I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 329

Chapter 329: At this time, he naturally chose to forgive her, the people around Gu Xian’er are way too dangerous

“Hao’er, your childhood sweetheart seems to be hiding a lot of things from you.”

At the same time, in the Ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, high in the sky, two figures were concealed.

Observing a cloud-patterned white jade dragon carriage speeding by, his expression grew complex.

The speaker was an elderly man with a lively, youthful countenance, clad in flowing white robes, exuding an aura akin to immortality.

He was Bai Yang, Chu Hao’s uncle from the Supreme Dao Cave.

Bai Yang had cultivated in the Supreme Realm for many years, holding a prominent position within the cave, matched by only a select few.

Standing beside him was a man of striking appearance, tall and commanding. It was Chu Hao.

Yet Chu Hao’s expression mirrored complexity as he watched Tang Wan’s cloud-patterned white jade dragon chariot whizz past.

But she had done no wrong.

In this moment, forgiveness was his only choice.

Their story had to rewind. That day, he had arranged to meet Tang Wan, intending to stroll through the palace gardens amidst blossoms and share something with her.

True to the appointment, Tang Wan arrived.

The two conversed and laughed, basking in leisure and joy. But midway through, Tang Wan’s demeanor shifted abruptly.

Chu Hao keenly observed the illuminated communication talisman concealed within her sleeve, surmising that it bore a message from the Tang family, prompting her sudden change.

Afterward, Tang Wan fabricated an excuse and seized the opportunity to depart, ostensibly to respond to the message in the communication talisman. Meanwhile, Chu Hao’s spiritual awareness remained keen, his thoughts lingering on the time when Tang Wan had been persecuted by Gu Changge. It was only then that he began to ponder Tang Wan’s recent behavior.

Driven by his strong spiritual intuition, he discreetly probed her, yet Tang Wan remained oblivious to his scrutiny. It was only when he sensed her communication with Gu Changge that the truth dawned on him. Gu Changge’s explanations in the communication talisman further fueled Chu Hao’s ire, his countenance darkening as anger surged within him. He nearly erupted in confrontation, demanding answers from Tang Wan.

However, recognizing Tang Wan’s predicament, he reluctantly relented, though his displeasure was palpable. Unaware of the subsequent exchange between Tang Wan and Gu Changge, Chu Hao remained in the dark.

Subsequently, Tang Wan hastened to bid farewell, citing familial obligations as her reason for departure. Chu Hao, consumed by unease, harbored fears of Tang Wan enduring mistreatment at Gu Changge’s hands. Thus, he shadowed her discreetly, determined to ensure her safety.

Only then did he witness Tang Wan hastening towards the ancient Xuanwu country in a cloud-patterned white jade dragon chariot.

“I understand what Uncle said, so…” Chu Hao began.

“I still need to grow stronger, so that the Tang family backing Wan’er won’t dare to look down on me, and Gu Changge won’t dare to bully me so easily.”

With a deep breath, Chu Hao finally regained his composure, realizing that anger was futile at this moment. The priority was enhancing his own power.

“Hao’er, you’re correct,” Bai Yang affirmed. “As you advance in cultivation and attain mastery over Heaven, no one will dare to oppress you. Though Gu Changge is formidable, ultimately, he’s just a junior.”

Bai Yang smiled, expressing his optimism. He considered Chu Hao as his own son and had rushed to Supreme Dao Cave upon learning of Chu Hao’s plight.

Staying in the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country for half a month, Bai Yang’s worry stemmed from his fear that Chu Hao might face persecution from Gu Changge. However, as Tang Wan had previously assured him, so long as Chu Hao refrained from provoking Gu Changge, the latter wouldn’t bother with someone of Chu Hao’s stature.

Throughout this period, Chu Hao grappled with apprehension that Gu Changge might still target him, yet he remained rooted in the capital of the Vermillion Bird Emperor, unwilling to venture out. However, it appeared that Gu Changge had indeed forgotten about him.

This realization brought Chu Hao a measure of relief, though it also fueled his sense of reluctance and injustice.

After all, he was considered a peerless genius destined to lead Supreme Dao Cave in the future. Yet, Gu Changge seemed utterly indifferent to his existence. This stark disparity left him feeling profoundly unsettled.

“Uncle Shi, do I still need to accompany Wan’er to the ancient Xuanwu country?” Chu Hao inquired once more, though he had already surmised who Tang Wan intended to meet. The previous incident had left him with a faint reluctance, fearing that witnessing such affairs might compel him to intervene.

“You may go. I’ve heard that Gu Changge is preoccupied dealing with the Zi Yang Heavenly King of the Purple Mansion, so he shouldn’t spare any attention for you,” Bai Yang replied. “Upon reaching the ancient Xuanwu country, find lodging first, and I’ll scout the area for you.”

Bai Yang deliberated briefly before offering his advice, concerned that Chu Hao’s association with Gu Changge might provoke further aggression against him.

With Chu Hao now entangled with Gu Changge, the likelihood of confrontation was slim. Yet, Chu Hao’s actions had garnered criticism within Supreme Dao Cave, complicating his situation.

“Then I’ll heed your counsel, Uncle,” Chu Hao acquiesced, opting not to press the matter further.

Thereupon, they concealed their presence once more and discreetly trailed Tang Wan.

Meanwhile, inside the dragon carriage, Tang Wan’s anxiety was palpable as she tightly clutched her dress, oblivious to Chu Hao and Bai Yang shadowing her from above.

Recalling Gu Changge’s cryptic message through the communication talisman, Tang Wan’s nerves were on edge. Though Gu Changge divulged little in their exchange, Tang Wan sensed its significance in light of recent events, leaving her fraught with nervousness, unease, and fear.

“I can hardly fathom Gu Changge’s power. If my hunch is correct, the methods he employed back then are closely tied to the inheritor of demonic arts,” Tang Wan remarked solemnly, her expression grave as she recalled the past incident, sending shivers down her spine.

During this period, she delved into ancient texts, particularly those concerning her slave seal. Initially yielding no results, her thoughts turned towards opposing Gu Changge, triggering an involuntary sense of submission and fear.

Fortunately, Emperor Tian’s efforts bore fruit, revealing a few cryptic words on a weathered page. Though the record was obscure and the methods therein only vaguely resembled Gu Changge’s slave seal, Tang Wan was convinced of their connection. The scrap page also delved into details about the inheritor of demonic arts.

This revelation sent chills down her spine, corroborating her growing apprehension of Gu Changge’s formidable and enigmatic methods. If he truly was the rightful inheritor of demonic arts, the implications were unimaginable, striking fear into anyone who dared to contemplate it.

As she prepared to confront Gu Changge once more, Tang Wan could only silently pray that he remained oblivious to her suspicions.

“Brother Hao, don’t become entangled with Gu Changge. His terror surpasses your imagination…” Tang Wan murmured to herself.

Yet, despite her resolve, her expression occasionally grew distant, as if lost in reverie. Vague memories surfaced from the depths of her mind: the grandeur of an ancient sect, a master of incomprehensible power, a talented and mature senior brother, and a bullied junior brother. Amidst it all, a devoted junior sister, pure in her pursuit of the Dao.

“Is reincarnation truly possible in this world?” she pondered aloud.

In the desolate ruins outside the ancient Xuanwu country, mist swirled amidst the rays of the sun, casting an array of colorful miasma. The air resonated with the roars of monsters and the swoops of ferocious birds, their cries echoing throughout the surroundings.

A man clad in purple robes stood amidst the chaos, his gaze fixed on the distant flickering divine lights, his expression icy. It was Zi Yang Heavenly King.

His face was grim, particularly after hearing the multitude of rumors circulating in the outside world. Struck as if by lightning, he stood almost frozen in disbelief.

His followers, too, appeared pallid, their unease palpable. They sensed that the passing divine lights overhead represented geniuses scouring the area for their traces. In this place, no one was naive.

It was clear to anyone that Zi Yang Heavenly King’s situation was dire, bordering on being perceived as an enemy of the world. Those who followed him knew the potential consequences. Whether Zi Yang Heavenly King dispatched assassins against Gu Changge or not, the perception from the outside world was damning.

Almost universally, people believed that Zi Yang Heavenly King and the inheritor of demonic arts were colluding. Even Liu Zi Yan shared this sentiment, regarding Qin Wuya, sent by Zi Yang Heavenly King to rescue her, as an agent of the inheritor of demonic arts, and harboring intense animosity towards him.

“Brother, what stance does the Purple Mansion take on this matter? If they abandon you, your plight may worsen,” Qin Wuya, facing Zi Yang Heavenly King, queried, his tone heavy with resignation.

After escaping from Gu Changge, Qin Wuya didn’t immediately return, apprehensive about any lingering influence Gu Changge might have left on him. Instead, he spent several days outside of town, ensuring he was free from any markings left by Gu Changge, before finally returning and rejoining Heavenly King Zi Yang.

Upon hearing Qin Wuya’s account, Heavenly King Zi Yang cast a glance at him, his expression still grim. This time, he had been certain of success. After all, Qin Wuya had taken matters into his own hands—what could he not handle?

Yet, things had gone awry. The inheritor of demonic arts had unexpectedly sent someone to assassinate Liu Zi Yan, drawing Gu Changge’s attention and foiling all of Zi Yang Heavenly King’s plans. Not only that, but Liu Zi Yan now harbored resentment towards him.

Frustrated, Zi Yang Heavenly King wanted to vent his grievances, but he also knew Qin Wuya couldn’t be blamed. Who could have predicted the sudden turn of events orchestrated by the inheritor of demonic arts?

“Cursed inheritor of demonic arts! He not only framed me but now he’s making me shoulder all the blame for his deeds!” Zi Yang Heavenly King seethed, his fists clenched tightly. A palpable aura of menace enveloped him, casting a shadow over the surroundings.

Silent and cowed, no one dared to speak. Apart from Gu Changge, Zi Yang Heavenly King harbored the deepest animosity towards the inheritor of demonic arts, Prince Ying.

“Brother, this situation is peculiar. In my view, your greatest concern should be Gu Changge,” Qin Wuya interjected, furrowing his brow. “Have you considered the possibility that Gu Changge and the inheritor of demonic arts are one and the same?”

Heavenly King Zi Yang’s expression darkened further at the suggestion, his features contorted with a mixture of anger and apprehension.

With a tremor that even he felt, Qin Wuya seemed to have steeled himself to utter those words.

“What?” Heavenly King Zi Yang was momentarily stunned, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Why would you say such a thing all of a sudden?”

Realizing the gravity of the situation, his expression turned solemn as he hurriedly questioned Qin Wuya. Given Qin Wuya’s character, he wouldn’t speak without reason. There had to be something prompting him to make such a statement.

“In truth, I’ve been pondering over this for the past few days, and it suddenly clicked,” Qin Wuya began, his voice grave. “When I lurked outside Gu Changge’s mansion, I should have noticed if someone else was skulking about, but I didn’t. The appearance of the man in the black robe was peculiar, almost as if he materialized out of thin air.”

“I suspect he’s one of Gu Changge’s operatives, staging a diversionary tactic,” Qin Wuya continued. “And during my confrontation with Gu Changge, despite his apparent injuries, his true strength remained unaffected. Who else in this world could recover so swiftly and wield such power mere days after sustaining serious harm to their core, even activating a supreme weapon?”

“If we can account for Gu Changge’s formidable abilities, many past uncertainties would be clarified. Moreover, his uncanny timing in every situation is too precise to be mere coincidence. If he didn’t orchestrate it all, neither you nor I would believe it,” Qin Wuya explained, his voice carrying a chilling undertone, causing Heavenly King Zi Yang to break into a cold sweat.

Even Qin Wuya, who had faced numerous trials in the Nine Heavens, was shaken to his core by this revelation. He had never imagined encountering someone of such terrifying prowess.

On the surface, Gu Changge appeared as a paragon of righteousness, the epitome of strength among the younger generation, admired by millions. He was destined to inherit numerous legacies and stand as a towering figure in the upper realms, his future seemingly boundless as long as he remained undefeated.

But in the shadows, he was the most terrifying inheritor of demonic arts in the upper realm, lurking in darkness, consuming the essences of countless geniuses, and sowing chaos across the world.

“What my brother said… the implications are simply too horrifying…” Heavenly King Zi Yang trembled, a chill running down his spine as he contemplated the ramifications of Gu Changge potentially being the inheritor of demonic arts. The mere thought of it was unfathomable, promising unimaginable and terrifying catastrophes for the upper realm.

“I can only entertain doubts about this matter. Providing concrete evidence is impossible. Gu Changge is too meticulous. The so-called inheritor of demonic arts, Prince Ying, is likely just as unfortunate as you,” Qin Wuya sighed, offering little comfort to Zi Yang Heavenly King. He was at a loss for words, unsure how to assuage Zi Yang Tianjun’s mounting fears.

“How should I proceed now, elder brother? If Gu Changge were to suddenly appear, am I left with no choice but to surrender?” Zi Yang’s complexion paled, his voice quivering with fear. Before Qin Wuya broached the subject, he had never entertained such a possibility. Now, his mind reeled with panic, overwhelmed by the sheer gravity of the situation.

As the inheritor of demonic arts, Gu Changge not only shifted blame onto him, but now he also hypocritically wielded the banner of justice to hunt him down. Was there anything in the world more terrifying and despair-inducing than knowing this truth?

“At this juncture, perhaps only your sect’s support can save you. If Gu Changge and I engage in direct conflict, the odds are no better than fifty-fifty. Despite rumors of Gu Changge’s severe injuries, he’s actually in fine form, manipulating the world from the shadows,” Qin Wuya remarked after a moment of silence. “Alternatively, you could expose Gu Changge’s true identity…”

Regardless of the possibility, Heavenly King Zi Yang found himself powerless. His only recourse now was to await assistance from the Purple Mansion.

“I suddenly understand why I glimpsed such visions in the future…” Zi Yang Heavenly King recalled his initial intent to spy on Gu Xian’er using the eyes of immortality. Wasn’t she depicted imprisoned by Gu Changge in a dank, dark dungeon, teetering on the brink of death? If Gu Changge truly was the inheritor of demonic arts, it all made sense. Gu Xian’er was in grave peril, unaware of the true danger posed by her cousin.

“No, I must warn my sister about all of this. I’ve noticed her searching for me outside these days. I can’t hesitate any longer,” Zi Yang Heavenly King resolved, his expression firm, his fists clenched. Though this decision might expose his whereabouts and plunge him into a life-threatening crisis, he harbored no fear.