Purple Mansion persists in their folly, it’ll only end in ruin. I couldn’t bear to witness such a fate, so I collaborated with Young Master Changge to deceive them.”

“All the rumors circulating about Young Master Changge lately are my doing, and have no connection to him.”

With this clarification, understanding dawned upon the listeners, and they inwardly sighed in realization.

It was speculated that no one but Gu Changge could conceive such a strategy. For the other cultivators, even if they wished to collaborate with Purple Mist, it was out of the question due to their lack of qualifications and courage. After all, it would mean taking on the entire Purple Mansion! Who else, besides Gu Changge, would dare to orchestrate the apparent house arrest of the Holy Maiden of the Purple Mansion?

Apart from admiration, the spectators had little else to ponder.

“Tonight, if Young Master Changge hadn’t discerned the other party’s intentions beforehand, I would’ve met a tragic end at their hands,” Liu Zi Yan disclosed, her voice still tinged with fear as she gazed gratefully at Gu Changge.

“What? That black-robed man was actually targeting Miss Zi Yan?” The revelation sparked uproar, panic, and astonishment.

Previously, many had assumed the assailant was after Gu Changge. To learn it was actually Liu Zi Yan as the intended victim was a shock.

“The inheritor of demonic arts isn’t foolish. They’re aware of Brother Gu’s strength, understanding that even if he’s severely injured, they couldn’t assassinate him. Thus, they sought to retreat. However, even if they fail to assassinate Brother Gu, it’ll still bring trouble his way,” Heavenly Phoenix Maiden suddenly elucidated, addressing the bewildered crowd. Her willingness to explain marked a departure from her previous demeanor, a result of the night’s events leaving her genuinely impressed and devoid of her former arrogance in Gu Changge’s presence. Her words rang with sincerity and admiration.

“Well, that’s the situation. Earlier, this individual had a close association with Zi Yang, but under the guise of rescuing me, he sought to attack me as soon as he found an opportunity…” Liu Zi Yan declared with a solemn expression, her flawless countenance betraying a hint of coldness.

“I’ll report this matter truthfully to the Purple Mansion. If the Purple Mansion insists on shielding Zi Yang Heavenly King, there’s little I can do to intervene,” she added with resolve.

“Holy Maiden Zi Yang, there’s no need to fret. As long as the sect master of the Purple Mansion isn’t obtuse, he’ll know how to make the right choice,” Gu Changge reassured with a smile.

Liu Zi Yan cast a trusting glance at him and nodded in agreement, emitting a soft hum of acknowledgment.

This exchange left many geniuses and cultivators looking slightly envious, sensing that something significant had transpired in the past few days. Prior to this, there had been no apparent connection between Holy Maiden Zi Yang and Gu Changge. Yet, within a short span, Liu Zi Yan’s attitude towards Gu Changge had undergone a considerable transformation.

Gu Changge’s appeal to heavenly beauties was undeniable, stirring envy among many geniuses.

Soon after that, news of the events here spread like wildfire throughout the ancient Xuanwu country, and even neighboring ancient nations were shocked. However, the dissemination of the news took on a life of its own, spreading with alarming speed as if it had sprouted wings.

Within a short span, it reached the far reaches of the upper realm, eliciting astonishment from various great heritages and sects and causing a stir across the world. It sparked a profound ripple effect akin to a meteorite crashing into the deep sea.

First, the inheritor of demonic arts dispatched an assassin to target Gu Changge! Subsequent events directly implicated Zi Yang Heavenly King’s close ties with the inheritor of demonic arts. The mysterious individual emerging from the Nine Heavens’ strange stone exhibited unparalleled combat prowess, engaging in a fierce battle with Gu Changge before ultimately evading capture. In the process, Gu Changge’s true strength was unveiled, leaving the younger generation astonished and their scalps tingling.

Even when Gu Changge was severely injured, he could still hold his own against quasi-supreme powerhouses! It was downright terrifying and shocking, akin to being petrified. This marked the first occasion Gu Changge had displayed such formidable strength before everyone. Previously, Gu Changge’s adversaries were effortlessly crushed without him needing to exert much effort. Consequently, while everyone recognized Gu Changge’s strength, the extent of his power remained a mystery.

When news of these events broke, it sent shockwaves reverberating throughout the realms. Many of the older generation powerhouses suddenly realized that this young man, once regarded with indifference, had ascended to a level where even they had to look up to him. Prince Sheng’s demise wasn’t due to his weakness but rather the overwhelming strength of the inheritor of demonic power!

Subsequently, as the details of the incident circulated through the channels of various forces and Dao lineages, a sense of horror gripped the hearts of countless cultivators, igniting a storm of apprehension.

The revelations contained in these reports were staggering. Many cultivators found it difficult to believe, lingering in disbelief for prolonged periods, deeming the situation too surreal to comprehend. Even if Zi Yang Heavenly King attempted to explain away the circumstances, it would prove futile. Cultivators had witnessed the true identity of the mysterious individual with their own eyes. Moreover, the disciples of True Immortal Academy had personally witnessed Zi Yang Heavenly King’s close association with this enigmatic figure, hinting at an unknown relationship between the two.

Furthermore, the fact that the inheritor of demonic arts had dispatched a black-robed assassin to target Holy Maiden Zi Yang incited fury among many. Despite ongoing efforts to track down traces of the inheritor of demonic arts, the realization that they could clandestinely deploy an assassin to Gu Changge’s mansion suggested they were not far from the ancient Xuanwu country.

Such revelations left many geniuses feeling uneasy and vigilant.

At this juncture, encountering inheritors of demonic arts rendered them utterly incapable of being their adversaries. Following this battle, some of Gu Changge’s latent strengths finally came to light. If his previous displays of strength were likened to the tip of an iceberg, then what was witnessed now was merely a portion of its mass. However, beneath this surface lay an unknown depth of power waiting to be unveiled.

This incident prompted many to reassess the strength of the inheritor of demonic arts. Previously, due to Gu Changge’s concealed abilities, some had believed the inheritor to be formidable but not unbeatable. Consequently, figures like Prince Sheng harbored ambitions of challenging the inheritor, only to meet their demise in the ensuing confrontation.

Post-incident, a sense of wariness towards the inheritor of demonic arts permeated throughout, dispelling any illusions of easily dispatching them for fame and glory.

During this period, the Purple Mansion found itself in a precarious position. Despite mounting evidence linking Zi Yang Heavenly King to the inheritor of demonic arts, the Purple Mansion staunchly defended him, alleging Gu Changge’s intentions to frame Zi Yang.

The assertion that Holy Maiden Zi Yan had betrayed the sect and would face punishment in the future sent shockwaves rippling through the community. Many speculated that a shift had occurred within the Purple Mansion, particularly given Liu Zi Yan’s lineage as the sect master’s daughter. Such a drastic change in attitude from the sect master towards his kin was unthinkable.

“It appears the Purple Mansion is no longer under the sect master’s control…” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, seated at the head of the gathering as he idly stirred his teacup.

The mist curled delicately, lending an otherworldly aura to the surroundings, reminiscent of a sacred sanctuary.

“I wonder what to do now…” Liu Zi Yan’s expression bore a tinge of sadness; she hadn’t anticipated such a turn of events.

“As long as we locate Zi Yang Heavenly King, we’ll be fine,” Gu Changge reassured, setting aside his teacup and rising to his feet. His gaze narrowed a hint of depth in his smile. “I’ve let the bait linger for long enough; it’s time to reel in the catch.”

Liu Zi Yan regarded him with a dazed expression, sensing a subtle shift in Gu Changge’s demeanor from the person she had known just days ago. It felt markedly different, leaving her momentarily bewildered. However, Gu Changge’s subsequent gentle smile reassured her, dispelling her doubts.

“Holy Maiden Zi Yang needn’t worry. Once Heavenly King Zi Yang is no more, even the staunchest defenders within the Purple Mansion will have no choice but to acknowledge the truth,” Gu Changge assured, his smile carrying an enigmatic quality.

With that said, he paid no further attention to Liu Zi Yan’s lingering confusion, striding out of the hall to summon his followers. Liu Zi Yan’s presence no longer affected his plans. The bait had been set, and if Zi Yang Heavenly King were to indeed assassinate her, it would be of no concern to him.

“Is Young Master Changge going after Zi Yang Heavenly King’s location?” Liu Zi Yan couldn’t help but inquire.

However, Gu Changge offered no direct response, merely smiling cryptically. “It’s time for Holy Maiden Zi Yan to return to the Purple Mansion and assess the situation. I suspect Ling Zun’s circumstances won’t be favorable.”

With that, he vanished into the sky outside, his demeanor indifferent as he addressed his approaching followers. “I’ve located Zi Yang Heavenly King’s whereabouts. Today, we will apprehend him.”

Boom!

In the next instant, the void quivered as a terrifying aura filled the air, causing a collective gasp from onlookers. As if in a trance, a space portal materialized before their eyes, radiating a golden light and pulsing with energy. It appeared to be a gateway to another dimension.

“A Space Passage…” Liu Zi Yan exclaimed in shock. She had witnessed such a technique previously in the hands of the elders of the True Immortal Academy and the ancient beings of the Purple Mansion. To manipulate space and create a portal required a profound comprehension of spatial laws and mastery over them. It was a feat achievable only by those at the pinnacle of power.

Among the younger generation, this marked the first instance she had seen Gu Changge utilize such a technique, highlighting his exceptional prowess.

Buzz!!

In the blink of an eye, Gu Changge advanced, leading the charge towards the portal, with his followers swiftly trailing behind, dominating the sky and causing tremors throughout Xuanwu Imperial Capital. Countless geniuses and cultivators gazed upward in astonishment.

Shortly after, the news spread like wildfire, once again shocking all factions: Gu Changge had pinpointed Heavenly King Zi Yang’s location and intended to confront him.

“Are you joining the fray?” Six Crowned King abruptly rose from his seat, his eyes ablaze with divine light, emanating a formidable aura. He, too, set out, speculating that this battle might draw the attention of the inheritor of demonic arts, though that wasn’t a certainty.

Meanwhile, in another direction, Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, Jin Chan, Ying Yu, and others received the news one after another, their expressions varying. Without hesitation, they embarked on their journeys, eager not to miss out on the spectacle.

For a moment, divine lights streaked across the skies of ancient Xuanwu country, divine artifacts slicing through the air as they surged forward. While Gu Changge had opened a spatial channel for departure, he did not attempt to conceal his aura, enabling those trailing behind to keep pace simply by following his energy signature.