I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 345

Chapter 345: Is this the so-called meeting with a noble person? What are the conditions for cultivating

Before this, Gu Changge hadn’t harbored any extra thoughts about Xiao Ruoyin, Jiang Chen, and the others. At most, he wanted to see if Jiang Chen, the son of luck, could bring him any surprises. It was akin to tending to leeks, patiently waiting for them to mature before reaping the benefits.

But what about the ability to traverse from the lower realm to the upper realm with a large group, using only a few spirit stones for a teleportation formation? Was that even feasible? Even if one racked their brains, they would conclude it impossible without some hidden assistance. It suggested the presence of some fortuitous advantage concealed within Jiang Chen—a “golden finger” enabling them to traverse multiple lower realms and reach the upper realm.

The Immortal Ancient Forbidden Area altar was linked to the lower realm where Xiao Ruoyin and others hailed from, acting merely as a spatial coordinate. In this context, the puzzle pieces fell into place.

“It seems that the memory of the Demon Lord’s vest needs to be gradually triggered. Up to now, the role of my system is better than nothing,” Gu Changge mused. With a slight closure of his eyes, he maintained a calm expression while sorting through the memories that surfaced in his mind.

Of course, the catalyst for these recollections was the new luck quest mentioned by the system earlier. Gu Changge’s encounter with Jiang Chen, the son of luck, naturally revealed some of Xiao Ruoyin’s information.

The Body of Destiny. This was a reminder for Xiao Ruoyin given by the system.

Otherwise, based on Gu Changge’s current insight, he might not have been able to assess it, requiring time for verification.

This type of physique existed solely within abstraction, ethereal and enigmatic. It encompassed nothingness, destiny, cause, effect, and more. Regardless, Gu Changge recognized its utility to him.

The Body of Destiny was unique, with only one individual possessing it.

During the taboo era, the Immortal Palace ruled countless worlds, reigning as an immortal entity across ages. The Immortal Palace was partitioned into four regions—south, east, north, and west, alongside the immortal masters, four immortal emperors, major immortal sects, and others overseeing the heavens and myriad worlds.

Additionally, there existed the exceedingly mysterious Temple of Destiny, tasked with overseeing the fate of the Immortal Palace, deciphering the destiny of Heaven, and navigating the vast river of time. The High Priest of Destiny within the Temple of Destiny possessed such a physique.

Due to this, Gu Changge harbored initial suspicions about Xiao Ruoyin at their meeting.

At the time of the Demon Lord’s demise, the collapse of the Immortal Palace, and the disappearance of all immortal blood, even the Immortal Lord had fallen. Though shrouded in mystery, the High Priest of Destiny might have ultimately met the same fate, possibly reincarnating.

“The High Priest of Destiny once relied on the creation of the immortal boat to traverse the ages, seeking the origin of the heavens before the dawn of time, in response to the calamities of future generations…” Gu Changge murmured to himself, these memories resurfacing effortlessly in his mind.

Shortly after, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching from outside the hall, prompting Gu Changge to return to his natural demeanor. Originally as serene as an ancient well, his face now displayed a subtle hint of appreciation.

The visitor was Xiao Ruoyin, who had just finished bathing. Draped in a plain, flowing dress, her loose black hair framed her flawless makeup and complemented her long, slender legs. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe her as a natural beauty.

“Greetings, Young Master Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin said, noticing the faint appreciation in Gu Changge’s expression, which caused her cheeks to flush inexplicably and her heart to quicken its pace for no discernible reason.

Having heard Gu Changge’s name from Hei Yanyu earlier, Xiao Ruoyin had a vague understanding of his status in this world, which could be likened to that of an emperor of immortals.

This was her first time wearing attire native to this world. Though it was only something Hei Yanyu had found for her, it was far more comfortable than anything Xiao Ruoyin had worn in her previous life. Even the pendant she wore emitted a faint radiance, its various hues of divine light giving the impression of weightlessness, like a swallow in flight. This lent Xiao Ruoyin a dreamlike, ethereal aura, contrasting her previous existence as a prisoner whose fate hung in the balance.

“You’re welcome, Miss Xiao,” Gu Changge replied with a casual smile.

Xiao Ruoyin gazed at him, suddenly feeling the urge to speak yet unsure how to articulate her thoughts.

“Does Miss Xiao have something on her mind?” Gu Changge smiled, seemingly unaware of her internal struggle.

Xiao Ruoyin felt that Gu Changge couldn’t be a nasty individual, judging by his previous demeanor. He exuded an otherworldly, gentle, refined aura akin to a true immortal.

After considering it, she decided to speak up, despite knowing that her request might come off as rude or reckless, possibly jeopardizing the budding rapport between her and Gu Changge.

“Young Master Gu, my companions are in a similar situation. They unintentionally found themselves here without any ill intentions. You can rest assured…” she began, but Gu Changge interrupted her with a wave, maintaining his immortal aloofness as he sat there, his voice gentle and unchanged. “Don’t worry. I hold no grievances or hostility toward them. Naturally, I won’t cause them any trouble.”

“Thank you, Mr. Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t help but express her joy, pleasantly surprised by Gu Changge’s easy agreement.

“Don’t thank me. Perhaps I haven’t encountered such an interesting person or heard such an interesting story in a long time,” Gu Changge remarked.

Xiao Ruoyin’s expression shifted slightly upon hearing these words. The bold idea suddenly sparked in her mind: since Gu Changge seemed genuinely interested in her world, perhaps she could seize this opportunity to share more about it. If he was in a good mood, she might even get a glimpse into the so-called way of cultivation.

“If Young Master Gu is still interested in learning about the world I come from, I can share some details,” Xiao Ruoyin said, a hint of anxiety in her expression as she wondered how Gu Changge would react to her proposition.

She found herself grasping at this opportunity with no other plausible excuse to linger by Gu Changge’s side. Despite having many suitors in her previous world due to her beauty, her appearance seemed to afford her no advantage in this realm.

A person of Gu Changge’s stature couldn’t be swayed by her appearance.

“It’s okay to hear about these things once or twice, but if I hear about them too much, I might get bored,” Gu Changge politely declined, citing potential monotony.

Xiao Ruoyin felt disappointed, but she understood that cultivators sought different things. While Gu Changge seemed initially intrigued, prolonged discussions might indeed become tedious.

“Master Gu, I want to ask, what conditions do I need to cultivate?” Xiao Ruoyin inquired again, her eyes brimming with hope and fascination.

Becoming a cultivator had always been her dream and pursuit; now, this dream felt more within reach than ever.

She realized that persistently asking questions might annoy others, but she couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

“Cultivation?” Gu Changge seemed momentarily taken aback by the question. Still, after a moment’s thought, he patiently explained, “Aside from possessing the right physique, spiritual roots, cultivation techniques, and ample resources for cultivation, time is also crucial.”

“Physique, spiritual roots, cultivation techniques, abundant resources, and time?” Xiao Ruoyin repeated, her eyes dimming with each word.

She lacked all of these prerequisites. Even if she possessed physical and spiritual roots, obtaining cultivation techniques and resources seemed impossible.

Although she could be considered a traveler in this strange world without relatives or friends, how could she acquire these essential elements?

“If Miss Xiao wants to cultivate, I can help you, but the premise is that you have the spiritual root and physique to cultivate. Otherwise, I can’t help you,” Gu Changge said, noticing the diminishing expression in her eyes. Suddenly, he smiled gently, his voice reassuring.

Xiao Ruoyin was momentarily stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief. Although she was pleasantly surprised, it felt as if a miracle had fallen from the sky. Yet, she couldn’t fathom why Gu Changge would offer such generous assistance.

Was it the fabled encounter with a noble person?

“Young Master Gu, I don’t know how to thank you for helping me like this…” Xiao Ruoyin began, but her words trailed off. She struggled to find the right words to express her gratitude.

Should she offer a solemn promise in return? But did people still value such pledges?

“It’s not necessary to promise anything,” Gu Changge interjected, smiling as if he could read her thoughts. He waved his hand casually, almost as if dismissing her concerns. “Perhaps I feel that you and I are destined. For me, these cultivation techniques and resources are inconsequential. They mean nothing at all.”

“Thank you, Young Master Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin replied, her face reddening slightly as she raised her gaze to meet his.

Then, she fell silent. Even if she were a fool, she understood the importance of cultivation techniques and resources. Yet, Gu Changge was willing to extend his help without expecting anything.

Perhaps, to him, this was merely a trivial matter.

“Don’t be in a hurry to thank me. If you don’t have spiritual roots and aptitude, I won’t be able to help you,” Gu Changge smiled.

“Uh-huh,” Xiao Ruoyin nodded eagerly, her heart brimming with joy and happiness.

Unexpectedly, after all the twists and turns, she could finally embark on the road of cultivation. If her companions, currently imprisoned in the dungeon, saw her like this, they couldn’t help but widen their eyes. Was this the Bingshan School’s Goddess they had imagined?

Afterward, Gu Changge escorted Xiao Ruoyin to where her talent and physique would be tested. With his keen eyesight, he could determine whether Xiao Ruoyin possessed the potential to cultivate.

The body of destiny.

However, considering the subsequent plans, he had to make some arrangements.

Soon, a part of the space was cleared out, the divine mountain gleaming brightly, the immortal pond shimmering with various divine lights, and several stones exuding an Immortal aura lined the side, looking magnificent.

Gu Changge had already instructed Hei Yanyu to organize everything, and now he awaited Xiao Ruoyin’s arrival for her talent test.

Upon arriving, Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t help but feel nervous, beads of sweat forming on her cheeks.

“Miss Xiao, I hope you won’t disappoint me,” Gu Changge smiled reassuringly.