I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 343
Chapter 343: To the point of being sick and desperate, do you want to go out alive?
In the imperial palace, the ruler of the Vermilion Bird kingdom, Bai Yang, Chu Hao, and others, all received the news. At this juncture, they were also taken aback, never expecting things to unfold in this manner.
“I underestimated the apprehension of these sects and families regarding Gu Changge… They’d rather abandon their hometowns and venture far from other domains than stand against Gu Changge alongside us…”
The Lord of Vermilion Bird Kingdom’s complexion turned pallid as he abruptly sank from his seat, lost in contemplation.
“It’s done. It’s finished…” He muttered successively, his countenance filled with despair.
“How can this be… Everyone vanished overnight…” Chu Hao was equally pale, appearing as if struck by lightning, finding it hard to accept.
They had already glimpsed hope. But to their bewilderment, all the families and sects fled. This was entirely unforeseen!
“My royal family has treated them well. Yet, when faced with such a crisis, they didn’t even consider uniting with us against the foreign threat! How dare they flee in the face of danger!” Chu Hao seethed with anger, his body trembling, ultimately succumbing to despair.
Was he to merely witness the downfall of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom? And could he do nothing to avert it?
“Your Majesty, a missive from the grand master has arrived…” At that moment, a guard outside the hall with a pale face hastily presented a letter.
“Grand Master? Does that old man still have me in mind?” At this sound, the Lord of the Vermilion Bird kingdom abruptly rose from his seat and snatched the letter. Hope flickered in his eyes, believing Grand Master was still in his corner.
But soon, as he finished perusing the letter, his entire visage paled as if struck by lightning, and he seemed to lose his spirit. If it had not been for Chu Hao’s timely support, the Vermilion Bird King might have collapsed.
“What’s wrong, Father?” Chu Hao couldn’t help but inquire.
“Even the king’s mentor has deserted me…” The Vermilion Bird Kingdom Lord spoke with sorrow.
Grand Master served as both a teacher and a paternal figure, yet who would have thought that at this juncture, he too chose to forsake the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom, departing with the Wang family entourage. The letter contained the Grand Master’s apologies to him.
“Is this all because of me?” Chu Hao quickly scanned the missive contents, his expression grim.
Initially, he held a considerable amount of reverence for the Grand Master who had guided him since childhood. But now, he seethed with anger.
“Nonsense! It’s crystal clear that Gu Changge bullied people excessively and coerced us. Why should the blame fall on me?”
“My Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom has treated him kindly, yet in such a crucial moment, he simply left without a care. Why mourn for such a heartless and unjust individual, Father?” Chu Hao’s countenance turned nearly grotesque, his mood reaching its lowest depths.
Bai Yang, observing from the sidelines, remained silent, sensing that the situation had reached an impasse, feeling almost powerless to effect change. As Tang Wan had previously remarked, in the presence of Gu Changge, Chu Hao appeared feeble, akin to a helpless mole.
“Hao’er, you must quickly devise a solution for your father. The ancient Vermilion Bird country cannot perish under my stewardship! Otherwise, I will be unable to face my ancestors. From this day forth, I will bear the weight of a thousand ancient curses upon my name, cursed by future generations…”
“Hao’er, you must find a solution! Your father believes in you!” The Vermilion Bird Kingdom Lord’s expression was one of despair, clutching Chu Hao’s hand in supplication.
“Father, I…” Chu Hao’s voice trailed off, his desperation evident. He looked beseechingly at Bai Yang but received only a resigned sigh.
Even if Supreme Dao Cave dared to intervene at this juncture, it would be too late. And Gu Changge might not even consider the implications of Supreme Dao Cave Heaven’s involvement.
“Wan’er, yes, that’s it!”
“Wan’er can surely assist me. She’s had private meetings with Gu Changge several times. With her support and if she speaks favorably in front of Gu Changge, perhaps he’ll agree to spare the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom.”
At that moment, Chu Hao suddenly recalled Tang Wan as if grasping a lifeline, his eyes alight with hope.
Witnessing this turmoil, Bai Yang let out a deep sigh. Previously, Chu Hao hadn’t been this way. He had been composed and assured, with everything under control. There seemed to be nothing he couldn’t handle.
But now, he resembled a frantic insect without direction. Bai Yang couldn’t help but lament how Chu Hao had forgotten his words to Tang Wan and how he had been incensed when she had met Gu Changge privately.
It was a bitter realization, leaving Bai Yang to ponder how Gu Changge’s influence had driven a promising talent to madness.
The ancient warship, grand and imposing, loomed like a colossal continent in the sky, casting its shadow over everything below. Clouds churned, lending an air of unparalleled intimidation.
Deep within the confines of the ancient warship, palaces, and structures stood in regal alignment, exuding an aura of ancient immortality, their magnificence unmatched.
Beneath these skyscrapers, nestled in a secluded dungeon, the atmosphere was heavy with dampness and the stench of decay and blood, sending shivers down one’s spine.
Dimly lit by animal oil lamps, the dungeon revealed two distinct sides. On the left, a hundred cultivators of varied races and genders emanated different energies, their formidable powers reaching the Sacred realm. Bound by chains adorned with flashing runes, they struggled under the weight as if burdened by a million pounds.
On the right, eight individuals—three women and five men—attired in garments markedly different from those of contemporary clans. Despite lacking physical restraints, most were huddled in fear, and their movements were timid. Their countenances reflected panic, dread, and hopelessness as they surveyed their surroundings.
At that moment, two individuals conversed in their native tongue.
“Ah, Chen, do you reckon we’ve been transported to another realm? Blast that archaeology expedition. We were hit by white light and ended up in this mysterious, surreal world. And that ancient boat that suddenly appeared vanished just as quickly.”
“But these things are all carved in the ancient legends passed down by those craftsmen, right? Not only can they fly through the sky and vanish, but they can also move mountains and tame wild beasts, like the ones here, and the scale of these mountain ranges.”
“The woman who whisked us away was stunning, like a fairy tale character. Sure, she’s beautiful, but compared to that otherworldly beauty, what a pity.”
“If we manage to make it back alive and spill the beans about what happened here, we’ll surely make waves and become famous.”
The speaker, a man with a simple face and a sturdy build, flashed a hint of cunning in his eyes as he spoke, suggesting there was more to him than met the eye.
“I’m not sure, but we’ve crossed over. Otherwise, there’s no explaining any of this.”
“First things first, we need to learn about this world. Otherwise, we might not make it out alive. These cultivators don’t seem like the friendly sort. To them, might makes right.”
The man known as Ah Chen sniffed and spoke with authority. His features were handsome, and his build was medium-sized. Unlike the rest, he remained composed, surveying the dungeon’s surroundings.
Named initially Jiang Chen, he was a graduate archaeology graduate from a geological university with a deep understanding of various ancient relics and carvings.
This time, Jiang Chen had brought along a few close friends to explore recently discovered ruins, conducting research for their graduation theses.
Unexpectedly, within these ruins, they encountered a series of bizarre events, resulting in numerous casualties. While some felt something was amiss and hastily retreated, Jiang Chen and his companions pressed onward, dismissing any notion of evil forces.
Eventually, they stumbled upon a peculiar altar-like structure deep within the ruins, surrounded by strange, luminous stones that immediately captivated their attention. Adjacent to the altar lay numerous massive beast bones, sending shivers down the spines of the more timid among them. These remains were unlike anything documented in ancient texts as if they had uncovered a gateway to hell, revealing a realm beyond comprehension.
Suddenly, without warning, a dazzling light emanated from the altar, enveloping everyone present. Many lost consciousness instantaneously.
Upon awakening, they were transported to a dangerous world beset by various horrors. Initially, a dozen strong, only eight of them remained, uncertain of their fate.
“It’s imperative we prioritize our survival. Who knows where that woman disappeared to after imprisoning us,” sighed Niu Tian, a stout man who shared a close bond with Jiang Chen, their companionship akin to being joined at the hip.
“Yeah,” Jiang Chen nodded, his gaze drifting toward a woman on the opposite side of the dungeon. With cascading black hair, flawless features, and a porcelain complexion, she exuded an indescribable beauty.
Xiao Ruoyin.
She was the very same “little schoolgirl” Niu Tian had mentioned, and both she and Jiang Chen attended the same school and shared the same class.
Many regarded Jiang Chen and Xiao Ruoyin as talented and attractive individuals. Jiang Chen was known for his knowledge and diligence, while Xiao Ruoyin was admired for her talent and beauty. However, their relationship remained nothing more than slightly closer than ordinary friends, much to Jiang Chen’s chagrin. Despite understanding the reasons behind this, he could not change their dynamic.
The main reason for Jiang Chen’s current expedition was closely tied to Xiao Ruoyin. She had extended the invitation to him and to many of Niu Tian’s classmates. If not for Xiao Ruoyin’s involvement, Jiang Chen might have avoided the predicament they now found themselves in.
Xiao Ruoyin appeared oblivious to Jiang Chen’s gaze, her attention fixed on the void outside the dungeon. Her demeanor remained calm, devoid of the panic and anxiety that plagued others. It was as if she had already resigned herself to their circumstances.
“By the way, Ah Chen, did you notice how the ancient flying boat appeared?” Niu Tian interjected, his expression filled with skepticism. “I saw a flash of white light, and many people fell into a coma… And then, an ancient flying boat appeared out of nowhere and transported us here.”
Niu Tian recounted how he had remained awake during the appearance of the flying boat, observing its simple and old-fashioned design. Even the ancient flag adorning the boat was worn and tattered. He eventually succumbed to sleep despite carrying them across vast expanses of the universe. Upon waking, they had arrived in this unfamiliar world, with the ancient flying boat nowhere in sight.
Upon hearing Niu Tian’s account, Jiang Chen’s expression shifted momentarily, though he swiftly regained composure. He shook his head and replied, “I’m not sure what happened to that flying boat after I saw you fall asleep. After that, I was out of it, so I can’t say what happened next.”
Besides Niu Tian, several others remained conscious among those affected by the white light, including Jiang Chen himself. Despite being aware of Niu Tian’s recollection, there were specific details Jiang Chen chose not to divulge, unsure of how to broach the subject.
The ancient flying boat that had transported them all had emerged from within Jiang Chen’s body. The sudden impact of the white light had triggered a mysterious and inexplicable transformation within him, culminating in the appearance of the ancient vessel, which then whisked them away. Apart from Jiang Chen, no one else was privy to this revelation.
Even now, Jiang Chen struggled to comprehend why such an occurrence had transpired within him.
At that moment, it seemed Xiao Ruoyin had overheard their conversation. Turning her gaze towards Jiang Chen, she inquired, “Is there any way you can get us out of here?”
Jiang Chen met her gaze with a smile, “There might be a way, but it’ll take some time. I’ll need to learn their language first.”
Xiao Ruoyin’s eyes flickered with contemplation, but she shook her head. “I’m afraid we won’t have the time.”
Jiang Chen fell silent, grappling with the daunting reality of their situation. Faced with a group of mysterious and formidable cultivators, they lacked the means to resist. Moreover, Jiang Chen sensed the presence of an even greater power lurking among them, one capable of single-handedly decimating their entire world. How could they hope to oppose such a force?
Their only recourse lay in prayer, hoping for the reappearance of the enigmatic ancient flying boat to rescue them from their plight.
Then, Xiao Ruoyin’s voice cut through the silence, her words sending shockwaves through Jiang Chen and Niu Tian.
“What?” Jiang Chen’s eyes widened in disbelief. Xiao Ruoyin’s assertion that this place appeared in her dream stunned him. Could she have foreseen their current predicament when she led them to that ruin?
Observing their shocked expressions, Xiao Ruoyin seemed on the verge of saying more. However, a voice from outside the dungeon abruptly halted her, prompting her to fall silent and quickly turn her attention towards the source.
Jiang Chen and the others followed suit, their eyes filled with vigilance, fear, and anxiety, their spines tingling with apprehension.
“The woman in the black dress took us away…” Niu Tian whispered, his voice barely audible as he noticed two figures slowly approaching outside the dungeon.
The woman in the black dress was tall and slender, her face veiled, revealing only a pair of eyes as clear as autumn water. Her demure appearance exuded an air of mystery, veiled in an ethereal mist that obscured her surroundings. Yet, they couldn’t shake the sense of dread instilled by her presence, especially after witnessing the tragic demise of their companion at her hands.
Jiang Chen and the others dared not underestimate her, recognizing her danger. Despite her beauty, she had an aura of power and nobility akin to a queen.
However, what truly shocked Jiang Chen and the others was the presence of a young man accompanying the woman in black. From her deferential demeanor, it was evident that she held the man in white in high regard.
Before this, the woman in black had exuded strength and nobility, commanding respect like a queen. But who was this man in white?
In the eyes of Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others, the man in white seemed to emanate a radiant aura of immortality, his hair as precise as ink. His deep eyes betrayed no hint of emotion or change, resembling a bottomless pool. To them, it felt as though he regarded them as mere ants, evoking an overwhelming sense of fear and insignificance.
Though they sensed no overt malice from him, they couldn’t shake the profound fear that gripped them as if their existence hung in the balance.
The newcomers were Gu Changge and Hei Yanyu.
“Master, these are the individuals I apprehended from the Ancient Immortal Forbidden Area. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, many perished,” Hei Yanyu spoke softly and respectfully to Gu Changge.
Gu Changge nodded, his gaze tranquil and composed.
He then directed his gaze at Jiang Chen and the others, mainly focusing on Jiang Chen and Xiao Ruoyin, and inquired, “Do you wish to leave here alive?”
Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the rest looked perplexed, unable to grasp Gu Changge’s meaning.
“They don’t understand our language, Master,” Hei Yanyu interjected, assuming Gu Changge was unaware of the language barrier.
However, Gu Changge disregarded her remark, his attention lingering on Xiao Ruoyin with intrigue. “Fascinating. You seem to comprehend what I’m saying.”
Xiao Ruoyin regarded him with suspicion, struggling to comprehend his words.
“I appreciate intelligence. Clever individuals know what to do in times like these,” Gu Changge remarked casually.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ruoyin’s expression subtly shifted, as if invisible hands were tightening around her, stifling her breath and inducing a sense of suffocation. A profound fear gripped her, unable to comprehend how Gu Changge had discerned her understanding despite her attempts to conceal it.
“Do you desire to leave this place alive?” Gu Changge repeated, a faint smile playing on his lips.
After a moment of silence, Xiao Ruoyin responded in the native language of this world, “Yes.”
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Kieleana
Wow potential Ms are everywhere lol