I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 349

Chapter 349: He is already acting like this, are you still waiting to see him pretend?

“Master, is there anything special about that woman?” Yan Ji asked directly when they were alone. Her gaze fixed on Gu Changge’s face, unable to suppress her curiosity.

Gu Changge didn’t divulge much about Xiao Ruoyin, merely mentioning that he had found a promising apprentice for her and tasked Yan Ji with her training. However, Yan Ji sensed that Gu Changge had ulterior motives concerning the woman. Otherwise, given his nature, he wouldn’t have gone to such lengths or shown such favoritism toward her. It was enough to make her envious, though she knew such feelings were temporary. Yan Ji suspected that her apprentice might possess some unique quality, one that Gu Changge planned to exploit once her cultivation reached a certain level.

In Yan Ji’s eyes, it was a pitiful situation.

“It’s quite special, and it could prove valuable to me in the future,” Gu Changge replied with a lazy smile, holding nothing back from Yan Ji.

“In that case, I’ll ensure she receives thorough instruction,” Yan Ji affirmed.

“Actually, maybe not. It’s possible she’ll recall something soon. You just need to make her understand that our actions are for her own benefit,” Gu Changge’s smile held a hint of significance.

Yan Ji’s expression betrayed her surprise. “Is that woman a reincarnation of some entity?”

Gu Changge smiled cryptically, opting not to elaborate. He trusted Yan Ji’s intelligence; a hint was all she needed to discern the next steps.

“It’s been a while, but your cultivation has deepened considerably,” he remarked casually, his arm lightly encircling Yan Ji’s waist as they engaged in idle conversation, catching up on the latest news.

Yan Ji gave him a slight scoff. “With all-day cultivation and an abundance of resources, even a pig could achieve a breakthrough.”

Despite breaking through to the quasi-supreme realm, she couldn’t sense Gu Changge’s level, which filled her words with a hint of resentment.

Gu Changge offered a faint smile. “That’s precisely why I have something for you to focus on.”

“Are those mortals all accompanying my inexperienced apprentice?” Yan Ji inquired, her interest piqued about Jiang Chen and the others.

“Yes, they’re all together. They were unexpectedly teleported here from a distant lower realm,” Gu Changge explained with a smile.

Suddenly, Yan Ji turned her head and fixed him with a glazed-eyed stare. “Young Master?”

“Hmm? Go on, I’m all ears,” Gu Changge replied with a smile.

“It’s reassuring that you haven’t forgotten about me.”

While Gu Changge departed Vermillion Imperial Capital and took temporary refuge on the ancient warship, Vermillion Bird Ancient Country was far from tranquil. The Purple Mansion’s distant territory saw its sect protection formation breached, allowing armies from various factions to pour in, leading to an earth-shattering battle. Mountains of bones, rivers of blood, and countless creatures and cultivators perished in the conflict. The once endless territory crumbled, the seas roiled, and the skies seemed to be turned upside down, leaving everyone in awe.

The dread of the Immortal War reverberated throughout countless Daoists in the upper realm.

The ten Supremes of the Ancient Immortal Gu family emerged, their presence dominating every corner, and no one could halt their advance. Ultimately, these supreme beings met their end, bleeding out on the battlefield as their supreme weapon shattered in the sky, raining down countless fragments.

In this conflict, Daoist factions like Emperor Mountain, Ancient Ye Clan, and Endless Fire Nation suffered severe losses. The people of the Purple Mansion were resolute, willing to sacrifice everything, while the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s army numbered in the hundreds of millions, blotting out the sky with terrifying might.

As a result, Emperor Mountain and other factions dispatched relatively small armies, only to face the united strength of the Purple Mansion.

Later, a quasi-emperor realm powerhouse emerged from the Purple Mansion, breaking through from the background with unparalleled combat prowess, though their moment in the spotlight was brief.

Observing the battle, some cultivators noticed strong emperors from the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s ancient warship appearing beyond the territory to join the fray.

The horror of this clash transcended the conflict between the Supreme beings. Even the starry sky itself seemed to collapse, with countless fault lines emerging, hinting at imminent destruction. Many Purple Mansion powerhouses fell in defeat, their retreat plans thwarted by the relentless advance of the Ancient Immortal Gu family’s army, bolstered by the presence of several quasi-emperors.

In this struggle, not a single Purple Mansion Emperor realm cultivator escaped unscathed; all met a tragic end on the battlefield.

The Immortal family battle raged on, capturing the attention of nearly all Daoist sects in the upper world, evoking palpitations and a chilling sense of terror. The power wielded by Gu Changge and the Ancient Immortal Gu family mirrored each other, instilling fear in all who observed.

Against such overwhelming strength, the Purple Mansion stood little chance of resistance; its endurance was the only question.

Some keen observers noted a large army within the Purple Mansion suddenly opening a spatial channel and vanishing without a trace. Speculation arose that this force intended to clandestinely rescue Zi Yang Heavenly King.

During this tumultuous period, the Vermillion Bird King wore a visage of grief, his hair now streaked with white. The ancient country teetered on the brink of collapse, with reports suggesting its demise was imminent.

In a matter of days, nearly all noble families and sects evacuated, followed by the remaining cultivators. Even if Gu Changge ordered Zi Yang Heavenly to be relocated, it seemed too late to prevent the inevitable collapse of the Vermillion Bird Kingdom.

Yet, the ruler of the kingdom refused to let it crumble under his watch, clinging to hope despite the odds. He repeatedly turned to Chu Hao for assistance, but even Chu Hao found himself powerless.

Since Tang Wan’s departure in a fit of anger, Chu Hao struggled to reconcile with her. Tang Wan shut him out, refusing to see him, their relationship strained by the events of that day.

Chu Hao wished to seek Tang Wan’s intervention, but she remained adamant, cutting ties with him over their past altercation.

With no other recourse, Chu Hao began to inquire around, determined to locate Zi Yang Heavenly King’s whereabouts. He harbored a bold plan to extricate Zi Yang from the Vermillion Bird Kingdom, claiming Gu Changge had tasked him with guarding and detaining the Heavenly King to avert disaster. However, even with his quasi-supreme cultivation and Uncle Bai Yang’s supreme prowess, they lacked the means to effectively restrain Zi Yang.

Despite potential dissatisfaction from Gu Changge, Chu Hao believed his actions were necessary, resorting to drastic measures. Unfortunately, he hadn’t yet discovered where Zi Yang was being held.

As Chu Hao pursued his quest for information, he encountered another individual also seeking Zi Yang’s location—Qin Wuya, disguised as Qiao Zhuang. Though Qin Wuya had enlisted the help of an ancient entity from Reincarnation Lake, his efforts hinged on finding Zi Yang’s precise location. Failure would render all his prior endeavors futile.

In the preceding days, Qin Wuya had crossed paths with Tang Wan, a meeting that left him with a peculiar feeling. Yet, his urgent mission prevented him from engaging further with her.

“Now that Purple Mansion has drawn everyone’s gaze, it’s the perfect opportunity to rescue Junior Brother Zi Yang. After his liberation, I’ll come find you, Wan’er!” Qin Wuya silently vowed, though as he turned away, he sensed Tang Wan’s gaze fixed upon him, her expression complex.

“Why do you all persist in opposing such a formidable individual?” She shook her head, sighing.

Following Changge’s directives, a comprehensive trap had been set, awaiting Qin Wuya’s intrusion. Despite her reluctance, Tang Wan found herself unable to defy these circumstances.

At that moment, in the sprawling field, auspicious beasts roared, immortal birds spread their wings, sacred mountains loomed, and grand pavilions dotted the landscape.

Xiao Ruoyin led Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others to this place, explaining along the way how they would test their talents and physique. The prospect filled everyone with a sense of excitement, especially upon learning of Xiao Ruoyin’s exceptional aptitude, marked by the appearance of seven colors—a feat stronger than some young geniuses. This news only heightened their anticipation, eager to discover their own potential.

In their minds, Xiao Ruoyin served as their benchmark; her remarkable aptitude suggested they might possess similar potential. Imagining themselves wielding divine powers akin to immortals, they brimmed with excitement. Even Jiang Chen harbored expectations, uncertain of his own aptitude but reassured by the Immortal Boat Spirit’s assurance of his considerable power. His previous apprehension gave way to a sense of relief and newfound happiness.

After all, in this world, wasn’t talent and aptitude the ultimate measure? Perhaps his own aptitude, to be measured shortly, would even surpass that of Young Master Gu’s—a thought that brought him a sense of satisfaction at the prospect of outshining him.

“I’m anxious to know what my qualifications are. If I don’t even have the potential to cultivate, it would be a disappointment,” Niu Tian admitted nervously.

At that moment, Jiang Chen offered reassurance to Niu Tian, saying, “You’re in such good health, you’ll definitely be able to cultivate. Don’t worry too much.”

As they conversed, someone ahead nervously approached the testing stone—it was Song Ming, someone of average acquaintance with the two.

Jiang Chen and Niu Tian watched as Song Ming, clearly on edge, placed his hand on the stone. Yet, to everyone’s disappointment, no brilliance emerged, not even a flicker of light.

The sight left everyone bewildered, even causing Xiao Ruoyin to furrow her brow slightly. However, she refrained from commenting; aptitude varied greatly among individuals, and one could never predict the outcome before the test.

“Could the testing stone be defective?” Song Ming muttered in disbelief, his eyes wide, lips trembling. The revelation hit him like a thunderbolt, nearly causing him to lose his balance. If he lacked the aptitude for cultivation, what purpose did he have in this world? Was his dream of cultivation now shattered?

“Defective? Don’t be absurd. Lack of cultivation talent is just that—you lack it. Can’t you comprehend something so simple?” A towering figure beside him sneered, dripping with disdain. “Without the talent for cultivation, you’re worthless in this world.”

With a fearful glance at the tall figure, Song Ming descended in despair, his demeanor one of utter hopelessness.

Witnessing this scene, those behind couldn’t help but feel a surge of nerves; in this world, cruelty knew no bounds.

Many speculated that Xiao Ruoyin might be favored by Gu Changge due to her exceptional talent.

However, one by one, as four individuals tested their aptitude, the stone remained inert, devoid of any response. Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others couldn’t help but furrow their brows in concern.

Xiao Ruoyin’s expression soured slightly, feeling helpless for their plight.

Then came Wang Ning, her beautiful face marred by nervousness and anxiety, her back damp with cold sweat.

Buzz!

Finally, a slight change occurred on the testing stone—a faint red light appeared, only to quickly fade away. Witnessing this, Wang Ning’s eyes lit up, and she nearly jumped for joy, her excitement palpable.

“I have cultivation talent! I can cultivate!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement as she released the pent-up tension.

The others couldn’t help but cast envious and jealous glances her way. However, the tall figure beside her couldn’t resist sneering in disdain.

“It’s just a flicker. Such meager talent wouldn’t even catch the eye of the lowest-tier factions. They’re nothing more than trash,” he mocked.

Wang Ning was left dumbfounded by his words. If even the lowest-tier factions wouldn’t accept her, what hope did she have for her future cultivation techniques and resources? Despair washed over her, extinguishing the hope she had just experienced as if she had plummeted from heaven to the depths of despair.

Observing Wang Ning’s despair, Xiao Ruoyin, who had previously clashed with her, felt a pang of empathy. If she, like Wang Ning and the others, lacked cultivation talent, she would be in the same desperate situation.

Just as Wang Ning and the others grappled with their despair, Niu Tian took a deep breath and stepped forward.

Buzz!

Once again, a faint red brilliance briefly illuminated the test stone before fading, mirroring the scene from Wang Ning’s earlier test. Witnessing this, Wang Ning and the others inexplicably felt a sense of relief, a newfound equilibrium settling within them. Such was human nature—it was difficult to see others excel without feeling a twinge of jealousy, even if they were friends.

“Perhaps this is our fate,” Niu Tian muttered, his bitterness palpable as he grappled with his own sense of loss. To him, there wasn’t much difference between having a little talent and having none at all. In this world, talent often dictated everything.

Jiang Chen struggled to find words of comfort for his brother, his expression weighed down by the gravity of the situation. “Don’t worry, Niu Tian. I’ll find a way for you to cultivate in the future.”

Recalling the encouragement from the Immortal Boat Spirit, Jiang Chen held onto the belief that his potent talent would pave the way for him to assist his brother in due time.

Niu Tian managed a forced smile, interpreting Jiang Chen’s words as mere consolation, without delving deeper into their implications.

Meanwhile, Wang Ning and the others felt uneasy. Jiang Chen’s assurance sounded as if he assumed he possessed cultivation talent, and he remained remarkably calm.

“Do you really think you’re as lucky as Goddess Xiao?” Song Ming interjected harshly, unable to contain his disdain. “In the future, we’ll all have the same cultivation talent, except for Goddess Xiao. So, stop dreaming.”

His words sparked no immediate rebuttals from the others. If Jiang Chen were indeed found to possess talent at this juncture, it would unsettle them deeply, fueling envy and resentment.

How could Jiang Chen have cultivation talent while they did not?

“Only a dog looks down on people,” Jiang Chen retorted calmly. “Just wait and see.”

Despite knowing the outcome already, Jiang Chen remained composed, though he couldn’t help but frown slightly, seeing through his classmates’ attitudes.

With an air of confidence, he strode toward the testing stone, his demeanor calm, devoid of the despair evident on the faces of his peers.

Even Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Where did Jiang Chen find such unwavering confidence? Why was he so convinced he possessed cultivation talent?

Though she hoped Jiang Chen would indeed embark on the path of cultivation, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was merely seeking attention, putting on a show to stand out.

Xiao Ruoyin frowned, feeling a sense of displeasure welling within her. She had always viewed Jiang Chen as mature, stable, and reliable, but his actions today made her question her judgment. She couldn’t recall a time when Jiang Chen acted so recklessly unless he was certain of his abilities. Otherwise, he risked becoming the subject of ridicule.

Meanwhile, on a magnificent pavilion in the distance, Gu Changge and Yan Ji observed the scene unfolding below.

“It’s quite intriguing. I wonder what expression he’ll wear next,” Gu Changge remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips, his demeanor playful.

“Young master, did you arrange for someone to manipulate the testing stone?” Yan Ji inquired, sensing that something was amiss.

Of the few individuals who had just tested their talents, two appeared to possess promising abilities in Xiao Ruoyin’s eyes. Yet, when they placed their hands on the testing stone, only a faint glow emerged. It was perplexing.

For this group, cultivation talent held immense significance, shaping their future destinies. Little did they know, the testing stone itself might be flawed.

“Yeah, should we intervene or simply let that guy continue his charade?” Gu Changge remarked with a smile, completely oblivious to the gravity of his actions. To this group, his seemingly inconsequential decision was a pivotal moment that could determine their futures.

Except for Jiang Chen, Gu Changge had no intention of sparing the others. They were nothing more than fodder in his eyes.

“It seems that this Jiang Chen possesses a unique physique,” Yan Ji observed, unperturbed by the situation. Gu Changge might spare their lives, but their fates were not entirely in his hands.

In the field, Jiang Chen exuded unwavering confidence as he placed his palm on the testing stone. All eyes were on him, curious to see if his claims were valid.

However, as time passed, the stone remained unresponsive, prompting Jiang Chen to furrow his brow in confusion. He questioned the Immortal Boat Spirit in his mind, seeking answers to his sudden doubt. Wasn’t he supposed to possess considerable talent? Why wasn’t the testing stone reacting?

“How long do you plan to keep your hand there, Jiang Chen? Your talent won’t magically appear with prolonged contact. If you don’t have it, you don’t have it. Stop pretending. Only a fool would look down on others—I’m laughing,” Song Ming sneered, his disdain palpable.

The others echoed his sentiments with elated expressions.

“Jiang Chen, don’t get ahead of yourself if you lack talent…” Xiao Ruoyin’s frown deepened, her displeasure evident. She knew Gu Changge was observing from afar, and Jiang Chen’s behavior was an embarrassment to her.

Hearing her reprimand, Jiang Chen felt a cold sweat break out, his face flushing with embarrassment. Why was the situation unfolding differently from what he anticipated? Was the Immortal Boat Spirit deceiving him?

“Jiang Chen, this testing stone has been tampered with. Someone deliberately wants to humiliate you,” the Immortal Boat Spirit’s voice rang out indignantly.

“It seems this testing stone is defective,” Jiang Chen breathed a sigh of relief, already suspecting the culprit behind the sabotage. However, he quickly composed himself and stated, “Since this testing stone is faulty, I’ll try another one.”

His declaration left everyone momentarily stunned. Even Niu Tian was at a loss for words. A broken testing stone? He couldn’t help but wonder if Jiang Chen had lost his mind.

“I can’t stop laughing! So this is your excuse, Jiang Chen? I thought you were something special. Turns out, it’s just a broken stone. Maybe the next one will be broken too,” came the mocking laughter.

Jiang Chen’s complexion shifted uncomfortably, feeling aggrieved and embarrassed under the scrutiny.

“What nonsense are you spouting, Jiang Chen? I used the same testing stone when I measured my talent. How could it be broken?” Xiao Ruoyin’s exasperation with Jiang Chen was palpable. She hadn’t expected him to resort to such a feeble excuse after failing to gauge his talent.

“This testing stone is truly defective. If you doubt me, try it yourself,” Jiang Chen insisted, attempting to explain, but Xiao Ruoyin couldn’t be bothered to entertain him.

“I understand that this outcome may be difficult to accept, but the world can be cruel. If you lack cultivation talent, it’s better to live as an ordinary person in peace. With your abilities, you’ll still lead a fulfilling life,” Xiao Ruoyin reassured, her tone calming.

Jiang Chen attempted to respond, but the tall figure intervened, his demeanor cold and sneering as he blocked Jiang Chen’s path.

“You and Miss Xiao inhabit different worlds now. You’re nothing but trash, aspiring to become immortals despite lacking talent,” he taunted. “While Miss Xiao remains eternally beautiful, even in death, you’ll wither away. If you persist, don’t blame me for what happens next.”

His words carried a chilling aura, causing Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others to pale, almost bowing before him.

Xiao Ruoyin watched, her expression conflicted. However, Gu Changge approached with a smile. “The world can be harsh, and severing ties that hinder future cultivation brings more harm than good.”

Xiao Ruoyin fell silent, then glanced at Jiang Chen and the others. “Take care,” she murmured before turning away, heading towards Gu Changge.

“Ruoyin…”

“Xiao Ruoyin.”

Jiang Chen, Niu Tian, and the others exchanged concerned glances. Suddenly, several formidable creatures surrounded them, radiating divine light and intense auras.

“Escort them away,” Gu Changge ordered casually.