I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 340

Chapter 340: Borrowing a knife to kill people, a desperate battle of immortal sects

In the courtyard, a breeze swept through, causing the bamboo to rustle softly. The atmosphere grew even quieter.

“Yes?”

“But I have a feeling that Chu Hao still intends to kill me. Is this just my imagination, or is it Chu Hao’s arrogant self-assurance?”

“If I give you time, how many days do you think will suffice? Or do you want me to handle it myself? I generally dislike trouble, but Chu Hao doesn’t strike me as someone who shies away from it.”

Seated before the stone table, Gu Changge gently blew the mist off his teacup, his gaze casual yet piercing.

His words carried an air of nonchalance, yet they held weight.

Ji Qingxuan’s eyes, like glass, betrayed a hint of surprise.

She stood by obediently, massaging Gu Changge’s shoulders, demonstrating her utmost competence in her role as his maid.

In her view, given Gu Changge’s status, why would he concern himself so much with Chu Hao?

She believed he merely felt slighted by the attention of someone insignificant, causing him discomfort.

“Please grant me more time, at most half a month. I will ensure Chu Hao understands and relents.”

“Chu Hao has overstepped, disrespecting my master. Yet, I hope the master will show kindness and overlook it.”

Tang Wan’s voice quivered, her eyes wide with fear, clearly shaken to the core.

Interpreting Gu Changge’s words, was he contemplating an attack on Chu Hao?

She couldn’t fathom the consequences. If Gu Changge indeed confronted Chu Hao at this juncture, what were the odds of Chu Hao’s survival?

It seemed bleak—a near-certain demise!

Prior to this, regardless of what Tang Wan conveyed to Chu Hao, Chu Hao remained steadfast in his belief that he would eventually reclaim everything from Gu Changge and erase the humiliation of that day.

Despite Tang Wan’s numerous attempts to persuade him, Chu Hao turned a blind eye, dismissing her efforts.

With such convictions, Chu Hao actively schemed during this period.

Tang Wan deemed these tactics even more futile, incapable of making any dent in Gu Changge’s armor.

After all, Chu Hao was merely a minor prince in the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom.

In contrast to the vast Ancient Immortal Gu family, even its smallest affiliates held far more sway than the humble Ancient Vermillion Bird Country.

Given such a glaring discrepancy, did Chu Hao still harbor hope?

Especially when even she found herself powerless to aid Chu Hao any further.

Did he grasp the reality of the situation?

Tang Wan felt deeply disillusioned with Chu Hao now.

She had exhausted every possible avenue to assist him, yet Chu Hao not only showed indifference but seemed to be courting his demise.

If Gu Changge truly intended to obliterate the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom, it would be a mere utterance away from realization.

Gu Changge wouldn’t even need to lift a finger. Numerous Dao legacies and factions were eager to curry favor with him and would gladly carry out his bidding.

Was Chu Hao relying on the Supreme Dao Cave behind him for protection? Couldn’t he foresee the fate of Purple Mansion?

“No, you needn’t fret about Chu Hao’s affairs. I have other matters to discuss with you,” Gu Changge interjected, waving his hand to halt her. He continued casually, “During this period, a man named Qin Wuya might approach you… Whatever unfolds, remain composed and follow my instructions.”

“Qin Wuya…”

Tang Wan was taken aback. Somehow, the name stirred a peculiar familiarity within her, as though she had encountered it before.

“Is he the brother of Zi Yang Heavenly King? Master’s adversary?”

The realization struck her, her complexion shifting slightly as she recalled.

She had indeed heard of Qin Wuya during this time, though the context escaped her.

But why did Gu Changge predict Qin Wuya’s visit to her?

“That’s him. In a previous life, you were his Dao companion. He remembers you and will seek to rekindle that connection,” Gu Changge remarked casually, glancing in her direction.

“A past life Dao companion?”

At this revelation, Tang Wan’s eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips as her face paled.

During this time, fragmented memories surfaced in her mind.

She stood before grand ancient gates in an era distant from the present.

The skies were vast, the earth expansive, and all things held grandeur.

Sacred mountains loomed, immortal peaks towered in a realm vast and boundless.

She, with a pure heart, revered her fatherly figure in charge.

There was also a mature, dependable senior brother and Dao companion, alongside junior siblings bearing the weight of restoring their sect.

Though she reassured herself it was merely a dream, she couldn’t shake the notion of reincarnation.

Yet, Gu Changge’s words now rooted her to the spot, stirring profound contemplation.

In her mind, it felt like an explosion, a buzzing and trembling sensation.

But how in the world did Gu Changge possess such knowledge, confidently asserting that Qin Wuya was her companion from a past life?

Tang Wan was utterly dumbfounded, struggling to believe it.

Who was Gu Changge, and how did he come by this information?

Ji Qingxuan also overheard Gu Changge’s words, visibly shocked, though she maintained a neutral expression, pretending not to have heard.

Internally, she found Gu Changge increasingly enigmatic and mysterious, his insight into past lives adding another layer of mystery.

“How does master know this?” Tang Wan, despite her training in the Wan Dao Business Alliance and exposure to turbulence, couldn’t suppress the tremor in her voice, a fear she hesitated to acknowledge.

Glancing at her, Gu Changge shook his head, not explaining. “You needn’t concern yourself with that. Just remember my instructions.”

“Yes,” Tang Wan nodded, a tinge of melancholy flooding her heart as she recalled Gu Changge’s alternate identity as the descendant of the Ancient Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation.

His ability to delve into the realm of reincarnation and comprehend such matters didn’t surprise her.

Yet, she couldn’t fathom why men connected to her would ultimately find themselves at odds with Gu Changge.

Whether it was Chu Hao or this man named Qin Wuya, suspected to be her Dao companion from a past life, the pattern remained consistent.

Ultimately, she would be the one tasked with confronting them.

The realization weighed heavily on Tang Wan, plunging her heart into despair.

“You can return to the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country for now. If there’s anything, I’ll inform you,” Gu Changge said casually, aware of Tang Wan’s thoughts but unconcerned.

“Yes, master,” Tang Wan replied, her demeanor clouded with gloom.

Once Tang Wan departed, Gu Changge gestured for Ji Qingxuan to leave as well.

Gazing at the piece of paper in his hand, Gu Changge’s expression grew pensive.

“At this juncture in Purple Mansion, abandoning Zi Yang Heavenly King is out of the question. Despite the encroachment of various Dao factions, they’ll undoubtedly dispatch powerful reinforcements.”

“If Supreme Dao Cave is astute, he’ll know what needs to be done. If not, I won’t hesitate to act again…”

Gu Changge muttered softly, his gaze deepening.

With this in mind, Gu Changge proceeded to instruct his subordinates to detain all individuals associated with Purple Mansion, including Zi Yang Heavenly King, and transport them to the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country.

He intended to stir up trouble in the east.

This move could potentially instigate conflict between Supreme Dao Cave and Purple Mansion, alleviating some complications.

Failing that, a conflagration at the gates of the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country would ensnare all within, leading to their destruction.

While Gu Changge aimed to target Chu Hao and the Ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, launching an unprovoked assault would invite criticism.

After all, outwardly, he portrayed the image of a righteous leader and had to safeguard appearances.

Moreover, the Ancient Immortal Gu family was now asserting its dominance.

Excessive aggression on his part could stoke jealousy among other Dao factions and provoke hostile intentions.

Considering these factors, Gu Changge deemed a more subtle approach prudent.

As for Chu Hao’s faction, Gu Changge currently paid little heed.

After all, Chu Hao’s influence paled in comparison to Zi Yang Heavenly King’s.

Furthermore, dealing with Chu Hao could wait; there was no rush.

As the favored son of fortune, Chu Hao’s significance far surpassed that of Zi Yang, Heavenly King.

Until he had been thoroughly exploited, killing him off would be a squandering of resources.

After all, such ripe opportunities were rare to come by!

Both Chu Hao and Qin Wuya could yield bountiful harvests for him.

“This way, the narrative becomes much more coherent—the wrathful Purple Mansion destroyed the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom. All I’ll need to do is express surprise at the extent of Purple Mansion’s cruelty.”

With this scheme in mind, Gu Changge couldn’t help but smile before hastening toward the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the ruler of the Xuanwu Ancient Kingdom, closely monitoring Gu Changge’s movements, broke into a rare smile.

It seemed as if the entire nation had been relieved of a burden, celebrating with firecrackers and drums.

Many families within the Xuanwu Ancient Kingdom breathed easier, fearing entanglement in the conflict between Purple Mansion and Gu Changge.

Now that Gu Changge had departed, the Ancient Xuanwu Kingdom felt relatively safer, alleviating their previous anxieties.

…

“Senior uncle, after Wan’er departed, did she visit Gu Changge?”

Simultaneously, in the imperial capital of the Ancient Xuanwu Kingdom.

Within a grand, imposing mansion.

Two individuals were engaged in discussion, the questioner bearing a handsome countenance, towering stature, and an aura hinting at otherworldliness.

It was Chu Hao, while the older man before him, exuding an immortal air with his three wisps of white beard, was none other than his master, Uncle Bai Yang.

Both had departed from the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, trailing Tang Wan’s movements.

Chu Hao yearned to uncover the purpose behind her visit and her encounter with Gu Changge.

Without clarity on this matter, Chu Hao found himself unable to rest or focus on cultivation, beset by mental turmoil.

“Wan’er wouldn’t betray me. She’s endured hardships and was likely threatened by Gu Changge!” Chu Hao muttered, a palpable thorn in his heart.

The notion of Tang Wan clandestinely meeting Gu Changge behind his back left him feeling stifled and irritated.

Though he trusted Tang Wan’s integrity, the idea of her keeping secrets from him, particularly with another man, grated on his nerves.

He knew that, given Tang Wan’s character, betrayal wasn’t in her nature.

But how could any man tolerate such a situation?

Yet, he had little choice but to forgive Tang Wan and feign indifference to the matter.

Bai Yang’s expression mirrored Chu Hao’s displeasure. His brow creased as he emitted a soft sigh. “If Tang Wan didn’t alter her course midway, she likely went to visit Gu Changge.”

“That mansion is presently occupied by none other than Gu Changge.”

His sympathetic gaze conveyed a sense of regret, leaving him at a loss for words.

“Didn’t you follow up on her, Senior Uncle?”

Despite having anticipated this turn of events, Chu Hao’s countenance soured upon hearing his senior uncle’s confirmation. He drew a deep breath, forcing himself to regain composure.

“Gu Changge is currently under the protection of a mysterious Emperor Realm powerhouse. If I were to approach recklessly, I might be mistaken by that Emperor Realm figure as an assassin from Purple Mansion…” Bai Yang’s expression revealed a hint of apprehension as he explained.

He was aware of the formidable entity dispatched by Purple Mansion to rescue Zi Yang Heavenly King previously.

Even if his strength surpassed theirs, the disparity wasn’t significant.

Encountering such a mysterious Emperor Realm powerhouse now would likely lead to his demise.

“Senior uncle’s caution is wise. It was my rashness,” Chu Hao conceded through gritted teeth, resentment bubbling anew within him.

Having cultivated diligently since youth, encountering few setbacks or trials, he found himself grappling with newfound challenges and frustrations.

His future shone brightly, poised to ascend to the pinnacle of the upper realm as long as he avoided downfall. Yet, in his clashes with Gu Changge, he had endured significant setbacks.

Even with the intervention of his master’s formidable strength, Chu Hao found himself unable to contend with Gu Changge, hesitant to even venture forth for reconnaissance.

“But Hao’er, there’s no need for concern. I observed Tang Wan’s visit to Gu Changge—it lasted only a short tea time. There’s unlikely to have been any significant interaction between them, and Tang Wan’s virtuous aura remained untainted…”

Witnessing Chu Hao’s distress, Bai Yang felt a pang of worry and helplessness. He gently patted his shoulder, fearing the potential ruin of a promising talent, and sought to offer reassurance.

Though he believed this woman wasn’t deserving of Chu Hao’s attention, he refrained from voicing such sentiments.

“I understand, don’t fret, senior uncle. I have a plan,” Chu Hao replied, his composure restored. He recognized that blaming Tang Wan at this juncture wouldn’t solve anything; he needed to devise a strategy to prevent such incidents in the future.

Gu Changge’s callousness raised concerns—what if he acted recklessly one day? Tang Wan, being a vulnerable woman, would be defenseless.

Just then, Chu Hao’s expression shifted abruptly as he felt the summoning talisman within his Storage Ring vibrates, signaling messages from the Vermilion Bird Kingdom.

The lord wouldn’t contact him without reason; something significant must have occurred.

“What’s wrong?” Bai Yang noticed Chu Hao’s sudden change in demeanor and inquired.

“Something’s amiss in the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom… Damn it! I won’t let Gu Changge get away with this!” Chu Hao retrieved the transmission talisman, swiftly scanning the message, his expression morphing dramatically.

He spoke with a grimace, almost through clenched teeth, his words laced with immense hatred.

“Senior Uncle, let’s return to the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom first,” he declared, preparing to depart. He hadn’t anticipated that amid his clashes with Purple Mansion, Gu Changge would still find time to scheme against the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom. His cruelty knew no bounds!

“Could it be…” Bai Yang’s expression shifted slightly as he grasped the gravity of the situation. He had a vague inkling of what might be unfolding, sending a shiver down his spine at Gu Changge’s cunning tactics.

While Chu Hao strategized his retaliation against Gu Changge, Gu Changge had already struck preemptively. His methods were terrifying—swift, chilling, and bloodless.

…

During this period, the gaze of the entire upper world was fixated on the territory of Purple Mansion. Every cultivator and Dao force closely monitored the unfolding events. Even transcendent powers like Buddha Mountain and Human Ancestor Hall were attentive.

How many times have immortal wars and tribulations occurred throughout history? Hearts surged with anticipation, stirred by the impending conflict.

Vast armies descended upon ancient warships, with Heavenly Emperor Mountain, the Ancient Ye Clan, and other Dao forces rallying under the banner of crusading against the inheritors of demonic arts and Zi Yang Heavenly King, launching direct assaults.

The leveling of Purple Mansion promised abundant spoils for the attackers. Over countless years, Purple Mansion has amassed vast resources and heritage.

In the eyes of all, Purple Mansion was destined to fall in this battle, with no room for doubt.

The cacophony generated by the conflict was incomprehensibly loud, shaking the billions of miles of starry sky surrounding them.

“Attack!”

“Crush Purple Mansion beneath our feet!”

Billions of cultivators and creatures surged forward with monstrous clamor and killing intent that threatened to engulf everything.

Along their path, countless forces retreated to their borders, too intimidated to offer resistance.

Watching from afar, Dao systems and affiliated forces obscured the sky as they advanced.

Billions of armies descended like a sharpened blade, imbued with celestial power, cleaving through everything in their path with thunderous force!

Boom!

Within Purple Mansion, disciples and elders alike employed supreme techniques with solemn determination. Divine light soared into the heavens as protective formations were activated, casting a web of intertwining beams of various colors across the sky to fend off the onslaught.

But the sheer number of cultivators, along with the elite forces sent by all clans under Heavenly Emperor Mountain’s control, overwhelmed them. Thick clouds rolled in, shrouding the sky and plunging the world into darkness.

Such a sight hadn’t been witnessed in centuries.

Elsewhere, beings could only feel the majestic presence of supreme power sweeping through the heavens.

Stars trembled, the heavens quaked, and the fabric of reality distorted. The resounding roar of battle echoed, shaking countless realms. One could only imagine the sheer ferocity of the conflict taking place.

A battle between supreme beings!

A Dharma body emanated a purple aura, reshaping reality itself.

Atop the sky, draped in myriad divine auras, it battled against all foes, seeming to tower over the universe itself.

In the haze, one could discern a tripod engulfed in infinite light, a shining golden bell, and a verdant seal floating amidst the fray.

These were the supreme weapons, their awakening blurring the very fabric of reality. Stars exploded, reduced to dust in an instant.

The sight left all cultivators and Dao forces horrified.

“Did Purple Mansion’s depths truly withstand assaults from Heavenly Emperor Mountain and Ancient Ye Clan?”

“I never imagined Purple Mansion to harbor such formidable defenses. Those supreme beings must have emerged from their Ancestral Hall; their aura doesn’t belong to our era!”

These revelations shocked the powerful figures of Dao forces, closely monitoring the battle. What was previously perceived as a one-sided affair now seemed locked in a stalemate.

Purple Mansion’s strength surpassed all expectations.

Many realized that Purple Mansion’s audacity was matched by its capability.

Meanwhile, far beyond the starry expanse, a rumble reverberated, shattering souls.

Ancient flags fluttered, unfurling boundless power. A colossal battleship akin to an ancient continent cast an infinite shadow.

Breaking through the void, shrouded in chaos, it crushed everything in its path, rending the heavens asunder.

High above, a colossal “Gu” character swayed in the sky directly over Purple Mansion.

“The Ancient Immortal Gu Family has descended! Purple Mansion’s fortunes seem dire this time. Can it withstand the might of the Ancient Immortal Gu Family?”

“It appears Purple Mansion’s sect is on the brink of collapse!”

All Dao systems and forces were stunned, witnessing the arrival of countless armies stretching across the heavens and obscuring the starry sky—a power that instilled unparalleled fear.

“Crush Purple Mansion! Exalt the might of the Gu Family!” bellowed an elderly figure aboard the ancient warship, blasting a trumpet that reverberated through the air, unleashing terrifying fluctuations instantaneously.

The ensuing battle erupted in a frenzy.

Runes filled the air on the ancient warship, transforming into divine swords that descended upon the front lines.

In the depths of the starry sky, a myriad of luminous runes emerged, stunning the heavens.

The void quivered like a sieve pierced by a beam of light, causing the great formation guarding Purple Mansion to teeter on the brink of collapse.

Witnessing this spectacle, distant observers were chilled to the bone. If one blow could wreak such havoc, could Purple Mansion withstand further assaults?

Boom!

At that moment, the supreme being of the Gu family also made their move, their raised hand unleashing a sweeping power that caused stars to tremble.

“Attack!”

In Purple Mansion, three supreme beings once again emerged, their auras surpassing even those engaged in combat with Heavenly Emperor Mountain and other forces.

“The Ancient Immortal Gu Family’s collusion with Gu Changge to suppress our Purple Mansion heir is unforgivable! This vengeance must be repaid!”

“We will defend the legacy of Purple Mansion and thwart any outsider’s covetous intentions!”

Beneath the starry sky, the three supreme beings appeared, their countenances etched with icy hatred as they voiced their condemnation.

“Do you fools truly believe you can confront the might of my Gu family with just the three of you? You court death yet still seek to defy us. Your courage is commendable.”

“Today, we shall grant your wish. It’s not a bad thing to have company on the journey to the afterlife.”

Simultaneously, amidst the Gu family’s ranks, a palpable aura filled the air, divine light blanketing the landscape.

Ten supreme beings materialized in the star field, their features obscured yet exuding immense majesty, their words dripping with cold resolve.

Their arrival spelled certain doom for the three representatives of Purple Mansion!

Observers were shocked. While rumors of the Gu family sending ten supremes circulated before, many had only sensed their presence without seeing them. It was staggering to witness ten peak supreme beings—true upper supremes—in person.

“No…”

Despair washed over countless disciples and elders of Purple Mansion as they beheld this grim sight, their sorrow and rage boiling over.

Boom!

The ensuing battle unleashed terror, shaking every soul to its core. The three supreme beings of Purple Mansion, undeterred by the overwhelming odds, advanced fearlessly, unleashing their most potent techniques.

The resulting explosions echoed as if stars were erupting, the heavens and earth quaking as chaos reigned.

Aura reminiscent of the birth of a new cosmos engulfed everything.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, they were grievously wounded, their bodies nearly torn asunder, hurtling through the cosmos, shattering countless stars in their wake.

With ten supremes against them, only an emperor realm existence could hope to resist.

All Dao forces were horrified, numb with shock. With the Gu family’s might, even if Heavenly Emperor Mountain and others remained passive, Purple Mansion faced certain destruction.

It was an utterly one-sided affair.