I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 346
Chapter 346: The son of luck has a thorn in his heart, what happened during this time?
In the open field, divine light streamed forth, its radiance lingering as various immortal mountains shone brilliantly. Colorful mists swirled, giving the scene a genuinely divine aspect.
Around them, creatures from various clans of the Ancient Immortal Continent gathered, all quiet and respectful, standing behind Gu Changge without daring to speak much.
“Mmmm, Young Master Gu, I won’t disappoint you,” said Xiao Ruoyin, her voice steady as she took a deep breath.
She gazed directly at the immortal stone before her, its crystalline clarity and dense swirling mist hinting at its formidable energy.
Gu Changge maintained a smile, his eyes calm and untroubled. The power of the Destiny physique lies in its ethereal nature, which is elusive to fate and challenging to detect.
Gu Changge speculated that if he allowed Xiao Ruoyin to leave, she would soon be discovered by cultivators from other Dao lineages and returned to their mountain gates. Her exceptional aptitude would not go unnoticed for long.
Though one couldn’t immediately discern Xiao Ruoyin’s specific physique, her strong aptitude was unmistakable. The cultivation techniques and resources Gu Changge mentioned would pose no challenge to her, although she remained unaware of it.
Given her aptitude, countless sects would vie to accept her as a disciple and impart their cultivation techniques.
“The day the Destiny physique reaches its full potential is also the day Destiny’s origin matures,” Gu Changge said, his smile warm and flawless, betraying no hint of imperfection.
Looking down, Gu Changge observed Xiao Ruoyin standing there, uncertain what to do. He spoke warmly, “Place your hand on the test stone. It will display red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple colors. The darker the hue, the greater your aptitude. If there’s no qualification, the stone won’t react.”
Upon hearing this, Xiao Ruoyin nodded, understanding her task. She no longer hesitated and nervously placed her beautiful hand on the test stone before her.
Buzz!!
Almost immediately upon contact, the test stone emitted a low hum, followed by a brilliant surge of light.
The entire stone was suffused with seven colors, starting with a fiery red and then transitioning through orange, yellow, and green in mere moments.
“What… how can it be so strong?”
“Seven colors… this talent…”
“It’s been ages since I’ve witnessed such aptitude. Not even Miss Yanyu’s test was this impressive!”
“It’s astonishing. If this girl had started cultivating earlier, she might have reached the sacred realm like Miss Yanyu.”
The spectacle left the surrounding immortal ancient clans astounded. Wide-eyed and filled with envy, they couldn’t help but marvel at Xiao Ruoyin’s display.
“Did I pass?” Xiao Ruoyin asked, still stunned by the scene before her. She hadn’t fully grasped the significance of the nearby comments, but her talent seemed considerable.
A wave of joy and excitement washed over her heart.
Noticing Gu Changge’s lack of surprise, Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t help but feel deeply astonished at that moment.
Initially, she had merely hoped for a hint of talent in cultivation. She never expected her aptitude to exceed her modest expectations. Now, it was a delightful surprise.
“Young Master Gu, did I meet your expectations?” she asked, her eyes holding a mixture of emotions as she looked at him, relieved.
Unexpectedly, she wished to share her joy with Gu Changge, this noble person she had only recently met.
“How could I be anything but pleased? Your talent is cause for great happiness,” Gu Changge replied with a smile.
“Yeah, but I still want to express my gratitude to you for providing me with this opportunity,” Xiao Ruoyin said, nodding, feeling more relaxed and content than ever.
“Your talent surpasses that of our geniuses. You’ll be their equal with time and dedication,” Gu Changge assured her.
“I’ll find you a mentor soon. You can learn from her as you progress,” he continued, intending to summon Yan Ji.
He had heard she was entering seclusion some time ago, likely reaching the quasi-supreme realm. Keeping an eye on Xiao Ruoyin and guiding her would be a suitable task for her.
Yan Ji was considered his confidante, and Gu Changge felt immensely relieved entrusting many matters to her.
“Alright, then I’ll rely on you, Mr. Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin nodded.
With her faith in Gu Changge solidified, she never once worried about the type of mentor he would arrange for her.
“Don’t fret. With your talent, others would vie for you elsewhere. This is also my way of securing a strong ally for the factions supporting me,” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, his demeanor both detached and captivating.
“I’ll work hard in cultivation and hope to repay your kindness in the future,” Xiao Ruoyin said, deeply moved.
Yet, even as she admired Gu Changge’s perfection, she couldn’t help but wonder how one man could be flawless in appearance, speech, and temperament.
“Will I still have the chance to see you in the future when I’m with my mentor?” she asked suddenly, her eyes tinged with emotion.
Though her question might have seemed bold, it reflected her genuine feelings. She didn’t harbor any romantic intentions toward Gu Changge but found solace in his presence.
Having encountered Gu Changge in this strange and mysterious world, Xiao Ruoyin subconsciously sought his support.
Gu Changge smiled and reassured her, “You can see me. In fact, why don’t I share some cultivation tips with you now?”
“Really?” Xiao Ruoyin’s eyes widened with surprise. “Thank you, Young Master Gu.”
To her, cultivation secrets were usually closely guarded, never to be shared lightly.
“Absolutely,” Gu Changge affirmed, placing his finger between her eyebrows.
In a trance, Xiao Ruoyin witnessed an ancient and intricate cultivation technique unfolding before her eyes, each word sparkling like a star.
“Is this the secret cultivation method?” she murmured, a sense of familiarity washing over her.
It felt as though she had known this technique for a long time.
Later, Xiao Ruoyin experienced an epiphany.
Gu Changge smiled faintly and escorted her to the dungeon, releasing her companions as promised.
Naturally, the cultivation secret wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed, and Xiao Ruoyin would realize this in due time.
….
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen gradually regained consciousness in the dimly lit dungeon, but his body felt like a boulder crushed it. Every cell, every inch of flesh, every piece of his heart seemed shattered, causing him to gasp for breath, his face pale and covered in sweat.
“Ah, Chen, are you okay?” Niu Tian asked with concern as he noticed Jiang Chen waking up.
“I’m fine, just a bit sore. What about Ruoyin? Is she alright?” Jiang Chen replied, shaking his head.
However, as he scanned the dungeon, he realized Xiao Ruoyin was nowhere to be found among their companions. A sense of unease and worry gripped him tightly.
“Ruoyin was taken away, but she’ll be fine. She’s strong and has her destiny,” Niu Tian reassured him.
Jiang Chen fell silent, his eyes flickering with anxiety and anger, though he managed to control himself, recalling the fear he felt when she was taken.
“How long was I unconscious?” he inquired.
“About half a day,” Niu Tian replied.
“Half a day…” Jiang Chen muttered, a tinge of regret coloring his expression, realizing Xiao Ruoyin had been missing for quite some time during his unconsciousness.
“What if she’s in danger? She’s vulnerable in this world. What can we do?” he wondered aloud.
“Don’t worry about Xiao Ruoyin. She’s resourceful and understands the language here. Maybe she left on her own after being taken,” a woman interjected, her fashionably dressed figure adorned with delicate makeup despite her prolonged captivity.
Her name was Wang Ning, another classmate of Jiang Chen and Niu Tian. However, unlike Xiao Ruoyin, she was often labeled as a queen goddess due to her beauty, attracting many admirers.
Despite her outward appearance, Wang Ning harbored resentment toward Xiao Ruoyin.
However, Wang Ning harbored a strong interest in Jiang Chen. Due to his exclusive affection for Xiao Ruoyin, she was at odds with Xiao Ruoyin at every turn.
Though her words were cutting, they struck a chord with many present, rendering them silent. After all, Xiao Ruoyin had never disclosed her knowledge of the world’s language before; this time, she had extended the invitation herself.
“Wang Ning, that’s enough. Ruoyin must have had her reasons for this. We’re all classmates; it’s unfair for you to speak ill of her behind her back,” Jiang Chen interjected, his expression clouded with displeasure.
“What did I say wrong? Xiao Ruoyin might be living it up with that man in white now, away from this wretched place. Why should we still worry about her?” Wang Ning retorted, her words sharp and unforgiving.
Jiang Chen’s complexion darkened at her words, and even Niu Tian and the others were taken aback by Wang Ning’s harshness. They hadn’t expected her to speak so callously.
But deep down, they couldn’t deny the truth in her words. Who had the luxury of caring about such matters in the face of imminent danger and uncertainty?
Her words left everyone speechless, contemplating whether Xiao Ruoyin was alive or dead and if their concerns were misplaced.
“Wang Ning, just stop. If you have nothing helpful to say, keep quiet,” Niu Tian snapped, his tone sharp and commanding.
Though intimidated by Niu Tian’s sternness, Wang Ning merely huffed and refrained from further comments.
Jiang Chen’s expression darkened, his fists clenched tightly as he struggled to find the right words. He couldn’t shake the belief that Xiao Ruoyin wouldn’t forsake them, sensing that she must face her difficulties.
However, Wang Ning’s words stirred unease and worry within him. If there was any truth to her claims, how would he confront Xiao Ruoyin?
“Don’t overthink it, Ah Chen. You know Xiao Xiaohua’s character. Even if she wanted to harm us, she wouldn’t harm you,” Niu Tian reassured him, though he couldn’t shake his concerns sparked by Wang Ning’s words.
Jiang Chen’s expression softened slightly at Niu Tian’s words, but they remained silent, deep in thought.
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the dungeon.
“Someone’s coming,” Jiang Chen announced, his eyes sharpening as he rose to his feet, prompting the others to do the same.
Outside the dungeon, they spotted a man and two women approaching.
The man leading the group had a slender figure and a handsome face, his hair shimmering like crystal-clear ink while his garments billowed around him.
Beside him walked a woman dressed in white, her flawless face and beautiful features accentuated by her flowing black hair and slender, graceful figure.
As they drew closer, it became apparent that the two were a striking pair.
“Xiao Ruoyin?” Jiang Chen and the others exclaimed in astonishment, recognizing the woman in white as the one who had been taken away.
Upon her return, not only had Xiao Ruoyin changed her attire, but her complexion appeared significantly improved, resembling a flower blossoming in a desolate valley, radiating newfound vitality.
Confusion enveloped everyone as doubts surged in their hearts, particularly unsettling Jiang Chen, whose complexion paled.
Recalling Wang Ning’s earlier words, Jiang Chen clenched his fists, the pressure of his nails digging into his palms unnoticed.
His gaze bore into Xiao Ruoyin, seemingly unscathed, silently demanding an explanation for her sudden return. Why was she back so quickly after being taken away?
However, Xiao Ruoyin did not explain, merely glancing at Jiang Chen’s direction.
Meanwhile, Gu Changge scrutinized each person in the dungeon, his gaze lingering on Jiang Chen for a moment, instilling a sense of dread in everyone. Cold sweat dampened their backs as they nervously awaited his next move.
“Master, should we release them?” Hei Yanyu inquired respectfully from behind Gu Changge.
Gu Changge nodded indifferently. “Yes.”
Without hesitation, Hei Yanyu waved her hand, signaling for their release.
Buzz!!
In the next instant, a dazzling brilliance streaked across the void, causing the black iron chain in front of the dungeon to snap and fall to the ground with a dull thud. The dungeon door swung open.
Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, Wang Ning, and the others watched in bewilderment as the chain was suddenly released. Did their captors intend to set them free?
Many couldn’t contain their joy at freedom, becoming visibly excited.
“Everyone, rest assured. Young Master Gu has decided to release you all. The previous incident was simply a misunderstanding,” Xiao Ruoyin stated calmly, addressing them in the language of their current world.
“What’s happening, Goddess Xiao?” one man inquired, puzzled by the sudden turn of events.
“It’s a long story. I’ll explain later. For now, let’s focus on the fact that we’re safe and free to leave,” Xiao Ruoyin replied, glancing briefly at Jiang Chen but saying nothing more, assuring everyone of their safety and freedom from further imprisonment.
“Truly? That’s fantastic. Goddess Xiao must have intervened to save us. We always knew you had a kind heart,” the man exclaimed with surprise.
At the mention of ‘goddess,’ Xiao Ruoyin’s expression flickered momentarily, but she remained silent. Without Gu Changge’s intervention, she might still languish in captivity, so the title wasn’t entirely inaccurate.
“Thank you, Goddess Xiao. Without you, who knows how much longer we’d have been locked up,” another person grated in.
As the reality of their impending release sank in, any prior criticisms or grievances toward Xiao Ruoyin evaporated in the face of their newfound freedom. After all, what could compare to the gift of life?
“Yeah, if it weren’t for Goddess Xiao, we might still be trapped here. I wonder who spoke ill of her earlier, claiming she didn’t care about our lives…” A man cast a pointed glance at Wang Ning, his tone accusatory.
Wang Ning’s expression soured at the implication. She hadn’t anticipated Xiao Ruoyin’s intervention, caught off guard by the unexpected events.
“Did I say something wrong? Did you believe Xiao Ruoyin would be so generous? Saving us is probably just a small matter to her now,” Wang Ning retorted, refusing to be mocked without a rebuttal.
Unimpressed by Wang Ning’s remarks, Niu Tian frowned, interrupting her. “Wang Ning, what nonsense are you spouting? Ruoyin rescued us out of kindness, and you still doubt her?”
Wang Ning, wary of Niu Tian’s imposing figure, fell silent, realizing he wasn’t one to shy away from confrontation, regardless of her gender.
“Ruoyin, Wang Ning has always been like this. Thank you for saving us. We’ll find a way to repay you in the future,” Niu Tian said, glancing at Jiang Chen, who remained silent, then offering a simple, sincere smile to Xiao Ruoyin.
Due to his close relationship with Xiao Ruoyin, Niu Tian was quite familiar with her character.
Xiao Ruoyin shook her head upon hearing Niu Tian’s words, aware of Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and Wang Ning’s misunderstanding.
However, if she were to explain at that moment, it would delay Gu Changge, who awaited outside the dungeon. Thus, she chose to remain silent, planning to clarify matters when she had the opportunity.
“Ah, Chen, are you okay? You have to trust Ruoyin. You know what she’s like,” Niu Tian murmured, his voice low with concern.
“I do; I trust Ruoyin,” Jiang Chen responded with a forced smile as though he had already discerned the situation. Understanding Xiao Ruoyin’s predicament, he didn’t wish to discount her efforts. Yet, his gaze lingered on her, silently awaiting an explanation.
Regarding Gu Changge outside the dungeon, Jiang Chen ignored his presence, unwilling to provoke him. Having previously experienced Gu Changge’s formidable power, Jiang Chen preferred avoiding confrontation.
Xiao Ruoyin offered Jiang Chen a reassuring smile. “I’ll explain everything later,” she assured him.
With that, Xiao Ruoyin led Jiang Chen and the others out of the dungeon, and Gu Changge entered ahead of them, his demeanor calm and indifferent. Understanding the disparity in their statuses, Jiang Chen and the others harbored no expectations of special treatment; simply surviving was blessing enough.
Though curious about Xiao Ruoyin’s sudden transformation, Jiang Chen and the others refrained from probing further as they exited the dungeon.
It was evident that Xiao Ruoyin’s status had changed remarkably, as observed by the guards’ respectful demeanor. While envy stirred among the group, Jiang Chen’s mouth felt dry, a tinge of bitterness creeping in.
His unease and apprehension only deepened as they departed.
The abrupt shift in Xiao Ruoyin’s status left Jiang Chen feeling like they inhabited different worlds. Xiao Ruoyin and Gu Changge walked side by side and engaged in seemingly pleasant conversation. Jiang Chen couldn’t shake the reverence and admiration he detected in her pale, crimson eyes. It felt like a thorn piercing his heart, prompting him to reassure himself that Xiao Ruoyin’s behavior was merely a facade, a deliberate attempt to appease the man in white and secure their rescue.
“Young Master Gu, I need to speak with my comrades,” Xiao Ruoyin spoke tentatively as they approached a palace complex.
“You may proceed; I won’t interfere,” Gu Changge replied with a smile, exuding an intoxicating and refined air.
With Gu Changge’s approval, Xiao Ruoyin’s face lit up with happiness as she hummed softly. She couldn’t quite explain why she needed Gu Changge’s permission; it seemed like a subconscious inclination.
Soon, Gu Changge and Hei Yanyu departed, showing no concern for the matter.
“Master…” Hei Yanyu looked puzzled at Gu Changge, her expression reflecting her confusion and hesitation. She couldn’t comprehend Gu Changge’s actions or attitude toward Xiao Ruoyin.
In her assessment, while Xiao Ruoyin possessed impressive talent, it hardly warranted the attention Gu Changge seemed to be giving her. Furthermore, Hei Yanyu knew Gu Changge to be indifferent and pragmatic; he wouldn’t invest much thought into something without good reason.
For him to prioritize, such seemingly trivial matters suggested that Xiao Ruoyin might hold other significance beyond her talents.
“You needn’t concern yourself with them; simply monitor their movements,” Gu Changge’s smile faded, his demeanor returning to its usual calm and detached state as he spoke.
“Understood,” Hei Yanyu replied respectfully, her initial jealousy towards Xiao Ruoyin dissipating as she realized Gu Changge likely had ulterior motives for his attentiveness towards her.
Feeling reassured by this realization, Hei Yanyu resolved to focus on her assigned task without further distraction.
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