I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 336

Chapter 336: The Secret of the Purple Mansion, a little more human

Soon, the events that transpired in the Hengyue Mountains today spread like wildfire throughout the entire Upper Realm, sparking an unprecedented sensation akin to a seismic tremor. Cultivators who caught wind of the news were left wide-eyed in astonishment, struggling to process the shocking developments.

Every detail of the unfolding events, recounted by numerous eyewitnesses, propagated swiftly across the realm as if endowed with wings. The succession of unbelievable reports seemed surreal, akin to a fantastical dream.

Firstly, Gu Changge swiftly descended upon the Hengyue Mountains, pinpointed Zi Yang Heavenly King’s location, and subdued him. The enigmatic figure who had attempted to assassinate Holy Maiden Zi Yan on that fateful day managed to slip away and vanish without a trace.

Subsequently, a cadre of Purple Mansion’s formidable figures breached the spatial barriers and descended upon the scene, led by a supremely powerful being intent on rescuing Zi Yang Heavenly King. His bold and domineering demeanor left the witnessing cultivators and prodigies astounded.

During this tumultuous encounter, a Purple Mansion powerhouse at the pinnacle of the Great Sacred Realm stepped forward to confront Gu Changge, seeking to impart a lesson. Yet, he found himself grievously wounded by Gu Changge’s retaliatory strike. Were it not for the intervention of the Supreme Being from Purple Mansion, his demise would have been certain.

Following this altercation, the ire of Purple Mansion’s Supreme Being reached its zenith, abandoning all pretense of morality and targeting Gu Changge directly. However, in a swift turn of events, a mysterious force intervened, launching a decisive strike. A sword aura pierced through the Supreme Being’s forehead, obliterating his soul and sealing his fate on the spot.

The Supreme Being’s demise in such a dramatic fashion left everyone reeling in shock and disbelief.

The Upper Realm hadn’t witnessed a clash between Supremes in many years, let alone the demise of a Supreme Being. Moreover, occurrences of normalcy in the heavens had been on the decline, with rare reports of any Supreme Being falling. Yet today, with the death of the Supreme Being from Purple Mansion, it seemed as though the tides of change were upon this vast world.

Many cultivators harbored a foreboding sense that the tranquility of the Upper Realm might soon be shattered, anticipating major upheavals on the horizon. With such a monumental event unfolding, it was certain that Purple Mansion would seethe with rage and refuse to let the matter rest.

Meanwhile, the Ancient Immortal Gu family, looming ominously behind Gu Changge, remained shrouded in mystery and unpredictability, instilling profound fear even among the most venerable sects and aristocratic families. The presence of a suspected imperial-level powerhouse at Gu Changge’s side, serving as his protector, underscored the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s unwavering and authoritative stance on the issue.

Their actions suggested they wouldn’t hesitate to take drastic measures, regardless of the status of the opposition—even if they were a Supreme Being. They demonstrated a willingness to act decisively, resorting to beheading without hesitation.

The intricate relationship between Zi Yang, Heavenly King, and the inheritor of demonic arts defied easy description. Purple Mansion’s actions appeared tantamount to colluding with the inheritor of dark arts, prompting widespread discussion among Dao forces.

The ramifications of these developments reverberated across the Upper Realm, signaling a turbulent era fraught with uncertainty and potential conflict.

The Ancient Ye Clan, the Endless Fire Nation, and the Emperor Mountain, among other Dao forces, all bore the scars of the inheritor of dark arts’ poisonous machinations, harboring an unquenchable hatred. They fretted over their inability to trace the whereabouts of the inheritor and lacked a starting point for their pursuit.

Purple Mansion’s actions amounted to a slap in the face for many Dao forces, instantly stoking public outrage. Among these factions, certain high-ranking officials began discussing and strategizing a joint campaign alongside the Ancient Immortal Gu family to restore justice to the realm.

For a time, the entire Upper Realm brimmed with an atmosphere akin to the calm before a storm.

During this period, True Immortal Academy hastily issued orders for all experienced disciples to return to the academy to avoid entanglement in the brewing conflict. Likewise, the prodigies who remained in the major ancient countries evacuated one after another, halting their trials. They harbored a suspicion that the vicinity where Gu Changge was located would soon become anything but peaceful.

Simultaneously, within Purple Mansion, tranquility was nowhere to be found. Nestled amidst towering mountains and enshrouded in mist, the estate exuded an imposing aura, with a regal purple hue dominating the scenery.

Within the grandeur of a magnificent palace, numerous figures exuding formidable auras stood in deliberation. Their features blurred, obscured by chaotic energy as they engaged in intense discussion.

With a cold demeanor, Liu Zi Yan fixed her gaze upon the white-bearded and white-robed Elder seated above, unable to contain her frustration. “Elder, your actions are akin to plunging Purple Mansion into the flames and casting it into the depths of the abyss,” she declared, her tone tinged with urgency. “Now that Purple Mansion has drawn the ire of the public, other Dao forces are discussing a crusade. Yet, you show no intent to resolve the matter and instead plan retaliation. Are you truly willing to sacrifice the entirety of Purple Mansion for this?”

The Elder, seated in the center of the hall, possessed eyes as deep and vast as an endless starry sky, wherein myriad scenes unfolded, shrouded in mystery. A weighty and formidable aura emanated from behind him, reminiscent of the rumbling and turning of the world itself, instilling dread in those who beheld it.

In response to Liu Zi Yan’s impassioned plea, he calmly and dispassionately regarded her before shaking his head. “You fail to comprehend that Zi Yang bears the future of Purple Mansion upon his shoulders, with no room for error,” he explained. “If harm befalls him, Purple Mansion’s fortunes will be severed for a century. Our only hope lies with him. We must make a choice.”

His statement was met with silent agreement from the figures arrayed behind him, their expressions betraying no hint of emotion or surprise as if they had long foreseen this outcome.

Undeterred, Liu Zi Yan clenched her teeth and pressed on, “If that’s the case, why did the Grand Elder take action and place my father under house arrest? Any hint of dissent within Purple Mansion is met with suppression.”

She spoke with a blend of conviction and anger, her words laced with a sense of righteousness. This was not the Purple Mansion she had expected to return to. Dissenting disciples and elders alike were imprisoned in the dungeon.

The Great Elder, possessing unfathomable cultivation, had once presided over the world for millennia as the first Elder of Purple Mansion, even before her father ascended to the role of sect master. In the face of his intervention, her father stood little chance of resistance.

“Liu Ming only sees the immediate gains, neglecting the long-term consequences,” the Great Elder responded, his expression unchanged. “With all Dao forces united against us, should the Great Elder persist in his obstinance, even a year’s survival would be untenable.”

Despite the Elder’s steadfast resolve, Liu Zi Yan continued to grit her teeth, her beautiful eyes ablaze with defiance. Why was such a fundamental truth lost on the Great Elder?

“Escort the Holy Maiden to her quarters. During this period, she can cultivate peace. You needn’t concern yourself with sect affairs,” the First Elder interjected before Liu Zi Yan could finish her plea, promptly ushering her away. His expression remained impassive and detached throughout.

“Elder, what of the Ancient Immortal Gu family?” Liu Zi Yan persisted, but her query fell on deaf ears as she was escorted out.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side, a formidable figure with a blurred visage spoke, their words resonating with the power of countless deities and cosmic phenomena. “The Ancient Immortal Gu family’s venerable lineage may be shrouded in mystery, yet their legacy should not be underestimated. However, Purple Mansion has weathered countless trials and tribulations throughout its existence.”

“Gu Changge’s false accusations cannot go unanswered. How can the Ancient Immortal Gu family remain indifferent yet accuse Purple Mansion of protecting its own?” the figure continued their tone firm.

“The blood of Purple Mansion’s Supreme Lord must not be shed in vain,” the Great Elder declared, his countenance darkening visibly. With resolve, he affirmed his commitment to seeking justice for his sect’s leader.

Several other imposing figures present, their expressions solemn, readily aligned themselves with the Great Elder’s stance. With their instructions clear, they swiftly departed through a spatial rift, their Supreme Realm cultivations far surpassing those who had previously intervened on behalf of Zi Yang Heavenly King.

Now tasked with executing the Elder’s directives, they began making preparations while also strategizing to preserve Zi Yang Heavenly King’s life. Failure to do so would render their efforts futile.

“After a century, if Purple Mansion ceases to exist in this world…” the First Elder trailed off, contemplating the dire implications of such a scenario.

Once everyone had departed, the First Elder let out a faint sigh, his demeanor turning decidedly chilly. With a wave of his robes, he rose from his seat and traversed the void, arriving at a dark and foreboding cave.

Here, an aura of immortality surged forth, enveloping the surroundings in a swirling mist of white, black, and gray. Within this turbulent and vast atmosphere, an eerie figure sat cross-legged, draped in a voluminous robe with rigid limbs and a haggard countenance. Sunken eye sockets and scaly skin accentuated the strangeness of this figure, with white hair sprouting from their arms. Despite their appearance, they remained motionless, seemingly drained of vitality.

“Brother, I must implore you to perform another divination,” the Great Elder of Purple Mansion addressed the figure, his expression tinged with apprehension and reverence. Yet, even as he spoke, he maintained a cautious distance, wary of contamination.

The Great Elder’s query pertained to the looming calamity facing the Ancient Immortal Gu family and its potential impact on Purple Mansion’s vitality.

Few were aware that Purple Mansion’s development owed much to this enigmatic figure within the cave. It was through the eccentric’s divination that the founder of Purple Mansion discovered a path to enlightenment, laying the foundation for the sect’s establishment.

Upon hearing the Great Elder’s request, the eccentric’s eyelids fluttered as if on the verge of opening. However, they remained heavy as the vast expanse of the sky, opening only a fraction.

Observing this, the Great Elder’s countenance darkened. Whereas the eccentric’s eyes had once opened partially, they now struggled to do so, hinting at the diminishing capacity for divination. The inherent risks associated with delving into the mysteries of the heavens were evident in the toll it exacted upon the eccentric.

Reflecting on this, the Great Elder couldn’t help but sigh. The sect’s foundation had relied heavily on the eccentric’s divinations, which had attracted formidable individuals from bygone eras. However, this had come at a significant cost, depleting Purple Mansion’s luck and culminating in the birth of Zi Yang Heavenly King, imbued with the essence of Hongmeng Dao.

The Great Elder’s devotion to Zi Yang Heavenly King extended beyond the interests of Purple Mansion, encompassing his aspirations as well.

If Zi Yang Heavenly King could attain enlightenment before his passing, then Purple Mansion would assuredly thrive for millennia, allowing the Great Elder to rest in peace. If not, he would have no choice but to resort to the Heaven-defying Forbidden Technique in his final moments, seizing Zi Yang Heavenly King’s lifespan and all, thus continuing the legacy of Purple Mansion in another life. It was all thanks to the debt owed to the enigmatic figure by the founder of Purple Mansion that the Great Elder had been aided numerous times. This indebtedness was the driving force behind Heavenly King Zi Yang’s imperative victory, even if he had indeed conspired with the inheritor of dark arts.

“Ten…” the Great Elder heard the figure’s murmured words, his frown deepening as he struggled to discern their meaning. “Ten percent?” he ventured, his expression brightening momentarily. However, his optimism swiftly evaporated as the figure continued, leaving him ashen-faced and frozen in shock. “Ten… death without life.”

Elsewhere, in an obscure side hall within the ancient Xuanwu country, Gu Changge stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the darkened mountains in the distance. A faint smile graced his lips as he addressed the space before him. “I must thank you for today’s events, Aunt Qing.”

In response, a vague figure materialized in the void, radiating peerless elegance. Her visage appeared ethereal, as if from another realm entirely. Draped in a verdant gown that seemed to embody the essence of Dao, her flowing hair and tranquil gaze exuded a serene aura akin to warm, clear jade or a flawless moon.

“No problem, Little Supreme,” the woman in green replied, her voice reminiscent of the soothing melodies of nature, imbued with a calming power.

“It’s been several years since we last met, Aunt Qing, and you’re still as beautiful as ever. Not to mention effortlessly dismantling a supreme powerhouse with the flick of your finger,” Gu Changge remarked, engaging in casual conversation with her.

Aunt Qing, formerly known as Gu Qingyi, was not actually a member of the Gu family’s direct lineage, tracing her roots back to ancient times. Despite her status as an ancient prodigy within the Gu family, she lived contemporaneously with Gu Changge’s father, who regarded her as a righteous sister and cared for her deeply, hence Gu Changge’s familial moniker for her.

The tale of how she became Gu Changge’s guardian was fraught with twists and turns. When Gu Changge emerged at the age of three, he astounded his Gu family peers, overshadowing even those older than him. Recognizing his boundless potential, many Gu family elders contemplated selecting a suitable guardian for him.

Yet, to their surprise, Gu Changge boldly declared that he could navigate the world without the need for a guardian. His audacious proclamation at such a tender age left the Gu family in awe, though some considered him overly arrogant.

Despite objections, Gu Changge remained steadfast, even defying his father’s attempts to dissuade him. Ultimately, he stunned everyone by appointing Gu Qingyi as his guardian despite her seeming unsuitability for such a role.

Though formidable in talent and cultivation, Gu Qingyi’s acceptance of the guardianship was unexpected, given the vast disparity in age and experience between herself and the three-year-old Gu Changge. Nevertheless, she consented to his request.

The incident stirred up considerable commotion within the Gu family, sparking envy among many disciples. Gu Qingyi, a revered peer, was considered a rightful contender for enlightenment even before Gu Changge’s father. Some speculated that her agreement stemmed solely from deference to Gu Changge’s father’s authority.

However, Gu Changge knew the truth: his father’s influence was merely a guise for his desire to claim the family’s legacy. He intended to bide his time and gradually pursue enlightenment in the future. As for Gu Qingyi’s motives, while his father may have played a role, it was likely that she sensed something deeper. Her possession of the innate Nine Immortal Heart was no secret among the Gu family elders.

“It’s been years since you last reached out to me. I thought you had forgotten about your protector,” Gu Qingyi remarked, her demeanor serene and unchanged, as if time had no bearing on her.

Gu Changge maintained his smile, though inwardly intrigued by Gu Qingyi’s inscrutability. He suspected she had reached the profound realm of the Emperor Realm and was nearing enlightenment.

Yet, Gu Qingyi dismissed his jest with a shake of her head. “You seem different than before,” she observed.

Curious, Gu Changge arched an eyebrow. “Oh? In what way?”

“You’re a bit more human,” she replied cryptically.