I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 347
Chapter 347: The first immortal in the world, the man next to the master, is hazardous
After Gu Changge left with Hei Yanyu, Xiao Ruoyin led Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and Wang Ning, among others, to an open area. Despite the presence of patrolling guards, they paid them no heed. It seemed they were invisible, following Gu Changge’s prior instructions.
“Ruoyin, what’s going on? Why did the man in white suddenly release us?” Jiang Chen couldn’t contain his curiosity any longer, his tone tinged with frustration.
Niu Tian and the others also wore puzzled expressions, eagerly awaiting Xiao Ruoyin’s explanation.
“It’s nothing. After Mr. Gu took me away, he didn’t harm me. He simply inquired about our backgrounds, and upon learning the truth, he didn’t trouble us. I was mistaken; Young Master Gu is quite amicable and harbors no ill intentions towards us.”
Xiao Ruoyin took a deep breath and recounted the events before and after her encounter with Gu Changge.
Hearing her explanation, Niu Tian and the others felt relieved, their doubts assuaged.
In particular, when several women, including Wang Ning, first laid eyes on Gu Changge, they sensed that he couldn’t be an evil figure. It wasn’t solely because good-looking people couldn’t be infamous, but Gu Changge exuded a demeanor that was difficult to perceive as malicious.
However, Jiang Chen furrowed his brow, clearly dissatisfied with her response. He vividly recalled the agony and terror he experienced, feeling as though he was on the brink of being crushed. Now, Xiao Ruoyin claimed it was all a misunderstanding. That Gu Changge harbored no ill will towards them and was, in fact, a benevolent individual?
How could he reconcile this?
“Jiang Chen, listen to my advice; let it go. You’re safe now. Continue to harbor ill feelings towards Young Master Gu. You might find yourself in a difficult situation, and I won’t be able to intervene,” Xiao Ruoyin said with a sigh, noting Jiang Chen’s expression.
At that moment, she realized the futility of expecting an apology from Gu Changge to someone as insignificant as Jiang Chen.
“Ruoyin, I…” Jiang Chen sighed, feeling a sense of resignation. He wasn’t one to act without thinking, but he wasn’t naive either. He understood that antagonizing Gu Changge would only lead to trouble.
Xiao Ruoyin’s words were meant for his benefit but left him dissatisfied.
“By the way, what happened, Ruoyin? Why did you change your attire?” Jiang Chen inquired, suddenly apprehensive, fearing what Xiao Ruoyin might reveal.
He couldn’t shake off the image of Xiao Ruoyin, dressed differently, her complexion improved, engaging in cheerful conversation with Gu Changge.
Upon hearing the question, Xiao Ruoyin recalled the embarrassing situation from earlier, her cheeks flushing momentarily before she composed herself.
She explained, “Young Master Gu noticed that I had been detained for a while and that my clothes were a bit worn, so he arranged for someone to assist me in cleaning them. It’s not as complicated as you might think…”
Despite feeling unsettled, Jiang Chen chose not to press the issue further. He understood that doubting Xiao Ruoyin’s explanation would strain their relationship further, so he remained silent.
Niu Tian and the others didn’t harbor any suspicions.
“I told you to trust Goddess Xiao’s integrity…” Niu Tian whispered to Jiang Chen, breathing a sigh of relief.
“What’s your plan now, Ruoyin? None of us understand the local language…” Jiang Chen nervously asked, his palms damp with sweat, implying that he hoped Xiao Ruoyin would accompany them.
Everyone else also looked towards Xiao Ruoyin, hoping she would provide a solution. After all, they were classmates thrust into this unfamiliar world without knowing the language or means of survival.
Xiao Ruoyin frowned slightly, clearly conflicted about how to respond. However, she ultimately decided to be candid with Jiang Chen and Niu Tian.
“I’ve chosen to remain by Mr. Gu’s side. I’m afraid I won’t be able to leave with you…” she explained slowly.
“What?” Jiang Chen was taken aback, unable to believe what he had just heard. The others also widened their eyes in disbelief, not anticipating Xiao Ruoyin’s decision to stay.
“Ruoyin, did Young Master Gu pressure you into staying?” Jiang Chen’s expression darkened as he voiced his concern. He couldn’t comprehend why Xiao Ruoyin would choose to remain after just meeting Gu Changge.
“No, I want to stay. Young Master Gu is truly kind and a gentleman. What harm could he possibly do to me? Have you seen the maids around him? They’re like beautiful angels. How could anyone doubt his intentions?” Xiao Ruoyin defended Gu Changge, her tone softening as she noticed Jiang Chen’s worry.
Jiang Chen couldn’t hide his astonishment, his mouth slightly agape before he resigned himself to silence.
Sensing the tension, Niu Tian and the others refrained from further comment.
“What kind of spell did Young Master Gu cast on you? You’ve only just met him, yet you’re defending him so fiercely,” Jiang Chen’s voice trembled slightly, his heart heavy with pain.
“You wouldn’t understand. I owe Young Master Gu a debt of gratitude, and that’s all that matters to me,” Xiao Ruoyin replied calmly, her demeanor again resembling the aloof goddess of old, a hint of detachment in her expression.
“Can you at least tell me why?” Jiang Chen pressed.
“I… it’s because I’m about to embark on the path of cultivation,” Xiao Ruoyin hesitated momentarily before disclosing this information.
“The path of cultivation…” Everyone reacted with shock, followed by envy. Before arriving in this world, they had dismissed the notion of immortals altogether.
This revelation shattered their worldview. Immortals existed in this world, capable of feats like riding clouds, manipulating fog, and even plucking stars from the sky. The realization left Jiang Chen and his companions even more envious of Xiao Ruoyin.
“It seems that soon, you and I won’t belong to the same world anymore…” Jiang Chen’s bitter expression betrayed his thoughts. He understood that it wouldn’t be long before Xiao Ruoyin ascended to the ranks of immortals, towering above them like the man in white, treating them as insignificant beings.
But then, he remembered his mysterious ancient flying boat. Could he, too, cultivate alongside her? Hope ignited within Jiang Chen’s heart.
“Goddess Xiao, if you can cultivate, can we learn too? We also aspire to embark on the path of cultivation,” Niu Tian and the others implored, their eyes filled with hope.
“The prerequisites for cultivation are exceedingly stringent. Were it not for Young Master Gu’s assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to begin this journey…” Xiao Ruoyin’s tone reflected her sympathy as she explained the demanding nature of cultivation.
Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, Wang Ning, and the rest mirrored Xiao Ruoyin’s initial reaction, standing in silent despair.
“Innate talent, cultivation techniques, and resources…” Jiang Chen murmured, feeling a fire ignite within him.
“Miss Xiao, the young master has arranged a banquet and extends an invitation to you and your companions,” a strange creature, its terrifying appearance adorned with cyan scales, suddenly appeared and addressed Xiao Ruoyin.
Startled, they felt the air was being squeezed out of their lungs by the creature’s intimidating presence.
“Very well, we’ll be there shortly,” Xiao Ruoyin responded calmly, her smile unwavering.
The creature grinned widely. “We eagerly await Miss Xiao’s arrival,” it said before vanishing into thin air, leaving Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others in a cold sweat, unsure whether its disappearance was deliberate.
“Ruoyin, what did he say?” Jiang Chen inquired eagerly.
“He said that Young Master Gu has prepared a banquet for us and requested that I bring all of you there,” Xiao Ruoyin explained.
“Young Master Gu even arranged a banquet for us? That’s wonderful! Truly touched by the kindness of Goddess Xiao!” someone exclaimed.
“This Young Master Gu seems like a decent person! It appears he’s trying to make amends for the previous misunderstanding,” another added optimistically.
These words lifted everyone’s spirits, filling them with excitement at the prospect of experiencing a banquet in this unfamiliar world and expanding their horizons.
Jiang Chen remained silent, lost in his thoughts.
Before long, Xiao Ruoyin led them to the location of the banquet, and the sights they beheld along the way left them all in awe.
The majestic palaces, shining like heavenly towers, surpassed anything they had ever seen. They marveled at the power required to construct such magnificent structures.
“According to Young Master Gu, we’re not on the ground; we’re aboard an ancient warship,” Xiao Ruoyin added with admiration.
Many people they encountered flattered Xiao Ruoyin as they journeyed, urging her to put in a good word for them when she met Young Master Gu.
“Goddess Xiao, could you speak favorably for us when you meet Young Master Gu? Since we’re all classmates, it would mean a lot if you could help us,” they implored.
Xiao Ruoyin frowned, hesitant about making too many requests, fearing it might displease Gu Changge.
“I’ll do my best,” she promised, unable to refuse their appeals.
Before long, they arrived at the banquet hall.
Various spiritual fruits and delicacies were meticulously arranged, emitting an irresistible fragrance that made one’s mouth water. Crystal-clear melons and fruits gleamed with a mysterious aura.
“You’ve arrived?” Gu Changge greeted them with a smile from his seat at the head of the table.
“I’m still setting things up,” Xiao Ruoyin replied, slightly embarrassed.
“No worries, it’s my way of apologizing,” Gu Changge reassured her with a smile.
“Your companions are mortals who haven’t begun cultivation yet. Feeding them food imbued with spiritual energy might cause them harm,” he explained, gesturing towards another table nearby, laden with more straightforward fare from the mortal realm.
“Thank you, Mr. Gu,” Xiao Ruoyin expressed her gratitude, then relayed the explanation to Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others.
Gu Changge’s thoughtfulness touched her deeply, his consideration for even the most minor details not going unnoticed.
Although Niu Tian and the others felt a pang of regret at not being able to partake in the spiritual fruits, they understood Gu Changge’s goodwill towards them. Xiao Ruoyin’s earlier assurance rang true in their minds: Gu Changge harbored no ill intentions.
The feast commenced, with everyone taking their seats. Besides Gu Changge, Hei Yanyu, and Ji Qingxuan were also present, serving him food and pouring wine. Their grace and beauty left Niu Tian and many others envious, a sight they had never witnessed in their previous world.
Even Goddess Xiao’s beauty paled compared to the man in white, reducing her to the role of a mere maid in his presence. This realization sparked envy and jealousy among Jiang Chen and his companions. Xiao Ruoyin’s earlier assurance that Gu Changge held no romantic intentions towards her now made perfect sense.
“Niu Tian, it’s wise to keep certain feelings to oneself. If you display them…” Niu Tian glanced at Jiang Chen, who sat silently, lost in thought, and sighed, understanding his friend’s turmoil.
Jiang Chen clenched his teeth in frustration.
At the banquet, Xiao Ruoyin sat beside Gu Changge, her cheeks flushed with happiness as she conversed with him. Gu Changge’s serene demeanor never wavered, his gaze never drifting towards their side.
Jiang Chen couldn’t discern the nature of their discussion, but he observed Xiao Ruoyin’s rare smile, a sight that stabbed at his heart like a knife.
Suddenly, Jiang Chen felt a strange sensation coursing through his body, as if something was on the verge of bursting forth, transforming.
In a daze, Jiang Chen beheld an ancient flying boat before him. Covered in mottled rust, it navigated a river of time, surrounded by collapsing universes and fragments of space-time. He glimpsed scenes of great fortune unfolding before his eyes.
Good fortune enveloped the cosmos, the heavens, and the earth, exuding an enigmatic yellow hue, embodying the ever-changing essence of the Great Dao.
The influx of vast information in Jiang Chen’s mind stunned him. He nearly rose from his seat, but his strong willpower kept him grounded, though his trembling body betrayed his inner turmoil.
Niu Tian and the others glanced at Jiang Chen, perplexed by his sudden agitation. Little did they know, Jiang Chen was grappling with seeing his beloved conversing with other men, struggling to maintain his composure.
“What are you? Why are you in my head?” Jiang Chen questioned internally, his mind racing.
But soon, he regained his composure, unaware that Gu Changge’s gaze had momentarily rested on him.
A miniature ancient flying boat materialized within his mind, emitting a faint glow.
“I am the spirit, and you are the vessel,” a youthful voice responded.
“The Immortal Boat? What is that?” Jiang Chen queried, intrigued by the mysterious voice.
“The Immortal Boat is the primordial artifact that birthed creation. It possesses the power to transcend reincarnation, manipulate time, comprehend the Heavenly Dao, traverse the ages, and discern the threads of fate. It is omnipotent,” the voice boasted.
“Can you help me become stronger?” Jiang Chen asked eagerly, enthralled by the promise of such boundless power.
Did this mean he could grow more robust, survive in this world, and attain his desires?
“Of course, you and I are one,” the voice asserted proudly.
However, it seemed to awaken to a realization, detecting a flaw in Jiang Chen’s current condition.
“Your state seems a bit off… You’re too weak, even your physique. But it doesn’t matter. Sooner or later, I will mold you into a vessel of divine fortune, dominating the world and reigning supreme,” the voice declared confidently.
Jiang Chen’s excitement surged at attaining a Holy Body, a notion of immense power.
Moreover, he suddenly found himself comprehending the conversations of the creatures around him, a discovery that filled him with joy, tempered by caution to avoid detection.
“I’ll focus on listening to what Ruoyin is discussing with that Gu gentleman…” Jiang Chen took a deep breath, calming himself and directing his attention to his surroundings.
Soon, he noticed something intriguing: a fleeting glimmer of interest in Gu Changge’s eyes, hidden beneath his usual enigmatic smile.
He suddenly turned to Xiao Ruoyin beside him. “What’s the connection between that young man and you? It seems like he’s been watching you,” he inquired, following Gu Changge’s gaze to where Jiang Chen sat, head bowed as he drank.
“His name is Jiang Chen, and he was one of my former suitors,” Xiao Ruoyin replied, slightly surprised by the question. She wanted to ensure no misunderstanding with Gu Changge, hence her straightforward response.
Xiao Ruoyin wasn’t lying. While many saw her and Jiang Chen as a good match, she only viewed him as a friend or a suitor with whom she had a cordial relationship. Her primary focus remained on uncovering the truth behind the ruins.
“Ah, I see,” Gu Changge nodded understandingly. “That explains why he’s been eyeing you.”
Jiang Chen, who had been intently eavesdropping, paled at Gu Changge’s words, bitterness welling inside him. He couldn’t argue with the truth; he was merely a suitor.
“That woman… seems to be the master! Impossible…” The immature voice echoed in Jiang Chen’s mind again, tinged with shock, unease, trembling, and fear.
“Master, the man beside her is dangerous…”
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