I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 330

Chapter 330: Qin Wuya’s so-called strategy; otherwise, she would not feel at ease

As he recalled the haunting image he witnessed through his Immortal Dao eye, Zi Yang Heavenly King couldn’t shake the memory of Gu Xian’er’s desperate plight. How could someone as aloof and self-assured as she be reduced to such helplessness? It was all Gu Changge’s machinations! Gu Changge had earned her trust only to betray her when she least expected it, imprisoning Gu Xian’er and plundering her essence.

“How could I allow such an injustice?” Zi Yang Heavenly King’s fists clenched tightly, his body trembling with a fierce mix of hatred and anger blazing in his eyes. “How can I stand by while she suffers? My little junior sister is destined for greatness in the Nine Heavens…”

After the storm of emotions subsided, Zi Yang Heavenly King found an unexpected calmness, and his earlier anxiety and fear were replaced by determination. Gu Xian’er’s existence became his greatest source of strength against Gu Changge.

Moved by Zi Yang Heavenly King’s resolute words, Qin Wuya lapsed into silence for a moment. He understood Zi Yang Heavenly King’s deep affection for Gu Xian’er. Even though he realized that acting on such sentiments under the current circumstances could expose Zi Yang Heavenly King’s whereabouts, drawing the attention of Gu Changge and his allies, potentially endangering his life, Zi Yang Heavenly King showed no hesitation.

“Brother, you need to consider this carefully,” Qin Wuya urged, his tone earnest. “Rash actions won’t resolve this matter. Gu Changge is a formidable adversary in terms of both background and cultivation. Moreover, at this juncture, Gu Xian’er may not readily accept your words.”

“She has great trust in Gu Changge, and confronting her now may only sow seeds of doubt in her mind. She might perceive your actions as an attempt to drive a wedge between her and Gu Changge,” Qin Wuya explained, still intent on persuading him. “It could ultimately drive you two further apart, outweighing any potential benefits.”

Despite Qin Wuya’s plea, Heavenly King Zi Yang remained steadfast. “You needn’t persuade me, brother. My mind is made up,” he asserted, his fists still clenched tightly, his knuckles white from the force.

Having learned Gu Changge’s true identity, Zi Yang Heavenly King couldn’t bear the thought of Gu Xian’er remaining by Gu Changge’s side a moment longer. He felt it was torturous, consumed with worry that the dire future he’d glimpsed would come to pass, stained with blood.

Even though Gu Xian’er had once looked down on him, he couldn’t shake the desire to change her perception, even if it took countless lifetimes. For Zi Yang Heavenly King, it had become an all-consuming obsession.

In her previous life, Gu Xian’er went by the name Dao Xian, revered as the most gifted disciple of their Boundless Dao Sect since time immemorial. Back then, the realm of immortals was accessible, and the Immortal Palace reigned supreme, with immortal beings freely traversing the world to discuss Dao. However, that era ended abruptly with a catastrophic event that reduced the immortal palace to ashes, leaving behind only legends.

Reflecting on their shared past, Zi Yang Heavenly King realized he wasn’t worthy to stand before Dao Xian, let alone offer assistance. She was destined for immortality, focused solely on her pursuit of the Dao, and indifferent to worldly distractions. Although he had once lamented her single-mindedness, he now found solace in it, recognizing it as her true nature.

“Isn’t there a solution, brother? You’ve already obtained the water of the Reincarnation Lake. If we can help Junior Sister Dao Xian regain her memories, she’ll surely believe us. I must rescue her from Gu Changge’s clutches!” Zi Yang Heavenly King proposed, his voice unwavering, his divine light radiating with determination.

“What do you mean… we confront Junior Sister Dao Xian and coerce her into drinking from the Reincarnation Lake?” Qin Wuya queried, his brow furrowing in concern.

Apart from this method, Zi Yang Heavenly King couldn’t conceive of any alternative course of action. However, he recognized the risks involved; if Gu Xian’er resisted, their motives would become transparent, and suspicion would fall squarely upon them. Nevertheless, he saw no other recourse.

“I don’t relish this plan either, but if Junior Sister Dao Xian refuses to believe us, it’s our only option,” Zi Yang remarked grimly, his expression bearing a lone wolf-like hostility. “We’re acting in her best interest. I trust she’ll understand when the time comes.”

With a nod from Qin Wuya, Zi Yang resolved to proceed with their plan. “Okay, we’ll proceed as discussed. I’ll take the initiative to reveal our location and bring Sister Dao Xian here. Focus on maintaining the concealment of this place. We can’t afford to give Gu Changge any leads.”

Qin Wuya then departed, transforming into the divine light and departing the ruins. Meanwhile, Zi Yang remained, his demeanor cold and distant, a stark contrast to his previous self.

Subsequently, he activated a jade talisman to inform the Purple Mansion of his predicament. Born into the Purple Mansion, Zi Yang enjoyed the support of his family, a significant force within the sect. Despite some decline over generations, their influence in the Purple Mansion remained unassailable. Zi Yang remained confident that his family stood firmly behind him.

Meanwhile, in another part of the region, distant mountains sprawled across the landscape, their ancient peaks resembling colossal beasts crouched upon the earth. The mist drifted and lingered, obscuring the boundaries of the land. Thick vegetation, teeming with miasma insects and beasts, obscured the sky, casting a shadow over the already dark and damp terrain.

Amidst this rugged landscape, Qin Wuya materialized within a mountain range, his eyes ablaze with runic patterns, casting a faint golden glow as he surveyed the distant vista. It was here that he had encountered Gu Xian’er just days prior. Anticipating her limited range of movement, Qin Wuya devised a plan to reveal his presence in this area, drawing Gu Xian’er to him and subsequently guiding her to Zi Yang Heavenly King’s current hiding place.

“The key is to attract her attention subtly. Given her cautious nature, any overt action may arouse suspicion,” Qin Wuya mused, contemplating his strategy. With careful consideration, he descended to a nearby plain, selecting an open yet concealed location.

There, he arranged concealed formations and assumed a cross-legged posture, simulating a state of severe injury and recovery. A subtle fluctuation of mana emanated from his being, undetectable unless one approached very closely. Thus, even if Gu Xian’er found the situation peculiar, she would likely attribute it to Qin Wuya’s supposed injuries sustained in a confrontation with Gu Changge, dismissing any further inquiry.

….

On another front, a striking girl with a large red bird perched on her shoulder traversed the mountainous terrain. Her slender figure, porcelain-like complexion, and exquisite features exuded an otherworldly beauty akin to a flawless creation by a divine hand. Though her demeanor was as cold as frost, her attire fluttered with an immortal grace, lending her an ethereal air.

This girl was Gu Xian’er.

However, despite her captivating appearance, her current expression betrayed her inner turmoil. As Qin Wuya had anticipated, she had scoured every mountain range in search of Zi Yang Heavenly King, yet had found no trace of him. This left Gu Xian’er feeling increasingly anxious and unsettled, particularly since Qing Xiaoyi’s abduction had occurred some time ago. Though Qing Xiaoyi’s soul lamp still burned brightly, Gu Xian’er couldn’t shake off her sense of unease and guilt.

Yet Zi Yang Heavenly King’s elusive hiding tactics hampered her efforts. Despite employing various means, she had failed to uncover any leads. It was a stark contrast to the satisfaction Gu Changge had expressed upon learning of her pursuit of Zi Yang Heavenly King; now, she felt as though her time and energy had been squandered.

“I wonder what Gu Changge intends to do now?” Gu Xian’er mused, her brow furrowed in contemplation. She had heard about Gu Changge’s recent skirmish, and given Gu Changge’s formidable strength, she expected no less. Now, her foremost concern was Gu Changge’s next move: whether to continue waiting for Zi Yang Heavenly King to reveal himself or to devise an alternative plan.

At that moment, Gu Xian’er remained unaware that Gu Changge had already set off towards Zi Yang Heavenly King’s location.

“Never mind, Gu Changge,” she resolved internally. “He has his methods, and I have mine. I can’t rely too heavily on him. If trouble arises, I’ll have to handle it myself without counting on his immediate assistance.”

With that decision made, Gu Xian’er’s figure flashed as she hurried towards another mountain range. Though her method seemed laborious, she preferred thoroughness to overlook any potential leads.

Suddenly, her brows furrowed in puzzlement. Something caught her attention—a faint ripple of energy emanating from the void. Though subtle, it couldn’t escape her keen perception.

Gu Xian’er was on the brink of breaking through to the quasi-sacred realm, and her primordial spirit was exceptionally potent. Having absorbed numerous spiritual treasures since childhood and trained diligently in various secret methods, her perceptiveness far surpassed that of her peers.

Thus, she immediately sensed the anomaly in the void. “Is someone else here?” she wondered, her mind racing with possibilities. Stealthily concealing her presence, she hastened towards the source of the disturbance.

Before long, she arrived at a secluded plain.

A man of average appearance and medium stature sat cross-legged, surrounded by swirling divine light and flashing runes, indicating severe injuries as he worked on his recovery.

Recognizing him immediately, Gu Xian’er’s pupils contracted slightly, and she instinctively retrieved a talisman from her sleeve. This man was the brother of Zi Yang Heavenly King, the enigmatic individual born from the Nine Heavens Strange Stone.

During this period, rumors circulated about his attempt to assassinate Gu Changge using an ancient treasure before fleeing. Yet, none suspected he was now here, recuperating from grave wounds sustained in his clash with Gu Changge.

Despite her recognition, Gu Xian’er chose not to startle him but instead concealed her presence carefully. She had her plans. This man was undoubtedly closely linked to Zi Yang Heavenly King. If she followed him discreetly, she might locate Zi Yang Heavenly King.

While Gu Xian’er pondered her next move, the man before her suddenly opened his eyes, unleashing a torrent of blood-red energy in the form of a dragon, accompanied by thunderous roars. Rising slowly to his feet, he muttered to himself.

“It’ll be some time before these wounds heal,” he mused. “Gu Changge truly embodies the essence of the demonic arts… Do you think you can deceive me just because you’ve fooled the world? You’ve kidnapped Qing Xiaoyi and framed Junior Brother Zi Yang. Now, you plan to eliminate him. It’s ruthless. If I don’t deal with him, disaster will befall us all.”

Qin Wuya’s brow furrowed deeply, his expression weighted with concern as he spoke softly to himself.

“The most pressing task is to rendezvous with Junior Brother Zi Yang and strategize on how to address the impending challenges. Junior Sister Dao Xian places too much trust in him, unaware of Gu Changge’s sinister intentions. She may fall victim to Gu Changge’s betrayal in the future…”

With those words, Qin Wuya vanished in a blur, swiftly disappearing.

“What… What does he mean by all this? Gu Changge is the true inheritor of demonic arts?”

These words echoed in Gu Xian’er’s mind as she stood frozen in place, stunned and disbelieving. She hadn’t expected to hear such revelations.

Her head felt as though it had been struck by a heavy stone, leaving her momentarily dazed and her thoughts muddled. She couldn’t comprehend her feelings at that moment.

Gu Changge, the real inheritor of demonic arts? The mastermind behind everything? The most fearsome threat in the world?

Gu Xian’er couldn’t accept this notion. But if Qin Wuya had intentionally fabricated these claims, why would he reveal them to her? And why say it now when he could have fled to evade potential retaliation from Gu Changge?

Was it all just a coincidence? Or perhaps could there be some truth to Qin Wuya’s words?

“Impossible. If Gu Changge truly is the inheritor of demonic arts, how could there have been no prior indications? And why would he repeatedly sustain injuries if he wielded such power?”

Gu Xian’er’s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She struggled to rationalize the situation, questioning Qin Wuya’s motives and the validity of his claims.

Yet, despite her efforts to dismiss his words as falsehoods, a sense of unease gnawed at her heart. Unnoticed by even herself, her complexion paled slightly as fear and uncertainty gripped her.

At that moment, she almost wished she hadn’t heard those words.

Previously, she had never harbored any doubts about Gu Changge being the inheritor of demonic arts. Yet, now, after entertaining the possibility, she found herself unable to shake off the uncertainty.

Without hesitation, Gu Xian’er pressed forward, determined to follow Qin Wuya’s trail and locate Zi Yang Heavenly King’s whereabouts.

At this juncture, it mattered little whether Qin Wuya had intentionally lured her there. All she wanted was to ascertain the truth, for she could not find peace until she did.

….

Buzz!

In the midst of it all, on another front.

The void quivered, bursting with luminance as spatial ripples filled the atmosphere.

Suddenly, a radiant portal manifested, and a procession of figures emerged, stepping into the world beyond.

At the forefront stood a man of tall and slender stature, clad in robes as white as snow, with eyes serene and deep. His hair, dark as ink, exuded an otherworldly elegance akin to a young deity descended from the heavens.

Behind him trailed geniuses and prodigies of diverse races, their formidable cultivation and vigorous presence enveloping the surroundings with brilliance.

A yaksha-like creature stood respectfully before them, gesturing toward the array of mountains ahead.

“Master, before you lies the Hengyue Mountains on the outskirts of ancient Xuanwu country.”

Gu Changge nodded, his gaze sweeping the landscape below as he spoke calmly,

“Zi Yang Heavenly King’s hideout is in this vicinity. We must conduct a thorough search, leaving no stone unturned.”

“The others will seal off all exits from this area. No beings or practitioners shall be allowed to pass. Any who disobey will be deemed accomplices of Zi Yang Heavenly King and met with swift retribution.”

“Yes, Master.”

The followers responded in unison. Their expressions were grave as they affirmed their understanding. Their collective momentum was formidable, their aura tinged with menace, causing even the assembled geniuses to tense up, their spines tingling with apprehension.

Gu Changge’s approach was characteristic of his direct style, opting to blockade the mountain range and allow no escape for anyone within.

Internally, his followers grimaced, wary of drawing Gu Changge’s suspicion and being lumped together with Zi Yang Heavenly King and the alleged inheritor of demonic arts.

Gu Changge then cast a glance at the looming mountains, striding forward with ease, his garments billowing behind him as he traversed vast distances in single steps.

The Heavenly Phoenix Maiden, Jin Chan, Six Crowned King, Ying Yu, and others trailed behind him. Still, she remained stationary in the sky, surveying the surroundings with keen eyes, awaiting Gu Changge’s signal to pinpoint Zi Yang Heavenly King’s location.

Gu Changge’s unwavering certainty about Zi Yang Heavenly King’s presence in this vicinity bolstered their confidence in the impending revelation. Anything less would be a rebuke to his credibility.