I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 342

Chapter 342: A group of mysterious people was caught by Hei Yanyu, who may be visitors from Earth

“If Chu Hao seeks to disrupt the situation, he can only rely on the prevailing trend to exert pressure on me. But does the so-called prevailing trend truly hold sway over me?” Gu Changge pondered aloud, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out of the palace window, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Chu Hao had overestimated the influence of public opinion. Who would dare to resist in the face of absolute strength and matters of life and death? It was ludicrous.

Gu Changge stood composed inside the palace, his robes billowing gently as he contemplated the unfolding events. Everything was unfolding according to his meticulous plan. He had foreseen every move Chu Hao might make and accounted for it. He had already assimilated the dragon veins of the Ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, an irreversible fate sealed.

Even if Chu Hao was favored by fortune, he could never alter this inevitable outcome. The forces at Chu Hao’s disposal were feeble, powerless in the face of this inexorable destiny.

Chu Hao’s only recourse now was to witness the destruction of the Ancient Vermilion Bird Kingdom, a helpless bystander to his own kingdom’s demise.

As Gu Changge mulled over his thoughts, a follower’s voice interrupted outside the hall. “Young Master, representatives from various Ancient Immortal clans seek an audience with you.”

Gu Changge snapped back to the present and nodded. “Allow them entry.”

Shortly after that, several individuals entered the hall, their auras formidable, akin to rolling clouds and mist, imbued with various divine essences, exuding immense power.

Among them were leaders who hailed from various clans, each possessing considerable strength. Behind them stood the ancestral figures of their respective clans, their presence seeming to exert a subtle pressure on the surrounding void, indicative of their extreme dominance. With cultivation bases hovering at the quasi-supreme realm, they had once stood in opposition to Gu Changge in the Ancient Immortal Continent.

However, it was Gu Changge who orchestrated their allegiance through his mastery of the Immortal Binding Technique, firmly establishing his control over the ancient immortal clans. As they beheld Gu Changge, reverence emanated from their gazes.

“Master, we pay our respects,” they greeted in unison.

“No need for excessive formality,” Gu Changge replied with a nod, his demeanor composed as he surveyed them, somewhat satisfied.

Representatives from nearly all clans—the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan, the Ancient Snake Clan, the Divine Crocodile Clan, the Immortal Ancient Dragon Clan—had gathered. The formidable strength of the dispatched powerhouses indicated compliance with his directives.

Gu Changge’s gaze settled on one individual in particular. “How’s the task I assigned to you progressing?”

“Master, Yan Yu is diligently carrying out your instructions without question. We await your inspection,” came the response.

The speaker, draped in a flowing black gown with a delicate veil obscuring her features, possessed porcelain-white skin, eyes reminiscent of autumn water, and soft, flowing hair, lending her an air of tranquility and allure. Her demeanor exuded respect as she addressed Gu Changge.

She was Hei Yanyu, renowned as the foremost beauty of the Ancient Immortal Continent and the youthful ruler of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan.

Yet, she was held in high regard by Gu Changge and wielded formidable authority within the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan. The other immortal ancient clans couldn’t help but bow their heads in her presence, intimidated by her imposing aura.

“Oh?” Gu Changge’s smile was nonchalant. “If you say so, I’ll trust you for now.”

Previously, he had tasked Hei Yanyu with the covert acquisition of various cultivation resources. Although her mission paralleled Yin Mei’s—scouting for individuals with rare physiques and origins—these resources had since lost their significance to him. With Gu Changge’s cultivation base nearly at the quasi-supreme realm, the resources amassed by Yan Yu held little utility for him. Nonetheless, he anticipated reviewing the exceptional physiques Yan Yu had amassed.

“Master, Yan Yu hasn’t forgotten your orders,” Hei Yanyu affirmed, her voice soft and submissive.

“Come closer. There’s no need to keep your distance. Am I some sort of wild beast?” Gu Changge quipped with a smile.

“Yes, Master,” Hei Yanyu responded, a hint of surprise coloring her expression before she gracefully approached Gu Changge’s side, her demeanor demure.

Initially apprehensive that her efforts might not meet Gu Changge’s expectations and thus bring calamity upon the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan, Hei Yanyu was keenly aware of Gu Changge’s formidable abilities and concealed identity. No one in the world was more fearsome than him. Amidst the tumultuous events unfolding in the upper realm, Hei Yanyu concealed her inner turmoil behind a facade of calm detachment, though inwardly, she was fraught with anxiety.

To her, Gu Changge was akin to a tiger in sheep’s clothing.

After all, Hei Yanyu and the Black Heavenly Clan standing behind her knew they were at the mercy of Gu Changge’s whims. If provoked, Gu Changge could crush them at any moment, such as in the precariousness of their situation.

While the other ancient immortal clans believed Gu Changge to be the descendant of the ancient Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation, leading to the surrender of the Black Heavenly Eagle Clan, the Ancient Snake Clan, and the Crocodile Clan, Hei Yanyu alone harbored the truth: Gu Changge had already slain the true descendant of the Heavenly Lord of Reincarnation. The so-called successor was merely a puppet.

Observing Gu Changge’s current satisfaction with her, Hei Yanyu breathed a sigh of relief, her hidden smile beneath the veil betraying her relief.

Upon receiving Gu Changge’s directive, she promptly mobilized the Black Heavenly Eagle army, disseminating the cultivation methods as instructed. Though apprehensive of the potential consequences, Hei Yanyu dared not disobey.

“It’s fortunate to have you attending to matters for me. You’re invaluable,” Gu Changge remarked with a casual smile.

“It’s an honor to serve the master,” Hei Yanyu replied, her eyelids drooping slightly, unable to conceal the joy evident in her expression.

Gu Changge’s arm encircled her waist, eliciting a blush from Hei Yanyu’s cheeks as she shamed into his embrace.

Observing this display, envy stirred among the representatives of the ancient immortal clans. The intimate gesture between Gu Changge and Hei Yanyu attested to her esteemed position in his eyes.

Unaware of the task bestowed upon Hei Yanyu by Gu Changge, the other clans could only envy from afar, leaving to wonder about their roles in Gu Changge’s intricate designs.

Despite being the foremost beauty of the Immortal Ancient Continent, Hei Yanyu remained inherently influential. Her newfound status would likely evoke reverence from all the tribes of the ancient immortal continent.

Keen and astute, Hei Yanyu discerned Gu Changge’s underlying motive in publicly displaying his favor towards her. By showcasing her as his confidante, Gu Changge aimed to bolster her authority among the various races of the Ancient Immortal Continent, ensuring they would not dare disrespect her.

Recognizing the strategic advantages inherent in her elevated position, Hei Yanyu couldn’t help but feel a twinge of melancholy, though she dismissed it as mere overthinking. Gu Changge’s sudden displays of affection were likely part of his calculated maneuvers.

After addressing the tribes, Gu Changge dismissed them, save for Hei Yanyu, who remained at his side.

“Are we going to visit the imprisoned cultivators, Master?” Hei Yanyu inquired softly as they departed the palace.

“Indeed,” Gu Changge affirmed, releasing her as they set out, with Hei Yanyu leading the way.

Despite her internal disappointment, Hei Yanyu maintained a composed facade, concealing her true feelings.

Meanwhile, the ancient warships of the various tribes hovered 800,000 miles away from the Vermillion Bird Palace, where the cultivation resources Hei Yanyu had delivered were now imprisoned. Should Gu Changge choose to intervene, the journey would be swift.

“On the way to the ancient warship, Hei Yanyu suddenly recalled another matter and reported it to Gu Changge.”

“By the way, Master, I apprehended a group of mysterious individuals near the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area some time ago. They were transported here by an unknown force, unaffected by the area’s substances.”

“These mysterious individuals were garbed in peculiar attire and wielded unusual metal weapons capable of unleashing a silver metallic substance with lethal force. Even the fiercest beasts were no match for them.”

“However, none of these mysterious individuals appear to have cultivated before, and their physical constitutions are feeble. Even the weakest children in our clan could easily overpower them.”

This revelation piqued Gu Changge’s interest. “Mysterious individuals near the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area, dressed oddly, wielding metal weapons? What could have brought them here?”

His curiosity was tinged with a sense of familiarity. Could they be from Earth? The scent of chives seemed to linger in the air.

The Ancient Immortal Continent had once been transported by the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace’s supreme means, including the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area. Although concealed within the Heavenly Dao Immortal Palace’s depths after Gu Changge’s ascendancy, it occasionally welcomed outsiders seeking adventure and opportunity.

However, the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area earned its name for a reason. Even the mightiest beings hesitated to tread its grounds, sensing an ominous presence.

A perpetual mist surged in the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area, cloaking it in mystery.

Venturing near meant risking obliteration, as the area was enveloped in a mysterious force. Those who dared approach would be reduced to blood mist, their very essence annihilated. Even those who managed to escape were haunted by the unknown, living in perpetual torment.

Rumors swirled about the area, speculating on survivors and the enigmatic entities hidden within. Even the entity that had moved the Ancient Immortal Continent remained silent on the area’s secrets, shrouding it in further mystery.

Hei Yanyu then recounted how she encountered the group of mysterious individuals near the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area. Upon receiving reports of a disturbance, she rushed to the scene and found the terrified group fleeing.

Despite her attempts to communicate with them, she discovered they couldn’t understand the local language. Their souls proved too fragile for interrogation, shattering upon contact, leaving her with no leads.

Gu Changge listened intently, intrigued by the situation. “Have you determined what brought them to the Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area?”

Hei Yanyu shook her head. “No, I attempted soul-searching, but their souls were too fragile. I couldn’t glean any information.”

Gu Changge nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. He had a suspicion forming in his mind. Whether they were from Earth or not was inconsequential to him.

Many favored technology among the countless lower realms under the upper realm’s jurisdiction. However, these realms had few cultivators, and those who did exist were not particularly formidable. At best, they might live a few hundred years longer than ordinary people. Achieving feats like flying through the sky, traversing space, or reaching distant celestial bodies remained out of reach for these cultivators. Ascending to the upper realm was even more improbable.

Nevertheless, Gu Changge undoubtedly sought specific targets within this enigmatic group of individuals. If they were indeed from Earth, perhaps he could use this opportunity to uncover the reason for his transmigration. Gu Changge doubted that his crossing had occurred without purpose, especially after discovering his demon lord’s insignia. However, he believed the likelihood of them being Earth visitors was slim, more likely originating from some distant world.

“Hao’er, there’s no need to be hasty,” the Vermillion Bird King advised. “Approaching Gu Changge now would only put our ancient country at a disadvantage, regardless of his response. If we apply pressure through the consensus, it might still yield results. After all, Gu Changge has cultivated a positive image among the people. He won’t directly attack our ancient Vermillion Bird country unless he’s willing to tarnish that image. This might be our best chance.”

In the Imperial Palace of Vermillion Bird Kingdom, Chu Hao wanted to confront Gu Changge. However, the Vermillion Bird King intervened, recognizing the strategic importance of their timing.

Having ruled the Ancient Vermillion Bird Country for many years, the Vermillion Bird King was not without wisdom. He understood that their best course of action was to compel Gu Changge to agree to their terms. Despite their country’s modest size, it boasted a population of several billion people. If Gu Changge refused, he would bear the infamy of killing billions of cultivators—unless he didn’t care.

This was their only opportunity.

“What the Lord of Vermillion Bird Kingdom said is a viable solution. However, I’m concerned that Gu Changge truly doesn’t value the lives of the creatures in the Ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom,” Bai Yang remarked, his eyes gleaming with admiration for the Vermillion Bird Country’s ruler. Despite the limitations of the emperor’s heart technique in the face of absolute strength, it might still wield influence now.

“Then I’ll follow what the royal father said,” Chu Hao agreed, his smile reflecting a newfound confidence. He felt a sense of relief, realizing that things had taken a positive turn.

Empowered by their discussion, the Vermilion Bird King, Chu Hao, and Bai Yang devised various strategies, acknowledging that their strength alone wasn’t sufficient. Pressuring Gu Changge with the consensus required building momentum.

Consequently, the Vermillion Bird King issued invitations to all the families and sects of the ancient Vermillion Bird country for a banquet three days later. The invitation’s content was straightforward: Zi Yang Heavenly King was detained in their country, and the Purple Mansion might attempt a rescue. The ancient Vermillion Bird country would be caught in the crossfire in the ensuing conflict between Gu Changge’s forces and the Purple Mansion.

This news spread quickly, sending shockwaves through the aristocratic families and sects of the ancient Vermillion Bird country. Yet, despite the looming danger, the country rallied together in a rare display of unity.

After all, it was a matter of life and death. If they didn’t want to abandon the foundation they had built over the years, they had to choose to attend the banquet in three days and do everything possible to persuade Gu Changge to rescind his previous order.

Upon hearing the news, all the aristocratic families and sects of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom were shocked, realizing the gravity of the situation. In Gu Changge’s eyes, their entire country was insignificant, like ants. For him, the fate of the ancient Vermillion Bird country held no importance. But for them, it was their homeland, the foundation of their families and sects. Its collapse would leave them vulnerable to other forces.

With this understanding, the aristocratic families and sects began earnest discussions, each boasting profound individuals. Although their backgrounds varied, their highest cultivation levels only reached the sacred realm, far from the tremendous sacred realm.

“This situation concerns the life and death of the ancient Vermillion Bird country. If it falls, our aristocratic families and sects will suffer as well,” remarked an old man with gray hair in the residence of the Grand Master of the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom. Despite his advanced age, his presence commanded respect.

“When asking ourselves why Gu Changge targeted us like this, we must realize this plan is insidious. Without lifting a finger, it can spell our destruction,” he continued solemnly. This venerable figure was the current Grand Master, who had mentored the Vermillion Bird Kingdom Lord and Prince Chu Hao. He was a revered and influential figure in the Vermillion Bird Ancient Kingdom.

All the prominent figures of the Grand Master’s Mansion stood below him, including the most influential individuals holding key positions in the ancient Vermillion Bird country. Among them were many young men and women with boundless potential, shouldering the responsibility of furthering the glory of the Grand Master’s Mansion.

Apart from them, the remaining individuals were all powerhouses from the Grand Master Mansion. The most formidable was a middle-aged man dressed in a long blue gown. With scorpion-like eyes that flickered with golden light and circulating runes, he exuded a sacred pressure, indicating his cultivation at the peak of the sacred realm. His name was Yi Tian, a servant of the royal family.

“Father, we understand the gravity of the situation. If the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom falls, what will become of us?” inquired a middle-aged man resembling the Grand Master. He was the eldest son of the Grand Master.

“If the ancient Vermillion Bird country faces destruction, our royal family must seek another path. However, it’s inconceivable for our country to be destroyed here,” the Grand Master reassured.

To this, another person interjected, “Isn’t the ancient Vermillion Bird Country’s current actions provoking Gu Changge? Would you reconsider for such a trivial matter?”

“We are from entirely different worlds. Do you believe people will heed my considerations? In my view, our foremost concern should be expediting matters here,” added the second son of the Grand Master, echoing the sentiments of the Wang family. They were all unwilling to take such a risk.

“Let’s not wait around to see the fire die out. Father, we should leave tonight. It’s clear that Gu Changge is seeking vengeance for the incident where Chu Hao, the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, offended him.”

“Don’t you see it now? The ancient Vermillion Bird country is beyond saving.”

The Wang family members were candidly persuasive about the situation. Who would choose to stay and face certain doom with the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom unless they were foolish?

“This is all happening so fast… but where do we go once we leave the ancient Vermillion Bird country? It’s been our home for years!” Master Wang sighed deeply, feeling the weight of the decision.

Seeing the resolute expressions of the clan members below, he realized there was no room for hesitation.

“Very well, I’ll defer to your judgment. Whether the ancient Vermillion Bird country survives or not, it no longer has a place for me after offending Gu Changge. The vast upper realm will be my new home,” he conceded, deciding to stop resisting.

With that, the Wang family began packing up their belongings. After all, if the ancient Vermillion Bird country were doomed, their possessions would be lost anyway, and sentimentality had no place in this decision.

That night, a magnificent divine flying boat flew across the sky, disappearing into the distance. Similar scenes unfolded among the prominent families and sects in the ancient Vermillion Bird country.

The choice was clear to everyone as they faced the dual threat of protecting the country while angering Gu Changge. Almost unanimously, they opted to leave, seeing the invitation letter from the Vermillion Bird Kingdom as a timely warning to escape.

Many people felt a deep sense of gratitude. Without the clear explanation provided by the Vermillion Bird King in the letter, they might not have grasped the gravity of the situation. Facing impending disaster, they would have been utterly lost.

However, nobody was foolish enough at this juncture to willingly perish alongside the ancient Vermillion Bird kingdom. In the eyes of a cultivator, sentiments towards family and country paled in comparison to self-preservation.

The following day, many Ancient Vermillion Bird Country cultivators were left dumbfounded. Once-grand sects and aristocratic families had vanished overnight, leaving only empty estates devoid of occupants behind. This scene repeated itself throughout the entire kingdom.

The mass exodus continued throughout the night, with people hastily departing, too fearful to remain. Some valuables were left behind in the rush, a testament to the panic that gripped the populace.

This sudden upheaval sent shockwaves through the ancient Vermillion Bird country. Panic spread like wildfire, and many cultivators sensed an impending catastrophe. Fearing the worst, they hastily abandoned their homes, heeding no explanation.

Yet, amidst the chaos, some astute cultivators discerned the truth. The signs were unmistakable, with millions of troops and vast warships encroaching upon their territory.

As disorder reigned and opportunistic bandits emerged, looting and pillaging, the ancient Vermillion Bird country teetered on the brink of collapse.