I Am the Fated Villain - Chapter 353

Chapter 353: The Son of Luck finally fights the last hope of Purple Mansion

In the opulent mansion, Tang Wan remained unaware of Chu Hao’s intention to approach her and implore Gu Changge to preserve the ancient Vermillion Bird Country.

“How could the family suffer such immense losses during this period?” she pondered aloud, her expression clouded with concern.

“Isn’t it utterly foolish?”

Seated before the stone table, Tang Wan furrowed her brow as she scrutinized the communication from the Tang family. Clad in unassuming gauze, she possessed a figure of elegance, her dark eyebrows and rounded teeth accentuating her gentle and timid demeanor.

Originally abiding by Gu Changge’s directive, she lingered in the ancient Vermillion Bird Country, anticipating the arrival of her purported former Dao companion, Qin Wuya. Yet, to her surprise, news from the Tang family disrupted her solitude.

Some time prior, Tang Tian, her mischievous younger brother, stumbled upon a mysterious scripture of ancient and enigmatic origin. Following its appraisal, many clan elders speculated that it might hold the secrets of immortality.

This revelation promptly ignited enthusiasm throughout the entire Tang family of the Wan Dao Business Alliance.

However, the Tang family swiftly reacted, cloaking the news in secrecy, ensuring it never leaked beyond their confines. Subsequently, those who delved into the scripture experienced significant advancements in their cultivation, even shattering longstanding bottlenecks.

Undoubtedly, this development boded well for the Tang family. Yet, the singular focus on cultivation diverted attention from their myriad business ventures, resulting in substantial losses within a short span.

In response, Grandpa Tang, spurred by these setbacks, recalled Tang Wan to the fold, intending for her to assume control of several of their struggling enterprises. Initially, this proposition seemed promising for Tang Wan.

However, bound by Gu Changge’s directives, she could not depart from the ancient Vermillion Bird Country at this critical juncture. This realization cast a shadow over her face, compelling her to devise an excuse to dissuade the Tang family from summoning her back.

“Miss Tang, is something troubling you? Your brow seems deeply furrowed,” remarked a man clad in gray, his words piercing through Tang Wan’s reverie and prompting her to snap back to reality.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Tang Wan replied with a slight smile, swiftly masking the sorrow that momentarily clouded her features.

The gray-clad man standing before she was modest, yet his refined visage exuded an aura of accomplished cultivation. It was none other than Qin Wuya, who had disguised himself to blend in with Tang Wan’s surroundings.

During this period, Qin Wuya abandoned his search for Zi Yang Heavenly King’s whereabouts, awaiting the impending clash between the Purple Mansion Army and Gu Changge. Seizing the opportunity to exploit the chaos, he began to make his own moves.

Realizing that he would remain in the ancient Vermillion Bird Country for a few days, Qin Wuya devised numerous schemes to establish contact with Tang Wan and insinuate himself into her inner circle. Coincidentally, Tang Wan had been recruiting disciples, unwittingly providing him the perfect opportunity to infiltrate her ranks.

Qin Wuya had grown increasingly acquainted with Tang Wan in the preceding days.

“Is there anything I, Qin Ya, can assist with, disciple?” Tang Wan inquired softly, her gaze shifting from the summons she had just stowed away to the man before her, garbed in nondescript gray attire.

She discerned Qin Wuya’s true identity beneath his facade, recognizing him as the individual who had incurred Gu Changge’s ire. Despite his guise and the alias “Qin Ya,” the profound familiarity emanating from within, born of shared experiences, betrayed his disguise.

Aware of Qin Wuya’s impending approach, Tang Wan had adhered to Changge’s instructions, facilitating his seamless integration into her realm.

“Oh, it’s nothing significant. I merely noticed a hint of melancholy on Miss Tang’s countenance while patrolling outside the courtyard. Curiosity got the better of me, compelling me to inquire. I beg your pardon if I have overstepped,” Qin Wuya explained with a gentle smile, his tone laced with apology.

“I see. Thank you, Qin Ya, for your attentiveness and concern,” Tang Wan acknowledged with a nod, her demeanor sincere and composed.

“Could Miss Tang confide in me? Perhaps together, we could devise a solution,” Qin Wuya proposed, his concern evident upon witnessing Tang Wan’s sorrowful expression.

Tang Wan looked surprised at him, evidently taken aback by his offer. After a moment’s contemplation, she nodded reluctantly, realizing there was no hiding the truth. “It’s nothing major, really. It’s just that the family has encountered some difficulties and urged me to return promptly. However, I can’t depart from the ancient Vermillion Bird Country due to other obligations now.”

“I understand,” Qin Wuya replied, his demeanor briefly faltering as a shadow passed over his eyes.

In truth, Qin Wuya was privy to the bond between Tang Wan and Chu Hao. He had observed them together in the alley during their initial encounter, with Chu Hao, the third prince of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom, standing by Tang Wan’s side.

Subsequent inquiries had revealed the depth of their relationship—childhood friends turned sweethearts bound by mutual affection. Tang Wan harbored feelings for Chu Hao, which were reciprocated by the prince himself.

In Qin Wuya’s estimation, Tang Wan’s reluctance to depart from the ancient Vermillion Bird Country stemmed from her ties to Chu Hao. After all, the impending demise of the ancient kingdom was an inevitable outcome, discernible to anyone with even a modicum of insight. With legions of cultivators poised for battle, the destruction of the ancient Vermillion Bird Country seemed imminent.

Chu Hao hoped Tang Wan would leverage her influence to aid him in this dire situation. However, Tang Wan’s familial ties dictated otherwise; her family, aware of the perilous state of the kingdom, could hardly entertain such a request.

Ultimately, Tang Wan’s steadfast loyalty to Chu Hao prevented her from leaving the ancient Vermillion Bird Country. This realization had crystallized in Qin Wuya’s mind. At this moment, he even harboured a semblance of gratitude toward Gu Changge.

On a personal level, Qin Wuya harbored no fondness for Chu Hao. To him, the impending demise of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom elicited not sorrow but rather a sense of approval. In his view, Tang Wan’s current demeanor was intrinsically linked to her relationship with Chu Hao.

“In truth, I believe Miss Tang ought to prioritize her family’s interests at this juncture. Alas, none can forestall the downfall of the ancient Vermillion Bird Kingdom…” Qin Wuya carefully considered his words, intending to persuade Tang Wan to extricate herself from the impending catastrophe and refrain from entangling herself further in its affairs.

Before Qin Wuya could conclude his counsel, a maid rushed in from outside the courtyard, her breathless voice cutting through the air. “Miss, Prince Chu Hao is requesting an audience with you…”

“Chu Hao? What does he want now? Tell him I have no desire to see him!” Tang Wan interjected, her brow furrowing at the mere mention of Chu Hao’s name. Clearly, she had not forgotten his recent transgressions. In the days that followed, she had deliberately avoided encountering him, harboring no wish to face him.

In her eyes, Chu Hao’s actions were nothing short of foolish. Persisting on his vendetta against Gu Changge would only lead to his downfall.

“Wan’er, I’m in dire need of your assistance. You’re my only hope,” Chu Hao’s voice resonated from beyond the courtyard, his urgency palpable.

However, Chu Hao’s sudden appearance preempted Tang Wan’s retort, as he brazenly disregarded the guards’ attempts to deter him, forcing his way into the premises. His countenance betrayed a hint of anxiety, signaling the gravity of the situation.

With time of the essence, Chu Hao’s intrusion brooked no resistance. Regardless of Tang Wan’s reluctance to entertain him, he pressed forward with determination.

“Chu Hao, I explicitly stated that I want nothing to do with you, yet you persist in intruding upon my space. Do my words hold no weight in your eyes?” Tang Wan’s tone dripped with icy disdain as she confronted him, her anger palpable.

“Wan’er, please, hear me out. I went to great lengths to reach you. Today, only you can salvage both me and the ancient Vermillion Bird Country,” Chu Hao implored, his tone laced with urgency.

“I understand your anger, and I take full responsibility for my past actions. I apologize sincerely. I vow that from this moment onward, your wishes will guide our path forward,” he continued, acknowledging his faults and pledging allegiance to Tang Wan’s desires.

Tang Wan, albeit still perturbed, felt a modicum of softening at Chu Hao’s words. Perhaps he had finally realized the gravity of their predicament and intended to submit to Gu Changge.

“Are you speaking the truth?” she inquired cautiously, her anger tempered by a glimmer of hope that Chu Hao had seen reason.

“I swear by everything I hold dear, every word I speak is the truth,” Chu Hao affirmed earnestly.

However, Qin Wuya observed the exchange with a glint of disdain in his eyes. He hadn’t anticipated Chu Hao’s brazen intrusion and direct approach to Tang Wan. This only served to deepen his contempt for the prince.

In an instant, Qin Wuya’s form materialized, interposing himself between Chu Hao and Tang Wan, his demeanor frosty as he addressed the prince with a cold edge. “Without the young lady’s consent, you barge in here. Are you attempting to provoke her?”

Chu Hao’s brow furrowed in mild perplexity. Who was this unfamiliar man standing beside Tang Wan in the courtyard? Despite his handsome countenance, a palpable chill emanated from him. Chu Hao had never encountered Qin Wuya before, but he exuded an aura akin to a heavenly god’s.

“He’s my disciple, tasked with safeguarding me,” Tang Wan hastily clarified, fearing an altercation between the two men.

Upon hearing Tang Wan’s explanation, Chu Hao’s demeanor softened slightly, dismissing Qin Wuya’s presence as inconsequential. His primary concern remained to persuade Tang Wan to intercede on his behalf with Gu Changge.

Observing the exchange, Qin Wuya emitted a disdainful snort, choosing to afford Tang Wan a measure of respect by refraining from engaging with Chu Hao.

“Explain yourself. What do you mean by ‘save you, save the ancient Vermillion Bird Country’?” Tang Wan inquired, her relief palpable as she sought clarification from Chu Hao. She couldn’t bear to disregard his safety despite their strained relationship.

“Now that the Purple Mansion Army looms over the ancient Vermillion Bird Country’s skies, a clash with Gu Changge is imminent. Should they engage, our kingdom below will inevitably perish in the flames,” Chu Hao articulated, his voice laden with urgency. “Wan’er, you wouldn’t want to witness the destruction of our homeland, would you? This is why I implore you to assist me!”

Tang Wan’s brow furrowed deeper upon hearing Chu Hao’s plea. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily upon her, and she struggled to envision a viable solution. With the formidable Gu Changge at the helm, her family, the Tangs, dared not provoke her wrath.

In Tang Wan’s estimation, Gu Changge’s targeting of Chu Hao was merely a tactical maneuver, exploiting his lingering desire for revenge. If Chu Hao had relinquished his vendetta earlier, they wouldn’t be trapped in such dire circumstances.

Chu Hao, however, understood this all too well. If he had let go of his grudge when it initially surfaced, matters wouldn’t have escalated to this critical juncture.

“I know you must have a solution. If you approach Gu Changge, perhaps he’ll relent and spare the ancient Vermillion Bird Country. If Gu Changge seeks reconciliation, I’ll let go of our past grievances…” Chu Hao’s words trailed off, punctuated by a gritting of his teeth, revealing the discomfort he felt in making such a concession. His inherent pride made it difficult for him to plead for mercy from Gu Changge, but circumstances had left him little choice.

“You foresaw this outcome, so why did you proceed?” Tang Wan sighed, her words tinged with resignation. Regret, she knew, was futile in the face of irreversible actions.

“Wan’er, you must help me. You’re my only hope now!” Chu Hao insisted through clenched teeth.

“You want me to approach Gu Changge? But how can I even meet him, let alone persuade him?” Tang Wan’s laughter held a bitter edge, her helplessness evident. She understood Gu Changge’s character well enough to know that he wouldn’t easily yield, especially not to her. Their acquaintance notwithstanding, Gu Changge harbored no sentimental attachments towards her. It was a reality Tang Wan was well aware of.

“Wan’er, I know you and Gu Changge are acquainted. If you speak to him, perhaps he’ll consider my plea,” Chu Hao’s admission was accompanied by a visible struggle, his teeth nearly shattering from the humiliation of confessing his predicament to Tang Wan. It was a moment he had hoped to avoid, yet circumstances had forced his hand.

“After you departed from the palace that day, I trailed behind you and witnessed the encounter between you and Gu Changge,” Chu Hao admitted, his tone laden with humiliation.

“What…” Tang Wan’s stunned response reverberated through the courtyard, mingling with Qin Wuya’s incredulous silence. The revelation shook Tang Wan’s core, her body trembling as a pallor washed over her complexion.

She had harbored the sincere hope of concealing this truth from Chu Hao, only to have her efforts dashed by his unexpected revelation. It dawned on her that Chu Hao had been privy to her actions, silently observing from the shadows.

At that moment, Tang Wan realized the depth of her humiliation. Her attempts to maintain a facade of innocence now seemed futile and hollow in Chu Hao’s eyes.

“So you were aware all along,” Tang Wan murmured, her smile tinged with sorrow before hardening into an icy facade, betraying her inner turmoil.

“In your eyes, I’m nothing more than a woman grasping at power and status. You saw it for yourself—I willingly sought favor with Gu Changge. My aim was to garner his attention, not just for myself, but for the prosperity and glory of the Tang family standing behind me. What could you, a mere prince of an ancient kingdom, offer me? You’re not even worthy of entering the Tang family’s ranks…”

“Wan’er, I… I know you’re not like that. You were in a difficult position,” Chu Hao stammered, taken aback by Tang Wan’s vehement response. He attempted to explain himself, but Tang Wan’s frigid gaze rendered him speechless, his own image reflected back at him distorted and unfamiliar.

The harshness of Tang Wan’s words stung Chu Hao’s ears, serving as a painful reminder of the dire straits facing the ancient Vermillion Bird Country.

“Chu Hao, silence! Are you even a man?” Qin Wuya’s voice rang out, his eyes ablaze with anger. He never anticipated hearing such callous words from Chu Hao. In Qin Wuya’s eyes, the prince was unworthy of Tang Wan’s affections. Despite knowing her hardships, Chu Hao now expected her to beg for mercy from Gu Changge?

From Chu Hao’s words, Qin Wuya could discern that Gu Changge likely exerted pressure on the Tang family, coercing Tang Wan into compliance. Yet, to Chu Hao, this was evidence of an intimate bond between Tang Wan and Gu Changge. The realization stoked Qin Wuya’s anger further. He had failed to protect Tang Wan when she needed it most, and now Chu Hao’s callous words inflicted further harm upon her wounded heart.

In a sudden eruption of fury, Qin Wuya surged forward, his formidable aura merging into a massive golden bell that descended with overwhelming force, its impact akin to a cascading waterfall of divine retribution. With his mastery of supernatural power, Qin Wuya possessed the strength to contend with even the most formidable adversaries. Dealing with Chu Hao seemed a trivial matter by comparison.

The force of Qin Wuya’s strike caught Chu Hao off guard, sending him hurtling backward with a guttural gasp of pain. His body crumpled in mid-air, nearly torn asunder by the sheer force of the blow, while nearby structures disintegrated into ashes in the wake of the devastating impact. It was a testament to Chu Hao’s resilience that he remained intact, though visibly battered and wretched.

Despite his formidable abilities, Qin Wuya refrained from unleashing his full might, mindful of minimizing collateral damage. Had he not exercised restraint, the entire Vermilion Bird Imperial Capital might have been reduced to rubble instantly.

“Quasi-supreme!”

“Who the hell are you? There’s no way someone this powerful could be lurking around Wan’er!”

Chu Hao staggered to his feet, blood staining his clothes as he glared fiercely at Qin Wuya, his expression twisted with rage. He refused to yield, determined to retaliate against his assailant.

With a surge of divine power, Chu Hao unleashed a formidable technique, the pressure of quasi-supremacy rippling through the air, striking out at Qin Wuya with relentless force.

In response, Qin Wuya met Chu Hao’s assault head-on, their clash unleashing a storm of overwhelming power. As the two sons of destiny exchanged blows, their conflict reverberated with awe-inspiring might, each move fraught with terrifying potential.

….

Tang Wan watched in stunned silence as Chu Hao and Qin Wuya clashed, unable to comprehend the sudden events unfolding before her eyes.

Meanwhile, high above the celestial dome, a profound disturbance rippled through the heavens, heralding the descent of a cataclysmic aura. A great star quaked, cascading downward like a celestial sieve, while the very fabric of reality seemed to twist and distort under the weight of boundless destruction.

Amidst this chaos, a figure stood upon an ancient warship, their visage obscured yet radiating an aura of transcendent power. Clad in pristine white garments, their form was bathed in glorious five-colored divine light, exuding an otherworldly presence.

“This Tang Wan has exceeded my expectations…” Gu Changge’s enigmatic smile betrayed a sense of intrigue as he listened to the system prompt. With a wave of his hand, a million troops surged forward, converging upon the Purple Mansion’s army.

As the battle unfolded, Gu Changge observed with keen interest, eager to witness the fruits of Hei Yan Yu’s training. Little did he anticipate that the clash between the sons of destiny would result in a transfer of luck points into his possession—a twist of fate unforeseen until now.

Buzz!!

A torrential surge of armies erupted forth, comprising warriors whose lowest cultivation level reached the False God realm—a testament to their arduous journey and formidable prowess. Emerging from the shore of the ancient warship, they advanced with relentless determination, their ancient divine weapons gleaming with immortal radiance and exuding a palpable aura of death.

Mounted upon pure-blooded creatures nurtured by the immortal ancient clans, these warriors bore armor adorned with potent runes, their divine light pulsating with boundless power. As they charged into battle, they seamlessly executed a myriad of formations, their coordinated assaults instilling fear even in adversaries of higher cultivation.

Caught off guard by Gu Changge’s overwhelming might, the Purple Mansion army stood no chance against the onslaught. Bereft of opportunity to mount a defense, they found themselves swiftly overwhelmed by the sheer force of Gu Changge’s preemptive strike. In one fell swoop, their rescue mission for the Zi Yang Heavenly King lay in ruins, thwarted by the relentless advance of Gu Changge’s forces.

The defeat was inevitable as the Purple Mansion army was routed, and their plans unraveled in the face of Gu Changge’s overwhelming strength.

Witnessing the relentless onslaught of Gu Changge’s forces, Chu Hao was engulfed in despair, his hopes for salvation dashed against the rocks of reality.

“No…” he hissed, his eyes blazing with a feral intensity akin to a cornered beast on the brink of destruction.

As Gu Changge issued the command, the Zi Yang Heavenly King was swiftly escorted onto the battlefield, his battered form a grim testament to the severity of the conflict. Unconscious and bloodied, he stood as a stark reminder of the stakes at hand.

“If you wish to save him, then by all means, try,” Gu Changge’s words, though delivered with nonchalance, carried an underlying weight of consequence.

Observing the scene unfold from afar, Xiao Ruyin trembled, her complexion paling as she bore witness to the magnitude of the unfolding war. This was her first glimpse into the depths of such vast and terrifying conflict, where the whims of one individual could dictate the fate of countless lives.

Gu Changge’s presence loomed large from start to finish, his actions reverberating across the battlefield as he held the power of life and death.

Buzz!

As Gu Changge’s command reverberated through the air, the ancient warship quaked, its divine formations ablaze with a radiant light that wove together in a dazzling display. Like the pulse of a star map igniting, the formation coalesced into an unparalleled sword of light—a manifestation of unparalleled killing intent that swept across the battlefield, cleaving through the heavens and earth with devastating force.

The sheer magnitude of this spectacle stunned all who beheld it. This sword light, imbued with power surpassing even that of the divine realm, spelled certain doom for any who dared to oppose it. Even the most formidable adversaries would find their bodies and souls shattered in its wake, leaving nothing but devastation in its path.

The chaos unleashed was tumultuous, rending the fabric of reality asunder and casting the world into disarray. The Purple Mansion’s army, confronted with such overwhelming force, stood no chance. In the blink of an eye, tens of thousands of cultivators were reduced to ash, their essence obliterated in a torrent of destruction.

In the wake of this cataclysmic assault, the once formidable defenses of the Vermilion Bird Ancient Kingdom crumbled like fragile porcelain, easily worn away by the relentless onslaught.

“No…”

Witnessing the devastation unfolding before him, the Lord of the Vermilion Bird Kingdom succumbed to despair, his spirit shattered as he collapsed lifelessly.

Across the ancient kingdoms, countless cultivators were similarly gripped by terror, their souls quaking as they fell to their knees in awe.

Boom!!!

Sensing the overwhelming oppression emanating from Gu Changge’s forces, a surge of defiance rose among the ranks of the Purple Mansion’s army. Three supreme beings emerged from their midst, their formidable presence a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

“Youngest scion of the Gu family, your arrogance ends here!”

Meanwhile, from the depths of the battlefield, a majestic sword aura surged like a tidal wave, its power cutting through the very fabric of reality. This formidable figure, his cultivation reaching the quasi-empire realm, stood as the pinnacle of the Purple Mansion’s strength—a last resort summoned to salvage their fading hopes.